just joined and looking for lapbanders

I'm in the process of insurance approval for the lapband; I would love to hear from anyone that's had lapband; pics, advice, diet ideas, and just general support...I've had all the psyc eval and met with the nutritionist, surgeon and now waiting for insurance....I hate waiting; maybe it won't be long.  My insurance said everything so far looks fine, so I'm assumming it won't be much longer before I get a letter.  But what I need now is some friends that's been in my shoes...I'm nervous and most of my close friends don't want me to have this...luckily my family and husband are very supportive, but I would love to hear from anyone.  Thanks

AmandaKaye: I had the lap band done on Aug 1, 2007 and am doing great. I have been loosing around 2# per week. I was sore for a couple of days and then a few more days where the port is and now I am great.  I don't loose like the bypass... I went to the Dr office and there was several people there that had done the bypass and they had lost 22 # to my 12 # in the first two weeks after surgery. However, I heard their stories about being sick and throwing up and also about spending the day in the bathroom after having 2% milk... So I am so glad that I made the decision to have the band. I also had to wait the 6 months for surgery for my insurance. This will give you time to prepare for surgery. Like giving up soda's and giving up caffine.  I would do it again in a Minute... You get to have a little of all the things you like and it only takes a few bites and you feel full.... Love my band..... Best of Luck.....  Let me know if you have any other questions for a 6 weeks out bander.... Kentucky Girl

HI- Kentucky Girl...thanks for your advice and I love hearing from those that have walked before me...makes me more at ease.  I went to work this morning to pick something up and I checked my email there- we're self-insured and I had received an email from my insurance saying that they had received everything and it all looked good....they said they would let my surgeon know; so I guess I can expect a phone call this week to set up pre-op tests.  I've been working with insurance and driving them crazy for months- so they finally said yes!  I'm so excited.  What pre-op tests besides blood work did you have to have?  My surgeon said something about a test to check your esophogas; he said you would have to drink something- I told him no tubes down my throat without being knocked out, yet and he said that wasn't it.....I was relieved.  He said the tests would take 1/2 a day, just wondering what all they were?  Also, have you had your first fill, yet?  If so, how was that?  Did it hurt?  Were you starving before the first fill or not?  Thanks for answering my questions and here's my email; [email protected].  If you don't care send me before pics and some as you go and I'll do the same, I love watching the progress- it's like magic seeing those before and after pics...can't wait til I'm one!

Hi Amanda, I had lap band surgery July 31, I am doing great.I have lost 22lb I never was in much pain .Never been sick from the band . Diet is easy follow  what your doctor saids  thats what we paid them for . Good Luck let me know if  I can be any help.

Thanks for your imput; I am so excited.  I went to work this morning and checked my emails...there was an email from insurance saying they had received everything and it all looks fine.  They said they would be contacting the surgeon's office.  I guess this is it.  I expect the surgeon's office to call me this week and set up the pre-op tests.  What tests did you have to have?  Last time I was at the surgeon's office; he said it would be a 1/2 day of tests...I remember he said blood work, EKG and some esphogas test where I had to drink something...What tests did you have to have?  Thanks again and I'm glad you're doing well.  Can you drink diet cokes?  My surgeon said some people can and some can't- but even if I could, he said to limit it to 1 or 2 per day.  And they had to be caffeine free.  I've heard some doctors wouldn't let their patients have diet coke at all because of the carbonation, Dr. Shuster said he didn't care, just not to over do it.  One more thing, have you had your first fill, yet?  If so, how was that?  I imagine it's sort of painful; I'm not scared of needles and usually they don't bother me; but don't they have to stick that needle pretty far into you?  Thanks again- Amanda

Hello, It sound like the same tests you are going to have .I have my frist fill this Thursday. I have not had a coke of any kind.I will let you know Thursday about the fill.

Hi Amanda! I had the lap-band done on November 27, 2006.  So, that puts me at almost 10 months out.  I have lost almost 80 pounds and it has been the best decision of my entire life.  While I have had no complications, I can't say it has been an easy journey.  Losing weight is hard and learning how to eat again is something that is definitely hard emotionally.   I wasn't in much pain after my surgery, just very uncomfortable from the gas that they use.  When that went away, I was feeling great.  I have been very happy with how well the band has helped keep my hunger under control.  I can tell when I need a fill and when I have gotten a fill, it has helped so much.  The fills are sooo easy.  They don't hurt at all.  You just feel a like ***** and then the surgeon goes into the port.   Just remember that you are doing this for YOU and nobody else.  Everyone who knows I have had the surgery has been so supportive.  If anyone does not support you, then I would not consider them much of a friend.  You are doing this for your health and that is what is most important.  Always remember that.   If you have any more questions, feel free to send me a message or email me, [email protected]  I would be happy to help in any way! ~Sara 

     Hi!! I just got banded friday the 14 of sept. So far im tender at the port site and walk hunched a lil but all in all, I think Im doing ok. I haven't even used pain meds, filled them and didn't take them. I take ibuprofen a few times but that it! Im so excited to see some fellow lapbanders. My aunt had bypass so we cant compare woes...     Have a great day!!! Dawn   

Hi Amanda, I was banded June 18,2007 with Dr. Shina.  Have lost 40 lbs.  I love my band.  I can,t say it was easy, but well worth it.  I love Dr Shina he is very to the point,  love the girls in the office too, they are very helpful with every call.  I was disappointed after the surgery.  there were more incissions than I had expected.  Then, 4 of the five opened after the staples were removed.  But now that they have healed, I'm thrilled.  Those problems had nothing to do with the surgery, hospital or Dr.  It was me. I had my first fill in Aug.  It wasn't painful at all.  Scheduled for another Oct 24.  I can tell I need it am starting to get hungry more often and wanting to eat more.  Self control is not my strong point.   Good Luck, I know you will do well,  If you have any more concerns,  just post them,  everyone on here will be happy to help. Charlotte