nikki c

got my date!!! June 27th and I CAN'T WAIT!!! )

YAAAAAAAAAAY! It was sent on 5/26 and approved on 5/27! WOOOOHOOO I LOVE YOU BCBS FEP!! )

can you post the link?

I had originally set my heart on banded plication. I wanted just the band, but then discovered plication and band can be combined for more immediate results (plication being faster, band for longevity). Also a plus side that, if I have problems, the plication is a great back up for the band and vice versa (can get fill if plication not working). I've been reading horror stories on here about banding, and now i'm unsure. I dont feel like the problems are widespread, however. While they are serious - I think the vast majority of bandsters have success. I feel like just plication isn't enough, and I don't want to have staples and a severed stomach (sleeve). Do I really need both the band and the plication? Has anyone had this? I'm definitely doing plication, just unsure about the band. I know it's relatively new, but my surgeons are in love with the procedure because it's had excellent results in their practice. Both are tried and true...just up in the air, i guess. Opinions are welcome. Thanks, Nikki

I've been reading multiple boards and have some concerns about the band after reading the VSG board. I am planning on having the band with plication, but I keep hearing horror stories about the side effects of the band. Some are saying they had vomiting every day, PB, sliming, can't eat out because of vomiting, etc. I see a lot of the same posters (many of whom I believe to have an anti-lapband agenda); I don't think there are many who have serious issues like these, but I am curious about the frequency and severity of the nasty stuff. I am pretty tough and I'm not scared of some discomfort as long as I get the results I need. So far, I'm still planning on a banded plication, just want the straight facts. Thanks! Nikki

I'm very open with everyone that I'm having surgery, and have been met with great support. Of course, those who know me know the strugle i've had to lose weight. I just don't understand why people feel the need to hide that they've had surgery? I'd love for someone to come at me and say it's "the easy way" or "cheating". they'd get a real piece of my mind! even those who i don't know well are receptive and not judgement about my surgery. Are there really that many people who give such hateful feedback? Just curious... Nikki

I'm being banded in June and my diet (when I start eating real food) will be all the meat and veggies I want, then no more than 30g of carbs a day, to be used for incidentals - not regularly. I'd like to know how many follow a diet like this and what your experiences with it are. Have you done it, lost, then started eating carbs and noticed a difference in wt loss? (gain, feel addicted again) What are some things you eat to mix it up? Have you found and REALLY great replacements for things you love? (Peanut Butter, bbq sauce, ketchup) What are your go-to foods? Do you feel satisfied without carbs? And anything else you might find helpful would be appreciated! Thanks )

no, i have BCBS federal

That's pretty messed up to talk behind someone's back like that. You're right about people not understanding. Food addiction and control is outrageously and to combat, and those who haven't been there probably can't understand. I get that.

have you considered banded plication? That's what i'm going to do, i was indecisive with the band vs sleeve as well.

i love edamame, but i don't eat a ton of it. there has been research that consuming a lot of soy can have adverse affects on hormones. of course theres a down side to everything, lol. why cant it all just be easy?!

I've heard that the fewer you eat the less you want, and have experienced that but allowed myself to get sucked back in. what are some of your favorite healthy dressings?

Well good for you. I guess what confuses me is when people talk about making excuses (late lunch, upset stomach) for not eating. But I understand situations like your where you know you will be met with unpleasantness and don't want to go through the trouble of that. I guess i'm fortunate to be surrounded by understanding people. I'm hoping that my success will inspire my mom and brother to have surgery as well.

thanks, i haven't tried natural yet. i looked up skippy reduced fat creamy, as that's what i usually buy. i didn't subtract fiber, just straight up carbs. 15 is high! i was worried.looked up smuckers natural pb - 6g - that's MUCH better! )

I'm not cutting out PB, but it has a lot of sugar and comes in at 15g carbs for 2 tbsp. Gonna look for a natural PB or sugar free. Carbs are my addiction, and i AM addicted. Just hoping for some variance from grilled chicken and veggies I found lots of recipes, but am hoping to discover more go-to foods that are easy to pack and take.

Thanks for all the feedback, guys! I figured it was a lot to do with the speed of eating, what is being eaten, and how well it's chewed. This assuaged a lot of my fears )

I met with my doctor yesterday and feel much more comfortable with my decision. I'm have my second (3rd really) visit next Wednesday and at that time will schedule my surgery. Hopefully June! We can be band buddies! o)

Dave, The plication is much like a sleeve without the removal of the stomach or stapling. It is a backup in case I have problems with the band. Also, the "sleeving" has a faster weight loss result. I end up losing the weight faster than with solely the band, and have the benefit of a fill if I have stalled weight loss or the plication is unsuccessful. Over time many sleeve patients have a larger stomach capacity and are able to eat more than they should. Should this happen, the band can be used to correct intake. Plication also is an added reinforcement to band slippage - they are MUCH more likely to stay in place if the stomach is plicated. My surgeon loves this surgery and has had excellent results with the patients who have had it. I feel like I'm gonna be under the knife anyway, why not have some extra reinforcement? Since reading the VGS boards, I've also seen several ppl who have had to remove their band for a variety of reasons and have had to wait several months to get back in to be sleeved. If I do have to have the band removed (which I don't foresee), I won't have to wait months on end to have a revision surgery, it'll already be done! How scary is it to thin k of losing you band and gaining all that weight back waiting for surgery!? I'd be so mad!

I read on here that there is a difference in device co-pay if you're inpatient or outpatient for BCBS FEP. Apparently, outpatient pays 30% of device while inpatient only pays overnight hospital fee. I'd like some input: were you in/outpatient and what was your co-pay? Thanks! Nikki

bump

I had originally set my heart on banded plication. I wanted just the band, but then discovered plication and band can be combined for more immediate results (plication being faster, band for longevity). Also a plus side that, if I have problems, the plication is a great back up for the band and vice versa (can get fill if plication not working). I've been reading horror stories on here about banding, and now i'm unsure. I dont feel like the problems are widespread, however. While they are serious - I think the vast majority of bandsters have success. I feel like just plication isn't enough, and I don't want to have staples and a severed stomach (sleeve). Do I really need both the band and the plication? Has anyone had this? I'm definitely doing plication, just unsure about the band. I know it's relatively new, but my surgeons are in love with the procedure because it's had excellent results in their practice. Both are tried and true...just up in the air, i guess. Opinions are welcome. Thanks, Nikki

HELPFUL FORUM, CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDNT FIND THAT. THANKS!

thanks, I saw the plication forum but there were like 5 posts altogether... doesn't seem very popular. Did you end up with VSG? I'm still unsure about having my stomach cut up and stapled...it just seems barbaric. I'll definitely bring this up with my surgeon, though. Where did you find this article?

thanks for the feedback, guys! I'm not afraid of the occasional issue, daily kinda freaks me out tho! I do think a lot of the ppl who posted the nightmarish stories are either not following the diet properly or just have issue with adapting to the lifestyle (eating slower, chewing well, fills, etc). That being said, I have no experience with it and don't really know what i'm talking about, lol.

what insurance do you have?