November 22!

I have a date!!! I'm scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving! I'm so thrilled to get a date so soon and have it work so well with my schedule. So far, I am having ZERO second thoughts or any anxiety about this whatsoever. I'm even at peace with the fact that I'm going to have to do self-pay. My insurance, Cigna, is apparently notorious for denials for Lap-Band. I started looking into this over a year ago, but couldn't get things off the ground. Couldn't get a consultation with the initial surgeon that I chose, then I busted my knee skiing and had to cancel the appointment it took me three months to get. Then, one day, I kicked myself in the butt, picked up the phone and easily got an appointment for Dr. Pinnar's evening seminar. They then facilitated a consultation the week after and have been great about helping me schedule all the pre-op stuff. Dr. Pinnar and his staff have made this part of the journey SOOOOO much smoother than the other surgeon/center I was looking at. And I have good confidence in his surgical experience and expertise, along with that of his PA and his RN. I think I'm in good hands. So, I now begin all the pre-op testing and the dreaded week of liquids. I'm considering a "practice" 3 days of liquids this week so that I have a better idea of what that's going to be like. Besides, it can't hurt me to start my losing journey, right?

Congrats Stephanie!!!!!!! You will be a loser before you know it!!!!! It never hurts to start being a loser before surgery either. Good Luck. Shawn M.

Thanks much, Shawn - It's a little strange, but I'm really excited about this. My boyfriend and I went whitewater rafting this weekend and jus****ched the video. There I was, fatter than I'd ever been. But instead of getting depressed, all I thought was - hey, this is the last "fat" video of me! Cool! Thanks for the encouragement and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone on the November 2006 board! Best, Stephanie

Congrats Stephanie! I dont have any anxiety either. As a matter of fact, Nov 7th cant get here fast enough.

Thanks so much! I'll be watching you and keeping track of how things go for you - sending you lots of encouragement and best wishes for a speedy healing. Nov. 7 is JUST around the corner! Best, Stephanie

congrats on your date Stephanie !! Welcome to the November board !! Sounds like you have a caring team and thats great !! I wouldn't think it would hurt at all, as long as you are taking your vitamins and getting protein. Very important ( like you dont already know all this ) !!! Mine is on the 29th and I'm soooo excited But to tell the truth I do get the case of the nervous for about 2 minutes then I'm good again !! It helps alot to have the support on here and everyone is so friendly and very helpfull. Huggs & Blessings, Lori

Truth be told - I don't think I know much of ANYTHING, frankly. I just knew that I was NOT interested in having my plumbing rearranged with an RNY. And I knew I HAD to have some help. The band seemed the most logical and conservative surigcal approach to me. I'll be pulling for you on the 29th - let's check in and compare the inevitable aches and pains. Take care! Stephanie

Welcome Stephanie! Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I wish you a text book surgery and speedy recovery. HUGS, Britt

Congratulations on your date!! Mine is Nov. 7th!! I am having RNY though. It will be neat to compare how things are going. Good luck.

Hi Kristina - Yes, it'll be fun! You will undoubtedly lose a lot faster with the RNY than I will with the Lap Band - I'll try not to be too jealous! Best of luck to you and let's keep in touch! PS - Is Shawnee anywhere near Bowling Green? I did my Masters work there.