Search the Community

For me, I still crave foods, but I know many don't. However, I generally can't eat the same portions of those foods, so that's the plus. I can have a bit of what I want without overdoing it. There are many who have lost lots being banded....I think the band is more of a tool. Realistically you can still eat anything (I think there are certain things you just can't eat/absorb with bypass), so there is a lot of work on your part still with the band.

Dear LapHappy, I too have fallen off the wagon. I was banded 11/07 I started out at 225 lowest weight with band was apprx 183 now I am back to 195 after losing 5lib over the last fw weeks. I will admit I have cheated, drank h2o while eating so I can eat more etc... I never really felt restriction. Approx 2 mths after i had the lapband surgery, i started with so GI issues. I was told I had IBS Irritable bowel sydrome. This was/is very difficult to deal with. i have not see my dr in about 18mts. I too am afraid of wht he will say. I am afraind he is going to tell me that i hve to have the band removed due to the IBS, but then i think maybe i want it removed because of the IBS... It is fustrating. I am soo sorry to just go on and on about this. I dont know anyone who has the band. I have one friend that had the gastric bypass she lost 150lb looks andfeel great and just doesnt understand or remember being overweight, etc... may be we can start the process over as a group of banders who are recommiting? LEt me know how you do and keep in touch RiceChex:crying: (christina)

Tweedhill - You must not be a Dr. Bobby patient as he is the one who gave me this info and I have attended the 1st meeting Lapband only group on 2/5 Yes - Desert Hospital (Palm Springs)has labpand only support group on the 1st Tuesday of the month - 3/4 - 4/1 - 5/6 & 6/3 At the Stergios Building at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m - Call Marsha Yosef program member - 760 323 6346 There is also support group at the JFK medical center on Washington in Palm Desert on last Monday of the month - this is for everyone - banded & bypass it's at 6-8 too 2/25 - 3/24 Strenght Training) - 4/28 (new coping skills)- 5/26- (eating onf vacation) 6/23 Joining Life- they have actual speakers at these meetings. There are a few of us from the Coachella Valley on this board. I love LBT as it is open 24/7 - and support group is only once a month..

Success with weight loss is dependent on getting the upper hand with your relationship with food. There is a psychology behind eating patterns which have taken WLS patients into the realm of obesity. Though I am not a physician, I do feel that you would benefit to see a nutritionist to devise a healthier eating plan. As a psychology professional, I can say that the other part to your equation is to reign in on your choices of food, and accept that we must adjust our beliefs about food. We must revise our thinking to "eat to live" rather than "live to eat" if we want long term success with weight loss and maintenance. I have found it useful to use sipping Water or other no calorie drinks and distraction to keep my thoughts away from feelings of hunger. And I also use "self talk" and ask myself prior to eating anything which I know I should not have, do I really want this, or would I prefer to continue to move towards my weight loss goal? The band is around your stomach, not your mind. You have an incredibly self empowering tool to use for weight loss... Best wishes....

I had band to bypass revision on 3/28. I had my band removed on 12/17 due to complications. I had no problem getting approved, just had to stay above BMI requirements, which wasn't a problem around the holidays, lol. Good luck! Sent from my LG-H631 using the BariatricPal App

If you've done your research then you probably know which one 'fits' you best. Good luck with the decision, I know the LB isn't for everyone. My reasons for the LB over RNY: - Safer surgery - Unfill at any point needed and Reversible if needed for other health reasons - Less complications (dumping, hair loss, etc.) - Slower weight loss (easier to explain when you're not 'telling' others, and easier to get proper nutrition) - Continued interaction/accountability to the surgeon (ie. I had to sign that I would continue seeing my surgeon for 5 yrs. post-op, he covers 6 fills as part of the package so it's not for more $, he wants you to be successful long-term) - Continued adjustments to stoma for life (RNY- can stretch the stoma, some need revision surgery) - I need portion control, not reactions to bad foods. I already know I can diet successfully so I'm not worried about counting calories etc. (I don't think I need the malabsorption). If you haven't found it yet, there's an RNY/Other surgery group on LBT HERE. You might want to ask the RNY'ers why they chose (there's a group there that went from Band to RNY). Good luck! -BG

