Linda Hamsing Rosen

Dear Indigo Girl, It's funny that you should give me that tough love philosphy--because I was thinking the EXACT same thing today. I was thinking how I was being a baby and feeling sorry for myself that I have to "work" at this harder than the "thin" people. It's debatable whether that's true but even if it was, SO WHAT? !!! Am I going to wallow in the mud because of it. Get up and overcome it !!! You're absolutely right.

Thank you Indigo Girl. I got my journal out that they gave me at the nutritionist (it was collecting dust) and started it today !!! I think that will really help. I also read your other post about the healthy habits. That's really good advice. If it wasn't for people like you on this website, I would have gave up by now. Thanks again.

Thanks for everyone's support. I just got my journal out and started it !!! I had gotten that advice from someone else too (who lost 100 percent of their excess weight). I think I can't keep sweets in my house. I had it here this weekend for my kids--because I heard that if you are overly restrictive with kids, they learn to binge on sweets. Well, we'll just have to figure out another way for them to get it (Daddy can hide it). Can someone explain though why the junk food passes right through? That doesn't make any sense--after all it's still solid food, isn't it? Not that I'm advocating eating it, but just wondering...

I agree with everything everyone said: (1) It is worth it to have the surgery for even 40 pounds because you keep it off; (2) everyone has different goals about what they want to achieve and different abilities and motivations. And let me clarify: I DO work at this. I watch what I eat but of course I trip up sometimes and although I exercise, it's not 5 days a week. I haven't had a pop since my surgery nor do I ever drink at meals. However, when I set out to have the surgery I imagined I would be the person to beat the odds and lose 100 percent of the body weight but at this point, I don't see it happening.

I hope some of you can lend me a compassionate ear and maybe even some advice. I'm feeling really down in the dumps today. I was banded 2/27/08. I started at 220 and today weigh 195 (not bad). I have had two fills. I had been down to 192, however. It all started last Friday. I went to a play group with my kids and there was chips and dip and all kinds of snack foods. Then some of our friends came over that night and brought Cookies. After they left, I ate like 5 cookies !!! The weekend was a blurr ending with the holiday of course where we had a cookout and I was able to eat steak, potato, dessert, maybe not as much as I used to but PLENTY, believe me. I guess some of this is psychological? I feel hungry for whatever reason and I can't stand that feeling. I have been on diets my whole life and the feeling of deprivation is torture for me. I had no pbing or pain or anything like that either. The week before I had felt extremely well restricted. Why would that go away suddenly? How much of this is that I might need another fill (not due until June 17; however) and how much is psychological. If it's phychological, how come I didn't feel so restricted by the band. I mean we all have psychological issues. I guess I'm confused and wondering if I made the right decision. Maybe I should have picked something more hard core, like the bypass. I'm worried I won't succeed with the band. I feel weak. :frown:Thoughts?

Since you have not had the surgery, I feel I have to be honest with you. I am not that happy with the band. I was banded 2/27/08 and have lost 25 pounds. I strarted at 220. First, I still feel hungry A LOT. The whole point of this was to not be hungry. I can't stand being on a diet and feeling hungry all the time. That's why diets don't work (and yes, I'm following the rules). There are days I feel very hungry on the band. I have had two fills--maybe the third one will work better (I hope). Second, the weight loss is so so slow. About a pound a week now. Most of the weight I lost was in the beginning. I really can't see losing 100 percent of my excess weight unless I take up running and really really diet. I just don't see it. So then, I'm still going to be fat after all this. My advice would be to get another type of surgery (I wish I had). If that is not an option, then do the band but realize you will have to work really hard to lose 100 percent of the excess weight. Again, maybe I will feel differently after my third fill--we'll see. I don't think you are vain for going for a small weight loss with the band (as long as you are happy with that).

