Sooverit!

I try eating like a "bandster" now before I am banded to get practice but I can not do it. It seems like I can't enjoy my food because I am thinking if I am chewing enough and if it would get stuck when I have the band. Also all that chewing seems to take away the pleasure. If a bit of food gets pass your throat this is not chewed enough does it come right up and is it always unpleasant? Is this true for those that have the lap band?

Hi Mary: We are the same age and I always like to check in with woman our age because I think it's a challenge with menopausal weight gain that comes with this time. How are you doing? Are you winning the battle? Glad your palpitations went away. I started getting them a year ago and was very scared as I lost a sister to a heart attack. It turns out my palpitations are yet another symptom of fluctuating hormones. I am pre banded but have are almost there just battling with my insurance company but still have so many questions.

Hey Peggy: Thank for the web site link..going there after this. I am in litigation with the help of obesity.law right now. They are a great service and nice folks too. Cigna is a tough one to get approval from. First they turned me down because they said I don't have enough co-mobidities with a 38 BMI then the last two denials said "the Lap Band is considered "experimental" and they don't cover it. They really are dogs...there is a web site just for folks who go through this with them! I am actually considering Mexico at one point but I'm changing my mind. I'm hoping I can find a surgeon, as I'm thinking they are all pretty experienced by now and my PCP who I started with a few months ago just told me she is training this month to be a fill doc, I felt this was a sign I should move forward. Also since I turned 48 I'm gaining weight every month no matter what I DO! I'm starting to withdraw a bit since I stopped working a few months ago. i just don't have the self confidence to look for a job at this point. Thank you Peggy for listening to my lap band blues.

Hello I was wondering if anyone here in Ohio could please tell me how much their Lab Band Surgery costs out of pocket? thank you in advance. M

Wow willowy...that sounds nice Kit...Don't know if I'll ever look willowy again...I just can't imagine it. I know what you mean ..I think my bones grew since I gained this weight! I have seen pics of me when I was younger and I did look much smaller boned! You go Willowy Kit!~:thumbup:

Great advice again Kat! I love what you said about the slip-on shoes along with all your other great tid bits. I just happened to purchase a pair of slip on sneakers yesterday because they were on sale and they are coming to Mexico with me. Also you are right I am going to pack super light which I'm pretty good about. My husband packs everything he owns when he travels and I just see the trouble he has so I go the other way. Just noticed you are a "big" :-) girl too...I am 5'9" as well, actually 5'8.5". I don't like being tall and overweight....just don't feel normal.... Anywho you are an inspiration. Thank you again Best, marg

Dearest Kat: Thank you again for the wonderful knowledge you shared with me. I hadn't thought about how far the airport is to the hospital! Also I think I will make sure to get a direct flight! Now that I think about it I bet the flying part of the trip will be the biggest hassel! I am sorry that you had to go through a chemo ordeal. I am so very happy tho that you are smiling and well now! Best to you, Marg

Wanted to write more ...but lap top has mind of its own. I am thinking of going to Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey MX in February. It is half the price of having it here in NYC.

HEY lYN: Are you going to Mexico for the surgery?

Hi I am currently 49, pre banded with a 36 BMI and an active person who enjoys exercise but eats huge portions of food. I used to lose weight effortlessly but since my last pregnacy 10 years ago the 60 lb pregnancy weight was not moving. I too am a little worried to that because of my age I may have some problems losing weight like everyone else. Well they promise a minimum of a lb. a week. so here's praying. I'm just so tired of worrying/thinking about my excess weight!!

I just don't understand why the local surgeon here (Dr. Geiss)on LI just responded to my e-mail that if I have a 36.5 BMI without blood pressure or diabetes problems then I do NOT qualify for surgery?? The reputable surgeons I met with at NYU Med center think I'm a perfect candidate. Two of my Primary Care Physicians recommended surgery for me. I just can't see why they would turn me away. Well my insurance company agrees with this guy so next step is Mexico! Perhaps the surgeon only want to take insurance patients? thanks for listening

Thank you so much Kat for your generous and thorough response to my ??s :-) Also a big congratulations to your on your superb weight loss! Way to go! I'm only slightly nervous because I will be going solo and your words assured me that this will just be another "adventure". It will be half the cost of having it here in NY. and I think it would be fun to get a little vacation of sorts in? I hate to bug you but how was your post op experience? We are the same age and I am fairly active and strong. I do yoga, cycling, hiking...so I am hoping this will help me to have an easier recovery time. well either way thanks a milllion ..

