txmike

Hello. I recently moved from Dallas to Phoenix. Does anyone know of a doctor here who will accept a patient from elsewhere? I need a scope check on my band. Thanks in advance for any help. Mike

Hi all, I first decided to seriously look into lap band back in August when my weight, in spite of increased activity after recovery from knee replacement, continued to climb til I finally broke 290. I was referred to a bariatric surgeon here in the DFW area by a friend. I can't believe it was so simple to get thru the pre-op process. I went to the doc's web site and filled out an inquiry. 3 weeks later they called and said my insurance company approved me for the band! I had never even spoken to ins co or doc before that. Amazing! I have United Health Care and they are awesome! The doc and his staff are also great, Arlington Bariatric Center, Dr. Richard Carter. I do have other factors such as hypertension and joint problems. Believe me, one knee replacement is one too many. Anyway, I got banded on Tuesday, Oct 14, and am now struggling through the Clear liquids phase. Not doing too badly except for the bad post-op gas. Hope that stops soon. So far I am down 12 and I'm excited about the prospect of finally getting back to normal weight. I did lots of research before deciding, and this forum was the single best thing I found, and the information I got here, and the positive attitudes of so many members, was probably the most important factor in my decision. Thank you to you all! I am looking forward to being part of this community..

Hi Meschultz, Yes I was pretty lucky all around. Not only with 5 days on clear, but the whole process was simple, no psyc, no pre-op diet. Thanks for your input on the 'mash' phase. My doc did not say if the band already has Fluid in it, but it feels like it does. I am still suffering from gas and have trouble burping. I am going to call Monday and ask about the current fluid amount. My BMI was relatively low at <36, and I am surprised at how easy it was to get insurance approval. It is amazing...I am 96 hours post-op and i have lost 20lbs! I am well-hydrated so it must be 20 real lbs.. I'm already getting pretty excited about being able to easily buy clothes!

Camp3, i would think you could have the surgery sooner than that if you want. i am also on UHC and time from first inquiry to approval was less than 3 wk, and I only had a BMI <36 with arthritis and hypertension. Good luck!

Thanks to all above for the replies and encouragement. I've never seen another internet forum with so many positive, encouraging people. I am sure this is going to be a valuable resource over the long term and I hope that I can contribute appropriately. I think I am starting to get hungry but maybe it is just the discomfort from the post-op gas. I am doing OK so far, but now counting the minutes until Sunday when I move to 'anything you can mush with a fork'. I think this means stuff like pea Soup, which will help a lot. Seems my doc is not as strict on the clear liquids as some, I am only on clear for 5 days. I am now scouring this forum for food ideas for my next phase..