djbryan51

Hubby and I went to Vancouver for my information seminar. It lasted a little over 2 hours but it was very informative about all three types of surgery. Cathy said that right now the doctors have been doing more "sleeves" than bands because the weight loss is faster. It is a toss up as to which I would choose but sometimes fast isn't always the best. Next step is to send in my insurance paperwork and find out if it will be covered. I have a very sick feeling that we have a no exception clause in our contract with Premera and they won't even consider it. I'm not going to get my hopes up because I don't want to be disappointed. Like all things it is in God's hands and if this is what is meant to be then it will out work out. Deb

I was talking to my baby brother today and was telling him that I had decided to go the lapband if I can. I told him he really should look into it. He weighs about 400 lbs. He said his doctor was very much against it. He told him that 1 out of every 250 people die from the surgery. I answered that that couldn't be right as both my cardiologist and my GYN are advocates and are supporting my decision whole heartedly. They wouldn't have recommended it if it wasn't safe. I guess I will just have to be the example for him. If my cardiologist, who first recommended it, feels that it is safe despite my having Aterial Defibulation then I'm not going to worry about it. Besides it's in God's hands. Deb

How many have had their bands for 10 years or more? Just remembered another comment from a doctor. He said that the band worked fine for some people but most people gained their weight back after about 10 years. Since I don't personally know anyone with a band I'm curious about his statement. Fact or misinformation? Deb Sorry to ask these questions but that is a lot of money when you are on a limited income and I don't need something that will quit working after a few years and needs to be replaced.

Way to go! Congratulations!

Thanks to all who have wrote back. I haven't changed my mind about the band and go to my first seminar tomorrow night. Looking forward to it. I talked to mom the other day and she said Gary told her that depending on how I did maybe he would look into it. He is a good guy but he "What if's" everything to death. Some times you just have to take a step in faith and trust that everything in going to be o.k. Congratulations Jim! You're doing fantastic! Deb

Oh this hasn't changed my decision any but I think it is sad. How many other people might not get the help they need due to incorrect information or personal prejudice on a doctor's part. I've learned you have to check and investigate things for yourself to be able to make a fair decision. I go for my first seminar Wednesday and can't wait! Deb

Just hang in there, Sandra. Just think how beautiful you are going to look and how healthy you will feel. I keep telling myself this and I haven't even been to my first seminar yet.

They say the first step is always the hardest so I am going to make that first step hopefully Wednesday and go to an introduction meeting. My cardiologist has recommended the lapband for a couple years now but I just had a hard time with it. It seemed so extreme then last month my GYN said he wouldn't do surgery unless I lost 100 lbs. He asked if I had thought of the lapband. I might be stubborn but I'm not stupid. Frankly it scares me to death but there is still a lot of life I want to experience. I've been reading the topics on the forum and while I still have a lot of questions I'm determined to do this. To those who have wrote to me when I first signed in I'm sorry I didn't get back with you. Since Feb. I've had my hubby in and out of the hospital. At Easter they were only giving him a 40% chance of making it. Thankfully he is fully recovered and will be going down as my support on Wednesday I'm keeping my fingers crossed as the only roadblock will be getting my insurance to approve it. Deb

It looks like next Wednesday will be my first seminar and I am getting kind of excited about it. I have decided that if the insurance won't cover it then I will some how do it myself. GinaCher, sorry I didn't get back to answer you sooner but I haven't been home much the last few days. Glad your seminar wentl well and good luck on the rest! Deb

I guess it is more fear of loosing my safety blanket than anything else. I think in my mind I was thinking that I would be stuck for the rest of my life eating protein shakes, soft food and drinking juices. I know that I will get to have some of the things I like but in moderation and there will be things I can't eat but that is o.k too. It is also fear of the unknown. It has been so long since I was slender that I have a hard time remembering who that person was. I have tried so often in the last 37 years and always failed. Guess part of me is expecting that this time too. Right now I can't visualize myself even down to 250 lbs let alone 120 lbs. It has really been helpful to read the posts from the newly banded to those who have had their bands for several years. You give the rest of us, call it courage if you will. We know that there is pain and discomfort. That you have to sacrifice but that in the long run it is all worth it. Has anyone dealt with Premera in the Oregon-Washington area? Did you have a hard time getting approved?

I'm a sixty year old woman with Afib. Had a heart attack about four years ago and my doctor has been trying to get me to loose weight. I've tried believe me I've tried them all in the last 30+ years with no success. I just can't seem to stay on a diet longer than 4 months so cardiologist is recommending the lapband. I have heard good things and I have heard bad but no real information as to what you can eat afterwards. Do you loose weight so fast that you end up needing plastic surgery to get rid of the rolls of loose skin? I've also heard that many people gain their weight back in about 10 years. This all scares me but having another heart attack frightens me more. So if anyone has any information or advice please send it my way. I have to make this decision before Oct of next year when my husband retires and our insurance changes. As it is I'm hoping our insurance will cover at least part of this since it is for a life threatening reason. Thanks. Deb