Anyone who is 5'1" and less than 200 who seeks the Lap Band surgery?

I was about 118 pounds 10 years ago and now have reached 170. I have chronic hip pain, numbness in the hands and arms and some sleep apnea. I have to take thyroid meds and premarin. I would like to have the Lap Band surgery for at least a year and to help retrain my aging and aching body into new and healthy eating habits.

Hi Donna, I wish I was 5'. I am really 4.10 1/2 . I weighted 98 pounds when I graduated from High School. Long time ago. But since then my weight has just crept up and up and up. I sorta stayed around 165-175, which is way to much for my heighth (or lack thereof). But when I would go on Insulin I would gain about 20 pounds, making matters even worse, but necessary. Prior to the 10 day preop liquid Diet I weighted 189 on my scales here at home. I was banded Feb. 3, 2005 in Cincy. Today I weight 174. I was down to 172 couple of days ago, but I have had to take a couple of Insulin shots and it seems that I swell up as soon as I do and grab onto weight real quick. Being so short and overweight has really been hard on my body and health. I am so tired of being sick and tired. I believe the Band will be my answer. Wishing you the very best in your decision Vicki in Indy

Hi Donna! I am 5"1' and was 218 when I started the application process. I was able to loose 18 pounds prior to surgery, so was at 200 the day of, 12/2/04. I am now down to 182 and am very happy with the band. Feel free to read over my profile. I've documented every step of my journey so far. Not sure what you meant by having the surgery for a year. The band is intended to stay put and is a life-long committment. Some people do have their ports removed after reaching and maintaining their goal for a couple of years, but the band is only removed if there is an issue. The doctors say that if the band is removed, you go back to your normal size stomach and will more than likely go back to your original weight. Best of luck to you! Pam

Thanks for your response. I had a hysterectomy about 4 years ago and seem to be getting heavier and heavier each year. How difficult are the staff about even getting an interview? I called one place and because I was under 200lbs and would pay cash the receptionist SCREAMED it was not fair for me to be able to pay whilse others could not and that my weight was not enough to merit their time??? It was very traumatic. For a person of my size and my problems (scoliosis, chronic hip pain, reflux, thyroid meds and some sleep apnea) it would be a Godsend and could save me SO much money in the long run. What is the best approach? The people on these boards are so helpful and have trully suffered so much. I think you all should be running the country!

Donna - Well I went through OSU. They send you a packet to complete before you even talk to a live person. Once you complete the application, they review and if approved you go through their nutrition class and then you see the doctor. Dr. Needleman, who did my surgery, was very positive about my choice of the band. He said that he agreed that it was the best for me and would be a great wls option at my planned weight loss. He has been very happy with my progress so far and is a wonderful surgeon. Their packet is very thorough and gives you check lists of everything that they need from you to get insurance approval. (i.e. 5 year weights, list of all prior weight loss attempts, complete physical, bloodwork, psych exam, nutritionist exam, etc) I did go through my insurance and was approved in 2 weeks time. I'm not sure how their self-pay program is, but the office staff are wonderful too! Good luck! Pam

Thanks for your kind and timely response. I just sent out a packet to a surgeon in Canton, Ohio. I filled out exactly what you described. OSU would be closer but I am not all that thrilled with OSU hosptial systems to begine with. I hope you are doing well and are feeling healthy. I thought the band could come off after a period of retraining of eating habits? But if not, then all the better. Peace~~~~~~~~~~

Well, I have filled out the paperwork and sent it in. Did you find that they tried to discourage you since you were'nt 100 pounds overweight? It doesn't seem like you were from reading your posts.

Nope! They were really great and didn't question me at all. I think with our height - a little weight goes a long way! Although I didn't have any comorbidites, there is a ton of diabetes and heart problems on both sides of my family. They understood that I was hoping for weight loss to get me healthier now and to hopefully prevent the potential health issues that run rampant in my family. Shannon Serber is wonderful. She was very responsive to all of my questions as were the office staff. I spoke to 2 different people while getting all of my info together and to them after my original application was submitted and they were both very nice and helpful! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your process goes as smoothly as mine did. Pam