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It's absolutely true that the band doesn't work for everyone. "Doesn't work" may have a million meanings if you ask a million people, but some people can't tolerate the band (and all that comes with it) and some people, perhaps because the term "restriction" is so inadequate that even Allergan is moving away from using it, never feel they've achieved optimal "restriction" even after many fills. But does that mean that this "failure" of the band is as common as Fluffy and her ilk claim? Probably not. It's kind of like how I felt when I bought a new car last year. I hadn't particularly noticed that make/model on the road before, even though I knew it was a popular one. But once I was in the driver's seat of my new vehicle, I saw that exact same car everywhere I went...often in the exact same color as mine! So as Fluffy travels the bariatric world driving her "defective" band, everywhere she looks, she sees more defective bands. How can that be? Does it mean that out of (say) 100,000 band patients, 99,999 of them are suffering band failure? Do you honestly think that Allergan would be able to go on selling their product with that kind of track record? Not likely....but Fluffy belongs to the Conspiracy Club, so if you ask her, Allergan and the FDA have teamed up to perpetrate a terrible medical fraud on unwitting obese Americans. And if you believe that, then you'll be interested to hear that this guy who used to work with my hairdresser's stepfather lives across the street from this other guy who saw a UFO land in his swimming pool last Sunday, and he watched with utter horror as Michelle Obama emerged from the UFO wearing a purple polka dot bikini. And after Mrs. Obama had finished a few laps in the pool, got back in the UFO and sped away, this guy's pool Water has been purple! And that very same day, his wife's poodle disappeared while wearing a Rolex watch and was last seen mud-wrestling with Mitt Romney down at Bubba's Bar & Grill...

Yes, I went through 6 months of dr supervised nutrition classes, sleep study, psych eval, x-rays, blood work, etc. I'm glad that it took six months because during this time I became more knowledgeable of what I'm doing, why I'm doing this, what to expect, and to just feel much more comfortable with the entire process. I didn't want a quick approval process. I feel I'm more prepared and ready to undergo surgery, deal with the post-surgery issues and begin my new lifestyle. Good luck to everyone! Peg

Getting ready to leave for surgery!

Try a hot pack on your shoulder, it seems to help most folks. Some people seem to get some relief from 'windmilling' their arms (when no one is looking). I hope this helps and your pain eases. The most helpful thing will just be time.

What he said. Until my second to last fill I could comfortably drink while eating. It didn't matter to my satiety level either way. Then I could sip with my meal. After my last fill a couple months ago, if I sip with a meal, it upsets the delicate balance and BAM, stuck and hurl. It just isn't worth it. I usually have some Water sitting nearby, but it goes untouched as soon as I start eating. It happens naturally after you've been stuck a few times.

I'm at work and just read this thread...my co-workers (Who can only hear not see me) must think I have lost my mind and went off the deep I can not stop giggling..I just love this forum..I get banded next Tuesday Jan 17th and I'm finding some very interesting and worthwhile information on this site! my jaws are hurting from trying to suppress a loud giggle.. truth be told I would be very uncomfortable asking my male doctor that question..lol

and to add to your first answer 10 pounds is wonderful!

I'm not sure what the original posters reason is for not telling everyone, but I have also made the decision not to tell certain people. However, MOST people do know. There are two key people that I have decided not to tell because they have expressed their negative opinions to me about other people who have had WLS. I just did not wish to have the negativity in my life. I went with my gut and told people who I knew would support me, and they have. I think it's a personal decision for all. Not all people are kind and/or supportive and I believe it's smarter to just not include them.

Just take a DEEP breath, and follow all the steps they tell you to. Its not uncommon for them to require 6 months of documented weigthloss attempts. Sometimes I really think they are attempting to wear your resolve,and hope you'll get frustrated and just walk away MAD..................don't give it to them presist

As far as I know, and have ever heard, Tricare does not require a six month weight management. In fact, their website states they won't even pay for nutritional counseling. They certainly didn't require it when I had my surgery last year. They're considered one of the easiest insurance carriers to get a surgery approval from. I suggest you go back to the Tricare website and print out the requirements, so you can show the insurance coordinator at your surgeon's office. The more proactive you are, the smoother your process will be. Good luck! Dave