Magnifi8

...she stated that some insurances require the 6-month diet and weight loss period. Does any with this insurance know if this is a requirement and also for an idea for out of pocket total cost. My insurance will pay for 80% with a lifetime max of $16,000.00 -- any help is greatly appreciated!

Your post voices exactly my main concern! That for a device that is supposed to last forever, once you've had it put in that is, it's starting to show higher incidences of complications the longer you go with it. I've yet to be banded as I'm still researching my options. I noticed that a majority of the folks on this forum are not senior bandees meaning 10+ years with the band. And I understand that it's still new for the United States so I continue to plug away with my research... thanks for posting! Hope all goes well for you!

This is all good info to know since I've yet to be banded. Hope everything works out for you... because I'm an emotional eater (constantly "head hungry") your post, Kieras, helps me to be prepared for situations such as this that may arise. I pray that all goes well with you and that you "recover" quickly from this. ~ Compassion, empathy and helpful knowledge can go hand in hand in times of uncertainty and fear.

Yes, I went from a women's size 12W to a 10R when I went from 329 lbs to 214 lbs back in 2009. So yeah, expect to buy smaller sized shoes when you lose more and more weight! Amazing isn't it? LOL

Thanks so much for all the info! Trying not to rush things but I've been living with this "issue" for most of my adult life... it's been so long of a journey and I've come to a place where I am now ready to make the "lifestyle commitment".

All of these "survival tips" for the early post-op phase is so helpful... taking notes as I've gotten approved for a referral yesterday by my primary dr. Excited/nervous/anxious/and a little scared all at once but looking forward to this journey to better me.

For someone in my position (my primary yesterday approved my referral for the band), it's absolutely critical to hear as many different experiences with this procedure so that I can make a sound decision for ME. Knowing what my risks are as well as the benefits will help me to do so. If I only heard one side of the story, I couldn't make the "right choice" now could I? Hopeful still...

Hi - can you please post the source for this RESULTS data that you posted as I'm planning to attend my first seminar this Saturday and would like to present the findings to the seminar team and be able to at least name the source from where it came. Just this alone would make me not want to go through with the procedure because it sounds like there's almost an "expiration date" for the band, tubing and/or port. My insurance will not cover a removal. This is something to think about as I'm only 40 and I'd like to think that the likelihood of this band lasting would be much longer than say 5-10 years, you know... *much to contemplate EVEN more! But I sure do appreciate you posting this. Thank you!

This thread has left me to reconsider my decision to have this procedure performed because there doesn't seem to be enough feedback from those who've lived longer with the lap band. The majority of the posts/comments tend to be from bandees who only had this performed under 5 years time. I'd like to hear from the veterans so to speak. To see both sides of the spectrum is VERY eye-opening as I'm seriously contemplating this procedure myself. I know that this may not work for everyone but the fact that down the line complications can arise and my insurance won't cover a removal? Scary!

Thanks Kay! That's good info. I'll definitely be pushing my surgeon to try and expedite this if my insurance doesn't require the 6-month diet. My primary dr felt that it was totally pointless (the 6-month diet) and a waste of my time and money as she feels that I'm in the right mindset for the commitment to a new lifestyle and am fully aware of all of the possible risks/complications. Appreciate your help!

Forgot to mention that I'm from California.

Excited for you! Today was my very first day to taking the step to get this procedure done. Met with my primary and she gave me the green light for this. Can you tell me how long from the time you went to see your primary to your scheduled op date did it take? I'm anxious to get this done and over with.... tired of living a poor quality of life with this excess baggage on my body. Thanks! And praying all goes well for you!