LAP band question

Any one who has had the lap band done please respond. I would like some input from fellow Tennesseans. Thank you fro your time Tammy

I was banded on 03/03/05. Do you have an questions about it?? Banded on 03/03/05 Pre-Op Weigh 02/14/05 in 241lbs Currently 232lbs

my name is kim I am going to attend a seminar today in Chattanooga. I have so many questions that I don't know were to start. How long will you have to be off work after the surgery? Did you have any problems with your insurance? Did you have to have 6mo of supervised monitored weight lost attempt with your primary doctor first? Who was your surgeon/what hospital? any help will be greatly appreciated thanks for your time

i am going to a seminar on the 22nd Lets compare notes Tammy

I was wanting to know how you are doing since the surgery? Pros, cons etc also do you know anything about Vanderbilt? My insurance will not pay for Southern Hills but it will for Vandy. Any advice will be greatly appreicated Thanks, Tammy

I don't know about Vandy but SoutherHills was excellent to me. Since the surgery I've been overall great. As far as pros #1 I've lost now 11 lbs since I started the pre op diet and after the surgery. IMO it was a great choice for me b/c I love food and this allows me to eat with forced moderation. I'm not left feeling hungrey or unsatified. My recovery has been speedy especially since I had a complication with my liver being cut accidentally. At this point I cant say that I have any cons other than normal pain and discomfort that comes with surgery. I take that back the liquid diet was a big con for me b/c it was HARD to stick to but in the end I am seeing that it is worth it. Scaring would be another con if I didnt alreay have major stretch marks on my stomache lol but the incisions are not that big in size and are healing quite nicely with neosporan and 100% cocoa butter. Work I think that had my liver not been cut and me needing add'l blood test because of that I would have went back to work on today. I feel find the pain is gone just slight discomfort it I move certain ways. I no longer take the pain meds and just take the antibiotic to insure I dont get an infection. However each person is different. Each persons body reacts to surgery and anthesia differently. I do have co workers that it took about a week or so to heal one even took 3 weeks. I don't know if my recovery is the norm or if I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm 5 days post op and I was able to began excercizing again on yesterday.

Thanks so much for answering. It really does help to hear from as many people as possible.. I wish you a speedy recovery and salute you one your decision to become healthy. Thanks again, Tammy