Thinking of having Lap Band Surgery - Questions

Reb123
on 12/4/06 9:54 pm
My twin sister and I are seriously interested in having Lap Band Surgery but are concerned with the nausea and vomiting and other side effects. Also has anyone had to pay out of pocket and if so was it expensive. Can anyone recommend a good doctor. Thank you in advance for your help. I just want to make the right decision.
Chaplain
on 12/5/06 9:29 pm - Panama City, FL
I was going to have the lap band done, but my insurance would only pay for the gastric bypass surgery. I had it done on February 24, 2006 with no ill effects and have lost so far 150 pounds. You and your sister may want to look in to the gastric bypass surgery. Just a suggestion. Good Luck on whatever you decide. -Bill-
carrolina
on 12/6/06 8:47 am
How exciting and brave for you to be thinking of major life style changes! I commend you as I do everyone of us thinking of it or who have done it. I was wondering how much weight you actually need to lose? The lapband surgery has been great for many of us. What I particularly liked about my lapband is the fact that it was reversible, it was less invasive to my body, and there are still more options available for weight loss if more assistance is needed. I liked the idea of the band because I felt I still had absolute control over what I ate, how I ate it and how often, which are all the same variables I need anyway. The point being is that the band bacame my tool to help me with the objectives I already had to help me lose my weight. It wasn't anything permanent (although it can be). I am happy with my band. I weighed 312 and went down to 248. But I had some complications; my band became filled too tight and I wasn't able to keep much down. I didn't lose much weight after that and had to have an unfill which means there was no restriction of my band. I gained 35# back. But now I got another fill and I have good restriction and I'm eating just right for me which is about a cup of food three times a day starting with the protein source first.
AnnMarie
on 12/9/06 6:15 pm
VSG on 04/10/12
To be honest, if your big concern is related to a dumping type syndrone, that would be more of a bypass issue. What are you concerns, more specifically? I could have gotten either procedure but never really considered a bypass. Bypasses have always really scared me. I have no problem admitting that! Also, just from what I have seen, those patients experience a lot more hair issues than banders and well, I have really long hair and didn't want to lose it! Results seem to even out over a five year period, but bypass patients have amazing results almost immediately whereas us bandsters kind of plod along! lol I would suggest you do as much research as you feel you need to, it really does depend on what you're looking for. I have several friends who have paid out of pocket. The range has been 9-15k depending on where they got it done. Feel free to email me anytime! Good luck to you and your sister with your decision making processes!
carolj471
on 12/18/06 3:50 pm - Albuquerque, NM
I had considered the lapband myself when I first started this journey almost a year ago. But I knew that it just wasn't the right thing for me when I considered the long trips back to the doctor for the fills, the risk of infection under the band (I'm prone to MRSA), and I know how I eat. I'd find a way to continue to eat the crap that I knew I shouldn't eat. Like processed carbs and dairy, which is what I believe made me overweight in the first place. I listened to people in my local support group, the pros and the cons......and finally went with the RNY Jan. 31st of this year. To date I've lost 144 lbs and althought I'm having a hyperglycemic issue at the moment that may/may not be surgery related, I've not had a single solitary issue with the surgery. I was back to work in two weeks and lost my craving for those nasty processed carbs. I don't believe that if I'd had the lapband that I'd have lost that desire for them. Some of us are totally addicted to processed carbs, I have no idea why. I think the bottom line is not which procedure is cheapest though, it's all about which one will work best for you? Good luck in whichever one you decide to go with Carol J 350/205/150
*Ladybug *.
on 12/21/06 3:32 am - Central Region, NM
Rebecca- How cool that you and your sister are looking at the surgery together! It will be an exciting journey regardless of which surgery you choose. I personally had the DS but I see some of the bandsters have response to your post. I don't know of any surgeons but there are some in mexico I just don't know their names and contact information. Best Wishes on your search adn journey! Valerie
Most Active
×