pefox

I am experiencing the EXACT, SAME issue. I feel like a total failure. My doctor was great, technically, but there was absolutely "no service after the sale". This is clearly not the doctor's fault but I hate the thought of calling the office and asking for a fill. Don't know what to do. I'm planning to go to weight watcher's on Saturday but until I get my head on straight I don't think that will work either. Any ideas?

Are the meetings still on Thursday nights at 6 at the Barnes and Noble on Fairmont?

Did you ever find a local support group? I live on the east side of League City and have been looking for one too.

I live in League City and was banded by Dr. Ferrari at Memorial City. I've been looking for a local support group. Did you ever form or find one?

Does anyone know of a support group in the Clear Lake, League City or Friendswood area?

Congratulations!!

Yes. I was banded by Dr. Ferrari on 12/21/07. I've had quite a few fills and am still not loosing as fast as I was hoping too. I think Dr. Ferrari is very skilled but don't think you're going to get much time to talk to him when you go in for fills.

Oh, my gosh!! Last night I was literally debilitated by pain under my ribs on the left side (down low) and in my left shoulder. I've had pain in my left shoulder since my surgery. I laid down but it took about 3 hours to feel well enough to even go get ready for bed. I was so worried that I'd screwed something up with my band. Today I'm just fine. Eating my normal, small portions. I went and worked out this morning and all is well. Has anyone else had this happen before? Would I know it if my band had slipped? Can the bands "break"? I go to the doctor for another fill on Wednesday but my doctor doesn't seem to spend much time answering my questions. I seem to get a lot better information from you all - the ones who are experiencing the same things. Thanks!

My lap band works great at breakfast, pretty well at lunch and by dinner its like I don't even have one. I've got a 10 cc band and I've got about 5 cc's of fluid in the band. I'm going for another fill next week. I had my surgery 6 months ago and I've only lost 30 lbs. Its great when it works but my self control when its not working is lousy. That's why I got the band in the first place. Has anyone else had this experience?

Oh, my gosh!! I'm so glad I logged on today! I'm having the same problem. We have about the same starting weight and about the same amount to lose. I've been hungry too - between meals and I really feel that I can eat almost as much as I did before. I've been writing down everything I eat. I'm aiming for 1200-1400 calories a day and doing an hour of cardio 4 -5 days per week. The scale hasn't budged in close to 3 weeks!! I'm stuck at 24 pounds. I'm going for my 4th fill tomorrow. Hopefully this will give me the additional restriction I need.

I was banded on 12/21 and had my first fill yesterday. I can't tell any difference either! Did you call your doctor? What did he say?

I'm from Houston too. Who was your doctor? Do you know of any support groups in the Houston area? I live in Clear Lake.

Hey, Triplet Mom - I'm knew to this forum too. I was also banded on 12/21. I'm also a MOM (twins + 1). I love reading what you've done - small steps. Great idea! I think I'll follow your lead Good luck!

After a week, I couldn't take the liquids anymore. I made a scrambled egg - took tiny bites - ate very slowly - chewed really well. I couldn't even finish it but it was the best egg I've ever eaten. I went back to my total liquid diet the next day and I'll go as long as I can but the egg was great and didn't seem to hurt me at all.

I had also taken Nexium for years. My gastroenterologist warned me that it would get worse after my banding. During the banding (12/21) my doctor found and repaired a hiatal hernia. I haven't taken a Nexium since and I feel great!

The port is not exposed. You can't see it and nothing can get into it (without a needle).

I had the insurance experience from h**l!! I started the process in April '06. My insurance company (CIGNA) required 6-month doctor supervised diet, among other things. I finished jumping through hoops in Febrary '07. My first rejection was in April; my 2nd in July; my 3rd in November. DON'T GIVE UP!! I refused to. My husband contacted the VP over benefits at his company. He contacted CIGNA and was able to put me in contact with a customer service representative. Finally....a person to talk to. I found out that the 3rd denial was due to my doctor stating that I had a sore throat at one of my 6 month doctor supervised diet visits. In the nurse reviewer's opinion - this meant the visit wasn't dedicated to my weight loss effort. I raised h**l with the my new friend (the customer service rep) and she appealed it to the medical director. It took several more weeks and weekly phone calls (by me) but I finally got approved and had my surgery on 12/21. I will tell you - this is your surgery and you have to take the initiative - don't take "no" for an answer. The insurance companies try to see what they can get away with and count on you giving up and self paying. Good luck!!

I just read the responses of those of us banded the week of the 17th. I was banded the morning of the 21st. I feel just fine but I've been hungry. I can't eat (drink) much though. I'm supposed to be on full liquids but just wasn't satisfied. I've lost 10 pounds since my surgery. :confused: I had 3/4 of a scrambled egg (that I really chewed well) this morning. It was totally satisfying and I didn't feel like eating again until 4:30 this afternoon (had yogurt). Does anyone know any reason why we shouldn't eat something like a scrambled egg (i.e. is it going to screw up my band?)?

Thanks. Looks like you're doing great!

I had my surgery on Friday morning. I'm still pretty sore and I feel like my abdomen is swollen. Did anyone else experience this?

:whoo: 12/21/07 - 255.2 lbs at surgery time (per hospital scale - 245 at home) 12/22/07 - I'm hungry but determined 12/23/07 - I'm not hungry today but I feel bloated and sore 12/24/07 - couldn't stand it - had a scrambled egg 12/25/07 - neighborhood Christmas brunch at the Griffis' - only ate cheese grits 12/26/07 - back to normal 12/27/07 - tough day, period must be due. Dinner at N&B's. Ate a couple of beans and a couple of grains of rice. Felt fine. No popcorn at the movies but I didn't miss it. 12/28/07 - week 1 - 10 pounds down (per home scale) - egg salad and mashed potatoes for dinner - YUM!!

:whoo: 12/21/07 - 255.2 lbs at surgery time (per hospital scale - 245 at home) 12/22/07 - I'm hungry but determined 12/23/07 - I'm not hungry today but I feel bloated and sore 12/24/07 - couldn't stand it - had a scrambled egg 12/25/07 - neighborhood Christmas brunch at the Griffis' - only ate cheese grits 12/26/07 - back to normal 12/27/07 - tough day, period must be due. Dinner at N&B's. Ate a couple of beans and a couple of grains of rice. Felt fine. No popcorn at the movies but I didn't miss it. 12/28/07 - week 1 - 10 pounds down (per home scale) - egg salad and mashed potatoes for dinner - YUM!!