My name is Wandajean and I have been on a weight loos journey for many years. After losing 60 pounds one year ago while on a physician monitored diet (Ideal Protein), I found myself struggling to maintain. I added Weight Watchers meetings, hoping that being surrounded by dieters would help with my struggle. I found myself in the same cycle that I had experienced over the past 25-30 years, "lose a few gain a few more cycle".
Although having a lower BMI, my co-existing medical conditions and history made me a great candidate for the lap-band procedure. I had my surgery August 4, 2015, my first follow-up appointment with the dietitian and nurse and I am scheduled for my first "fill" (band adjustment) in a couple of weeks.
My surgical recovery was pretty easy. I had minimal pain post-op and needed minimal narcotic medication. The most discomfort was around the port site. (It is still tender)
I still have periods of hunger in the evening and have tried adding protein shakes to curb my appetite.
I hope this forum can help me find ways to control my hunger and help me cope with the very permanent and very different way of living with a lap band. I have lost 19 pounds so far. This includes my pre-op diet.
I have also agreed to become part of a ten year clinical study for individuals with "lower BMI's" plus other obesity related conditions. And no, I did NOT get a "break" on the surgical cost. My insurance company does not cover bariatric surgical procedures.