just heard about "the band"

racermom · August 14, 2006

wow..I am scanning the forums and like all of you who have had this procedure, when you first heard about it and thought it may be for you....that is where I am. I have questions.

1. What does your BMI have to be to be a candidate.

2. What is a "fill" I am assuming that they blow up the band or something like that

3 Are the vast majority of you happy you did it and would you do it all over again if you had a choice??

4 how hard is the recovery?? I have 2 little ones and cannot be down long.

5 Any canucks out there specifically in the Vancouver area that would know about local doctors?

I am so happy for all of you that have found a solution "finally" I know what we have all been through.

I am a 38 year old wife and mom of 2 in vancouver canada and it is very nice to meet all of you.

Elisabethsew · August 14, 2006

1. What does your BMI have to be to be a candidate.

Check with your insurance carrier. Most require a BMI of 40 or a BMI of >35 with 2 co-morbidities (sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, etc).

2. What is a "fill" I am assuming that they blow up the band or something like that

The band is surgically put in and left unfilled for most patients to allow for optimal healing. Four to eight weeks post-op, you go for a first fill if you don't feel any restriction. The area is numbed and saline is injected into the port which inflates the band to decrease the opening into your stomach.

3 Are the vast majority of you happy you did it and would you do it all over again if you had a choice??

I can only speak for myself and yes, I am happy I did it and would do it again. You have to be patient in the beginning months because it can take several fills to feel restriction. For me, it was 3 fills.

4 how hard is the recovery?? I have 2 little ones and cannot be down long.

I am a registered nurse and 46 years old so I took 9 days off from work (vacation time). After post-op day #5 , I felt human and only had some soreness at the port site. I took pain meds the first day and then only needed tylenol for a few days after that.

5 Any canucks out there specifically in the Vancouver area that would know about local doctors?

Sorry, I'm a New Yorker but there are plenty of Canadians here.

Good luck to you and welcome!

Josette · August 14, 2006

There's plenty of canucks on here! I'm in Michigan but love canucks a whole bunch

I just had my surgery on Aug 3rd and I'm VERY happy I did it. I already notice a difference in my body.

Good luck to you and this site is a great source of information! Welcome to LapbandTalk!

racermom · August 14, 2006

thank you elisabeth and thank you for your info..that helps. Do you mind if I ask when you got your LB and what your progress has been so far??

racermom · August 14, 2006

Wow Josette tell me... how is the recovery going??

Stitchy · August 14, 2006

1. What does your BMI have to be to be a candidate.

For insurance purposes, above 40 and/or 100 lbs over ideal weight, unless you have some comorbidities. If you are self-pay, you can be lower. It depends on the doctor you work with.

2. What is a "fill" I am assuming that they blow up the band or something like that

There is an access port near the skin surface that is attached via a tube to the band. Saline solution is injected and the band gets smaller. I don't have a numbing shot. It is a tiny tiny prick and it's over.

3 Are the vast majority of you happy you did it and would you do it all over again if you had a choice??

Absolutely would do it again. No question.

4 how hard is the recovery?? I have 2 little ones and cannot be down long.

Depends on you. Some folks are back at work in a day or two. Others need a couple of weeks. I am older and I think for that reason my recovery just took longer. I was back at work in one week, but it would have been better to have taken another one off.

5 Any canucks out there specifically in the Vancouver area that would know about local doctors?

I think there is a Canada Support forum in here somewhere. Look on the main page, near the bottom.

You might want to check out www.thelapband.com They are in Everett, WA. Self pay is about $17,000. Includes one year follow up and free fills. Lots of canucks come down here for their surgery.

Josette · August 15, 2006

racermom... I feel great. I was sore a few days but I had my surgery on a Thursday morning. Was released from the hospital on Friday at 2pm. I was back to work Monday morning at 8am. I did fine and I only took pain meds for three nights and only at bedtime to help me sleep comfortable. I'm not sure yet how much I've lost because my scale hasn't arrived yet but I notice a big difference in my clothes already. Yippie!

If you have anymore questions, ask away. I'm an open book!

wheeler · August 15, 2006

racermom, if you have just learned about the band, make sure you do a lot of research before you decide. I have been banded for 2.5 years and this is my second band I have have problems with this one too, in oct I am having the third op in as many years. This is a great place to start, but dont just read, the good part, read some of the not so good threads, and make sure you're well informed. Would I do it again? Yes, in a heartbeat, even with all the problems I had. One thing to remember the band is a tool, you will have to work very hard with it, to make it work, but if you do then you can look forward to a new you.