I am just getting started - Excited and Nervous

Hi,

A co-worker of mine suggested this website. I have just made my first appointment to see someone at the U of M weight management center. My appt isn't until August 3rd but I know it's the first step in the process. I am excited and inspired by all the before and after pictures I see. I find this website very informational too. I am trying to go into this with all the information I can get my hands on and talk to as many people as I can. My goal is to loose 150 pounds with the Lap Band procedure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Michelle

Welcome Michelle.......Keep watching the boards they really helped me and continue to help me.....Also you should come to a coffee get together, they are held all over....I go to the one in Maple Grove at the Caribou coffee off Elm creek Blvd. we meet every other Saturday at 8:30am. - ? There are a few Lapbanders at our coffee also.....

Hope to meet you...Kelly

Thanks, Kelly,

I look forward to meeting you and other people.

Michelle

Welcome!!  The hardest part is the waiting if you've made up your mind...

Since you are waiting, I would spend a little time researching the different types of surgery and looking at your own details...   for me, I was diabetic so I chose a route with a higher rate of success in reversing that.  (It worked!)    Some surgeries are geared better to people based on your BMI etc...

http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html - this has an easy to read chart comparison

http://www.wlshelp.com/ - this one has a lot of info of the various types and seems to be quite unbiased (look at all the things listed under surgery options!)

 

Michelle, welcome to the MN board! Glad you found us.

Which surgeon are you looking at through the U?
I had my surgery there with Dr. Buchwald & I adore that man! So just curious who you're looking at for your surgeon.

Keep doing your homework on all the surgeries and post here with questions.

Best wishes!

Hi and Thanks! I have had several responses to my post. I'm so excited.

Not sure yet who my surgeon will be. My first appointment is at the U of M and I know they have a couple of surgeons there that are on are approved list for my insurance.

Thanks again!
Michelle

Congratulations on taking that first step! Go to some support groups and get your questions answered by people who are living life with the band already. We have a good group that meets at Abbott on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 pm and I get together with another group every Sunday evening at a Starbucks in Coon Rapids. We all love talking about it! If you want any more info on these meetings let me know. I think support makes a huge difference.
Jean B.

Thanks, Jean. I noticed that you are in St.Paul. I live in St. Paul as well.

I work not too far from Abbott either and would love more information on the meetings. I am so thankful that my co-worker suggested this website. I agree that support is the key. Trying to get all my ducks in a row before my first meeting in August.

Michelle

Hi Michelle,
I actually live in Shoreview - how about you?
The meetings at Abbott are 6:00-7:30 pm, the 2nd Monday of the month in the Piper Bldg. on the 6th floor and then follow the signs. On Sunday evenings, a bunch of us meet from 6:30 until 9:30 or so at the Starbucks on Foley Blvd. just off Hwy 10 in Coon Rapids. Both groups have have people from pre-surgery to a few years post-op. I also go to the support meetings at Unity hospital which meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays each month at 5:45 pm. You see....I like lots of support! If you have any questions, let me know. You're doing a great thing for yourself!
Jean B.

Hi, Jean,

I live in St. Paul over in the Highland Park area.

Thanks for the info about the support groups. I will try to go to the one in July at Abbott. My Sunday's are booked for the rest of June but in July I will be free to meet. Looking forward to it. I love all the support.

Michelle