bluetigereyes

Its great to see another Idaho "bandster" How are you doing? I am 6 weeks post-op. Who is your doctor? If there is anything you need, just ask

Well, I went in for my first fill on Wednesday and was SO disappointed! I was excited because he was going to put 4cc in and I was anticipating seeing the scale move again. Well, after 25 minutes of poking, manipulating, and horrible pain, it turns out my port is probably flipped. I had to go in yesterday (Thursday) to get an x-ray to verify that is flipped and will know more today. If the port is flipped, he is supposed to schedule me today or monday to come in and open me up to flip the port and re-stitch it back down. He said this is a new port that he started using around the time of my surgery, and he has seen 3 flip sideways and I am the second one that he has seen flip totally over. The doctor did say that when he is in there, he will do the fill as well, which is a small consolation, but I left the office almost in tears from the disappointment and pain. Now, I have another HUGE bruise on my stomach, 12 poke marks and still no restriction. UGH

OMG, I cant believe that office posted that information...GB, you are doing the right thing, DO NOT let the HIPPA violation go unanswered. I hope you find another doctor that is worth YOUR MONEY, because you are the one paying his salary, and jerks like that deserve to lose all of their patients as well as their practice!!

I just had my band placed 6 weeks ago. I would suggest calling your insurance and finding out what needs to be done for your specific policy. I can tell you that, as an example, all blue cross policies are NOT the same, it all depends on what coverage your employer elects to have on the policy. Then, attend a seminar. If you are not sure where a seminar is, contact your local hospital and they can direct you to when and where one is. This is VERY informative and will usually have people there with the band so you can ask questions. They will also set you up with their surgery coordinator, that person will be your main contact point, typically, until you are ready to consult for surgery. I started the process in 2008, then things happened and I got discouraged and gave up. Then in October 2011, I decided I was ready, in the right frame of mine,and the right place in my life to get the band done. In 2 months, I lost the required weight, had all my appointments completed, and insurance approval. I had my surgery on Dec 22nd. It was the BEST Christmas present that I could do for myself. I would highly suggest contacting your insurance FIRST to make sure this is a covered procedure and find out what their specific criteria is and go from there. There is nothing worse than going through everything and then finding out that your insurance will not cover. Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions, this forum is fantastic. I have learned alot and sure i will learn ALOT more in the coming months/years.

I'm not sure of the brand, my dr did say it was a new port and he is seeing issues with it with several patients

I went for my first fill today. I am now 6 weeks post-op. The doctor tried and tried and could not do my fill. I am sure going to be bruised in a couple days when the bruising shows up!!!! Finally, the doctor gave up and is sending me for an x-ray tomorrow because he thinks my port is flipped. So, if its flipped, he is going to have to go in and flip my port back over. He said this is a new type of port that he just started using at the time of my surgery, and he has had 2 now that have totally flipped over and a couple that were flipped sideways....mine happens to be totally flipped (from what he thinks). I left the office very upset and frustrated, the doctor was mad (not at me though). I was really hoping to have my fill and be on the road to losing, now I'm just a little down. Anyone else have this happen? If so, how painful is it when they go in to fix the port?

you look amazing! Over time, the scars will fade too and you will feel that much better as well. I am just starting my journey (I get my first fill today...I'm now 6 weeks post op) I cant wait until I can share pictures as well. Keep up the good work

the pain from the gas lasted almost 2 weeks for me, long after the incision pain was gone. The one thing that helped me alot was standing in the shower and letting the hot water just cascade over my shoulder and chest. Keep moving, as you do, you will feel the gas move around and eventually you will start feeling relief. I'm now 6 weeks post op and feel wonderful

Most doctors cannot submit the request for approval until ALL the steps are completed. Depending on your insurance and more specifically, your policy, the approval process can take anywhere from a day to 6 weeks. My insurance did not require pre-authorization at all. They paid my doctor within 20 days of him submitting the claim, and I just received my EOB that they paid the hospital last week. Some insurance companies cover the procedure, but individual employer policies may not. I would call your insurance and ask them exactly what their requirements are for the surgery based on your particular policy. Dont let them tell you that its just considered out-patient surgery, tell them you need the exact requirements for the surgery and how long they typically take to approve the surgery once the request is received. I know this, because I work for a hospital, in the billing department, and have seen alot of claims come through that have been denied because the individual employer elected not to cover bariatric surgery on their policy. Hope this helps

