MzKitty

Hi, I'm no expert on this but insurance coverage for the surgery does seem to vary. You should just be able to call your insurance to ask about their coverage policy. While, I already knew about my insurance company's policy I also discovered that my surgeon was very familar with them and also knew that would cover the surgery. So, I imagine, in many cases the physicians are fairly familar with the general policies of many of the insurance companies since they deal with them so often! You can probably be fairly confident if your Doc. thinks they'll cover it. Again - this is just my best guess :-) There are probably those with more knowledge lurking out there somwhere!!

Well I've had a bit of a set back, and honestly it made me think if this was the right choice for me. On surgery day they found I have an infection and would not operate. Needless to say I was extremely upset and said I was done and didn't want to go through with it. But I pulled on my big girl panties and went and picked up my prescription. So I am almost done with my first week on the antibiotic, I will be on it for one more week and go in to see if the infection is gone. Which I am praying it will be if it is thy will reschedule surgery.

Oh . . . I'm so sorry to hear about the delay in your surgery. I was so nervous the day of mine, I just can't imagine my state of mind if this had happened to me. Any time you ever doubt your courage or determination in the future - just think back to this! You're definitely very brave to do what needs to be done and keep your eye on the long-term goal!

You're right :-) I talked to my Dr. and he thought it was probably from where he had stitched up my diaphragm after the surgery - it's easy to get impatient. My husband keeps reminding me that my job right now is to heal up - suppose I should start listening :-p

Thanks!!

Things are going pretty well. I really have things pretty easy as I teach and have several weeks off right now It also means though, that I find myself, not necessararily eating 3 times a day like I should. Sometimes, if I'm not hungry, I'll only eat twice. I haven't been too concerned - because I've been pretty lazy and sleeping a lot too! Since I'm not allowed to lift anything (even our cats are over the weight limit) and I can't clean house or run the vacuum - well . . . there's only so much reading one can do before you just drift off Today is my 1 week anniversary of getting banded. My surgercial sites all feel pretty good - except the one that I presume is the port site - that one and the area around it is still pretty sore. I'm a little concerned concerned about the band - I was reading (of course) yesterday and felt a weird sensation in my left side - don't know if it was a muscle spasm - it didn't really feel like that. Today it sort of feels like when you exercise too soon after eating and you get "stiches" in your side - especially if I take a deep breath. Only the only exercise I've gotten are some short walks (it's snowy here!) with my dog. I've gotten my liquids down okay, and since it's day 7 I even tried a little bit of fat-free refried Beans today as well - they seemed to do okay. So I'm not sure if this something to be concerned about or not . . . otherwise things have been going great! Especially since I get to recover without the immediate stress of work

Tamara & LittlePinkCloud I hope all is going smoothly for you !!

Pretty much the same - applesauce and yogurt, but also some oatmeal along with the Protein Drinks. My Dr. said as long as everything was going along well between days 7-10 after surgery I could go ahead and start integrating the mushy foods into my diet (hurray!!). So, I'm planning on trying something tomorrow (day 7) -not sure what yet. We have 6 hens that we raised from chicks. During the warmer weather they free range in our back yard and they give us the world's best fresh eggs every day - so I'm thinking eggs! I've been missing those fresh eggs!

Thanks a lot today I am 2 days post op feeling really good mild too moderate pain a little tired no real issues with the band yet currently working on trying to eat at least 3 to four times a day only been really tasting things like broth yogurt and apple sauce not that I cant eat just haven't been hungry at all working on drinking Water not thirsty at all already lost about three to four pounds surgery went really well almost no bleeding I was up and walking and eating right after I got up to the recovery room had my first fart today lol haven't been gassy or anything I hope my good streak continues!

Hi Donyeil,

My experience has been a lot like yours. I was banded on the same day, Jan. 2nd. I've had a pretty good recovery and no hunger . . . until this morning. I felt hunger for the 1st time since getting the band this morning. I'm guessing it's a sign that the swelling is going down? How are you doing . . . any hunger yet??

