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

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

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.