cathychatts

I love to read this thread, but had nothing to add, but today I have 3 NSVs!:frown: People who don't know about the surgery have commented on my weight loss. That feels very good! I got a poem written for me by a young male student the other day! I was flattered, but of course said " not on your life" but it was flattering (I teach at a career college, so he was "legal") The final NCV is that I got a promotion at work today! I am now a "Master Insturctor" the great part was that is came with a 10% pay raise! :ohmy:

Don't fret folks: I was the same way after my 1st fill, I could eat anything and more of it than I thought I should. Then I realized that I had to quit drinking and follow the Band Rules! That helps some. BUT!!!!!@ The 2nd fill has really opened my eyes! I have much more trouble eating now! Everytime I have eaten since that 2nd fill, I have had to stop and wait for about 5-10 minutes to let the food pass. I have also made a mental note not to drink and to be sure to eat my Protein first. I have dropped anothe 3 lbs since my fill! Keep at it and keep up the good work!

So sorry Snuffy! I will be your LBT MOM!

Yes! OMG! I want to dance all around and smile all the time! I have been so happy! You are correct greythope! The pain is all in the past and with the fill I know it is going to do it's job and my life is getting better every day! I would love to get together! I will go anywhere! Love to travel!

I had my second fill yesterday! It was easy and quick and I have good restrction noW! I can only eat a few bites and I am full:biggrin2: I have walked a lot in the past 2 days. 1.5 miles yesterday and I walked 3 miles :thumbup:to my sister's house this morning (I made her drive me back):scared2:

Are you working with a surgeon? They did most of the work for me. I did not have a constant BMI of 40 over the past 2 years, acutally I had lost and gained about 70 lbs over a 3 year period. I think that may have been the thing that sealed the deal. do you have any co morbidities? That is also important! If your bmi has ever been high in the past and you gained the weight back. Look back over your records. I actually paid to have all my records copied so I could look back about 10 years.

