Alexandra

Congratulations, Pat, and welcome to bandland!! We're so glad to hear from you and now go to bed--healing is hard work and you need your rest... :D

The answers to these questions depend on when/how the erosion was detected and what the treatment is. I know of a couple of people who had their bands removed and replaced later, after they healed up. And sure, in most cases the stomach does indeed become "normal" again, albeit with scarring where the erosion took place.

Marie, thanks for posting this. Doctors don't all use the same guidelines, though, and these seem *very* conservative to me. My doctor, for example, has us on mushies at one week and full solids at 4 weeks depending on how we're feeling.

Newbie, I think moving on to more-solid foods is really a very personal thing. Dr. Abkin also told me to go ahead after one week, but I found that I wasn't really ready for more than a bite or two. So while our doctors are definitely on the more lenient side as far as that goes, be sure to listen closely to your body and STOP if you feel any discomfort. And yes, feeling hungry again is ABSOLUTELY NORMAL. You're healing and normal function is returning. The simple presence of the band in a fully healed stomach is not enough to affect your hunger process much. You're heading for the hard part now. My strategy was to do what it took to not get too hungry, because I figured the worst thing I could do is eat too fast or too much and possibly damage my stitches, etc. And when I get really hungry, WATCH OUT! So get youreself to Trader Joe's and buy the yummy pates, stinky cheeses, and exotic yogurts and spreads you'd otherwise never buy, because protein-rich mushies are what it's all about at this stage. Glad to hear your appointment went well. Nice to have those staples out, huh?

I attended that meeting in October, actually, to speak as a banded person. They have about 100-150 people or even more in the room, and most of them are interested in RNY. But basically it's an introduction to the different kinds of bariatric surgery this practice does, what the medical criteria are, the risks/benefits of surgery, etc., etc. I'd be very surprised if people actually *learn* anything new about surgery during the planned part of the evening--I think the vast majority of people attending have already done a bit of research and know what they're looking for. But then there's the Q & A and that's when it gets interesting. The doctors attend and you'll get a look at them if not meet them personally, and they take questions from the audience so you get to hear them speak as well. All in all it's a great introduction to the practice, and you might even be able to make your appointment that night.

Sonia, I too was very apprehensive about the surgery. And I'll tell you, surgery is no picnic. But as surgeries go this is pretty easy, especially since at Morristown it doesn't involve a night in the hospital (which I think is the worst place to heal and rest). General anaesthesia was the worst part for me. It took a good three-four days before I felt it was completely out of my system. And with two little kids at home that was a real challenge. But after surgery on Wednesday I was back at work on the following Monday with only a little soreness to speak of. Before surgery I comforted myself by thinking of all the people who have surgery for various things on a daily basis. Even though general anaesthesia was a new experience for me, people go through multiple surgeries when they're in an accident or have a serious health problem. Major negative reactions to anaesthesia are quite rare when we take into account how many people are put under every single day of the year. What if you needed a joint replacement or a heart valve operation? I think it's just the "elective" nature of this procedure that has us worrying so much.

Lisa, your spirit is amazing and your strength truly inspirational. What you've had to deal with would have done in many a lesser soul, myself included. And to lose weight amid all of it!! You're the bomb, lady. I can't wait for the day when I come here to read that you have a new port and a cleanly healed incision. PARTY TIME!!! (Note to worried newbies reading this: It is VERY UNCOMMON to have a wound not heal for months and months. And the band is made of inert materials, so it's almost unheard-of for it to be "rejected" in people with normal immune systems. Infection is always possible with surgery, of course, but these things usually clear up quickly. Lisa's case is VERY unusual.)

Michelle, baby, you look amazing!! You are truly an inspiration. Congratulations on your fabulous success!! :D

You look terrific!! We're glad you came out of lurkdom to share your success. How was the plastic surgery? I hear it's no fun. Was your experience good? Bad? Certainly the results are impressive!!

Sonia, you are in like Flynn. With the state coverage you're in fantastic position. No worries there! And yes, spouses are welcome at the intro meeting, absolutely. I believe in dreams. You're on your way!! :D

Hi Sonia, First, I can tell you that in general Horizon BCBS is very band-friendly. Of course, if your company is a large company and has a non-standard plan, that decision is in other hands. Is yours a large-group plan? How many people work for your firm? If you have a POS then you definitely do need a referral. And, as I said, you'll need the physical no matter what. But it's not your PCP's job to decide whether you're a good candidate for surgery or what surgery to recommend. All of that lies in the hands of the surgeon. All you need your PCP to do is write the referral to a surgeon based on your diagnosis of morbid obesity and Dr.s Abkin, Bertha, et al will take it from there. I think you're in very good shape for insurance coverage, based on the information you've shared here. Your BMI is in the 45 range, so you don't have to show any co-morbidities to be diagnosed with MO. (A BMI of 40 is the benchmark.) In other words, simply being at the weight you are is reason enough to investigate surgical treatment. Don't let your PCP try to push you toward the RNY. It's premature to make that decision, tell her, and that's why you want to talk with a surgeon. BTW, do you have the handout from Abkin/Bertha's office? You'll want to have that before you see your PCP for the physical, so your doc will know what tests to order. You get that handout at their intro meeting, which I can't remember if you said you've attended or not. (Sorry--mommy brain.) Good luck!!

Hi Hillary, I literally can't think of any "little" things that have bothered me. When I try to think of the negatives of having had this surgery, there was and is only one thing. For me, the fact that I have permanently lost the ability to eat without restraint--a ginormous bowl of Pasta, for example, or gorging at a free buffet--is the absolutely ONLY negative thing. And whether it is negative or not is clearly a matter of perspective. It's the only thing that has ever felt negative, but it's during those moments that I realize this is exactly why I had to relinquish control over my portion decisions. I had no ability to manage them myself. It's a hard thing to accept, but one that I absolutely had to in order to save my life.

