Weight Loss Surgery - Lap Band FAQ

How about we start a thread for FAQ?

When considering WL surgery of any kind, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get as much information as you can, talk to as many people as you can, get ALL the pro's and especially the cons. Sit back, reflect, then decide.

WLS is serious, its not the cure to WL, its only a tool. You will still need to diet and exercise. Who ever thinks its the easy way out is sadly mistaken because its not, infact its just as hard!!!

Posts by members, moderators and admins are not considered medical advice and no guarantee is made against accuracy. Please see your physician before taking advice found on the internet.


WHAT EXACTLY IS LAP-BAND: http://www.lap-band.com/

Here's a list of abbreviations:

LB: Lap-Band

PB: Productive Burp
When you eat something that can't go down and it comes back up.

Slime: Thats what happens before the PB actually come up. Foam/slime will come up before the PB.

PCP: Primary Care Physician

GP: General Practitioner

NSV: Non Scale Victory
You've achieved something other than the #'s on the scale.

WLS: Weight Loss Surgery

MO: Morbid Obesity

BMI: Body Mass Index

GBP or GBS: Gastric Bypass Surgery

RNY: Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

GERD: Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease

BP: Blood Pressure

DS: Duodenal Switch

WARNING: CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY ADVICE AND/OR ANY OF THE DRUGS LISTED BELOW:

NSAIDS: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (painkillers which includes ibuprofen. Banded people should try to avoid because they can add to ulcer risk).

DRUGS THAT CLAIM / CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH:
Advil
Aleve
Amigesic
Anacin
Anaprox
Ansald
Anthra-G
Arthropan
Ascriptin
Aspirin
Asproject
Azolid
Bextra
Bufferin
Butazolidin
Celebrex
Clinorial
Darvon compounds
Disalcid
Dolobid
Erythromycin
Equagesic
Feldene
Fiorinal
Ibuprofen
Indocin
Ketoprofen
Lodine
Meclomen
Midol
Motrin
Nalfon
Naprosyn
Nayer
Orudis
Oruval
Pamprin-IB
Percodan
Ponstel
Rexolate
Tandearil
Tetracycline
Tolecin
Uracel
Vioxx
Voltaren


DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFER FOR THE BAND:
Benadryl
Tylenol
Dimetapp
Robitussin
Safetussin
Sudafed
Triaminics (All)
Tylenol (cold products)
Tylenol Ex Strength
Gas-X
Phazyme
Imodium Ad
Colace
Dulcolax-Suppositories
Fleet Enema
Glycerin-Suppositories
Milk of Magnesia
Peri-Colace

Food Stages EXAMPLES ONLY

Not all Doctors follow the same food guidelines but here are some examples / info on the stages after surgery.

The most important thing to do / remember during all of these stages is LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR and no one else !!!

Make sure your doctor / hospital supplies you with a list of do's and don'ts before you go home. okie dokie ;)

Clear Liquids: - this is usually about 1 - 2 weeks after surgery.
Diluted 100% Juices: Apple, Cranberry, Grape, Orange (no added sugars)
Broths: Ckn, Turkey, Beef, Veggie (no particles or solids)
Jello: Regular or Sugar Free
Popsicles: Regular or Sugar Free (no fruit pieces)
Cold Drinks: Sports drinks (Gatorade), lemonade, iced tea (reg or sf), crystal light, flavored waters (propel, reebok, snapple-elements, fruit2o)
Hot Drinks: Coffee or tea with skim milk or creamer, w/sugar or sugar subsitute.

Thicker Liquids: This is usually 2 - 3 weeks after surgery:
Cream soups (no hunks in it)
Milk / Soy milk
Milk Shakes - thinned
Protein Drinks - thinned
Yogurt Smoothie Drinks - thinned

Mushies: This is usually 3 - 4 weeks after surgery (the OMG, I've died and gone to heaven stage LOL).
Cottage Cheese
Cream of Wheat
Eggs
Yogurt
Pudding
Refried beans
Applesauce or other fruit sauces
Canned fruits mushed up
Mashed potatoes
Oatmeal

Solids: This is usually 4 - 5 weeks after surgery (the OMG I'm scared stage...but you'll be fine, trust me). Just listen to your band/tummy.