Jazzy Junes! TOTAL 312 (WOW) New June Bugs are being added! They are in GREEN :thumbup: 2 Deb, Realme, LeighDee, BIG T, Mandi Jo, Kitcatnap, Jajeanne, BanTam, Utahgirl, Strikeuptheband, katkeen, kellystidham, wrestlersmom, kristin1975, pjanesville@cha, jbrod2616, allyfran, Banded2gether, HF2008, No~More~Waddy 3 Huggie Bear, elvisfan, nicolerose, YoungNY, leepizz, Nuali, photobuf, Marlinda, STAN77, mrsjackson, amethystjade, vkcse03, MamaWalla, Zaxtana, shaki 4 Sellie, jills_adopting, ebinsc, Hunzi, jlck98, Alleyoppvolley, Anewkim, Snappymonkey18, Terrier Mom, Snakerivermusic, SanDiegoPhotog, marinemom, nikon harry, Insky67, ryansgirl 5 Irish Ladybug, Cadets 71, LMarie_MD2b, jkpenny376, Imagoofball, Lady Zique, mekadig, MsScorpio67, Long2bThin,Wandafromsc, rbparker, ttbikergirl, aimerus, summer08, Ms. CohCoh, JustPhyl, Sirus 6 Kristybandy, Cathychatts, eagerbandim, mamamarie, luigismama, pitter, Peacedove, Shorty184, WVaCat, jessbychurch, erv, TXEG, livn4jesus, addy, HAPPYBUNNIE, bandedbyrd, wobin, sailingirl,TXEG 9 Bando, gardengrl, flirtyangel, vzghj3, Hayley, CarrieC, CarrieD, Hayley, Katies, pubrownsugar, justbob, ladybuy 238, LeslieR941906, beckyltriplett, pmvb11, rxdspncr, RAMES767, BubbleLove, Tazmin99, LisaV, TheYear Of Me, SassyV, SexxxxyAintI, Lizzard, badgirlink, Wiskeypie, ccarter8219 10 Jules, Shaxmom, rearea1222, To Be Free, twinmommie, Angelshere, acadang, bandme08, Olive424, nancyb2003, Jillian68, micountryfarm aka stacey , kjillcarr, Barbarosa, allana, JeffR, Dino, Smantha39, nannypants and friend, Trishadish, RealSista85, justforme, cfuture88, Yaya24, LeslieR041906, Shanda, Cheri665, acadang 11 triser72, Mowree, aalves, jdrocks226, larakathyleen, Detroitdame75, PRCowboy, hopefulmom25, hippiechick, jeremiahsmommy, debbiefitz, lilnora2, Amisha 12 cris3, Angelyco, WannaDance,Susanm, MissWilde, Jewellj1, gina s, Dee 79, Ebeth0013, sks613, CPSimonton, DONNA ALT, sassylily, hoping, goodexample, cpforever, ghannouge, COPPERL, miladyscribe, 13 BATassbandita, elvisfan1219, KatW, cramadan, amyz, greythope, cantwait2bfree, ch4life, Bobbirs, lanaholuby, jlg, fntasa98, Camel Cracker, MINK, JTRMom, SofiaBell, bigrick, mariliz, HildaM 16 babbs 3772, Phoenix, kdaniels11604, md4pa76, ajpink, mimieg, cjb, NavywifeJenn, Divamom, babygyrl36, bluefish62 17 TX Diva, Apples2, KerryConnor, Shome, iteachurkid, steveamy0503, Kim929, teacherofk, C5711, Lady77 18 KathyStrick, JamesRN, kRiStI wItH a I,Rhondawood63, Kizzie, bochs, Snailog 19 BigJedda, larinshine, ImGonnaLose, DIZ , Sara7venus, lapbandkenner08, RedPem1 20 alliemorris73 , CTGhostHunter, lolipopkd2, Sassy Lady 23 Little Debbie, Mariamomof2, brubear, Yesindeed, sweetrepose, RAINWI, claireycurtis, Greatlyblessed, Snuffy65 ,Kkarryall, jaja2, Snads08 24 trtobiassen, Music Mom, theuse2000, ISmith, MRAMEY, bkladypm ,BumbleBree thuges113, ginad 25 Tennessee Mom, dj bryan, Hollins2003, Sunflower00, rjtrimmer, brown bear, SkinnyMinnie, Waikiki, Kiki220, teford, teetee91477, krissyjeanm, Becqui, nutter0223 26 Suzyt, monicasf, MsChris72, frenchvanilla, Mns-ortiz, KayleighsMommy, MsMia2u, slinderella2b, SkinnieMinnie 27 TexGal, nellie ray, Kalaipahoa, Susie70, kpa88, Armywife4life, lillygirl, onnie67, cherieinnv, Gab, Annabell1, NewHere37, tootwohot, KeyRN, Mikochan 30 maguirre67, Tai68, MS.MAURA NY, Brian, daniml, afisher4band, Smarquezrn, erinbefore, Mamalovell, Kayleighsmommy, Brian, Kdlee, ann71, LilyLily

I have Cigna Open Access through the state of Tennessee. In order to qualify I had to show a BMI of 40 or over 35 with co-morbids. I could show the yo-yo for over 5 years with the BMI over 35. I made sure that I had a BMI 40 when I went for the 1st weigh in, but I did not have a history of BMI 40, I did over 35. Then I had to show 6 months consecutive weight loss programs. I had months with a doctor program that had the dietician and a Physical Therapist. The other month was a weight loss clinic that gives Phentremine. I sent records that showed sleep apnea. I also have asthma and bad knees but I didn't show that. The first request was denied, then we faxed the records again showing only exactly the records that showed the 6 consecutive months and a letter I had written stating why I needed the surgery for my health. That was approved right away. I hope this information helps! Good luck!

I had my surgery done by Dr. Jeffrey Kappa in Kingsport! he is an excellent surgeon and uses the newest Realize Band. The surgeon in Chattanooga is most likely Dr. Jamie Ponce, he is the "expert" on the Realize band, he works for the Realize company and actually was at my surgery to "proctor" Dr. Kappa. From all I see Dr. Watson likes to do bypass and talks people into that surgery. I don't tell many people around that I had this surgery, but I will be happy to talk to you about it. It is a good move and I highly recommend Dr. Kappa!

Kizzie: Sorry to hear about all your pain! The port hurts the first time! I can't imagine having to have it done over! And an infection on top of that! Ykes! I hope you feel better really soon! I will be thinking of you! HUGS!!!!!

