Anyone have the lap band? New here!

Hi, I have been reading some on here but haven't posted for a long time (Hi Gala--if you read this!). I just had my initial consultation in Madison and am waiting for the NP to call me back. I am very interested in the band and with my medical history the NP agreed gastric bypass would not be a good option for me, but the band would be. I went to the info meeting and now need to go to a support meeting when I can make it work. Can anyone share their experience with the lap band with me? I am a self pay and so hopefully I can get scheduled sometime in the next couple months, should be able to get my screening appts in the next couple weeks. I would love to chat with someone who has the band! Thanks for reading this! Kell

Hello Kell. Hope you are doing good. Jennifer Gail - from the Edgerton area had LAP Band this last summer/spring. She posts here occassionally. She also had Sunby/Huepenbecker for her surgeon/s. So I think she would be good one to talk with. She also has a support group in the Edgerton area. Let me know if you will be making it to the Jan. meeting. Take Care, Gala

Hi Kell, I'd be thrilled to talk to you about my banding experience (Thanks for the referral Gala!). I am so pleased with the results. I think both surgeries are very effective tools - its up to you and your doctor to decide which is right for you. I haven't updated my profile in a while but feel free to check it out. I too was a self pay and would do it again in a heartbeat. The results have been that great! I had Dr. Sunby - he and his team are fantastic. I run a support group for postop patients in Southern Wisconsin. The next meeting is January 6th at 6:30 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church, 100 West Rollin St. Edgerton. There are people affiliated with this group who went to Mexico to get banded. I've also been working with Dean's nutritionist, Julie McLaughlin, to provide the Obesity Help information to Dean's Lap-Band support group meeting. The next meeting for that group is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday Dec. 28 at Dean Clinic West on the lower level (same place the gastric bypass patients hold their support group meetings). I would encourage you to attend that meeting so you can meet some of us. Finally feel free to email me privately if there's anything I can do to help you. I'd be glad to share my experience with you. Yours in pounds down, Jen 425/320/300 mini goal -105

HI! I also will be paying for the lapband myself. I live in Madison and my hubby works at UW Hospital. I thought our insurance, Unity, would cover but they cover no WLS. Who are you seeing and are you able to have low monthly payments? Sorry you have to pay also but atleast Im not alone! Thanks!!!!