Leaderboard

Weight loss surgery? Really? For me? Why? What’ll it cost me? Perhaps a better question is “What’ll it cost you if you don’t?” With today’s uncertain economy and rising healthcare costs, it’s normal to wonder if now is the time to consider the LAP-BAND® AP System. Extra weight on a person often goes hand in hand with extra financial burden. Obesity can have significant medical costs over time. Weight loss surgery can help reduce the cumulative cost of living with obesity: like weight loss programs, prescription medicine and hospital visits. Knowing this, you may want to consider these questions: What are your current out-of-pocket healthcare expenses? Are they due to go up? What are your current prescription and over-the-counter medication costs? Are they due to go up? How many times a year do you see a doctor or specialist? Has that gone up over time? How many days have you missed work over the past few years? Has that gone up? How much have you spent on non-surgical weight loss programs? (WeightWatchers®, Jenny Craig®, etc.) Did that work? How much have your costs for groceries and dining out gone up? How much have you spent on additional clothes due to your weight gain? Acting now by using the LAP-BAND® System to help you significantly reduce your weight — may also reduce your weight-related costs!

Hey Molly - Welcome and good luck! I'm glad your getting as much info as possible - people here are very helpful. You are so close to 40 it would be a shame for you not to qualify. I belive you should. Worst case scenario - wear heavy clothes like the lady said or God forbid, gain another lb but I didn't say that. : ) Keep us posted - I'm sure you'll get approved.

I lost 16lbs in the first month after banding but everyone is different, we all lose at different rates so would be hard to make a definitive sort of response. A lot of people dont lose weight at all till they start feeling restriction from fills. My first month was all liquid diet, followed by 1 month mushies then solids after that. I ate a lot of soups, broth and 0% fat greek yoghurt mixed with skimmed milk made into a drink, i did not do protein shakes I am still losing a year post op but have slowed down considerably. Average was 2 to 3lbs a week now its maybe 1 or 2 lbs a week at most .. not far to go now but will continue just eating healthy food and exercising to maintain what i have lost. Some people manage to lose just from eating smaller portions of normal type food u will have to learn what works for you .. good luck

I had a time right after surgery where I cried. For me I went through a period of "mourning" for the food I wasn't going to be able to eat anymore and having regrets about what I did. My doctor did warn me that it might happen. It went away once I got the hang of how I'm supposed to eat AND the weight started coming off. It does get better!

Don't give up. BC denied me twice and only authorized surgery after being contacted by a lawyer. Authorization was granted 12/23 but, too late for me to request time from work. Insurance companies are crafty...So, a new year and surprise to me my employer signed with a new insurance- Blue Shield. Another auth. request...and happily BS authorized first time. About the lawer, my surgeon referred me to a lawer hired through Allergen (makers of the Lap band). This may be an option for you. I can certainly give you their contact number.... Good luck and dont give up, that 's exactly what the insurance companies want you to do. Brit7

Remember that muscle weighs more than fat. However, the biggest culprit is water. By working out, you are tearing down muscle and rebuilding it. During this process, muscles will retain water. Give it some time - probably 4-5 weeks. Your body will adjust and then you'll be surprised at how it will begin to come off, even if you have to take a week or two off from exercising.

Yep, that's been my experience too. I'm one year out and still get the shoulder pain almost everyday. Being very near my goal weight feels great but I could do without that pain in my shoulder.

Most people would'nt drink in front of someone who is recently gone sober; but don't realize that a food addict has the same issues. While your family does still need to eat they could be more understanding. I went to breakfast with my sister about 8 months out and she ordered fresh made donut holes; but when they arrived she said "Do you want me to put them on the booth seat so you don't have to look at them?? " Did not bother me that they were on the table but she did ask.

I had my endoscopy yesterday and I didn't have to swallow any liquids. I was in a day stay setting, had twilight sedation, and was out for about 15-20 minutes. The doctor put a scope down my esophagus and that was it. Never knew I had it, no after effects at all.

Thanks for the chart Alex!