newbie looking 4 info

I have read the last month of post from you all and would like some info on what to expect in the future on my journey? I have a consult with Dr.OBrien on Jan 3. What should I expect from this?

I wish I could help you, but my consult was with Dr. Graham - and I decided on the RNY. I've lost 100 lbs. in six months and am feeling really good. I've listened to Dr. O Brian at our support meetings and he seems to know what hes talking about. Come to our support meetings every third Monday of each month at SV Hospital. We'd love to have you there and you'd meet some wonderful people. Cyndi

Thank you Cyndi. What are your support meetings about? What was your first consult like? :horse: Kelly

Hi Kelly, I was banded by Dr O October 9th. The consult is very short, you just go in and talk about options that he explains to you and he will send a letter to your insurance company seeking approval and then you go from there. Each ins company requires different things so his office will help you meet their terms. Dr. O is a wonderful physician and KNOWS HIS STUFF but his bedside manner is very professional so don't expect any touchy feely. I've known him since childhood. Good luck! Dani

Dani, Thank you for your feedback on Dr. O. I have BC/BS and wonder if you have the same insurance? Now that you have the band for 3 months how are things going for you on your journey? Do you feel alot better? Are there any side affects for you? Do you physically feel better? How was the procedure? And how long has it taken you to recover? Thanks, Kelly

I have a different insurance (First Administrators). So far so good on my journey, best thing I've ever done for myself. Since August I have lost 40lbs and yes, even with that amount of loss I feel better. I have had absolutely no side effects and really breezed through surgery/recovery. My surgery was on a Monday , out of hospital Tuesday late afternoon and by Wednesday morning I felt no pain, I went shopping that day. Now, this doesn't happen for everybody, I was very lucky. But for most people they experience some pain/discomfort from gas pains. I had no problems from gas, the only pain I had other than from my tummy was my back from lying in the hospital bed. When you initially wake up you will think to yourself, OMG what have I done but it will pass. When you are on liquids for 2 weeks you will say to yourself, OMG what have I done!!!! but it will pass too. I had my first fill the end of November but don't really have much restriction yet so I can still eat pretty normally which can be a problem so I still have to control myself and you will find that after a few weeks and your swelling has gone down that you can eat normally so you have to control yourself then but the band does help. You will feel full faster you just have to pay attention to "the signs". For me the sign when I am full is my nose starting to drip or hiccuping. The key is to stop then and not waiting until you feel the rock in your stomach...something that I have to work on. Take care and keep in touch, Kelly. Dani

Thank you so much Dani. All the info you have given me is much appreciated and valuable. I'm getting so nervous for the consult. I have a Dr. appt tomorrow with my primary to get his approval letter and than off to Dr.O on wednesday. I like the updated picture that you have put on here. You look very good and seem to be very happy and excited. I can't wait to feel that way. Thanks, Kelly

Thanks Kelly, anytime you need anything just drop a line. Good luck with your appts tomorrow! ~Dani

Dani, My consult went ok today. I had to wait for over 2 hours. Dr.O is a nice man. He has refered me to Dr.Graham for a lap rny. I will see Dr.G on the 9th to get the ball rolling. I am still very nervous. How long was your mtg with the nut and did you have to see a pysch and what took place there? Can't wait to hear from you. Kelly

Glad to hear your consult went well. Is it your choice to have rny or was it decided that would work best for you? I was approved without needing the psych consult and my first meeting with a nut took place at the class that I had to attend. The class was lap band specific (eating, nutrition, etc). I've heard good things about Dr G so you will be in good hands.