Valley
09-12-2005, 08:22 PM
:confused: Has anyone had the lap band surgery, and what effect did it have on you. What was the recovery like? :confused:
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Breigh1974
10-11-2005, 12:34 AM
One of my best friends had Lap Band surgery roughly 3 yrs ago. She has had nothin but problems and we recently found out why....she is allergic to the band. All I can say is be careful :-)
jess301
11-28-2005, 03:24 AM
i had my band placed one year ago and have had zero problems. actually that's not true...my only problem is finding money to keep buying clothes!! Everytime i turn around, the clothes i just bought are too big:)
the band is a great alternative to bypass--less complications, less risk--its simply a safter option, with the same results (if not better...just slower).
its true some people have problems, but the stats are around 1%.
its the best thing i ever did for myself-no regrets. the surgery itself is very easy-i was up and running around 3 days later. you do have to have patience--the band does need to be adjusted and that can take time....i didn't start losing steadily until after my 3rd adjustment, but if you get to goal in 9 months or 12...doesn't matter in the end.
good luck--keep researching!
the band is a great alternative to bypass--less complications, less risk--its simply a safter option, with the same results (if not better...just slower).
its true some people have problems, but the stats are around 1%.
its the best thing i ever did for myself-no regrets. the surgery itself is very easy-i was up and running around 3 days later. you do have to have patience--the band does need to be adjusted and that can take time....i didn't start losing steadily until after my 3rd adjustment, but if you get to goal in 9 months or 12...doesn't matter in the end.
good luck--keep researching!
Emeraldz
12-27-2005, 08:13 PM
I was banded on 12/19 - about 8 days ago. It's only been a few days..however, I'm happy I did it so far! I think my biggest issue was with portion and "eating healthy" controls. I'm hoping that this should do it..I was too chicken to get Gastric Bypass!
smurfett
12-28-2005, 12:42 PM
Does anyone know what the cost of lapband is? I have no insurance and don't qualify for state help.
old coot
12-31-2005, 05:44 PM
13-17 thousand in USA
8 -10 thousand in Mexico
My insurance does not cover it either and I don't have that kind of $$$$
8 -10 thousand in Mexico
My insurance does not cover it either and I don't have that kind of $$$$
smurfett
01-01-2006, 12:49 AM
Are the risks as bad as with gastric bypass? Also, do you lose as much. I have heard lap band will only somewhat help-that it isn't as effective as GB,does anyone know?
seekingnormal05
01-01-2006, 07:20 PM
i had my band placed one year ago and have had zero problems. actually that's not true...my only problem is finding money to keep buying clothes!! Everytime i turn around, the clothes i just bought are too big:)
the band is a great alternative to bypass--less complications, less risk--its simply a safter option, with the same results (if not better...just slower).
its true some people have problems, but the stats are around 1%.
its the best thing i ever did for myself-no regrets. the surgery itself is very easy-i was up and running around 3 days later. you do have to have patience--the band does need to be adjusted and that can take time....i didn't start losing steadily until after my 3rd adjustment, but if you get to goal in 9 months or 12...doesn't matter in the end.
good luck--keep researching!
Can you tell me about the "adjustment"? Is it painful? Is it done in a doctor's office or back at a surgical facility? Between being banded and that 3rd adjustment, how much time passed?
Thanks!
the band is a great alternative to bypass--less complications, less risk--its simply a safter option, with the same results (if not better...just slower).
its true some people have problems, but the stats are around 1%.
its the best thing i ever did for myself-no regrets. the surgery itself is very easy-i was up and running around 3 days later. you do have to have patience--the band does need to be adjusted and that can take time....i didn't start losing steadily until after my 3rd adjustment, but if you get to goal in 9 months or 12...doesn't matter in the end.
good luck--keep researching!
Can you tell me about the "adjustment"? Is it painful? Is it done in a doctor's office or back at a surgical facility? Between being banded and that 3rd adjustment, how much time passed?
Thanks!
jess301
01-05-2006, 04:07 AM
for me, the third ajustment came about 2 months after surgery.....but I had lost about 12 lbs the first 2 weeks, so even though i wasn't losing consistently until after that 3rd fill, it still averaged out in the end.
teh fills are no big deal--just like getting a shot--but really not even as bad as that, as you don't feel the burn of medicine/fluid/whatever going in your skin. because the needle enters the port, you simply feel that initial stick. (and believe me, I am a real needle phobe....and this doesn't bother me a bit).
