Lap- band surgery date Dec. 20th

I would like to chat with someone who has had the surgery. If you know anyone please let me know. Thanks, Pamela

I know of two in VA for sure. Heather in the DC area and then one of the men just had it at MCV. There is a lap band message board where you can find MANY folks who have had that surgery. If I find the link I will post it for you. Congratulations on your date! Lois

Hey Lois, good to hear from you. I hope all is well & that you had a nice thanksgiving. Thanks for the info I hope to hear from you again. My e-mail is [email protected]. Take care, Pam

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/a,messageboard/board_id,5359/ Try that for the lap-band forum. L

Hey pam ask me anything I will answer or find someone who knows the answer congrats on your date

Heather, I just wanted to know how painful was it for you? How fast did you lose weight? How long on liquid diet? What was it like the first time you ate food? Are you happy with the choice you made? By all your pictures I would say so. You look great. I'm just a little afraid & would like to have someone to talk with that has had the same experiance. Thanks for your reply, Take care Pam

I just wanted to know how painful was it for you? ****I remember being sore after the surgery, however 3 days after coming home I stopped taking the pain pills**** How fast did you lose weight? ****I know I lost about 20 pounds during the liquid phase and gained nine back, but I was not trying to diet before my first fill. Read my profile for more details about that**** How long on liquid diet? 2 weeks What was it like the first time you ate food? ****I missed chewing so bad, I actually chewed a cookie but didn't swallow it during the liquid phase I don't reccommend that I did swallow some of it and ended up laying on the floor in pain for 45 mins wishing I had not done it**** Are you happy with the choice you made? By all your pictures I would say so. You look great. *****Absolutely!!! without doubt extremely happy. I am not at my personal goal, but I read on OH all the time about people who only intend to get to 160, I am happy at the size I am now. I can fit just about anything I like. but I really want to hit the 125 mark, even if I get too it and decide it is too skinny***** later Heather 240/222/163/125

Hi Pam, Do you have VA medicaid? What carrier do you have? I have VA medicaid/Southern Health Care-CareNet. Thanks, Ari

Hi Ari, I have medicare. I am disabled & I had to wait 2 yrs. for the Medicare. I had medicaid a few times & I would get close to surgery & they would take it because of income increase. I have been waiting for 3 yrs. I was going to have a Gastric By -pass but I had a blood clot in my leg in Sep. of last yr. It was a DVT & it was bad. I spent 12 days in the hospital. That slowed down my surgery. The Lap-band is less chance of blood loss & complications. So I have to get a Green field filter put in on the 15th unless they change their minds & do it on the 19th. It will prevent any clots from going to my heart or lungs. I'm kinda scared but I know I don't want to gain my weight back again. I was at 387 & now I weigh 343. I feel a lot better. But I did get approved for my surgery with Medicaid really quick. Things just happened & you know how that goes. I wish you lot's of Luck. Hope to here from you again. Take care, Pam