I have lap Band questions?

Hi All, I am new here and have a ton of questions hope some one can help. I go next week for the first meetings, Im not sure what to expect and also. Is it going to take 6 monthes to go through all the things and have the Band? I Know most tell me it is 6 monthes for the by pass but is this band diffrent? Is it harder to be approved? Any one out there that has had the band that can offer any insight and tell me about the surgery and weight loss they experienced? Hope to hear from you all. Julie

Hey Julie! I'm just on my way to my first appt also, and looking for RNY, but from what I've read, the weight is about the same. I don't know if it's harder to get approved for. I've read several places that if they think (or you think) that you will try to eat around your band, they will recommend the RNY. I guess it's easier to "cheat" on the band, so they want to know you'll stick to your food plan. Wish I could offer more help! Jeannie

Thank you Jeannie, I was beginning to wonder if any one reads the boards..lol I am excited and nervous geuss I will find out more on Friday. I guess the first meeting is on the lap Band and the 2nd is the support group. I too have heard that about the band but i really want to go that route. Lets keep in touch. When is your first meeting do you have to travel far i have to go about 2 hrs, Best of luck to you. Julie

I don't blame you for wanting the band. It does seem like the safer route. I would love to consider it, but know myself too well. I couldn't do it. I need more "instant" results. I don't think I could stick to it long enough with slower results. I would be able to eat around it. I need the restriction of the RNY, and the malabsorbtive part with it. My first visit is on 2/5. I got my paperwork a month ago, but only today realized I was supposed to start a diet and track my progress. I'll start one, but I'm scared that they'll think i'm not serious. I've heard they are very strict about following all of the "rules". What did you do for your diet? I don't know what I'll do. I am joining the gym tomorrow. Starting exercise was also on my to-do list from them. I live in Topsham, so it's only about a 40 minute drive for me. Keep in touch. Excited to hear how your visit goes Friday! Jeannie PS Happy New Year...may this be the last NY Eve we both spend overweight!

Happy New Year to you also! Gosh I sure hope it is our last overweight year..lol I am 45 and tired of being over weight do you find it hard to have people not understand what that is like? my husband has always been small and my best friend is small and they arent really supportive of me wanting WLS but they dont know how it feels to be over weight and i always have been. I have tried every diet only to fail. I know now that I have to end it for good. Have a Nice new year were in it together we can be a support system.. oh yeah my sister had RNY a few years ago i think its been 3 years now she is too small tho but has had good results and would do it again she said. HAPPY NEW YEAR. Julie

Hi Julie, I live in southern Maine and had a band placed in June. I did it over the RNY for many reasons. There are a ton of differences between the two. The weight loss is much slower than RNY. I am 44 and like you was tired of the weight. I researched the band for a long long time before getting it done. Are you having it done in Maine? What part of the state are you in? Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and there is also a forum on this site for the band. Michele

Hi Michele, I am on sucha a High today! just yesterday I went to the class on The Lap Band, It was awesome and I really learned alot they were really clear on every thing. I live in southren aroostook county iam about 2 hrs. north of Bangor so I will be having my surgery in Bangor with Dr, Toder whom I also had the pleasure of meeting at the support group. one of the reasons I am choosing this band is the slower weight loss and it is safer and I still want to have to work at it some and with the RNY they go through alot more and loose really quick I am not sure that is good for any one? I work in a busy Physicians office they are all not for the big operation and they do feel the band is the better choice. Any ways I am going through with it and I was told yesterday it will take between 4-6 monthes to have it by the time you get every thing done and in and approval but i know it will go by faster than I think. I am so looking forward to this I am glad you wrote to me too I am sure I will be needing you alot...lol How much have you you lost? and How much did you loose in the forst few weeks? what foods did you find hardest to eat? How long were you out of work? I will start with those. You look great in your Pictures cant wait to hear more. Julie

Hi there........I also am having the lap band surgery. I got my Dr to refer me to Casco Bay Surgery last April. I had my first appt in July. Second in August and the third not until Oct. They are spread out on purpose so you can really learn the process and commit to it. After my Oct appt, which was to sign consent papers, all the info was submitted to the insurance company and about a month later I got a letter saying that the insurance wanted an updated A1C test for my diabetees, I got that done and resubmitted my paperwork and was approved 2 days later. So my whole process took from April 06, until Jan 22. I think lap band is being approved more frequently now-a-days over the bypass. It is so much safer. I had questions in the beginning if this was going to be restrictive enough for me, and am still wondering....but I see this as my best chance so far to be successful at weight loss. Keep my posted and let me know how you make out. There is also a support group that meets on Route 1 (by the old Kmart) every other Tuesday through the Casco Bay Surgery center. It is quite good and very informative. Missy

Hi Julie, I have just had the lapband surgery on Jan.2nd,what kind of questions do you have?I have allready lost 15 ponds,thats not to bad I guess. I still have alot of questions myself. I know I am still really sore on the left side. and its stikk kinda hurts to bend down. I just went back to work on the 12th and think I should have waited another week. If you have any questions you would like to ask me let me know and I hope I can help you. Maryjo

Hi Mary Jo, CONGRADULATIONS!!! You are on your way to whole new you! I think 15 lbs is wonderful. Yeah one of my questions was how long would i be out of work. I work in a Pysicians office and its real busy but I dont do any thing heavy so iam going to try to go back after a week. Usually I'am pretty tough so we shall see. can I ask how many insicions you had? Today we had our first diatician visist "very helpful and well done" and the we also hat the Physical thereapy mtg that also was very informative. How have you been doing post surgery doing the liquid protiens? what are you using for protein shakes? we only have one more diatcian meeting he12th of February and then our final appointmet is with the pschycoligist and this in March 1st then we will be getting the appointment with the surgen so I am hopeful that maybe soon we can acutally get this done. I have done my home work and continue to do i and this is what I want and I want to work at it. Well I am rambling on here but thanks for writing Ill wait to hear more please do keep in touch. Julie