Also, don't let the idea of so many fills sway you--you might not need a single one--or maybe just one or two..there is no way to know. and once you start losing you won't care:)
someone above asked about the effectiveness: the band and the bypass are as effective as you want them to be--its a tool nothing more. many people believe the bypass to be superior because you lose so much faster with it, but the numbers level out after a year or so. the problem with bypass is you have a window of opportunity--most bypassers lose their weight the first year, adn after that they are back to dieting. not so with the band--you adjust it and keep going, no matter if its 1 year out or 5. and for me, faster is not better. there just seems to be something so unhealthy about dropping 100lbs in a few months. it also gives your skin some time to catch up--when you lose fast your chances of excess skin are greater than if you lose slowly.
imho, unless you have to lose weight immediately (ie heart problem) then consider bypass, but if not, the band can accomplish the same thing, with much less risk and long term side-effects.
teh fills are no big deal--just like getting a shot--but really not even as bad as that, as you don't feel the burn of medicine/fluid/whatever going in your skin. because the needle enters the port, you simply feel that initial stick. (and believe me, I am a real needle phobe....and this doesn't bother me a bit).
Also, don't let the idea of so many fills sway you--you might not need a single one--or maybe just one or two..there is no way to know. and once you start losing you won't care:)
someone above asked about the effectiveness: the band and the bypass are as effective as you want them to be--its a tool nothing more. many people believe the bypass to be superior because you lose so much faster with it, but the numbers level out after a year or so. the problem with bypass is you have a window of opportunity--most bypassers lose their weight the first year, adn after that they are back to dieting. not so with the band--you adjust it and keep going, no matter if its 1 year out or 5. and for me, faster is not better. there just seems to be something so unhealthy about dropping 100lbs in a few months. it also gives your skin some time to catch up--when you lose fast your chances of excess skin are greater than if you lose slowly.
imho, unless you have to lose weight immediately (ie heart problem) then consider bypass, but if not, the band can accomplish the same thing, with much less risk and long term side-effects.
WCPI
01-05-2006, 09:39 AM
An ex-girlfriend of mine had the lap band done 4 years ago and she has not lost a lot of weight with it. She is in the health insurance business and as such was privy to the cost of the saline injections for the band. She was told each adjustment cost approximately $500 each! :eek: Now this was 4 years ago and prices may be lower and/or it just may have been the doctor she used but this is very expensive for someone without insurance.
WCPI
Pre-surgery prep for
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB)
WCPI
Pre-surgery prep for
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB)
seekingnormal05
01-05-2006, 07:48 PM
for me, the third ajustment came about 2 months after surgery.....but I had lost about 12 lbs the first 2 weeks, so even though i wasn't losing consistently until after that 3rd fill, it still averaged out in the end.
teh fills are no big deal--just like getting a shot--but really not even as bad as that, as you don't feel the burn of medicine/fluid/whatever going in your skin. because the needle enters the port, you simply feel that initial stick. (and believe me, I am a real needle phobe....and this doesn't bother me a bit).
Also, don't let the idea of so many fills sway you--you might not need a single one--or maybe just one or two..there is no way to know. and once you start losing you won't care:)
someone above asked about the effectiveness: the band and the bypass are as effective as you want them to be--its a tool nothing more. many people believe the bypass to be superior because you lose so much faster with it, but the numbers level out after a year or so. the problem with bypass is you have a window of opportunity--most bypassers lose their weight the first year, adn after that they are back to dieting. not so with the band--you adjust it and keep going, no matter if its 1 year out or 5. and for me, faster is not better. there just seems to be something so unhealthy about dropping 100lbs in a few months. it also gives your skin some time to catch up--when you lose fast your chances of excess skin are greater than if you lose slowly.
imho, unless you have to lose weight immediately (ie heart problem) then consider bypass, but if not, the band can accomplish the same thing, with much less risk and long term side-effects.
jess:
Thanks for the information. The most interesting comment is the 1 year or 5.
