JulesfromE17

Good morning B-52 & lello- This is a really great conversation and sincerely there is a lot of wisdom in what you've both said. I read your earlier post B-52, slightly embarrassed after just responding to a post with a lengthy reply about how helpful MyFitnessPal has been to me. Ideally, I hope to be where you both are at some point ... and don't get me wrong I know you aren't knocking what works successfully for others ... I'm just not there yet, but I know what you say is very true and quite simple ... eat less, eat well and eat right and be active ... all the things a body needs to be healthy and to thrive. On the flip side ... until achieving that discipline it's a tool that's helpful to getting to where you are Congrats on your success ladies, and have a great weekend! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

Sorry .. hit send before replying - just wanted to say well done as well, you're doing so very well, best of luck to you on your continued journey Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

Hi kjakaty, I'm really excited for you since you aren't going the insurance route, it should be fairly quick from consults to surgery. Since you can't make the group meetings in your area there are some fantastic groups on Facebook ... I'm a member of 'Lapband support' on FB and these are just ordinary people who are pre and post op who share their stories with each other. The support is amazing and there is always someone who can relate to where your are in your journey. It's a very active group and there is a wealth of knowledge among the 600+ members The best of luck to you :-) Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

I got denied as well, I have Cigna ... but they denied it for lack of adequate dietary information. They finally approved it and I've now been banded almost a month, but I devastated Don't give up .. keep trying. Dr's and their practices are usually really good about helping you work through denials. Their job is almost to find reasons *not* to pay. Good luck, keeping my fingers crossed for you. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

Congrats btw on giving up smoking, that's huge! ! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

That's great news! This is an emotional journey and we feel all sorts if things about foods we have to give up and life style changes we have to make. Its good to talk about them honestly because other people can relate and share with you about their challenges, and I find that that's been helpful to me. I've never been a huge soda drinker, but when I learned that this was something I had to cut out of my diet, the craving for it was incredible but we CAN do this I think it's fine to avoid social gatherings or situations sometimes, especially in those early pre-op days where pressure may be really great ... I think the key is to do what is right for you in that moment. This is a brand new life I was banded on July 15th ... it has been a rewarding journey so far ... keep coming here ... you can also join groups on Facebook. I find it so helpful talking to other people in like and different stages of the journey because they understand. Good luck :-) Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

Hi, just want to add a little encouragement as well. The first couple of days are hard but I agree with Jim, keep focused on the bigger picture, this is one very necessary step in that direction. Keep a journal and write down how you really feel ... nothing fancy ... just a line here and a line there only when you've got something to say. I found that helped. Keep coming here, knowing you aren't alone and reading the stories of others on similar journeys really really helps. Good luck to you, you CAN do this, you really can! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

Glad to hear it, it will continue to get better :-) Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

Hi- how did your surgery go? How are you feeling? :-) Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

I was banded 2 weeks ago and I still have some discomfort in that area but it's getting better. Be sure you tell your doctor at your post op appointment though so he/she can make sure everything is ok. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk