Comments on: Lap Band questions

By: James

James — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:27:47 +0000

I actually am here in texarkana, AR. Please fill me in on this program and what all I need to do to get the ball rolling. THANK YOU…Now I am so excited I wont be able to sleep…LOL

By: Dr. Ron Hekier

Dr. Ron Hekier — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:41:30 +0000

Medicare covers LapBand. Medicaid is on a state by state basis. In some states a local workforce commission may have a grant to provide coverage for weight loss surgery to get you back in the work force. There is a program in Arkansas that does this. What state are you in?

By: James

James — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:15:34 +0000

I have been very seriously wanting to have the lap band procedure done as I am only 36 and am at my heaviest weight of 365, at 5ft 10in this may not be huge but is very much overweight. I am on HBP meds, Cholesterol meds, sleeping meds….blah blah, Im sure this is typical in most morbid obesity cases. I have definately exhauseted many other means of weight loss. My family have all been fat, as far back as I can remember, my mom had the Roux-en-Y surgery a couple years ago and did great. I am wanting something a little less invasive so as not to be out of work for long, which is why I like the idea of the lap band, plus the fact that it can be tightened or loosened to control speed of weightloss.
Unfortunately, along with inheriting my family’s Fat gene I have also aquired the family curse of being broke and haveing bad credit. See where this is going?? I am wondering if anyone has heard of any type of government funding, via grants, federal aide, etc. that would cover this. I would think with all the hooplah of the nations Obesity pandemic that something would be available to assist those in true need of this.
Thanks for any info.
James

By: Ron Hekier, MD

Ron Hekier, MD — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:15:32 +0000

Sonya, It is impossible to diagnose a specific medical condition online. (Legal disclaimer )
The discomfort you refer to occurs for some people. The port sits on the muscle and as a result for some people there is soreness for the first few weeks after surgery especially if you sleep on the side of the port.
Good luck!

By: Sonya

Sonya — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:10:42 +0000

I have only had my band for a few weeks…. I have not had a fill yet that is next week…. I wake up at night with pain under the port site and it seems to swell at night, of course when I bend over it is sharp…. I understand that and wondered if the pains are from the muscle under the port. Is it anything to worry about…. Thanks

By: Rachael Keilin, MD

Rachael Keilin, MD — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:40:33 +0000

I don’t think you’ll get kicked out – sounds like you just need some help
I would come on in to the office so you can talk to one of the docs and to Betty – let us help you figure out the best way to proceed. You may need some tests, or you may just need a different diet approach. Let’s talk!

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:31:56 +0000

I hear from time to time about stretching the stomach and or the esophagus, if this does happen can it be reversed? Can the lap band ever work properly again. Also are there any carpools from Hope to the support group? I need a ride and will help pay on the gas. I am having some problems and don’t want to be kicked out of the program. I’m having a really hard time mentally and not sure how to handle it.

By: Rachael Keilin, MD

Rachael Keilin, MD — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:24:49 +0000

Great idea! I’ll start working on it today.

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:04:23 +0000

Since we’re compiling menus, could we include a section of recommended foods available at local restaurants? I’m a newbie and I need some good ideas for when I’m out and about.

By: Dr. Ron Hekier

Dr. Ron Hekier — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:28:24 +0000

This is a great idea. One nice feature for the blog might be a weekly feature where we highlight a menu. Thanks for your advice! Dr. Keilin, Betty, and I will work on it!