tiredofbeingfat

Just to easy your mind. I had my band in MArch of this year and have lost almost 45 pounds so far. I eat less and excercise more. Same thing I needed to do before the band. The difference is, I don't feel hungry now and it helps me stop eating. I have had no problems at all with my band and feel very happy. My surgeon is awesome Dr Opie in Olathe Kansas. I have the big band and only have 4.8cc's in it out of a possible 10cc's. I am not having any more fills for a while as long as I am losing and feeling good. Some people rely on the very restricted feeling to help them, you need to be able to work out and stop eating on your own. The band is just a tool to help. A very valuable tool but it is only as good as you are. Good luck- this can be a positive step toward a healthier life for you!

I really like the idea of getting a northlander support group together. Maybe we could meet one evening a month for an hour or so to chat and share experiences both good and bad. Not sure where we could meet-anyone have a clubhouse or meeting room they can use? During nice weather we could maybe meet at the park behind Oak PArk High school?

I am taking two weeks to rest up and heal. PArt of the time is for me to start excercising and adjust to the new eating habits. So far at day 4, I am tired and napping during the day. Everyone is different but please allow time to heal so this entire process is a good one for you. GOOD LUCK!

I am 4 days post op and feeling surprisingly good. Tenderness of course but up and walking after about 4-5 hours. Drinking liquids and mentally ready for mushies but not until the Dr OK's it. Dr Harlon Opie and the Olathe Medical Center staff have been just incredible. I don't think I'll even have scars the incisions are so small!:nervous

I am joining the March 2007 group this Monday! So far have lost 11 pounds during the 2 week liquid phase. Unfortunately most of that was gained recently on "my good by to food" tour Even so, starting to feel better. My surgeon has his patients on clear liquids for 5-7 days post op and then onto creamy liquids for a week then and only then possibly mushies. I have noticed so many different ways people handle their band and post op. Main thing is taking the step and making the choice to live healthier!! Can't wait for my band

Good Luck! I am being banded on the 26th also. This procedure has the ability to help you change your life.

Thank you all for such good advice! I am getting banded in two weeks and feel that with all the information on this website I am better prepared than people who have not found this site. CHEW TO GOO! I will remember that forever. It helped me to see that some of you had months of mushie food, I won't think it strange if I end up that way also. A whole new way of eating and dealing with food, after years of food abuse or eating until stuffed will be interesting to see how this works. What I have picked up on is that everyone is different in what they think is tight or the sweet spot but our goals are all the same- healthy living!

Sorry to hear you were denied by your insurance. If you meet their requirements for BMI and have other co-morbidities then you might want to try an appeal. Gather your own records if you did not do that and make them explain why. "Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the oil". I know that insurance companies are getting better about covering the lap band because it saves them money later on- unfortunately not all contracts make it easy to get this procedure. That is a shame. In my case, I got records from 10 years ago when trying Phen-fen and had copies of weight watchers cards and slim 4 life records-all showed losses and then big gains. It took some foot work but I was desperate to get this tool to help me get healthy. GOOD LUCK.

Hi All! This is day two of the optifast portion of pre op. I can make it through the two weeks of this but am looking forward to flavors other than Chocolate, vanilla and Strawberry already! Chicken broth has never sounded so good. Let's see how I sound in 10 more days. Still very excited about this procedure and the possibility of seeing my feet again once the "belly" is smaller Someone asked about the clear liquid phase and ideas. I am planning on of course broths and sugar free jello with protein powder mixed into them. I can finally use some of the $1200.00 worth of food products I bought when I tried Slim 4 life last year. ( Do not waste money on that program! just my opinion) It kind of sounds like there are more people getting ready to be banded soon. Good luck to everyone!

Hi, You might want to check on Dr Harlan Opie with Midwest Surgical Associates in Olathe Kansas. He is doing my band in two weeks and I love his staff!

I am seeing Dr Opie with Midwest Surgical Associates in Olathe, and like him and his staff! He did a friends bypass and she swears by him. I have heard nothing but praise for him and his work when I was researching Surgeons. Also, his office accepts Coventry Insurance!! I'll post again in three weeks after surgery date.

Hi Fellow Northlander! I am not even close to being Gym ready but always ready to be supportive to another person trying to improve their health and life. Maybe we can get a support group going of Northland banders! I don't get banded until 3-26-07 but am really ready for the change. Good luck!

Hi, I am so new to this forum and I posted on the wrong place first time! I am nearing 40 and ready to finally not be obsessed with food due to constant hunger. My surgery is 3-26-07 and I am excited and nervous. HAving it done by Dr Opie in Olathe, Kansas. He is so committed to his patients success, even attends the support groups to make sure he hears "the real truth" about what his patients are going through. Pretty good Doctor:) This lap band process is my last chance to be successful in weight loss over the long term. Sure miss Phen-Fen but that weight came back ASAP:cry I now have over 100# to lose and want to be able to physically enjoy life again without being tired all of the time. Will keep updating as things progress. REally appreciate everyone being so open and honest in their experiences. It is helping me prepare for my changes! Hey other Kansas City banders- keep me updated on your progess and I'll update on mine.