keiko

Hi Everyone, I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner, but I still haven't had my discussion with the lapband counselor at my doctor's office. It's been a very hectic week and she and I keep missing each other with our voicemail. I'll let you know when I know something. Keiko

Hi Everyone, I just got back from my doc and he said my band is slipping. I have to get info. from the insurance gal at his office, go to a seminar to see what's available, check what my insurance will cover, and try to come to a decision about what to do. I don't want my band removed without having some other solution for my weight problem. While I've lost 50 lbs., it had been 70 lbs. until I started gaining weight with my band slipping. I'd still like to lose more weight but I really don't know which way to go. He said Medicare won't cover gastric sleeve, though I do have supplemental BC/BS insurance that may cover it. Any other information or suggestions for me as I try to work on this? I don't want to gain my weight back, and I do want a bigger weight loss than what I have experienced. I really would prefer not to have gastric bypass. Help! Keiko

Thanks for bumping this up, Paulax. I'm also losing very slowly (22 lbs in 6 months) and I'm up to 8cc's. I go back in 1.5 weeks and am going to ask for another fill. I still get hungry between meals, and I really expected this to be less of a struggle than it is. The only good thing happening is that my exercise is improving and while my arthritis still can be painful, I now can see improvement in my mobility and strength. I have to keep reminding myself that I didn't get this way overnight and it will take a long time to reduce my weight and reverse years of bad habits. My husband also keeps reminding me that at least the scale has gone down in 6 months. If I hadn't had the surgery I could have easily gone up 22 lbs.

Pebbles, I'm 4 weeks out and I can drink several gulps at one time. I don't think you're hurting yourself, because you haven't had a fill yet. I get my first fill in 2 weeks, and I can't wait, because I'm definitely eating more than 1/2 cup at meal times, actually it's more like 1 1/2 cups! While that's nowhere near what I used to be able to eat before, it's still more than I hoped I'd be eating. When is your first fill?

No. the doc said to keep taking all the meds I was taking before surgery except for the anti-inflamitory meds.

Cathy, I had BCBS Illinois and I had to be on a supervised diet for a year. Everything I did was through my bariatric surgeon's office rather than thru my pcp because he was a jerk. My bariatric surgeon's office gave me a recommended clinic to go to which I did. I then went back to the bar. surgeon's office and they told me what other records I needed from my pcp (5 year's worth of records!), etc. They basically held my hand the whole way and told me what to do for each step. I didn't have to deal with my pcp except to get them to send the records to the bariatric surgeon's office. That office sent everything to BCBS and then fought for me to get the surgery when BC originally denied me. Hope this info helps!

Hi Gina, Get all the information you can at the seminar and visit this site anytime to get more information on our experiences. This is a life-changing experience - good luck!

Michelle, As my doctor's info said, the first concern it to be healing. Sip plenty of Water throughout the day. I was on Boost and Ensure high Protein drinks after the 4th day, along with full Clear Liquids. You probably won't be able to get anywhere near the amount of protein in that you hope to, but you need to heal and not put stress on your band. Powdered protein mix can be added if you tolerate it. I personally couldn't stand the taste of any of it, so I stuck to water, Iso-Pure, Ensure and Boost, for the most part. After awhile you will be able to tolerate more and can try increasing your protein intake. My doc's sample menu for the clear liquid diet was 38-42 grams protein. Full liquid was 42-48 grams of protein. I probably didn't get all that in, but I just concentrated on drinking. Good luck!

Doreen, Do they have any support groups in your area that you could attend? Also, we have a UK thread here that provides support also. This is such a great site I'm sure you'll find a spot here where you feel comfortable and can provide the support you need to help you lose more.

Terry, Quick question, are you really 92 years of age, or do you mean 29? Is that a typo? If not, I'd say you belong in the Guiness Book of World Records!

Hi Bamalama, When I told my 30 year old son about my surgery he got p.o.'d because I wouldn't be able to help him move to his first house! He wanted to know why I couldn't change the surgery date! When my husband heard what my son had said he had a fit, and said don't dare change the surgery, this is a matter of my health. I also think my dh must have said something to my son later because since then I haven't heard a whine out of him! I guess sometimes our children's selfishness rears it's ugly head!

If you do a search on this site you should find a thread that lists all the most common abbreviations.

Angeldarling I was actually in the hospital a little less than 24 hours, which included an overnight.

I just hightlighted a ticker and it took me to the site. After I created one, etc. I copied it to my User CP area under signature and it worked. Good luck!

<p>Hi Cascavel,</p> <p> </p> <p>I believe there is a thread here for folks with a BMI over 50 and also folks above 300 lbs. I think their thread is aiming for the 200's or something like that. I hope you find some answers here as this is a great group.</p>