dxeln

:thumbup:I had my lapband surgery on Oct. 1,2008. At first I broke my pills in half and took them with yogurt or applesauce. I went back for a fill on Dec. 30 and my doctor said I could start taking my pills whole. I haven't had any problems so far. I am losing slow, but the doctor says I'm doing great and that I have to remember that I don't have that much to lose. I weighed 206 before surgery. I weigh 183 now.Last year I weighed 230. I feel so much better since I've lost some weight. I am also diabetic and have decreased my Lantus insulin from 65 units every morning to 15 units. I have had 2 fills so far. I love my band! Dixie 206/183/150

You will have a success story in the future. I had lapband surgery on Oct. 1, by Dr. Nease at Cabell Huntington Hospital. I have lost 20.2 pounds as of 11-14-08, I had my first fill (3cc)on that day. I choose not to weigh myself very often...it's a me thing...if I don't see a loss each time-I get discouraged so I don't get weighed more than once a month. My clothes are getting baggy (Yeah!!). Good luck to you. I rarely get hungry, don't even think about food like I used to. I'm from Pt. Pleasant, where are you located?

Hello everyone, I haven't posted for a while, as I am working full time. I had my first fill Nov. 14. I lost 20 pounds since the lap band surgery on Oct. 1. I'm doing well, hope all of you are doing well, also. 206/186/135

Where, may I ask, do you go for a loan for the lap band surgery. I just found out my insurance will not pay. Thanks.

Hi Cathie, I am 50 years old. I also have Cigna insurance. I have had 6 monthly vistits with my family doctor to document nutrition/exercise (I had to go every 30 days). I had the nutrition class, and just had the psych evaluation last week, every thing should be complete. Just waiting for everything to be submitted to Cigna. I am a RN also. I work in a women's correctional center. Good luck to you. Dixie

Hi, I have an appt for a psych eval on Sept. 6. What kind of questions can I expect? Also, does everyone have to go on a preop liquid diet? I think after the psych eval, the dr's office will submit my paperwork to Cigna. Any replies are appreciated. Thanks, Dixie:nervous

Thanks for your reply. I am wanting the band to help me control my eating. It seems like I'm hungry all the time. Were you like that, too?

Debi, I am 50, still not banded, am waiting for psych eval, stress test was abnormal, so now I have to see a cardiologist. Sounds like you're going thru some things I have. Good luck. Dixie

I had a stress test on Fri. 4-13-07. I am a 50 year old female. I did ok, was on the treadmill for about 7 minutes, got over the target heart rate the doctor wanted me to reach, blood pressure was UP!, but I didn't take any medication until after the test was over. Boy!! Am I glad that is over with. Are there any other tests that the Dr. might order for me? Thanks. Also, this LapBandTalk.com is wonderful, I read it a lot. I learn from all your experiences, so please keep sharing the good and the not so good so we will continue to learn. I still have a nutrition class to attend, get a psych evaluation and finish up with my monthly progress notes for another 3-4 months. Thanks everybody!!!:rain: It's been raining and chilly all day here in WV.

Hi, my name is Dixie, I have written here a few times. I am still waiting for the band. I have gone to the seminar, 1st dr. appt., had blood work, chest xray, ekg, have to have a stress test, go to nutrition class, have 6 months of documented weight loss progress notes from my PCP. I don't know how long it'll be before I fianlly get the band. Cigna is my insurance. Wish me luck!!

Edie, Thanks for the reply and words of encouragment. I appreciate it. Dixie

I am 50 years old and I am glad I stopped to read these posts. I have been heavy all my life and want so badly to get the band! I am going to a seminar tomorrow, I don't know how long the process will take for me to be approved for banding. I weigh 220, am 5'2", everyone says "you don't need to get that done to lose weight--just go on a diet", If it were that easy for me ,I'd have done it years ago. I always eat until I fill full and if the band will be the tool to help me lose weight by eating smaller amounts to be able to feel full, then I feel that it will work for me. Thanks for all the information. Dixie

Is it true that we can no longer have chewing gum after the lap band surgery?? If not, why? Thanks Dixie:omg:

Hi, I haven't had the banding yet, just lurking and reading all that I can. Do you all have to go on a liquid diet before the surgery? I go to a seminar on 3-8-07, I don't know a whole lot about it yet. Just wondering. Sounds like everyone is doing good. I can't believe the before/after pictures. Everyone looks great.

My name is Dixie,I am an RN. I am just beginning to research the lap band. I am scheduled for a seminar on March 8. I took some papers for my PCP to fill out today. I got my info packet today from Cabell Huntington Hospital. I don't know for sure yet if my insurance will cover the surgery or even if I am qualified for it. I think I am, though, because I weigh 220, have diabetes, hypertension and some major back problems. If there is anyone from WV who is interested in posting, come on. We all need the support. Dixie:p

I, too have a dysfunctional relationship with food. I seem to stay hungry. I have type 2 diabetes and take insulin for that, my dr. says the insulin gives me an appetite. Hopefully I'll be banded in the future. I think it will be the most helpful tool to help me with my diet..and weight loss. Mousecrazy--you are doing great!!Jill and KeKe--good luck with your banding. I have a while to wait for my banding. (I hope my insurance will pay--Cigna), Dixie

I haven't been banded yet. I go to a seminar on March 8. Can't wait. Reading all these posts and seeing the before/after photos really gives me hope. Thanks, Dixie

Are you losing inches? Have you noticed your clothes getting looser? Sometimes weight loss show as inches lost instead of pounds.

I've noticed a few members have had their bands removed because of erosion--what causes it and how do you know you have it? I am going to my first seminar next week, am looking forward to being banded, if all is approved. Also, I am 50 y/o, will I have to have a colonoscopy:embarassed: , mammo, etc.?? Thanks, Dixie

I'm new to this site, my name is Dixie and I am trying to find out all I can about the gastric banding procedure. I weigh 216 (5'2"). I have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes (I take Lantus and Novolog insulin) numerous back problems (bulging disc, herniated disc and and one "blown out"disc). I know that if I could have this procedure done, it would practically eliminate most of my medical problems (the diabetes and high B/P) and would improve my back a great deal also. I'm here to find out what everyone is going through and to find someone to ask questions to, also. I talked with my insurance co. today (CIGNA) and it sounds pretty promising. My family dr thinks I would be a good candidate for banding, also. I just want to say Hi to everyone and find some friends. Thanks Dixie

:help: How many kinds of tests,etc are necessary to have before the lapband procedure? Also I've looked on this site and can't find any before/after photos, where are the pictures? Thanks, Dixie

Hi Myrtle in WV, I,too am from WV. Are you going to Dr. Nease? I talked to his nurse today and called my insurance co. I don't know how long it will take for me to get approval for the banding, how long did the process take for you? Good luck to you, I can't wait to get everything started.