Considering LapBad Surgery

[Starrmaia]

I am considering the LapBand surgery. I see my Dr. on Wed to talk to her about a referral to see the bariatric specialist. I am 5' 7" 230Lb. with a BMI of 36, I realize this is on the lower end, but I also have underlying health conditions (High blood pressure, PCOS, Sleep Apnea, family history of Diabetes; my brother was just diagnosed a few months ago, asthma) and have been battling my weight for the last 10 yrs. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if there is anything I should ask my Dr. at my appt. Also what to expect if I do go through with the surgery (if Im approved). Kinda nervous and trying not to get my hopes up too much.

Thanks

[RevyD]

Hi. I am Canadian and to even see a bariatric surgeon can take up to a year for a consult. I researched Lap band, talked to people who had it done and joined this forum which is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My research lead me Dr Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center in TJ Mexico. It was the best decision I have ever made.

I had my band on Sept 29th and it was a breeze. It took Dr Ortiz 7 minutes to place it and the only problem I had post op was bruising and a little gas the first day.

I had the band on a Tuesday. Flew home on Thursday and was back at work Monday. I am a Registered Nurse and manage a large medical unit so my job is very busy . I have had no problems returning to work.

I don't know what to tell you to ask your bariatric surgeon but I can tell you it was the best decision I ever made and I am looking forward to a much healthier lifestyle and a much smaller body in the next year.

My only regret is that I did not know about this years and have it done.

Good luck

Debbie

[peter]

Hi Starrmaia,

What I suggest is to had a talk with your doctor if he recommends any lap band surgeon. Well I prefer Mexico for the lap band surgery. Even I suggest you to go through relative websites about lap band surgery to understand what exactly it is all about and what is the best time for having it.

You can also ask for some suggestion here about some specialist surgeon of lap band.

Regards,

Peter

[AngieB]

I am considering the LapBand surgery. I see my Dr. on Wed to talk to her about a referral to see the bariatric specialist. I am 5' 7" 230Lb. with a BMI of 36, I realize this is on the lower end, but I also have underlying health conditions (High blood pressure, PCOS, Sleep Apnea, family history of Diabetes; my brother was just diagnosed a few months ago, asthma) and have been battling my weight for the last 10 yrs. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if there is anything I should ask my Dr. at my appt. Also what to expect if I do go through with the surgery (if Im approved). Kinda nervous and trying not to get my hopes up too much.

Thanks

I wish I could help you Starrmaia, I spoke breifly to the the Dr's locally before finding out the requirements for attempting to get my insurance to cover the operation. I am one of those people who when I make up my mind to do something, I do it. Waiting a 1 or 2 was not in the cards for me. I was already pushing the 280's and was thinking of my health and well being. I bypassed the insurance/American Dr's to get the band.

I think all the counseling, nutrition, documentation, physiological , ect are great and there for a reason. Would have taken advantage of many of the steps. However I also believe some of the protocall can be a bit over the top. I watched my Aunt jump through hoops and be delayed. It was so frustrating for her.

Will your insurance cover the procedure? If so, I would ask how long the process is from the beginning point till the surgery. What the porcess is. How many counseling sessions you will go to, how much journaling you will be doing. How many meetings will you have with the nutritionist? What % of body fat will you be required to loose before the operation.

I'd ask about what foods are the best foods for a banded patient. Any books that your Dr recommends reading for your education. The expenses of aftercare....

Most of these questions are best asked to the surgeon as to the GP.

Hope your meeting goes well!

[melly]

Hi. I am Canadian and to even see a bariatric surgeon can take up to a year for a consult. I researched Lap band, talked to people who had it done and joined this forum which is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My research lead me Dr Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center in TJ Mexico. It was the best decision I have ever made.

I had my band on Sept 29th and it was a breeze. It took Dr Ortiz 7 minutes to place it and the only problem I had post op was bruising and a little gas the first day.

I had the band on a Tuesday. Flew home on Thursday and was back at work Monday. I am a Registered Nurse and manage a large medical unit so my job is very busy . I have had no problems returning to work.

I don't know what to tell you to ask your bariatric surgeon but I can tell you it was the best decision I ever made and I am looking forward to a much healthier lifestyle and a much smaller body in the next year.

My only regret is that I did not know about this years and have it done.

Good luck

Debbie

Hey there

I am Canadian too. I am also a nurse. Do you do any lifting at your job? Im in Geriatrics so I am constantly lifting/ turning people.

And also have you lost all that weight this year? that is amazing~!!

Thanks

Melly

[RevyD]

Hey there

I am Canadian too. I am also a nurse. Do you do any lifting at your job? Im in Geriatrics so I am constantly lifting/ turning people.

And also have you lost all that weight this year? that is amazing~!!

Thanks

Melly

Hi Melly. I am a nurse manager on a large medical unit so do not do direct patient care anymore. Office work, meetings, running the unit and lots of walking.

I went from 317 lbs to 297 from the beginning of the year. I was 297 pounds when I started my pre-op diet at the end of August. When I left to go to Mexico on Sept 28th to be banded I weighed 269. I am 9 days post op and weighed 262 this morning. I mark down my weight and change my ticker on Saturdays so might drop a few more pounds before then.

Have you been banded yet or researching at this point?

Debbie

[melly]

I still am researching and saving like crazy so I dont have to charge the surgery. I told myself I can get it done when I have enough saved. That wont be until January, but at least I know there is a time in sight.