considering the lap band procedure
I would recommend researching all the wls proceedures to be really informed before making a deciscion on what type of surgery you will have.
Before any procedure you will need to attend an orientation at your surgeons practice. Be sure to research your surgeon well, too. You will then have a general exam, undergo any testing they require to be sure you don't have anything going on that would be a problem with surgery. You will have blood work, ekg, etc. You will probably be required to meet with a nutritionist, and have a psych evaluation. These things are all standard. Your insurance may require a medically supervised weight loss program for a stated amount of time. Mine did not but many do. Don't fight it, just use it to learn new habits and lose as much as possible prior to surgery.
I suggest joing a wls support group now, since it is great information and support plus having it in place now prepares you to continue. Wls is not the end, it is the beginning of life long changes. You don't lose weight then live happily ever after with no problem. We all wish, but wls is only a tool. You have to use it and that means hard work.
There is no wls that fits everyone. You are the only one who can decide that. Learn the pros and cons of each. Read independent studies. Read everything you can on OH in order to learn what living with a given surgical proceedure is like. You need to know what you are willing to live with, for life.
Lap Band (or Realize) was my choice of tool for wl. I knew very well all of the pros and cons, the reasons people were for or against the band, the risks, complications, what to expect it to do and what to expect it to not do. I learned every thing I could over a 4 month period, and made my decision based on my needs. I had researched and considered other proceedures. I am happy with my decision but the band is not for everyone. I
lost all my weight, and am maintaining for the first time in my life. I knew what I could live with and what I couldn't and truthfully I feel like the hard work I have done has been good for me. I wish I had done it sooner. My health and quality of life is immeasurably improved. I no longer feel like a loser or freak. I love shopping, trying new things, and look for chances to be around other people instead of avoiding them.
The actual surgery is not difficult but the decisions before and the work after are. Good luck with what ever you decide. Sue
Before any procedure you will need to attend an orientation at your surgeons practice. Be sure to research your surgeon well, too. You will then have a general exam, undergo any testing they require to be sure you don't have anything going on that would be a problem with surgery. You will have blood work, ekg, etc. You will probably be required to meet with a nutritionist, and have a psych evaluation. These things are all standard. Your insurance may require a medically supervised weight loss program for a stated amount of time. Mine did not but many do. Don't fight it, just use it to learn new habits and lose as much as possible prior to surgery.
I suggest joing a wls support group now, since it is great information and support plus having it in place now prepares you to continue. Wls is not the end, it is the beginning of life long changes. You don't lose weight then live happily ever after with no problem. We all wish, but wls is only a tool. You have to use it and that means hard work.
There is no wls that fits everyone. You are the only one who can decide that. Learn the pros and cons of each. Read independent studies. Read everything you can on OH in order to learn what living with a given surgical proceedure is like. You need to know what you are willing to live with, for life.
Lap Band (or Realize) was my choice of tool for wl. I knew very well all of the pros and cons, the reasons people were for or against the band, the risks, complications, what to expect it to do and what to expect it to not do. I learned every thing I could over a 4 month period, and made my decision based on my needs. I had researched and considered other proceedures. I am happy with my decision but the band is not for everyone. I
lost all my weight, and am maintaining for the first time in my life. I knew what I could live with and what I couldn't and truthfully I feel like the hard work I have done has been good for me. I wish I had done it sooner. My health and quality of life is immeasurably improved. I no longer feel like a loser or freak. I love shopping, trying new things, and look for chances to be around other people instead of avoiding them.
The actual surgery is not difficult but the decisions before and the work after are. Good luck with what ever you decide. Sue
Highest weight: 212.8 Current weight 135 Lost 77.8 pounds
If you have insurance that is going to pay, call them and find out what their requirements are. If you are self pay, then do as much research as possible and be completely honest with yourself about what you want out of the surgery and what you are willing to put into the experience.
For me, my insurance required a six month supervised weight loss with my primary care doctor, attendance at a seminar, attendance at one support group, proof of five years of obesity (which I got through doctor's records). My surgeons office, really helped me get info together and they submitted it to insurace. I got approval in less than one day.
For me, my insurance required a six month supervised weight loss with my primary care doctor, attendance at a seminar, attendance at one support group, proof of five years of obesity (which I got through doctor's records). My surgeons office, really helped me get info together and they submitted it to insurace. I got approval in less than one day.
well i have done alot of research and i think the lap band is best because i am only 19 and i havent had kids yet and im just worried that if i get something more evassive like the sleeve or the gastric bypass that i wouldnt get enough food and nutrients for me and the child.... that is my only concern. thanks for all the help
Young people like us trying to change thier lives... Great!
Just reading through some stuff like the Lap-Band System informational articles on this site are very helpful, they can seem daunting, but that is a sign of becoming well-informed.
When something no longer seems like magic, that means you know enough about it to stop it from seeming mystical in the first place, if you get me here.
When we were kids, Disney World seemed like magic, as adults we now understand the difference, through becoming informed. This is no different. While that make take some of the proverbial "wind out of your sails", it will probably help you reach your goal in the long run becuase you will know what you need to do to succeed.
For me: I PRAY I am able to get my Lap-Band WLS if and when I win the voting on 3/31, but that won't guarantee my progress, and even if it does, your mileage may vary.
Just reading through some stuff like the Lap-Band System informational articles on this site are very helpful, they can seem daunting, but that is a sign of becoming well-informed.
When something no longer seems like magic, that means you know enough about it to stop it from seeming mystical in the first place, if you get me here.
When we were kids, Disney World seemed like magic, as adults we now understand the difference, through becoming informed. This is no different. While that make take some of the proverbial "wind out of your sails", it will probably help you reach your goal in the long run becuase you will know what you need to do to succeed.
For me: I PRAY I am able to get my Lap-Band WLS if and when I win the voting on 3/31, but that won't guarantee my progress, and even if it does, your mileage may vary.
I won my contest, Lap-Band surgery date: 5/03/11. If you want to learn about me and watch my progress click HERE!
Oops! Well, "your kilometers perhaps could be innacurate as compared to mine". Is that taken? ;)
I won my contest, Lap-Band surgery date: 5/03/11. If you want to learn about me and watch my progress click HERE!
Most Active
Recent Topics
OH - why aren't my posts being approved? Did I do something wrong?
FluffyPuff · 2 replies · 903 views
FluffyPuff · 2 replies · 903 views
OH2023 National Conference: Early Bird Tickets On Sale For A Limited Time! SAVE $30!
Member Services · 0 replies · 757 views
Member Services · 0 replies · 757 views
