VegasGrace

Thanks! Just did. I sent SUU dean of students an email and gave them the opportunity to correct this. Can't believe they are going to charge me when I can't even get to the floor...and they knew in advance. I am crying so much. Guys, don't want a sob story but I'm first generation LDS. I have three children and still single...yeah, figure that one out. But I wanted better for my children. I've had them in church with me and they were baptized, too. And being the blacksheep of my family means I have no support. And here where I live now I have no support...VTs don't show up and what's a HT? - haven't seen one in years. Back in another ward I was teaching seminary and I learned (don't know if it's supposed to be like this...but...) that the single sisters are to be tended to, but some bishoprics only notice them if they are 'needy'. Perhaps that's why I've gone under the radar for years and years as I'm not needy. I attend every week, am temple active...don't call for this or that. I really do try to be self sufficient. But now I am running into a major issue. If I don't send them back to SUU, we have to move so they can attend somewhere else, right? I have a lease and the costs were tremendous getting here, to only pick up and move? I'm not quite as mad, but disappointed, yeah. Feeling shafted, yeah. I'll let you know what they say. But I can't afford them to tax on charges to my childrens accounts...cause I can't pay them and SUU will not let them go if they have charges on their accounts. Thanks for listening.

Hi. Inamed recommends 2 cc for a first fill and .5 cc for each fill thereafter. Now, this is just the recommendation for a 9.75 band. So, I got the 2 cc and had no restriction. Lost Zero pounds since surgery. This was 6 weeks after surgery. 4 weeks later I went in for my second fill, .5 cc, and I got restriction. I couldn't eat but a few bites and I was done. Took me a while to learn the band so I slimed frequently and 2 times something got stuck. Once I reached goal I got a .3cc unfill. Kept loosing so I went back in for another .4. I can eat normally now...well, as far as foods go. But I eat about 1/3 to 1/2 of what I did pre-band. Hope this helps.

I hope what you are meaning to say is: There are risks with the Lap Band. Know them before doing this. [ Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Have a backup plan in place if a complication does arrise ] If you are willing to take the risks.... good for you for taking control of your life. If you can find someone to pay this procedure for you- great! (ie-insurance) but if not, hate it for you but if you still go ahead with it....you are brave for trying to change your life for the better. And if you do have someone else to pay for it, ie-insurance, just know that although there are hoops of fire to jump thru, it's an umbrella and can help save money. The care is no different if it's paper or plastic. The risks are no different if it's paper or plastic. Congrats to all those who take the risks and it pays off. For those of you who it doesn't.... you are still a better person for having tried to alter your life.

Oh, want to add...I'm disabled from Desert Storm. My kids have a dorm on the third floor. So I went to move out my daughters things (the one who had to work) and the elevator was out. But they knew this happened each and every movein/move out day....but how in the world can I climb 3 flights of stairs, move boxes and mini fridge? I couldn't. I sent my 13 year old (having a slumber party) sent all those girls up to the 3rd floor to clear everything out. And SUU will still charge my daughter hundreds in fees due to her not being present to sign out. Boy oh boy...they will not even place a call for the elevator until everyone is moved out. Discrimination if there ever was!

I'm madder than mad. And I've taken a step back so I won't fume. My children enrolled (transfered from Provo) to SUU. Didn't know it but the dorms kick them out the last day of school....nope, not the day after but the last day. My daughter had 2 finals and they (housing) scheduled her moveout inspection at 11 am. Her final was at 11am. Then they griped because she told them and they moved the inspection to 4...but she had to work. Boy oh boy. Can you imagine a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior cramming for finals, burning the midnight oil...but have to move before classes are over? I pulled my kids out of SUU and they will not be returning. I'm looking into going back to UVSC but have to find a rental...anyone have any ideas? We need a 2-4 bedroom. I have great references, am retired military so I pay my rent on time, every time. So steaming mad! I sent my other kids off to the movies so I could meditate and figure this one out. SUU is very student unfriendly.

Everyone, I came on to this thread for assistance. I'm in a bad situation where I live and have to get out, quick. But not like today. I can go in 3-4 weeks and still have my family safe. I need a place to live. I'm online looking at Craigslist but don't know what those city names are or where they are. I need a good neighborhood that's decent in rent. I can afford rent -I'm not destitute. But I need resources on where to go. Thanks for any input.

I was self pay and everything totaled $7000. That's the cardio/phych/surgicenter/band - everything. That also included the meds for post op. I've had 2 fills at $400 and then 2 unfills at $400. So, everything included (not counting the new wardrobe) was about $8000. But ask for full disclosure of all fees associated...they will tell you.

No, not at all. During weightloss they say you shouldn't drink so that you will fill yourself with nutrition, and secondly so that food stays longer before passing thru the band. On maintenance, I drink with meals if I want, but I'm not in the weightloss phase. I drank with meals before I was restricted as well...because I wasn't in the weightloss phase. (others don't drink with meals) Hope this helps.

Not sure about number 2 as my pneumonia was covered. Losing weight can cause issues such as low potassium, flu/pneumonia, gall bladder issues, etc. This goes even without the band. Self payers also are some of the most efficient patients...ensure they stretch their dollar. They ensure their doctor follow the recommended procedures for adjustments. I got 2 fills, right on schedule, for the appropriate amount. And that carried me thru my weightloss. Others have posted how their doc doesn't follow the guidelines, play cat and mouse with fills and have to go back more times to get the amount they should have gotten like self payers. But boy, how nice it would have been for someone else to pay this!