Hi All, I just got banded on Jan. 2nd. I know how tough the pre-op diet was over the Christmas / New Year holidays! I dropped 20 lbs on the on the pre-op liquid diet and another 5 after surgery. I'm a little worried as today is the first day I've been hungry since my surgery and I know it will be about 5 weeks before my first fill for the band. I just don't want to screw up and put any of the weight back on :-( At least so far I am consuming a LOT less than ever before. I'm looking forward to hearing how all you other January bandsters do. I think this is the right way to start the new year of 2013 with lots of hope, enthusiasm and support!! My best wishes to all of you for an incredible 2013

Hi All,

Well, I'm on the 4 week countdown til my Surgery, it is on Feb 4th. Typing this, my belly just did a somersault; I'm nervous, scared, excited. I have about 85 pounds to lose. I have lost weight and gained weight etc, the roller coaster.

Any one else getting banded on the 4th???

I just got my band on Jan. 2nd - felt much like you do. I know you'll do great though!

Hi, I'm following the directions and introducing myself. Obviously didn't get morbidly obese by following the directions.

BMI 39.5 with several other "qualifying" health issues. Went through entire process about 2.5 years ago and decided to give Weight Watchers one more try. Lost enough weight to no longer qualify for Lap Band. Woo Hoo me! Nope...gained it all back. So I am 100% ready to go. I feel educated and comfortable with the process.

Biggest fears: controlling portions, liquid diet, and feeling nauseous a lot.

Read the book and it is very informative and helpful. Wonderful resource. Thanks LapBandTalk people.

Hi - I'm brand new at being banded (just had my surery on Jan. 2nd) so I'm still on the liquid diet. I can tell you that while it isn't loads of fun, it is very doable - and if you have issues both your Dr. and I'm sure the wonderful folks here will be able to give you some pointers The only issue with nauseousness I've had is when taking my medication for my migrains. I have to crush them and down them and (I've learned the hard way) if I don't have enough in my stomach ahead of time it will upset my stomach Best of luck with your surgery!!

Oh my . . . good for you for sticking with your goal through everything. I'm so glad you and your family all recovered well from the horrible accident. All the best on your pending surgery!!

Don't be embarassed about asking questions! This is a really big decision and you need to take it step-by-step.

I agree that contacting your insurance company is a great starting point, just so you know where you stand. I have BCBS in CT and they covered my banding. I also have several comorbidies such as sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, severe Migraines and the usual joint issues - all of which help in getting approved.

Other than that, do your research. There are many places doing this procedure that aren't necessarily places you want to go. Try to get in with the best surgeons and the best program possible in your area. I just had my surgery on Jan. 2nd. , but have been in the process for 8 or 9 months. Not only insurance, but the surgeon wanted me to attend an initial information session, then meet with him, then have appointments with a cardiologist, nutritionist, psychologist, do a sleep study, attend support group meetings etc . . . They wanted to be extremely thorough in preparing me (and my family) for the transition). It may take a while, but the extra time is worth the peace-of-mind knowing that all your bases are covered and you have time to really absorb what you are going to do.

I'm very much a newbie to being banded, but I do know that I could believe everything possible had been done to avoid complications and ensure success for the surgery and that was worth a lot to me and my family Good Luck!!

Thanks Tom - I'll try the heating pad for my shoulder! My abdomen hurts as well, but I only took the pain meds they gave me after surgery for 1 day after coming home - I've been able to cope without them since. I don't like taking meds unless I really have too.

I checked out the books you recommended on Amazon - they look very interesting, I may give them a read. Also, I'd love to hear more about that "Egg-timer distraction". I figure the more tools I have in my weight loss aresnal the better

Hi. My name is Nakeishia and I am new here as well. I just got banded on January 2nd. I really need the motivation to keep going. My stomach is so sore after the surgery. I am also so tired of liquids. Can anyone offer any advice?

Hi Nakeishia,

Looks like we were banded on the same day! I've been really sore as well - although it is slowly improving. In general, the more I move the better I've felt - although, my husband has been doing a pretty good job of spoiling me by wanting to wait on me hand and foot - he's such a sweetie.

I know, the liquids get old pretty fast But, hey - we should be progressing on to the "mushy" foods soon, which expands our culinary options considerably We'll get there !! Keep me updated on how you're doing. I'd love to keep in touch with someone who started their journey the same time I did