Hello from someone who is starting the journey...

Just to clarify something: Shawnee Mission Medical Center received their Center of Excellence approval on January 22, 2007. 

Yes, apparently the doctor's group for the seminar I attended does not work out of the Shawnee Mission Medical Center but rather another hospital in that area. 

Do you know if they do plastics here? I have to have a Center of excellence for that too!

Hi Crystal, welcome to bandland.  I was banded on May 21 by Dr Bernstein.  You have chosen a wonderful facility and doctor.  I am 4 months out and have lost with the preop diet 80 lbs.  I havent had a fill yet....Dr. B says I'm a rarity...but I love it.  I still feel restriction and not hungry.  I was nervous also, but the next thing you know they are waking you up and its all over....Time will go fast even though you think its going at a snail's pace.  Good luck in your journey.  Mary

Mary,    Thanks so much for the words of encouragement and CONGRATULATIONS on your success!  I'm trying to be very positive and just deal each day with what comes.  I'm planning to start my pre-op diet on Oct 1, so I'm counting that as the first day on my new path.  I may be contacting you for advice in the future - I hope that's okay.  Crystal

The first couple of days on the pre-op for me were terrible.  But always in the back of mind I kept saying this is for your future...you can do it.  Guess what I did.  I also counted my first day of my pre-op as my first day so I go from May 10th.  Drink plenty of water.  I use to be a 2 or 3 pop of day person, but havent had a pop since May 9th and I havent missed it one bit.  Mary