Has anyone out there had Gastric Lap Band Surgery?
479071
Hi\nI haven't had it.  I wanted to get it but the bariatric surgeon I went to wouldn't do it on me because I'm too fat.\nBut..one of my best friends was the first person in our state to get it. She lost 133 lbs.  She isn't skinny, but she's a lot smaller.  She has no regrets and would do it again in a heartbeat. She inspired me to go for a consultation, but I'm not comfortable with getting a bypass so I haven't had surgery yet.
366368
http://www.allerganandinamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/patient.html  This is the site of Lapband's maker Inamed\n\nthere are also yahoo groups for people who are considering getting the lapband, such as Bandsters\n \nhttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bandsters/\n\nHere you can talk to other people who have had the surgery who can give you advice on where to go for the surgery, insurance, after care and diet tips or anything lapband related.\n\nHope this helps!
1147308
I didnt have that type of surgery - I had the Lap-band on 4/19/06 and I was self-pay it cost about $10,700 for everything. I weighed 256 when I had surgery and yesterday I weighed in at 230. I have no regrets what so ever - but my surgery is not as invasive as yours will be. They didnt have to cut my stomach or any insides - I have only four very very small scares and I have only one medium scare.\nBut I wish you the best and good luck..
237191
My sister had the lap band, she's had considerable gastric issues and has had to go back for two surgeries to correct \nthe problems that occured, as she had bile backing up into her stomach.Sadly She has put back on 1/3 of her weight.\nI have two close friends who had the bypass surgery. One lost 80 lbs, and has had to have surgery to correct the hernia that developed (very common with this surgery)\nShe too has put back on about 35% of her weight.\nI had considered the gastric as I have struggled with my weight all my life.  But after watching my friends go through these physical traumas and then put the weight \nback on, we all know that no matter what, if you are \nnot ready to lose weight, you too will put it back on.\nIt's a life decision and it's about what's eating you, not\nwhat you're eating.  Until you make the final decision that\nyou don't want to be fat anymore, nothing you do will be\nsuccessful.  I've seen my friend's anguish at achieving their goal after going through physical HELL, then the\nabsolute defeat and sadness over failure of putting weight back on.\nOnly you can decide when you are ready to get fit, when you do, and only then, will you achieve success.  Best tip, don't focus on the huge overpowering number of pounds needed to be lost.  Set small goals. 10lbs. at a time, those are\neasy to achieve and it builds your confidence.\nIf you are really ready to lose weight..the bypass will sure\ndo that. But there is a real possibility that your health will never be the same again.  I had one friend from church that her side affect was she couldn't stop losing weight, she got down to 100 lbs on a 5'7" frame.  It was a physical thing, she was sick for a very long time and two stays in the hospital.\nWish I could be more positive, but I know your pain. Believe me. Good luck\nBlessings
672902
Working in the administration field of Medical, the quick answer is NO.  Most benefits receive from work are decided from the medical insurance.  HMO insurance and most find that it is cosmetic and not medical necessity. But if you can get a doctor to deem it a necessity, your in.  But they are more likely to approve a gastro bypass. Lap band is still new. (as far as the insurance side goes)
706693
Gastric bypass: Is this weight-loss surgery for you?\nAre you a candidate for gastric bypass surgery? Find out what to expect and the benefits and risks involved.\nIt's always best to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular physical activity. But if you're among those who have tried and can't lose the excess weight that's causing your health problems, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may be an option.\nGastric bypass, which changes the anatomy of your digestive system to limit the amount of food you can eat and digest, is the favored bariatric surgery in the United States. Most surgeons prefer this procedure because it's safer and has fewer complications than other available weight-loss surgeries. It can provide long-term, consistent weight loss if accompanied with ongoing behavior changes.\nGastric bypass isn't for everyone with obesity, however. It's a major procedure that poses significant risks and side effects and requires permanent changes in your lifestyle.\nWho is gastric bypass surgery for?\nGenerally, gastric bypass surgery is reserved for people who are unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, are severely overweight, and who have health problems as a result. Gastric bypass may be considered if:\n·Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity).\n·Your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious weight-related health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.\nGastric bypass surgery doesn't replace the need for following a healthy diet and regular physical activity program. In fact, the success of the surgery depends in part on your commitment to following the guidelines given to you about diet and exercise. As you consider weight-loss surgery, make sure that you make every effort to exercise, change your eating habits and adjust any other lifestyle factors that have contributed to your excess weight\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378\nI had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005.  I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after  1 year and 7 months.  These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or not.  I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes.  The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away.  I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure.  I’m down to 2 pills a day.  I went from a size 26-28 to a 16-18.\nMost people struggle with paying for the surgery.  Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass.  Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nThere is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White.  He’s a govt. worker and a comedian.  He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well.\nhttp://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/\nSome other helpful links…\nhttp://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/\n\nhttp://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm\nhttp://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337\nhttp://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508\nhttp://www.mygastricbypass.com/\nhttp://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html\nGood luck with your surgery and new life!
