this is my first post! help! :)

I just found out this week that I am approved to have the lap band procedure! I had almost given up hope. Since I am new to ALL of this and have only researched it a few months, I still have so many questions. I was sitting at home tonight, probably a few hours after I had eaten dinner and still kinda full, when I realized I was bored and craving something, nothing in particular, but maybe something sweet. Keep in mind that I was NOT hungry. And then I thought, when I have that band on, I'm not going to be able to give in to these cravings but I'll still probably have them. What in the world does everyone do?? I am not into knitting or anything like that while I watch TV...I just love to eat! And then I thought, when I go on another cruise, am I going to be able to enjoy all of the buffets and endless eating that I have in the past? I think not, and I'm sure being thin will be much more fun than the food, but this did enter my mind tonight. I know counseling will probably be ongoing for me after I have the surgery... My last question pertains to my surgeon. I was trying to have my surgery at Lexington Medical Center, but I was only approved to have it at Self Regional by Dr. Rapp. I go to the seminar today, but I don't know anything about him. Has anyone here been a patient of his? I'm sure he's competent but I want to know everything I can before I proceed further! Thank you all! I love reading your posts!! Dianne

Hi Dianne!!! Welcome to the board. First of all I don't know anything about that doctor, but I am sure someone on here does. Second, you will mourn food. You have to remember that you will still be able to eat afterwards. I don't have any experience with the band. I had bypass. I felt like bypass was the better choice for me. I was a grazer and still battle with it. I heard that the band doesn't really help with that because you are still able to graze. My advice to you is search and search for information. YOu will get tons of it here and look other places as well. WE have all had the same feelings that you are having. YOu are not alone!!!! I wish you well. Keep us posted on what is happening. Melissa

Thank you Melissa! My friend who had the surgery also told me about mourning food, so I after hearing that again I am starting to understand it. I guess I've just never actually thought about what's going to happen after I have the surgery! That sounds crazy doesn't it, when you think of the amazing changes that will only happen after I DO have the surgery? :-)

Welcome Dianne and Congrats on your surgery! I do not know anything about the Doctor. I had RNY not lap band so I do not know if I will be of any help. I can tell you what I have heard. You still will be able to eat what you eat now just smaller portions. You will not having the dumping syndrome that most RNY patients have. That is a reaction to sugar. Most of RNY patients can not tolerate sugar, it makes us sick. The cravings are something you will have to work on, we all do. I still have cravings but I know that I will either get sick or it is not on my program. The surgery, which ever one you have, is a life altering procedure in every way. One thing that may help with those cravings after surgery is exercise. When ever you feel the craving coming on, take a walk. Push record on the VCR or DVR, and watch it when you get back. Another thing that will help is to keep your water close, and drink some everytime you are craving something. One thing that I have heard is that if you are not hungry but think you are hungry, you may be dehydrated. So drink tha****er. Get a drink mug fill i****er and keep it with you everywhere you go. I am like you, I LOVE TO EAT. But since surgery, I made the decision that it would not rule my life, now my pouch rules my life and lets me know when he has had enough. I still enjoy going out to dinner with friends, I just make better meal choices, protein 1st! I hope this helps. Julie

Thank you Julie, and yes, it did help more than you know! Some of my highest grades in nursing nutrition classes were because of my love of food, reading about food, and dieting my way up to this weight. Knowing all that I do about what to eat and what not to eat is great, but I love this forum because we all know what's good for us and we're all having similar problems. Strength in numbers!!

Hi I had surgery with Dr. Strickland at Lex Medical and I had RnY...I know they do lapband now and am sorry your insurance didn't approve of mine. But I know whatever you do you will always have head hunger and that can be dealt with. First do not dwell on what you can't have but on what you can and must have to get the new body you will get!!! I do not regret the surgery at all. I still miss some foods but not like I thought I would. I amso much happier with my new body!! Hope you get some answers. Joan M

Thank you Joan! I attended the seminar at Lexington and I started the process with them only to be redirected to Dr. Rapp. Dr. Strickland was also my friend's doctor...that entire group seems to be so good. Luckily so far I have been impressed with the program at Self in Greenwood. This is an exciting process!

Hey Dianne Welcome to the board!! Congrats on being approved. I also had RNY, so I can't help too much with the lap band. However, we all have to adjust our habits of eating. And head hunger will follow us around forever. I went on a cruise in October, and yes, there is always food everywhere. I tried to eat a little of everything and it was still too much. A couple of times, I had to go lay down after eating!! But I also wanted to DO more stuff than think about when is it going to be time to eat again. Enjoy this beginning of your journey!! Hugs, Dianne Yes, with 2-n's, too!!!

Thank you Dianne with 2 n's...how cool is that?? After thinking more about my cruise dilemma I have realized that I'd probably rather be hanging out in a bikini on deck, learning ballroom dancing, or flirting with any single men than eating! Hello...what was I thinking?? I don't cruise very much after all, but thank you again for helping me come to my senses! lol

I am currently seeing doctor Rapp now for the Lapband procedure and he is wonderful. I live in Spartanburg SC and I travel to Greenwood to see this doctor. He did gallbladder surgery on me about ten years ago and his beside manner was great. Im really excited about the procedure and just waiting on Aetna to aprrove my procedure. What insurance do you currently have?