Come on Kristol you weight 188? that was lower than where I started. You can absolutely work your band. I personally would not want bypass surgery unless it was an emergency. Breaks ups and life in General suck sometimes but you have to love yourself enough to want to be healthy and thin.. Get back on that horse honey and you will be way better off than having a major surgery. Carnie Wilson had bypass and ate her way back up to her original weight and then some.. She now has a band over the bypass. There is no fool proof system. Your Surgeon wants to make $$$$ ....

So, did/do you have to go through the same process to get the gastric bypass (primary care approval/referral, etc.) I had been getting gall stones pain about a year ago (i had no gall bladder, though). Turned out i had band dilation so they emptied it. I gained about 35 lbs back (UGH). Now, I'm starting to get that gall stones pain again (still no gall bladder ) and was told i may have a slipped band. I've been thinking about switching over to gastric bypass but don't want to have to go through the entire process again. I hope all goes well with you. God Bless Andrea

So my mom had lapband October 2006. I had lap band November 2009. She has lost like 65lbs total. Well she was down to a size 14, and became severely anemic and was told to either have a blood transfusion or gain weight. So she took all her fill out, gained 20lbs, and hasn't taken it back off. Back when she was a size 14 she was working out pretty much every day and eating a lot better. Well now she's going to see a revision specialist to talk about getting bypass. Even though she wouldn't let me get the bypass or the sleeve, told me she wouldn't support me, nor pay for it. Now she eats candy all day/every day, doesn't work out, nothing. She wouldn't even play wii Fit w/ me. A lady in her office had bypass and has lost like 95lbs, but she also lost some of her hair and has sagging skin. What can I say to convince my mom this is stupid and she's not giving her lapband a chance? Besides saying exactly that, because I tried that. She smirked and ignored me.

I had insurance but it is the PCIP insurance through the govt, the pre existing condition plan . The dedictible was $2000 maximum out of pocket was $4000. I would call them ! I was expecting for them to bill me the 20% post op , and they did NOT , they billed me up front. After my deductible its 20% which came out to $3800 total w/ the dedct. I was only expecting to come up with $2000 which i did , I actually had a fundraiser to come up with the $2000 ( mine was a revision that i needed my band out NOW ) . They called me the DAY BEFORE surgery to tell me how much it would all be and I would nee the additional $1800 since i had $2000 already they let me make payments on the rest . $75 a month for 2 yrs ! UGH . So if your worried i would call them .

