Lady T730

I was banded on 8/26/11 and my starting weight was almost the same, I was 215 pounds. I too paid out of pocket, over $18,000 so you know I wanted to see some results. I felt the same way until I got my 3rd fill. I'm surprised that you got 5cc's during surgery. I only have a total of 5.5 cc's after 3 fills. But I didn't have any real restriction until I got my third fill. I too was unhappy with my weight loss at first. But after the last fill that's when I started seeing some results. I'm now at 180 pounds and to tell the truth that's with no exercise. I know I would have lost a lot more by now if I were exercising, which I hopefully will start doing soon. For now I'm somewhat satisfied but I do want to lose another 20-25 pounds. I am now a size 10, which I haven't worn since I has my last child 23 years ago. But I know it's a journey so I'm being patient. You'll be ok and the weight will come off.

I know the feeling, I just bought some new jeans and pants for work and got a size 10. The last time I could fit a 10 was 23 years ago when I had my son. I'm really excited!!

@emonie71, I have federal Aetna. A few of my co-workers have both BCBS and Aetna and had no problems getting approved.

It definitely is a learning experience. After my first 2 fills I could still eat anything I wanted. When I got my third fill which was only.5 cc's I was wondering what was that going to do. But I quickly found out and I now have restriction and like everyone else said I have to chew, chew, and chew some more to make sure everything goes down. The good thing is I can still eat most things that I could before as long as I eat slow and chew my food well.

Unfortunately, I was denied and it only took my insurance company a few days to decide. They said I had not been at my highest weight long enough and only had 1 co-morbity. The doctor's office wanted me to go though the appeals process but I didn't feel like waiting so I decided to self-pay. But I look at no news is good news because if they wanted to deny you they could have done that real quick.

I don't have any problems using a straw.

My surgery was on 8/26/11. I got my first fill 6 weeks later (3.5 cc's) no real restriction. Got my second fill 2 weeks later (1.5 cc's) still not much restriction. Third fill 2 months later (.5 cc's) I thought what is .5 cc's going to do but I have so much restriction. I've lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks and eat smaller portions. I don't plan on getting another fill anytime soon.

That's great, I can't wait until I reach my goal weight.