vericks

Now, I am so confused. This is such a hard decision. When you feel like you are a failure at so many previous weight attempts; and then realize you could be a failure at this major event of surgery… you can't help but wonder will this be worth it or am I setting myself up to fail again. Especially when this surgery is a costly and serious step concerning our bodies, our health. After reading one doctor and then the other who spoke about lap band vrs rouxen-y, who do I believe? I am not confident in which direction I should go. I have opted for lap band, but I don't control my amount of eating now. I get the impression that this might not help me in that area. I wanted the lap band due to the risk factor and the reversible option if necessary. Although I feel I definitly would lose a lot faster with the rouxen-y, I thought the lap band seemed more realistic in the slow process of losing. Now, when I read the debates that go on back and forth, I just don't know. I would hate to go through all of this and find that I am setting myself up to fail, again! I don't want to be the statistic that writes this forum oneday and declares that this was the wrong decision. Help give me some kind of assurance. Don't know what's right for me anymore. I just want to get my self healthy and carry less pounds.

I've noticed most of the lap band postings are from women who seem younger. I would like to hear how the over 50 crowd are doing with their bands. Is there anything different as far as the age issues? I am suppose to be getting the band in about a month. It appears that a lot of the things I have read seem to relay the message that if you have a lot of weight to lose that banding might not be affective. Is this true, I need to lose over a 130 pounds. Have people lost as much as that on the banding technique? Thanks vericks

Yee Gads! Now going on a year long process and two doctors later…I have had another set back with paper work. Between the various other reasons and paper work I am trying my best not to give up. I have so waited for this banding. However, due to all the mix ups, tests and delays I am beginning to doubt my decision. I haven't give up, so my persistence I guess is my strength. For the first time during all this process I'm starting to doubt myself. So I guess I need to hear some good news from you other banders. It seems like lately all I've gotten is negative vibes. Help! vericks

Hi Stacy, I was supposed to get banded next month but had a set back with some confusion with paper work, so the surgery might be delayed another 30 days. It has been a year long process. I had to change from one doctor to another and it still has dragged on. A bit frustrating but I do want the surgery so I persist. I have a hernia issue which my doctor is planning to repair, they are a little concerned as to the size, so that worries me some. I guess it increases my chances of slippage. I am trying to prepare myself and accumulate some energy drinks, etc. Do you have any suggestions as to what kind of drinks? Also somewhere I heard that I had to find protein drinks without sugar. Any protein drink I have seen has some sugar. I picked up the Boost, Advant Edge Low Carb, and some Canation Instant. Are those good choices? Also I've been told to get some baby food. What do you suggest there? I figure you guys would know what tastes good and what doesn't. Since this has dragged out so long, mostly due to paper work and tests, I've been a bit down. It has given me a longer period to start doubting my decision for the surgery. I really was committed to this and I feel it's what I need. I guess I've just lost my confidence. Hopefully you can help me regain that spirit. Tell me this has been a decision you are happy with! Thanks Vickie

Thank you vickie

Has anyone dealt with a hernia issue? I have a good size hernia that my doctor will have to repair. He is planning to do this the same time as he will place my lap band on. I heard something a bit disturbing, which I would like to know if there is any truth to it or not. I heard that a hernia can be a major issue with the lap band slippage. Does anyone know anything about this? What are things I need to consider with the hernia issue? Thanks vickie

After completing all the different tests and exams, which means many trips to different specialists, it now appears the paper work is in process. I got a call from my doctors office yesterday to say that I just had to clarify if my insurance requires a previous 6 month set diet that I have followed before their approval. I have been on nothing but diet plans it seems like forever. But, good news, no previous set diet plan but a BMI of 40 or over. I qualify, but of course! Now my doctor can submit the papers for approval with the insurance company. They hope to set me up a surgery date soon. Oh, after almost a year of wait (two different doctors) it's hard to get excited until they call with a definite date. And so the process begins. I have been reading and listening to the advice of other lapband patients and that has been very helpful. Wish me luck and I could take a few prayers as well. Vickie

After completing all the different tests and exams, which means many trips to different specialists, it now appears the paper work is in process. I got a call from my doctors office yesterday to say that I just had to clarify if my insurance requires a previous 6 month set diet that I have followed before their approval. I have been on nothing but diet plans it seems like forever. But, good news, no previous set diet plan but a BMI of 40 or over. I qualify, but of course! Now my doctor can submit the papers for approval with the insurance company. They hope to set me up a surgery date soon. Oh, after almost a year of wait (two different doctors) it's hard to get excited until they call with a definite date. And so the process begins. I have been reading and listening to the advice of other lapband patients and that has been very helpful. Wish me luck and I could take a few prayers as well. Vickie