The main thing I hear as a negative about the banding is that the band almost always deteriorates and will need to be either just removed or replaced. One woman's web page I read said that at 18 months the fills were no longer doing anything and they were telling her the band was already deteriorated to where it was going to need replaced. I think that would be awful.
Did they discuss those odds with you?
I've already lost from 365 to 230 without surgery. But I'd gotten to 204 about 3 years ago...now gaining back from there. I just don't think I can go hungry the rest of my life and whether people want to believe it or not, I have to stay hungry to keep this off. Lap band seems like the option for me. I know about 8 people who have had GBP. But I know no one who has gone the LapBand route.
Thanks,
Seeking
teh fills are no big deal--just like getting a shot--but really not even as bad as that, as you don't feel the burn of medicine/fluid/whatever going in your skin. because the needle enters the port, you simply feel that initial stick. (and believe me, I am a real needle phobe....and this doesn't bother me a bit).
Also, don't let the idea of so many fills sway you--you might not need a single one--or maybe just one or two..there is no way to know. and once you start losing you won't care:)
someone above asked about the effectiveness: the band and the bypass are as effective as you want them to be--its a tool nothing more. many people believe the bypass to be superior because you lose so much faster with it, but the numbers level out after a year or so. the problem with bypass is you have a window of opportunity--most bypassers lose their weight the first year, adn after that they are back to dieting. not so with the band--you adjust it and keep going, no matter if its 1 year out or 5. and for me, faster is not better. there just seems to be something so unhealthy about dropping 100lbs in a few months. it also gives your skin some time to catch up--when you lose fast your chances of excess skin are greater than if you lose slowly.
imho, unless you have to lose weight immediately (ie heart problem) then consider bypass, but if not, the band can accomplish the same thing, with much less risk and long term side-effects.
jess:
Thanks for the information. The most interesting comment is the 1 year or 5.
The main thing I hear as a negative about the banding is that the band almost always deteriorates and will need to be either just removed or replaced. One woman's web page I read said that at 18 months the fills were no longer doing anything and they were telling her the band was already deteriorated to where it was going to need replaced. I think that would be awful.
Did they discuss those odds with you?
I've already lost from 365 to 230 without surgery. But I'd gotten to 204 about 3 years ago...now gaining back from there. I just don't think I can go hungry the rest of my life and whether people want to believe it or not, I have to stay hungry to keep this off. Lap band seems like the option for me. I know about 8 people who have had GBP. But I know no one who has gone the LapBand route.
Thanks,
Seeking
newtim
01-08-2006, 11:58 AM
Hello Valley I was banded jan/06/2006
miper
01-12-2006, 08:34 AM
newtim,
Keep us posted. I am also looking into this. I had breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction a few months ago and even though I have gone down in size, my weight is still an issue. having the lipo done taught me that the fat that is around my tummy is visceral (sp?) which means it's behind the muscles and the most dangerous kind. My mother had her first heart attack at 42 and now I am 35......starting to get freaked out. I exercise 5-6 days a week and basicly eat right, but my problem is portion control. I also have metabolic syndrome which slows me from losing weight. I'm hoping this is the answer for me.
Keep us posted. I am also looking into this. I had breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction a few months ago and even though I have gone down in size, my weight is still an issue. having the lipo done taught me that the fat that is around my tummy is visceral (sp?) which means it's behind the muscles and the most dangerous kind. My mother had her first heart attack at 42 and now I am 35......starting to get freaked out. I exercise 5-6 days a week and basicly eat right, but my problem is portion control. I also have metabolic syndrome which slows me from losing weight. I'm hoping this is the answer for me.
newtim
01-12-2006, 12:34 PM
Hello Miper,
I would say this is the best thing I have done for myself,I researched the Diff/between Gastic bypass//Lapband..for over a year before talking And meeting w/the Doctor who preform's both operation's . It was suggested to me after meeting w/my Personal Doctor & The Weightloss Doctor to get the Lap-Band.
I am now 6 days after surgery and down between 15-20 Lbs I would guess
I would say this is the best thing I have done for myself,I researched the Diff/between Gastic bypass//Lapband..for over a year before talking And meeting w/the Doctor who preform's both operation's . It was suggested to me after meeting w/my Personal Doctor & The Weightloss Doctor to get the Lap-Band.