Shiny, 2 was my magic number. I got my second fill 10 weeks after surgery and I maintained that number throughout my weightloss. Hope you have great success with that fill.

That's a delima for sure. I have no clue, to answer your question. But...if you can find a doc to do the tummy tuck...have the augmentation and arms done at the same time. Plus, you may can get a discount - kinda like give him the business of 10k for the tummy tuck and slide you a discount for the others. My sister had this done and all her doc asked was she pay for the medical supplies, ie breast implants. Plus, having them done together will have you only pay 1 surgi center fee (which ins will cover for the tummy tuck), 1 anesthesia (covered for tummy tuck), recovery (covered) etc. shop around. Good luck on your search and keep us posted with what you discovered.

I wouldn't worry about it. But I don't have insurance ...but never heard of "exclusion if patient gains weight". Congrats on moving forward with everything. Keep us posted.

I just eat smaller portions, but w/o counting calories. And I use a Splenda/sugar blend. Used to buy it that way but found a 5lb bag of sugar and a bag of splenda...just mix them as they go into a canister...that's what I use. But there's nothing like Dixie Crystals (sugar) in Lemonade in the summertime! So I can see your delima. congrats on the weightloss thus far...you're off to a great start.

Hi Robin. Just a t-shirt and sweats would work out well for the first few days of recovery. You want comfort, and it's hot down there. Plus, your sleep will be off and on like with any procedure and you will want to do some walking. Changing clothes for this and that is too difficult. Slip on shoes like backless sneakers would be a plus. Easy on and off thru security plus they double as slippers. The plane ride was no different than any other for me...didn't feel anything specific to the band. But my flight was just from LAX to SLC...just a few states over. Have fun! And let keep us posted on your progress.

Hey! I've read those posts too. I even read this one where she got banded and 1 adjustment and a year later concerned she hasn't lost weight. But she admitted to not ever getting restriction, etc. It happens. And how wonderful for the band as she is now able to just simply pick up where she left off. And one thing about it....cut off the pipes and you will definetly loose weight. (cut off as in restriction...not literally) Congrats and keep us posted on your progress.

Your doc was like mine....if you are hungry - eat; if it hurts - don't do it. I was on regular food by weeks end. liquids for 2 days then to mushies....and I did so well I introduced regular food. But do listen to your doc. And remember, if you eat alot...no worries! The lapband system begins to work with restriction....so let the band do it's job and ensure you go back to the doc in 6 weeks for your first adjustment. Congrats and good to see you are doing so well.

I have nuts as well. Was told they are an excellent source of protein. When I was on Atkins years ago all I could have was macadamia (spelling)...don't remember if it was because they were my fav or lowest in carbs.

I still remember. 1 week prior to my 2 day pre-op of liquids....I went to every fast food place. Then the day before I went to a buffet for Breakfast,then one for lunch, and then one for supper. And while on my pre-op liquid diet I had hot chocolate, pumpkin Soup - tasted like dessert, and froot loops (just tipping the bowl to drink the milk) What a difference the band makes! My relationship with food is so different now.

Headhunter is right. I grew up addicted to soda pop. Pre-band I had 2-3 daily. Since being banded I had 1 daily for a while and now am down to actually not having one on a day. I can even go 2 days without it. This is a process and I look forward to tomorrow when I only have 1 a week...then eventually none at all.

I agree with Mindy in that if a doctor says he's never had complications is either performing his very first procedure or is lying. But I have noticed that someone will post something good or bad, then someone else will post their experience and lo and behold repeat posters keep slamming that doctor. Have a great experience - post it. Didn't - post it. And leave it alone. Someone posting multiple times to 'prove' a doc is bad is just as guilty as those who go undercover to post that a doctor is good. It's all suspect. Dr. Huacuz was perfect for me. But he wasn't for others. Just like other docs on here....many raves and good reviews...but on the flip side there is the dark side that they don't disclose or just don't know about.

Yes, I did it. I let the band do it's job and worked really hard at re-learning how to eat and developing a new relationship with food. I didn't and still don't exercise. I do garden and stuff to keep me active...break a sweat with garden!

Ready, I've noticed 2 names that seem to do that to me from time to time. They are really combative and when they respond to something I've said, they often mis-quote me. So they are making an argument on something I didn't even say. Don't know if you can block seeing someone's post...but that's a good idea. Wanted to post a response to let you know you aren't the only one this happens to and please don't shy away from the forum. And look at your progress....congrats!!!!

Hey again. Depression is now a co-morbid so I don't know how anyone can be denied for having a co-morbid. But check, perhaps google it. I was told by an health professional insider that those psych evaluations are to access the patients ability and willingness to follow doctors orders. Not gonna matter if someone has depression, agoraphobia, panic disorder, bi-polar, personality disorder, etc. Remember what we talked about in chat.... patients with these disorders were approved. Don't worry...but do google it! Congrats on taking the steps and hope everything goes smoothly for you.

I chose a surgeon based out of Tijuana, Mexico. I really liked him as he is very skilled and knows all the ins and outs of the lapband. Dr. Huacuz. Just do the research on any doctor you are considering. And ask them- not the nurse, not anyone else...ask the surgeon if they have had any patients with complications. Your answer should be yes. If they say no, immediately take them off the list as they are not trustworthy. There is a % rate of complications and theirs should be on that level. My twin sister's doc had patients to die even, but they were tough cases to begin with. He is well respected in Maryland. That was too far for me to travel so I went to MX.

Someone just posted a doc in Denver for less than 10k. But that's not SLC. I found plenty of sites but none disclose the costs. Good luck on your search!