Leenie - this is FABULOUS! you've learned so much!

i'd just like to add a note for the bypass folks. although there are many similarities between the lapband and the bypass diet for the first few weeks, THEY'RE DIFFERENT ENOUGH THAT WHAT WORKS FOR ONE GROUP ISN'T THE BEST THING FOR THE OTHER!

so, listen to your doc. watch the carbs [we're re-wired so that we are far more sensitive to carb loads than lapbanders are!].

If anyone has any questions they'd like to ask, please ask away!!!

Does anyone know if insurance is covering Lapband surgery yet. Last time I checked it was too new a procedure and they weren't covering it. Thanks in advance....Sis :)

It depends on the insurance company. Some are, some aren't.

Does anyone know if insurance is covering Lapband surgery yet. Last time I checked it was too new a procedure and they weren't covering it. Thanks in advance....Sis :)

Yes it depends on the insurance, my insurance paid for mine.

In the first weeks where you cant have any solids, what happens if you are on medications for highbloodpressure and on blood thining tablets (asprin as mentioned above) How are these tablets taken?

freaky - talk to your doc about this. most of us are on SOME form of medication at the time of surgery. it's generally not a problem EXCEPT FOR THE BLOOD THINNERS! the doc will probably have you stop taking them at some point before the surgery.

but every doc does things a little differently, so it's best to ask.

In the first weeks where you cant have any solids, what happens if you are on medications for highbloodpressure and on blood thining tablets (asprin as mentioned above) How are these tablets taken?


Yes, ask your doctor. The pain medication the hospital gave me I was able to crush up and take w/my water or juice in the beginning. Also, some medications do come in liquid form so ask your doc.

Sorry I didn't see this earlier :hug:

Last week i had the flu.For 2 days I threw up everthing i ate.Now everytime i try to eat something soft or even taking my dialy meds the pain in my stomach is so bad i end up throwing up.So my question is can you do damage to the lap-band from throwing up so much?The worst of it all is the prescription iron meds i have to take causes so much i just double over.

Jo, I'm sure damage could be done if your violently throwing up day after day, especially in the beginning when your newly banded, you could tear the stitches. If you know you have a hard time with meds then you might want to reconsider having the band and talking to your doctor about what could happen. I don't think some one who has a hard time with meds, throwing up and stomach pain would be a good candidate for the band or any WLS.

:hug:

Can anyone tell me what kind of chewable vitamins you take - I am allergic to Aspartame and some of vitamins I have found contain that - also what types do you take - I am having lap band on the 23 of July.

I take Centrum, not sure whats in them. I think One A Day makes kids chewables as well but I think there is aspartame in them. You can try liquid vitamins.

.

HI LADIES ~ got some questions for you; a friend of mine (who doesn't own a PC) asked me to ask you about LAP-BAND surgery. Her doctors want her to consider this op as she is 340 lbs & 60 y/o; and has been on numerous diets and re-gained all the weight and more (sounds very familiar).

Anyways, she scared of the staple one; not sure about the by-pass; but thinks the lap-band is just a tight band that they put around part of the stomach which makes the stomach much smaller. Her doc says she won't lose weight as fast or as much, but is the least intrusive of the three, with the least possible complications (which is her greatest concern).

Will she end up vomiting a lot (one of my friends did)? Is it true that you can only eat 4-6 tablespoons of food for a meal? Does your stomach stretch bigger again after awhile? Do they eventually remove the band or does it stay on forever? I tried to get info off the lap-band site (above) and couldn't get past the sign-in thingy.

ANYWAYS, from what you say, she couldn't eat any solids for 4-5 weeks after surgery. When and what kind of solids will she be able to eat then? She eats a lot of fruit and veggies now, but very little meat as she is diabetic and has severe kidney stones.

