Born To Loose

I'm so upset.......... I was scheduled to have my Lap-Band on Monday morning (8/21). I got a call Friday afternoon from my surgon's office saying that they had cancelled the surgery because the Anesthesiologist said there was an "irregularity" in the EKG they did on Wednesday. They want me to get clearance from a cardiologist before they do the Lap-Band. I have set up a stress test for this Thursday. This is the first anyone has mentioned anything wrong w/ my heart! I have never had any problems in any way, nor is there any genetic bent in our family. We are Scottish and have long-living tickers. Has anyone out there been asked to see a cardiologist before the Lap-Band? I was wondering if the anesthesialogist though I was having a gastric bypass and if that made a difference.... I'm frustrated that I did everything necessary to get to this point. The research, tthe insurance denial (we have a policy exclusion), the psyc visits, the pre-surgery weight loss, the support group meetings, the dietician, the surgeon, all the lab tests, the x-rays, the upper-GI series, the physical thereapist, pre-surgery stuff...Also, I'm a self-pay and the added expense is something I hadn't anticipated.....and it is only within 72 hours of surgery that they now come up w/ this.....ugggh! It is ironic to me that I'm doing this to improve my health...and now they can't do the band ...due to my health! Does anyone have heart problems and still got the Lap-Band? Any ideas/suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated !! Thank you....

Hi, Kerry....and welcome. I'm from NH, the Manchester area, and had my band done in September w/ the Portsmouth Regional Hospital/Atlantic Surgical group. I had Dr.Gens and he's the best. The program is great and I would highly recommend it. If you have to do MA though, Lahey has a wonderful reputatation. I didn't know they were doing the band. Have they been doing it long? You sound as if you want to start the next phase of your life. Good for you! There is a lot of support on this site and a wealth of information. Best wishes and enjoy the journey.

Hope all is well now. I had the same problem and found out two things. They gave me an antibiotic shot at surgery that can cause it. I was told to let it run it's course. It did. I also discovered that there is something in Slimfast shakes and bars that cause it ....badly..... I stopped using them and am fine. Someone said it was the guar gum, whatever that is. Good luck and best wishes in the journey!

Hi...I'm 6 week banded and doing fine...except.... I still find myself eating my entire meal in 10-15 minutes. I know it is supposed to take 30 mins or more, but I don't seem to slow down. I eat w/ a little fork or spoon, chew 20 times and put the fork down between bites. And I'm still uncertain as to WHY we are supposed to eat slowly. Wouldn't it make sense to "load up" the pouch so it wouldn't empty quickly? I'm getting my first fill in a week and that should help...but have had this problem for week one.... How long do you take to eat? Any suggestions to slowing down? Thanks! :hungry:

Hi, Lanier... I was very tired, too, about a month after I got my band. I went to my GP and she said that it was because my weight loss my blood pressure was lower than pre-band. I'm on a BP med and she cut in in half. I feel great now. Have you had your BP checked since the band? Low pressure can make you feel tired. Good luck and I hope you feel better.

Thanks, Pete.... "Its always something"....how, Rozana Dana of you...nice to meet another 60s generation person.

Thanks you all so much for the encouraging words. I know that the halting of the surgery is to be assured that there will be no complications during the procedure, but , dang it, it sure does hurt emotionally. Sort of like rollercoster. Am keeping a positive attitude. This WILL happen...!!! Thank you all again. It is like having a bunch of sisters to talk to!

I agree. We Baby-Boomers have a different set of circumstances. I decided to go for the Lap-Band instead of the bypass for the same reason. I figure it will be less trama to the system and recovery wouldn't be as long. I'm 58 and due to have the Lap-Band next Monday and am anxious and scared. I just don't have another "diet" in me. Debi, I hope your test go well. All that poking and prodding is intrusive, but think of it as your 50,000 mile check up! We should start and over 50 Lap-Band thread and check up on our progresses.

Hi...My first appmnt w/ the surgeon is on Monday and I'm a bit nervous, too. I did all the pre-testing and had the results sent to him and I'm afraid something will come up that I hadn't known about and he won't be able to do the band. They did come up w/ a hiatal hernia, but I've been told that is fairly common. Also, I'm a self-pay for the band. So, let's say the surgeon says that he needs to fix the hernia. Since my health insurance WOULD cover that, what do I say?...Do the band now and we'll got into the hernia later? Does anyone know if health insurance will pay for the part they will cover while they are in there placing the band? How would something like this be filed? Has anyone had experience w/ this? Very confusing..........But I AM going to have this done! Best wishes with your appointment. I'm sure it will go well.

Best wishes, girls! And I agree, it is so nice that you are all there to support each other, not to mention the husbands. Let us know how you are doing. Prayers and "good energy" sent your way!

Hi...I was at last night's meeting, too. It seems like a great group of both physicians/medical care workers, but the people in the group. I feel comfortable that I've made the right decision. I've completed the application and want to get the process started, too. Best wishes and I hope to run into you!

Humm, yes, there are so many. I have recently decided that I just don't have another "diet" in me. The weight loss battle has been life-long for me. I remember saving my allowance at the age of 10 or so to buy "Aydes". They were a carmel-flavored supplement to help you loose. They didn't. I have lost and regained hundreds of pounds over the years. I'm now 58, have HB, joint, foot and back pain, and generally feel lousy. My aunt, 10 years my senior and morbidly obese, was diagnosed with Type II diabetes last year and she is now in danger of having her foot amputated. Check, please! So, it is time. I don't know how I'm going to get banded, or how much it will cost me, but I feel as if I have no other alternative. It is time. Glad I found this site. You all have been of such help and inspiration. Thanks!

Hi, I'm new to the area and have decided to do the Lap-Band. I have some questions and wonder if anyone can help. I've narrowed it down to CMC (Manchester), Portsmouth or Emerson (Concord): 1.) In your experience, which facility is easiest to work with? Which requires the less hoops to jump through, has the best staff, facilities, etc. 2.) I will most likely be a self-pay. Does anyone know what the estimated charge will be? 3.) Could someone recommend a PCP ? Someone fat-friendly? Thank you for your help.

:embarassed: ...well, didn't I have a daah moment there. I was thinking Concord New Hampshire.... So you were pleased w/ your surgery @ BWH? Did they make you go through hoops?