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

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

Hi Dani, From what I read on the bandster board this happens to a lot of people, some have said they need 3-5 fills to finally reach the right restriction. And another theme I hear all the time is the band is the best tool for starting over, as many times as you need to (grin) 40lb is awesome!!!! Don't give up on yourself, you'll do great. And just think, its the new year, and a new you! =) Melissa

thank you so much Dani! I sort of suspected the weight loss before hand, and appreciate knowing for sure when I still have 3 months to do something about it. I'd rather not be on liquids any longer than I have to be =) How are you doing with everything? Melissa

I had to lose 10-15lbs pre-op in order to shrink my liver. I believe he asks that of most of his patients. You can do it any way you want but his office can provide you with a diet guideline or you can go on liquids 1-2 weeks before. I chose to lose by just cutting back calories and ended up losing 18. To me it was easier to do it over time rather that suffer through liquids cuz you'll do enough of that after surgery. I also found that this helped me get in the right frame of mind for post op. You will have the normal pre-op physical, you will have to attend a class and you will need to be cleared by any other specialists you might see. I had to be cleared by my pulmonologist (sleep apnea). Just be careful not to gain weight. The temptation is to go on a final eating binge the months/weeks before. I definitely had my favorite meals beforehand but in moderation. You don't have to think of it as saying goodbye to food, you'll still be able to eat just in moderation...that's the whole purpose. Good luck! Dani