882637
http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nThey list all the insurance and what they'll cover\n\n\nI had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005.  I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after  1 year and 7 months.  These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or  not.  I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes.  The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away.  I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer  have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure.  I’m down to 2 pills a day.  I went from a  size 26-28 to a 16-18.\nMost people struggle with paying for  the surgery.  Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass.  Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378\nVitamins I take…  you have to be very faithful about taking them after surgery, because you can become very sick if you don’t.  There were recommended by my surgeon and nutritionist.\nhttp://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359\nThere is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White.  He’s a govt. worker and a comedian.  He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well.\nhttp://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/\nSome other helpful links…\nhttp://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/\nhttp://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm\nhttp://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337\nhttp://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508\nhttp://www.mygastricbypass.com/\nhttp://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html\nGood luck with your surgery and new life!
1179759
Gastric Bypass Surgery/gastrectomy/lapband (all types of weight loss /bariatric surgery) is very cheap and safe in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges obesity surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.\n\nI have also read that they arrange financing for american and canadian patients as obesity surgery is not covered by insurance.They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your obesity surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.\n\nMy cousin got her obesity surgery in India through the forerunners healthcare .SHe is more than very happy with the results.She has lost 65lbs in 5 months.She just paid 25% of the amount she was quoted in USA and is all praise for this forerunners healthcare company.hope this helps \n\nSource(s):\nhttp://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
88586
I just wanted to say that my father had gastric bypass last april and I will be having it soon too.  my dad has done great and has lost alot of weight but we just recently found out that now he is bulemic and we are working thru it.  its got alot to do with physcological reasons and everyone reacts different to the surgery.  In his case one eating disorder resolved has turned into another eating disorder.
958785
Please go to the website http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nThey have all the insurance companies and what they cover listed.\n\nI had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005.  I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after  1 year and 7 months.  These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or  not.  I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes.  The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away.  I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer  have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure.  I’m down to 2 pills a day.  I went from a  size 26-28 to a 16-18.\nMost people struggle with paying for  the surgery.  Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass.  Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378\nVitamins I take…  you have to be very faithful about taking them after surgery, because you can become very sick if you don’t.  There were recommended by my surgeon and nutritionist.\nhttp://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359\nThere is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White.  He’s a govt. worker and a comedian.  He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well.\nhttp://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/\nSome other helpful links…\nhttp://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/\nhttp://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm\nhttp://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337\nhttp://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508\nhttp://www.mygastricbypass.com/\nhttp://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html\nGood luck with your surgery and new life!
872960
you couldnt get the gastric bypass which is a bypass made around the stomach but u can get what i had and thats the gastic stapling aka lap band.  They take your stomach and put a band around the top tip of it so that not as much food can enter you will have to get your gallbadder removed but it shouldnt harm anything elese because everything else is still the same where as it wouldnt be if you got gastric bypass.  Did i help
586479
My mom's friend from work did in December. She said that she has already lost about 90-100 pounds. She couldn't eat for I think 2 days before the surgery, but don't quote me on that. Now she can only eat about 2-3 tablespoons of food or she gets sick. She was really sore in her abdomen for about a month, but she got up and walked around ASAP because if she didn't she would just have been more sore later on. She has some excess skin that will have to be removed, but later on. In about a year she can safely have it removed. Hope this helps!! ONLY DO THIS IF IT YOUR ABSOLUTE, LAST RESORT!!!!
1032430
just to clear it up...there is a type of gallbladder removal surgery that enlarges the stomach. its called laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery. its becoming the most common way to remove one. they make four small incisions instead of one really big one. they inflate your stomach with gas so that they have room to get in there and work. i had mine removed in the end of 2003. i do still have a problem with a bloated stomach but its not constant. it has to do with what i eat or how much (or lack there of). if your stomach is constantly swollen i would definitely go back to the doc. i really don't think that would be a side effect. and when it comes to the stomach/digestive areas, you don't wanna play around. it really could be any number of things. and anyone out there that is dealing with digestive problems since their surgery, take my advice. do something about it. i couldn't find a doc to listen to me about mine until a few months ago. now i'm sitting here with a number of peptic ulcers that were caused by the excess acid that my stomach now has to take on itself. and trust me, this hurts! don't play when it comes to your stomach...go to the doc!!!
178694
My daughter just had (Lap Band Surgery) it is a new type of surgery much cheaper than bypass. It is not dangerous and a cinch to have it. She feels great and has all ready lost 25 lbs. Look on the Internet for this Lap Band she only has 3 little cuts. they do it with microscopic surgery.  Good luck to you .
610690
A friend had the Lap Band done and her insurance covered it.  I think it was 5 or 6 thousand, and we're in southwestern Louisiana.
363177
Hello there,\n\nhere's a website that describes the entire procedure:  http://www.gicare.com/pated/epdlv02.htm
177897
Expensive Painful Life threatening Surgery!\nFind SOMETHING to do that gets you exercise and replaces food or get the surgery.