[Coffee Luver]

I got my insurance referral in the mail today for the weight loss center that does the lap band surgery. I will be calling on monday to make my first appointment.

Can anyone tell me what the process is like? My doctor said that there would be some classes (nutrition? fitness?) before surgery and some people lose enough weight via the classes that they don't need the surgery.

I have been reading though the posts here and saw about the stages of food, and that there are some things that can't be eaten because they don't pass through the space left by the band in the stomach.

Given the food restrictions for the first month or so I am guessing a lot of the weight loss happens right after surgery, yes/no?

How soon after surgery were you able to return to work? How ways your daily energy level for the first month?

I know that those are a lot of questions, but I am really curious, and a little nervous about all of this, but I am also really ready to have some serious weight loss assistance.

[Coffee Luver]

Anyone... Buller???

[jillybean720]

I don't have a band, but I can tell you that the answers to your questions are all highly individual. The pre-op process is different for everyone depending on your insurance requirements, your surgeon's program, your comorbidities, etc. I never had to take any classes, just had to meet with the dietician once before surgery, but some people have to do 6 weeks or so of classes. So it all depends. I also never had to have a sleep study or stress test pre-op, but I know of many other who had to do one or both of those. Neither my surgeon nor my insurance required them, so I didn't.

As for the weight loss, again, it depends. I know some band patients do lose a bit in the early weeks due to the food stage progression, while others lose hardly anything because, though the band has been placed, it is usually placed empty, so, for some, no real restriction is felt initially until you go back in for a fill (or two or three).

I can tell you I went back to work after 2 weeks off, but I had a more complex procedure, so I would think a shorter time off for band placement would be fine. Again, it's highly individual based on how well you heal, whether you have any complications, how healthy your body is going into the procedure (for example, if you have low protein before surgery, you're likely not going to heal as quickly as others who have better protein levels), how well you are able to stay hydrated (I became dehydrated about 3-4 weeks out from my surgery and required IV fluids), etc.

There are so many factors at work here that everyone's experience will be different, even if having the same procedure. Have you checked to see if your surgeon's practice offers support groups? I would think speaking with patients of the same practice would be more likely to paint a picture of how your process will go.

[jiffypop]

LOVE the avatar!!!! truly words to live by!

as for your Qs - i can't help with all the details because i've had the bypass. but the band folks will be around sometime today.

but about that tolerance thing. everyone's different, and every surgeon has different rules for the first couple of weeks to first month or so. and we all figure out what works for us, and what doesn't. i still have a tough time with chicken if it's not freshly cooked.

folks with the lapband tend to return to work within a couple of days.

[Coffee Luver]

Thank you ladies!! All of the information and personal experiences is very helpful (even if you didn't have LB)!

[Coffee Luver]

Well, I called the clinic and made my initial appointment. The first available is 28 June. I asked what would be covered at the appointment they said that they were just going to go over my insurance information. I have Tricare, typically if they approve it, they cover everything - getting things approved is the issue. After that appointment the next one has me meeting with the surgeon. I thought I was going to get more counseling before actually operating. This makes me nervous. Anyone else have this experience?

[Leenie]

Sorry I'm late

Nice to meet you and congrats on getting started. I'm sure since I had my band almost 5 years ago things are slightly different. Every doctor and insurance is different, some will ask you to jump through hoops and some won't. My doctor/insurance requested 6 months of doctor supervised diet. I had to see a nutritionist, psycho evaluational and blood work. I did have to sit through one class with my surgeon so that he could explain the procedure and answer any questions I may have had. Oh.. yes I had to attend one support group meeting before my surgery. It really wasn't that hard to get these things done.

Weight loss is different for everyone, some will lose it fast after surgery and some won't. It depends on what your doctor says you can eat. I know some people who ate regular food a week after surgery and then wondered why they couldn't lose weight. Then there was me, I was not allowed solid foods until I was out 5 weeks. So you see it really depends on what your doctor says you can and can not do.. they all differ so much. One thing I can't stress enough is.. FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS ORDERS !!! don't worry about weight loss right after surgery, the main thing you need to do is heal your body. Weight loss will come when you're ready and you start exercising. I believe you are allowed to exercise 6 weeks post op.

Returning to work is also individual. I was allowed 6 weeks out. Some people return to work in 1 week. Shoot I couldn't even drive until my 5th day. Some people are shopping the next day. Just depends on the person and the insurance.

IMHO the best thing you can do is ask questions, research this like you've never researched anything in your life, make your you have all the answers you need. Surgery is serious and you need to know everything.

I am so glad I had the surgery, although I am not at goal, I am very happy. My band literally saves me from going over 300 lbs again. I think you will be happy to.

Just keep in mind, the band is a tool, not a cure. You will still need to diet and exercise. Also, the band does not work with out the proper restriction (fills), so don't panic if you are not losing b/c you are not at the proper level of restriction... you need to really practice patience. You'll get there Band weight loss is 1-2 lbs a week, slow but oh so good for the body

Let me know if you have any further questions, I'll try to pop in more

GOOD LUCK !!!

One last diddy... what ever you do, do not compare your weight loss to any one else. Remember we are all different, we all lose at a different rate so love yourself and be kind to YOU!! you really deserve to be healthy and happy

[Coffee Luver]

Thank you, Leenie! Right now I wish my appointment were sooner - I just have so many questions. I think the variety of MD instructions is interesting.
Thanks for all of the input!