sniggle

I was banded 8/14; I have stayed completely away from alochol to this point but would like to be able to have a beer or two (Michelob Ultra) with my brothers at Christmas time. Is this illegal? Does anyone know the 'rule'? I am down 30 pounds; have a 10 cc band with 3 cc fill. Feeling wonderful!

My last fill was August 2008 at which time I had reached what I though as my 'sweet spot'. Recently I have noticed I can eat more than usual and have gained 3 pounds over the last couple months. Is it possible to need a fill after this long?

Banded 8/14 - Dr. Sharam

I was banded 8/14 with a 10 cc band. My first two fills were 1 cc each then third and fourth were 1/2 cc at a time. With the 3 cc total I feel restriction. I'm going to wait a month or so then go for a little tweeking if needed. Down 30# since 8/14. I don't feel that is bad - the slower the better.

My surgery was 08/14 - First fill was at approx. 6 weeks 09/25. Second fill is scheduled for 10/11. I was told I had to wait 2 weeks between fills. I have a 10 cc band and am getting a 1cc fill at a time. Today I am one week post 1st fill and feel absolutely no different than the day before I went - no restriction what so ever. I am down 20 pounds.

Yup, I was weighed butt naked in my cute hospital gown just prior having the IV inserted. I went for my 2 week post-op and that is what they consider my "beginning weight". Down 17# in two weeks - have not had a lick of trouble. First fill is the 27th. :whoo:

I was banded 8/14 and I feel nothing under my skin. Actually, I have absolutely no aches and pains other than the occasional stomach growling. I joke that maybe they really didn't band me while I was out and the incision spots are from aliens! My experience has been very minimal discomfort for about 2 1/2 days after surgery and since then nothing. I've been very fortunate that I was able to sleep on my sides within two days post-op and today 10 days out can sleep entirely on my belly with no problem. I do realize that this may change somewhat after my first fill - but for the most part it has been virtually pain free for me!

I'm in! August 14 is my date!

I am scheduled to be banded Aug. 14th - 4 hour ride from my home. Our plan is to go down early in the a.m. for the surgery and spend the night down there after release - then make the trek back home the next day. I just figured the 4 hour ride right after would almost kill me and given the long day we will have had that morning - its just best. A

My experience at the Barix Center - Ypsilanti/Holland MI. June 1st Consult with surgeon, July 5th BCBS insurance approval after going for psyc testing and family doc referral, pre-op scheduled for July 31st with surgery scheuled August 14th. I didn't think this timing was bad at all. During our group discussion there was a gal there from the Chicago area - so they must have clientele from far and wide. I am very happy with the process.

Holland Michigan / BCBS MI / Consult June 1st / Family Physician for Insurance Referral Letter on June 7th / Psych Eval June 18th / Insurance Approval 7/5 / Surgery scheduled for August 14th. I am just thrilled! Can't wait.

PAM in MI - I am also a pre-bandster. I found out yesterday I am having mine done 8/14. Where are you located in MI?

Insurance approval July 5th, 2007 after only one month - I am soooo... excited. I work at a school and would like nothing better than to have the procedure before early August. I want to be in decent shape when students and staff return to school. The Barix Center in Ypsilanti Michigan is where I'll be going. Anyone have an idea of how fast it will flow from this point out? I am so very curious! Where will you be having your surgery Tracy?

I commented to someone else last week that my mother read in Dear Abby that putting a couple bars of soap under her fitted sheet in bed helps with leg cramps also. My mother has been doing this now for years and swears by it. I don't know what it is about the soap but MOM is a believer.

My mother read in Dear Abby a while back about putting a few small bars of hand soap under your sheets at night helps leg cramps. I've been doing that for about 3 months now and it truly does work. Wierd I know, but worth a try for you!

Wooo Hoo - I am having my surgery with Dr. Schram in that same office. I just finished the referral process and am waiting to hear from them on insurance acceptance. How long did that process take for you and then how far out were you scheduled for banding after that? Thanks!

Hi Mary, I too am from Northern Michigan (Ludington area). I am in the process of insurance approval to be banded in Yipsilanti by dr. Schram at the Barix Center. They also have an office in Holland which is where I will go to get my fills. Prior to looking into the Barix Center I looked into Traverse City, Muskegon and Grand Rapids and even went to a couple of workshops (TC & Muskegon). I've heard good things about all three facilities and staff but it was Barix I felt most comfortable with. I think feeling comfortable with the surroundings is a MAJOR consideration. A

I am in the process of approval for the Lapband Procedure (BCBS PPO of Michigan). Referral criteria has been completed on my part just waiting for approval and hopefully contact from the Barix center in Yipsilanti shortly there after. My question is... I've not heard/read any threads from anyone with circumstances similar to mine. I have a BMI of 37 with 80 or so pounds to lose but because of hypertension, sleep apnea and family history of severe diabetes and cardio problems. I've researched this for a long time and went for two different consultations (different docs & location)before deciding that this is the tool I need to be successful in my weightloss efforts. Is there anyone out there like me?

I had my gall bladder removed about 20 years ago when it was having to be "opened up" to get it out not laproscopically. When I had my consult with the surgeon mentioned it while going over my medical history but said there will be absolutely no problem. I wouldn't worry to much if I were you. Good Luck!

I've researched and researched the LapBand Procedure and finally went in for a consultation with Dr. Schram in Yipsilanti, Michigan a few weeks ago. He was wonderful, kind and very thorough. Currently I am in the process of insurance approval (BCBS PPO-Michigan) having gone to my family doc and psyc. evaluation just this past week. Everyone I have been in contact with regarding this procedure and process have been very supportive. Everyone also seems to think I won't have a problem with insurance approval... I have been overweight for quite a few years. I was very athletic in high school so that helped me out some, but still always much bigger than my friends. I was diagnosed with hypertension about 13 years ago and have taken medication since, just recently diagnosed with sleep Apnea. However, I am not 100 pounds over weight (80-85 they say) and my BMI is at 37. I qualify according to the Dr. because of my medical history and family history of severe diabetes and cardio problems. Is there anyone out there with similar circumstances? I've been reading several different blogs/websites and have yet to run on to someone has similar symptoms. If you're out there let me know! sniggle64@yahoo.com

Do you mind my asking where you had your surgery?

Hi Sara, I'm from the Ludington, MI area. Where are you having your surgery? Currently, I am in the "hurry up and wait" mode. Just finished referral process and waiting insurance approval from BCBS. Keep in touch on how everything works out for you!

Thanks for responding. At the consult Dr. Schram and his office staff told me several times that I wouldn't have a problem with insurance as did both my family doc and psych. I'm just waiting to hear for myself. I don't want to get my hopes up to high because I've also read about the diappointment if/should it not go through. I'm hoping it won't take a long time - I will keep you posted. Where is it you will be having the surgery Diggity?