VegasGrace

What's causing the sleep apnea? And is your weight a contributing factor? If so....there is your answer.

How low was your BMI? 30 Did you have any of the co-morbidities generally required (diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, etc.) Yes. HBP, chronic back pain, suspected sleep apnea Was it difficult to get approved? No Did you meet resistance from physicians regarding your desire to be banded? physicianS? I only spoke with one about it...my surgeon. So, no, I didn't meet resistance. When I spoke about it with primary care...they didn't know what it was. I'd bypass all the red tape. If you think you qualify for the band... who is your primary care to decide if you should or shouldn't have it? You are the one who decides...and your surgeon. Oh, but if you are wanting your insurance to pay for it...you may have to jump through hoops...but so many on this forum have had insurance to cover it. Good luck!

Research and ensure this is EXACTLY what you want to do. Sure, get insurance to pay for it if you can....you've been paying for your policy all these years, right? But if they don't ... don't let that stop you. This was the best $7,000 I ever spent in my life.

Everytime I diet...I go through that.

I've been lactose intolerant for years... I even would eat cheese/milk products when I needed to get regular...if you know what I mean. Now, it doesn't work anymore. Since being banded I am no longer lactose intolerant...weird, huh?

Be grateful! And once your weigtloss halts for a few weeks or you gain a pound...then get a fill.

I have a teenager who just the sound of her voice causes me to slime. Funny....but then again, no. She's my high maintenance daughter...college at 16...theater major...and the personality to go along with it!

Can't answer the poll the way it is written... I lost my gallbladder 10 years ago PRE band. However, I was dieting and losing weight at the time. The band does not cause gallstones or gall bladder problems... weight loss can.

Well good for you on achieving restriction! Sometimes the restriction can change. It did for me twice so far and some would rush for an unfill... I stuck it out and found that it only lasts for a few days at a time...weird. But if you feel you need an unfill...go get it now. Vomiting...like with convulsions is not good for the band. Slime vomiting is okay as it doesn't involve spasms in the esophogas...but long term is not good. Good luck.

Well, that's true...once an alcoholic always an alcoholic.... 1 taste of heroin you are addicted and always will be. An overeater will always be... but actually taking the alcohol, drugs, or eat too much... that's CHOICE. But predisposition, yes.

Yep, RA sufferer here. The band does nothing for RA and RA doesn't interfere w/ the band. HOWEVER, I'm not in as much pain now that a hundred pounds have come off the joints!!!!!

Well, as usual I'm a tad different. I can't take pills. Let me explain. I am restricted, well restricted. Sometimes...that's sometimes... everything I eat or drink comes up. When I'm sick w/ flu or pneumonia...my pipes are cut off. When things are going good...everything's fine. So, I cut up my pills. A pill splitter can be your best friend. I was backed up and took Correctol. Next AM it didn't work. I drank alot of juice really fast and out came the pills. The pink came off but the pills didn't go down. I cut them into 4s... 8 tiny pieces....let's just say I feel alot better now! :eek: oh, if you have chronic migraines and want a cure...yes, a real cure...plus the side effect is weight loss...ask to try topirimate aka topamax.

Sick and tired of being fat? You are almost ready! Hate yourself? Miserable? No enjoyment? BINGO!!! 'pisses me off'.... angry....now you ARE ready. Good luck!

Guys, that may be true...call someone and tell them you went to Mexico...they will probably get a tad upset that you took their prospective income...elsewhere. So they may refuse to see you. But, call them...tell them you are new to the area....BINGO Not had anyone turn me away. Of course, I am sort of new to the area...

Hahahah, WASaBubbleButt...that's funny.... I slimed up something leaving walmart....on vacation w/ my sister...I just leaned over and let it come out... my sister screamed when she saw the bubble... hahahha So funny.

I'm an expert at this...ask my children! hahah 1st, get your favorite liquid...one that tastes just as good coming back up that it does going down. 2nd, get to the kitchen sink w/ a garbage disposal 3rd, place your left arm w/ fist on the counter/edge of sink. 4th, lean into the arm/fist w/ the fist in the himlec position 5th, Drink the liquid fast and gulp...until you just can't hold anymore 6th, lean into the arm/fist w/ a little pressure...weight behind it 7th, make sure you don't have a dangly necklace or hair in the way 8th, aim for the target...the opening of the disposal Repeat steps 5-8 as needed

It's a myth that docs won't take new patients banded elsewhere. I've not met one yet and I've called and went to dozens of offices.

do a search on yahoo or google w/ the name.... then do a search w/ "name problems complaints"

Follow your doc's diet...but I had pasta shortly after surgery...probably a few days out.

I took my bandages off at day 2...itching. Thought it was infection; however, it was a sensitivity to the adhesive on the bandages....go figure. I did have to get a butterfly to hold 1 incison together as it opened up...but all was well. Infection is usually accompanied by fever, and if it's a wound...redness and puss...or green ness. Hot is inflamation...which can be irritating. Just watch for symptoms of infection. Keep us posted on how things are going.

You are right on track. Anyone going from tons of food (calories and carbs) then diets.... they can get light headed, feel weird, etc. When I diet my family knows not to bother me the first 3 days. Same with the band...your body is going to go through withdrawal symptoms. Hang in there!

hair loss is common for dieters in general. And no, I didn't do anything special...just laughed, cried, prayed. This is a good opportunity to do things with your hair that you never did before...like different hair styles. My hair was so thick a pony tail didn't look good...looked more like a broom. But with thinning hair, it looks cute in a ponytail. Good luck...and wait it out.

This has happened to me, twice. 2002 it looked like a murder scene of hair in the tub-Atkins Diet 2007 it looks the same...Grudge or Ring movie...hair everywhere- Banding Diet I can tell you that it will grow back, and you won't go bald. And it will cease.

Oh, realistically I think holidays work best. Most have them off..it's a matter of choice to come to vegas or go elsewhere And too...we should post an itenerary- there are great meal specials and shows so we should post them in case anyone wants to join us or at least know where we are at when they get there.

I say let's post a date and keep the thread open for : hotel rates-who's staying where airline rates-who's flying what and when and RIDES- if you need a ride or can give a ride- give your beginning point and route to vegas