JULESDARLN

I am so excited about getting it done, that I tell everyone, lol. Just realize, you need to do this for you, not anyone else. Some are going to understand and others won't. I am grown and don't need anyones permission, lol. Although I have gotten alot of support, there are some who think I can do it on my own without it. My mom even said that all I have to do is stop eating. Thanks Mom, never thought about that! I have wanted to do this for years and have done alot of research, but even when I met with my Dr. I realized I did not remember everything I wanted to ask, so I would write it down to ask at the next visit. Also, my band coordn.lets me email her all the time. Good luck! Ps. The more I talk about the lapband, the better I feel, and the more support I get, don't be afraid to share.

Good Luck!

My doctor has made me lose weight before surgery, my first visit was in January and he gave me 6mths to lose 60lbs. I have lost 40lbs so far and have one more month to go. He did not give me any drugs, but I do see a nutritionist and they put me on a 1200 cal diet, 60g of protein daily. I also cut out all sodas, I drink water only. Cut out fast food, sugar, pasta. I mostly eat chicken, fish, veggies, greek yogurt, and fruit. I also eat 5tbls of hemp seeds a day. they help keep me feeling full and have lots of health benifits. Good luck!

Good luck Steph! I love how you put you are starting new I am going to think of it like that also. You are going to do great! I will keep you in my prayers!

Happy for you, Good Luck!

Way to go! I am having to wait 6mths also, I am currently on my 5th mth and it has gone by so fast. Good luck!

Good luck! It was hard for me to decide also. I have wanted to do this for a long time and I finally have insurance that will take care of it. I did alot of research on what surgery would be the best for me and finally decided to do the lapband because it is reversable and has the least complications, it seems. I feel like with the others, once something is cut and thrown away, it's gone forever, lol. I was also nervous about my first visit and was upset when I found out that it would be 6-7mths before I could have the lapband done because of hoops I had to jump thru for the insurance company. But I got over it and have been doing all that they have asked because I want this real bad. Keep us posted, good luck!

Congrats! Wish you the best of luck!

my friend that used Dr. W was told she could have some soda, but everytime she drank it, she would burp it up. She also had problems keeping stuff down. This may have been because she had her port too full and she would drink soda and beer and then try to eat. I have heard that you are not suppose to drink with meals. Also she had to stand up to eat. Has anyone else had those problems? I go in on the 24th and weigh in again. I am nervous about this weigh in because I have not kept to my diet. I think it is because I am just 1 1/2mths away from finishing my 6mth stuff and I am getting scared. My fat has been with me for many years and I have used it to hide from many things, including life. What's going to happen once that fat is gone? I want the surgery, I just want to do good on this. ;(

CONGRATS!!! Good luck with your surgery!

Hello, I am hoping to have my band done in a couple of months and my Dr. Is wanting to also do the Plication. I have never heard of it, but some people on here gave me a little information. If you don't mind, can you share with me how it has worked or not worked for you. Thanks! Julie

I just wanted to share this, a friend told me about it and I am so thankful! I know this may not be the same in all states. My doctor did not even know about this. I have insurance with United Healthcare. My insurance does cover the lap band surgery, but only 90%. I am not able to pay the rest of it out of pocket, so a friend told me about a place called Arkansas Rehabilitaion Services. I made an appointment to talk to someone there to see if they help out with this. They do! Every case is different, but I was told that they want to help people that need to get a job or hold on to a job and can't or are having problems because of a health problem. In my case, It was hard for me to stand 8hrs at my job because of my weight. They also help for other problems other than weight. In some cases, they cover 100% of surgery! They also refund me my copays for all my doctor and nutritionist visits. My case worker told me at the beginning that if I was not approved for surgery, then they would pay for me to be on a weight loss program and pay for my food! Thank God though that I am getting the surgery. I just wanted to share this, because I know not everyone can afford it or get credit. Hope it helps!

*****that should be, I use to live in Benton, not like in Benton, LOL

Hi! I am from Fort Smith, I have not been banded yet but hope to be within the next 3mths or so. I am using Dr. Eckes. I had a friend that used Dr. Wellborn and has had her band for 7yrs now. I use to like in Benton and I actually went to one of his seminars. I did not have insurance at the time so did not go thru with it, but now I do and can't wait to get this started. I added each of you as a friend so I can follow you.

thanks everyone for your input, it really helps!

I just got on here myself looking for more info and support. Good luck!

CONGRATS ON THE APPROVAL!!!! I wish you good luck on your journey

Thanks for the replies! I had an appointment to see my dr. Friday, I am down another 8lbs! I asked him again about the weight loss and he said it was because they wanted to make sure I could lose weight and for my liver to shrink since I am so heavy. So anyways, I am feeling much better about it. I have 21lbs to go and two months to get there.

I have a question. The doctor that I have been seeing since Jan. is moving to a new practice, I have chosen for the time to stay with the office he is leaving. I met my new doctor Friday and I am not getting the same feelings for him as Dr. Coleman. One reason, he seems a little cold, but if he is a good doctor, should that really matter? Also, I have a hernia that Dr. Coleman said he would fix during my surgery, the new on said, may not need it, will have to see when we get in there and it may be something that is not too bad. Well, I want it done. I don't have the money or time for a surgery that will be put off. And last of all, he said that here in the South (Arkansas) this is still concidered "experimental" but all larger hospitals do it. It is when the lapband is put in, they then fold the stomache in half and put a stitch in it. He said this will allow the stomache to shrink faster and lose more weight without having to use fills as often. Has anyone heard of this or had it done? I don't want to be experimented on. I asked how many he had done of these, he said 14% of his surgerys, well that really does not give me a number, 14% of what? would love your input

Hello everyone, my name is Julie and this is my first time on here. I have wanted to have the lapband since 2005 but cost and life got in the way. I decided to try again this past Jan.2013. I met with my Dr. and he said I would have to lose 60lbs before he would do it. I cried. 60lbs sounds like so much! and if I could not get it off before, what made him think I could do it now? I also have to have 5yrs of weight medical history(which I do), phyc. eval (which I have done and passed!!!!), and 6mths of nutritian coun. My first 12days on my 1200cal diet, no soda, no carbs, no sugar, lots of protein and veggies, I lost 18lbs!!! Woohoo!! It has come off more slowly in the past couple of months and I am getting nervous. At the end of June it will be my 6mths and I am scared I won't lose all the weight. I have 29lbs to go. Any advice?