Anything you can think of for her; she says this is her doctor's idea and his recommendation to her; not her idea, and she's unsure of it all. She is going to see the specialist very soon. What should she ask him? She is concerned that they won't tell her the whole truth about side effects and what she will be able to eat afterwards. Thanks for your input and answers ~ ROSEBUD.

UPDATE INFO ~ my friend called yesterday to say that she just found out that her insurance won't pay for LAP-BAND surgery because it is too new a procedure (our gov usually waits for 10 years to approve these things). She said that it only pays for the other two kinds; and that the only reason she considered LAP-BAND is becuz it didn't involve cutting any internal organs.

I understand her concern; she said thanx for trying to get info, but she won't be going for the other ones, and will be informing her doctor of this shortly. She's still going to see the specialist though; which kind of puzzles me. So not-to-worry about the info ~ claims she doesn't need it now! Thanx anyways ... ROSEBUD

I wish your friend much success :hug:

I was wondering...what if you have a heart attack and someone does CPR on you, with the lapband and where their pumping on your chest....won't that cause damage to the Lapband? And, should you wear a medical alert bracelet telling what your health conditions are?
I try to think of everything, so I'm sure I'll be back asking ??
I guess though at that point they won't care, they'll just try and save our life.

Worrisome...MiddleSister

Those are some GREAT questions bout the Lap-Band.I have NO clue on any of your questions.When I had it done my only goal was to get help losing weight.But you have made me think about these things (thanks) and I will write a list and ask my Dr. who done the Lap-Band.

I can't answer your question about CPR, but I do have a medical alert bracelet.

Front of Bracelet is says:
My first and last name
See Back


Back of the Bracelet is says:
Gastric Lap-Band
No N/G Tubing Without Scope
Dr.'s Name
Dr.'s Phone, Town, State

I wore it alot in the beginning but now it sits in my wallet.
I really should just get a medical alert card for my wallet.

Leenie

I've started the process for lapband (insurance info, first nutrition class) but am feeling a bit nervous about such a drastic step at my age (63). However, it's really now or never as it's not recommended (so I'm told) for folks much older. My DH had a GB 2 yrs ago and has lost (gasp!) 180 lbs and is doing great. He had a hard time for quite awhile with dumping, etc. so I'm staying far away from that option. Recently ran into an acquaintance who's lost 100+ lbs with LB & is doing great, which was what spurred me on. My surgeon is fabulous with an incredible amt of experience - that's not the issue. It just seems so drastic. Guess we all fear the unknown. I'm an emotional eater and it's gotten worse, not better since the nutrition class LOL! Hardest so far is not drinking 30 minutes before/after food (haven't been able to do that yet). Just looking for support for those who have been there or are just about to have it (LB).

It was covered by my insurance, and it seemed the less evasive of all the other surgical options.
I was just getting bigger and bigger with a never ending hunger.
I had to lose 10 lbs before surgery to shrink my liver, I was on a liquid diet before surgery so I lost the 10 lbs no problem.
I had high blood pressure/pre diabetic/with a history of bloot clots and a newly fixed hole in my heart.
And they still let me have the surgery, I was 43 at the time and have no regrets, I have lost 75 lbs and all my blood pressure problems are gone so is the diabetic issues.
I can eat 3/4 cup a food at a sitting, sometimes more if I cheat a little, and that is drinkig with meals, not recommended by the drs though. But when I am out to eat in a fancy resturant and you just want to enjoy the food a little longer it works.
My dr says eat protien first, veggies next and breads if there is room.
I always know when to stop when I get the hiccups, if you go to far and eat too much or eat foods that are too dry, or don't chew wel enough you can vomit. Not a big deal it doesn't happen that often as you are retrained to eat.
Foods I liked before have changed now it seems I like favorful foods that are better or me as what to put better things in me.
I am on vitamins children chewables,
I want to say you are gonna lose weight, I don't do diet foods and I lost slowly just because the amount you eat is less.
I still want to lose another 4o lbs and now i feel I have to work at it .
I anyone has any questions please contact me and I will be glad to offer assistance if I can.
Lynne