I read on obesityhelp.com that coughing up blood (actually vomiting blood) can be a sign of band erosion into the stomach. That doesn't sound like that's what it was for you, though, thank goodness. I just offer this information up for reference

Dear Kjeter, That is very encouraging !! I can't wait for my next fill (June 17). I feel restricted most of the time but I think it could be more and for all day (instead of mostly in the morning and early afternoon). But I do know that feeling of wanting to eat more than you can. It's weird isn't it? Regarding whether you should miss your next appointment, I would still go to the appointment and he/she will evaluate whether you need a fill or not. I heard that lack of followup is one of the main reasons for band failure. So would probably be good just to check in.

Thanks IndigoGirl55, I am doing a lot of those things but not everything. I'm thinking of starting a WW type of program just to make sure I'm staying in a good calorie range. I think I'm on the right track !!! thanks so much

Hi, The recovery was not that bad. I had the surgery on a Wed, was home Thursday night and back at work on Monday (desk job). I think I might have taken liquid Tylenol for the left shoulder pain which lasted about 5 days. I don't think it's that long for other people. Now constipation is a problem. I never was constipated before the band but now am. I'm not taking anything for it but was thinking of starting a stool softener (going to ask my Dr. first). I would definitely run your serious constipation problem by your doctor if you haven't already. It could be an issue. You are eating a lot less and differently too (more protein)

How wonderful !! I'm so happy for you and proud of you. We all know how touch weight loss is and you are to be commended. I've seen you active on this website. I am still fairly new (2/27/08) and making progress, but slowly (25 pounds). Can you please share your habits, methods, particularly around the eating part. For instance, are you following a specific eating plan or calorie plan? How often to you eat, what, how do you gauge your satiety etc. How much do you exercise. Thank you so much. I would like to be as successful as you, if possible.

Hi Kjeter, you seem like you know what you're doing !! I was banded 2/27/08, have had two fills and have a question for ya. Sometimes I feel very restricted and other times not (and it's not consistent with the time of day either). For instance, I had my second fill on 5/4 and the last week, the restriction seems greatly diminished even though I really didn't lose that much (5 pounds). Now today it's a little better again. I'm wondering if this is REAL or is this in my head? For instance, it was memorial day weekend and I know I associate "holidays" with food. But then I noticed you said you can't eat more than a cup of food no matter what. I'm not at that point, I don't think. Any thoughts, advice?

here is a quick update on my situation. I see the progress I have made. I originally wrote that I had lost 18 pounds. Well I'm happy to report that I'm now down 25 pounds. It is still very slow and a learning process. I don't know why but sometimes I feel much more restricted than other times. I wonder how much of it is in my head. For instance, I struggled this last weekend. Was it because it was a "holiday" that I associate with food and I was out of my routine or was the band looser? don't know yet. But the fluttering sensation. I only had that one day. I mentioned it to my doctor and he shrugged it off as nothing. He said that lower left abdomen pains are gas. He also said that minor pain or discomfort in the port area is common if you move a certain way. I have noticed that once in a while I still get a pain in my left shoulder. I'm going to ask him about that at my next visit.

I have thought the same thing at times (why didn't I have the bypass). My sister had the bypass and what happened to her (as the statistics show) is she lost a bunch of weight and then gain a little back. With the band, it is much slower and steady but I don't think there is the weight gain at the end (because you have always been on solid foods). Anyway, my doctor says that after 3 years, the band and bypass end up being about the same weight loss.

Dear Kate: I'm sorry you had to go through all that but I'm glad it was worth it--100 pounds is so awesome. Let me ask you this: did you think obesity law was helpful ? I checked out their website and am considering contacting them. They say their success rate on overturning denials is greater than 90 percent. ???

specific question for snowbird: (I'm so glad you didn't have trouble). What kind of documentation did your doctor submit exactly? Did he just say you had these things, did he produce blood tests, write a letter?

Justmel1957: you should get a copy of the letter. My letter was simply a statement of benefits. It was written personally for me, nor did it guarantee anything. That is not pre-approval to me. I believe the doctor's office misled me. But I'm more worried about the hospital charge. Can any of you recommend an attorney in Illinois? My husband and I have started looking but most say they don't deal with this issue (even if they say they deal with insurance law). I also plan to call the ILlinois Insurance commission and the Office of Personnel Management (the federal office which handles FEP appeals) I am in the process of gathering all my medical records. Should I try to get the doctors to write letters and how easy is that to do?

