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Thanks to everyone for your input. I just needed to be reminded why I'm doing the lap band. I still think it's the best for me, after countless hours of research on it and the other bariatric surgeries. The doctor who did the lecture last week wasn't my actual doctor. He is one of two in that hospital who does that surgery. He said that they both will honor the wishes of their patients, as far as which surgery he/she wants, so I have the final choice. I've read at least 50 reviews on the doctor I've chosen and the hospital it will be done at and I've heard nothing but the highest accolades about both. I'm actually really excited. I haven't been anywhere near a normal weight since I was about 9 years old and I don't even know what that would be like. Thanks again for all the support!! Oh, I forgot, there was something about having to be on a liquid Protein diet for two weeks before surgery to shrink the liver (it's being done laproscopically). Did anyone else have to do that and were you able to stick with that? I think that will kill me. My mother put me on a liquid diet at 11 years old and I remember throwing up everytime I even smelled the stuff!

I have my consultation on Thursday with the surgeon. I went into all of this with the absolute conviction that the lap band is for me, but after having gone to the required class last week, I'm waivering on that conviction. The doctor who spoke said that the average weight loss with the lap band is only 50% of the excess weight and that they don't recommend it for anyone with a BMI 50 or above. I'm right at 50, actually 49.9. While I knew that before, I don't know what to do now. I don't want to have my anatomy changed that dramatically, nor do I want the malabsorption and dumping syndrome problems. On the other hand, if I'm going to do something drastic, like having surgery to help me lose weight, why not do it all the way. They said that the average weight loss with gastric bypass is 78% of the excess weight. I don't want to do anything that's only going to get me halfway to my goal. I don't know what to do????????

I'm VERY excited for you that you've been approved!! I haven't even been to my primary yet, but Humana says they approve of all obesity surgeries. We'll see what happens. Blessings to you as you go for surgery. Keep us updated!

Thanks Donali for the detailed description. Now I understand. I have an appointment with my primary on April 6. I wonder how long it will take to get this going so I can get the surgery done. I've noticed falling into some kind of depression lately, not something normal for me at all. I guess I'm thinking that I'll never be smaller. I think I feel like I'm still waiting for life to begin for me.

Thanks for the reponses. I thought that I'd pushed the wrong button or something. Does anyone know of a good doctor in the South Florida area? Does anyone have a problem with hanging skin? Does the insurance usually cover having it removed? What about breast reduction (something I know I'll need.....after losing 73 lbs on WW, they didn't change size at all)?

Maybe I should make my message shorter. Does anyone know why the rest of my stomach wouldn't grumble when it's empty after having surgery?

Virgo, Who did you have your surgery with? Are you pleased with the doctor? I'm living in Deerfield and am looking for a doctor. Do you know how many your doc has done? Laura

Good afternoon All, I am looking into banding and want to know if anyone has a recommendation for a doctor in the South Florida area. I, unfortunately, had to switch back to Humana HMO after being on the PPO for years due to school board issues in the county I work for. Therefore, I'm not sure if anyone can help with locating a good doctor, since I would have to go with whoever Humana says. How do I find out about the doctor, once I know who it is? Is there a place I can research that doctor's record and surgeries? Also, I'm really curious about the lap band and have many questions. The first is, how is it that the rest of my stomach doesn't growl when it's empty? What is it like getting the band adjusted? How much do the adjustments cost, in case my insurance doesn't cover them, for some reason? I saw someone ask about having an epidural. Does anyone know anyone who has had it done that way? Did anyone have it decided ahead of time about having hanging skin fixed or breast reduction? Did the insurance cover it? Did it need to be stated before that it would be done? Does anyone have a problem with hanging skin or do you lose it slower than with gastric bypass? I'm sure I have many more questions that I will ask later. I like that the responses I've seen are very understanding and patient. That is one of the reasons I decided to get involved with this forum. Thanks, Laura