new and afriad

[NiceWillSuffice 0]

I'm afraid if i introduce myself i will jinx myself. basically they are just submitting to insurance. Might take a week to know if i am approved.

We are already talking an early march date.

I just dont want to be disappointed or go into massive debt. sigh.

What i am nervious about is there seems to be a lot of documented disappointment over the lapband if not immediately over a period of time.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/rny/3841668/Anyone-wish-they-had-Lap-Band-instead/

Weight usually falls off me when i try so i think restriction will be enough. Uhg. my BMI is only 35 and i have severe sleep apnea. praying i'll be approved.

anyway. im babbling.

thanks,

e

Edited February 12, 2009 by phattat
typed wrong

[plain 12]

Hey e. It's true....some people are less than happy with their bands. Personally, I love mine.

The thing to do is to properly research all of the weightloss surgeries and pick out which one is the right one for you. Good luck whichever you choose!

[TQUAD64 9]

Hello E, Although there are cases of people having than stellar results from the band, that is true with any WLS procedure. It is important to be aware of the pros and cons as well as the failures and success. But, there are many more people who have positive experiences with the band and have great success!

Keep researching and if you have time check out the link below.

Lap-Band Success Stories (NEW!) - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

Good luck!

[MacMadame 81]

I agree with plain. You need to be sure you've researched all the surgeries and picked the one that makes sense to you based on your own assessment of the risks and benefits.

LapBand does have the lowest average EWL of all the surgeries. At the same time, I know people who have lost over 200 lb. with a band. So how do you know if you will be one of the successes or the failures?

You need to know *why* the band fails and see if those things are applicable to you.

There are two restriction-only surgeries, btw. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (which I had) has a better average excess weight loss and less long-term complications. OTOH, it has more short-term complications. Plus it's only been around as a stand-alone procedure for about 7 years so there is not a lot of long-term data and it's hard to get insurance to pay for it.

Maybe the sleeve isn't right for you, but it's important to know all your options so you don't have regrets later on, so I encourage you to check it out.

[NiceWillSuffice 0]

Well im down to 255lb from 263lb from anticiaption dieting haha. If I lost 56 pounds only I would be very happy! Although I would love to see 185lbs some day which is only 70lbs. Still a hair high on the BMI scale. First goal will be 199lbs so I think restriction will be enough.

Its complications that I am afraid of. I believe the lapband is the right solution functionally i'm just concerned when i read about getting stuck, slipping, chronic pain, etc. complications that require removal, etc.

Regardless since posting this thread I have resolved to move forward. I like Dr. Coon. Even if he has only done 100 of these that is 2 a week for a year, is a center of excellance and has much experince with the more complex procedures. So I'm good with that.

If insurance pays 100% (and if approved they will) then I'm doing it. Yeah! Decided.

praying for approval.

I am only 39 and decided I refused to be a size 40 waist at 40. Unfortuanatly I have met that goal by being a size 42! not exactly what i had in mine.

[Headhunter 6]

phattat, every flavor of Weight Loss Surgery has it's risks and complications. Some people do just fine, lose the weight they want, and everything works out. Others are not so lucky.

You need to be aware of the risks, pick an EXPERIENCED surgeon, do EVERYTHING they tell you to do, and the chances are that you'll do just fine as well.

Many of the complications and failures are caused by people NOT FOLLOWING the instructions given by the Dr and the support staff. It is also true that some Medical Groups give VERY POOR pre-surgery instruction, and this can lead to complication and failure as well.

I won't say that there is nothing to be afraid of...it IS SURGERY, and with any kind of surgery there are risks involved. But there is a lot you can do to minimize the risks.

If you're comfortable with your Doctor having done only 100, that's good. BUT....I would not be. And there are many people on this board who would place the "comfort number" much higher than you have.

Experience is key. Not only the experience of the Surgeon, but of his/her support staff.

You said in your thread title that you are afraid.....if that is the case, then I would really, really take the extra time to research this Dr and his Medical Group....talk to some of his former patients. If he won't give you names of people to speak with, Find another surgeon. Check his credentials. I'm not all that sure that being a "Center of Excellence" is the only criteria you should be using.

It's nice that you like the Dr; and it's reasonably important that you have a good personal relationship with the guy holding the scalpel. But, I don't think it's the MOST important component. He needs to have EXPERIENCE, and PLENTY of it.

This Surgery is not something you have to do today or tomorrow. It probably took you most of your life to become overweight, so take the time NOW to find the RIGHT solution, provided by the RIGHT Doctor.

Do the legwork, get your education on what you need to do, follow the instructions given, and you will do just fine.

[CeCe 0]

I'm new, too, and a little nervous about the upcoming surgery--March 2, lap band. I'm here looking for support and encouragement. I have a lot of weight to lose and I'm no spring chicken.

I'm looking at this as a life saver procedure for me. I know I have a great doctor and I am following his instructions to the letter--started my preop diet today. I'm going to stay as positive as I can from here on. So--let me know all your happy stories. I need to hear them.

Thanks.

[NiceWillSuffice 0]

Well it took longer than i wanted..but im approved. Next is scheduling. Looks like April. woo hoo :cursing:

I'm afraid if i introduce myself i will jinx myself. basically they are just submitting to insurance. Might take a week to know if i am approved.

We are already talking an early march date.

I just dont want to be disappointed or go into massive debt. sigh.

What i am nervious about is there seems to be a lot of documented disappointment over the lapband if not immediately over a period of time.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/rny/3841668/Anyone-wish-they-had-Lap-Band-instead/

Weight usually falls off me when i try so i think restriction will be enough. Uhg. my BMI is only 35 and i have severe sleep apnea. praying i'll be approved.

anyway. im babbling.

thanks,

e