Hello everyone!

My name is Vanessa and I am new to this board. About a year and half ago I looked into to lap band but my insurance didn't cover it and I couldn't afford. Since then I have gained more weight and I've now decided it's time. I started to look into the process and to my surprise my insurance will now cover it! :whoo:

I have a BMI of 44 and I have my first consultation with the Surgical Specialist of Louisiana on September 21st. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should ask the doctor? Also, how long was it from your first consultation to the day you had the surgery?

Thank you in advance for your replies and I hope to become a frequent visitor.

Welcome Vanessa!

I don't have any advice about the insurance route as I was self-pay.

I think in the Q&A section a few forums away, there is a great list of questions that you might want to ask.

There's a lot of support here and information! It will keep you busy for a while!!

Good luck with your consultation!

Found this for you since I probably didn't do a good job of pointing you in the right direction!

Questions to ask about surgery

Thank you for that information Jenn! I going to print those questions out right now. I've noticed that you were banded a week ago. How is the healing process? I am looking to only be out of work for a week so I was just wondering if that was possible.

:welcome:

Just wanted to say hey.

I was only out a week! It is definitely possible!

My surgery was last Wednesday at noon. The next morning, DH and I took a trip 45 minutes south and I got lots of walking in. Aside from being a little tired and sore, I knew it was in my benefit to be moving around. We took another trip the next day and we were at the zoo for about 5 hours, walking around and standing. I would sit when I needed to.

I went to work yesterday with no problems. I do have a desk job. Here I am 6 days out and each day I am less sore each day. By the end of this week, I really see myself almost back to normal. I really think the key is to be up moving early. The night of my surgery I went to Target - not for long, but I did.

I think you'll be fine! As my surgeon said, you will be surprised how well you feel afterwards! I was really worried about feeling terrible. I told DH to make sure that I was up and walking around, doing things even if I was complaining that I didn't want to. I knew it was the best to get me on the speedy recovery track!

I was going to add that I took a week off work because we traveled from Florida to Colorado for my surgery. My co-workers all think I was on a great vacation - which I was! They all told me I was looking nice and refreshed from my time away.

Wow! So nobody at your work knows about the lap band? They are going to be shocked when they start seeing all the pounds coming off.

I am with you on the getting up and moving around. I had a c-section in 05' and the next day I was up and running all over the hospital. The nurses and my family kept telling me that I needed to take it easy but I just wanted to get back to my normal self. I had a fast recovery from that so I am sure I will do good with the lap band.

Actually only 3 people know about my band in my offline life! My DH (obviously!), his boss, and my brother. It's a decision for everyone how much to divulge and I didn't want to explain myself. I really plan on telling people who ask how I'm losing the weight that I'm watching my portions and making good food choices. That is 100% the truth! The band is only a tool to support my new habit, not a cure.

It's funny because I remember sitting in the car with DH the day after my surgery and I told him that I was feeling great but that I never want a c-section because it has to be far worse than this! So even thought I've never had a c-section, you will think this is a breeze!

Some of the same tips apply... like holding on to a pillow while getting up or while coughing. All that will come back to you but you will think "this is it??? I can live with this!" LOL

I think I have told everyone I possibly could have about it, except for the people at work. Everyone I have told is in total support of me. I am going to tell my co-workers about it all after my consultation.

I wont be able to have the surgery until next year because I don't have any vacation time until then.

Hi Vanessa,

I am also new to the site..today. I am 41 years old, female, 5' 3" tall, BMI of 35, have sleep apnea, reflux and need to loose about 60 lbs. I have struggled for the last 20 years to loose 5 lbs and have been unsuccessful. My doctor recommended the lap band. I have already started the process, met with the nutritionist (today) and received approval from the insurance company. I am outweighing the pros and cons. I have a family history of high blood pressure, chlorestorol, sleep apnea, respiratory issues, orthopedic problems. I am considering this more for health reasons I see in my future. I just want to be able to tuck in my shirt and shop for signle size clothing, not 14 or 16. Truly, I am on the fence and find this website very helpful. I cannot digest the fact that I cannot have carbonated drinks (I love my bubbly lemon water), I don't drink soda. Is is true that you cannot drink and eat at the same time? That'll be hard for social occasions.

Good luck on making a decision whether or not to get banded. I am sure you will choose what is best for you.

From what I have heard you can not eat and drink at the same time. I've even heard that you should wait until about an hour after eating to have something to drink. The reason behind this is that the liquid you digest will just flush the food right down defeating the whole purpose of the lapband.

Welcome! and best of luck on your journey!

Hi,

Thanks for you reply. You were banded in April 07. Please share you experience with me. I'd love to follow your progress. I feel confident that I will loose my 60 lbs. but am scared of he life long commitment with changes. I don't eat excessively, actually I've been told I eat too little. I also like to have my weekend drinks, 2 to 3 and kick back. I was also told that I could never eat ice cream. Is that true? I am very active with my family and exercise regularly. I just want to make sure that I am making the best decision with no regrets. Look forward to hearing from you again.

With Lapband -you can eat ice cream physically - super easy to get down -- but it could hinder weight loss due to high calories and being liquid your newly modified pouch really doesn't limit quanity -- (same with alcohol - liquid high calories)

I eat IC sometimes - not daily -- just have to be accountable for it - or anything I place in my mouth.

You will do great - you will need to make sure to get 3 meals in a day -- it increases your metabolism -- otherwise your body thinks it is starvation mode - I am sure you heard all this before.

Journal your food daily and share with nutritionist!

Great sites for journaling:

www.nutritiondata.com

www.fitday.com

www.fitbodystrongbody.com

www.dietfacts.com

www.sparkpeople.com

www.calorie-count.com

www.thedailyplate.com

www.calorieking.com

Best Wishes!