Hello new friends, I am probably on here super early. I don't have a doctor, surgery date, or any of that yet. I can only tell you that about 4 days ago, I got to a point where I was disgusted at the weight I've gotten to. I began crying to my mother (who by the way is 100 pounds and tried to tell me she understood) and I haven't been able to stop crying since. I hate that I can't bend over to tie my shoes, I hate that I can't keep a pair of jeans for longer than 4 months without getting holes in the crotch from the rubbing, I hate that I can't cross my legs, I hate having rashes and the way I smell, and most of all I hate that my poor kids are always bored because I never want to get up as I don't have the energy to do much more beyond getting myself to work every day. You would think that all of this would give me enough motivation to just take the weight off but it doesn't. Instead I get even more depressed, and I eat even more. I know it's wrong yet I keep eating and eating…3 helpings sometimes and then I proceed to eat what is leftover on the kids's plates because I can't bare to waste food. I'm sick. I don't know why I can't stop but it's really spiraling out of control and I need to do something. I got to talking to a couple of friends both of whom I've known for many years. One has had a lap band with much success and the other has had gastric bypass with much success. They both recommended the sleeve ironically. I'm trying to read up on all the surgeries and I guess I feel it may be the right one as well. I've been reading non stop for 3 days now and my next step is to see a doctor. What are the opinions of others on the differences between the three surgeries? My other dilemma, and I know I've read this already from others on here, is am I taking the easy way out or should I just do it with diet and exercise because I have done it before? I've struggled with weight since I was a child. I come from an Italian family where everything revolves around food. I remember my grandmother would make ravioli and at the young age of 6 years old, she would encourage me to eat 10 of them. Then when I ate 10, she would encourage me to eat another 2. Then there was dessert…and never just one choice. It went on like this for years until finally I moved away from my family and decided to try and see what I could do to lose the weight now that food wasn't around every corner. I did everything from good old diet and exercise to fasting. I could never keep it off longer than a month or so. Finally, around the age of 25, after my first son was born, I took most of it off and got down to 125 pounds, which is still heavy for a 5 foot tall woman. It took so much effort that my life had to revolve around diet and exercise. I took Xenadrine, which is now off the shelves (hmmm, I wonder why), I walked to and from work, was on my feet at work teaching all day, ran 4 miles or more each day on top of that, ate absolutely no dairy and very few carbs, ate 5-6 tiny meals each day, and never ever ate after 4pm. I followed every diet tip known to man and was still considered overweight for my height and build. All that work and all it took was me taking a desk job for it to all go to crap. I had lost my teaching job and began working in an office that I couldn't walk to, sat all day, and immediately the weight gain started and I was back to 180 in a matter of months, even though I kept doing most of the other things. Xenadrine was taken off the shelves and there went another 20 pound increase. My lifestyle now would not even allow for part of that. I have three children, barely have time for myself, and I work at a desk for at least 10 hours each day. I get home at 7:00pm starved and just start shoveling the food in. I am really just doing a lot of venting here and would love for someone to tell me I am looking in the right direction with the option of surgery. I plan to make an appointment here in the next few weeks with a doctor but it always helps to have the support of others who understand. If someone thinks I should just suck it up and get myself to diet the normal way again, please say so Thanks for hearing me out and I will be around reading more and more and educating myself as much as possible. I will keep everyone up to date on what the doctor says once I get the appointment.

I'm in Newnan. Just starting the process. Will be using Emory Johns Creek. I'm still deciding between the sleeve and bypass.

I got an app called "my weight" I have entered in the numbers every day since pre-op, and when my scale doesn't go down that day...i look at my app and feel satisfied that my overall weight number is down. Just an idea... I get frustrated when I don't lose for 2-3 days. I had rny bypass on December 29th, so I'm still in pain. The numbers really do make the pain worth it. That's my truth.

Seriously, that is what someone asked me today in a restaurant -- very, very loudly. Today was the first day someone really "tried" to call me out on having surgery. I have an acquaintance who works in a restaurant and when I walked in she was shocked at how much weight I have lost. I dont see her very often, so she hadn't seen the progression. And I don't eat out very often, either, so I doubt I'll be bumping into her too much. Anyways, first she was a little loud and a little rude while she was literally standing at another table and asked: "So, what, have you lost like 150 pounds or something?" I said, no, I've lost 60 (while thinking to myself that it's none of her business, but whatever). Then she comes over to my table and asks me if I had gastric bypass -- quite loudly so that other diners could hear. I was shocked. I mean, I answered no (cuz I haven't -- LOL), but when she asked me my "secret" I told her that I've just been working out like a madwoman and really, really watching what I eat. Then she asked me if my husband was happy. Seriously. I felt like telling her that my husband loves me just as much now as he did back then -- but I just sheepishly said yes, he was happy. I don't know. I'm sure I could have handled the whole thing better, but I was so taken aback. I haven't kept my surgery a total secret, but I sure as hell wasn't going to tell a mouthy loud nosey person like that any of my business. UGH! What would you have done? Thanks for letting me vent!

