marieze

Yes, I am getting the band. I've finished all my pre-op and am now awaiting the surgeon consultation. I forgot to mention, that I have a bunch of that sagging stomach fat from being fat and having had a c-section. I'm sure that doesn't help my back either! Marieze

Hi All You Fabulous Losers! I need to see what you guys think about something. I am pre-op. I just turned 53 on Saturday, am 5'10 and weigh 365 pounds. I "feel" as though I weigh 1000 pounds! So here's the deal. During the last year, it has become very difficult to stand for longer than a couple minutes and to walk any further than here to there. Not to mention how winded I am. When I wake up in the middle of the night to go tinkle, I have to hold onto the dresser for a moment then I walk like Frankenstein to the bathroom. Believe it or not, I used to be really healthy and reasonably athletic. I see people who I think look heavier than me and they seem to be more mobile than me. So here's my question: For my stats above do you think that it's from the weight that I am having such "mobility" problems or do you think it's probably something else? If I go to the grocery store, I am humped over the cart because of low back pain after about 5 minutes! I feel like I'm 100 years old. I live in a 3 story townhouse and you should see me "doing" the stairs!!!! I guess I have trouble realizing that 365 is frickin' huge! PLEASE tell me that it's from the weight and that after surgery, since I WILL be following the program, this will change. I really want to walk far distances, go to the grocery store, and basically just hang out in target without needing cpr.:help: Marie

Just reading this thread is making me panic! I do get anxiety with this kinda stuff and I'm afraid I'll freak out if something gets stuck...(pre-banded person). Funny thing, during one of my pre-op visits with the shrink, (who is banded), when he got stuck the first time he told me he "freaked out". Gee, falls under the category, "what not to tell the pre-banded patient in front of you" Anyway, didn't someone mention that a few sips of grapefruit juice would clear it? Can you breathe when this happens? How long till it goes away? Do you panic? (See, you can tell I'm a LITTLE anxious!!! :help: Marieze

Betty, I'm just glad you found a place to feel "free". But don't kid yourself, probably every one of your colleagues has a monkey on their back. It's just that when it's food, we sort of "wear it" so people can see it. But, I must say, that the job offer sounds really great. Can you imagine being "free" 24/7? I really do wish that for you. Like I said though, the most important thing is that you are here and feel good about it! :clap2: Marieze

First, thanks to all who responded....I greatly appreciate it. Renewed Hope, That was a brilliant explanation and one that perfectly makes sense to me. So, in avoiding the liquides with our meals, we really should feel satisfied early on with our meals and stay satisfied for a longer period of time. I GET IT! So you were banded today!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!! I would love to hear about it! How are you feeling? You're home already???? I figured I would be in the hospital barfing from the anesthesia!! I want the details!!! Marieze

That's what I mean........I DON'T GET IT!!!! The doctor tells you that the band helps you 30% of the time. In what way? If it's by limiting the food you eat due to a small pouch, how does that not work 100% of the time. How does it not limit your intake EVERYTIME you eat? Look, I'm not looking for magic here; just an understanding of something so that it makes sense. To me, it either restricts your food or it doesn't, no? If I'm eating only a fraction of what I used to, how can I not lose weight? Marieze

Hi guys! O.K., here's the deal. Yesterday when I had my psych/nut/doc/pt/appts. everything made sense. Today my brain is jello!!!! The psych himself has been banded so that is a real plus. He was able to answer questions up front. Now, the nutritionist showed me her plastic foods to eyeball portion size etc. While she doesn't condone any "diet" per se, if one is not losing weight they should then review what they have been eating by counting calories. I get that. What I don't get is this business of "eating around the band" as I have heard it referred to. She said that things like ice-cream, milkshakes etc. go down really easy and are loaded with calories...is that what eating around the band means? I have envisioned that with the band, you are limited with quantity no matter what it is. No? Obviously we need to change our relationship with food and make good food choices, but I also read about people losing 100 pounds with the band who ate small portions of crappy food. I guess I'm just afraid of having the surgery and not being successful, or finding out something I didn't know afterwards that would have been a deal breaker for me. Any feedback? Marieze

Hi Guys, On some posts I see people who have been banded speaking about counting calories, eating nonfat or lowfat. I'm a little confused. I am in the pre-op process and wondered this; if I am to eat protein first, then veggie, then good carbs if space permits, do I need to restrict fats? I have lost weight eating Atkins style, i.e. bacon, chicken salad, fish w/dill sauce etc. The fats always make it more palatable for me. I absolutely cannot eat a salad with fat free dressing. If we are being restricted as to the amount we are eating, can't we incorporate fats into our diets? Marieze

I'm here in Lake Oswego! I am pre-band having had my sleep study already and pre-op stuff next week. Once all the doctor visits are done I guess I get my surgery date. I'm going with Emma Patterson. Nice to meet you guys! Marieze

do you mean "full" with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food? Marieze

