Thats All Folks

I would call your doctor. The fact it got tighter from coughing and now you're feeling an acid like sensation is worrisome. I'm sure everything is fine, but with those symptoms you really need to go back and see your doctor. Maybe even ask for a barium swallow just to make sure band hasn't slipped from all the coughing. Best wishes.

Wow, that is just awful. I've not gone through that but I've heard of others who have. Hopefully someone will see your post and chime in. Hang in there and don't give up!

Terry you seriously kill me. I love your posts about "Mistress Band". I think you should start your own blog (aside from these forums) called "Adventures with Mistress Band" and chronicle your tale there. You have such a great way with words. You'd get a lot of readers for sure!

You know, I went through very similar with my brother. He was dead set against any kind of bariatric surgery but now he's seriously looking into his options since seeing how my life has changed. He doesn't want the band because he doesn't want to deal with fills, but that's fine with me. I just want him to do *something* so he'll be around to raise my nephews. Perhaps after your sister sees your success, she'll change her mind too.

Ugh I dread my periods. TMI here, but I'm dealing with it right now. I always find I'm a lot tighter the first day or two of my period but by day 3 I'm fine again. Hang in there, you're not alone at all on this one.

I've experienced a pulling sort of pain around my port when active, but being as it's sutured to the abdominal wall, it makes sense. If it's bothersome or doesn't subside, you probably should have your doctor check it out. It's always better safe than sorry.

You need to call your doctor. Let him know exactly what's going on, and if he says come in for an unfill, then make the 3 hour drive to see him.

Actually, I think possibly there may be some confusion about Medicare vs Medicaid. Medicaid is state run, thus will differ from state to state on their coverage. Medicare is federally run, thus it's going to be the same base coverage regardless of state. The 80% of covered costs is the same for everyone on Medicare. Now if someone has supplemental insurance, of course their costs would differ, but that would be unrelated to Medicare. It would also vary if they have a state run Medicaid program covering their 20% co-pays. You actually do have to get pre-approved for some things on Medicare. Like the Lap Band and skin removal, for instance. They have very strict guidelines for tummy skin removal, too. The pannus (skin apron) must fall below the pubis line, there must be documented skin break down for 6 months, and they will not consider back pain as a reason for it. If the skin removal is due to weight loss, you must have lost at least 100 pounds and be at least year post bariatric surgery. I've actually spoken to them directly about this because I am going through the process right now, too. I am on Medicare for disability. Overall, it's usually at least a 6 month approval process for skin removal when going through Medicare because of all the required documentation. Just FYI for anyone else on Medicare needing tummy skin removal.

I suspect you'll have a harder time getting their support because they're overweight. Let's face it, misery loves company, and when an entire family is fat they get really jealous of whoever dares step out of that cycle and becomes fit. In time when they see your success, you may inspire them to change too, but at the beginning I fear you're going to have a hard time convincing them. I've dealt with similar, by the way. My parents, brother, aunts, cousins, etc are almost all some degree of overweight. I've heard it all- how it's the easy way out, how I'll be sick, I'll look awful with saggy skin, I'll look older, etc. You name it and I've heard it. Oh and now that I'm down over 180 pounds? I hear from my own mom "oh great, now I guess I'm the fattest one". As if it's my fault she doesn't lose weight! LOL! You have to remember you're doing this for you. Like me in the beginning, you may simply have to find your support elsewhere, be it online or at a support group. My family mostly has come around and is supportive these days, but even if they never did I know I made the best decision for me getting the Lap Band. Hang in there!

I've had my band for a little over a year. I know one person who's had their band for over 9 years with no complications.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be insisting on a small unfill and considering a new surgeon. Your diet should not be that limited. You're really lucky you haven't gained from having to resort to slider foods- because that happens a lot when someone's band is too tight. A lot of us have to be super careful when eating certain foods, like meat, but you shouldn't be so restricted that you're existing on white fish and avocado. Remember, you're in charge. The doctor works for you. Insist on what you know is best and if he won't listen, fire him and find a better one. Best wishes.

Bigger isn't necessarily better at all. It's all depends on your anatomy. Some people have bigger stomachs than others, some have smaller stomachs. If you have a small stomach and a big band, it's going to be a lot harder to get adequate restriction in your band. Your surgeon knows what's best. Trust him. Best wishes.

You're doing great! Congratulations!!

Totally untrue. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance all require pre-authorization for skin removal surgery. They will want medical records proving it's a medical necessity and possibly photos as well. That surgeon is full of crap. Find a new one that you can actually trust. It sounds like he just wants the money and doesn't care if it's from you or Medicaid.

The band is supposed to allow you to feel satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. So, because I can easily go 4-5 hours on a cup of food without hunger, I know my band is exactly at the right level. Here's a link that might help: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

I eat 1000-1200 calories a day and feel great. I personally don't do well under 1000, dizzy and cranky, but what works for one doesn't necessarily for another. To each their own.

Steroids are wicked! Yes, the steroids will make you seriously blow up with excess water. In fact in big enough doses for long periods of time, people even get "moon face" from all the water weight. Drink a lot of water and stay away from sodium. The weight will definitely come back off as soon the steroids are out of your system. I hope you feel better soon.

A week is no time at all, honestly. Plateaus happen and they can last weeks. I've had one that lasted 6 weeks before. I know people who've had them last months. Just stay within your daily calories, stick to a cup or less of food per meal, exercise, and the weight will come off. Best wishes.

I chose the band over Gastric Bypass or the Sleeve because I couldn't justify cutting out 3/4 of my stomach or re-routing my intestines. I also didn't want to deal with malabsorbtion or dumping. The band is reversible with much less risk of serious complications, so it was the right choice for me. As for weight loss, I've lost 183 pounds in a little more than a year. I love my band. It's the best decision I've ever made for myself.

Very inspirational post. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey.

Anything in a blender. Tuna, chicken, or egg with mayo and blended into a smooth salad. Sugar free applesauce, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, chicken mixed with chicken broth in the blender, chili in the blender.

Actually, you can stretch the pouch above your band. Doctors put their Lap Band patients on liquid diets to try to shrink it back down all the time. food is supposed to pass through the band in less than a minute, however that is if the person is chewing it until mush and pausing between small bites. You can pile food above the band and it's actually pretty easy to do accidentally. This is why it's so important to stick to a cup or less of food per meal. Not for calories or weight loss but so you don't accidentally and unknowingly stretch your pouch. Best wishes.

Welcome to the forums!

I think setting small, attainable goals is really important when losing weight. It keeps us from getting overwhelmed by the big picture and gives us little victories along the way to Celebrate. I think you can lose 20 pounds in 16 weeks. Just really buckle down, count calories, and exercise and I'm sure you'll have no problem meeting your goal. Good luck!

If you're scared to eat after a fill, I say follow your gut instinct. You can't hurt anything by going on liquids for 24 hours. Always trust your instincts and always better safe than sorry.