PrettyThick1

We have the same surgeon! Don't you just love Dr. Reilly? A word of advice though, the bread is going to slow your progress - you should avoid carbs at all costs until you are in maintenance. I've had 3 fills and I don't even dare try to have bread, Pasta or rice anymore - that's asking for trouble. I live in NW Houston near Willowbrook, where are you?

It will last for about 2 weeks, then it will loosen a bit but not by much. Sounds like this one put you in the green zone to me. Take it easy, I'm tight like that and it can be tricky sometimes, but you're going to love the results.

LOL - I'm on the Gulf Coast, we're still a little bit country!

My surgeon didn't even know what plication was...

See if there is a way for your surgeon to bill your follow-up visits up front, at least the first 6 months and ask them to give you a fill during surgery. I was banded with 3cc's and that helped me tremendously in the beginning. I'm sending positive thoughts that you will have a job with coverage in a short amount of time. At least you won't have to worry about rushing your recovery and you are getting in before your insurance cancels.

This morning I was able to wear the smallest pair of jeans I had in my closet, but wait! That's not the best part... Here goes: When I put them on, they fit perfectly on my hips but there is a HUGE gap in the waist...my butt can hold them up, but they need a belt to fit my waist!!!! Wooo Hooooo! I LOVE THE BAND AND WANT TO KISS MY SURGEON TODAY. I'm so serious...he's as hot as fish grease!

I hit a plateau for about a week - I know, I know...some of you experienced bandsters would insist that it wasn't a plateau, but for me it was since I am use to losing about 3lbs a week. Anywho...I increased my protein intake by adding at least 1 protein shot a day (either 26g or 42g to get a total of 80-100g daily) and I'm happy to say that I'm back on the road to dropping pounds at the rate I am use to - I've lost about 1lb a day for the last 4 days. That week scared me...all I could think was "I can't stop now, I don't have that far to go." Nearly in a panic - I know, the experienced bandsters are probably laughing at my foolishness - these things happen, we just don't want them to. LOL

I love tea...it's okay to use zero calorie sweetners.

Not so glum chum! I think a majority of people who have gone through this process felt the same way. I know I did. You have chosen a GREAT time of your life to do this, I wish it would have been an option for me at your age - I would have gone for it in an instant. The time is right because: Your weight hasn't begun affecting your health. Your body can recover from damage that was done from carrying extra weight. You'll feel better. You'll look better. Your self esteem will skyrocket. You'll have greater career opportunities. When it's time to become a mommy, your baby will be healthier. You'll be able to enjoy theme park rides. You'll want to do things you were afraid to do before. You will be more confident. You will inspire others. You'll like buying clothes much more. Your clothes will be cuter. You will have a sense of accomplishment. You will feel more in control of your eating. You will be motivated to try other new things. You'll get to know some awesome new people...like me! Is that enough? If not, I have more...we can do this all day girlfriend.

You go girl! I've never done insanity, but I know someone who has and she had remarkable results in a short period of time. I had trouble keeping up with the Biggest Loser At Home Challenge. I think Zumba or some other dance-based program will suit me better...at least until I get in better shape.

I had my procedure in a hospital, but didn't have to stay overnight. Although I would not have minded, the hospital and the staff were amazing. Sorry you have to wait so long, but it sounds like your PCP is very cautious...which isn't a bad thing.

Don't be so glum chum...I've been there and I'm actually going through the same thing right now. I can tell that I am a bit bloated, so I know mine is because I'm retaining water right now. I'm not sure what I'll do to get it off - exercise more, drink more water, watch my sodium...all of the above. Eventually it has to go away, I'm not consuming that many calories, so I know it's not due to over eating.

I have to be honest, most of what I've learned I learned here and it was only after I had the band - that's when the questions really start. The procedure itself is pretty simple and not really much to ask about at that point. Just be sure to ask how long you need to wait before getting your surgical scars wet, when is a good time to treat your scars (mederma...I only need it on my port scar) and when you can start doing abdominal exercises. Those are questions each surgeon will have a different answer to, everything else should be discussed in the seminar.

I've seen someone else post that theirs was in a similar place. I have to be honest, I wouldn't have wanted mine there.

My allergies were giving me the blues leading up to my surgery - coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, the whole nine yards. I let them know I wasn't feeling well, but since I didn't have a fever, they gave me something to control my coughs and proceeded with the surgery. Want to hear something funny? After the surgery, my symptoms were gone. Ha!

Have you taken your measurements? Your progress could be hiding there.

Awesome NSV! Congrats...I'm glad you're feeling better already.

You don't have to wait until you're scheduled for your next fill, you can call and let the provider know that the one you got was not enough and you need a bit more. I had to do that and my surgeon didn't hesitate to get me back in. They'd rather do that than for you to stop progressing...or even worse, start gaining weight again.

Twinlab Bariatric Support Chewable Multi plus Iron - berry Flavor 1 tablet NOW Certified Organic Spirulina - 500mg La-La Liquid Probiotic - 1 bottle On the list of things to start soon: Calcium Fish Oil B-Vitamins

Add your tickers...they are good for inspiring people, even yourself sometimes! Also take your measurements, they are as important as pounds on this journey.

How much protein are you getting? What are you eating?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. You pay her salary, explain why you want to procedure and if she isn't on board find someone who is. You qualify for the surgery and with your BMI and comorbids your insurance will likely not deny it. I would go to the seminar first, then go to your PCP with your new found knowledge and literature on the procedure. Again, if she won't recommend it, go to a doctor who is pro-band. This forum is huge and I've heard of a few physicians who have been banded. You just might run into someone at the seminar that can refer you to a new PCP if that's what you have to do. I am so glad I had this done! It has made a huge difference in my life after such a short period of time. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and Severe Obstructive sleep Apnea this year and both of those conditions have improved tremendously since I've been banded. Not only that, my blood pressure is a textbook 120/80 and I can't say enough about the confidence I have, the compliments I get and the heads that I am starting to turn. You've done enough research to know that this is something you can do to change your life for the better, now go for it and don't let anyone stand in your way. Good luck and stay in touch!

He's adorable! Congratulations and enjoy your new blessing.

Keeping track of your measurements is just as important as keeping track of your pounds. Sometimes the scale doesn't budge, but you are reducing. I've lost 43.5 lbs and 39 inches - almost equal!

My out of pocket with BCBS TX was $2,100.00