Lori123

I think it's normal to Fear your first fill that is- can't spell!

I am a major needle phobe and actually took a friend with me for my first fill. My doctor is really good at distracting me when he is getting ready to put the needle in. I never even felt it! I felt so stupid having someone with me after that but I think it's normal to feel your first fill. Does not even hurt-honest. At least it didn't for me- someone that fears needles something AWEFUL!

I am from the ft Campbell/Hopkinsville area and an army wife. Do they do gastric surgery at ft Campbell? I had mine at JSMC with Dr Gerame Wells and he is awesome. I also work there in same day surgery. Tricare was my secondary insurance. I had my surgery nov 7 2012 and am very happy with the band. Any questions, just let me know !

Sliders are foods that slide right through the band, runny stuff. These foods are dangerous because a person could graze all day long on these-ice cream, pudding all sweets too an not good for your diet.

I honestly surprise myself at the willpower I have but I think it's the appetite thing that the band has helped me with. Are you eating sliders? Watch your carbs and make sure you get your protein. This site has helped me a lot. I've learned a lot on here. When you see your doctor always write down your questions before you go...it works! I'm a nurse and when I went to see my surgeon for the first time I had a list of 23 questions! Had I not wrote them down I would have forgotten then because I was nervous. He answered every one of them. I had to learn that this has to be done to get healthy and I will lose weight as well. I can be impatient and want it off now but I have to learn good things come to those who wait and also this...when you want to eat something that you know you shouldn't , say this to yourself---"nothing tastes as good as thin will feel!"

Hi lousarah! I'm not from the UK but have UK ties. I was born in Manchester. My mother was British. I have family there in London, Knutsford and some other places. I am 5 foot 5 and was 258 when I was banded on nov 7th 2012. I am now 214. Excited that your surgery will be soon! So National Health will cover the surgery? That is great. We can be lapband pen pals if you want! My name is Lori. Welcome!

I have one question....Isn't the band sutured to the stomach?

When I was preparing to get the band, part of that was mental preparation, or what I call "getting my head right first". I told myself that the band will only be an assistive device to help me with the lack of dicipline with overeating. iI did not realize it works on the appetite as well until my surgeon explained it to me. Before I got the band, there were certain foods that I knew I needed to cut out or severely limit, such as sweets and pasta. If you eat sweets, you just want more, and they also drive your appetite by raising and lowering your blood sugar. i eat them only very rarely. I feel hungry at times, but don't want anything. I do portion control, and get that warning "hiccup" if my portion is too big and I stop eating. I couldn't stop before the band and always ate seconds or even thirds . I am most proud of myself for sticking to portions and cutting out bad things in my diet and actually have the dicipline to do so.

Did anyone on here notice a sharp appetite decrease after your band was placed? I noticed an immediate decrease in appetite And still today. I asked my do for a out it Nd he told me the band sits on the top of the stomach where the receptors are that control appetite. That is the thing I am most satisfied with! Forget restriction, my once raging appetite is gone!

What's that?

Does any insurance company out there pay for plastics?

How are you doing since surgery?

Wow that is great!

I would say when you have your surgery and begin to go for your office appts and fills, speak to this "person" face to face. Explain to her how it made you feel with her untruthful answers because if she continues to act this way, it actually reflects on the doctor and he could lose patients. Unfortunately not everyone that works in healthcare should! A face to face might just change her behavior. Be objective and assertive but not aggressive. End the conversation by saying "I'm glad we had a chance to talk in person to clear up any misconceptions. I know that in the future you will treat me with respect as a patient of this practice and if I need anything I know that you will assist me because the doctor expects that of you". Good luck!

Hi Stephanie I was banded Nov 7th. Everyone here is right- you can learn a lot on here. I started reading this site three months before my surgery and it helped. I had a great surgical experience and just have one recommendation- get you some gas-x strips. That was really the only pain I had post op. I have no regrets and wish I had done it sooner! You will have peaks and valleys just like the rest of us through this but you can do it because yourself the big decision to start this journey to a healthier you. I got banded at age 50 after seeing my cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure numbers . I said to myself "you are done, you cannot continue this lifestyle and what you have tried in the past isn't working". So I took the plunge after educating myself and I am a better person for it . Good luck!!