NWgirl

I wonder if you are saying that the Amazon customer service was not good?

I started looking into the surgery at 22 and got banded at 23. I started by visiting my primary care Dr, who ran tests to see if there were any other underlying medical issues that could be contributing to lack of weight loss. I then went to an orientation on Jan 17 after my new insurance kicked in and was scheduled for a series of appointments over the next couple weeks. I was given the go ahead to begin "dieting" around the same time my Dr submitted to insurance in mid February. I would suggest attending some support groups and researching everything about the band. It's so much better to go in well prepared and to not find unpleasant suprises down the road because you did not research well. I also started a blog for my own personal journey and needs. Also, you did not mention if you have insurance or not. If you do, you should contact customer care or look at your benefits booklet and see if weight loss surgery is covered. I stress that you check this out for yourself and do not rely solely on the surgical practice to do it for you- I made that mistake the first go around and the insurance coordinator told me I was covered without researching due to her assumptions about my insurance (there were three seperate plans, and the one that covered WLS was not the one I was on). . If you do not have insurance, you will need financing (such as CareCredit).

When you transition from full liquids to real foods, it's expected that you will either gain or not lose until your body stabilizes. Make sure you are eating real foods and don't just continue with shakes because you are worried you will gain.

Down time is extremely less than either gastric or the sleeve because they aren't actually removing a part of your stomach. I only had to take a couple days off of work and really felt great after day three.

acid reflux is a sign of too tight.

I would just nip that habit right away, regardless of if you've had a fill or not. It is possible that your pouch is working ever so slightly but you are washing the food down. I was told after I was off the post-OP liquid diet, i needed to not drink with meals.

Well, usually the first fill doesn't do much for restriction, but you are usually required to be on liquids for a few days, which doesn't sound too fun if you're having a fun weekend... Depending on where you're going, I would recommend postponing the appointment.

The liquid either comes back up or you feel like you can't breath. I haven't had the first happen, but did experience the second and it was not fun.

I would say that with my loss so far, I have gained some confidence. I've gone down three pants sizes and am proud of myself and don't feel bad about my weight anymore. I have taken pictures since almost the beginning and can see a definite difference in my shape. I think people will treat you the way they perceive you. If you are confident and happy, you will probably get more attention/compliments/praise than if you are withdrawn.

If you are self pay, then no need for the other health issues. If you are going through insurance, they do usually require 35-39 BMI with one or two comorbidities or 40+ bmi without.

I found that 4cc brought me decent satiety and restriction of portions (not foods). I think I need 1cc more to be perfect.

I would say if you are on the liquid diet for after fills and you are having problems, you should suck it up and get some taken out. I wouldn't want to add food to that mix. If you are already eating normal food, you should do liquids for a couple days because fills can cause swelling and the stomach needs time to settle.

The delayed response you're talking about is eating too much too fast. Stuck is something you would know instantly if it happened. For me, it is a painful feeling in the throat caused by not properly chewing your food. It can also be painful to draw a few breaths immediately. Whatever you do, don't drink if you get this feeling. get up, walk around and it will go away.

Sore ports can be a sign of issues with the band. It doesn't mean that's the case, but I would schedule an appointment with your surgeon asap.

I have heard that if you get unfilled and then filled again, things can be very different in terms of amount of saline to give restriction, etc.

Good luck!

I might have a beer or two once or twice a month. No problems here.

You should ask your surgeon. You don't want to do any lifting over 10 or 15 pounds for the first month. You also need to be cleared to do any moderate exercise. walking should be fine.

If it hasn't caused problems yet, then it's probably through. This is a reason why many recommend not chewing gum, as you get to tighter restriction you may not be so lucky.

If you've continued trying to eat after you've already upset your band, it's very likely it's irritated. Some recommend going back to liquids for a day or two to let it settle and then start reintroducing foods. Are you making sure to chew food well and giving it time to go down before you eat more?

Drink or eat more protein items.

The reason for the liquid diet is so the sutures have a chance to set well and so the band can settle. When you eat normal foods, the stomach churns to digest them which can interfere or harm healing by popping stitches, possibly even moving the band if you eat large quantities.

Name, real or screen~ Stephanie Goal weight for June 30th~ 215 Weight on June 1st~ 222 Age~ 23 Dietary goal for June~ Focus on eating nutritious foods and little junk. Exercise goal for June- exercise 3-4 days a week Personal goal for June~ Budget my money Date banded~ 3/20/2012 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 43 What is your favorite summer activity~ hiking/camping!

I know a woman who went through bypass, has lost a tremendous amount of weight, and is one of the people in the few percent that the sleep apnea did not go away for. It's always a possibility that you may need the machine for a short time, or that it will be long term.

My primary care Dr ran tests at the beginning of the year and my thyroid levels came back low. He started me on levothyroxine and I was good to go. Some surgeons require you be on a med for a couple months before they will operate, so it is best the ask your surgical practice.