Surgery scheduled for March 16 LAP BAND

Hello, I have several questions....... 1. I am a self pay and was wondering if anyone has had to self pay recently what the total cost was? 2. Did anyone go home the day of surgery? If so were you OK or do you wish you would have paid the extra $ and stayed longer? 3. I have a 2 year old how long before she can be climbing all over me, me pick her up? 4. Any suggestions on things to have handy at the hospital and at home? 5. I have major back problems and was wondering if anyone has had worse pain after the surgery from this being done? 6. Any other info you all might find helpful - THANKS a million for reading this! I am soooooooooooo excited that I am almost there. Sad that I have to self pay but ready and anxious to gain my life back. I am a Mom of 4 and an in my 30s and I want to have fun with my hubby & kids. Time is ticking and my kids will be grown before long.

Boy - you and I sound a LOT alike! I already gave you a lot of info in email, but wanted to mention about the 2 year old, because I have one also. I am planning on not picking him up for 2 months. I think I can pick him up after 6 weeks (I'm going open, not lap) but I'm going to be on the safe side so as to not get a hernia. With you, it will be different because of the band. I would ask your doc, but I'm thinking 4 weeks would be good enough time for the lap healing time. Also, I too have major back problems (not needing surgery for it though) and I've asked around as well. I haven't heard anyone say this surgery made the problems worse, but actually most of them say it makes it better, but initially from sleeping on your back it might be bad. I have a hard time sleeping for 8 hours because my back hurts so bad, so being in bed a lot will be a problem for me. I am hoping to get a recliner set up at my hotel so I can relax that way and take the pressure off. Good luck on the sched surgery on the 16th! I'm going the 10th and if you would like, come over to the march board. There are a load of us who post over there. It's a ton of fun! (Soon to be a half-ton of fun.... ) Dina