Dee66

Hello everyone. I was banded in july 08 and was just diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis. I am concerned because some of the medications for the RA I will not be able to take because of the band. Anyone else out there who is in the same boat as I am? I informed my Dr. about the band and she seemed to be informed about medication problems. I am just concerned that the meds I need to take I won't be able too and I will suffer because of it. I need my hands and fingers to work since it is my livelyhood. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

I was banded july 08 by Dr. Sadek in Freehold NJ. From what I understand, over the last year or longer, he had left the practice but I know he is still pretty local. I did however start to see the new doc that too over the practice. My first appointment I waited over 1 hour and left., I rescheduled and that time I waited 2 hours! The third time was another hour and that was it. I had an upper GI done and it was decided that noting was going into my band and it may have slipped! So, out came the saline as well as my security blanket for 4 more weeks to see if this helps fix itself, ' Has anyone heard of this "self fixing technique", I an scheduled for GI in June and I hope and back to see mr "Personalty Doc" the end of June, Depending on what he says, I have another doc lined up for an appt in July. Has anyone heard of this? DId the band end up fixing itself? PS...since the removal of the fill, I am SOOOOO bloated,,,anywone, anywome????? THanks, d

I had been throwing up my food for several months. It was almost 3 years since my surgery and everything was going great! ( I wish I could figure out how to adjust my weight loss ticker but I can't so I will tell you all that since my surgery I have lost 90 pounds)! My last fill was in August of 2010 and it started about December. My initial Doctor had left unexpectedly and it wasn't until recent that I found out he had moved about 45 minutes north of me. Anyway, my first visit with the new Doctor was the first week of January. I told him that I can only eat a little or else I throw it back up. He said I was not making wise decisions and sent me to a nutritionist! He was a little dismissive and it annoyed me. Anyway, I went back too him about a month ago, told him AGAIN and he suggested a upper GI series. I went and clearly on the screen, you could see that nothing was getting through to my stomach and the doc there was really cool and showed me the screen and pointed everything out too me. After 10 minutes he said it was "very slowly just trickling into my stomach" and that the band was clearly too tight. A few days later I was back at my doctors office where he drained all of my saline out. The freedom of eating is truly scaring me and I hope to God that the band corrects itself and I can continue on my journey with the band. I have been very happy with my results and it honestly has been a wonderful aid in helping me loose weight. I do lay awake at night wondering what is going to happen (I have to go for a repeat upper GI the 3rd week of June). I weighed myself today and I have almost gained 20 pounds since the saline was removed and it has only been 2 weeks!!!! The sad thing is that I did go to my Doctor months ago and told him what was happening and I truly felt that since I was not his initial patient, he dismissed me and my concerns. I am normally a pretty easy going person and I believe that was my downfall with this. I am going to switch Doctors once the second upper GI is repeated. I will keep you all posted and thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I pray that the band will slip back into its proper position and I can continue on this great journey. Trust me, if anyone reads this and it bringing up food....the band is most likely too tight! Don't let the loss of weight keep you from saying something because it will end up biting you in the ass....trust me!

Wow. Hearing all these comments has me concerned about my situation. I have had my band in for almost 3 years and have done great. I have not had a fill in about a year but about 6 months after my last fill, I started getting reflux and indigestion. I went back to my original doctor to find out that the practice was sold to another team!!! Apparently I never got the notice!! I actually waited 1 1/2 hours and informed the desk that I could no longer wait and left. When I called the next day, they apologized over and over and asked if I would mind going to another office where I will not likely have to wait. I did and I got right in. The Doctor came in and introduced himself and told me all about him and his credentials which I could barely understand through a very thick accent. Anyway, I told him of the issue and his response was that it was normal to only be able to eat 2 forks full of food and be done! Ok.....off I went calling my friend for her doctors name! I got an appt with the new doc but not until July!!! Meanwhile, more problems started so since I already had a relationship with the doctor I hated, I could get in ASAP (not good but I am sure you all can relate)! He ordered an upper GI series. I had the first part of the test done and the radiologist stopped because NOTHING was going into my stomach. He said after 10 minutes it just slowly started getting in....way too tight. So here is the kicker....I went back to the doc I hate, his computers were down but he was able to look at my disk results on his lap top! He said that there was a slight slip, he should remove all the saline and then asked me how much I had in there! I told him he should look up my records. He did not like my answer and suggested too me to remove the saline, hopefully the band will reposition itself, repeat the upper GI in 3 weeks and take it from there! He did and after the first 2 days of just fluids, I have eaten everything under the sun and gained 7 pounds in one week!!! I have worked too hard for this to happen and I hope it is out of my system. The new doctor actually told me to get the second round of GI results and then come to him in July. Has anyone heard of this slippage thing fixing itself and removing all the saline? Thanks

Hi. I was banded a week ago and my doctor wants me to start on a chewable mulit tomorrow. Anyone have any suggestions as to which brand is one of the better ones? Thanks so much.

Hi. I read your story and it hit home for me. I was banded in july 08 and have lost about 30 pounds. I recently felt the exact same way you do but I came to these boards and I walked away feeling GREAT! Everyone here is so supportive and will offer you wonderful advice. I just went to my Doctor last week and we had a very long chat about my band. I remember before my surgery he told me that patients could "cheat" the band. I said no not me but trust me, it takes a while for your head to catch up with having LB surgery. I have been overweight for 1/2 my life so the habits definately die hard. I am not sure how many cc's I have to date but I know with this last fill, I feel it. I was going for what people call "slider" foods...ice cream, sorbet etc. It was not the healthiest but I was doing what I could. Just give yourself time and try not to care what people think. I didn't tell a lot of people but I felt the same way as you do. My mother last week actually said too me that my face looked fuller!!!! That about killed me but it was also the straw that broke the camels back and got me on track. I work with a girl who had GB in January 08. To date she has lost 155 pounds and I feel as though people at work that know compare me to her. You can't and I am so happy I did the LB because the amount of skin she has hanging is just gross. Slow and steady wins the race and just remember that. Your doing great so hold your head up high and be proud.

Hey everyone. Its been a while since I posted or even been back too this site since my surgery, but I realized that I need everyone's support more than ever now. I was banded in July 08 and was doing SO good. I lost about 10 pounds in the first month and then since September....NOTHING!!! Its been 7 months and not one pound...actually I gained about 3! I even canceled my appt with my doctor in January because I was so embarrassed about my weight loss or lack of! I did just bite the bullet and am going back to the doc next week. I have had 3 or 4 fills but I just can't seem to get it together food wise. I am eating 1/2 of what I used to eat but have compensated with ice cream and sorbet...goes down SOOOO easy! My basic diet consisits of a protein bar for breakfast, 1/4C chicken salad with 5 crackers for lunch and for dinner usually some egg salad on greens. Snack is usually some popcorn or ice cream! Thats it and believe me, compared to what I used to consume, this is NOTHING! I am wondering if anyone out there has any suggestions or eating tips for me. Should I look more towards calories? I just need help and I feel like such a let down after this surgery...not only to the people who know but too myself most importingly. I worked so hard to get approved through the insurance company and everytime I see my Human Resources Director, she gives me the once over glare! Please help!!

I don't know how many cc's I have but I will ask next week. I never thought that I could have too much in there....I just thought the more the better....meaning more restriction, more weight loss. I cannot eat steak...and if I do, its usually has to be the really expensive kind! I guess better cuts of meats can make the difference. Also, shrimp is a problem as well as chicken and bread...definitely bread! Salad can be tricky too at times. As for not drinking before and after, I will give that a try. I usually don't drink during but I will drink afterwards and not 30 minutes either, its more like 10. I will try that for now and when I go and see the doc I will talk too him about having too much in the band and see what he thinks. Thanks so much for all of your suggestions and your kindness. I will keep you posted and will start doing the 1000-12000 calorie thing. Your right, I could be starving myself so to speak!

Thank you for sharing! I too have been looking around at people who had their surgery in July like me and Im seeing 40,50, 60 even 70 pounds! I wish! I know the ice cream is a killer but how come that goes down so easily but I have issues with a piece of chicken? If I do eat chicken, i have to chew, chew, chew or I quisinart it to death for chicken salad! Maybe we can stay in touch and help each other through this major speed bump? I think support is key :thumbup:. Thanks

I have been exercising about 2x a week. I would like it to be more but right now its all my back and leg can handle. I truly wonder if I should just start counting calories and keep it about 900-1000. Thanks for your input

I was actually given a web site to buy the Medifast shakes. I found the already made ones SOOOO much better than the ones you would mix yourself. A little costly, but then everything is when it comes to this surgery! Another one was something a friend of mine got at Vitamin Shopp and it was called Jay Robb Whey protein mix. Very good and not real gritty. Also, Target and Kmart have mini blenders that you can take to work with you. The blender part is actually a cup with a sippy lid that you just put on the base, mix and can keep on your desk or drive in the car. I think it is by Hamilton Beach. Good luck!

Can anyone tell me why most Doctors do not want you to have caffeine after LB surgery? Thanks

I did the EXACT same thing last year! I thought that I could do it on my own and why after over 35 years I ever thought that was beyond me! I found out on May 29th that my insurance approved me and I was scheduled for July 16th! I couldn't believe it was so fast but now I am starting the liquid...blah! I hope I can find something tasteful because after only 5 days, the medifast is starting to make me sick! Have you finished your classes yet?

I am very happy as well. My surgery date is 7/16! I am so excited cause it took me a while until the insurance approved me. The office is a little crazy these days since they are going to a chart less system but I think it will be all good. How has it been for you?

ESA. Dr. Morris Washington.....I am seeing his associate Dr.Sadek. I met with him yesterday and he was REALLY nice and very informative. The only thing that sort of bugged me was he seemed a little more in favor of the GB instead of the LB! Don't know why because I was too busy taking it in to ask so I have a call into him for a phone consult. I am very pleased just curious as to his opinion.

