webkat

Really? Why are we not supposed to take naproxin? My main Dr and surgeon said it was OK, but I'd love to hear what you've heard. I practically live on it and have for years. On bad days I take two every 4 hours. On a regular day I take two in the morning to prevent pain and two before bed. I use a pill crusher and gulp them down with Water. It tastes awful and irritates my stomach for a few minutes but it passes pretty quickly. I wish they made it in liquid.

I was losing slowly but steady for the first year and the Dr was OK with it because I had a few minor complications along the way. I have 200lbs to lose, was down 40lbs to 307 at my lowest. In July I had to have an unfill because I had swelling and couldn't swallow my saliva. (I don't ever want to relive that experience.) The time between the unfill and the refills to get my restriction back up I gained nearly 20lbs. My Dr is no longer OK with my progress and neither am I. I have fallen into bad habits and need to get back on track. I was doing so good after surgery, but now I'm way off track. The biggest thing is exercise. I hurt all the time anyway-- knots in my shoulders and headaches. Any exercise makes me hurt more. I need to just do it anyway and be happy with 5 min on the treadmill to start. You are so close to goal. That must be hard. Being so close and not slipping into old habits must be a whole new problem, or the same old one revisited. The band truly is just a tool, huh? So, what kinds of things helped you lose as much as you have and stay on track?

I was banded over a year ago. I've had illnesses, a move, a complete unfill and various good excuses but ultimately if I'm honest I have chosen to gradually cheat here and there, eat around my band and never started an exercise routine. I was hoping to maybe find a buddy who is also struggling. We can hold each other accountable and get back on track.

Hi, Gary. I have a possibly odd question for you.... Which insurance companies do you deal with the LEAST? lol! I am going to switch insurance companies (we own our own business) and I'm trying to find out which Oregon insurance companies are the most Lap Band friendly. ~Kathy

Sorry for the typos. I thought it was most important to correct that I'm 346, not 446. LOL! I lost 100 lbs in one re-post. Nice!

Thank you to everyone that has answered my questions and been so friendly! I thought I should take a moment to tell my story-- it sounds a lot like many of yours. I grew up in So. California, where everyone was so obsessed with weight (think Chrissy on Three's Company). I grew up feeling fat. At 18 I was 127 lbs and too embarrassed to wear a swim suit (CRAZY!). I slowly added a few pounds every year and then put on 100 lbs with a pregnancy. I have tried and tried to loose weight, yo-yoing up and down with every diet I struggled through-- gaining back even more each time. I reached 330 lbs a little over a year ago and finally discovered I was a big as I have always felt. My latest yo-yo was I started Dr. Oz's "You on a Diet" and lost 10 lbs over the holidays, which brought me back down to 330. I thought this time I had it! I even got up enough nerve to go to Water aerobics, even though I had to wear shorts because I couldn't find a suit to fit me. Then my clothes started to feel tight again. I went in to the Dr and sure enough, I gained 15 lbs. I'm at my heaviest ever: 446 lbs! My story is getting too long winded, so let me wrap up by saying... I reached out one last time and think I've finally found the tool that will give me that major push I need. I'm so glad I found out about the Lap Band and that I found this message board! I don't want to die! I'm in this for the long haul! ~Kathy

I'll get it one way or another! I saw your sig tag earlier, looked up your Dr's website and emailed. I live in Newberg, so it's not too far away. It sounds like you're very happy with your band. How long have you had it?

Hi! I live between Salem and Portland and am VERY EXCITED about getting the Lap band! I'm so glad I found this group! I am so frustrated with our health insurance, Health Net. the Lap Band site says they are a LB friendly company, but they must not be talking about Health Net of Oregon! They say it is a medical exclusion. I plan to switch insurance companies and could really use some tips on what has worked for other OREGONIANS. I am currently looking at Kaiser, BC/BS and getting a SSI disability approval so I can get Medicare (the toughest option). Looking forward to getting to know you all better. ~Kathy

I called my insurance, Healthnet, and they said it is a plan exclusion. They don't cover Lap Band at all. (Lap Band says they are a Lap Band friendly company) The guy even supposedly asked a suppervisor to make sure. Should I just take his word for it? What do I do next? Has anyone else had this problem? Should I change insurance? ~Kathy

Vicki, what Kaiser plan do you have? Silver, Gold Platnum? With Rx or HSA option? Thank you for your post! ~Kathy

I called my insurance, Healthnet, and they said it is a plan exclusion. They don't cover Lap Band at all. The guy even supposedly asked a suppervisor to make sure. Should I just take his word for it? What do I do next? Has anyone else had this problem? Should I change insurance? ~Kathy

Hi! I'm 330 lbs and am finally giving in and saying "I can't do this alone. I need major HELP!" I have been doing a lot of research and I think the Lap Band may be a good option for me. I have a few questions I hope you may be able to help me with. 1. Do you feel hungry and deprived on the liquid diets and using the Lap Band? 2. Does the band keep you from being able to binge? 3. Can anyone recommend a good Dr in Oregon? Thank you for your help! ~Kathy