Grandma3

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.

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.

My pre-op diet was a protein shake for breakfast and lunch. A meal for dinner with 4 ounces of chicken or fish and a vegetable. Doctors orders!

NWgirl, that is what I take also.

I want to be called a skinny bit_h too! Maybe someday! CONGRATS to you on your journey.

My surgeon had my take vitamins they gave me for 30 days then I could take regular vitamins.

Happy Bandiversary to you, you have done great!

I could have fat free refried beans when I started mushies, two weeks after surgery. Good with a spoon of sour cream on top.

Good article, I wonder if bottle lemon juice would work?

I sure hope it is not discontinued, to me that means something is wrong with it. I have only had mine seven weeks and one of the posts said she had hers 3 weeks. I googled it and there was a recall back in 2010 for ones not yet used because of a bad port tubing connetor. There is nothing since that time.

I am so happy to hear that everyone is happy with the Realize band.

My primary doctor is the one who gave me the card to the bariatric surgeon and said why don't you check this out. I think he is more excited then me when the scale goes down, my PCP is the best!

I had to do pre op diet two weeks before. But ours was Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch. Diner was a meal of meat, chicken or fish and veggie. Two weeks after was liquids. I could have many things like fat free popsicles, Soup (liquid only), fat free Jello, Protein shakes, applesauce. Pretty much anything that was in a liquid form. BUT by the time I got to mushies, I was so ready. The protein shakes really fill you up, but YES there are times you get very hungry. That does not stop after the liquid diet, you will still be hungry after that. You have to dig deep and find the strength to get you through.

I had to keep my pushing, pulling, lifting to under 20 lbs for thrity days. I can't help you on the time off question, I have a desk job. Good luck to you!