JanPuppyLover

Would you mind mentioning where you are considering getting this done-- and which doctor? thanks!

Since this is such a new procedure and so few doctors/hospitals are doing it, would those of you who have done it or researched it kindly post which doctors and hospitals you know of are doing it? So far I have heard Duke and possibly NYU? Thanks much.

Would you be kind enough to talk about where you had it done and with which surgeon? Or feel free to PM me? I am interested in this procedure. Thanks Jan

My research shows that this new procedure of doing a Plication plus lap band has been around for about a year or so. I have read that it is being done at Duke and possibly also at NYU. I think that I also read that it is also being done in Mexico but I am not considering surgery out of the country. Have any of you had this procedure where the stomach is folded and sutured and then a lap band is also used? The benefits are supposed to be fewer complications, virtually no band slipping, faster weight loss more comparable to the gastric sleeve procedure, no damage to stomach, no malabsorption, no dumping and reversible. There are no long term studies/results since this is a relatively new procedure. I am interested in hearing from people who have had this done and getting their views of the procedure and results. Thanks!

Outdoor biking is great exercise, easy on the joints and fun, especially as the fall weather approaches (assuming you live someplace where you have a fall Interval training is really a great way to mix it up and is thought to increase your fitness and burn calories faster than other kinds of training. As a previous poster, pointed out, you can easily find info on that online. I love the WII fit for indoor training and sometimes alternate between a fitness game or two on there and the elliptical. There are lots of fun games to mix it up with and there are some intended for competition between two people. The trick with burning calories on the WII is to really move and not just let the "wand" do the work. Some of my favorites on the the WII Sport and include the tennis program and the boxing one. If you do it actively, the boxing one will shoot your heart rate right up.

I'm a newbie, but have done extensive research here and elsewhere. I have a consultation with a doctor set up for several weeks from now. I have heard how insurance companies can drag their feet and want to get everything together that I can in order to expedite. I called my insurance company (United Healthcare) and got their requirements for my policy: BMI over 35, comorbidity, 5 year history of weight problems. My BMI is closer to 45, I can collect a 5 year history and may or may not have what they consider a comorbidity. Question is do I gather and submit this info to the insurance company prior to settling on a doctor (though I think I have). Or, does the surgeon's office have to do all of the submitting. Will someone kindly tell me how that works? Thanks!

Ahhhh-- I see it, it is sorta like a "like" and "unlike" button...thanks!!

Hi Rachel-- I am a newbie - not even banded yet and just exploring. So while I can't offer any advice about the Lap Band journey or what you are going through, I can offer you an important observation. I really do think that you came to the right place for support. I think that there are many here who want you and others to succeed and who are proud and eager to offer you whatever support they can to help you with this difficult journey. Please ignore the naysayer (s) and focus instead on the people here who really do want to offer genuine support and advice. Given where you are now and your understandable level of frustration, I am wondering whether your doctor is offering you, and you are accepting, the appropriate level of aftercare to help make this work. I have read so much on here about the delicate balance between fills and unfills in helping to control appetite while allowing for sufficient nutrition. If your doctor is not offering that kind of support, perhaps others on here can suggest how to get that "physical" part nailed down with your (or another) physician. My best wishes and hope that you will be able to find the support and answers you need.

There is something on the Lap Band forum profiles that says "reputation" and then gives a score. Does anyone know what this means, how it is calculated etc? Just curious.

As you've heard from other members, sleep Apnea is a very serious disease and can lead to death, heart damage, gastrointestinal problems, hernias...just to name a few. No one likes sleeping with a mask on =-- but there are literally hundreds of different masks that you can choose from and they need to be specifically fitted to you. I use a very minimal one called "nasal pillows." I can watch TV with it on, do email, keep my glasses on etc. As some have suggested, you can desensitize yourself to the claustrophobic feelings by wearing it for a few minutes at at time while you are awake watching TV or reading before you go to sleep. Before being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, I could not make it through the day without taking a nap, planning my evening activities so that I wasn't out "too late," or I would worry about falling asleep driving home. This is a serious condition that needs attention not only for health reasons but for quality of life reasons. I strongly urge you to check out the website SleepGuide.com. You will find it as warm and welcoming and as filled with information and supportive people as the people you find on here. Best of luck to you.

I read lots about aftercare on these message boards. Would someone kindly tell me what group of services this refers to? Is it fills and unfills? Or is there generally a more extensive aftercare program? Thanks

In trying to find one of the top doctors or centers for lap band surgery, I am wondering how many people had their surgery done out of state? I was wondering about NYU which is located about 3 1/2 hours from me by train. Is it worth going out of state for the surgery? Or, is this something that should be avoided based on your experience? How is aftercare handled? Would appreciate anyone sharing their experiences. Similarly, what do you do if you are traveling and you need to be filled or unfilled. I have a vacation home that is not near my primary residence where I spend several months at a time. I would expect that at some point I would need something done-- fill, unfill, etc. How have you handled that kind of thing when you have been traveling? Thanks!

I love using the WII for exercise. I workout with a heart rate monitor so I can easily tell when I am in the right "workout zone." You need to be careful to really work though. In some of the games (like tennis) it is easy to just flick your wrist to play instead of using your whole body or major muscles to move. I do have a number of games that I like. The basic WII Fit generally comes with the hula hoop exercise which is fun...and also boxing. You can really work up a sweat with the boxing one. My favorite game pack is the WII Sports. I love the tennis (but you need to move) and the boxing in that one is more advanced and you can really get a workout. Things like golf and baseball are fun, but did nothing for me exercise wise. I do have a walking one and a dancing one that I like (with the drapes closed . I haven't used those in a while but will check and get the names for you.

What an inspiring story. You've already "given back" by offering a true story of hope, determination and ultimately success to this newbie. I'm just at the beginning of my journey and you've given me something to aspire to. Thank you.