I was banded on December 14th 2005,
After years of research and one GB approval under my belt I opted for the Lap- Band procedure. It was my tool of choice when it came to gastric restriction. Its not a cure for obesity but more like a little nudge to get you started to your weightloss success. I had previously done all pretesting and requirements for GB and was approved for the surgery. Its a great surgery but me personally speaking, I didnt want to be down as in recouperating for such a long time. I had my surgery at 11 am by 1:40pm I was back at my hotel recouperating comfortably ( I came from out of town). Day 3 I was shopping in the Galleria :D . Im very pleased with my surgery and would do it again and again if I had to. Ive lost 21 lbs to date which is one mo. ago today (yay!!) And I can only look forward to what the future has in store for me. Now as with all surgeries you run the risk for certain complications. Those are things that I prefer to endure than to keep running the risk of diabetes or knee replacements or even worse... dying and not seeing my children as adults. In short , those that are considering Lap Band it is the least invasive, and quickest recoup. time tool avaliable in WLS.
Good Luck to all that are considering it.
:cool:
Lulu

Lulu-

That is fantastic!!

I was wondering what things they make you do once you've had the surgery. Such as when to eat solid food and when to drink liquids, and if you take any extra vitamins or a monthly shot. Thanks.

wb

I went to my Gp today to start the process of being ok's by insurance company to do this surgery. I am 35 BMI, but have problems from the weight, so hopefully this will be enough. I have a referral to see a bariatric surgeon.....my question is...what's next? What should I be doing to get everything ready? I've been overweight most of my life, have pre-diabetes, thyroid problems, etc. I've tried every diet out there, but have a very hard time losing even on 1200 calories a day. Any info. would be appreciated.

After lap band my Dr wanted me to start taking a chewable vitamin every day like a flintstones or any chewable vitamin. And basically just keep the right foods going in during the healing process. I go on the 7th of Feb to get my first fill into my band. Cant wait!

As for if you should be doing anything else while waiting for your surgeons appt. that would probably be no. Not until you are instructed to do so. And that will probably pre operativley. I was instructed to go on a low fat low carb diet for 2 weeks before my surgery. To make my liver a bit more lean so the dr could push it out of the way with ease. I had no problems doing this. I did however have a special dinner the night before (before midnight of course).
Hope this was helpful
lots of LUCK!!
im excited for both of u :D

I mean as far as getting paperwork or anything together to be able to prove necessity.

Miper,
your BMI and weight and age prove alot of medical need. Im not sure where your from or how u are going to pay for this . The only reason i mention that is because if u are going through a private insurance then they will be the ones that will get the medical need info from your pcp. if your a self pay then it doesnt matter what need you have as long as your overweight. Really depends on the situation.

Lulu

I have insurance so I'm sure it's going to be somewhat of a challenge.

Tell me Miper are u clinically considered morbidly obese bmi of 40 +? That would be the main thing that insurances look at. I have United Healthcare and I spent in all about $300.00 US. They are a very weightloss surgery friendly insurance. But i was BMI of 43. Im 5'5 and weighed 272 lbs. Knee pain , tiredness , fatigue, headaches. But really what did it was the bmi factor. Now its been one month and 6 days and im down to 248 lbs. And I havent had my first fill yet. Cant wait! I seriously hope that you will get approval. It will be wonderful for you.

Lulu :wave:

No, my BMI is 35, but I have sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, etc.

If you dont mind my asking what is your current weight and height? You dont have to answer if u dont want to. I was just curious to know and are u in the US?

Lulu

Yes, I'm in the US and my weight is about 212 at 5'5.

i dont think that you should have much trouble getting approved by what you have told me. And you also have other indications of morbid obesity (ie; pre diabetes, high bp) isnt that right? So im sure yours will be approved.

I hope so. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me about it.