Candle

I'm doing well, thanks. I think they say a woman should get at least 60 grams per day. Protein is suppose to make you feel fuller and keep you away from the bad stuff. Carbs are my enemy. I'm still on mushies but I've been eating a lot of protein rich foods and trying to get away from protein shakes/drinks. (although I do have a shake every few days) Cottage/ricotta cheese, Tuna/chicken/ham salad, yogurt, turkey chilli, eggs, refried beans, skim milk, etc.

I had an exclusion with my Anthem policy as well. I'm sorry to tell you, I was informed by an attorney that I had little to no chance trying to appeal a denial. He advised me not to even spend the money on all the pre-op tests and legal fees. I found a self pay insurance plan that ended up covering the band for me. (if you are in NY I might be able to help you) You could also explore going to Mexico for about $7,000-$10,000 or there's a doctor in CO that does it for about $10,000 Good luck

What state are you guys in? I can offer some advice for people in NY. I was successful purchasing a self pay plan that covered the band for me. (my policy with Anthem BC/BS also had an exclusion, due to our "small business" status)

Band Chick, I looked at your journal real quick - it doesn't look like you are getting in much protein?! I aim for 70 grams per day. What about everyone else?

As everyone else has said - I think we all go through this. I can't answer any of your long term questions as I am only 3 weeks out. I too agonized over something as drastic as surgery. I asked myself how I got to this point? What have I done to myself? Should I try dieting again? What if … ? I've lost weight on diets before - only to gain it all back, usually plus some. I don't want to go through that cycle any more. It’s not good for you physically or mentally. The rate of people who successfully lose weight AND keep it off for a long period of time is shockingly low. I finally just decided it's time to start taking care of myself and more importantly stop kidding myself that I can do this on my own. Good luck in your decision.<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I've had no restriction from day 1. I must not have had a lot of swelling? Welcome to BandsterHELL!! We're on our own until the 1st (or 2nd or 3rd or or or) fill. I'm suppose to each about 3-4ozs of mushies at a time too. 6 "meals" per day.

Same deal for me: I take Prilosec every day but they are so small it's not a problem. I was also given a script for Vicoden. Luckily, I never needed any pain meds after I left the hospital, other than liquid Tylenol. I would have been scared to try and swallow one of those. They are BIG! When I questioned the nurse about this - I was also expecting something liquid - they said this is what they always give and no one has ever had a problem. My doc has done about 2,000 bands so I just trusted them but was relieved I never had to test it out. Good luck!

Is that a product for scars? I've never heard of it. Thanks for the offer - I'm going to the support group meeting held at my doctor's office tommorrow. I'm a little nervous for some reason ... I'm planning to check out one of the other support groups soon though. My doctor is in Syossett, which is quite a distance from me. (I'm out east)

Thanks guys - I'm doing great!! Part of my weight loss was 14lbs on the pre-op diet but I have steadily been losing since surgery as well. I hope I can keep it up. I won't be getting my first fill until the beginning of November. (my doctor does fills at 6 weeks and I'm going on vacation at the 7 week mark. They want me to wait until I get back.) Two things that I think have really helped me: I been walking A LOT with my dog and I plan out my meals for the day, the night before. I don't know how long I'll be able to keep that up but for now it's really helped me stay on target. I can go back to "regular" food two weeks from today. I think that going to be a challenge.

I'm going to my first support group meeting at my doctor's office next week. I'm a little nervous ... Do you guys really feel you get a lot out of it?

Is that the band that holds 4cc's ?

I have the APS band too but I'm pretty sure it has no Fluid in it yet. How are you feeling?

Well - it's been 2 weeks since I posted this and I am back up to about 45 minute walks but I haven't gone longer yet. I have lost 8 more lbs though!!! I have 16lbs to go!

Wow - 3cc's!!! I wonder if my doctor is that aggressive with fills? Do either of you feel any difference?

I haven't tried a scrambled egg yet - I'm scared - lol! On liquids I was suppose to get about 650 calories per day and now on mushies it's about 800 and 70 grams of Protein. So far, so good. I keep track on fitday.com Claramae - I did the same thing. I was supposed to start mushies last Mon and I experimented with a few things the day before. ____ How are everyone's incisions healing? I'm pretty surprised mine look so good. Definitely going to leave some scars but not too bad. I just got some Vitamin e oil for once I'm all healed.

I agree with Anna! The hassle of going into the city is well worth it if your only other option is self pay!! (Not to mention, NYU has an amazing reputation)

I originally started the process looking at NYU as well. So much of the band is after care, I decided against all those trips into the city. Then I found Dr Geiss and couldn't be happier with my choice!!! I love all his support staff and they are really the ones I have almost ALL my contact with. I had to do some fancy foot work to get insurance to pay for my band and for a time was looking at self pay with a surgeon in CO. In my research I found that most (not all) do not like to see patients from other doctors for fills and aftercare. I think you are going to find that to be a problem. That seems to become an issue for a lot of people that go to Mexico. Good luck

I think every doctor is different. I have nothing in mine.

I think I am going to go to the support group on 9/18 at Dr Geiss's office.

Light ER NYC - whoa! Glad to hear you are doing better! I have the same band but it's empty. Do you think it was just because of that 1cc?

TMD22 - I was banded by Dr Geiss the week before you Me too. I can't tell I have the band yet either ...

Me too. Fudge pops and sherbert are good too.

Jennifer - April 12 1975

Does anyone else have an AP band? I have the APS band and I think I read somewhere that it takes longer to get to restriction with this new band. (I know every doctor does something different as far as fill amounts go) I have felt no restriction at all since day 1. As my hunger seems to return more and more each day, I'm starting to get pretty anxious.

Clear liquids for 2 days Full liquids for 2 weeks Mushies for 3 weeks