Just Joined, I hope to learn a lot here

Hi, my name is Tiffany, I live near Columbus, Ohio. I signed up here to find out more info on the lap band. I have just started looking into it this last week or so. But with all the info I have got I do not know where to start. If any one has any idea of the first step let me know what worked for you. Any help would be wonderful. thank you  Tiffany

Hi and Welcome Tiffany, Be sure to also check out the Lap band Forum here at OH: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/a,messageboard/boa rd_id,5359/ ~Michelle OH Member Services

Hello Tiffany!! Mine name is Tonya, I am in Chillicothe area!  I am a RNYer so I know nothing about lapband, semiars are very educational.   Like Eggface said try the lapband forcum!! I am sure you can learn alot over there!!

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!! Here's my advice on ANY WLS.........RESEARCH, RESEARCH then RESEARCH some more.  Look into HOW and WHY you over eat, then find the RIGHT WLS for YOU. Then RESEARCH all the docs in your area. Go to several info sessions and get all the GOOD, ABD and UGLY about each type of WLS and each DOC.  I had a list of 5 docs, and I went to 3 info sessions before I chose my doc and surgery. Yes you will hear horrior stories but you there are even MORE SUCCESSES.  As long as you go into ANY SURGERY with your eyes open you'll be OK.  Call your insurance and find out what they want from you. Most want a BMI of 35 with co morbities or 40 without. Some will pay for any WLS others not. You will need a weight history and most also want you to do a 6 mo 'diet'. Post questions and everyone on OH will try to help as much as possible, just remember that EVERY doc is different and they each have their way of doing things so what is right for some might not be right for you. When in doubt ALWAYS go with what YOUR DOC says.  Good Luck in your search.  Robin

A lot of people who originally thought about Lap Band decided to go with one of the bypass surgeries (RNY, DS, etc.), so like Robin said, do your research on the Lap Band (and a little on the other surgeries as well) so you can be sure that the band is the best way to address YOUR eating issues and give you the best chance for long-term weight-loss success.  Please don't think I am trying to talk you out of a band, becaue I'm definitely not... I have a friend who has done really well with it and is very happy with it, so I know it works for certain people... just be aware that there are some types of eating issues that it will not address.  The right surgery is the one that is right for YOU. I also second her suggestion of going to multiple info sessions.  I went to two before deciding which surgeon to use and although much of the info was the same in both sessions, some of it was not.  One of the things I really liked about my surgeon's session was that she took time after the session (about a half hour) to really talk to a couple of us about which surgery would be most appropriate based on our individual eating issues and medical considerations. Lora

Hi Tiffany.  I was interested in a lap band myself, but, after doing research research and more research, I decided on bypass instead.  I agree you must decide on a doctor and then talk to him about what is right for you.  I am scheduled for surgery in May and cannot wait.  Good luck on your search.  roni

definatly check out the lapband message board and forum there's a lot of info over there and be sure to post your questions.  Good luck!! Angela

Thank you to everyone you all are so nice. I am still learning my way around this site so it may take me a few trys to get where I am going, but thanks to you all. Tiffany

Tiffany, There's also the VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) surgery.  It is a restrictive surgery only, like the lap band, but with no worries about slips or fills.  There is a forum on here for the VSG, too.  But, like another person has already told you, you have to do research, then more research and just when you think you can't do any more, research it again.  I chose the VSG because I didn't want to depend on supplements the rest of my life and I didn't want to depend on fills to keep me losing. My insurance would have covered the lap band surgery, but not the fills.  I'm already off my high blood pressure meds, haven't taken those in about 2 weeks.  If interested come on over to the VSG forum and talk to a lot of people who love their sleeves!! Veronica  

Hi Tiffany. I'm a lapband patient post surgery now 6 weeks, doing great. Had my 1st fill this past Tuesday and it was very simple. I've lost 28 lbs so far and am thrilled. As the RNY folks have said, keep doing your research, talk with the doctor and hospital program you have a high confidence in their  surgical skill and follow up care, and Yes, check your insurance too... I've heard of folks getting 90% of the way through going to Barix in Groveport only to get told about 6 weeks before surgery that Barix is not covered on their insurance plan, that it had to be a Bariatric Center of Excellence or they couldn't choose that hospital/surgeon.   As others have said, besides the Lapband thread on this website, there  is also a really helpful website that has alot of lapband specific info at www.lapbandtalk.com and there is a USA Local Support Group - Ohio section with lots of comparison info about the different programs in Columbus and also a Doctors & Hospitals thread where you can check things too. Best wishes.