Wanted: Your wisdom!

Hi everyone, First of all I want to say "Thank You" to all the OHIO message board posters. For some reason I thought I had scrolled down far enough and selected the "Oregon" forum ....obviously I didn't. D'oh! :P So, now that I am finally (I hope) where I need to be, I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Lucia and I am 32 years old. I am just now in the process of researching lapband WLS. I honestly haven't decided yes or no, but I was hoping all of you would give me some insights into the pro's and con's you have experienced. The main reason I am considering this option is strictly health based. My mother died of cancer 4 years ago--she was only 56. My sister, 37, was diagnosed 2 years ago with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. (she is in remission--thank God!!) My father is diabetic and there is a strong history of heart disease....sadly the list goes on. I have to admit I go through periods where I am convinced this surgery is what I need. Then I read posts about spleens rupturing or B-12 injections and I'm back at square one. I am scheduled for 2 informational sessions. One at OHSU on the 10th, and one at the Oregon Surgical Weight loss center on the 13th. Additionally, I had questions about insurance. Has anyone had any luck getting Providence to cough up a little money for this surgery? :) My father has offered to help me pay (thanks Dad) if I can't persuade my insurance. Well, I have a ton of questions, but for now I'll stick with learning a bit about your experiences. Thank you in advance for your insights. I know it will be helpful in guiding me in this life changing decision. Best, Lucia (PDXGAL)

First off, glad you finally found the right board.  I had band surgery in December 07.  I am pleased with my weight loss results to date, but they are slow.  Slow is fine with me.  I do not have restriction yet, and so it is a daily struggle not to over eat.  I guess this is what they refer to as bandster hell.  Waiting for restriction to kick in.  Not fun at all, but totally doable.   As far as your insurance, I would call them directly and ask what their coverage is for bariatric surgery. Each insurance company is different.  Luckily, mine paid for it, minus my deductibles. I had my surgery perfromed by Dr. Emma Patterson.  She was quite good.  My entire process, beginning with the seminar in June, took about 6 months.  I would have been shortened some, had I taken the surgery dates suggested for November. They just didn't quite fit into my schedule.  To date, I have had no complications from my surgery.  In fact, I am assuming that is going according to plan.  I  have had one fill, with my second hopefully, happening early March.  I have lost a total of 70 pounds since attending my seminar in June......and even better, I am still losing. Good luck with your weight loss journey!

Hi Bran 54, Thank you so much for your information. I am so glad I found this site. There is A LOT of kookyboots info out there. :-) I was wondering about your recovery period. How long did it take before you started doing the everyday things--going to work, shopping, cleaning etc. Also, did you stay overnight in the hospital or did you come home the same day? And yes, I've been reading about bandster hell but really wasn't understanding quite what it was. So, the initial surgery is where they actually put in the lapband. Do they give you any fill at that time? Then, as I understand it, you go home and having nothing but liquids for a couple of weeks. As far as over eating goes, I've read that some people still are able to eat fairly large amounts after surgery. And I am a little unsure about the "restriction kicking in." Can you explain that a little more? :) Like I said, I have a ton of questions. Thank you for taking the time to help me understand. Have a fantastic day! PDXGAL

I ended up staying in the hospital overnight.  The only reason I chose to do that was because I live in Eugene, and my insurance would only cover a Center of Excellence, and at the time of muy surgery, there were only three in the state.  Now there are more,  If I had lived closer, I would have come home.   I took a month off, but the major reason was because of the weight lifting limitations. At work, I am required to lift 35 pounds, and the restriction, if I remember correctly, was 10 pounds.  If it weren't for the weight restriction, I would have felt comfortable coming back to work about 1-2 weeks, but that is just me.  It can differ with each individual.  

The surgery is where they actually place the band.  The surgery lasts about an hour or so.  I had an empty band.  I received my first fill at my first post op appointment, 5 weeks out.  You are on liquids for two weeks, then mushy food for two, then finally able to start back on a semi normal diet. The quantities are supposed to be limited....I could still, if I wanted, eat large amounts, but I do try to maintain self control.  They want you to eat protein first, then veggies, then a small amount of carbs if able.  So far, the only problem I have had with food was a flour tortilla.  Other than that, no foods have given me any trouble.

