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Great job Leo, you look fantastic!

Hi Renata, I am glad to hear you are feeling a little better. I too had the shoulder pain, but it doesn't sound like it was nearly as intense as yours. Most of my pain was and still is in the port area. I am nearing the end of week 2 and the shoulder pain comes for a few minutes about 1x per day. The port pain is weird... one day no pain, the next day an aching kind of throbbing pain. Today I am feeling pain, so I am taking adult liquid Tylenol. I am on pureed foods now and the clear Fluid stage during week 1 just about killed me. I was very very hungry with my stomach growling most of the day. Now on pureed foods it is better, but I do notice a difference that is hard to describe. Some things go down just fine and others cause a kind of pressure/slight pain in the middle of my chest. I am taking this as a sign to stop eating even though my lower stomach is still growling and churning with hunger pains. After about 10-20 mins the pressure/pain seems to subside and my stomach stops sending signals of hunger. I am assuming that this is going to be my new form of hunger/fullness. Nothing like it use to be, but I am sure after a while I will get use to it. I have decided to only weigh 1x per week from now on. I was weighing everyday, but I notice that the weight loss has slowed now that I am on pureed foods even though I am not eating nearly what I was... I am using Fitday.com and eating an average of about 1000-1200 calories a day. Hormel Turkey Chili pureed with a hand blender has been helping a lot. It is very tasty and satisfying. If you are anything like me, you will feel better with each passing day. You may feel more pain on some days than others, but I am trying to remain positive and know that eventually I will feel like my old self again. Take Care,

Congratulations on your progress! You look wonderful... so youthful and happy. Keep up the great work!

Quakergirl, When I feel as you do now, I try to remember a couple of things I have heard over the years: 1. Sometimes people (especially those of us who are overweight) have very low self-esteem and because of this... some of us find that we can only make ourselves feel better by putting down others. 2. A woman once told me that when others make comments that burn, it is there way of stealing your power. They sense you have something that they wish they possessed and they want it, so by making you feel badly, they in essence are able to "take" some of that away from you and give it to themselves. You hang in there and remember that this is a journey, any lbs. lost are getting you one step further to a healthier and happier life. Don't let others steal your power. You have what it takes to succeed and you have already proven to your self with the wonderful job you have done thus far. Keep up the great work!

Great Job Jennye! Your are looking wonderful. Thanks for sharing your progress with all of us. Take Care,

Hi Renata, I was baded on 2/3 and have had the shoulder pain as well. In reading other posts, it is normal and just what your doctor's nurse said it was... some have suggested chewable Gas-X which I have been using even though my Mom (an R.N.) said it really won't help this type of "gas"... maybe it is all in my head, but I feel like it helps or maybe it is just helping the 'other' gas which I also have very bad and that just makes me feel better. Today, I am 7 days out from surgery and still getting the shoulder pain... so I started to consider that maybe I was drinking too fast. I am still on clear fluids except for Protein drinks 2 times per day, but it seems that when I am drinking my protein or Water I get the shoulder pain along with pressure under between my rib cage. I have been trying to drink more slowly and it seems to be helping. It has also made the 'other' gas less of a problem. I have been following the progress of some on this forum who were banded about the same time as me and I am happy to report that at about day 6-7, you should start to feel dramatically better. Keep us updated on your progress. My first post-op appointment is tomorrow and I am looking forward to hopefully being upgradedd to full liquids. Take Care,

Congratulations! Be sure and keep us posted on your progress. Everyone here is so supportive, it can really help through any rough spots... but lets just hope you don't have any of those :confused:

Hi Gabby, Thank you for your kind post. I really felt like the folks on this forum were the only one's that could truely understand what I was going through... and I am so glad I shared because everyone has been so supportive. Regarding Disney World... I have never been, but it is nice to know that if I ever do get there I now have a chance of fitting into the seats!:confused: Hi Teri, I have been following your progress and thank you for sharing. So far, I have been trailing behind you pretty much on schedule. Today is exactly 1 week since surgery and I feel soooo much better. Everyday I have more energy and am able to get around without the same pain as the day before. My first post-op appointment is tomorrow and as of this morning I had lost 8lbs. Thanks for your support.

Grant, Thank you for the suggestion, I will try to drink more Water. My mom told me the same thing about the pain meds. I am taking Adult Liquid Tylenol during the day and saving my liquid Vicondine for nights... but I do wait until I feel pain before I indulge. Well, there will be no more of that! :confused: Thanks again,

Thanks Vera and Umonica. I really appreciate everyone's support.

Hi Michelle, I am not signed up for ebay, so I wasn't able to view the page... but I cannot believe that someone would do such a thing! Good for you sending them an email message. Is there anyway to report them to the "ebay management"? That just doesn't sound right. The unfortunate thing is that there are some people out there that do not know how easy it is to get information off the Internet and they would probably pay for such information. It is very sad. Thanks for sharing this... I might just join ebay so that I CAN access the site and send them a message.