Hi Kat: I enjoyed reading your posts here! I am considering surgery in Mexico and found that I liked the hospital and credentials of Dr. Rumbaut. I also respect Wasabubblebutt's decison though as well as yours. Dr. Acleves is also a consideration. I wanted to know if your staff at the hosptal and hotel spoke English>? This one factor would be a huge factor in chosing to go to Mexico or not. Can you share your wisdom with me. Thanks so much Mar

Hi Terry: Just had to post how much I like your jewelry site. Very clever and tasteful!

Hi all, Still pre banded and waiting for approval but in the meantime I have really vamped up my exercise routine and I feel much better. I can still do just about anything because I am very strong as I've worked out most of my life. I am looking to get the band because of my over size 40 waist (also chest too big now and strangles me at night) which I understand is very bad for longevity and I have a young daughter still. My question is has a lower BMI person ever missed being able to splurg once in a while and just overeat. Is it possible to do this once you are banded? After I exercise I am famished and worried that I will really feel cranky or more likely lose my MIND if I can't eat if I am very hungry. Any comments?

Have you tried Cignasqueakywheels.com?

Too funny...this is exactly how i feel I am almost too embarrased to post sometimes because people have seen me trolling here pre banded for over a year. I am in my 2nd tier level (as I'm learning it's called) of appeal from the good guys at obesitylaw.com. If I get turned down a third time from Cigna I'm packing a bag for Mexico ...just so I don't have to be obessesed obout this any longer! I am just a little jealous of those people who get approved first time. My Primary Physcian who's training to be a fill doc told me that all the insurance companies eventually "cave in" and approve if you don't give up......so just don't give up .....e

Hi all: I've noticed this topic doesn't get talked about all that much here and I'm thinking it's because there are countless forums dedicated to it. However I need to ask specifically regarding the lap band; I was wondering if anyone has gone through monopausal symtoms during the beginning of your banding journey? I am asking because I am turning 50 in March and missed my first period..(a good thing) But..I'm on a roller coaster ride....moods and appetite .I'm all over the place but managing to control some symptons with herbs, yoga exercise, antidepressants. Just wondering though if I will not lose weight like I should or get too wacky not being able to eat like I do now (like I'm starved all the time or pregnanant or pmsing) being I am smack in the middle of all this hormonal turmoil. I know only I can answer this for myself but would truly appreciate any feedback regarding menopause and lap band weight loss. thank you in advance.

Bmaria: Don't be scared...have you read Researching Surgeons in Mexico article by Wasabubblebutt in the Doctors and Hospitals thread? I think the more informed you are the less fear there will be.

Thanks Amalta: Thanks for your feedback. It does seem crazy to go alone when you put it that way. Did you have a negative experience there ?...can you tell us who your doc was? I think it would be scary in a NYc hospital as well...where I was orignially going to go. I just don't have anyone to go with me in February .....and I have no alternative but maybe I will re think it now. You do get caught up in all the positive feedback about being treated better there and Mexican docs being more experienced etc....

I'VE HAD it with the ins companies I've decided to go to Monterregy MX to be banded by Dr. Rumbaut. I was wondering if anyone could offer advice on if it's okey to go alone. I'm pretty independent and healthy at this point & don't mind travelling alone, but my concern is the recovery. Wondering if I will be okay by myself in the hotel room? I had heard the staff will "watch out" for patients? Any comments> I would be staying at the San Juan Hotel I believe it's called?

Wow Nume Impressive weight loss! way to go. I am particularly impressed because we are the same age I am pre banded and geez if I look at food now I GAIN weight ...all in my gut of course and boobs. I'm so hormonal lately and worry the band won't work for me as I'm starting "low" bmi 35 and nothing has works for me at this age. I love to exercise and do it as much as possible but I eat like I always have but I am learning that during this meno time eating like I always did (alot and never gain weight) is not an option~!

Did anyone meantion the Lithotripsy proceedure to you>? I had it last year it's painless (your under what they call light anathesia..but I was out cold) and passing them after they've been blasted was a breeze except for ocassional nasuea nothing serious. Just wondering if taking care of this problem first would ease your mind and not cause additional stress of getting banded and worrying about the dehydration. Of course your insurance would have to be a good one I thinkn the proceedure runs about 12 grand and of course my ins co covered it no problem now the lap band they are digging their heals in about covering. Good luck to you!

I am pre banded so I am learning...so I'm just going to ask you...Can't you call your fill doctor and ask their advice? I hope they are available to you. I also hope you are feeling better now? THAT beautiful baby needs you I'm sure...love your photo....feel better...pls keep us posted!

Just found out my regular Doctor: Dr. Roberta Bianco on Rt. 111 in Smithtown will be training in September to be a fill doctor for Fill Center USA! I was afraid to tell her I was getting the lap band but she said she deals with lap band patients all the time so much so that she decided to do fills! Wonder how much experience a doc needs to be "good" at it?