serenity55

Hi Nancy, Yeah, You're right, it would suck big time! I was denied several times and had to appeal. Fortunately the medical group I was with was bought out by another one which gave me the approval within three days. I'll send positive thoughts and good wishes so you won't have to go through that. If you do, you can always come here for support. I sure did. good luck, and let us know how things go. In the meantime, act as if you've already got that approval in your hand!

Hello ladies, Welcome to the forum! I was on a liquid diet for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. You may find that you're not hungry post op because of the swelling. My surgeon allowed me to have all kinds of soup, sugar free puddings and popcicles, water, of course, Crystal Lite, Jello. No doubt you will be given a list of the things you can have. I found that coming here and sharing with those having surgery the same time as I was, reading posts and asking questions of those who went before me, really helped. Good luck to you both. .

Hey Jackie, congratulations on the 19 pounds! As for the hunger, what about healthy snacks, since you're on solids. I still had sugar free puddings, protein drinks, nuts, fruit, and lots of water. Keeping busy helped sometimes too. You could be hungry because the swelling from surgery has gone down. I'm no expert, but I hope some of this helps. And again, congrats!

Hello, It's always a good idea to get loved ones on board for the lap band, or any weight loss surgery because it's such a major change for us. If it takes time for your boyfriend to come around, please know that you can always come here for support. Also, you might look in the local forum in your state--or country if you don't live in north America--and maybe you'll find people in your area. Good luck, and please keep us posted.

As someone who deals with depression I can understand just how hard it is to be motivated. I agree with Carol: The important thing is to work through the depression, because, if you're like me, anything else I'd try to do would be a disaster. One day at a time. The day will come when you will be ready to go for that fill. Please keep posting if it helps you to know that there are others who struggle. Try not to think of what might happen down the road. The important time is now. One step at a time, you're coming back. Do keep on trying. And please accept my condolences for the loss of your grandmother. . Debbie

I don't know, but I knew a woman who had gastric bypass and when I told her I was going to have lap band surgery, she asked, "Why do you want to get that lap band?" I could just hear the contempt in her voice. But the patient liaison at my surgeon's office had bypass surgery, and I know a few others who've had it, and they aren't like that at all. Whatever works for us is what works for us, and we should all just be glad for each other. It's too bad that's not always the case.

Reginemichel, don't be too hard on yourself. You haven't failed your band. It isn't even half full yet, and it's only been three months. You're doing great, and you weigh less than you did before your surgery A lesson I've just learned after almost 17 months is that restriction really makes a difference. Once you have restriction you really won't feel hungry. If anyone had told me that five months ago, I would have said they were crazy, but it's true. I was told that I might even gain weight, so the fact that you're fluctuating doesn't mean you're failing. The beauty of the band is that we can always lose those unwanted pounds and know that we don't have to repeat what we went through before we got it. . Hang in there, keep posting, and don't give up! You're heading in the right direction! Debbie!

Hello Ice, I was banded at age 54, so you've got 6 years on me! Congratulations! I think the best thing I did was find this website and read, read, read, and ask questions. Because of that, I don't think I could have been any more prepared, unless someone could have told me how not to be terrified of needles! :-) Debbie

HI Tim, You probably won't see this post until you come home, but I hope everything goes well for you. Be sure to let us know, and welcome to Lap Band Talk! Debbie

Rain, I know exactly how you must feel. When I started my lap band journey, I was told that coverage for lap band surgery wasn't specifically mentioned, whatever that meant. But in my case, it was the medical group that kept denying me. I took two psychological evaluations, saw two cardiologists, wrote letters for everything they denied me for--with the help of my primary care physician. The second psych evaluation and cardiology appointment were after I'd been approved, and that only happened after my medical group was bought out by another one. I truly wish you the best of luck. Please let us know what happens. Debbie

Hi, Did you get any kind of list from your surgeon with instructions on what to eat? The reason I'm asking is because sometimes he/she may want you to remain on Clear Liquids for a certain amount of time and then go to full liquids, like creamy Soups, Jello, sugarfree popcicles, Protein shakes, and of course lots of Water. You might want to check with your surgeon, but these are the things I was allowed for the first two weeks after surgery. I hope this helps. Good luck. Debbie

Humming Bird, my roommate is visually impaired, but I think she'll be able to see the pictures. I'm going to have her look at them, because I think she would love them. I'm sure the deer are adorable! What a wonderful place to live! Thank you! Debbie

