Grandma3

Elizabeth, So sorry this happened to you, you have had a lot to endure in the last year. I hope whatever you decide in the future works for you. I have read this so many times, so just a reminder to fellow bandsters. Do not wait when you are not feeling right, go to the doctor now. Never assume this will get better.

2muchfun ............. I don't want to find out !

I went to a "band class" today. Over eating WILL stretch your band and can also stretch your esophagus.

I have a glass of unsweet ice tea everyday.

Check this out, not sure what they have for mushies. http://www.bandfriendlyrecipes.com/

Protein bars are a great sweet treat but you have to watch the calories some are high. Also fat free pudding.

I do not have trouble with banana's, strawberries, grapes, pineapple or peaches. I do have trouble with melons.

Thanks for the post, great to know!

The surgeon probably hasn't checked your insurance yet and doesn't know. If the insurance requires it you will have to do it. I had to do it also, went thru the motions but didn't try to hard. Good luck.

You just need to rap your head around it and know that it is something you have to do to get the surgery. Don't think about it, just do it!

On the forum page, towards the bottom, there is a Clothing Exchange category. My doctors office has a clothing exchange.

Isn't it amazing how everyone's insurance is so different.

I have 80/20 insurance. Out of pocket, I had $3,000 to the hospital and about $1000 to the doctor and assistant. I still have not got a bill from the anesthesiologist (2 months). I also had copays for the lab work and psych visit.

I totally agree!

I still eat pizza but it is one piece of thin crust instead a 3 pieces of thick crust. But that might change with more restriction.

I have UHC, I think it depends on the plan you have. I called them up and asked them if it was covered and the requirements. They told me exactly what I needed to qualify for the surgery. I did have to do 6 months of supervised weight loss diet. After I did everything required it was a approved in a couple weeks.

Such an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing. Hope you and the girls get your funding soon.

I am so very sorry to hear about your friend and my heart goes out to you. There is a very good lesson to be learned here, when you feel there is something wrong DON'T wait. I have also read over and over about ER doctors not knowing what to do with the band. Big {{{{HUG}}}} and prayers for you.

Sorry I don't have any answrs for you. I would call the doctor right away. I know it is the weekend but my doctor has an answering service and someone from the office will call back. Good luck to you.

Don't beat your self up. I doubt you have caused damage by cheating a little. Just go back to the basics and get back on track. Good luck to you. Very sorry abut your dad.

Wow, that looks like a nasty infection. Will they give you another port in a new location after you heal? Good Luck to you, hope you heal soon.

Jonathan, Ignore Bandbun, do all your research and make an informed decision. This is a decision you will have to live with hopefully for the rest of your life. Good luck on your journey.

Both bands are round, the difference is the pillows inside the band. The Lap band is several small pillows and the Realize is one pillow. The Lab has two different size and the Realize has one. I have also heard the Realize band is more forgiving. I have the Realize band and I have had no problems. If you look back in the forums a few days you will find a post where I asked who had the Realize band. Everyone who responded is very happy with the Realize band. Good Luck

I had my first fill two weeks ago and still have no restriction. You have to hang in there and do the best you can. You are doing fine, so don't worry.

I was just wondering how many people have a Realize band. My doctor does both bands and let us decide. I had heard that the Realize band is a little more forgiving as far as what foods you can eat, so I went with it. Sometimes I feel like I must be the only one with the Realize band but I know that is not true. If you have a Realize band I would like to know how you are doing with it. Thanks