I had a port revision because my port bonked against my ribs continuously, I couldn't get comfortable no matter how I slept or sat, I tried to adjust myself all the time - lean to the side LOL, but it just wasn't working. The new port is a low profile port that is smaller and thinner (this is what the Doc says) it was placed inside using the same incision site and they moved it slightly further away from my ribs. Feels great now! No pain at all

All I can say is ... the haters can kiss my (thanks to my band) cute, small(er..) bee-hind!! I find that kind of thing so ridiculous. All of these kinds of surgery seem to work really well when done by good surgeons and on people who work the tool they are given. I don't view one as better than another -- I think it's really a matter of personal situation and preference. That said, I'm hearing good things about the sleeve from a few former bandsters who had to revise to the sleeve due to complications. But, otherwise, I don't know too much about it. The band worked very well for me -- I'll be 4 years out in October, and I've been at or under goal for more than 2 years. Best, Catherine

I'm a jumpin' too. This is the year I will lose more than 100 pounds. How are you starting? I already told my family to either eat up all of that junk food that is in this house or I will throw it out. Not having it in the house to take "just one bite" will make this long journey a lot easier. By the way, Babs, what is a port revision? Why did you need one? I too was banded in June of '08 and my port is sideways. So I was just wondering what a port revision is. Anyway, Happy New Years everybody. And let's get this weight off!

Oh and I dont' know how much you have lost, but remember, the lap band goes much slower than bypass. My doc says that 50 pounds in one year is what he hopes to see patients get to. So if you are anywhere around 25 pounds lost than you are on track. Also, tell us what you are doing and maybe we can give you some pointers.

I think with a history like that you might be better off opting for a different type of surgery, sleeve or bypass.

Hey Guys my girlfriend is in town here from PA, we are going to TJ tomorrow for her 2nd fill but I wanted to ask you if any of you knew of any Dr's in the PA area who will do fills on Mexican patients. She has seen Dr. Bonnanni in Redding but was wondering if there were any others. She is having a difficult time finding any other Dr's who do the lap band, most of the Dr's she has found only do the bypass. If you know of any please let me know

@@auntitraci Welcome! So glad you joined us! 20 yrs is a long time! Congratulations on taking the leap of faith. These forums are full of support and knowledge. You should also come join our official November Bypass thread! We would love to have you with us, the more the merrier! Do you have a date set in mind for Nov?

You definitely have to go with your heart when deciding to go through with weight loss surgery. I was contemplating surgery for 3 years before I finally made my first appointment for a consultation. I had to know for sure that I was doing it for me and not because other people might like me more if I was thinner. I also did as much research as I could about gastric bypass, lap band, and the pros and cons. I don't believe that there is anything out there that is 100% safe and 100% effective. You have to know within yourself if you are able to take on whatever challenges you may face. You should also be determined to work as hard as you can to limit the not so good outcomes. Continue to come on the site and read the many different threads. You will learn of the vasts experiences people go through and become familiar with the whole weight loss surgery process. The amount of information I learned on here is far more than any doctor can explain to me. Whether you decide to or not, you'll always have friends on LBT. Good Luck to you!!!

Hi everyone! My name is Amanda. I'm so happy to have found a place to talk with other people. I had gastric bypass on November 12th. This past Friday I had my 2 week post-op visit, since October 24th, I've lost 34lbs. I also started the puréed stage of my diet on Friday. I have good days & bad days(mostly good). On the occasional bad day, I feel like this process isn't going to be successful. Sometimes I can't see the finish line(not that there is a finish, I know it's life long). But most days, I am excited for the future. I have a five year old son & a husband that give me motivation. I'm curious to meet others & see their journey!