Can someone give me some advice? The doctor's office submitted my medical pre-assessment last fall to the insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employees Plan). The doctor's office called me around Christmas saying: "Congratulations, you're pre-approved !!" At the time, I didn't get a copy of the letter the insurance sent but I have since gotten a copy after the surgery and it basically just reiterates the medical requirements. It never says I was "approved." So I had the surgery and now afterwards, the procedure has been disapproved twice. Based on the same exact medical information which was sent to the insurance prior to the surgery. I called them and they said it was because there is no evidence of two co-morbidities. (BMI was 39). The doctor's assessment documents: high cholesterol, hearburn (but not acid refux), depression not being treated, past infertility. I also have fatty liver but that does not appear to be in the pre-assessment. I also have acid reflux which was diagnosed prior to the surgery but after the pre-assessment was sent in. I am facing more than $40,000 in charges including the hospital. Here are my questions: (1) should I get an insurance advocate to help me with this? (2) isn't the doctor's office at fault here for telling me this was pre-approved and it really wasn't? (3) isn't the insurance company at fault for having the medical information prior to the surgery and at least telling me they didn't think I met the qualifications at that time? (instead of sending a form letter?) (4) what should I do next? any other thoughts, advice?

I just thought of another thing. If you aren't already doing this, don't eat 3 hours before bedtime. it helps

I'm sorry you're not feeling well. the second day is the worst. You will feel better and better each day. Make sure you take your pain medication regularly. Regarding the left shoulder pain, I had that for about a week. It helped to lay on my left side and lay on the shoulder (counterintuitive I know but it worked). I still get the shoulder pain once in a while but it's not too bad. hang in there !

I'm certainly no expert at losing weight (I was banded in February 2007) but I heard that varying the intensity of your workout can help. Interval training is what I mean. Also, you want to calculate your calories but make sure you are eating enough, don't starve. Also, I'm assuming you never drink during the meal. I have found that I unwittingly eat more when I do that

Thanks for the advice. After calling the doctors office and finding out that they did respond, I called the insurance and asked them if they got everything they needed and they said they did. BCBS then said they would assign it right away and have it "rushed." So it looks like it did help to call. Now I have to do the same thing with the hospital.

Hi, Has anyone encountered this situation: My doctor's office called me in december 2007 (before my surgery) stating that I was pre-approved (they had written to the insurance company). Then I had the surgery in February 2008 and the insurance company took forever to respond and then once they did, they said they needed more information. I called to find out what and they said "medical records." I called the Dr.'s office and they said that Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employees Plan doesn't really "pre-approve" and they never go an actual "pre-approval" just a letter stating that the procedure was covered. I already knew that ! I just about freaked out. The doctors office sent them my "physical" and pre-operative assessment. Now I'm wondering if the insurance is going to pay. I had a BMI of 38 with high cholesterol and a fatty liver. Are these considered official "co-morbidities?" Do you think the insurance will pay? Is this a stall tactic?

I feel so much better just getting it out there and feeling heard. Plus everyone's advice has been so good--thanks! The spasms have gotten a little better as the day goes on. I'm hoping it's just an adjustment to the band. I have done good today so far on my eating. I do think the band helps you to make better food choices which is beneficial in the long run. I'm going to see the doctor on Monday and then I think I will also attend a lap band support group this weekend. May also see the psychiatrist--heck why not? I think part of my problem is comparison. I have a friend who had RNY two weeks after me at the same clinic. She's lost 40 pounds. But I know the long term weight loss is supposed to be about the same.

Hi jbrule, Although I have only been banded 2 months, I'm already questioning my decision. I have spasms too. They just started today. Can you tell me what yours are like? What did they say is the cause and what to do about them? Mine just started out of the blue, this morning before I even at anything (and it's been 3 weeks since my first fill). Also, my weight loss is going terrible. I think it's probably too early for me to seriously considering a conversion but you should talk to your doctor about it. I know that many people have done it. What is it about the bypass you don't like?