capawana

If you've had a problem with a slip or erosion ...Which did you have A Lap band or Realize..Still weighting which one I should choose

You hit the nail on the head....Food Addiction and thank you for the encouragement

This could be my story as well......

I think there is a notion that WLS is to drastic and people that don't have a additive issue with food say..."just eat health and exercise". To them I'd like to say, "Wow, holy @#%$% is that the key? Why didn't someone tell me this before? Ok, that's what I'll do". Like as if we haven't tried that before. If that was the key we'd all be at a healthy weight. Food addiction is just that....an addiction. And like any addiction drastic steps need to be taken to be successful at kicking the addiction.

I'm so happy for you with your 80lb lost and I wish you all the best in your journey to lose the other 100 and keeping it all off. Most importantly, I hope you can overcome your food issues that caused you to gain 180lbs. That is what I am most hopeful for in my journey.

Thank you for a great perspective

There are a lot of different ways that people (including us) perceive the band. Some of us do view it as "the easy way out" or "throwing in the towel." I do not. It is unlikely that anyone who spends the time and energy to use this site and chat with others made the decision to embark upon the journey of weight loss surgery with a cavalier attitude. For me, this has been a very emotional journey to admit 1) that I need help 2) that I am not completely at ease with my decision.

You've lost 80 pounds, that's incredible! Sounds like you have been working hard at it. I think you are making an affirmative decision to lose more weight and keep it off. It's just a tool, it can't lose the weight for you. The same hard work and decision making processes will gave to be in effect for this phase of your weight loss and it has been for the first 80 pounds,

In many ways I feel like a failure because I have not been able to keep a normal weight (or even just being simply overweight) for my entire adult life. I have made the changes I need to make the band as much of a success as possible for me. I'm done beating myself up for my mistakes. We have a whole world out there who judges us because we are heavy. We really don't need to pile on any more.

Congrats on your incredible success to date and however you go forward, I wish you health and happiness!

Very well put

I can understand where you are coming from and had some of those thoughts myself.

At the end of the day this is a tool and (in my opinion) of the options available probably requires the most work from the recipient of the band to make it work.

At the nd of the day i want to make 2 points.

1. I wonder how many people have died before their time because this tool was not available to them? It is available to us and we are incredibly lucky. Now cars are available not many people walk anywere?

2. I would rather live longer with a "tool" than die young living in the knowlege that you didn't use it!

Regards - and good luck

AJ

Thank you all soooo much for all the input...I cant believe this is such a big deal of a decision for me..All I have ever wanted was to be a healthy weight....With my health issues my insurance company will fast track this...I dont know why I'm so hesitant....

As I was working out today...It hit me....On July 12th I have my first consult with the surgeon...I feel like I let myself down by looking for help in loosing weight...I have lost 80 on my own the good old fashion way...I need another 100 to loose...Why cant I do the rest on my own...I'm very confused...Knowing that I need to be healthy and feel good about myself...I just feel like I threw in the towel...Anyone else ever feel this way?

Thanks you Dave for talking me down.

Your bank will loan you money to buy a new car, but they wont pay to fix it if you have problems or need to sell it. Does that mean you shouldn't buy that car?

Same deal. Given the huge numbers of people who have zero band issues (compared with the much lower number of people who do have band issues), the odds are in your favor that you won't have a problem. So what's more important to you; Losing the weight, or worrying about the "what if" stuff? Get your band first, and cross the other bridges if and when you ever get there. Chances are you won't ever have those issues.

Dave

My insurance will pay to have the lap band put in. But should I have any problems from it or need it removed even due to medical issues they will not PAY for that....So now what do I do

Just spoke with my insurance company..They are willing to pay up to 15,000 life time max for the lap band..How much does this usually cost? I always have a fear that I will have complications and then not be able to have it removed...Any input would help

Any input on to which is a better choice

I have my first visit for a consult on getting a lap band..What can I expect?

Thank you so much and please know I will keep you in my prayers for your success with the battle of the bulge..

https://services3.ho...0,obesity=

here is a sample medical policy from NJ. Good luck

My BMI is 44.3 and my insurance was issued in NJ...Best of luck to you with the surgery...Cant wait to hear how well you do .

Depends on what your BMI is regarding whether you are placed on liquid diet before surgery. I did not have to do the two week liquid diet because I lost a fair amount of weight prior to surgery (tomorrow!).

Get all your records from Weight Watchers. Also, if you saw your doctor for obesity during your weight watchers efforts, get a copy of those medical notes. My BCBS PPO plan required either a six consecutive month diet or two 3-month (consecutive) diets conducted under medical supervision).

What state is your BCBS plan issued in? Not necessarily the state in which you live.

I'm in NJ and have 2.5 years of Weight Watchers weigh in s and 1.5 years of my gyms records of all my work out time..And all medical history . I would love to be FAST TRACKED..Thanks for the info

Check your BCBS medical policy (depends on what state policy issued in) and see if medically supervised diets are required for approval. Bring any diet history with you (including notes from your chart regarding your medically supervised diet programs). I decided I wanted to use the surgeon I had the consult with before I even went in there, so I brought copies of my results from a recent endoscopy, etc., with me to the consult. I was FAST-TRACKED. First consult May 17, surgery July 5.

Do they put you on a diet while waiting for approval? So odd but isnt that why we want the lap band to help keep us on track and help us from over eating....How often do you need to go to the doctors office for weight ins..Weight Watchers has stopped working for me, will they put me on a liquid diet from the start? Very confused

I have my first consult this week and want to have all the info needed to get the ball rolling...I have BCBS PPO..Any info would be greatly appreciated...My BMI is 44.3 and I have lost 80 lbs over the last 2 years thru Weight Watchers and working out...But cant loose any more...I have controlled B/P with meds and a Genetic Heart Defect....Does it sound like I could be approved?