Trying for a Lap-Band (HELP)

 Please explain, I don't understand your statement.

Which statement?  This one?  "I think you and I and just a few others, are the only ones who live in reality."

I was responding to someone elses statement.  It might help you to understand my statement if you read her statement.

 I read the thread...don't know who you are referring to..

Oh who was I referring to?  Oh, I referring to myself and Nana, and few other people that I correspond with on a regular basis. 

Hi Autumn,

Have you researched the lapband fully? Are you aware of the high incidence of referred left shoulder pain with the lapband? The band is situated very close to the diaphragm. The Vagus nerves run from the head down into the stomach, through the diaphragm. When these nerves become irritated, it refers pain to the left shoulder and  neck area. It can range from an ache to debilitatingly painful.  In my case, no medication would relieve the pain... and I was put on some heavy hitters. It simply didn't work and I suffered horribly.

I had my surgery over 9 years ago (and chronic complications resulting in band removal.) The lapband caused permanent and painful damage and pain beyond what I can describe.

The lapband is not a good long term solution.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/lap-band-surgery-half- patients-complications/story?id=13187452



Here's some more info I found just Googling, "Lapband." 


The Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Band is an inflatable banding system that is placed around the upper stomach to limit food intake in severely obese individuals. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) gave BioEnterics' Inamed unit permission to market the Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Band in June 2001. However, recent concerns have surfaced regarding the safety of the medical device. Some doctors now think that the FDA's approval was premature. 

To be eligible you must have a Body Mass Index of at least 40 and you must have spent the last 5 years at that weight.

Additionally you are not qualified for the Lap-Band surgery if you are under 18, or if you have ulcers, heart or lung diseases, hypertension, cirrhosis, or pancreatitis. 

Lap-Band  is a major surgery and it can have serious consequences and sports a VERY high occurrence of post operational problems that can be far worse than being overweight. In clinical tests, 88% of patients that underweight the lap band knife experienced complications. The most common problems include vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, constipation, band slippage/pouch dilatation, and stoma obstruction. 25% of those that get the surgery must have it removed because of complications.



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(I have to address the "over 40 MBI or having spent the last 5 years at that weight." This may have changed.) 

Most of us go into this surgery with the best of intentions, committed and ready to make a change. In a lot of us, however, that means absolutely nothing. The human body revolts against this silastic band squeezing the stomach. It causes the esophagus to work overtime, it causes inflammation in the stomach, a lot of people experience inability to eat healthful foods. If it were just my experience that was bad, I would chalk it up to simply having  really bad surgeon. However, over the past 9 years, I have watched complications happen over and over and over. This leads me to conclude that the lapband is NOT a healthy solution to weight issues.

I hope you'll know that I'm trying to help you by providing this information. I really do wish you the best with whatever route you take. Just be aware of the high rate of band failure before making a life altering decision.

~Nic

Have you had a blood panel done for cholesteral, blood sugar or factor C? Has your shoe size changed, shoulders hurt, knees, feet? I had no idea how much my extra weight was affecting my biology until I saw a complete breakdown of the blood tests. Not just a typical diabetes screen or cholesteral check, but complete blood panels. Document all of your biological, phsycological, physiological and social "ailments" as a compelling letter to your carrier can persuade them to approve you.

 I might add to also note your family history. If you have a strong family history of cardiac disease, diabetes or other co-morbidities, it can help your case with the insurance. A BMI less than 40 without a co-morbidity is probably going to get denied, but don't give up. I had many co-morbidities and a BMI over 68 and I was denied for the Lapband! I paid cash for it! Worth every penny!

Very Helpful Thank you so much :)

AutumnM.80,

Some advice: remember this entire journey will be a roller-coaster. There will be highs and lows, you just need to ride it out.

Know NO OPERATION is 100% successful, or 100% failure. While some of us had great results with the band, others haven't. Your experience will be yours!!

Make sure you ask your Doctors TONS of questions, especially concerning the band, the effectiveness; his patient success rates; his patient failure rates; HIS success and failure rate; if anyone died under his care; etc. I had about 30 questions when I went. If you'd like them, send me a person PM and I can share it.

I would always suggest a 2nd/3rd opinion. Sometimes a Doctor will tell you a procedure will fail only because they are not experienced in it.

As everyone else suggested DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!! ... If you were buying a car you'd do it!!!! Aren't you worth more than a car ?!?!??!?!

Good luck!!! And know no matter which operation you decide, I will be here!!!!

Please research the LapBand fully before you make your final decision. Lightweights can have RNY too. I did, but I paid for it. Insurance may have weight requirements. I just had my third surgery, which I just had, seems to be the winner. I'm very happy with the RNY. LapBand was not for me. I'd hate for you to suffer like so many of us.