Looks to me like Cigna would approve your surgery at 40bmi. That is their requiement! Good luck, I know you have really worked on this! I have seen some of your other post. I have Cigna and they approved me right away with one appeal, of course I had a BMI of 40 and several co morbidities. Best of luck to you!

I am not going to weigh any more until I go for my 2nd fill on Friday... :smile2: Now, you didn't believe that... did you?:huh2: I am sitting at a stand still.:confused_smile: Acutally, I gained 2 lbs before my 1st fill, then I did loose those 2 lbs :biggrin2: again. Now I at a stand still again! :crying: Sounds like everyone is doing really good! I must admit that I am not "dieting." I am trying to cut portions and not drink before and after meals, trying to put the fork down and eat really slow. I am trying to eat for 20 minutes, really slow and then stop! I have always failed at "diets" So with this band I am trying a new approach! We shall see! :biggrin2:

Sounds like everyone's fills are going well! GREAT! I was talking with someone about the band and they said their weight loss was slow until the fills really took hold. I found that to be very encouraging! My doc said I would loose slow with the band, but it would be steady. I am doing ok, but feel like I want food all the time. I am keeping my calories under 1200 and I know that is good. Actually, I haven't been on the scale for a few days. I am going to try to wait to weigh until I go for my next fill on Friday! Long and Huggie and Greyhoundmom: I hope the fills find you in your sweet spot! You are righ It, they are not bad at all. I started out with an empty band and have 3cc in it now. My doc said he likes to go slow.. :eek: NOT ME! I wanna go fast! :w00t: Phoenix, Living4Jesus and rjtrimmer, just hang-on! the fill will come soon, just like waiting to be banded! Remember how anxious we all were! I am looking forward to the fall and the Christmas post to see how much we change over a few months! I have looked at the April and May post to get an idea. Very encouraging! :cursing:

:cursing:Jazzy Junes! TOTAL 311 (WOW) New June Bugs are being added! They are in GREEN :eek: 2 Deb, Realme, LeighDee, BIG T, Mandi Jo, Kitcatnap, Jajeanne, BanTam, Utahgirl, Strikeuptheband, katkeen, kellystidham, wrestlersmom, kristin1975, pjanesville@cha, jbrod2616, allyfran, Banded2gether, HF2008, No~More~Waddy 3 Huggie Bear, elvisfan, nicolerose, YoungNY, leepizz, Nuali, photobuf, Marlinda, STAN77, mrsjackson, amethystjade, vkcse03, MamaWalla, Zaxtana, shaki 4 Sellie, jills_adopting, ebinsc, Hunzi, jlck98, Alleyoppvolley, Anewkim, Snappymonkey18, Terrier Mom, Snakerivermusic, SanDiegoPhotog, marinemom, nikon harry, Insky67, ryansgirl 5 Irish Ladybug, Cadets 71, LMarie_MD2b, jkpenny376, Imagoofball, Lady Zique, mekadig, MsScorpio67, Long2bThin,Wandafromsc, rbparker, ttbikergirl, aimerus, summer08, Ms. CohCoh, JustPhyl, Sirus 6 Kristybandy, Cathychatts, eagerbandim, mamamarie, luigismama, pitter, Peacedove, Shorty184, WVaCat, jessbychurch, erv, TXEG, livn4jesus, addy, HAPPYBUNNIE, bandedbyrd, wobin, sailingirl,TXEG 9 Bando, gardengrl, flirtyangel, vzghj3, Hayley, CarrieC, CarrieD, Hayley, Katies, pubrownsugar, justbob, ladybuy 238, LeslieR941906, beckyltriplett, pmvb11, rxdspncr, RAMES767, BubbleLove, Tazmin99, LisaV, TheYear Of Me, SassyV, SexxxxyAintI, Lizzard, badgirlink, Wiskeypie, ccarter8219 10 Jules, Shaxmom, rearea1222, To Be Free, twinmommie, Angelshere, acadang, bandme08, Olive424, nancyb2003, Jillian68, micountryfarm aka stacey , kjillcarr, Barbarosa, allana, JeffR, Dino, Smantha39, nannypants and friend, Trishadish, RealSista85, justforme, cfuture88, Yaya24, LeslieR041906, Shanda, Cheri665, acadang 11 triser72, Mowree, aalves, jdrocks226, larakathyleen, Detroitdame75, PRCowboy, hopefulmom25, hippiechick, jeremiahsmommy, debbiefitz, lilnora2, Amisha 12 cris3, Angelyco, WannaDance,Susanm, MissWilde, Jewellj1, gina s, Dee 79, Ebeth0013, sks613, CPSimonton, DONNA ALT, sassylily, hoping, goodexample, cpforever, ghannouge, COPPERL, miladyscribe, 13 BATassbandita, elvisfan1219, KatW, cramadan, amyz, greythope, cantwait2bfree, ch4life, Bobbirs, lanaholuby, jlg, fntasa98, Camel Cracker, MINK, JTRMom, SofiaBell, bigrick, mariliz, HildaM 16 babbs 3772, Phoenix, kdaniels11604, md4pa76, ajpink, mimieg, cjb, NavywifeJenn, Divamom, babygyrl36, bluefish62 17 TX Diva, Apples2, KerryConnor, Shome, iteachurkid, steveamy0503, Kim929, teacherofk, C5711, Lady77 18 KathyStrick, JamesRN, kRiStI wItH a I,Rhondawood63, Kizzie, bochs, Snailog 19 BigJedda, larinshine, ImGonnaLose, DIZ , Sara7venus, lapbandkenner08, RedPem1 20 alliemorris73 , CTGhostHunter, lolipopkd2, Sassy Lady 23 Little Debbie, Mariamomof2, brubear, Yesindeed, sweetrepose, RAINWI, claireycurtis, Greatlyblessed, Snuffy65 ,Kkarryall, jaja2, Snads08 24 trtobiassen, Music Mom, theuse2000, ISmith, MRAMEY, bkladypm ,BumbleBree thuges113, ginad 25 Tennessee Mom, dj bryan, Hollins2003, Sunflower00, rjtrimmer, brown bear, SkinnyMinnie, Waikiki, Kiki220, teford, teetee91477, krissyjeanm, Becqui, nutter0223 26 Suzyt, monicasf, MsChris72, frenchvanilla, Mns-ortiz, KayleighsMommy, MsMia2u, slinderella2b, SkinnieMinnie 27 TexGal, nellie ray, Kalaipahoa, Susie70, kpa88, Armywife4life, lillygirl, onnie67, cherieinnv, Gab, Annabell1, NewHere37, tootwohot, KeyRN 30 maguirre67, Tai68, MS.MAURA NY, Brian, daniml, afisher4band, Smarquezrn, erinbefore, Mamalovell, Kayleighsmommy, Brian, Kdlee, ann71, LilyLily