I have been there and I would do it again in a heart beat, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself..
It is a surgery but not a bad one I have had alot worse, I hope you choose this it is so much beter than being obese..Lynne

Hi Grammy and :welcome:

I do know a few people from another site who have had the lap-band and are over 60 years old. They are so happy the they did it. When I first started the process my nerves were shot, I ate and ate out of just being so terrified, so I know how you feel. Just take it one day at a time and do what ever the doctors tell you. Mostly remember every doctor is different and will have different requirements for you, so try not to worry about anything until you find out from your very own doc. Don't worry about the water, it will come naturally to you. Good luck

Leenie

.

Thank you SO much for the welcomes and good advice! This afternoon I sat in front of the TV and watched the TLC show about Brookhaven Clinic in NYC which really got my attention! Wow! If I don't do something now I might end up like those poor people. You're so right about "one day at a time" - I do tend to get panicked when I forget that and then really burrow into food out of fear and for comfort. But your website and all these wonderful posts give me real hope and confidence that it (weight control) can be accomplished, even for an *ole lady* like me, LOL! (Maybe I can shock my g'kids and appear in a Santa bikini next Christmas, hehheh)

obesityhelp.com is another good lapband site, send me a private message for the link
Lynne

Thank you, Lynne - I haven't posted enough yet to be able to send private messages, but I did find the site - it's really a good one. Thanks, Carol

What are some items you wish you had available after surgery that you didn't think about before? I am going to Mexico for my surgery in May. Can you all please help me make a packing list of things I will need to take? Thanks!

Hi Bizzy Bee and Welcome

If you read the first two posts of this thread you'll get some idea's of what you will need when you return home. What you will need really depends on your doctor, what sort of diet he is putting you on after surgery etc.

Two things come to mind that you should definitly have...one is a prescription pain killer from your doctor before you get home (I had percocet), and some gas-x to help with the gas pain. Do you have some one at home that can help you?

I slept in my recliner for 1 week because laying down in a bed straight hurt to much.. for me that is. Its strange, some people are up and running in a day and then there are others like me where it took 5 days before I felt like driving again..hopefully you'll be the up and at it kind ;)

Do you know what diet you will be on when you get home? you'll need to prepare for that.

Good luck !!!

My insurance will pay for the lap band surgery. I wonder about the port though. Will it be visible? Will you be able to feel it? I really don't want something that can bothered by clothing, or exposed if I'm wearing a swimsuit. Silly concerns, I'm sure, but concerns nevertheless.

you will be able to feel your port if you press on your stomach. it feels like the round end of a stethescope. your biggest scar will be on top of it or near it. good luck

My insurance will pay for the lap band surgery. I wonder about the port though. Will it be visible? Will you be able to feel it? I really don't want something that can bothered by clothing, or exposed if I'm wearing a swimsuit. Silly concerns, I'm sure, but concerns nevertheless.


First, you are VERY luck your insurance will pay.

You won't be able to see your port. As you start losing weight, you'll be able to feel it with your hand when you press on your stomach. (Just like Mistymed said!)

Good luck to you. If you have any other concerns, please post them. This is a great group and everyone has been wonderful to me!

I agree with the sister chicks....you prob won't be able to see it... only feel it. But isn't that small bump better than big rolls ;)

Congrats on your insurance covering it.

.

Leenie- so true! :)

I haven't lost all my weight yet, but I can feel my port if I press down on it.

What are the pre-operative procedures for LB Surgery?

thanks

What are the pre-operative procedures for LB Surgery?

thanks

Hi Beckyjo, it really depends on your insurance. Some will make you jump through hoops and others won't. Most will require 6 months or more of supervised weight loss (doctor) and some medical testing. They may require you to go to a nutritionalist and a psychologists. A way to find out to find out is call your insurance company and ask them.