Hi everyone! I recently was approved and have a date for LB on July 16th. My questions is this, when I went today to sign all the required paperwork, my doctor told me something that after all my years of research I had yet to hear....he said that LB patients usually only loose 40-60% of their EXCESS weight! I was really taken back by this information since I have NEVER heard that before. Has anyone else had their DR. inform them of this statistic? I really have to say that he seemed to be more in favor of the GB which I AM NOT! Please, info would be helpful! THanks

Hello everyone. I had written in about a month ago and was just so depressed because I found out that my employer opted NOT to cover weight loss surgery in their plan. After taking the advice of the PA at my doctors office, I went to my HR at work. I told her my story and she put me in touch with the broker who signed my work up for the benefits. To make a long story short, they removed the exclusion and now all employees that want this surgery can get it if deemed medically necessary! My paperwork was submitted one week ago and here I am with an approval code and waiting for a surgery date. I just wanted to let you all know that even if you hit a bump in the road, sometimes it can work out so don't give up. I honestly never saw anything go so fast and I wonder if this could fall under a discrimination area? It was just so fast and everyone worked so hard that it makes me wonder. Doesn't matter because I have my code so I will keep you all updated on my progress. God Bless

Well, here is the latest as of today! I have been in touch with the broker who handles my employers health ins. They are actually filing an appeal to make a one time exclusion for me on this surgery! I am so surprised but since I was informed one thing and then the other then they think they have a good shot. Also, since I have some medical problems as well it's not going to hurt my case. I will keep you all posted but please say some prayers and keep those fingers and toes crossed! Thanks

Hi everyone.....I am writing this entry with tears in my eyes because after almost 7 months of doing EVERYTHING I was told to do, I found out today that I was denied for surgery due to an exclusion my employer has on my policy regarding weight loss surgery! Now, I am a little confused because I have never received anything from my employer with a list of excluded services. I wonder what else is hidden that they are not telling me about? When I first started this journey, I called BC/BS of NJ and asked not one, but three representatives if bariatric surgery would be a covered item under my plan and ALL 3 of this num-nuts told me "Yes, as long as it can be deemed medically necessary and that you are morbidly obese"! Well, got those both covered so imagine my surprise after I spent almost $1000 on all the doctors necessary at $30 a pop since that is my co-pay! I really don't know where to go now. I did contact my HR director at work so that she could provide me with an up to date insurance booklet. The last one I requested in 2007 and I got a 2005 copy! If anyone has any helpful information, please let me know because if I keep going the way I am going, I will be huge and will most likely not need LB anymore, I'll be looking at a GB! THanks so much

Hi everyone! Since my last post I have done some leg work on this exclusion in my policy. I was told to contact my HR director at work and speak to her. I really didn't want to go this route since I was trying to keep it private. She is a really nice and helpful person and I knew I could talk too her. I explained what was going on and she said she would put me in touch with the broker who my employer goes through for health insurance. I had to wait the entire weekend which felt like an eternity! On Monday, the rep called me and we went over EVERYTHING I was told and all my diagnosis's. She told me she would look into it and get back too me. Today, Tuesday, I called her to see what the status was and she said they are still checking into things. I am keeping my fingers crossed and saying my prayers that this comes back with something positive. I was told by the doctors office that sometimes employers have been know to remove that particular exclusion from the policy. I have been with the company for over 17 years and have good relationships with the owners and management. I really need to get this for so many reasons but the most important one is for my health. I have high blood pressure, a BMI of 44, onset diabetes and sleep apnea! What the hell more do they need? Gotta love Horizon BC/BS! Maybe I actually will!

Thanks everyone for your info. I did go through my booklet with a fine tooth comb last night and did find in the back a section of "Exclusions". However, under weight reduction/control it did clearly state that unless there is a diagnose of morbid obesity...and there is!! I have to call the Doctor today and ask what diagnosis they wrote. I have a fight on my hands however I am willing to do this and this insurance company will not know what happened to them!!! I won't give up and I thank you all for your help. I will keep you posted.

Hi everyone! It's been a while since my last post and I cannot believe that I have finally come to the point of insurance approval! I am holding my breath and should hopefully hear something in about 7-10 days! I remember finding this site back in January and reading almost everyone's posts! It gave me so much information and helped tremendously. I have seen ALL the required Doctors, been for a sleep study, attended the nutrition classes and had all my doctor recorded weights for about 4 months. I was told that I needed 6 but I am hopeful they will accept 4. I truly cannot believe the time is here and I pray that my insurance will not let me down. I have BC/BS Direct Access of NJ. I will keep you all posted on how things are going. I was told that if approved, the surgery could be by the end of June beginning of July. I was hoping a little sooner but I have waited 40 years to start my life and I pray that all will go smoothly. Keep your fingers crossed for me!:thumbup: Thanks

Hi! Good for you. I was in your shoes about 4 months ago and I have completed all the necessary appointments and classes and am now waiting for insurance approval. I can honestly tell you that it has gone by so quickly. It was a lot of work, don't get me wrong, but it was worth it. Have you met with the surgeon yet? I know for me I had to see a psychologist, cardiologist and a pulmonologist. I also had to attend classes at the hospital where my surgery is being done. These were nutrition classes and cost about $500! I have also been to my PCP every month for 4 months to have my weight charted. It is something that is so worth it and you will find everyone here is so supportive and helpful. Any questions or if I can be of any help please let me know.