Thank you for te replies! I also received a private message that Dr Harris "does" do laparoscopic surgery, so I called back and this time they told me that he does. As this was the surgeon my doctor recommended, I cancelled my appointment with Dr. Thaemert and am attending Dr Harris' first information session on 02/06/07. The woman I talked to suggested that I schedule the psychological evaluation immediately so that this does not hold me up. I found a local psychologist and set up an appointment there too. I had to go in and take some kind of an assessment prior to the appointment. I had to answer trueor false to 500 questions like these: "I love my mother", "I often think of killing my family", "I sleep well", "I do not hear voices that nobody else hears", "I think most people are trying to get me", "I have a good appetite", "I often wish I was a woman", etc. I guess that speeds up the diagnosis process! :-D Now I have a three hour evaluation appointment with the psychologist. I'm not sure what to expect there. So the process is underway. Timing will be tricky. I work full time plus and attend college. I graduate in the spring, and my last class ends on June 1. Assuming that I am approved, I'm trying to decide if I should get the surgery as soon as possible, or if it would be better to wait until school is out. I hate to wait that long to get started, so I am thinking asap would be better. I figure it will probably be at least three months before I will get through all the insurance, pre-appointments, and actually can be scheduled for the surgery. Anyway....Even the longest journey starts with a first step, and it appears I am on my way! -Mike-

Hi there- I had open RNY on Jan 3rd. It went great!! I was feeling super in less than a week!! I went back to work at a daycare after only taking 2 weeks off!! I just don't lift the kids!! Otherwise- all is great!! Sheri

kristie I had the lap band in 2003. I was out of the hospital the next day feeling just fine. I could have gone home the same day if they would have let me. I think you will be just fine as long as you have someone there to help you out a bit. Good luck to you on your surgery. CA

Everyone has nerves especially at this point but by the last few days before I was just ready to get it over with! I was in the hospital overnight. I was in pain but it wasn't excruciating by any means more just very uncomfortable. My surgery was on a Monday, home Tuesday and after getting a great night's rest I woke up Wednesday with no pain. I was lucky. I took 3 weeks off of work just because I have a ton of benefit time built up but I definitely could have returned to work after a week (as long as it's not heavy labor). You've come so far...don't let nerves get the best of you but you need to be absolutely sure that you want to do this for the best odds of success! Keep posting especially on the lap band board, there are tons of experienced people out there with lots of support to offer! Dani

You are welcome. I will let you know how my meeting with the nutritionist goes. Getting approval went very quickly for me with BC/BS. Once they sent in my paperwork from Dr Obrians office it took 6 days for them to approve me and I am a low risk candidate. I have no diabetes, cholesterol is OK, etc. My family history and of course my BMI of 40 + is what probably got me approved. I am starting to get nervous about this but continue to pray God has brought me this far he will bring me thru complete deliverance of this sin in my life ...FOOD overindulgance!!!! What an awful sin the whole world can see it other people. Take care let me know how you are doing. Kristie