Howdy!

I am a band wannabe from Texas. I have had the initial appointment with my surgeon- it was very informative and exciting. Now I wait for insurance approval- hopefully uhc will be okay about covering my surgery.

From what i have read on this and other websites I am curious about the very different weight losses experienced by banders. Of course I realise that we are all unique and no two people will have exactly the same result; however, does anyone have an opinion on how to maximize wt loss. I am afraid of doing this procedure and then only losing a total of 20 or 30 lbs.

Seanmama

Welcome, Seanmama! I live in Weatherford, Texas.....about 15 miles West of Ft. Worth. I also have United Healthcare. From all the stories I hear, they are one of the BEST to approve the Lap Band surgery. I didn't have any problems, anyway. I DID have to pay for the upfront psych evaluation as well as the dietician's fee for a year, but the total out-of-pocket is only about $1000, compared to having the pay cash for the whole thing, so I'm happy! Who is doing your surgery? Mine was done at Harris Methodist Northwest (in Azle) by Dr. Adam Smith. He had the surgery done himself and has lost about 100 pounds. I lost 17.4 pounds the first week!!! But then things slowed down, obviously, and I've leveled off. I'm only two weeks post-band. With all liquids the first week, the weight really comes off. But then once you start eating "real" food, your body will level off in the loss. But with this GREAT website, I've learned that it WILL come off more once I get a fill or two. Keep reading and reading on this website and you'll learn more than any doctor can tell you. These are people with experience and they have lots of stories/experiences to share. I know it's made ME feel lots better! Good luck with insurance and your surgery. I felt a bit yucky the first week, but now feel better than EVER! Already more energy!! Keep us posted on everything......

Hi Larry,

thanks for your encouraging reply! I am seeing Dr Cribbins at Plano Presbyterian Hospital. His office nurse was banded in April and has already lost I think she said 70lb! I know this may be odd, but she is the first person whom I have ever seen who I know for sure had wls. Anyway her results are very impressive.

Good luck with your fluids! I read on spotlight that later high caloric clear jiuces are not a good idea, so be sure and drink enough apple and cranberry juice to last a lifetime!LOL.

Seanmama:D