First does anyone have Kaiser that can tell me

The process ? I emailed my dr regarding lap band and she sent a referral to the Bariatric surgery center in Fremont,ca. How long does this process from start to finish usually take? Also can someone explain the difference between realize and lapband. My weight is 235 I'm 5'4" with high cholesterol

And how much pain is related to surgery ?

Welcome!

I have the realize band. Was banded on 12/17/12, began process in Aug. Blue cross held up process for two months getting accreditation to hospital.

I began @ 257lbs. Am now @ 223lbs.

My doc sees me once a month, and the nutritionist too.

The pain, very tolerable to me. By day five, felt normal. Really depends on the petson. If you have a low tolerance, you wil feel crumby. But if you can suck it up for a couple days, you will do great!

Take lots of info from the site. Be cautious of those that seem to know it all. Your doc is the one to listen to. But you will meet some awesome people on this site. Enjoy!!!

Thank you so much!

Not sure about Kaiser....not sure about the difference between realize & lap band, but I DO know the pain is VERY tolerable! More discomfort than pain...and I'm a baby!!! The pain I DID have was from the gas left in my stomach after surgery (common). My shoulders hurt so bad and my collar bones felt like they were breaking!! I finally took Gas-X on about the 5th day & it started to dissipate.

Any pain you do have will be temporary and the results from the band will last a lifetime.....SOOOOOOO worth every minute of pain & discomfort that didn't last long!!! :D

Does Kaiser even do the Lap band? I work for Kaiser (but I don't have their insurance) but I have a co-worker that is in the bariatric program from Kaiser and she said they only do the gastric bypass. Might call them?

Does Kaiser even do the Lap band? I work for Kaiser (but I don't have their insurance) but I have a co-worker that is in the bariatric program from Kaiser and she said they only do the gastric bypass. Might call them?

They do:)