Thank you all. Humming Bird, I'll try to remember what you said about my attitude being another sweet spot. I really like that, and I'm sure it will help me. AshleyLin, you can do it! I've still got a long way to go, but I feel more than ever that I can too. Debbie

I went for a fill Tuesday, and boy! do I have restriction! I love it! If this isn't my sweet spot, I'm hoping it's pretty close! ! I have to eat even slower. I get full on even less and haven't been hungry between meals. I really feel like my band is working with me. I haven't had anything get stuck, or slimed or pb. If anyone had told me that I could get full on even less food, I would have said, not me! How often I've read about bandsters only eating burgers without the buns, or half of something. I think I'm joining those ranks. And you know what else? It's motivated me, and I want to exercise, because I really understand on a much deeper level that it all works together. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. Has anything like this happened to anyone else?. It's taken me 16 months, but the good thing about the band is that I can always keep trying. It's just waiting for me to take advantage of the help it has to offer. I love my band! Debbie

This is so cool! If I ever get rich (hahaha!!) I'm going to visit each and every place mentioned here! Thank you all! Debbie

Hi Robin, You've come to the right place for support. I found lots of that and encouragement, and friends too. It really is normal to be nervous--that just makes you human. Please ask questions, and read as the other poster said. I've found there's always someone willing to answer questions or just offer encouragement. Let us know how things go. Debbie

Great idea! Thank you!

This may sound like a stupid question, but usually when I go for my fill I wear pants. I've scheduled one this Tuesday, and I'm having a picture taken, for which I'm wearing a dress. (I do wear them to work a lot, but when I have a chance to walk on our track it's easier to wear pants. Maybe TMI, sorry.) I prefer having my doctor doing the fill as opposed to the nurse practitioner, whom I'm not crazy about . Anyway, my question is, does anyone find it awkward getting a fill wearing a dress and hose? I've been thinking about this today, and it really sounds silly asking, but there it is. Debbie

Humming Bird, your description was wonderful! I could almost smell the pine! Thank you. AnnieM, it must be just as wonderful living in the city, but with all the trees you planted giving you privacy. Sometimes I think the best places to visit are those where there aren't a lot of tourists. Thank you, too. Debbie

Hi all, It's been nine months since anyone posted here, and I'm just wondering how everyone is doing. I'm on vacation this week. I've been on the treadmill every day, and done my weight resistance training, but I really don't like exercising. Yes, I feel good after I've done it; yes, I've lost a couple of pounds, but that doesn't make it easier. Can anyone relate? I just wanted to see if any of my fellow not overachievers are still out there! Debbie

Thank you Sarah Marie and Subie66. I have been to places where it is quiet at night, and there have been millions of stars. I can't see them, but my friends have always described things for me. The peace in those places is what I want, and the safety one must feel as well, Not to mention the changing seasons, clean air--I could go on, but I'm sure you all get the picture. Debbie.

Hi Shayna, It's an exciting and nervous time, but one that will definitely be worth it. Welcome to lap band talk. Before my surgery I came here a lot, asked questions and read. It was the best thing I could have done, apart from having a surgeon I admire and respect. Good luck, congratulations, and ask away! Oh, reading is good, too! :cursing: Debbie

Hi Tiffany, I lurked for quite awhile before joining, too. Once I did, I was glad, and I hope you'll find the same thing is true for you. I found lots of encouragement, support and information here; so much so that, when I went to the support group meetings at my surgeon's office, there were lots of things I already knew. Good luck, and congratulations! You're almost there Debbie!

Hey Lynn, welcome aboard! Congratulations on making the decision to get banded. This is a great place for information and support, so feel free to ask any questions you may have, and someone is sure to have an answer. :cursing: Debbie

Linda, I don't think I was hungry so much as I wanted to eat real food. Before your first fill is often referred to bandster hell because there can be so many things happening. You've just had surgery, it's a life change and there may be emotions that come up as well as the hunger. Many of us are losing our best friend, food. :cursing: I think some people are hungry before the first fill, but even afterward you may not feel restriction, that is, feeling full after you eat. Please don't be discouraged, though. As long as you have support and are willing to take advantage of that, (including this site) you'll do well. Ask anything you like, and I hope this helps. Debbie