Hi Grant, I am glad that you worked that out!:confused: A 5'10'' man at 144 would have been a bit extreme. Thanks for asking how I am doing. The first 5 days were bad... I didn't think I would have such pain, but I know that everyone is different. I just thought I would be one of the "lucky" one's... but today I am feeling much better. Still tired, but not so much pain as the other days. Now, my biggest complaint is my clear liquid "diet". I am so hungry... thankfully, my doctor did approve 2 Protein drinks per day because those are the only things helping me not have to deal with hunger pains ALL DAY LONG! Thanks again, I appreciate the support.

Hi Grant, You might want to check if your doctor's "log" is designed for "females"... because 144lbs for 5'10" sounds like a female weight and a low one at that. If you doctor is using one of those standard insurance scales which are always on the low end, then that might be the case... but 144 still sounds too low for a male. I definitely believe that "one can be too skinny", me personally, I come from a family of hearty stock. I qualified for Lap-Band, but would definitely look too skinny if I lost 100lbs, so I am shooting for 75-85lbs; which by insurance standards would still be too heavy... but for me it will be just right. Where I am most comfortable and like myself and the way my clothes fit. Take Care,

Hi Maggie, Thanks for letting me know that there is still hope! I would like to stay in touch with progress as we go through this journey. I will email you offline now. Take Care,

Wow Maggie! I am impressed. You are doing so well and seem to have much energy. Laying floors, I don't think I could have done that pre-surgery, but at 10 days out... you are my hero. I was banded on Tuesday 2/3 and although I feel better each day, I still don't feel like doing much of anything. I try to walk as much as possible, but other than that, I am resting. Keep us up to date on your progress. I sure hope I feel as good as you on my 10th day. Take Care,

Hi Janet, I have heard excellent things about Dr. Kuri. His website is: www.lapbandsurgery.com I had called Dr. Kuri's office after getting denied by my insurance and they quoted me $8,750.00 for the deluxe package and would pick me and my Mom up at San Diego Airport and return us after 3 days (2 in hospital, 1 in hotel). I live in Northern California, so I was able to get flights on SouthWest for 2 at under $200.00. Dr. Kuri's website claims he has done over 700 Lap-Band procedures, but I am sure that it is up to over a 1,000 by now. I was scheduled for 2/23, so that was 3 weeks out from speaking with his office. In the end, my original surgeon was able to convince my insurance company to pay and I was banded on 2/3/04, but when I called back to cancel my 2/23 date with Dr. Kuri, his office was still very nice and professional. They were very happy that I had gotten insurance approval and told me if I had any questions or required assistance with fills to give them a call. I thought they were very professional and nice. Hope you get the information you are looking for... Take Care,

Hi Grant, I enjoyed reading about your progress thank you for sharing. It sounds like you are doing very well and really learning how to use your band for the 'tool' that it is. I am glad that you have such a knowledgable doctor and one that seems to understand the emotions behind our ability to lose weight after having undergone such a dramatic process to get the help the band can provide. Good luck to you as you continue forward. I think you are doing great!:confused:

Hi Tayloram, I am not sure how close Cinga EPP is to Cigna HMO, but I too was denied 3 days before surgery for the following reasons: 1. Lap-Band is investigational 2. Weight loss is slow 3. Requires too much after care My surgeon called Cigna and asked to speak to someone with some authority. Ended up speaking with the medical director and went over all the reasons why Lap-Band was better for me than Gastric Bypass. Even though I would not have gone with Gastric Bypass, my surgeon told Cigna they were pushing me in that direction. My surgeon specifically noted the cost differences between the two surgeries, the fact that complications are higher with Gastric Bypass and how Lap-Band is better for young women still in child-bearing years. This medical director approved my Lap-Band and I had surgery as planned. Maybe your surgeon could call Cigna EPP. Good Luck.

Hi Teri, Since I am on Clear liquids (with the exception of my Protein drinks), I have been trying different Protein drinks to help fill me up. I have felt like I am starving by the way... Anyway, you might try Perfect Isopure chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl. You mix it with 12 oz of Water for 50 grams of protein. I have been drinking about 1/2 of the package a day and then using other protein drinks to supplement because it does have some carbs... But, it tastes great! Not too sweet, but with a nice peanut butter compliment. Just thought I would tell you how I am making it through my liquid phase. Take Care,

Hi Seanmama, I agree with what you are saying about this "not" being an easy way out! As I sit here only 5 days out of surgery, I would like to see one of the people saying that live in my shoes for a day! We do have to think about each new food and how our bands will react. Also, what about those of us who were already eating healthy and exercising and could still do nothing but lose and gain the same 3 lbs. This is my story and I think one of the reasons why I have chosen not to tell many people about my Lap-Band. I go to Weight Watchers and I will continue now that I am banded... but this time, I am more likely to reach my goal. I won't keep going every week and feeling disappointed when I ate within my points, exercised, drank my Water and journaled my food and didn't lose a thing! Stay strong and positive... I know you will be successful with the help of your "tool". Take Care,

