Hello,

I live in Tucson and am thinking about having the lap band done. Does anyone know of a doctor in Tucson and about follow up care and fills? I hate to have to go to Phoenix all the time for that. (2 1/2 hr drive)

My BMI is 34.3. I already called my insurance (PacifiCare) but they don't cover lap band. :angry

I have a mechanical heart prosthesis and am on 20mg of Coumadin (blood thinner) per day. I am a fast metabolizer and need this much to stay stable. My OHS was 8/2000 and the Aortic Stenosis was congenital. I am doing well after almost 7 years now. I hometest with the Protime.

My husband is terrified of the lap band surgery and the artificial device that is put in my body because I already have an artificial heart valve. Will the body eventually reject the band?

Anyone here with the same medical condition?

Any comments?

I can understand that you people don't have the same condition that I am dealing with but not to even say a friendly "hello" and welcome a new member to the site is beyond me.

I have waited several days now for someone to come along and say: "hey, welcome to this site. We are here for you".

Hello Arizona,

My name is Patty.

Welcome to Lapband talk. This is a wonderful resource for friendships and information. Please do not be angry with the people that post here. I only just this moment found your post and I responded because you have a similar screen name. It takes time to find friends.

Since I live in California, I do not know any doctors in your state. I myself have not had my surgery yet. I am in the approval process and it has been a challenge. My suggestion is to do a search on bariatric surgeons in your area hospitals and then come back here and ask if anyone has any information on that doctor. Yahoo also has a support group that deals with surgical weightloss and many people post there also. This is how I found my doctor. Another reason I found your post interesting is your heart condition. My 7 year old son has ToF and had surgery the same year you did. In fact we celebrate an anniversary tomorrow. Since you are a heart patient you should be speaking with your cardiologist about not only your weight but the coumadin that you take. Any elective surgery that you are considering needs to be coordinated with all your doctors together so that you won't be hurting your heart. I hope that you feel welcomed to the board and to know that I cared enough to write. Please let me know how your journey progresses.

Heart Hugs,

Patty

Hi AZdutchgirl....

I'm new to the site as well. I live in the Phoenix area and not at all familiar with doctors in Tucson. If you do decide it is necessary to come up to Phoenix for a doctor, let me know. I'll be happy to share my experiences with you regarding the doctors I have chosen and the ones I didn't.

I am also a self-pay. My do-nothing-for-you-when-you-need-it insurance doesn't cover anything.

I am not at all familiar with your heart condition. Have you talked to your cardiologist about WLS? What does he/she think about it?

Good luck... keep in touch.

Thanks Patty and Elaine for replying to my post.

Patty, I have heard of ToF but am not familar with the details. If you have questions and need support for your son, this is the place you might want to go: www.valvereplacement.com. There is lots and lots of info and great people on the forum. I've met numerous of them at the yearly reunions since 2000, including the person that started the web site. His name is Hank Eyring. He lives in Mesa, AZ.

Elaine, I am trying to avoid having to go to Phoenix and if I go ahead with this surgery I would prefer staying in Tucson. I hate to be driving up there all the time for all the after care. It is a 2 1/2 hr. drive for me.

My name is Christina. I am 5'4" tall and weigh 203 lbs. :help: :help: My BMI is 34.3. I just recently allowed the nurse at the doctors office to weigh me again when I was there to see him for another problem. Before that I refused to go on the scale and avoided it like the plague. I had not weighed myself in several years. I knew I was up there but didn't know exactly how much. I was hoping it wasn't over 200.:cry :cry :embarassed: :embarassed: When I was doing cardiac rehab in the fall of 2000 I was 192 so I gained 11 pounds in 6/12 years.:omg:

I am in the very beginning of even thinking about WLS. I am so tired of thinking about weight 24/7, not being happy with myself, afraid to eat, clothes that don't fit right and WLS seems the only way and would be nice not to have to worry about weight anymore.

I did have the courage this time to speak with my doctor about WLS and he is not against it. He said that it was not impossible but that I would be considered a "high risk" patient in regards to the Coumadin I take for my artificial heart valve. He would rather see me try get the weight off myself and buckle down on the suggested food plan and excercising every day. The suggested food and exercise plan he gave me is not unreasonable but will it work for me?

I have not spoken to my cardiologist about WLS yet. I just saw him in Feburary and won't see him again until next year unless there is a problem before that time. I can always call for another appointment and speak with him about WLS.

My DH of almost 30 years is very afraid for me getting this surgery because I am a fast metabolizer of Coumadin and I need 20-26mg+ per day to stay stable with my INR. My heart surgery in 8/2000 had to be redone within 11 days for that reason because the doctors had no idea that I was a fast metabolizer. They treated me like everyone else. Onze size fits all. (long story) I threw a clot and thanks to God it settled underneath the new mechanical valve and didn't move. Nevertheless, the surgery had to be redone. DH is afraid someone is going to mess me up and that I will throw a clot again, or worse have a stroke. I will have to go off Coumadin for this surgery and they need to bridge me with another drug like Heparin or Lovenox. They cannot leave me unprotected.

