I am so happy to have found this forum (now I need to learn how to use it!). Already I've learned so much about Lap Band surgery from reading other people's stories. The more I learn the more I am convinced that this is the right surgery for me -- a good thing since it is the only WLS performed at the hospital I will be using. Today I inquired about why some hospitals no longer perform Lap Band but have gone to Sleeve and Bypass only. Apparently it's all about the follow-up by the medical practioners -- Lap Band surgical staff have to do a lot of work with patients to get the adjustments right for optimal weight loss and many hospitals find this not to be cost effective. It's clear that regular visits are a key to success and statistics seem to indicate that 11 visits are necessary in the first year. I am reading about "Fluro" and finally figured out this must be filling using Fluoroscopy -- can any one tell me more about that?

I've had some borderline BMI concerns and found out that the 40 BMI requirement quoted by my insurance company is actually a 35 for those with other issues. So, that high blood pressure and sleep apnea are finally doing me a little favor -- I won't get rejected by the program for not being quite heavy enough. I am interested in finding out just when the weight is calculated "going in" and whether it's alright to lose a little prior to the surgery without being rejected by the insurance company. My timeline begins with a mandatory session August 6th and I've been advised that surgeries generally take place 3-4 months after that. Of course I hope it's sooner, but I need to begin thinking that it's something I'm dealing with this year rather than this summer.

My only other question so far has to do with Vitamins and supplments and whether it's possible to still swallow pills and capsules. Do people use liquid vitamins, etc. after the surgery? I have to say I was glad to learn that absorption of vitamins and minerals is not an issue with the Lap Band as it is with other WLS -- I want to be healthy inside and out.

Good luck every one -- to those who are waiting to have their surgeries, those who are just doing it now and all the Lap Banders who are working hard to give themselves just the right amount of the right foods every day and take care of their bodies for life. That's what I want to do.

Welcome. I was happy to find this forum too! Still waiting to be banded, so I am no help with your questions, just wanted to welcome you. (i'm fairly new too)

Good luck with whatever surgery you choose. The band was my only thought. You don't remove any body parts for good. It can be reversed if need be.

As far as vitamins and minerals, all mine are chewables. They are available everywhere. Your doctor and or dietitian will tell which ones to buy. Bariatric Advantage has all the correct ones for every WLS and their prices aren't bad and they are a 3 month supply. They make a wonderful protein powder but very costly.

I follow or least try to follow my dietitian's recommendations for foods. My doctor has different thoughts on straws and what to eat after a fill that may be different from another person's doctor. Follow your doctor's advice not someone elses.

Good luck with your new journey, I love mine and know the band has helped me a real lot.

Hi, I found this forum when surfing the net for answers last night. I was banded on 5/28/13. I also had a BMI under 40 with hypertension and sleep apnea as well, and I'm convinced I did the right thing having this surgery. It is so great to not always be "starving" for food. I didn't have too much difficulty getting insurance to approve once my internist sent in records showing my 2+ years of struggling with my new co-morbidities. I'm seeing my surgeon @3today. Hopefully my complications are minor (constipation, and the largest of five incisions is swollen and black and blue). I'm already down 11 or so pounds as I'm still on a full liquid diet - hope that changes to pureed foods today. I stupidly tried to eat a hard boiled egg last night and it didn't get very far. Regarding your questions, small pills are fine post-surgery but anything larger than a tylenol won't go down easily.

Hi, I found this forum when surfing the net for answers last night. I was banded on 5/28/13. I also had a BMI under 40 with hypertension and sleep apnea as well, and I'm convinced I did the right thing having this surgery. It is so great to not always be "starving" for food. I didn't have too much difficulty getting insurance to approve once my internist sent in records showing my 2+ years of struggling with my new co-morbidities. I'm seeing my surgeon @3today. Hopefully my complications are minor (constipation, and the largest of five incisions is swollen and black and blue). I'm already down 11 or so pounds as I'm still on a full liquid diet - hope that changes to pureed foods today. I stupidly tried to eat a hard boiled egg last night and it didn't get very far. Regarding your questions, small pills are fine post-surgery but anything larger than a tylenol won't go down easily.