I am in the pre-op testing stage. After reading this thread, I'm really confused. After banding I know that we will still be having head hunger and all the head issues. But when you talk about eating one cup of chile, a salad etc. and then still being hungry, why is everyone saying that "they have a couple bites of food", and are then full? Or, "all you'll be able to eat is about 3/4 cup of food". I don't get it. I am hoping that being banded, I will feel "full" after eating a very limited quantity of food. That's not what I'm hearing....isn't that the purpose of the band? Marieze

Just out of curiosity....how much did your 10% amount to? Also, do you have any idea what you will be paying for fills? Marieze

I have UHC and have the EPO. It is offered through my company. When I started by journey I called UHC and had them pull up my benefits so we were completely clear. I told them that my goal was to have Lapband surgery and they told me that my policy covered both the band and gastric bypass. I attended a seminar by a highly acclaimed bariatric surgeon here in Portland, Oregon, sent in my application and now, 6 weeks later am scheduled for all the pre-op stuff which will take place in 3 weeks. They told me that my UHC policy will pay at 90%. They even said the 10% is something that could be paid off in time, if necessary. I asked about the fills and they weren't sure but think that they too, are paid at 90%. I would call immediately to UHC, have them pull your benefits and see what they say. I'm not sure who determines if there is a certain amount of weight I need to lose prior to surgery, but think I will call my insurance and see if there is anything noted. Good Luck! Marieze

what was it like? I haven't been put under in over 20 years and forgot what it was like. Were you in a fog? In pain? Who was there? Did you barf? How long did the effects last? Were there tubes in your mouth/nose? Could you get up and pee? Tell me the gory details!!!! Marieze

I've got all my pre-op appts. set for October and as the time draws near keep thinking about what I will be eating. Can you please show me what your typical day of eating looks like including amounts. I'd really appreciate it! Marieze

I have a question. After you got your band and were on your weight loss journey with your new way of eating, did you eat the same foods as before, (basically crap), but just in little portions, or did you REAllY clean up and have a tiny bit of Protein, etc. etc. I ask, because, on various boards I hear people eating everything from nachos, margaritas to a few bites of chicken with some veggies. I know it's protein first, then veggies, then low glycemic carbs or something. I'm pre-band and curious! Marieze

I can't thank you guys enough for your responses. I really had no idea that sleep apnea was a real killer. I go back this Saturday night so that they can fit me with a cpap and I will get this as it seems the most logical thing to do. I have been dragging my a** for years and the though of awakening refreshed is something I only dream of! Wouldn't that be nice. Again, thank you for all your kind and informative replies. Marieze

Hi guys! Last night I had my sleep study and slept at the sleep lab. This is a requirement for my surgeon. Well, they said I had sleep apnea. I hated being all tied up with wire and electrodes and almost had a freak out! Now I have to go back and get that cpap machine. My insurance, I think, pays 90%....so here are my questions; Did you do a sleep study Do you have sleep apnea Has weight loss helped with the sleep apnea Did your surgeon require this Do you like the cpap machine, if you have one Are they expensive Did you feel more rested after using a cpap Thanks for your anticipated replies!!! Marieze

Thanks for all your replies. Sounds like there is some hope. Dragging these "jugs" (that feel like they're filled with quarters) is wearing me down! Marieze

I am Jewish and understand the question. I think your best bet would be to contact "Inamed" or whomever the manufacturer is of the particular band. Marieze

Just out of curiosity; I, too, am in sales. How long after your surgery were you able to get back out into the field? Do you have to carry any product with you and if so, was that difficult? Marieze

I have about 200 pounds to lose. I'm curious. Has anyone lost 100 to 200 pound and NOT needed to have plastic surgery i.e. tummy tuck or anything. Or is this inevitable? Marieze

O.K., so tell me; did you lose weight in your boobs? I am walking around in a whopping 50F. I bet you diddn't even know that bras come that big!!! I am pre-band and a real newbie but very anxious to get banded. But Lord, I am so tired of dragging these "puppies" around. That is one side benefit to banding that I can hopefully look forward to. What happened to you? I'm about 350-360 and 5/10 so I have a lot of weight to lose. If I do lose there, I figure they'll shrivel up and I'll have to roll them up and stick them in my bra:eek: Marieze

I am only at the application stage. Tonight I pigged out and I have heartburn that feels like it's going to kill me. I feel fat as a house, bloated and sleepy. I'm just starting my journey up the hill. You are on the way down. Please don't forget that in a couple months, you probably won't even remember what you're feeling right now. Frankly, I'd much rather be in your shoes!! Chin(s) up ladies!!! You can do this!!! And you will!!!:clap2: Marieze

[My co-workers think I had a cyst removed. I've lost 41 lbs. They must be thinking, "wow, that was one helluva cyst! LMAO! Marieze