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

Houston, Texas - Lap Band Questions



Recommended Posts

I'm new to this site, but have a few questions....

1. Who's the best doctor in the Houston area? Any recommendations? Likes, dislikes, etc....

2. Whats the average cost without insurance?

3. Whats the recovery time? I'm a Labor & Delivery nurse....when can I go back to work?

4. How painful are the refills?

5. What foods do you eventually have to give up?

6. I'd like to lose 110 pounds....is that feasible with the Lap Band, or should I get another procedure done instead?

7. Tell me the do's & don't's, the likes & dislikes, the good, the bad & the ugly.....I want your most honest opinion about this procedure, the benefits/drawbacks in your life & would you do this again???

Thanks!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would do again. Dec 22 band date and ive l lost 15 since surgery. You have to work harder with lapband and wt comes off slower i went to Dr balette in the woodlands he and his staff are great his cost is approx 12000 i have seen cost from insurance yet all fills cost around 2-3 hundred i self pay on these. I dont have any negs at this time. Everything has gone so well I did vomit first day home just the gas came up some pain on left side first three days easy to take care of with hot pack

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi KristiRN,

I just wrote this big long reply only for my computer to shut down and make me start all over again....

I have only been banded for a couple of months so Im still learning about my band, but Ill answer the questions that I can. I'm from Australia so I dont know about Dr's in the US or the cost over their, sorry.

3. I was in hospital for one night for observation. I took 10 days off work even though i only arranged to take 3 days off. It took a week for me to be able to get out of bed by myself, and about 3 weeks to be able to sleep on my stomach again. I would take at least 10 days though everyones recovery time is different. I watched a few videos on youtube where people hadf surgery only hours before and were doing a video about their experience. Not me!!

4. The refills are not painful. It is just a needle. A pin prick. I little pinch and then its over. The first fill, though, involves the doctor taking out the air in your band before putting in the saline. When he took the air out of my band I thought I was going to be sick. But that only lasted a few seconds and it only happens with the first fill.

5. It is so important to eat a healthy diet with your band because your main goal is to lose weight ahealthy way, and if you arent going to make an effort to eat good food then dont bother. Some people do have restriction though and cannot eat bread, Pasta or meat. Everyone is different though. Its about finding your greenzone. The only thing that I cannot have anymore is soft drink (soda, fizzy drink). I used to drink at least 2 every day now I dont have any and I dont crave it like I used to.

6. 110 punds is a very realistic goal if you use the lapband as a tool to go with healthy eating and exercise, though I think that it the same with all weightloss. The band helps your brain think you are full, but that is no good if you aren't walking and you're eating McDonalds. I was just talking to a lady who lost 10 pounds in 5 months, though her weight was alot higher than yours. You just need to take charge of your band and use it to work for you.

7. The bad.... The cost, the pain, people asking how I lost weight when its none of their business, my surgeon became very rude, unsupportive, unprofessional and uninformative after my surgery and Im in the process of finding a new one to take over my lapband care, my sister being upset that I am slowly becoming smaller than she is.

The good... Knowing that I am going to achieve my goal and live a healthier life, feeling more fit and energetic, having people compliment my loss, even though its only 30lbs so far, having the support of my friends, family, my wonderful GP and this site and other people in the same position, making plans for the future that I have always been too scared to make.

I would definitely do this again, though while I was still in pain I said I wouldn't, I am so pleased with my results so far. My advice to you would be to get all of the information you possibly can before the surgery. Make sure you pick the right surgeon and get references. Make sure you have a meeting with the anaesthetist to make sure your pain will be properly managed. Ensure you have everything you will need for post-op care and diet. Be smart and realistic about your goals, break them down. Follow the lapband rules or there is no point doing it. Walk every day, even if it is for 5-10 minutes, make sure you move your body and increase your fitness each week. Ask questions all the time. But most importntly, get advice from your GP. I am not a medical expert, so dont take my advice to the bank.

Goodluck with everything. I hope you get the information you need to make the right decision for yourself.

Simone.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hell...... I went to true results the cost is 4300&266 a month for two years dr.reiley is doing my surgery on the 13 i started the diet on my first appt.weighing 367& know im down 10/lbs....and excited

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I used dr Reilly at true results. Insurance wouldn't cover it so I paid $9900 cash to their office. I liked the doctor but it can be tough to get convenient fill appointments if I don't book ahead at least a month. The price includes one year of fills. Not

Sure how much it is after that; I will have to decide if I want to continue at their office or find another office that will take me.

I've only seen the doctor twice. Every fill is done with the nurse. He also has a private practice in Houston.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery through True Results in Dallas (they have an office in Houston) and I'm thrilled with the results. As long as you eat healthy (there are lots of websites you can use - I love WW) and exercise, you should be able to lose the weight.

I was self-pay and paid $8999, which includes my office visits for the first year. I financed it through Care Credit at no interest for 5 years (I'm going to pay it off in 2) and my only regret is not doing it sooner.

My mom and sister-in-law are both nurses and I know you're on your feet a lot - I would think you could go back to work after a week (I'd have my surgery on a Thursday or Friday, so you have 2 weekends before going back).

If you think of your lapband as a tool, along with diet and exercise, you'll do great. If you're not eating correctly (lots of carbs, fast food, etc), then you'll definitely have to change your eating habits. Everyone is different, but I can't eat bread, tortillas or rice, and I can't drink Diet Dr Pepper anymore (no carbonated drinks). But there are plenty of alternatives: Weight Watchers makes great ice cream treats and cups that are low in calories and sugars, and you can get lots of things (sour cream, cottage cheese, regular cheese, vegetables with sauce) that are either low-fat or no-fat. You can still eat anything within reason, but your portions are a lot smaller and it seems that after being banded, you are truly motivated to follow the nutritionist's advise (another reason I love True Results - they have several people there who are so helpful and most of them have been banded. PA, nutritionist, dietition, patient advocate and all of them will support you in any way they can.)

Read through the forums on this site. I found it before my surgery and was so glad I did! They helped with pre-op questions, post-op questions; I've asked some questions I couldn't ask my doctor and everyone here is supportive and willing to help.

Good luck on your journey! Let us know how you're doing!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

These are such inspiring stories......thank you for all the great advise!!! My consultation is set for Feb 13th!! 0_o

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

    ×