I have some questions about Lap Band surgery. I've been really overweight about 12 years, since the birth of my last child. In those years we have had to face crisis after crisis, along with some major and minor health problems. I don't know what my BMI is but it's high, about 34. I'm 5'3" and right at 200lb.
I've been in the 200# neighborhood for about 2years. I do not diet, mainly because with all the other responsibilities in my life it's just easy to let it go and wear elastic waist pants, ya know? Ive been the main caregiver for my DS12 and DH for the past 12yrs and it has really taken a toll on my health. At this point I have severe sleep apnea, very high triglycerides, and I'm considered high risk for diabetes and heart disease due to family history. You'd think that would be enough to motivate me,but honestly I just feel overwhelmed. I am not a dieter, have never been a dieter, don't care about dieting. My biggest problem is I don't exercise. Well, and I eat chocolate. Otherwise i'm a healthy eater and I don't drink a lot of soda. I just don't move enough to burn up the calories so I just stay at a nice, steady 200lb.
My hubby has been dropping hints about doing the Lap Band surgery. Im sure he is worried about my health. With his health being so poor, he really does fear that I'll kick off and leave him with DS. I had approached my doctor about referring me a couple years ago, but never followed through. I doubt they would do the Lap Band on me since I've not been dieting.
I know I can diet and lose the weight. I have done it before, but I never stay with it.You know that commercial where the woman says she used to think about food all day and her appetite is like a lion? Well, that's me. I think about food constantly. I don't keep junk in the house because if I did, Id just eat constantly.
Those who have done it, tell me what the process is like.
"Those who dwell...among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life."--Rachel Carson, environmentalist, 1956
My doc told me some insurances do cover the lap band surgery. you must have a BMI of more than either 37 or 40 can't remember. If you go to the website it will tell you what insurances cover it.
Supercharged wrote: I've been reading a little about this surgery, can anyone tell me if they have had it or know someone who has. And how has it helped or not helped.
I have thought about it and researched it but insurance doesnt cover it so I wont get it.
I have a friend who had it done and is doing very well & has lost almost 100lbs.
Wife had it done 4 years ago though the Military hospital system( she had gastric bypass surgery)and is doing very well has lost about 180#. Military insurance Tricare will also pay to have it done. Have a friend that just had down at Babtist Hospital in little Rock and is also doing well. Very serious surgery, wife went though a lot of couseling before having and she clearly states it is not for everyone and requires a complete lifestyle change to be effective.
Ok here is my story.......... I didnt have lapband because I didnt wanta foreign object in me nor did I want to go have it filled or fluids released every 3-4 months at 500 dollars a pop. I however had the VSG perferomed. This is wehre they remove ~80% of your stomach. With the way they remove it you are left with a banana shaped stomach. They cut away the part of the stomach that supposidly causes hunger.( never feel hungry so it must) . It has been 14 months since surgery and I have lost 100lbs. However like any Weightlos srgery, It is only a tool. You have to corret your eating habits as well as excercise.
Someone mentioned cost. The surgery cost me 11500 insurance would not cover it.
Would I do it again..H&&& YES!! any question PM me.
Take care and god Bless
BIGGS
Some added info check MORE HELP HERE
if once you dont suuuceedd
If once you deont succeed
If once you dont succeed try tryyyy
If once you dont' succedd
Ok if once you dont succeed just freaking DO IT!!!!!!!!!!
I had a vertical banded gastroplasty with sleeve gastectomy in July of 2004. Lost 110 pounds and holding. Most of the weight was gone by December, 2004. This surgery was instead of a gastric bypass - but is not for people who graze. It did away with most of my grelin production so appetite was drastically decreased. It has no malnutrative issues as with gastric bypass and duodenal switch surgeries. I chose this surgery for my specific needs -- aging and not wanting any problems with uptake of B vitamins, etc.
Lap band does much the same thing as my surgery without the elimination of grelin. I don't think I would be having this success without that reduced grelin hormone.
There are always side effects . . . some people have them worse than others. My only problem is stomach gas after eating -- not always, but frequently. I would still choose my weight loss with the side effects, but there is always a price to pay that has nothing to do with money. Just be prepared to pay that piper.
Good luck -- just be sure to choose a doctor with great long term follow-up, support group meetings, and choices along with education about those choices so that you can choose what is right for you.
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