Restriction, as least my understanding, is where the Dr. has finally placed enought fluid in your band to give a  full feeling after eating.  The amount of restriction, or fluid needed varies by individual.  I have not reached that point yet.  Can let you know how it feels when I do.  Each time a fill is given, it is back to point zero.  You do fluids, one day, mushies, one day, then slowly incorporate "regular" food back into your diet. 

Also, check out the lap band forum on these boards.  They have a wealth of information and are more than happy to answer your questions.  Just remember, each person's experience is individual. 

If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask....I will share what I have found that works for me.....

Best of luck!   The journey is well worth it....

Hi Lucia!  Glad you found us here.  I had an RNY, so can't answer your lap band questions too well other than to tell you that yes, any WLS can help to improve your health.  My family, particularly on my dad's side (where I got the majority of my genes) has a horrendous history of heart disease and cancer.  I could see I was headed down that same path and didn't want to go there.  So, I had my surgery last July.  I feel so wonderful.  I can move and breathe and dance and well, do just about anything I want to do!!  I can't tell you much about Providence, as I have BC/BS, but I can tell you that OHSU has wonderful surgeons.  They are a teaching/research hospital, so they are up on the latest techniques.  They also have a good dietician who will give you great instructions on how to eat afterwards (very, very important).  I wish you luck in your journey and, if there's anything I can do to get you more info, please let me know. Linda

Hi Linda, Thanks for your info. Congrats on your success! Right now, if I decide to have the surgery, I am leaning towards OHSU. It sounds like many people are really pleased with their facility and surgeons. As far as the insurance is concerned, well....lets just say I'm not holding my breath. :-P But I am going to make some calls and see what I can find out. There may be a "medically necessary" statement in there somewhere. Altho getting it to qualify as medically necessary may be a bit of a struggle. Thanks you again for your insights. I agree, a thinner me is a healthier me.

HI, I had Providence Health Plans when I had my surgery, and they wouldn't pay for it, though they did cover the sleep study, labs, ekg and consult with Dr. Patterson. I ended up paying cash for the hospital, anesthesia and Dr. Patterson's fee.- also the psych eval and nutrition eval. Good Luck, Jennifer

Thank you Jenfar! I was hoping that there was someone out there who had some success with Providence. I haven't found anyone yet, but at least they did help with the other costs. Thanks again.

Hello Lucia, congratulations for making the first steps.  It is very difficult to do.  I know, it took me two years to finally make the decision.  Since you are looking at the Lab Band which is a restrictive only procedure have you looked into the Vertical Sleeve Gastroctomy (VSG)?  It is also a restrictive only procedure, but it is permanent.  It has virtually no side effects.  Unfortunately not very many insurers cover VSG yet.  I think OHSU is a very good hospital.  Many people have a lot of good things to say about the surgeons.  I've read some frustrations on this board with paperwork though.  If you end up being self pay I believe Lap Band and VSG costs are the same and run $12-16,000 in the US.  Mexico it is $10,000.  Good Luck with making a decision it can be confusing at times.  I strongly recommend reading the different surgery boards.  I did that for a long time, until I felt like I knew all of the pros and cons of each surgery.  I think making this decision is a very personal one and only you know what is best for you.  Good Luck.

Welcome to the board.  I too have a family history that made me feel like I was carring a ball and chain behind me. Im 3 1/2 years our from Lap band surgery, you can check out my photo's on my profile here just click my name also under www.baybariatrics.com under the profle section.

 I love my band, although there are days its  like a marriage you loveit but you hate it all at the same time Not a bad thing just that you learn and grow together. Im the beginning the band is in control and you learn quickly to let go and let it have its way.  When I started I was a size 20/22 now Im a size 8/10, I love my new life and my new self.  IIts all so worth it. Id be happy to answer any questions you might have Gail