Elisabethsew

Welcome! Fertility is enhanced with the lapband so be careful! LOL. As your pregnancy progresses, the band is deflated to prevent complications so pregnancy concerns are not a real issue. Good luck!

The informational meetings are usually free and banded people are there to answer questions. Start dialing surgeons' offices and scheduling yourself for these sessions. You'll meet the surgeons and his/her staff as well as others who are where you're at. Good luck!

Indiogirl said it best. You'll have a healthier life and the option of plastic surgery so focus on the added years you're giving yourself and worry about the skin issues when/if you have to. Good luck!

I also had some heart issues that required surgical intervention. Your cardiologist might be able to have the insurance company waive the 6 month diet consideration. Call the insurance company and ask to speak to your case worker. Explain the cardiac issues and ask what can be done to either waive or lessen the supervised diet requirement.

Remember that healing takes 6-8 weeks so it's natural to feel full after small amounts of food during this time. Once the swelling subsides, people often feel hunger again and that's when it's time to start getting fills scheduled. It's also important not to compare yourself to anyone else. Some people heal faster than others and the anatomy of the body and internal organs are all unique. Follow the rules, let your body heal, and learn what's "normal" for you.

It's VERY normal to go through a range of emotions when you're considering a surgical intervention to combat obesity. It's definitely NOT a quick fix and it requires life changes to be successful. Getting all the information you can, asking questions, and talking to those who have been there will arm you with what you need to make a very personal decision.

A sense of humor definitely keeps you healthy and the ability to laugh at life's crazy situations is a gift.

Tell your family that you appreciate their concern but that you are following the prescribed diet and tell them if they have any questions, you would be happy to make a group appointment for them to see the registered dietician.

I have Empire BCBS PPO and they too demand a 6 month medically supervised diet. It takes up to 3 months to get all the testing done so make an appointment today and start documenting. My MD documented weight watcher attempts and that counted so explore all options.

Many fills are done with a topically injected lidocaine to numb the area. This is a tiny needle that you barely feel. You'll feel pressure as the needle goes in but no real pain... I promise.

You should be fine if you completed the course of antibiotics. Your MD might want another CBC before the surgery to make sure your white blood cell (WBC) is normal. Good luck!

It's nice to see all the Long Islanders! I'd be interested in hearing more about the J&J band.

My decision was NOT to tell anyone but my boyfriend and my best friend and that proved to be the right decision for me. I tried and failed at MANY diet over MANY years and did not want anyone evaluating me. Some people tell everyone and love the support they get. The bottom line is that you need to do what's best for YOU and not worry about anyone else. It's a very personal journey and sharing it, or not, is a personal choice.

Welcome! Call your insurance carrier and ask them to mail you the requirements for weight loss surgery. This step will prevent any surprises or refusals. I had my surgery 3 months after the first appointment and did have to appeal to the insurance company after I was denied the first go round. They wanted proof of 6 months of a medically supervised diet. Best of luck on your journey.

Welcome, Ladies. Make sure you are well informed on all options before making any decisions. Don't forget to ask lots of questions when you talk with the surgeon and his/her team. There is a wealth of information on this forum so read, and post often.

Welcome! Try explaining to your PCP that you have educated yourself in weight loss surgical procedures and that the lapband is merely a tool to assist with your PCP advocates. You might even try journaling for a few weeks and present that to him/her. If all else fails, consider a new PCP.

Welcome! I also work 12.5 hour nights (RN) and didn't have a problem returning to work. I had a shake at 3 AM, another at 9 AM, and had the 3rd before I went to work @ 4-5 PM. Bring in some cup-a-soups (tomato has more protein), and some protein water so you stay hydrated.

Welcome. I know it can be frustrating having to jump through the insurance hoops but it will be worth it once you're banded and on the road to a healthier you.

If you drink with meals, STOP! Once I followed the rules and removed my glass from the table with meals, the weight started coming off again because the food stayed in the pouch, made me feel fuller with less food, and eased the cravings.

Unfortunately, there is no absolute answer to your question. Age, genetics, distribution of body fat, etc., all play a role in how much excess skin problems you'll have. Try asking Dr. J is the plastic surgery section who is an expert in this area.

Welcome! I'm in the states but LOVE Ireland and plan on coming back for another visit soon. Making a list of questions for the surgeon is an excellent idea. I hope all goes well.

Welcome! Most body creams don't work but ask your surgeon if he/she suggests any particular brand. You're on the road to a new you so read through the posts, learn as much as you can, and ask lots of questions.

It's very important that you speak with your anesthesiologist before the surgery and express all your concerns and fears. I have awful nausea after general anesthesia and told that to the MD before I went "under." When the usual medications for nausea didn't work for me, there was another medication ordered in case I needed it. Bottom line: be honest and ask as many questions as you need to. Good luck!

I've never heard of that one. Many surgeons have a particular protein drink that they want their patients to use so it's best to ask yours before buying something that might not meet your nutritional needs.

Welcome! If you follow the band "rules" that will be reviewed by your surgeon and his/her staff, you'll do fine. Go to the free informational sessions in your area and ask lots of questions. Also, read the MANY success stories here and ask questions.