:smile2:Jazzy Junes! TOTAL 310 (WOW) All the June Bugs are Banded!:crying: The list has completely flipped! 2 Deb, Realme, LeighDee, BIG T, Mandi Jo, Kitcatnap, Jajeanne, BanTam, Utahgirl, Strikeuptheband, katkeen, kellystidham, wrestlersmom, kristin1975, pjanesville@cha, jbrod2616, allyfran, Banded2gether, HF2008, No~More~Waddy 3 Huggie Bear, elvisfan, nicolerose, YoungNY, leepizz, Nuali, photobuf, Marlinda, STAN77, mrsjackson, amethystjade, vkcse03, MamaWalla, Zaxtana, shaki 4 Sellie, jills_adopting, ebinsc, Hunzi, jlck98, Alleyoppvolley, Anewkim, Snappymonkey18, Terrier Mom, Snakerivermusic, SanDiegoPhotog, marinemom, nikon harry, Insky67, ryansgirl 5 Irish Ladybug, Cadets 71, LMarie_MD2b, jkpenny376, Imagoofball, Lady Zique, mekadig, MsScorpio67, Long2bThin,Wandafromsc, rbparker, ttbikergirl, aimerus, summer08, Ms. CohCoh, JustPhyl, Sirus 6 Kristybandy, Cathychatts, eagerbandim, mamamarie, luigismama, pitter, Peacedove, Shorty184, WVaCat, jessbychurch, erv, TXEG, livn4jesus, addy, HAPPYBUNNIE, bandedbyrd, wobin, sailingirl,TXEG 9 Bando, gardengrl, flirtyangel, vzghj3, Hayley, CarrieC, CarrieD, Hayley, Katies, pubrownsugar, justbob, ladybuy 238, LeslieR941906, beckyltriplett, pmvb11, rxdspncr, RAMES767, BubbleLove, Tazmin99, LisaV, TheYear Of Me, SassyV, SexxxxyAintI, Lizzard, badgirlink, Wiskeypie 10 Jules, Shaxmom, rearea1222, To Be Free, twinmommie, Angelshere, acadang, bandme08, Olive424, nancyb2003, Jillian68, micountryfarm aka stacey , kjillcarr, Barbarosa, allana, JeffR, Dino, Smantha39, nannypants and friend, Trishadish, RealSista85, justforme, cfuture88, Yaya24, LeslieR041906, Shanda, Cheri665, acadang 11 triser72, Mowree, aalves, jdrocks226, larakathyleen, Detroitdame75, PRCowboy, hopefulmom25, hippiechick, jeremiahsmommy, debbiefitz, lilnora2, Amisha 12 cris3, Angelyco, WannaDance,Susanm, MissWilde, Jewellj1, gina s, Dee 79, Ebeth0013, sks613, CPSimonton, DONNA ALT, sassylily, hoping, goodexample, cpforever, ghannouge, COPPERL, miladyscribe, 13 BATassbandita, elvisfan1219, KatW, cramadan, amyz, greythope, cantwait2bfree, ch4life, Bobbirs, lanaholuby, jlg, fntasa98, Camel Cracker, MINK, JTRMom, SofiaBell, bigrick, mariliz, HildaM 16 babbs 3772, Phoenix, kdaniels11604, md4pa76, ajpink, mimieg, cjb, NavywifeJenn, Divamom, babygyrl36, bluefish62 17 TX Diva, Apples2, KerryConnor, Shome, iteachurkid, steveamy0503, Kim929, teacherofk, C5711, Lady77 18 KathyStrick, JamesRN, kRiStI wItH a I,Rhondawood63, Kizzie, bochs, Snailog 19 BigJedda, larinshine, ImGonnaLose, DIZ , Sara7venus, lapbandkenner08, RedPem1 20 alliemorris73 , CTGhostHunter, lolipopkd2, Sassy Lady 23 Little Debbie, Mariamomof2, brubear, Yesindeed, sweetrepose, RAINWI, claireycurtis, Greatlyblessed, Snuffy65 ,Kkarryall, jaja2, Snads08 24 trtobiassen, Music Mom, theuse2000, ISmith, MRAMEY, bkladypm ,BumbleBree thuges113, ginad 25 Tennessee Mom, dj bryan, Hollins2003, Sunflower00, rjtrimmer, brown bear, SkinnyMinnie, Waikiki, Kiki220, teford, teetee91477, krissyjeanm, Becqui, nutter0223 26 Suzyt, monicasf, MsChris72, frenchvanilla, Mns-ortiz, KayleighsMommy, MsMia2u, slinderella2b, SkinnieMinnie 27 TexGal, nellie ray, Kalaipahoa, Susie70, kpa88, Armywife4life, lillygirl, onnie67, cherieinnv, Gab, Annabell1, NewHere37, tootwohot, KeyRN 30 maguirre67, Tai68, MS.MAURA NY, Brian, daniml, afisher4band, Smarquezrn, erinbefore, Mamalovell, Kayleighsmommy, Brian, Kdlee, ann71, LilyLily

Strikeuptheband: Can you tell much difference since you got the second fill?

Happy Sunday Everyone: I have been kinda busy lately, I miss you guys! I am doing ok, but get another fill on Friday 18th. I have realized that I have to really eat slow and not drink and I can feel the band working. I also have to do as they say and eat the protein first. If you drink you wash the food through the pouch too fast. I have also walked! I have done about a mile each day and it takes me about 20 minutes. I have to add the extra 10 minutes but I am really moving. Last night I did 1.5 miles with my daughter. She is a runner so I know I really slowed her down, but she keep me moving:sneaky: I haven't been back on my bike for a few days. :ohmy:I hope to get back on the bike this week. It has been really stormy here and I don't want to get caught in a storm on a bike! Maybe the weather will get better, but I can't complain, cause we really needed the rain! Take care and have a great week! :biggrin2:

Check with your HR dept. If your company excluded WL surgery then blame them, not Cigna. I have Cigna, Open Access through the state of Tennessee and they paid for my surgery. I paid my surgeon $50.00 and the hospital $80.00. That is it! Cigna also has a nurse that has called me twice to check on how I was and give me support! I was also approved in 72 hours.