Hi Terri, It sounds like you are a real trooper! I was banded Tuesday and I can't say that I feel all that well. I just took a 10 min walk around the block and that was enough to send me back to the bed for rest. The walking has really helped the gas pains in my chest and shoulder. I had them on Wed. and yesterday, but today they seem to have disappeared... better knock on some wood. The pains were painful, but not as bad as the pain in my stomach! I can't laugh or cough without laying on 3 pillows first. My DB keeps trying to make me laugh and it hurts so bad... I have now developed this corny chuckle that doesn't involve a deep stomach laugh. My mom keeps bugging me about using that breathing contraption from the hospital... you know the one where you raise the ball and it makes you cough. She keeps harping on pneumonia and clearing out my lungs. I know she means well and I don't want pneumonia, so I lie on my pillows and blow away! Glad you are feeling well. Take Care,

Hi Everyone, I have to say once more... that everyone on this board is so supportive and I just think you are wonderful. I have been united with my Lap-Band and everything went well. The only down side was that I spent 6.5 hours in recovery because they did not have a room for me at the hospital... but it was OK as I was in a nice bed already and not sitting on a gurney all that time. I am in more pain than I thought I would (I always thought I had a high threshold for pain), but the liquid Tylenol helps and the liquid Vicodin at night is a savior. Every day gets better and I am pleased to be on my Lap-Band journey. I am hungrier than I thought I would be and must stay on Clear liquids (with the exception of 2 Protein drinks a day) until at least my first pre-op appointment which is scheduled for next Wednesday. Thank you all for your warm wishes and support. Even though I lived an emotional rollercoaster the 3 days prior to surgery, I think it was best. I really didn't have time to get nervous because everything happened so quickly. I look forward to sharing with all of you along the way and please keep sharing your experiences because I learn so much. Take Care and thanks again.

Hi Sheila, I guess we are what they call "band twins"... I was successfully banded on the 3rd as well and this is the first time I have even felt like checking in with my friends on this board. I have ALWAYS thought I had a high threshold for pain, but I am telling you... immediately after surgery when waking up in recovery I thought I had made a huge mistake. I have never felt such pain... but, it started to subside very quickly as they gave me pain medicine and I just kept asking for it until I was more comfortable. Every day gets better, but I must admit that I think I let those around me feel like I wasn't doing "good" enough following surgery. My mom kept saying, I am REALLY surprised you are in such pain. Well, I finally decided that it hurts and there is no way around it. I am doing everything my doctor has advised and I am resting when I think I need to. I had to return to work on Thursday, but since I work from home that consisted of sitting with my laptop on my lap in bed for about 5 hours on and off throughout the day. Today, I feel a lot better and I imagine tomorrow will be better still. So far, I haven't had any real depression... but I do know that I have strong hunger pains. Something I wasn't expecting based on other reads from this forum. I read so many people say that they were not hungry and could barely stand to drink all their liquids. Well, I seem to be hungry most of the time and broth and Protein drinks are only doing so much. I tried some sugarfree Jello yesterday and that seemed to stay with me a little longer. I hope you continue to feel better. Donali - Thanks for your feedback to Sheila. I will take it in mind for myself. I am glad to be back here checking in with my friends.

Hi Band Family, First let me start by thanking all of you for being so supportive and keeping my spirits up over the last few days. I enjoy checking into this site daily and keeping up on everyone's daily events. For those of you who have been keeping up on my drama... here is the latest. My original surgeon called me this morning to ask what she could do about Cigna HMO denying me. I said I wasn't sure, but I would be willing to try for an appeal... I didn't mention that I had already called Dr. Kuri's office in TJ and was planning on a trip across the border. She said she would call the insurance company and tell them that they are "forcing" me to go with gastric bypass even though she knows I won't accept that option... she would also tell them that gastric bypass is far more risky and expensive. She didn't think it would help, but she was willing to try. Well, about 3 hours later her receptionist called and asked if I was sitting down... I got approved!!! Dr. Machado spoke with the medical director at Cigna and got me approved. I don't know if the conversation went like she said, but I don't care bottom line is my original date is back on and I won't have to self-pay to get my beloved Lap-Band!!! I am so happy, but now I am running around like crazy because I go in tomorrow morning and I had all but pushed those plans off for 3 weeks. Had to juggle everyone's schedules around, go back to my original request for time off work, etc. Thank you, thank you, thank you... to all who helped me through this hiccup! I will check in again as soon as I am back home and feeling up to it. All of you are the best!:confused:

Hi Bob, I am right with you... I am still so upset about my insurance fiasco. Anyway, all the best to you. Since you will be just a few days ahead of me, check back in when you are feeling up to it. I would like to know how it goes for you. Take it easy and let's both enjoy a "smoother" ride from here on out!