Thinking about Lap Band but have questions

[carolyn22 0]

Well, it's taken me a long time to get to this point, but I've come to the conclusion that I need help to lose weight. I've tried everything - Weight Watchers, Atkins, counting calories, you name it. And it just doesn't work. I lose some weight, then hit a plateau for months on end (if not a year or more), and then start gaining back the weight plus more. This even happens when I've exercised religiously. The doctor has checked my thyroid numerous times, and nothing is wrong with it, so I guess I'm just one of those unlucky people that need to severely restrict their food intake to lose weight. Only problem is that I am always hungry. My current BMI is about 50, and I know that I need to do something, or this extra weight is going to kill me. So, I've been exploring the Lap Band as a tool to help me do this.

I guess my biggest question is - can you have too many health problems where they won't even consider you for surgery? I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine. I use Lipitor for high cholesterol, but that is the only medicine I'm taking. I guess my most serious problem is about 4 years ago, I had hurt my back, which put me in bed for a few days. I was also on birth control pills at the time. I ended up getting deep vein thrombosis in one of my legs, and small parts of the clot broke off and went to my lungs. While I was hospitalized for about a week and was anti-coagulants for a few months afterwards, I have not had any similar problems since that time. The doctors think the BCP's were the real culprit in this scenario, and I have been off them ever since the DVT/PE happened. I'm just really scared that I might not be considered a candidate for this surgery because of that problem.

For those of you who have Lap Band, what do you think my chances are of being able to have this procedure done, given my past health problems? Other than some small surgeries for tendonitis-type problems, I don't have any other health issues. According to previous physicals, I know that my heart and lungs are in good shape - well, at least in good shape for someone my size - LOL!

Any insights would be appreciated, and thanks in advance!

[rodriguezequal 3]

I do not have sleep apnea. I do have hypothyroidism. I also have a clotting disorder. Right before my surgery I was given a shot of Heparin in my thigh. I didn't have any clotting problems and the surgery went great. A lot of problems like sleep apnea and high cholesterol get better and sometimes go away with weight loss! Those may make it easier to get approved for this surgery! Good luck and I hope things work out okay for you :thumbup:

[tlhamilton 0]

To help not get clots my doctor advised alot of walking after surgery....for the rest of it I would talk to a good surgeon I have known people with alot of the same problems and they had the surgery and no longer have the problems.

[carolyn22 0]

Thanks to both of you for your responses! That makes me feel a lot better!

[greytz 4]

I agree with both answers. I went to several seminars before I chose my surgeon. I chose a female surgeon because I looked her straight in the eye and she was very responsive to me. She stayed after the seminar and talked to everyone as long as they wanted and answered all my questions. I called her office numerous times BEFORE I had the surgery to ask questions. I wanted to see how they reacted to my calls and questions. It is usually a good indication of how they will be after. They were always responsive and wonderful and still are. I was banded on 06-17-09 and I will have my first fill on 07-07-09. I have lost 10lbs to date even without a fill. It was not any easy experience but it is all about attitude and how bad you really want to lose. I got stomach flu when I left the hospital so it was really ugly for a couple of days but I am back to myself now and like anything it will be a challenge but one I intend to win. Good Luck and find a good surgeon.

[txspatter 0]

Your sleep ap is one of the 'qualifiers' the ins co looks at. I use a bipap with 3 liters of o2 every night...had b/p and diabetes type II, had experienced congestive heart failure back in '04 and more...My BMI was 47...Aetna had me diet under doctor's sup for six months and then approved me.

It is the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. The day after surgery...b/p normal (yesterday at pharmacy it was 111/60) and blood sugar normal. When I reach goal weight my pulmonologist will put me in sleep lab again, but expecting I will be able to live without mask!!

Go for it, pass GO and collect your$200 ....monopoly...that was the day! My BMI right now is 37...I was banded March 12, 09 and have dropped 46 pounds.

[ALuv82 0]

I don't think you will have any problem being rejected for surgery because of your health problems. Birth control pills are known to increase your chances of clots as is lying around for a long time. Everyone who has surgery has a chance of throwing a clot for that last reason. The Dr.'s take precautions to prevent it as it is a potential complication for anyone undergoing the procedure. You will likely get shots of lovenox (an anti-coagulant) multiple times and be intrsucted to start walking right after surgery as soon as you are awake enough. I had my surgery at 3, was in recovery at 4:30 and was up walking around the recovery wing by 6:30.

Obviously you will need to discuss your health history with you doctor and they will ultimately decide what additional steps if any need to be taken to ensure your health.

[Lovinglapbandliving 1]

These are completely right! The lapband has helped with so many of these types of conditions. It is good that you spend time getting educated! there are some really great surgeons out there and some really bad ones! If something happen and you are not able to get the insurance to pay you may want to keep Surgeons from mexico in mind! Just like in the states there are good and bad. I would talk with as many as it takes with a good list of questions and concerns before settling on the one because you will be starting a life long relationship with both the DR. and his staff for followup fills ect. The good surgeons will take time to consult with you over the phone for free before deciding the lapband is the best option for you. there are many weightloss surgeries and they all have pros and cons. In Mexico there are a couple I interviewed like Dr. Ortes and I actually used Dr. Kelly. They are both very good. Take the time to find the right match for your goals, lifestyle ect. Good luck! email me if I can help.