I had my surgery on Dec 22nd. I have only told a few select people. I only 3 people at my work, however, since I work for the hospital where I had my surgery done, one other person in my office found out and confronted me on it. I told her that it is a personal decision and I dont want other people knowing. After she confronted me again, I went to the manager and filed a HIPPA complaint. She was told that she is not to discuss it, and at this point, I dont think anyone else knows. I told my ex-sister in law (because I needed her to babysit my kids the day of surgery) and she has been extremely negative about the surgery. (she has only spoken to me twice since surgery!!) She has never had a weight problem, and I think she truly does not understand. I love having my band, and actually get to go for my first fill today. I have been at a plateau with my weight since surgery, so looking forwawrd to having my fill and seeing the scale going down once again. Having the surgery is a VERY personal decision. You have every right to choose who knows that you had it done. I am not keeping it a secret per se, however, I would rather see the weight come off before I announce that I had the procedure. Keep your chin up, now that they know, there is nothing you can do about it, but show them what a great decision it was for you to have this done.

I go in for my first fill this afternoon. I am really hoping that it helps my hunger because at this point, I have absolutely NO restriction and really need to feel that restriction. I'm glad that I have not gained, but then again I have not really lost since surgery. I'm now 6 weeks post op, and SO ready for my fill. Wish me luck that I can start dropping the weight again and not feel hungry all the time!

Mum...You have an amazing journey ahead of you. Enjoy your pregnancy, because it will be over before you know it and your little bundle of joy will be in your arms again! Just remember to eat sensibly and healthy during your pregnancy and the weight will come off shortly after. You can still exercise, just be careful with it. When I taught water aerobics, I had 3 people in my class twice a week that were pregnant and worked out until the week before they gave birth. That may be a good option since its low impact and the water helps ease the movement while still getting a great workout. Keep up the gerat work, you are truly an inspiration!!!

I got my band Dec 22nd, and every so often I get a sharp pain at the port site when I bend or sit too long, I know thats just part of the healing process. Most days, I can bend without any issues. There are just those occasional days when I bend and get that sharp pain at the port site. I'm told this is normal and will go away as I continue to heal. Good luck! Hope everything comes through smoothly so you can get your band

There is a program called Care Credit, its similar to a credit card, but used for Medical procedures. I have friends with it, it can be used for anything medically related, inculding for pets.

Congrats! Its a fantastic feeling isn't it! Since you havent exercised in a couple months, start slowly, since the surgery you will get tired faster, listen to your body and work up to where you were before.

I think its common, although cant give details. I got banded on Dec 22nd and get a pain in my left side, near my belly button, when I exercise or walk long distances. Its painful, but not enough to stop me.

I work in an office with about 100 women. I specifically chose NOT to tell them about my surgery. I had my band placed on Dec 22nd. Many people here are rail thin and there are a few that are heavyset like me. I have only confided in a couple of people that I would say are my close friends at work about my band. I had one find out when she looked in my Medical Record (I work for the hospital where I had my band done) and when she confronted me about it, I turned her in for a HIPPA violation. My family is VERY supportive as are all of my friends. I have one person that was supportive when I was thinking about the band (for over 3 years) but when I finally had it done her whole attitude changed. Well, I figure, with people like that, they are not TRUE friends and do not need to be a part of my journey. She is my ex-husbands sister and I thought she was a friend, but has proved otherwise. I dont see her that often, so as the months pass, the weight comes off, and I start looking better and getting healthier, she is the one that will realize that she has missed out on being with me through this amazing journey. Many people think having bariatric surgery is a quick fix, we all KNOW its not. The band is just a tool to assist us in the journey, we still have hard work and dedication ahead of us to bring out that beautiful, healthy person that is hiding inside us all. I would love to keep in touch with you after your surgery...let us know how you are feeling and this board is great if any questions come up.