The fills aren't bad, just close your eyes and breath deep. It is over before you know it. Or at least mine was easy. Good luck! Sounds like you are doing very good!

I agree Strikeuptheband! The food database is terrible. I do the Dailyplate look up the foods and then log them into the realize custom foods. I figure after a while most of them will be there, I am going to message the realize people and suggest that they try to hook up with dailyplate or maybe caloriecount. LOL Snuffy: I bet the doctors do love the realize site... it sends plenty of business back. My doc doesn't charge for fills until after 90 days after surgery. That is good! My insurance pays for my fills too.

Good luck on your next fill Strikeuptheband. I am going to try to move my second fill up also. When you got your fill did you log it on the Realize website? I did and a message poped up and said to contact my doctor, that my fill was not enough, I needed more. I like the webpage they have for support, but I don't much like the food data base.

Hey Snuffy: I am not worried about the amount of protein I get. I know I am getting more than enough. What I have been guilty of is the slider foods! :biggrin: I just hadn't made the transition away from them. Oh woe is me! I will now do better! :thumbup:

Hey Folks! As you all know I have had a fill of 3 cc on the 2nd. I am doing good, but I noticed that I am still hungry all the time. I went to the food thread on here and read. I think I have been guilty of too many soft foods. I got used to the liquids and the mushies and have hung onto them and added solids with them. Apparently, I should give up the soft foods and mushies except for the really high Protein ones. I knew this, but I guess I was not thinking about when to stop with the shakes and Soups. Today I have only had solid protein, tuna and turkey and I have stayed full all day. I have re-read my packet on diet and have also stopped drinking before and after meals. It seems to be helping. I also read an article on the 5 day pouch test and diet to get you back on track. here is a link: Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test. I read that and it talked about all the slider foods. There seems to be a bit of controversy about this "test," but I think the whole point is to get you back on track and end the "carb cravings." That seems to be a good idea to me. I am going to try to completely avoid the slider foods and really pour on the protein and see how my fill works. I talked to someone who said, that it takes two or even three fills for the band to really begin working. I understand some of us got a pre-fill in surgery. I didn't, so I am going to push on and try to see how I do. If is stay hungry I will call and see if I can have the 2nd fill sooner thatn 2 weeks. Who knows! it is worth a try! Oh! I use the Daily plate too, I go on there and look up the foods and do their thing and then I go to the Realize band site and put the info in there. The Realize site does not have a good food bank, so I am doing my own. I need to do the Realize site because my doc can go in there an look at what I am doing. I think that is cool! Well, I gotta go my night class is here. Good luck to all! PS don't sweat it too much until you get the fills! just try our best! Remember we are all here because we needed the "tool!" Let's give it a chance to work!

I have had a fill on July 2nd. I was kinda afraid, but it was ok. My port is still kinda tender, but all I felt was a sting and then a little burning. I could hear some of the fluid going in, kinda like a gurgle. It was not bad at all. I will get another fill on the 16th.

I got 3cc in my band on Wednesday the 2nd I was banded on the 6th of June, I do feel a little different and have gone from eating over 1200 calories a day down to 800-1000. :wink2: I just can't eat much more. If I eat the protein first like a bit of chicken, egg, or beef then I have trouble eating more. I get the feeling like a lifesaver is stuck :crying:in my throat and have to sit quite and wait for it to go down. It is a little easier now. :frown: Oh yes! It is true, the sugars and "c" foods go down as easy as pie.:sneaky: If one is not careful it is really easy to eat around the band. :thumbup: I am beginning to drop weight again, have lost :blush:the 2 lbs I had gained back before the fill. I hope this helps everyone, the worst part of the fill was protecting the port area has been huge for me, cause it hurt there and then letting him stick a needle in there... ouch! But it wasn't too bad, I just closed my eyes and thought of the "little engine that could":scared2: "I think I can!" Hope everyone is doing well! Look forward to hearing about more fills!