blacktxbelle

If my insurance weren't paying a portion, my cost would be about 9,900. Instead I will only be paying 3500. Some have reported paying 12-15000. Here is a quick snapshot I found on google where individuals reported what they paid. http://www.realself.com/lap-band/cost

I too did a lot of research and have been watching a number of vlogs via YouTube. I asked my surgeon, Dr. Esquivel about it. I was told this depends on the port placement, the amount of weight that is lost and which type of port is used. There used to be only a standard port but there is now a low profile port as well. I was actually given the opportunity to see it in the office with the lapband model. It's pretty flat maybe as thick as 3 quarters. It is slightly wider in circumference. To answer you other question, yes it can be felt. I have a friend who currently has the band and has for the past 8 years. She never got to goal but she is pleased with her loss. You can feel her port. It feels a little like a small marble.

This weekend I began journaling again. I did it for two reasons.. One, I have suffered from mild-moderate depression since the lose of my first child back in 2002 and two, because it helps to write things out especially where I don't want to "talk about" anything. My depression has been well managed for years but I know that I still have triggers. There have been some times where I indulge in food just because of how I feel. Yesterday, I noticed that after my boyfriend irked my nerves with an argument that we continue to have over a certain subject (nothing major just normal couple stuff) I reach and stuck a sf popsicle in my mouth. This was the first time in years I have actually noticed it. I feel like this pre-op diet is doing more for me than I ever could have know it would. I am really noticing when my body is trying to tell me something and I may or may not be acting appropriately. I am so grateful for the opportunity to get my life back.

So the first night of my pre-op diet, I must have drank so much. The second day, I did much better. I drank when I was thirsty and sipped my protein drink at mealtime. I still tend to let myself get a little too hungry but I tend to think more in the past week about what and why I am eating and drinking. I'm determined to build a new relationship with my body. #Learning to recognize my hunger cues.

Congrats. I almost wanna make a little dance to go along with the green zone. I've heard about read about it. I look forward to being there in the coming months.

Hello all. I just thought I would drop in. You guys know I have been trying to get prepared and all. I found a really neat blog by a girl that I can't recall her name and another vlog I like by a lady who calls herself bandedwendy. She mentions being stuck (especially initially when she first got the band) She mentioned a product called papaya enzyme. She says it was very helpful with breaking down many of the foods that might get stuck. Now that doesn't mean get carried away and it will save you but it does help quit a bit from what I have been able to find. To be exact there is a thread from 2011 where other BariatricPal members discussed it. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/135849-papaya-enzyme/ . Sorry I just have to share it kinda reaffirms things in my little brain.

I just went to my pre-op appointment today. We were told at 4 weeks we could resume more strenuous exercises. The reason being this is the amount of time it takes for the stomach to heal. Prior to that they don't want you to lift more than 30 lb.

I attended my last pre-op appointment today. It was actually like a refresher course. The P.A and Dr. Esquivel talked about reasons for doing the pre-op diet. Our session was actually really comical. One of the things I loved most about it, our P.A's have all undergone the lapband surgery and had great results. They are truly inspiration. I feel really confident at the moment especially having done so much research and reading the book they provide by Dr. Paul O'Brien, the creator of the band and another by Victoria Ashton a patient who tells about her experience with the band, forwarded by her surgeon. I am very anxious because it's surgery but excited at the same time. Wish me luck!

I love lean body on the go for her shakes. The chocolate is very tasty. Not the least bit chalky

I have been googling and in the library over the past few weeks. I like to be well informed when I make a decision. To make a long story short, I was on youtube this morning watching the procedure to place a lapband. That wasn't so bad. Me being extremely inquisitive, I decided to watch the videos where the band had corroded or occluded. I was mortified watching the process to remove the eroded band. Band failure is my biggest worry. I know there are some things that I can do to avoid this but what about the things I can't help?

True Results actually provides us with a book written by Mr. O'Brien, the gentleman in the videos. It's title is The Lap-Band Solution A Partnership for Weight Loss. He covers a lot of the principle information there. If you have access to the book, the rules are in chapter 11 pg 219-233.

Congrats. You're in the "happy zone"!

B-52 I can see where things might have been awkward that day. LOL

14 days to go on the dot. I successfully started my pre-op diet tonight at 12:00 am. Here we go. I was wonder are there any more things you all wish you had know before going off to surgery? 1. Was there something you discovered that helped you deal with pain? 2. Something effective when relearning how to eat correctly? 3. Something you just found interesting? 4. Were there any products you think the world of? 5. Emotions you didn't expect to have 6. ect.

My band nutritionist has not said anything about it but I have seen a nutritionist for years off and on for mineral insufficiencies. I have alway been told not to eat with less than 2-3 hours before bed. The reason I was given is that food is not able to flow as naturally toward digestion. I would imagine since the band is acting as a funnel, it probably isn't wise to eat close to bedtime with it either.

I'm having pretty much the same experience. I have United Healthcare. They do not have bariatric coverage. I wend to my first appointment,the consultation on June 19, physical,bloodwork etc. about a week later. I have a two hour appointment on July 17, EDG on July 28 and surgery on July 29. Not too many hoops but I will have a $3500 balance.

With 2 weeks to go, I am starting my pre-op diet tommorrow (Tuesday). This will be interesting....