I decided in October of last year to have WLS. My doctor recommended the surgeon I'm currently seeing. When I went to the info session he seemed like a personable guy, good credentials, thousands of bandings under his belt. I was excited and made all my appointments right away as I was told. I met with the nutritionalist twice, the pulmonologist, my PCP, cardiologist and psychologist and made further follow up appointments as I was told. Along the way little insignificant information wasn't told to me and that should have been my first clue especially when I got the, "Oh you didn't know?" answer more than once. The lack of information wasn't a big concern because it delayed other appointments but I was still weeks away from a surgical date. Well now the little insignificant information has turned into a major miscommunication. My insurance carrier requires I see a nutritionalist for 6 months. In the info packet from the surgeon I was told I needed to see my PCP for 6 months and follow a doctor prescribed weight loss program. Well that's not true. My insurance carrier requires I see a nutritionalist not my PCP. So now my surgical date will be delayed for another 4 months, (I saw my surgeon's nutritionalist twice in two months). The lesson to be learned here for anyone contemplating WLS please learn all that is required of you. Call your insurance carrier yourself and ask. Make sure you call your surgeon's office often to make sure all the information is correct and accurate. Don't trust the answer of one person. Make sure you ask for comfirmation from someone else in the office. Interview the office help before you decide on your surgeon. I have an appointment on Monday with a different surgeon. I'll interview his staff and may change doctors. Problem is he prefers gastric bypass. At this point I could be talked into it very easily.

Hello everyone, First, I want to say all of you good luck and best wishes. I know my title seemed a little urgent but being an overweighter means that everything is urgent for us, huh? My question to all of those that can help me is this. I live in the Brooklyn, NY area and was going to have the lap band procedure with the CORI center (Centers for Obesity related illnesses) but am now thinking that maybe I shouldn't because......well, this is my story: I have been researching the lap band procedure for over a year in NJ (where I used to live) and wanted to have it but couldn't because I had AETNA POS and they wouldn't pay for it. I kinda had given up until I moved back home (NY) and went to a free seminar for CORI. Well, at the time, I had Medicaid and in NY, they're making you choose a provider for your medicaid. There's a listing of maybe 20-25 choices. Well, after the seminar and talking with the staff that works at CORI and the surgeon who has performed (reportedly) over 1000 weight loss surgeries (lap band and gastric bypass), I felt comfortable with the idea of possibly having the surgery. I mean, it had been a year and after the Atkins diet, I hadn't kept off a pound. I'm 30 years old and have been big all my life. My Mother is big, my Dad is big and throughout my lifetime, I've always been a healthy active person but as I get older, it's getting harder to do so. Not to mention that I get bigger over the years. Anyway.....back to my question. After getting with the Staff there at CORI, they helped me pick a provider that would easily approve the surgery along with the referral from my Primary Physician (wish was a breeze) and everything was good. Part of getting the approval was seeing a Psychiatrist (one time for about 45 mins.), a nutritionist (one time) and having the blood work done to make sure you don't have H-Pylori, etc. Well, all of this has been done and now come to find out, the doctor who had the seminar is on family leave and the staff (reportedly) doesn't know when he's coming back ("it should be after the first of the year")because of this......the doctor who mainly does the lap band surgery, Dr. Schedknuct is overbooked with the other doctor's clients, etc. It's a mess. I have a hard time understanding the fact that the staff doesn't know exactly when the doctor's coming back and of course, I'm now very hurt and impatiently waiting because I have done all of what I was supposed to do and now can't even get an appointment to discuss a surgery date. The seminar was in September. Also, my patient care coordinator at CORI called me 3 days ago to tell me that there was a problem with the contract at Victory Memorial Hospital and the insurance that I chose (Affinity Medicaid) so now I have to change carriers because even though the doctor takes the insurance, the hospital where the surgery will be performed doesn't, now. It's all so crazy, now. I am so pissed off. To choose another insurance that Medicaid offers would have to coincide with CORI and my primary physician and it looks like I'm only left with HIP or GHI. I've read on this site that GHI says no and then you have to appeal. I don't want to drag this out any longer. I feel hopeless. HIP sucks because you have to go their doctors unless you're going to a specialist and I want desperately to keep my primary physician. What should I do? Does anyone know any other physicians locally that takes Affinity Medicaid that comes highly recommended?