I got a referral to see a Lap Band surgeon/specialist here in town yesterday but still have to take the time to call and make an appointment.

I haven't called right away because I am a bit apprehensive myself as well and am thinking is it worth the risk? Am I just choosing the easy way out?

How did everyone else feel before their surgery and how did you all proceed?

Ooh, and will the body eventually reject the band? I was in Phoenix at a WLS (GB) seminar last year with a friend and that is what her surgeon told the audience that evening. His opinion is that the lap band will eventually be rejected by the body (about 10-15 years) and the surgery will need to be redone.

Hugs,

AZdutchgirl

Christina,

I'm glad you were able to find a doctor in Tucson. You are right, that drive wouldn't have been much fun. I hope things work out for you. Let us know how things go and what you decide.

I did my research of doctors in Tucson, as well. I actually know most of the doctors personally from long time family connections and I'll tell you the drive up to Phoenix is actually worth it.

Dear Christina,

I'm so glad to meet you! My darling Lewis has Tetrology of Fallot a congentital heart condition that is actually 4 abnormalities in one. If I recall correctly they are: arterial stenosis, malformed valve, thickness in the heart walls and 1-2 holes in the interior heart walls where blood flows back and forth which makes the baby "blue" in color. My sons feet were PURPLE when I changed his diapers! Lewis is doing fine -- I still watch him carefully but he has no restrictions and plays just like all the other 7 year old kids(praise God). This coming May I will be attending a seminar presented by Camp del Corazon a camp designed for heart kids. The parents attend the seminar while the couselors take the children to a local theme park -- all free of charge! I am looking forward to this event.

OK lets talk WLS. "You said that you don't feel happy about yourself, think about weight 24/7 and you would not like to worry about weight anymore". Having surgery will not bring you happiness. The surgery is a tool and I have been told that the work of choosing the right food portions, chewing slowly and exercise is a 24/7 JOB. I don't think it is a quick fix and if you do not follow the band rules, just like the gastric bypass patients.... you can gain your weight back! I am really really concerned about the meds you take and honestly feel that surgery is not going to be good for you. Your poor sweet husband. I think you should try hiring a trainer and nutritionist. You can have diet food delivered to your home if you don't want to cook at the beginning. Or Jenny Craig/Weight watcher foods for portions. I know the movie stars have "zone" diet food brought to the home or movie set. You need to lose about 60lbs -- sounds like alot but.... if it were divided by 2yrs = 30lbs per year divided by 12months = 2.5 lbs per month! I BELIEVE that you could do that rather nicely. I am positive that Christina could lose all her weight in 2 years. Here's the deal, whether it is gastric bypass or lapband you could lose your 60lbs in 7-10months and by most standards thats pretty fast -- I just don't think it would be good for your heart. I have 100lbs to lose and I know I will need at least 2+years to lose that much. Slow and steady. So, keep your chin up and update us on your decision.

Heart Hugs,

Patty..

So nice to meet you as well. :)

Sorry to hear about you little ones congenital heart condition. That must be hard on you because we mothers worry so much about our kids. Thank God he has no restrictions and can play like any other little boy. I wish him well.

Patty.. are you Dutch by any chance? I am an American citizen but from Dutch origin. I have been here for almost 30 years. I love it! I still speak the Dutch language and my Mom, 3 sisters and 1 brother all live in The Netherlands. I have a husband, 2 grown daughters and 3 grandkids.

I also have my thoughts about this LB surgery and to be honest it kind of scares me because of my artificial heart valve and the Coumadin I take every day. But as I said previously I am so tired of always thinking about weight. It is so frustrating. I want to be able to keep it off for good.

Posts that I have read on the forums people have said they love their band and that it is no big deal. The weight comes off slower than with GB but it comes off. That would be so nice.

I don't like diet food and don't believe in diets anymore. They don't work. I like to cook my own food. We go out once a week with friends and have a meal. Always careful what I choose.

I have done WW twice so far but the weighing in drives me nuts. I lost 10 pounds the last time. I wish I would've stuck with it because I was down to 179. That was a couple years ago now.

I made an appointment with the doctor this afternoon for a consult, but they want me to see the co-ordinator first before I see the doctor. That is fine with me. My appointment is May 1st.

I will keep you posted.

Heart hugs to you..

Christina,

I'm glad you were able to find a doctor in Tucson. You are right, that drive wouldn't have been much fun. I hope things work out for you. Let us know how things go and what you decide.

I made an appointment with the Bariatric doctor's office this afternoon and the appointment is May 1st. I first have to see the surgery co-ordinator but that is fine with me.

I have my thougths though and am kind of scared because of my heart condition and the meds I take. But I will see what they say. Maybe I don't even qualify.