Good Luck, Leenie
.

September 26 is my last weight check (yeah!) and Ive seen the nutritionist and psychologist. With everything coming to an end and the surgery becoming more than just a hopeful dream, what are some things i can do to prepare for surgery? And for life after surgery?

MelJoi....I'm considering lapband surgery, when is your's scheduled?

Hi everyone
I am considering the LB procedure, still going to look into insurance and such, but wanted to know about post op pregnancy......what if you become pregnant....how would that be delt with, does anyone know......
I have a daughter she is 2 1/2 and wanted our kids to be close in age as my brother and i weren't...there is 6 years between us......but I am totally willing to wait if it means being healthy and not having high blood pressure while pregnant this go round. thanks for your help:?:

Hi Roots Girl, and :welcome:

From what I understand, if you become pregnant the doctor will remove the fill from the band so you are able to eat more. Thats it !!

But this is really something you need to discuss with the surgeon so that you can hear it strait from the horses mouth ;)

GOOD LUCK !!!!

I am a 4 yr lapbander, 75 lbs lost..
I eat what I want just less amount wise.
I do avoid new foods in a public place just in case?
I can not eat leftovers, as they are too dry and don't stay down.

If anyone wants anymore information just pm me..

I have to post three more threads to be able to pm so this is my third.\lol

I have to post three more threads to be able to pm so this is my third.\lol

You might want to join us on the regular board... I'm sure the girls/guys would like to get to know you.

Leenie

I went to a seminar last night about the lap band. I am seriously considering it but I am very nervous as my twin sister almost died having gastric bypass. I know that the lap band is safer but it is still in the back of my head.
One question I have is I am in the process of getting a divorce I am trying to decide whether to stay on my husbands insurance (Horizon blue cross blue shield) or switch to my own. A friend of mine who has already begun the process has Aetna and she only has to do 3 months of a medically supervised diet. I don't know how long my current insurance requires but I am looking to get this done as soon as possible.

I had/have Horizon Blue Cross/Shield and they want 6 months supervised dieting w/your doctor. But your plan may be different. Good luck !!!

I'm so angry my insurance won't cover LB surgery. I don't know if this is too personal of a question but how did those of you who had the surgery pay for it if insurance didn't cover it?

I did find out that insurance covers a nutritionist. Now i'm just dieting and exercising the old-fashioned way.

Some people take out loans, or dip into their savings.

I am considering WLS. I went to a seminar on 2/7/09 and already schedule my initial consultation with the surgeon for 02/23/09 (they wanted to see me sooner but I am a busy bee) my only concern as everybody is if Horizon blue cross/blue shield will make me go thru hoops for their approval. I am 33 years old, BMI 43 and High Blood Pressure. They told me I needed a record of my weight for the last five years, a proof that I had diet before (they said supervised diet but there are some of us that do not wait for doctor approval to do any diet) I am glad that I documented my attempts to lose weight. I lost 80 pounds in five months in my last one and got almost to my goal, just to get it back and then some more. I also need the Medical Necessity letter. I want to prepare for everything the insurance throw at me, so I will really appreciate that if I miss something, please let me know. Glad to join this forum. ^_^

Welcome Kainu, glad your here too.

May I ask which surgeon you are seeing?


.

Thanks, Lennie. I am going to be with Dr. Strein in Englewood Hospital.

I hear Englewood is good !!!! good luck and keep us posted :hug:

I am new to 3 chicks. I am a college student and am seriously thinking about surgery for weight loss my BMI is 41 and I have elevated blood pressure. The problem is that I don't have any insurance. Any suggestions about financing or pro's and con's? Thanks

Smpuent,
I am also a college student and considering wls. I'm in about the same situation as you. I will probably use my mom or dad's insurance. I know my mom's covers it without any hitches. However Certain places I've been researching have payment plans. There is a dr by me with a payment plan, plus I read that the realize band works with capital one and I think the lapband has a payment plan also of 84 months or so. I think it just depends on the type of surgery. But I'd definitely research more into what each compan of the LBs do to help with financing. Not sure about other surgery.

