Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🎉 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

People getting bands between the ages of 16-24 please join!

Cakb10

Recommended Posts

Cakb10    0

Cakb10
Posted

Hi there!

My name is Caitlin and I am almost 19. I am hoping to meet some other younger people who are in the process of getting their band or who already have one! I have met so many people with bands, just never anyone around my age group! I am awaiting approval from my insurance company for my band, but basically whether they approve or not I am going forward with this. It's my only option. So... please drop by and share a bit about your story as I would love to hear it! I'd love to make some new fellow bandster friends :thumbup:

Thanks!

Caitlin

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

reverie    49

reverie
Posted

Hi Caitlin!

I'm 19 (will be 20 in January) and I'm in the process of getting my band as well! I'm almost done all of the pre-op stuff (psych. eval, meet with nutritionist, etc) and hopefully I'll be banned by the end of this month or early May :thumbup:

Good luck on your journey and if you ever need to talk or need some help you can always message me :laugh:

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Cakb10    0

Cakb10
Posted

Thanks for writing to me! I never caught your name though! I too will be getting banded within the next month or two so hopefully we can be there to go along this journey together! I hope you don't mind my asking, but is insurance covering your surgery or are you paying out of pocket? Seems like alot of people are having to pay for it themselves these days :/

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

reverie    49

reverie
Posted

My name is Ashley :laugh: My insurance is covering 85% and I will have to pay the 15% left over. So hopefully it won't be too much. :thumbup:

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Cakb10    0

Cakb10
Posted

Oh wow that is awesome that they are covering that much! My insurance company is probably going to pay 50% of mine since I am going to a pretty fancy place that they don't cover. My surgeon is just going to do it at one of the local hospitals so that only his fee won't be covered. Its still a lot of money that my mom and I are paying out of pocket but I think its worth every penny!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Manda87    3

Manda87
Posted

Hi, I'm Amanda and I'm 22. I was just banded April 7th. I wish I had done it earlier. My insurance covered a good bit of it, but my doctor was out of network, so I had to pay more. Thank God for those monthly payment plans. Good luck!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Cakb10    0

Cakb10
Posted

Hi amanda!

Wow that's awesome that you just got banded! How are you feeling so far??? Is the healing as much of a breeze as everyone says it is? Thanks for replying!

-caitlin

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Manda87    3

Manda87
Posted

Hi amanda!

Wow that's awesome that you just got banded! How are you feeling so far??? Is the healing as much of a breeze as everyone says it is? Thanks for replying!

-caitlin

I'm doing pretty good. The first 3-5 days are the hardest. The first 72 hours is the worse. The port incision hurts the worse. It feels the wound is ripping and tearing on the inside. It still feels like that when I move the wrong way. I was not prepared for the pain. I don't have any kids, so this is by far the worse pain that I have ever been in. Pain medicine will be your friend.

I decided to take a month off of work. I have a pretty hard job and I knew I would not better within a couple of weeks. However, if I had a desk job, I probably would have gone back in a week.

Good luck to ya!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Cakb10    0

Cakb10
Posted

Wow thank you so much for being so honest! I am glad that I can at least be prepared now and not have my head in the clouds!:thumbup: I hope you start feeling better...its sad to hear you are in so much pain. I'm sure it will be worth it in the end:)

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hephania    0

Hephania
Posted

Hey, its so good to hear of someone who's sort of in my situation too. I'm 19 and have been considering lap band for about 5 months now, pretty much the only thing holding me back is the courage to just go to the docters and discuss it, i want this surgery SO BAD, and have researched and researched everything about it. I'm just so scared, I'm a kiwi and havent met anyone else here who has even had lapband! theres only like two lapband/ oesity clinics in the country!. Is there also anybody who can give advice about insurance etc? i know everything about the surgery except actually the steps to take to get it, do you go to a gp and do they refer you? and how long after you;ve met with the surgen can you get it? Theres nobody to talk to and its all I can think about!

advice would be appreciated

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

jen91683    0

jen91683
Posted

my little sister cathy is 18 and she just got the band last thursday. shes already lost 8 lbs since then :thumbup:

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Nean4488    1

Nean4488
Posted

Hi!

I just turned 22 and I will be banded on May 17th. I am so excited as well as very nervous! I have never met anyone in person that has had the band other then the ladies at my surgeon s office.

Feel free to message me whenever!

Jeanine

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Nean4488    1

Nean4488
Posted

Hey, its so good to hear of someone who's sort of in my situation too. I'm 19 and have been considering LAP-BAND® for about 5 months now, pretty much the only thing holding me back is the courage to just go to the docters and discuss it, i want this surgery SO BAD, and have researched and researched everything about it. I'm just so scared, I'm a kiwi and havent met anyone else here who has even had LAP-BAND®! theres only like two LAP-BAND®/ oesity clinics in the country!. Is there also anybody who can give advice about insurance etc? i know everything about the surgery except actually the steps to take to get it, do you go to a gp and do they refer you? and how long after you;ve met with the surgen can you get it? Theres nobody to talk to and its all I can think about!

advice would be appreciated

The best advice I can give you is to start going to meet with lapband doctors. They are there to help you and give you all the information you need and want! They wont force you to get the surgery or pressure you into it. I researched doctors in my area and found one that I thought I would like best, I went to meet him in January and I loved him. Thats when my journey started. They took care of everything and walked me threw every step and just last Friday I found out I was approved and set my date for May 17th!!

Good luck, if you have any questions feel free to message me!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

jlf1489    0

jlf1489
Posted

Hi!!! I'm Jill, I am 21 and was banded on August the 12th of 09. :thumbup: I have lost 73 pounds and am still loosing. The band was the best and one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I think the hardest part was the two week fast prior to the operation. If you have any questions... please feel free to contact me. The operation was covered 100% and was a two year process for me to get it approved one long journey.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Cakb10    0

Cakb10
Posted

Congrats to those of you who have gotten bands and been successful already! I love hearing success stories :] To the girl who has been considering lap band surgery for the past few months, the first thing I did witht the insurance company is call them and ask if they even cover it at all. Many of them don't so it would be good to know up front if they do banding. Good luck on your process and I encourage you to meet with a surgeon! it is the best feeling when you start the process :thumbup:

-Caitlin

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go To Topic Listing Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    Bariatric Forums

    For Patients

    Health Professionals

    Search Surgeons

    Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

    ×