I am now 6 days after surgery and down between 15-20 Lbs I would guess
miper
01-12-2006, 09:21 PM
Wow, that is ALOT of weight. My BMI is a little less than 35 so I'm going to have to fight my insurance co. to get this done, but have three Doctors backing me up, so hopefully I can get it doen soon. Please, will you keep in touch with me and let me know how you're doing? I'd love to know if you have any negatives from it. I've heard so many good things and so many bad things.
newtim
01-13-2006, 01:35 AM
Tell me what are the negatives you have heard,And was this information from people who where Lap-Banded.or is it I heard this from a friend at work.
As with your Insurance company .They can pay now for prevention or I am sure there bean counter's can see what the long cost of Heart Diease,Stroke,& Diabetic problem's Due to Obesity.Explain to the Insurance company this is a tool that will help you live an happy and healthy 20-30 years obese free...Good luck...
As with your Insurance company .They can pay now for prevention or I am sure there bean counter's can see what the long cost of Heart Diease,Stroke,& Diabetic problem's Due to Obesity.Explain to the Insurance company this is a tool that will help you live an happy and healthy 20-30 years obese free...Good luck...
newtim
01-13-2006, 01:43 AM
I Think its more like 15-30 K in the USA,as for Mexico do you really wanna go outside the country for a medical procedure like that,because people wanna save a buck,cheaper is not alway's best....
miper
01-13-2006, 09:42 AM
I've heard deterioration, allergic reactions, not working very well. I have to be very careful also becuase during my previous surgeries I've had alot of problems with allergic reactions to foreign objects. This would most definitely benefit me over GB because if it doesn't work out, they can just take it out.
newtim
01-13-2006, 03:39 PM
Dear Miper in your statement "I've heard deterioration, allergic reactions, not working very well."
I would only believe it from someone who actually Had a case of deterioration,As for allergic reactions,the device is not made or packaged using latex.And the not working very well...This is only a tool...You still have to watch what and amount of food you take in. exercise,And the biggest thing to deal with is "YOU" the patient .You have to change your lifestyle so that this new "TOOL"will do it's best job..
Good Luck
I would only believe it from someone who actually Had a case of deterioration,As for allergic reactions,the device is not made or packaged using latex.And the not working very well...This is only a tool...You still have to watch what and amount of food you take in. exercise,And the biggest thing to deal with is "YOU" the patient .You have to change your lifestyle so that this new "TOOL"will do it's best job..
Good Luck
newtim
01-14-2006, 01:05 AM
Are you saying she had a 3 year allergic reaction ??? The device is not even made of "LATEX" material's...Did she lose the weight she expected ???...When did she have it removed...
newtim
01-14-2006, 01:43 AM
Hello Valley,
I was banded on Jan,06,2006 and it was the best I did for myself to extend my life an extra 25+ years,the Effect on me will being able to lose weight and keep it off."The MAJOR PROBLEM IN AMERICA" is quick,fast,and over sized portion's of High fat Foods (Especially take out food's)American's want alot,fast,& cheap food Now.And Soon It will be the number one killer OBESITY...sorry about the rant there,as for recovery after a week of rest I am already back to work ..no problem's
I was banded on Jan,06,2006 and it was the best I did for myself to extend my life an extra 25+ years,the Effect on me will being able to lose weight and keep it off."The MAJOR PROBLEM IN AMERICA" is quick,fast,and over sized portion's of High fat Foods (Especially take out food's)American's want alot,fast,& cheap food Now.And Soon It will be the number one killer OBESITY...sorry about the rant there,as for recovery after a week of rest I am already back to work ..no problem's
newtim
01-14-2006, 01:46 AM
hello smurfett
The cost in the US is around 15K-30K,and w/ no Insurance I would say you have a long road ahead if you have to pay for the Lap-band yourself ...good luck
The cost in the US is around 15K-30K,and w/ no Insurance I would say you have a long road ahead if you have to pay for the Lap-band yourself ...good luck
miper
01-14-2006, 10:34 AM
I already watch what I eat (no fast food, no soda, few refined carbs) and exercise. I was diagnosed with pre-diabetses almost two years ago and with diet and exercise have brought my blood sugar down, but still have a very hard time losing weight. I am also hypothyroid which makes it even harder. I'm not even sure this will work for me, but I'm willing to give it a try. I just went through all of this surgery and love the way I look, but I know in my heart that the fat I have left aroung my upper abs is dangerous fat that liposuction can't touch.