Thanks to all of you who led me to the North Carolina Site. This is the North Carolina site right? I just completed my second visit with my doctor. I was feeling quite discourage, this process is so long, but he lifted my spirits and rejuvenated my drive. Now I guess I am in the second stage because the papers are being submitted to my insurance, UHC. Now its a wait and watch again to see how cooperative they will be. I will just pray that the insurance will approve the surgery. They originally said they would but lately for some reason the weight surgeries are getting harder to be approved, not quite sure why! I truly rely on you experts and appreciate the information as a new lap band patient. Does anyone know if there is a support group in the Cary area? Vericks

Hi Eileen, I know the feeling, I've just finished the appointment, tests, and exam stage. Now the papers are ready to be sent on to the insurance. Sounds like you succeeded in those areas. I too am nervous but this site and my doctor have been very helpful in building my confidence. I try to avoid reading too many of the comments that increase my fear, especially with the surgery, but I do want to be realistic and know what could happen. One comforting thing is that in almost all cases of any kind of surgery these risks are a possibility. The weight has and is affecting my health and lifestyle. I am hoping this will give me a better chance at living healthy and happy, otherwise I am headed for some potential major health issues. Keep in touch and rely on those that are more experienced. I wish you the best and in many ways I'm envious that you will soon to be banded. Take Care Vericks

Thanks to each of you that have replied to my questions and now I know abut an official NC site. I just completed the appointments and exams, now they say I am ready to send the file on to the insurance company. I sure hope the insurance doesn't hold me up. This has been a long time coming. Thanks Again Vericks with 120 pounds to lose

Hi, I live in Cary. I have UHC healthcare. When I first started this process they said I was covered, but now I hear that insurances say one thing, but once the paper work is submitted things can change. I have just completed my appointments and have my records in. I am now ready to sumit the forms to the insurance. We will see how that goes. Who is your doctor? My doctor is Dr. Enochs in Wake Forest. I really like him so far. Maybe we will be going through things about the same time. It would be nice to compare notes. Thanks for e-mailing. vickie

Thank you for answering. Could you explain what the fills and unfills are? How do you determine when to adjust? What symptoms have you had? What do you consider, if any, is the biggest thing to deal with after surgery? Have you gotten much nausea? Do you throw up much? What are some of the things I can do to best prepare myself for the surgery and after? Sorry for all the questions, but I would appreciate information from someone who is going through it! Thanks Vickie

How do you see the responses to the threads you have submitted? Do the people respond directly to my email?

Please send me your experiences with the lap band surgery. I am going though a long process trying to get the surgery. It is discouraging. I have been getting a lot of negative feedback as of late and need to know that this surgery is truly worth it or should I continue trying the weight watchers and Jenny Craig regimes that I haven't succeeded is as of yet. This is so important for me and I want to know that I can be a success. Anyone work with Dr. Enochs in the Raleigh area? Please relay your experience? vericks

Anyone have Dr. Enochs in Raleigh, NC?

I have been trying to get a surgical date for almost a year now. I was getting little progress from my first surgeon so I switched to another that was recommended. My insurance says they will approve the surgery. I have taken all the preop tests and exams. I just can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone. I also was told by a physician that the bariatric surgeon I am working with was having problems getting hospitals to work with him due to paper work issues, not his qualifications as a surgeon. I was also told that in the Raleigh Durham area that the hospitals are trying to stop bariatric surgery from being performed in the area? Is that true? I also have two friends who had the rouxen-y surgery and now 4 to 5 years later they are both fighting weight gain. I have opted to have lap-band. I would like to hear from some people who have had positive outcome and their challenges. I have a great desire to get this done and get on with my life, but it seems like there is a block in each path I turn. My insurance says they will cover the procedure, so what's the problem? My standard answer back from the doctor's office is that the office is in chaos over the change of the way they process insurance. It seems that they have had surgery dates set up and the patient shows up on that date only to find the surgery has been cancelled because the proper paper work was not processed to the hospital. What can I do? I am a patient person, but it seems I have had my patience stretched. Does anyone know if their are problems between the bariatric surgeons and the hospitals in the Raleigh Durham area of North Carolina? What can we do about it? Thank you vericks