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HI;,  I am wanting to get the lap band.  I am going to have to self pay.  I was wondering if this band helps alot to lose weight and if the surgery hurts afterwards because I am a little scared of it but i need to lose and me trying by my self only ends up gaining it right back.  will some one help me out and let me know what you think?

Hi, Sherry. I originally wanted the lap band myself, but my doctor helped me decide on Gastric Bypass (RNY) due to the amount of weight I needed to lose. He said that the loss is less with lapband that it is with the RNY. From my experience with my surgery, I had no pain afterward. Everybody is different. I went self pay as well due to my insurance company. There are several here who've had the lapband, and there is a main forum for lapband patients. I would suggest going to one of the state's docs (depending upon where you live) and attend a seminar. The people in Edmond are fantastic at Weight Wise and the surgeons are outstanding. Your journey with your surgeon usually begins with attending a seminar where you learn about the various methods of surgery that can be performed. Good luck, and I hope I helped!

Welcome to the boards

Welcome.  I'm happy with my band-but surgery is surgery, it does smart a little  bit.

I had the lapband on Nov. 8 , I have been very pleased with it so far , you do lose the weight a bit slower than with RNY, but i feel like this decision is a very persoanl choice that can only be made by you . I would suggest the seminar as well , i work for INTEGRIS so i went with Dr. Gornichec.  As far as pain after surgery , everyone is different , but i was mostly without pain med in a couple of days.  Just consider all the options , do research , attend a seminar or support group and make an informed decision.  Lots of people here including myself will be happy to answer any questions you might have , it is a learning process , it is not a "magical" cure , you have to work hard for it , but it is worth it .  Best of Luck!! Luanne

It does "smart" a bit , the port site for me took about 6 weeks to quit hurting completely , because they stitch it into the muscle , but it was not anything i couldnt handle

Hi Sherry... Which surgeon are you going with?  Tonja

Hi Tonja, thanks for replying to me.  I am going to Dr. Holsteder at St. Anthony.  Do you know him?

Welcome, everyone is soo different when it comes to pain tolerance. I myself have no pain tolerance. Tressa

Welcome to the Okie board Sherry!! I'm Dot, almost 36 years old, married to Josh, live in Bartlesville, have two daughters (Serena 14 years and Miranda 9 years) and I've just finished jumping through the hoops required to see the surgeon for my consultation. I see the nutritionist January 17 and have my consultation with Dr. Katsis January 23 (which is also my birthday). After that, my info will be sent to insurance and then it'll be time for the waiting game to see if I get approved.  There is no way I could afford it if I don't get it done through insurance.  I'm planning on having RNY surgery.  That is about all I can think of to say about myself. Nice to have ya here! Dot 230/226/140