Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

I DONT KNOW WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LAP BAND



Recommended Posts

The worst place to be in any situation is not knowing enough to ask questions. I am four months out - lost a ton of weight (52 pounds). From the start, I felt like the patient that fell between the cracks. I had the initial orientation to explain procedure, costs and so forth, did pre-op, psych eval and the rest is history. My insurance company, did not require that I attend classes. The doctor is supposedly one of the best in the field (according to them anyway) but in my opinion could use less ego and more customer service. Even though, I kick myself for going into this blindly, I knew I needed to lose weight and the big incentive was that the insurance company paid 100%. Being an HMO it would be hard to change doctors. You all sound so informed and discuss things that are totally unbeknownst to me. Can anyone recommend any sites, magazine articles or books, to at least give me a clue as to what I need to know? Thanks so much!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All the doctors are like that. Unfortunately this is elective surgery and they want money. I haven't talked to my doctor since my fill 2 months ago, nor have they checked up on me haha.

http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

this is the most helpful article I ever read. Explains how it works, and what you need to do to succeed.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Since you are posting in this forum, I assume you have computer access. Do your own research, the info is out there. GOOGLE IT! I researched like crazy before making my decision and even then things come up that I don't know about. This forum is a great source of information in itself. However, you should be able to have your questions answered by your surgeon's office. You should ask them for any literature they may have regarding the lapband. You are no different then anyone other patient out there. Educate yourself!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well banded in Mexicali Mexico, you obviously didn't get the gist of the post. I am doing just that and have included this site as part of my research. Up until now, I have had tremendous results in hearing from fellow members. HeatherinCA sent me a wonderful link which I appreciate and was wondering what others had found in addition to my own findings. If this is the attitude you take, why bother to even reply.

Since you are posting in this forum, I assume you have computer access. Do your own research, the info is out there. GOOGLE IT! I researched like crazy before making my decision and even then things come up that I don't know about. This forum is a great source of information in itself. However, you should be able to have your questions answered by your surgeon's office. You should ask them for any literature they may have regarding the lapband. You are no different then anyone other patient out there. Educate yourself!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well banded in Mexicali Mexico, you obviously didn't get the gist of the post. I am doing just that and have included this site as part of my research. Up until now, I have had tremendous results in hearing from fellow members. HeatherinCA sent me a wonderful link which I appreciate and was wondering what others had found in addition to my own findings. If this is the attitude you take, why bother to even reply.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There was no attitude intended......sorry for the misunderstanding!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I LOVE that link Heather gave you. Love it. Another option is a book called Bandwagon- I haven't read it, but I've heard it's very good and I'm hoping to get it soon.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandwagon-Strategies-Success-Adjustable-Gastric/dp/0578061236/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304627394&sr=1-1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Then link from Heather is great. I read it myself and also forwarded it to a friend who was recently banded too. I think doing your own research is key. My surgeon is great and seems to be a bit more personable than some others. We talk and decide together which route I am taking. I chose not to have a fill last month when I went, but he did give my Adiphex to see if we can kick-start my metabolism again and get some more weight loss going again.

This site is also a great peer resource

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Try finding a local support group. The one at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, CA is run by a licensed social worker and a nutritionist.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

LBT has been my fav. There is so much conflicting info out there. I have found that the best way to do it is learn as I go. By that I mean learn how my own body and my own lifestyle work with the band. It's trial and error. Some people worship the guy that says "it's not about restriction." I don't agree with that at all because for me it's all about restriction. Of course read and learn as much as you can, but at the end of the day, some things don't work the same for everyone.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Along with this site, and Obesityhelp.com, I also utilize yahoo groups. Smartbandsters is probably my favorite and one of the moderators is a RN who works in bariatrics and has been banded 11 years.

If your bariatric surgeon doesn't provide support group, ask around in your area. My surgeon welcomes patients to support group who has been banded by other surgeons and for one reason or another can't attend support with their own surgeon. I know all doctors don't have that policy, but you won't know if you don't ask.

There are lots of blogs out there about banding... one I've been looking at is bandedliving.

Hope to see you at OH or Smartbandsters. I think they're both very informative (although OH does have surgery wars from time to time.. just 2 be forewarned).

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

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • 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

      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

        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

        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. 💜

  • 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

    ×