Newbie want to say hi and document my journey

Luu2008 · February 15, 2008

I believe I meet all the qualifications for Lapband and insurance, just starting my journey and wanted to document it for myself and for others who are in a similar situation.

I saw my PCP and she felt I was a good candidate for the LapBand and told me she would recommend it for me. This was after having to go through a lecture for I believe the 3rd time on dieting/exercise, she also struggles with food, but she is thin, still I know she battles it and can relate somewhat. Finally I went through my entire history of dieting/exercise from the early age of 13 to present. I am experiencing early onset of joint pain that may/may not be arthritis, had bloodwork done for that. I also had hypertension for the first time. I'm being tested for diabetes. Pretty scary road to look down at 32.

I also saw my cardiologist as I have a heart condition he has been treating me for and recently had a successful ablation (the 2nd time we've tried). Unlike my PCP he was less then enthusiastic about me having the LapBand and lectured me for 30 minutes about dieting. I honestly felt he thought he LapBand was exactly the same as the RNY. Don't get me wrong I love the guy, he performed a procedure for me that has altered my quality of life, but I finally told him that somebody like him can't understand what it is like to struggle with weight/food and if he were to give me a test on nutrition I would pass with flying colors, that is not my problem. He was sweet about it after that and told me that, yes, my heart can handle a surgery with general anesthesia and that if I didn't get my weight under control he would be treating me soon for obesity heart related problems so I better figure out what I need to do fast.

Interesting for me to note that neither my PCP or Cardiologist really seemed to grasp/understand the difference between Lapband and the RNY. PCP seemed to have a better understanding then the Cardiologist. A shame since you would think a specialist who deals with many people who are obese would be able to offer something like this as an alternative to the extremely invasive RNY. I see him again in 9 months and I'm going to bring him some literature along with (hopefully) my recently lapbanded, on my way to healthy self as educational proof.

I am 5'2" and on my way to 40 BMI at 39. Successful yo-yo dieter with the weight piling on quicker and higher every time the yo comes back up.

sfeiner · February 15, 2008

Welcome Luuu.I have found lots of health professionals who know nothing about Lapband. My dentist was very interested and asked millions of questions. My PCP had heard a little about it and knew it wasn't the same as lapband but not much about fills, diets etc.