New Hope

O.K., Teresa, are you really Jessica Simpson's sister? Fess up!

Just think, Penni, he's the last thing you'll see before you "go to sleep" Friday! (Sweet Dreams!) Best of luck to you for a successful corrective surgery and a very quick recovery!

Laserjock, could you explain what your post means? I'm not up on your medical terms. Thanks!

Lisa, there does seem to be a rash of corrective surgeries right now. Not to throw another monkey wrench in, but could there be a batch of defective bands distributed (in regards to same time frame bandsters) ?

"The eyes of Texas are upon you..."

I also bought the GNC protein powder. It's supposed to be flavorless and cost $24. It's nasty by itself. But I add skim milk, sliced banana, frozen strawberries, (or whatever frozen fruits on hand), and ice in a blender. It's like a smoothie -- very, very good. I even have my husband hooked on them for a breakfast drink.

Janis, hang in there! It gets better. Congratulations on being banded!

Wow, what an inspiration for all of us! You are BEAUTIFUL!!!

Leatha, I'm sure this dr. had to do a lot of "digging around" that you didn't have done the first time. Do you have a recliner? That was a lifesaver for me. You won't have to pull up from a completely flat position. When do you go back to your surgeon? Please take care and give everything time to heal so you don't have to do this again. Best of luck to you!

Lisa, I'm so sorry that you've had such a nightmare time! Surely all of this will play out soon and give you a break! I'm so glad that you have an appt. with the gastrologist. You need to know what's going on. At least, this will be done locally and with your insurance! I know this is the least of your worries right now. But I was reading "Smartbandsters". (I just read occasionally, no posts.) Post #60045 was by a new banded person by Dr. Kuri. She said a U.S. dr. was there to support her sister. The U.S. dr. was allowed to go in and observe the surgery. She said the hospital was as clean as any U.S. hospital, and that some of the equipment was better than in the U.S. "Kuri has beautiful hands and worked with great precision." She was very impressed w/ his technique and the procedure. So when you do get your port replaced, hopefully this will give you some peace of mind. Although I'm several hundred miles away, please know that I'm thinking about you and hoping things will settle down. I would say "and get back to normal". But I gave up on "normal" a long time ago. Hang in there, girl! Hey, you've done great on your weight loss!

Blossom, best of luck to you on your banding! I have UHC POS, first denied, then 8 months after appeal, approved. Everyone's insurance is different. Hopefully, yours includes banding, and you'll have minimal waiting.

We used to have BC/BS. You need to ask them to send you a copy of their appeals process. You have to follow this thing to the "t" in order for them to even look at it. ( There is a post on here from someone in the N.E. with BC/BS who was approved in 2 days.) Of course, they all make their own rules.

We've also lost about the same amt. of weight. Where were you banded, who was your dr.?

Sissy, I'll get my 1st fill 7/29. But we have a lot in common....I've been married to "my best friend" for 32 years, he's also super supportive, loved me fat or thin, was banded 5/26, and in Texas (Houston). Best of luck on your banding journey!!

Neicy, I'll get my 1st fill 7/29. I've been wanting to eat everything that's not nailed down. I hope your fill goes well! My port is centered 7 inches above my waist and 1 & 1/2 inches below the bottom of my bra. I'm just curious how a dr. decides placement. Does a surgeon use one particular method on all patients, or does it depend on each patient's anatomy?

Lethalwoman, I'm so glad that you're home and doing well! Just think, you got 2 things fixed for the price of 1! Getting the hiatal hernia fixed should also help you feel better, big time. When I got my band, the dr. also removed my gallbladder, several abdominal adhesions, and a benign tumor (I didn't know I had) right above the band placement. I was sent home with an abdominal drain for a week (an extra puncture). So I felt like I really got my money's worth. Please take it easy and keep us posted.

I'm a new bandster. So far, it's been great! My husband commented the other night about how much more physically active I am -- compared to this time last year. I hope to keep my band forever. But, I have already learned so many new and healthier habits. We're among the lucky ones that have been able to do something positive about our weight and our health.

Kelly, congratulations! I lucked out, the dr. removed my gallbladder when he installed my band. Aren't you glad to be over that yucky, sick-o feeling? Best of luck to you!

Heather, Congratulations! I'll be so glad when I've made that kind of progress.

Anne, you're such a cutey! I'm so glad that you found out what the problem was. How frustrating! You'll really take off now!

You certainly don't have anything to lose pursuing the insurance co. first. They're all different. The insurance co. may cover WLS, but your company may have a specific exclusion regarding WLS. Just be prepared to jump through many hoops. Mine first denied, then approved on appeal, but took 8 months. Some have been approved in as little as 2 days. Best of luck to you!

Rica, you are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! You've done amazing on your weight loss. Each dr. seems to have a different regimen to follow. I blenderized my regular food for a couple of weeks. This went down well and I felt fuller for a longer period. Be careful with the anti-inflams. I have arthritis, but I held off until I had my 4 wk. post-op. My Dr. advised I could use my Celebrex (as needed), but to take a Prevacid first. It might be a little early for Tae-Bo. But please check with your Dr. about exercise and meds.

Newlapper, I don't think Sue was criticizing you. We just don't want to see you have any horrible problems that could cause you to lose your band and/or cause some very serious health problems. You're doing great! We're all learning how to live with this "tool". Each day creates new triumphs and new problems. This is a wonderful support group. Please keep researching, learning, and sharing.

Teresa, you are so sweet! I think this post is a hoax!

Lori, the very best of luck to you! You'll have a lot less problem with saggy, baggy skin than I do. You probably don't have your first gray hair yet!