Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

newbie here with some questions



Recommended Posts

Hello all!

I recently went to a seminar for the sleeve and have my consultation with the DR in june. I really wanted the sleeve but my insurance will only cover the lapband, so I am going to go with that.

I am 400lbs. I am young but have high cholesterol, high bp (controlled with meds) arrythmia (cardiologist cleared me for surgery) and am risk of heart disease. so it needs to happen. I have been seeing a dietitian and have done many diets. I lose a little bit and thats it.

I am concerned it will not help me to lose enough weight to get to where I want to be (180)

Anyone in here around my weight and get down to that goal weight?

Any pros/cons you can share with me?

I am excited to get it done already!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello all!

I recently went to a seminar for the sleeve and have my consultation with the DR in june. I really wanted the sleeve but my insurance will only cover the lapband, so I am going to go with that.

I am 400lbs. I am young but have high cholesterol, high bp (controlled with meds) arrythmia (cardiologist cleared me for surgery) and am risk of heart disease. so it needs to happen. I have been seeing a dietitian and have done many diets. I lose a little bit and thats it.

I am concerned it will not help me to lose enough weight to get to where I want to be (180)

Anyone in here around my weight and get down to that goal weight?

Any pros/cons you can share with me?

I am excited to get it done already!!

So I'm only pre-op but I had this same question. It was a resounding "don't do the band" it apparently comes with a lot of issues and surgeons aren't performing them as they once were. Of not the sleeve, may be just do bypass? .

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@nothingmoreorless That's very odd your insurance only covers LapBand. My surgeon doesn't recommend LapBand due to 50-60% of people require a secondary surgery due to complications. It is also the lowest % of weight loss option. What insurance plan do you have?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@CrissyCakes

my insurance will not cover the sleeve or bypass. They just cover the lapband. I have read a lot of negative on fb groups but im seeing positive here. I believe my insurance will cover revision surgery after 2 years if you are still above the criteria. Which I think is silly. Why waste all that money and not just cover it from the start? It is actually my job that is only choosing to pay for the lapband and not include the others on the insurance. So I will be writing a letter to HR to dispute it. But if they wont approve sleeve, I am doing the band.

Edited by nothingmoreorless

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@CrissyCakes

my insurance will not cover the sleeve or bypass. They just cover the lapband. I have read a lot of negative on fb groups but im seeing positive here. I believe my insurance will cover revision surgery after 2 years if you are still above the criteria. Which I think is silly. Why waste all that money and not just cover it from the start? It is actually my job that is only choosing to pay for the lapband and not include the others on the insurance. So I will be writing a letter to HR to dispute it. But if they wont approve sleeve, I am doing the band.

Smh how absolutely ridiculous. Well yeah I'd definitely looking into appealing it as someone else mentioned.

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I dont understand the whole insurance process in America... but.... like others have said.... try to appeal and fight for your right to choose.

Ive got a few posts regarding my band story... but i will give you a summary...

I had the band for 6 years... yes i lost weight... yes i maintained my weight... then my band decided to play up during the final year and because i was basically starving. . I asked for it to be removed, i was constantly in pain or vomiting (not real vomit, but sliming every time i ate). When i had it removed, i gained most of my weight back, even though my diet was extremely good. This is very common..

I now have the sleeve and it is soooooo much better... i have restriction without the pain and vomiting.

However, if you appeal and they still say they only offer the band, I personally would still do it... purely because its better to have lost weight while you can, than develop all the health issues that come with being obese.

Thats my 2 cents ☺

Edited by AussieGirl81

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello all!

I recently went to a seminar for the sleeve and have my consultation with the DR in june. I really wanted the sleeve but my insurance will only cover the lapband, so I am going to go with that.

I am 400lbs. I am young but have high cholesterol, high bp (controlled with meds) arrythmia (cardiologist cleared me for surgery) and am risk of heart disease. so it needs to happen. I have been seeing a dietitian and have done many diets. I lose a little bit and thats it.

I am concerned it will not help me to lose enough weight to get to where I want to be (180)

Anyone in here around my weight and get down to that goal weight?

Any pros/cons you can share with me?

I am excited to get it done already!!

Skip over to the Lapband forums and see what they say/post... if that's your only option w/ insurance coverage... Alex Brecher, the developer of this site also had a lapband and has kept it off for years... reach out to the experts...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello all!

I recently went to a seminar for the sleeve and have my consultation with the DR in june. I really wanted the sleeve but my insurance will only cover the lapband, so I am going to go with that.

I am 400lbs. I am young but have high cholesterol, high bp (controlled with meds) arrythmia (cardiologist cleared me for surgery) and am risk of heart disease. so it needs to happen. I have been seeing a dietitian and have done many diets. I lose a little bit and thats it.

I am concerned it will not help me to lose enough weight to get to where I want to be (180)

Anyone in here around my weight and get down to that goal weight?

Any pros/cons you can share with me?

I am excited to get it done already!!

Look at my stats. I was morbidly obese...only five feet tall and 267 lbs. My PCP said I'd only lose 40 lbs. with the band but I went ahead with it anyway because I didn't want my insides messed around with nor did I want my stomach cut out. I didn't lose 40 lbs. I lost 140 lbs. I am 127 lbs. now and have been for two years or so. Don't presume you can't lose alot of weight if you have the band. Good luck with whatever surgery you get.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lapband has been great for me. Started at 448 - down to 190 in 22 months. I have 40lbs to go. I joined a support group called weekly weigh in on line 3 months after surgery. The education from the group that are on the same journey has been amazing. I wanted lapband vs gastric sleeve/bypass and was told the same thing - you will not lose the weight you want. I am following the rules and losing. Congrats on making a decision to take the first step. I only wish I had done it years earlier.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×