Any lapbanders here?

Hi all, Are there any lapbanders here? I am just now considering this option. Always assumed I would have bypass. Now I'm rethinking that. I don't know anyone who has had the lapband. If you did, are you glad? Thanks. kdmm

Hi, I have not had the Lapband yet but I will be having it on May 23rd. I have a few friends that has already had it and they are happy that they had the surgery. Thanks, Kim

Hi my name is Hope, I live in charlotte, nc. I will be banded on June 3rd. There is a lap band forum on OH that you can ask your questions. There are a lot of experienced bandsters over there. Today they have a post for new bandsters or people considering banding, by Wendell Edwards. He has lost a lot of weight being banded and a very informed person. Your choice of weight loss surgery is a very personal choice. The question is what can you live with, do the research on both surgeries and make your decision. I know that I went bank and forth on my decision for a lapband vs. RNY. But I kept coming back to the band. Part of the confusion was listening to other people, but you must make the best choice for yourself because you wil be the one living with it. Good Luck and God Bless!!!!!

I am almost 2 yrs post op w/ my band and have lost over 100 pounds. I love my band, it for me was the best choice. My husband was afraid of the RNY and I am big chicken so for me this was my only option. I took my tool and ran w/ it. I love it and am so glad that I did it. Good Luck and it's a personal choice for everyone. So learn all you can and ask as many questions as you can. We have a group that meets once a month...in June I think we are meeting at a park w/ our families or just yourself. There is normally anywhere from 15 - 30 people so we would love to have you. Let me know if you more details.

Hello! I was banded February 28, 2007. Still fairly new at this but no regrets. I dont post much to the board, but tend to lurk alot. Surgery is a personal choice no matter which one you have. We are all trying to achieve the same thing. Good Luck on your journey and keep us posted no matter which surgery you choose. keep in touch!! Rachael

Same as you, girlfriend. I have looked at alot of material on both and am considering lap band.

Sun Flower, I have made a decision to have the lapband. I called my surgeons office on Friday and told them to file for it, instead of bypass. I feel good about my decision. After all the research I've done, getting my pre opt appointments completed, meeting with my surgeon for bypass.............. I still did felt at peace. Now that I have deceided to do the lapband it feels "right", so I know I've made the right decision for me. I hope you will determine which procedure is right for you. I would love to know what you choose. How far along are you in the process? kdmm

I am still working on it in my head. :eyes: Nothing more so far. Every day that I feel so bad because of my weight, I get a little closer to wanting to have it done. I spend alot of money on meds each month. If i didn't have to take them I could go on a great vacation with the money. :o)

Because I have Cigna Ins, I am on a 6-month physician supervised diet and exercise plan before I can have the LapBand surgery. I've met with my PCP for two months straight and have 4 months to go. No, I haven't lost any weight. Frye Hospital in Hickory has all my initial documentation and psych eval but I have to do this 6-month thing. Anyway, I want the LapBand but I still consider RNY. I have a friend who swears by RNY and she is doing great but for me I don't want anything that invasive, however, my diabetes is getting worse all the time. I started injecting insulin this past Fall. Another friend just got the LapBand witht the surgeon, Dr. Cook, that I would have and she is doing fine so far with hers. My LapBand friend said that after surgery the band isn't tight on ya because the doctor wants you to gradually heal but later on will tighten the band. Dr. Cook told me once he and I have worked out the correct tension needed then I wouldn't have to come back very often for checkups. The WLS program likes to monitor your weight loss, etc. Dr. Cook says if I chew, chew, chew what I eat, there shouldn't be any problems. Said he didn't want to be up at midnight taking a big chuck of unchewed food out of me. Joanna in Boone

Same here. I have Cigna, but have not went to talk to my doctor about the lap band. I am tired of feeling sick on my stomach all the time. I think with the lap band, maybe I won't be throw up sick all the time. If I wasn't too old, I would think I was pregnant.:'( I live in Cliffside. Not far from Boone (a couple of hours) Thanks for your words. If you come up with anything else to help me out, I would love to hear from you.