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I've been banded since 2007 and I only recently started visiting this site... Stupid on my part. I learned quite a few things here. I wish I had been on here when I first started out. While reading different posts to help me with my pouch dialation problems 2 weeks ago I noticed many people who have had their bands removed. In the past I had port infection due to a tummy tuck, esophogeal hernia( which they originally thought was a band erosion) it was only when I was under anethstisia did my doctor see the problem and when I woke up I was totally ecstatic because I thought I would be waking up to having my band removed.it wasn't and I was grateful. I read so many people saying how it was the worst mistake by getting banded, but I feel so lucky. It's worked so well and the problems I had were my likely self induced, you know not chewing properly, the dumb tummy tuck which wasn't necessary. Those problems could have been avoided. The thought of being without my band it frightening. This last problem of pouch dialation was a strong reality check. I have to remember how to eat and chew properly. Just because so many years have past I must not become complacent . I was lucky to find so much info on these post at bariatric pal. I grateful for the posts I read and for future knowledge I can obtain just by reading other people's stories. I just wish I read more stories of people who have had great success with their band. I know I did and I love my band and can't image myself without it.

My sleeve surgery was 3 days ago. Everything is going well except for the excruciating pain from the largest incision. I have walked & walked. When I get up or down, it’s awful. How long will this last??

Stuff you can do that might help prevent them: Lower fat diet Lower oxalate diet Take your calcium CITRATE as prescribed Vitamin B6 Probiotics Low salt diet More plant protein, less animal protein (nuts are a bad idea cause they're high oxalate) Drink lots of water Pull your protein back to 60g per day....avoid massive protein intake Avoid spinach Do not take over 500mg of Vitamin C

@frust8 omg...i friggin can't

Don't fret too soon. The body-fat measurements are notoriously inaccurate.

How did it go? I'll be there July 2nd and am so nervous. How was the surgery and her facilities?

My strategy with these things is to try to get it in writing from my insurance company up front. Ask specifically about all the out of pocket costs I can expect, and see if they can give me an estimate. It's a pain to wait to talk to someone....but they're used to this, and if you're polite and patient, they'll help you figure it out and give you much better answers than we can.

This is going to depend on your insurance. Most don't cover 100% after the deductible is met. Like mine is 80% coverage after, so after I meet the deductible, I'm required to pay 20% of whatever the charges are after the deductible. They should have spelled it out for you more clearly. For me, if the cost of a procedure is say, 10,000, and my individual deductible is 1000, then I'd be responsible for the 1000, then 20% of 9000 or 1800. So my total out of pocket would be 2800. Everything for the rest of the year now will be at the 20% of the total since I met the deductible. Some insurances have a "Max out of pocket" where you don't pay for anything after that max. Would be worth talking to your insurance company to find out exactly what your cut offs are and what you can expect after meeting them.

You look great! Even with the minor issues you’re facing now I’m sure they pale in comparison to the life threatening obesity issues many of us could face if we didn’t have surgery! Great job on the weight loss.

The good news is, you're down to a weight where you won't have to use DXL any more.