JhonnieB

Good Luck!!!

Hello,
I was in the same boat you are in. I had my surgery on 8/20/2012 so far I am down 20 lbs. I had a rough start because i was sick from the anesthesia. Now that, that is out of my system I feel great. I go for my follow up on Tuesday and can't wait to see what my Dr. has to say. I DO NOT regret having the band at all. It will be life changing, but I am so ready for it. Good luck to you!

Welcome Lyn!! Your going to love it here at LBT! I know I sure do! Congrats on taking the first step to a better, healthier you. Good luck!

HI Lyn
Take it one day at a time.
I have no regrets at all. Don't compare yourself to others. The band can be different from person to person. I can eat ANYTHING except rice, apple skins and no carbonated beverages.
I LOVE my band... it changed my life.
If you any questions feel free to ask.
Tom, Toronto
Banded July 6 06
Wt. Loss: 156 lbs
tomander@bell.net

Hi Lyn, welcome. I was banded Feb 7, 2012 and have lost 60 lbs so far, 30 to go. I have to say that being banded is the best thing that ever happened to me. It saved my life. 7 months ago I was pre diabetic, took 3 different meds for my high blood pressure and had bad acid reflex. Today I am off all meds, my blood pressure is normal, no longer pre diabetic and haven't had acid reflex in a long time.
The band is a tool that assists you in your weight loss journey. You have to do a lot of work. Change your diet completely and exercise. If you do that it will work well for you. Keep reading this forum, do a bunch of research, look into all your options and make the choice that best suits you. Best of luck to you.

Good luck! I think you will find the seminar will answer a lot of your questions. I don't think insurance will be a problem as long as your policy covers WLS. I think your BMI is 51-52... Doubt you will need any co-morbids due to that!
I can tell you it was the best decision I ever made.. Just wished I'd do e it sooner!

had my surgery 7/19/12 i'm down 30 lbs & very happy I did this, only regret is I didnt do it sooner. Good Luck

Everyone is different. It depends on your insurance, or if your self pay.
I have Aetna and had to go through 6mth Dr. Supervised diet, psych eval, nutrition class. The time really went by fast and it gave me a lot of time to research and study how the band REALLY works.
Best of luck to you!!

5 months for me. could've gone quicker. But we had a summer vacation in between. My insurance doesn't require 6 month diet, etc. I am about to start my liquid diet very soon, last surgeons consult Tuesday! Woo hoo.
In total, I had to do the initial seminar, an initial surgeons visit for consultation/bloodwork. My physicians visit, my physicians physical, and a separate psych evaluation. Then pre-op testing - mine included bloodwork, X-rays, pulmonary (breathing tests) and an EKG. Then a visit with the surgery team and anesthesiologist. Oh and a nutrition class on lapband foods, Vitamins, etc. Whew!
So far so good, so excited! Good luck to you on your journey. Hope it goes by quickly.
Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I have Blue Cross and it took 2 1/2 months from consult to surgery. Here is what I did:
-info session (early June)
-consult with surgeon (June 22)
-consult with psychologist (July 6)
-consult with nutritionist
-insurance approval
-consult with pulmonologist (July 24)
-nutrition class
-ultra-sound (august 6)
-started 15 day shake diet
-pre-op testing (August 15)
-final consult with doctor (August 20)
-Band day August 24!!
My doctor's group keeps you moving thru the process. Helps that I have Blue Cross who changed the pre-op requirements and didn't insist on months of diets pre-op. thry finally seem to realize that the surgery is what is life saving. I also didn't have any of the other co-morbities YET so that helped with the process. No extra doctors to release me for surgery. It was great because once I made the decision, there were few hurdles and not a lot of idle waiting.
Looking forward to sharing this journey. Good luck!

I had LB surgery in 7/2011 and have so far been extremely pleased with the results. I have lost nearly 70 pounds, found a lot of confidence, and the love of my life. I also got a super great job. Life has been very good to me.
My only question is whether I should visit my surgeon one last time??
I am moving out of state to join my fiance. I will be changing insurance companies and my surgeon will be >500 miles away. I am not in need of a fill ( I had three and have a decent level of restriction; my last fill was in November of 2011.) and I am not having any problems other than the occasional left shoulder pain when i over do it on my food intake. My current insurance runs out at the end of the month when I move away. I don't know if it would be beneficial just to see my surgeon for a check up???
Also, does anyone know of any surgeons in Columbus OH who sees out of state lap banders?

Hello everyone -

I was banded on August 22 by Dr. Derek Nagle at St. Mary's Medical Center in Grand Rapids, MI. I am 5'3 and was 215 at my first presurgery visit, 198 day of banding and won't know where I am now until I see Dr. Nagle on Friday Sept. 7. I feel great!! Just really really hungry with liquids only these first two weeks post. Am trying to keep my eye on the prize and my kids (all 5 of them) and hubby have been great support. Walking the dog twice a day and getting the kids ready to start school on Tuesday.

I am so happy to have found this site and all the wonderful advice and stories and support! I plan to be a succes story by the end of my journey.
I hope my signature & newly minted tracker work.... Will try to upload a picture soon...