Hey there!

I'm a newbie waiting for a surgery date! I've actually been waiting quite a while. As a Kaiser patient in Northern CA, Lap Band wasn't available until just recently (this month they did their first round of installations). When the FDA approved it in 2002 I was all over their backs to start offering it to their patients. So, here I am four years later, and ready to go.

I've done the pre-op routine: nutritionist, psychologist, surgeon, lost 10% body weight...and now I'm in a holding pattern. Hoping to at least maintain my loss until I get my date. Kaiser says if you're over your goal weight, they'll walk you out of the surgery room and back into your car. Don't know if this is true, but don't want to find out.

I've been to a few support group meeting for weight loss surgery patients, but have only met one person who has the lap band. I can't seem to find a support group around here specifically for LB. Alas, I found you!

So, I've got tons of questions which I'll post in other threads.

For now, here are my stats:

35 years old

5'7"

254 lbs heighest

220 lbs current

sleep Apnea

High Blood Pressure

Lower Back issues

Knee issues

Reflux

Sounds familiar, huh?

--Alisha

Hi Alisha,

Welcome to LBT and congratulations on your decision to get the band. Waiting for that date is a big ole pain lol.

I have been banded for 20 months now and originally lost 48kgs in just over 12 months. 18 months out though, I had put on a few kilos and then discovered my band had slipped. I've just had a revision surgery this past Friday to get back in the game.

Regardless of the few issues I've had, I am so glad I chose to have this done. I love my band and the opportunities it has provided for me.

Your stats are very much like mine .. I was 262lbs, 5'7", had sleep apnea, borderline blood pressure, lower back issues (have only had to see my chiro once since banded!!!), reflux .. all the normal stuff lol. The sleep apnea was gone 3 months after banding, much to my husband's relief lol.

Good luck on getting that date and feel free to jump in anytime :peep:

Alisha, hi, I'm glad you found us. Just hang in there, try and keep to your holding pattern. Be sure and post if you're having problems (post anyway, not just with problems!), we're all here to support each other.

Alisha V

Welcome to LBT...have you been given a surgery date yet? keep us posted.