[Joyathrt]

Hello to all the "CHICKS" out there! I have finally made my first step in helping me become healthy. I have made an appointment for a consultation for the lap band. About a week ago I to a seminar regarding this and received a lot of helpful information and guidance. I am super excited about going on this journey! However...I do have a few questions for you dhicks. How long did it take from the day you had your consultation to the day that you had surgery? Were there a lot of complications? How was the recovery from the surgery?....etc, etc... I am just full of questions and I know that the more I look into it, the more questions I will have.



Thanks ya'll!!

[jillybean720]

Hi Amanda,

Welcome to the journey!

What made you choose the band instead of any of the other three procedures (RNY, VSG, or DS)? I can respond to some of your questions, but I did not have the band, so my experiences will not be the same as yours.

My insurance company required a 6-month physician supervised diet prior to approving me for surgery, and then my chosen surgeon was scheduling about 2-3 months out because he was so busy, so it was actually almost a year between when I decided to have surgery and when I was actually in the OR. I did not have any complications. They kept in the hospital an extra day because my fever wasn't coming down as quickly as they would have liked (it's not uncommon to run a bit of a fever after a major surgery), but it wasn't anything a little rest and hydration couldn't fix. My personal recovery journey was quite uneventful. I slept a lot the first week, but in my second week home, my sister and her daughter (2 at the time) stayed with me, and we went to the mall one day, to Chuck E. Cheese another day...no big deal.

[Zombie]

Hi Amanda.

I had lapband in 2008. I had been thinking about having the surgery for a couple years--had done some research, joined some online forums, etc.
I went to a seminar, and then I went to a consultation at the surgical centre. That was in August of '08.. I had my surgery the end of October. So, that was a couple months. I paid out of pocket, as I don't have insurance coverage for lapband.
Keep in mind--this was just my experience. Other people can have complications or not as smooth recovery, but I had no problems. Minimal discomfort, but I had good pain medication that I took regularly for a couple days afterwards. I took a few weeks off work..A lot of people don't take that much time off, but I needed to as I have a very active job.
Ultimately, it is a decision that only you can make. Talk to people who will be supportive of you whatever you decide.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Cheers,
Carol

[Leenie]

Originally Posted by Joyathrt

Hello to all the "CHICKS" out there! I have finally made my first step in helping me become healthy. I have made an appointment for a consultation for the lap band. About a week ago I to a seminar regarding this and received a lot of helpful information and guidance. I am super excited about going on this journey! However...I do have a few questions for you chicks. How long did it take from the day you had your consultation to the day that you had surgery? Were there a lot of complications? How was the recovery from the surgery?....etc, etc... I am just full of questions and I know that the more I look into it, the more questions I will have.
Thanks ya'll!!

Amanda

It took me about 6 months from start to finish with the insurance company, tests, and misc. doctor visits. I had to follow up closly with my insurance b/c they started to play games with me, but it all worked out.

No complications what so ever.

Some people have the same day surgery and are out shopping that day or the next... I am still amazed at that lol. I was in the hospital over night and was pretty dang sore for a few days. I slept in my recliner and took my pain meds faithfully. About the 5th day I was able to drive and get around pretty good. My insurance gave me 6 weeks off of work and I am so glad they did... I really babied myself Just make sure you have the things you need in your house when you get home (gasX, jello, broth, etc.. what ever your doctor allows).

You might want to read these threads...
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/weig...-band-faq.html

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/weig...nders-4-a.html

Any questions you have please feel free to ask

Good Luck !!!


Leenie