Mellie

Hi, I'm glad to have found this group. I was banded back in June of 07. I initially lost 51 pounds. In November the doctor took my saline out due to my esophagus being dilated. I gained 17 pounds since my unfill. I tried WW for awhile but it just didn't work for me this time. I decided to start low carbing last Tuesday and have stuck with it strictly. I had lost 6.5 pounds as of yesterday morning but when I weighed last night had gained 3.5 back. This morning I was down 1.5 from last night but that is still a gain and only 3.5 loss instead of the original 6.5. I can't pinpoint why because I have not strayed from the plan. My ketosis strips are in the purple and I should be losing, right? Have any of you guys experienced strange fluctuations in your weight while following this?

Tina, Thanks a bunch!! I will definately try that. I'm going to give them a call.

I posted this in the insurance forum, but wanted to check in here also and see if anyone had any information. I was wondering if anyone has had this problem or any advice for me. I had the LAP-BAND® surgery in June of 07. My company insurance was BCBS of NC at that time and they covered surgery and follow ups, fills etc. Later that year, my company went self insured thru med cost. At that time the HR department told me nothing would be covered related to weight loss or my follow ups. Because of this I have not been able to have regular follow ups and maintenance. I only go when I can save enough to. I spoke with our HR again, but she was no help and I also spoke with a company nurse and she said that she believes this is wrong. Because I did not change insurances and I have a medical device in me they should not deny me care now. I need to know if anyone else has dealt with this and if there might be any options I could take. Thanks so much! __________________

I have talked to my doctor's office about this and they do give me a discount if I pay in cash at the time of my visit. That does help some, but it's still alot out of my pocket, especially for fills.

I was wondering if anyone has had this problem or any advice for me. I had the lap band surgery in June of 07. My company insurance was BCBS of NC at that time and they covered surgery and follow ups, fills etc. Later that year, my company went self insured thru med cost. At that time the HR department told me nothing would be covered related to weight loss or my follow ups. Because of this I have not been able to have regular follow ups and maintenance. I only go when I can save enough to. I spoke with our HR again, but she was no help and I also spoke with a company nurse and she said that she believes this is wrong. Because I did not change insurances and I have a medical device in me they should not deny me care now. I need to know if anyone else has dealt with this and if there might be any options I could take. Thanks so much!

I have been banded since June of 07. I have had 2 small fills since then. My doctor is not very agressive and I have 1.5 ccs in right now. I have lost 31 pounds since June but haven't lost anything in the last 3 months. I am very discouraged and wonder what restriction is supposed to feel like. I feel a little discomfort when eating meat but that's it and it passes quickly. I feel like a failure. I've been bouncing 4 pounds back and forth for about 2 months now. I can eat pretty much what I want but I am trying to watch what I eat but it's really hard especially this time of year. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to eat and what I'm not anymore. My surgeon was excellent pre op but I haven't seen him since. My visits are with the PA. They gave us information before the surgery but it was geared more for the gastric bypass patient because that is the majority of his clients right now. I thought by now that I would be alot further than I am. Can anybody give any advice on what I should eat and what are the signals to look for in restriction. I don't want to give up.

Sorry I haven't been here in a few days. I have been so busy with work and the children. Anyway, put me down for 60 minutes of exercise. I've only had time to use my elliptical 20 minutes a day this week. I hope to get back on track this weekend. Thanks!

I attended the Walk in Pinehurst. I wish I would have known about Charlotte's walk and I would have walked there also. I really enjoyed participating in it.

I walked 60 minutes in the Walk from Obesity this Saturday in Pinehurst. Sunday I walked 60 more minutes just around the neighborhood. I can't remember what I had posted up until now but I'll look back and see what my total would be. How often should I post my minutes?

Thanks for letting me know how the exercise challenge goes. I'll start with 900 this month.

I'd like to know the answer to that too. I had my second fill on Sept. 26th. That would make it 1.8 cc's in a 4cc band. I feel a little more restricted but it depends on what I eat. I can eat soft stuff. I had a baked potato and a small chili from Wendy's for lunch today. Last night I had a spoonfull of field peas and a couple bites of salad and about 4 bites of chicken and then started hurting.

I'd love to join in but I'm not sure what the rules are. I just purchased an elliptical machine and it should be here next week. I started walking Sunday. I've walked 1 hour a day for the last two days.

Banded June 11th 2007. Thanks Heather!

Hang in there. I'm at my second fill and still don't feel much restriction. I know it will come and that keeps me from giving up. My weight loss has been really slow for the past 6 weeks.

I remember waking up in recovery and a nurse was talking to me. I felt sick all of the sudden and they gave me something right away to take the nausea away. I was very sore and my throat hurt and I needed to cough. But, the pain wasn't severe. I was sleepy and my eyes were blurred. But after recovery and for several days after the surgery I couldn't sleep. I only slept two hours the night in the hospital and the next day. I wanted to sleep but just couldn't.