Starting The Process

[lspringman 9]

Hi everyone!

I'm just getting started with the process of getting a Lap Band. I am soooo excited!!

I've been overweight for about 13 years or so. I've dieted here and there and I think the most I ever lost was about 40 lbs and of course gained it back..and then some. I think every year I gain more and more weight. In 2007 I quit smoking and gained 40 lbs!

I was skinny growing up and and really miss wearing all the cute outfits! On paper I'm as healthy as can be (except of course my weight), so I wanted to do this now before I do end up with a bunch of health issues.

I'm so excited I'm nearly ready to do this now! I think the hardest thing for me will be taking tiny bites of food, chewing them to mush and waiting a minute between bites!! (that was some of the info I read iin a book...is that accurate??). I've alwaysate very fast and taken big bites, so that is going to be difficult to get used to doing, but hopefully I adjust quickly :-)

My insurance won't cover the procedure, so we're hoping to go the hernia route, so I'll have to get an EGD. Anybody know how much that typically costs? My insurance should cover that.

If you have some good advice, please let me know!!

Thanks!

Laurel

[pmartin323 13]

I have no idea about Insurance. As far as eating after the band, you will learn to take small bites and chew well cause there is nothing like getting stuck, it is gross and painful. What helped me to slow down was to keep a magazine with me while I ate, and talking to my husband and daughter asking questions about their day. Then when they look at me like OK you are being weird asking all these questions while we are trying to eat, I just go back to my magazine.

[lspringman 9]

Good idea! Thanks for the info

[B-52 7,113]

Things like taking small bites, chewing thoroghly, putting your fork down between bites, drinking withn your meals, small portions, etc, etc, etc.

Are all things they teach you from day one because they want you to start to learn what will become a neccessity once the band is doing it's job.

For me, it is impossible to take large bites/swallows....I HAVE to wait between bites/swallows or else. And I can definitley NOT drink while I am trying to eat. All those things are now nesseccary or I will experience problems.