OK, I have to admit, I have sat here and read this ENTIRE post from beginning to end. I have laughed and I have cried. I know the emotions that everyone has felt on here. My first husband cheated on me, but to this day denies it (He lives his life in a lie and is proud of that fact, sad to say), Luckily he is in my past and I dont ever have to deal with him. I recently got divorced (last April) due to my 2nd husband not being totally honest with me (He didnt cheat, but still lied to me way too much). I just got my band on Dec 22nd, and waiting for my first fill on Feb 1st. I feel amazing, although I need to get in for my fill because I can eat anything and everything with no restriction right now. I want to say CONGRATS on getting engaged and your pregnancy. What a wonderful time in your life. You deserve happiness after everything you have been through in the last couple of years. I sincerely hope the cancer has not returned, but with your strength and resolve, if it has, you will overcome and be that much stronger. Thanks for sharing, I'm sure at times it was difficult, but this thread has helped MANY I'm sure. Deanna

I have to say, I feel great! I am not having any issues. I went for my first post-op visit last week and was told that I can start my mushy stage this week. So, I'm looking forward to a little more solid foods. I do have to admit, I have cheated a couple times and had 'real' food with no issues. I was careful to chew extremely well and take small bites. Other than a little gas, I felt normal. I am concerned since my appetite has returned. I am looking forward to my first fill. I know that I need the restriction in my band because the hunger can be oerwhelming at times. And a protein shake only lasts for about 4 hours before Im starving again. I know this is normal, and just take each day as it comes. I'm happy with my progress and know that when I start getting my fills I will feel much better and not so hungry. Thanks to all of you on this forum, its great to have people of all stages of this process to bounce ideas, comments, and suggestions off of. I have learned so much and appreciate you!

Congrats! I was one of the few lucky ones, my insurance doesnt require prior auth. I went through all of the steps, but when the nurse called for the auth, they said it wasnt required. I got my band on Dec 22nd, and got an email from my insurance today with the EOB showing that they have processed the doctors claim and paid it. I will have about $300 out of pocket. The hospital just billed, but all my co-payment is for any out patient surgery is $50, so I'm really happy. I know if the doctor got paid, then everything else will be paid without question. Hopefully you will get your surgery date soon and take that step towards a new you!!!

Congrats! I have had my band for 2 weeks now, and I can say that it took about 10 days from surgery for my appetite to return. I find that if I have a protein shake in the morning, it really does help me not be ravenous all day long. The nurse told me at my post of check on Wednesday to add a little oatmeal to my protein shake, it would hele me feel full longer. Well, I tried that this morning, and I will NOT do that again. I'm nauseated and feel like I have a brick in the pit of my stomach. Oh well, I guess if nothing else, that will keep me full the rest of the day!!!

My Dr told me to limit the sodas. Also, because of the carbonation, they can make you very unconfortable. One suggestion I was given was to let it get a little flat before drinking it, totally flat soda is disgusting, but if you let it sit open for about 30 mins, it does dissipate some of the carbonation and make it not so bloating. I was not told to wait a certain length of time after my band was placed, and I have to admit that I have had some diet coke without problems. I go in for my first fill on Feb 1st, so I'm sure after there is some restriction in there it will be a totally different story for me. I have gotten to the point that I prefer Arizona Green Tea anyway (I use the tea bags so I can have it without sugar and calories), I go through ALOT of tea everyday which is fine with me.

I had my first post op visit yesterday. I am now 2 weeks post op. I told the nurse I've been having some mushy's but she told me I have to go back on liquids for another week, my dr is VERY strict about that....so back to liquids for one more week. My first fill is scheduled for Feb 1st, I cant wait. I was told I could go to 'normal' food 4 days before my fill, but for the 2 days before my fill, keep a food diary so the dr can judge how much needs to go in the band. I've lost 4 lbs since surgery, which is ok, not as good as I had hoped, but I just look forward to getting my first fill and seeing how I feel after that.

I cant wait until I get my first fill. I was banded on Dec 22nd, and I feel absolutely NO restriction. My hunger has come back and for whatever odd reason, I find myself craving chocolate. The strange part about that is, I NEVER want chocolate. I have never been a big chocolate person, but since I got the band, I crave it. Good thing I get my protein shakes in Chocolate, but I have been wanting M & M's like there is no tomorrow. I think I need to feel some restriction, I see my dr for my post op today, so I am going to get my first fill scheduled at that time. Hopefully I wont have to wait 4 more weeks for the fill!!!

What a terrible thing to happen. Just be there for your friend. He is going to need your love and support when he gets back.