lulu721
01-15-2006, 12:46 AM
I was banded 12/14/05
I couldn't be happier about my decision to get my lapband. Before I had the band I was popping about 6-9 advil a day for pain in my knees and elbows as well as headaches. I can honestly say that now I have only taken liquid tylenol 3 times since my surgery ( 1 mo today!!) and it was for a mild headache of returning back to work :dizzy: . To date I have lost 21 pounds. And I do have to agree with newtim, that this is only a tool for weightloss. All tools work when used properly. Also the biggest factor is not really the lack of appetite in the tummy. Its the appetite that we have in our minds that is the hardest battle. I LOVE MY BAND!!! :D
Lulu
I couldn't be happier about my decision to get my lapband. Before I had the band I was popping about 6-9 advil a day for pain in my knees and elbows as well as headaches. I can honestly say that now I have only taken liquid tylenol 3 times since my surgery ( 1 mo today!!) and it was for a mild headache of returning back to work :dizzy: . To date I have lost 21 pounds. And I do have to agree with newtim, that this is only a tool for weightloss. All tools work when used properly. Also the biggest factor is not really the lack of appetite in the tummy. Its the appetite that we have in our minds that is the hardest battle. I LOVE MY BAND!!! :D
Lulu
miper
01-15-2006, 10:37 AM
Well it's very good to hear all of this and I appreciate it very much. I start my journey tomorrow with my first GP appt. and hopefully in a few months I will be telling people the same thing.
miper
01-16-2006, 06:40 PM
Ok, had appt. with General Practitioner, got a referral to bariatric surgeon...what happens next? What should I be getting ready to give to insurance company?
Afterglow
02-05-2006, 01:26 AM
..........
kimcal
02-07-2006, 02:55 PM
I had my lap-band surgery on Halloween, 2005. i have had good results so far. I am 3 mos. post surgery and have lost 31 lbs., which my surgeon said is right on schedule. The fills are really not a big deal, very quick and easy. I would recommend it to anyone thinking about the procedure. Ask any questions, I will be happy to answer!
Zayazmama
02-09-2006, 01:52 AM
An ex-girlfriend of mine had the lap band done 4 years ago and she has not lost a lot of weight with it. She is in the health insurance business and as such was privy to the cost of the saline injections for the band. She was told each adjustment cost approximately $500 each! :eek: Now this was 4 years ago and prices may be lower and/or it just may have been the doctor she used but this is very expensive for someone without insurance.
WCPI
Pre-surgery prep for
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB)
I really dont mean to stray form the subject but just wondering where u are at as far as the process for having gb surgery? I am scheduled for march 2nd. i have strongly considered the band and really wish i could get it, but my insurance wont cover it. they will only cover gb surgery. Im waaaaaay excited. I think though, if I had the option to choose which one, I would have opted for the band. Mostly because as much as I want to lose a lot of weight, the idea of losing that much weight so fast and ending up with the hangy skin bothers me. But, not as much as the idea of having a heart attack at 31 (almost) years old.
Whatever option you choose, do it for the right reasons and not just for vanity purposes. Its too big a lifestyle change to take lightly.....
Jen
Scheduled for GB 03/02/06
WCPI
Pre-surgery prep for
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB)
I really dont mean to stray form the subject but just wondering where u are at as far as the process for having gb surgery? I am scheduled for march 2nd. i have strongly considered the band and really wish i could get it, but my insurance wont cover it. they will only cover gb surgery. Im waaaaaay excited. I think though, if I had the option to choose which one, I would have opted for the band. Mostly because as much as I want to lose a lot of weight, the idea of losing that much weight so fast and ending up with the hangy skin bothers me. But, not as much as the idea of having a heart attack at 31 (almost) years old.
Whatever option you choose, do it for the right reasons and not just for vanity purposes. Its too big a lifestyle change to take lightly.....
Jen
Scheduled for GB 03/02/06