Wow, that really moves me! I remember saying the exact same thing to bandsters when I was investigating banding, too. I can't believe someone is saying to to me!! It takes patience and perseverance. Happily, those are the qualities that make for successful bandsters, so *getting* the band is good practice for *having* a band!! BTW, I forgot to mention about the meetings. Abkin/Bertha have a monthly BANDSTERS-ONLY support group that meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. There won't be one in December, I'm sorry to say, but we understand. Hope to see you in January!!

Unfortunately I'm a little pressed for time at the moment, but I can tell you this much. The information the doctors have on the site is general info for all insurance. Each carrier is different and has different requirements for proving the medical necessity of surgery. A history of attempts at weight loss is usually required, but in my case that was a written history without any actual "proof." So whatever your carrier says is what goes, for them. Have you seen a primary-care doctor yet, and been actually diagnosed with severe (or "morbid") obesity? That's pretty much a must, and if you go now for a physical (which will DEFINITELY be required no matter what) tell your doc that you want to start immediately on a supervised diet plan. The doctor will probably hand you a printed diet and say call us in a month. Most carriers require some type of doctor-supervised weight loss attempt in the last two years, but it might only have to be six months long. So get started NOW and before you know it the time will have passed. Start by calling your primary care doctor and getting that physical, your diagnosis, and your diet plan.

Hee hee!! Not anymore! :D

Paula, I agree with everyone else. I had one episode of this, with Water, and one was enough for me. The solution is to make good and sure your pouch is empty before going to bed--no food or drink for at least a couple of hours before lying down. Medication will help relieve the discomfort of acid refluxing up, but if it's food or drink prevention is key as well. Good luck!

Hi Sonia, Nice to meet you! Feel free to fire away with your questions. Dr. Abkin's practice has several banding doctors there, and though he was my surgeon I've seen Dr. Bertha on many more occasions. Dr. Goldstein, too, more than once. It's really a group operation. Have you been to their orientation session? That's the first step if you're considering their practice. Newbandster, how are you feeling? That was pretty recent, are you back to yourself yet?

I'm so glad to hear this went well for you! And you've now educated one more PCP who will be better equipped to talk with his next patient interested in banding. Good on you!

Ditto, ditto, ditto!! Last-minute deals are always a red flag, and if you were counting on her to do something on her end you have every right to expect redress. I know how hard it is when business mixes with friendship, but you should NOT be left holding the bag.

Hi Newbandster, First, congratulations!! Second, yup, this is normal. It seems to happen to some degree to just about everyone at this stage. Think about it--if you're only taking liquids in, only liquids can come out! (Gross, I know.) If you're also having cramping or bad gas, you might want to call your doctor. Some people find they have a new sensitivity to lactose right after banding and that cutting back on dairy products can help. Have faith that it will pass (no pun intended) and once you start mushy foods things will improve considerably. Good luck!!

Hi Judy, I saw the text you posted in the other thread, and sure, that looks like an iron-clad exclusion. However, those benefit booklets are standard language, and are OFTEN overruled by riders to the contract or state laws. I'm an insurance broker and I see contracts all the time that include provisions that are illegal in New Jersey. The benefits booklet is just the start. For example, the part you quoted only talks about "obesity" as a condition. But "morbid obesity" is a DIFFERENT condition, and that exclusionary language might not apply if you have that diagnosis. Have you seen a doctor? Have you established the diagnosis of morbid obesity? The first step is always, no matter what, a physical examination by a primary care physician to establish the diagnosis. Then you see a surgeon (whether you need a referral or not will depend on your plan), and at that time you can further discuss your options. You'll have to establish a history of medical care for your diagnosed condition of morbid obesity and your visit to the PCP is step one. The bottom line is that if we expect the insurance carrier to treat MO as a condition that needs surgical intervention, we have to establish that we are making attempts to treat it in other ways. Surgery is always a last resort, understandably, and getting that medical diagnosis and a record of treatment is crucial. So that's where you start.

This section is the place to get firsthand accounts from patients banded by the doctor or practice you are considering. Have questions about the process? Bedside manner? Hospital food? Nurses? Post a new thread with the name and location of your doctor, and invite people with experiences to share to post. As Big Bird says, asking questions is a great way to find out things!

Hi Judy, I know exactly how you feel. When I first started looking into this, my insurance carrier explicity excluded the band itself, under any circumstances. I was so ticked and was ready to find a high bridge too. But all is not lost. A lot depends on what state you're in and what the regulations are. Is your company self-insured? Is the plan a standard one from carriers? Read your exclusions carefully--lots of them say treatment for obesity is excluded except with a diagnosis of morbid obesity. Some of them say surgery is excluded unless this, unless that, etc., etc. So don't give up, just keep researching. Find out who wrote the policy and whether your company has any ability to change its provisions. Find out who regulates health coverage in your state (department of health? department of insurance?), and contact them and find out what your appeal options are. There is widespread medical agreement that morbid obesity is a disease that requires treatment. And surgical treatment is a widely accepted option. You may ened up wanting legal assistance before you're done, but even if you can't afford surgery you'd likely be able to afford that. There is always another step to take before jumping off that bridge!! Don't give up!

Natalie, that's wonderful!! Congratulations!! Staying away from things you know will cause PBing is a good thing for you on MANY levels. Keep at it, bandster! :D

What an inspiration you both are! Wow, it's wonderful to see such success stories. Thanks for sharing!! :D