abbyduvic

I think no one wants to touch my question. Guess it really should be directed to my doctor. Thanks anyway, Abby

Yes, I was a self pay. Ins would not approve the surgery cause I was 80 lbs over. I do take pills of high blood pressure, have sleep apnia, and other comobities. I appealed once but no luck. I'm sure it's a good investment. I think paying that much will help insure that I stay true to my new program. I feel totally commited and am following doc's orders to the letter. Down 13 lbs in 17 days. Started off at 200. Only 5'1. Have to loose 80. Feel like I have a good start. Let's keep in touch, Abby It's fun having friends on the same journey!

Hi Jenny, Best of luck to you. I got my band on 4/1 and am doing wonderful. The surgery was not bad at all. Had my surgery at 7:30 am. Got back to my room at 9:30. Awake by 10:00. Had ice chips, walked to the bathroom. Was out of the surgery center by noon. Was prepared for much more of an ordeal. One thing did surprise me before the surgery. The nurse came in and said she had to give me a shot. My IV was already in but this little shot had to be given in the tummy. It was a heprin shot to keep my blood thin. I hardly felt the shot but the med did burn going in for a few minutes. Was'nt bad at all. The nurse said that they give that shot to everyone just as a precaution; to avoid clots after surgery. That was the only surprise I had. Just wanted to prepare you in case you get one as well. Anyway, let us know how are you doing when you feel like getting on your computer. You'll do great! Abby

Hi, My doc says I can take my NSAID's. With the band they do no harm cause they do go down the big stomach. With the bypass surgery they would stay in the small pouch and cause ulcers. Sounded logical to me.. Just another opinion. Abby:rolleyes2:

I have to disagree with the idea that the band is for young people. It was a nothing surgery for me as well. I was lucky to not have much pain at all. I had surgery at 7:30 am. Was up walking, going to the bathroom, having ice chips by 10:30 am. Out of the hospital by noon. Came home, took an afternoon nap, and felt like taking a walk. They tell you that walking helps with the gas that some people have after surgery. I had very little of that. Soooo, I feel that 60 something is not too old at all. Guess it all depends on how strong of a person you are. This is just not that big of a deal; it's surgery but not major surgery. Lots of older people have bypass surgery and do just fine. Abby

Hi, I got my band on April1 and I am 60 years old. Have had no problems and feel great at this point. Let us know what you decide. Abby:smile2:

Hi Everyone, I had my surgery on April 1. Feeling really good except for my tummy feeling really bloated. Very black and blue around my insicions as well. Really, the surgery itself was a breeze. I'm so excited and thrilled that I did this. I feel that my new baby tum and I are going to do just fine. Did anyone else out there have surgery on the 1st. of April. Would love to hear from you. Abby :tt1:

I too was banded on the first. My doctor didn't give me the meter thing. I seem to be doing fine. Was up and about the day of surgery. Been walking and doing light stuff around the house. We should keep in touch since we had this done on the same day.

Hi, I just celebrated my 60th. So happy to find you all. My surgery is April 1. Can't wait. Kinda scared though. I'm sure it will go well. Abby

Hi everyone, My name is Abby and I live in New Orleans. I just went to a seminar about the Lap Band and decided to go ahead with the surgery. I have already applied with my insurance co and have been denied twice. My BMI is 37. I have high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I use a CPap machine when I sleep. Cigna says I don't have serious enough problems. Even after the appeal, I was turned down. So, I will just pay for the surgery myself. I figure its a very good investment. I'm almost 60 and plan to work another 10 years. After that, I have lots of plans for some fun. I want to be in shape so that I'll have energy to do all the things that I would like to do. Anyway, I hope to get to know some of you so that we can make this journey together. I've read 2 books and everything else I can get my hands on about the LapBand. Sound good to me. Did consider Gastric Bypass at first but changed my mind when I learned about the Lap Band. Thanks for taking the time to read my intro. Abby