Hello Ladies!!! I am new to this website and have been going through the process and documentation to have the lapband surgery. So far for insurance i have to go to the dietician and my regular doctor for 6 consecutive months and i am going into my 4th month. YEAAAA getting closer lol..I also already have the 5 year weight history.It was hard work lol.. Anyways i have a couple questions for anybody to answer or input. 1st Is there anyone who regrets having the lapband surgery in any way? Anything i should be aware of? (I have been to my doctors information seminar and have met with the surgeon so i do know quite a bit) 2nd this question is more cosmetic...As you lose weight (with having the lapband surgery) does any of your skin shrink or will ALL of my skin pretty much everywhere just sag? Like arms, thighs etc... I know the stomach region will that is pretty much a given but what about other areas? I am only 27 so my skin and body will hopefully adjust a little bit.
Thank you for any input!!! I appreciate it alot!!!
Have a Blessed Night!
Miss Katie

Hi Katie and :welcome:

Congrats on being in your 4th month. Insurance companies make you run circles but IMHO its worth it.

IMHO
Q: 1st Is there anyone who regrets having the lapband surgery in any way?
A: Not I ... even though I'm not losing at this point.. I'm not gaining either YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEE

Q: Anything i should be aware of? (I have been to my doctors information seminar and have met with the surgeon so i do know quite a bit)
A: Yes, the band is a tool, it will not work unless you work with it, meaning you have to diet and exercise and have the proper restrictions (fills)... the band can not do it by itself. Make sure you follow your doctors diet after banding. It is so important as you don't want to hurt yourself (especially with exercise, you don't want to tear your innard up after surgery). Don't get frustrated if you don't lose weight until you get the proper restriction... remember you can eat just like you did before banding without proper fills. It takes time to get proper restriction (your sweet spot lol) so don't get frustrated if your not there by the 3, 4, 5th visit... just remember it WILL happen. Lapband weight loss is supposed to be slow, 1-2 lbs a week.. this IS good !!!! If you eat junk, you will gain, if you follow your doc's diet suggestions, you'll lose. Try not to pick up other habits that allow you to eat around the band.. for instance, cake might be hard to eat (at first) so instead you'll eat ice cream b/c it goes down easier :no: this is a BAD habit. SO don't subsitute one bad food for another. Mostly listen to your body, take small bites, chew chew chew chew chew chew, eat slow.

Q: 2nd this question is more cosmetic...As you lose weight (with having the lapband surgery) does any of your skin shrink or will ALL of my skin pretty much everywhere just sag? Like arms, thighs etc... I know the stomach region will that is pretty much a given but what about other areas? I am only 27 so my skin and body will hopefully adjust a little bit.
A: Thats a hard question as everyone is different. I would think.. the more weight you have to lose, the more saggy skin you'll have. Thats where either a tummy tuck comes to play or a nice corset ;) don't let saggy skin stop you from losing weight. My suggestion to you is to start exercising NOW !! tighten up everything you can.. can't hurt.

Hope this helps.... ;)

Leenie

Thank you very much for replying! Your information was very helpful. I am excited to get the weight off!!! I have been heavy my whole life and have tried so many things. I wont let the saggy skin stop me. lol I will just have to start a savings account for tucks lol. One more question though if you don't mind.... I struggle with feeling full sometimes...I can eat out at a buffet and get full then 30 minutes or so later i feel hungry again..Does the lapband really truthfully make you feel full off the small amount you eat or is it kind of a placebo so you think you are full?

it's a mechanical thing, darlin. think about a balloon animal - and how parts of the balloon are TIED OFF. there'a MUCH less room in, say the balloon animal's head than in the rest of the body. so, by putting the lapband on, you'll basically filling just that small top part with food [and you WILL feel fuller, because that small part IS full], and it'll slowly filter out through the rest of your digestive tract.