Will keep you posted.

Christina

I did my research of doctors in Tucson, as well. I actually know most of the doctors personally from long time family connections and I'll tell you the drive up to Phoenix is actually worth it.

Hi there,

Thanks for answering my post. What does your ID mean? Neveragain.. Want to tell me?

I have an appointment with Dr. Monte Schwartz. (Camp Lowell) Do you know him? Please tell me what you know about him so I can make an informed decision.

Thanks,

Christina

Dear Christina,

I was born in the city of Den Hague in 1959. I was 6 months old when my parents immigrated to the US via ship. We ported in New York and then took a train to California. We have moved around from los angeles county to Santa barbara county and I now reside in Orange County near Disneyland. Yes, Dutch is my native language but being raised here I speak better English than I do Dutch. But, there isn't anything that is spoken in Dutch that I won't understand -- so beware I understand EVERYTHING! When I am shopping or dining and someone speaks dutch, my ears perk up. Many many times I am at Disneyland and I hear tourists from Holland talk and sometimes I will offer advice like "Oh, you need a restroom" to "the parade begins at 1pm". They will look at me and ask "you understand dutch" and I will tell them "yes"! It will always surprise people because I have dark hair and eyes -- what they do not know is that is because I am part Indonesian. So, I am part dutch and also asian. A rather fun combination. Hope you are having a fine weekend.

AZDutchGirl-

Welcome to LBT. No matter what your first impressions were about this site. I know you will grow to love this site and all the support/knowledge this group of people can offer. No matter how many classes/websites I went to before my surgery, I learned more here than I ever did from those classes or even my own surgeon's office.

Dear Christina,

I was born in the city of Den Hague in 1959. I was 6 months old when my parents immigrated to the US via ship. We ported in New York and then took a train to California. We have moved around from los Angeles county to Santa barbara county and I now reside in Orange County near Disneyland. Yes, Dutch is my native language but being raised here I speak better English than I do Dutch. But, there isn't anything that is spoken in Dutch that I won't understand -- so beware I understand EVERYTHING! When I am shopping or dining and someone speaks dutch, my ears perk up. Many many times I am at Disneyland and I hear tourists from Holland talk and sometimes I will offer advice like "Oh, you need a restroom" to "the parade begins at 1pm". They will look at me and ask "you understand dutch" and I will tell them "yes"! It will always surprise people because I have dark hair and eyes -- what they do not know is that is because I am part Indonesian. So, I am part dutch and also asian. A rather fun combination. Hope you are having a fine weekend.

Patty... I used to love Indonesian foods when I was still living in Holland, but I am not good at cooking it. I can make Bamie Goreng and Nassie Goreng and that's about it. It is also difficult to find all the necessary spices. We often go to Thai restaurants because they usually make a great Satee with chicken or beef. Peanut sauce often leaves a lot to be desired.

Since I live in a warm climate I often come across Dutch tourists as well. It happened just a couple weeks ago when I was at the gas station near my house. It was fun talking with them for a while. They were so surprised that I still speak the language fluently after being away from the old country for many years.

Have a great weekend too,

Christina

AZDutchGirl-

Welcome to LBT. No matter what your first impressions were about this site. I know you will grow to love this site and all the support/knowledge this group of people can offer. No matter how many classes/websites I went to before my surgery, I learned more here than I ever did from those classes or even my own surgeon's office.

Dear Foodstampchamp,

Thanks for the welcome. I am here every day learning about the procedure and figuring out if I really want to do this. There are a lot of pro's and cons. But with this site on my side I should be able to make an informed decision. Knowledge is POWER...

I've decided that I am not going to do this surgery after all. I've already canceled my appointment with the surgeons's co-ordinator.

With my mechanical heart valve it would be too much of a risk I think. I don't want to be stupid and die to be thin.

I have read and read on several of the lap band forums and this surgery is not without risks folks. Some of the posts scared the snot out of me. All the complications and difficulties that people had with the band afterwards made me think twice. I don't think I could live with that, and once it is in it takes money again to take it out. I also read some of the Memorial pages but most of the people that didn't make it had the GB though and were morbidly obese.

My BMI is 34.3 right now and for my health sake and preventing future problems I need to lose 60 pounds. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd ever have to lose 60 pounds. I don't have serious problems yet only that my cholesterol is high. (234) I don't have high blood pressure or diabetes. I have to do it this way and am determined to succeed. So I take 18 months or longer, what else would I have been doing? I have already started and no one is getting in my way. Not even my friend Darlene who loves to ask me to go out for a treat with her. I just hope when I get to where I need to be that I can keep it off. Like I read on so many posts with the LB and the GB you still have to fight to keep it off. You can still gain it all back if you don't watch out. There is no guarantee! You still need to eat right, small portions and cannot endulge in sugary junk.

Wish me luck!

Love & hugs,

Christina