aimees27

A little history: I have been having "stomach" problems (constipation, diarrhea, stomach/back cramps) since the middle of August. I have had a full GI work up (EGD, colonoscopy & small bowel follow through) and my GI tract is perfectly normal/healthy, with the exception of a med. sized hiatal hernia that is being repaired during my banding surgery. My PCP and Gastro. Dr. feel it is female related. I saw my Gyn. today. He suspects endometriosis and I'm scheduled for a laparoscopy on Nov. 19th. My band surgery is scheduled for Nov. 2nd. Should I wait on the band surgery and hernia repair? It stinks because my hernia is quite the little devil and gives me trouble at least a couple times a week and I was really looking forward to getting that thing taken care of. I just wanted to see what most people thought. Thanks for any feedback!!

You're going to do just great!!! Good luck and I wish you a very speedy recovery!!! :eek:

I'm doing exactly that...I'm getting my hernia repaired during my lap procedure. My BMI is too low for insurance to cover me, but they have already approved my hernia repair and two days in the hospital, so I got several thousand $$$ off my price. That is really nice for a self payer!! BTW, will I need two days in hospital recovery? Should I milk out the two days in hospital?

Hi NM Sunshine! I'm from NM!! I am getting banded on Nov. 2nd by Dr. DeBarros in AZ. I'm nervous, but so ready to start this new journey!

You can look like that again! Just keep that picture close and refer to it often and you will be there!!!

Hi everyone! Could those that have had a hernia repair done at the same time as the lap band placement give me some insight? I have a medium sized sliding hiatus hernia in my esophagus and will have it repaired at the same time as my band placement. What am I in store for recovery wise? Did anyone have to stay overnight because of the added procedure? How was the pain? I'm just trying to get my self prepared for the extra procedure, since I just found out a little over a week ago about the hernia... Thanks for any help you can give me!!

Thanks for the reply! I've had other surgeries and I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, so I'm hoping I will come out fine! I was just wanting some imput from those that have gone through it. Thanks again!!

Call around or send emails to many different centers. There are Dr.s in the U.S. that will band a lower BMI patient. Most likely, you will have to self pay. I have spoken to three Dr.s that have said, if I qualify health wise, they wouldn't have a problem at all banding me and I have a BMI of 32. You do not just have to rely on Mexico for lower BMI banding...just ask around. I think many surgeons in the U.S. are well aware that a lower BMI may very likely become an obese, or morbidly obese BMI within a matter of time...IMO!

Thanks!!! Amy

Hi everyone! Just a quick question...does anyone know if Dr. Spivak uses the newer AP band? Thanks!!

I am also a low BMI gal. I have the same BMI you do and have been looking for a surgeon in the US that will work with me. I am in New Mexico and have been focusing my search to Arizona or Texas. I spoke with a surgeon in OH that would do a low BMI, but that is a tad far for follow up care, I think. How do you like Dr. Spivak? Did you specifically ask for him? Do you mind me asking about how much you will be paying for surgery? I, obviously, am self pay too. What sort of after care will you recieve from Dr. Spivak/staff? Is it included with the amount you will be paying or will you have extra expenses? How long has the process taken for you? You mentioned you are having surgery on Aug. 1. I'm trying to do as much research as I can. My husband totally supports my decision. I'm just trying to find the right place/surgeon to go to. Thanks for any help you can give me and good luck to you!!!

Thanks for the feedback gals! :clap2: I'm still trying to decide if this big step is for me. I honestly feel like I will only continue to gain, even if at a slow rate, for the rest of my life. I have serious food addictions and I can't tell you how many times I have dieted in my 35 (almost 36) years. I'm sure you all know exactly what I'm going through. Many times I just feel like a failure. I don't understand why I don't have the will power to just stick with the diets, but I always seem to go back to old habits and end up bigger than before the diet started. I just worry about after surgery complications and what I would do if I had an emergency!! I often wonder if I am being selfish in wanting to go this route for weight loss. Will it bring me more problems? You know... I just have so many different feelings going on right now.:confused: One thing I know for sure is that if I was 20lbs heavier, I know I wouldn't be questioning the decision for lap band... I would get it done!! I just think it is hard for me because I am not "morbidly" obese...just slightly obese. That all seems so silly, doesn't it? Why wait until I get that large? I have decided to get a passport...just incase. I have never needed one since I have never been out of the country before!! At least I'll have everything I need if I decide to get banded. Thanks for listening everyone! You guys are a HUGE help and I thank you all so much!!!

Hello everyone, I'm Amy! I'd love to join the low bmi group. I have been researching lapbanding for a couple of months and have been coming here to read EVERYTHING everyone has to say! You guys are all so helpful to each other and it really has been nice to read about everyone's experiences, difficulties and successes! You all are helping me understand this whole lifestyle change. My BMI is 31. I'm 5'2" and 167lbs. Who will band someone that is obese, but only slightly? Is Mexico the only place to go? Obvioulsy I will be a self payer. I do not have any comorbidities, although my husband swears I have sleep apnea...I have never been officially diagnosed. I am not opposed to going to Mexico to have the surgery. My only fear is what do you do if you have an emergency? Do you always have to go back to Mexico for fills? I live in Albuquerque, NM and we do have a Fill Centers USA facility here. I'm sorry to bombard you all with questions. I'm just really trying to figure it all out. My husband is totally fine with my decision, as he knows that I am so much happier when I am not battling my obsession with food and weight. We just are a bit scared of the unknown... Thanks for listening and for any help you may be able to share! Amy