Yes, your pouch will feel full - given your restriction (fills) is good.
Your gonna do great, don't worry ;)

Thank You Ladies!!!! I am SUPER Excited though!!!! October isn't coming fast enough lol...that is when my 6 months is up and we send in everything to insurance for approval....I am motivated to get the weight off so i think i will do good as well...But Thanks for the Support!!!!
Have a Blessed Night Ladies!!!!

Hope your going to hang with us WLS chicks on the main board (below this thread), we love positive attitudes and you certainly are glowing :D

I am scheduled for lap band surgery on Monday. I'm feeling both excited and and a bit nervous. It is such a bit step!

:welcome: Fran and congrats on being in band-land soon. It is a big step isn't it. Where are you having it done?

Leenie

I am so darn frustrated with my insurance it is ridiculous! I have spoke with both BCBS of TX and my husband's insurance United Healthcare and both of our employers have listed the procedure as an exclusion! I don't understand why it is so hard to get this thing covered. If it is effecting your health and you have been obese for years and not been able to successfully lose weight on your own, then what's the dang problem????? I am sooooooo fed up and I really don't want to be paying on this thing out of pocket for the next ten years! :(

I was told that I could possibly appeal the exclusion if I had a medical necessity letter. I just don't know if pre-diabetic, high cholesterol, and PCOS will suffice. IMHO, I would think PCOS would be a good morbidity to list because it is related to being obese and the only known reversal or way to improve it is to lose weight. As of right now, my fertility is shot because of it, but if I were able to lose the weight I need to then my fertility will increase and I might actually have the opportunity one day to conceive naturally, without all the pills!

Has anyone chosen to self-pay on this procedure and if so what was the cost? How well did they work with you payments wise? I mean is it affordable? So far I have seen that it ranges anywhere from $17,000-$25,000 in Texas. That just seems crazy to me! Any advice will be very appreciated! Thanks,
fluffy

Hi Jess and welcome :)

Oh boy, insurance companies are just praying you won't appeal it.. they are pretty much counting on it. Do yourself a favor... get a letter from your doctor / surgeon and send it in... track it, write down everything they (insurance co) say and who you talked to, call every day... pretty much haunt them !! I know several people who have had to send in letters and then got approved :D

Give it a try, can't hurt.

Leenie

Hi all- I am new to posting- although I have been reading posts for a few months. I am in the process of exploring lap band surgery. I originally thought about WLS about 10 years ago, tried to give it a go on my own and am back to where I have started.

I am scheduled to go to an informational session with the surgeons coming up but I had a question for those of you who are post op.

I have read what to expect within the first few months after surgery- but I am wondering once your band is fully restricted- what sorts of foods are you eating? Can you eat anything but just in a smaller portion (I had read on another post that rice and bread were difficult to get through the band). Currently I eat alot (the alot part being the issue) of high quality food- lean proteins, fruit, etc (although I could certainly use more veggies and alot less carbs) but I am just wondering what I can expect in the long run.

Also wondering about if those of you have experienced long term success or if you have eventually gained weight back- and if so, what triggered it.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi Lolasue,

Welcome !!

As you know, everyone is different, some folks have a harder time with starches such as pasta, rice, breads, etc... and some with harder veggies/fruits. In the beginning I had a hard time with any type of starch, crackers, breads, etc.. but after time and the same restriction I am finding it easier to eat... it could be that I have learned how to eat them meaning chewing more and eating slower. I do have a problem with dry meats, such as really dry chicken or turkey, but if there is a gravy or if they are moist I have no problem. My surgery btw was in 2005.

As far as gaining weight.. I've gained back 20 lbs but that is because I fell back into my old habits.. my band works beautiful... my head on the other hand is another story.

Just remember, patience, eat slow and chew chew chew.

good luck !!
Leenie