Hello from Arizona

[DesertDiva 0]

I am considering having the Lap-Band procedure done in May and as I looked through the web I noticed this support site. What a great place to talk with other people who have had/or are going to have this surgery.

I would love to talk with you and hear about your progress and experiences.

I live in Mesa, AZ and moved here to AZ about 25 years ago. I have had weight problems my whole life and I know I need help. I have tried almost every type of diet and it works for a while...I've even gotten down to my goal a few times, but it never lasts. I need a permanent solution...a life change. I am about 5'4" and weigh nearly 230 lbs. (40 BMI).

Hope to hear from you.

Robin:clap2:

[Elisabethsew 50]

Hi Robin and welcome. I found this site 5 days after I was banded and discovered a wealth of information. I would suggest searching through topics you're interested and then posting specific questions you might have.

I had surgery 4 weeks ago today and did well. I was in the hospital overnight, went back to work after 10 days, and will have my first lapband fill on May 25. The surgeon I used requires a one week pre-op diet of full fluids. After surgery, it's 2 weeks of full fluids, 3 weeks of a soft diet, and then a solid diet.

Pre-op, you'll need insurance approval (call NOW and see if they will pay), a surgical consult, an upper GI series, a respiratory consult with a chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests and a possible sleep apnea study, a cardiology consult with a stress test and EKG, a psych and nutrition consult, blood work, a pre-op informational seminar and maybe a few other things.

[Dianechef 3]

Hi Robin!! I am from Gilbert, AZ!! We are probably very close to each other. :grouphug: I had the surgery 10 months ago & have lost almost 60 lbs. I am so happy I had it done & only regret that I didn't do it sooner!!!

Please do a search on here & you'll find a wealth of information. WELCOME to our club!! So glad you're here.

[Claytaco 0]

Hey there. I guess this is an old post but I wanted to see how you were doing. Did you decide to go forward with the procedure?

[Loyoyo 0]

Hi Robin -

I live in Mesa, too. I am having the lap band done 2/28. I understand where you are coming from. I have been heavy most of my life, too. This website is really wonderful. You will find a wealth of information from it. My insurance will not pay for the surgery, so I have opted to go to Juarez to the Hospital Angeles to have it done. Its a huge decision, but I have heard so much good about the doctors and the hospitals there that I feel comfortable doing this. I have already found a woman who will do my fills and there are people here in AZ who provide aftercare support. This website is a great support system, too. I hope your insurance will cover your surgery. There's a lot of hoops to jump through, but I know it will be worth it for you.

Good luck to you!