FLORIDAYS

In addition to speaking with your insurance company You may want to consult with a bariatric surgeon who is used to dealing with insurance companies. They might be able to give you some insights as to what you need to do to get it covered. It may involved a medical supervised diet up front but they would be able to guide you as they do it everyday as opposed to a primary dr who does not. Just a thought. Best wishes on your journey.

You deserve every accolade CG! Embrace it! You know its funny.... people I didnt even know existed come up to me all the time and make lovely comments... sometimes I wonder when me being thin will be "normal" LOL

I have been banded 2 yrs and 3 months... I have had no problems with slipping, leaks, port issues or anything really at all.

Throughout my journey I have found what I eat...or more specifically how much I eat changed drastically with each fill so to answer your question... the odds are you will find there are things you cannot eat after a fill... even if you could the day before....

not sure what you are referring too... because I dont know how much belly fat you have... but are you talking about your port? I could feel mine right away but couldnt see it ....

One of my co workers took this pic last week at my birthday celebration... as you see they found me the smallest cake in the world. But when I looked at the picture I noticed there really is a space between my legs which I have seen before but seeing it in a casual pic is pretty eye opening. I know I have lost alot of weight... but as crazy as it sounds... sometimes I cannot wrap my head around it and still feel like the biggest girl in the room. I am trying hard to think like a thin person and I am not looking for sympathy so if you think I should shut up and pound sand I get that. At 5'9" and 153 lbs, wearing a size 10 shoe.... I am not petite... and I never will be....I guess maybe that is what I need to start accepting it. I am curious if any other tall galls dealt with this body image issue?

I am so proud of you CG!!! Congrats!

My dr consult was very comprehensive and I came prepared with a list of questions most of which he answered before I asked. The best thing he said to me is that the band would do only 70% of the work. I had to do the rest. Make sure you ask about pre and post op diet, how aggressive he is with fills, what any hidden costs are and what support is available to you in the way of a nutritionist and aftercare. Best wishes to you!

Not to my knowledge.... Age, Genetics, how long you were overweight, how much you lose and luck play a role in whether or not you will sag or not. I was diligent with creams and moisturizers but it really didn't matter in my opinion.

I am not a fan of tatoos but have no problem with those who want them. I would just suggest waiting until your loss is finished as you may sag in places you never imagined!!!! That I have first hand knowledge of!

All drs are a little different. After a fill I finish the day on liquids and have mushies the entire day after per my drs instruction.

I was very strict with myself and I lost 220 lbs in 23 months. I counted every calorie except toothpaste limiting myself to 1000 calories every day. I weighed all my food whenever possible and ate 3 oz protien, 1/2 c veggies or salad and , 1/4 c starch three times every day. I drank more Water then I care to remember and I saw my dr every month without fail. I rarely drank alcohol and cheated less than a handful of times. I didn't exercise except walking which I am not proud of but it's honest. I had plateaus like everyone else but I averaged about ten lbs monthly. I became one with my band and the lesson is now helping me lose a few extra lbs while I am maintaining. I never believed I would not succeed. Getting banded was a drastic decision for me and one I took very seriously. My life depended on it. And the results are amazing.... Because now I am wearing a size 6 and considering I was born a size 14 I am sure... It's an incredible transformation...one that has changed my life.

There are several reasons for not drinking with meals as you know... so in my opinion even 2 oz is too much

My drs instruction was to drink as much as possible the first week after surgery. What does your dr say?

I have tried cherrios and raisin brand with no problems.... but i need to soak it in milk...skim of course.

I believe the surgeon who is doing the procedure must seek the approval.....others may have first hand knowledge to the contrary but my tt had to be submitted by my plastic surgeon to which received a lovely denial letter.

Everyone is different... But most people feel it more when they start losing weight. It's really depends where it is...and how much belly fat you had.

In my opinion the losing stage is just like any other diet you have been on... With several exceptions. The band is there to help you from over eating at mealtime and because small portions keep you full for longer period of times you are less likely to get frustrated and cheat. It's simple math... If you burn more calories than you take in you will lose weight. Sounds simple enough but you have to pay attention to the calories because 1 cup of chocolate cake is way worse than a cup of Beans.... As you get to your goal you can relax a bit because you know how much you should be eating and counting calories is second nature. But even during maintenance you have to ay attention to your calories... Unfortunately the band didnt magically change our ability to gain weight.

From an HR perspective it's what ever your company policy says. All you should have to do is get a note from your dr saying you will be having surgery and have to take off from this date to that date. As a safe guard I might have my immediate supervisor write a short letter with her/his approval for the time off so you have that base covered. Best wishes!!

Yes most likely that is your port. Check with the dr the next time you see him to be sure.

It's important you know the band isn't a magical cure and it will only do 70% of the work ... And that 30 % is up to you by visiting your dr, getting fills, governing your portions and tracking your calories. If you are committed the band will work. If you aren't you may not have the loss you desire. Best wishes for a successful journey.

I don't but I am sure others will reply who do. My best advise would be to commit to the band and to the lifestyle. I don't bake for a living but I did have to cook and shop for a full household and live with all kinds of food I couldn't eat at my fingertips. It's mind over matter. And a whole lot of willpower. How badly do you want to be thin? Best wishes for a successfull journey.

I am not a nutritionist but if I were you I would ask yours or the dr what they suggest. I personally do not lose unless I eat 1000 to 1100 calories... Maybe you are the same way? Might be worth a call to the dr to see what he advises.

Thank you missy... On both accounts.

There is not much chance you can chew to the consistency of baby food without swallowing some pieces which are too big. Please make sure to wait until the dr says its ok to move to solids Right now you may not be feeling restriction but your band is working,.,. It's just waiting for your body to heal so it can get filled. Until it does it would be wise to follow the drs orders and also start tracking your calories so you dont have a false sense of security until you get to the green zone. Best wishes.