Another newbie...

disney38 · November 28, 2006

Hi

I do not have surgery scheduled at this point, but am contemplating a self pay lap band surgery. My BMI is approximately 38, I have sleep apnea, joint problems, and a horrible family history of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attack.

I applied for RNY surgery in July and was denied. The surgeon appealed, and it was denied again. I about gave up. Then I got diagnosed with female problems and had to have a hysterectomy. I know in my heart this is partially from being overweight. I had a very large fibroid tumor, which is fed by estrogen. I also had stage IV endometriosis, which is fed by estrogen. Estrogen is made in abundance when you are overweight.

I digress......my area just began doing the lap band surgery in September. I want to try my insurance again. If not, I am thinking somehow someway, I will find the money to self-pay.

Thanks for listening.

Kat817 · November 28, 2006

Welcome to LBT---this is the place to be!!! Ask any questions you may have...get aquainted with some of us, so you can get a feel for what banded life is like, and decide if it is for you. For me it was the answer to many a prayer!

I too had some serious co-morbidities, but had some problems with an insurance requirement of 12 conecutive months of Physician supervised weight loss attempts, with nutritionist consults....I ended up in a car accident when I was at 10 1/2 months into the 12...and because of that they wanted me to start the 12 months over. I appealed, and was denied...twice. I required knee surgery following the accident, so my 12 consecutive months were going to be pushed back further and further. In the end I self paid, using the settlement from my car accident. It was well worth it!!! My original intentions were to take a loan out against DH's 401K. Now instead of being part way through another attempt at 12 months---I am 7 months out of surgery and almost 75 pounds less!!!

I fully understand your health issues with the hysterectomy, I had uterine/endometrial lining cancer. I did 6 infusion chemo treatments, and 6 months of oral chemo, as well as a complete hysterectomy. That was 5 years ago...in fact the 28th of December I will make my magic number of 5 years with no recurrance, I will be considered "cured".

I love my band---I hope you come around and research it fully--and make an educated decision....it is something you do much better with when you are aware and ready to work with the band.

Once again---Welcome!!!

Kat

Vikki · November 28, 2006

Hi there,

I just finally got my band last Friday and I discovered this site from my Dr.

I just love all of the information on it. I too was denied from insurance so went and had it done from a great Dr. in Mexico. I am in the recovery faze and am looking forward to being one of the testimonies of loosing 75 pounds. I have a family history of morbid obesity which them comes along with all the medical problems that will give you. Diabeties, sleep apnea ext. So I wanted to fight this weight problem now and felt that the band was the best decision for me. Any advice for someone in recovery would be great.

Thanks

Kat817 · November 29, 2006

I have found it is very hard to get insurance coverage, unless they approve you right off the bat. The important thing, is we got it done!!! I too went to Mexico for my surgery.

Recovery advice....walk as much as you possibly can!!! It will do several things. It will clear the anethesia out of your lungs, it will keep your metabolism burning at a higher rate and you will see quicker weight loss, and you will work out any residual gasses they filled your abdominal cavity with. Also begin sipping as much Water as you can. It helps flush all the unused junk from your body...in fact even 7 months out when my weight loss slows, if I will increase my Fluid intake, I pick up my weight loss again. If they gave you an incentive spirometer to deep breath with, use it!! One of the risks following surgery is pneumonia, and the best way to avoid it is deep breathing. Make sure you get plenty of Protein in as you are healing. I watched my protein intake right after surgery, but don't count anything anymore! I used a clear Liquid Protein the first 2 weeks called Zero Carb Isopure, I bought it at GNC. There are several flavors, and 40 grams of protein per bottle. It is in bottles like the Sobe drinks. I would drink half in the morning and half in the afternoon.

Can't think of anything else for this point. Just enjoy the quick weight loss!!! It is such a boost mentally to see the pounds dropping!!!

Oh---if you haven't already -- take pictures and measurements. I know you hate how you look...we all did!!! But seeing the difference is such incentive!!!

I measure my neck, bust, just under the bust like where your bra sits, waist, hips, thighs, calves, and upper arms. I only count one side in my inches lost. Like one leg, one arm....It is a great way to look back! I took my pics again when I lost 50 pounds, and will likely take more in the next day or so when I hit 75 pounds!!! They are in the before and after--my 50 lb pics.

Good Luck on your recovery. Rest as you need it, and walk when you can!!!

Take good care!

Kat