kris74745

Hi! I can relate to your weight gain. I weighed about the same as you did, and then had a few traumatic events in my life. I gained over 100 lbs. 60 lbs. due to anti-depressants. Anyway, I think it is different for every state and every insurance company. My insurance did not cover mine. My husband had it done, also. I would find out if there are any local seminars you can attend. That was the first step for me. Once that was over with, the process just rolled on! They have a pre-op diet of liquids: Slim-Fast, clear broths, and Protein shakes, and Vitamins. This is to shrink your liver. You will have to have a sleep study, so if you want to get that under way, go ahead. Some places require a note from a psychologist. If you see a psychologist, it wouldn't hurt to do that. You definitely can have the surgery, and I think you would be more than pleased with it! It takes time, but it is worth it! At first, it seems overwhelming, but take it one day at a time, and before you know it...you are banded! You should be able to call your insurance company and ask if they cover morbid obesity. Good luck to you and in whatever you decision you make! Kristi:thumbup:

I have never been scared of needles. I have been poked since I was tiny, so and have had blood drawn many times. However, when I went in for my first fill, the surgeon poked around and moved it around inside. It was so uncomfortable. The second fill, the surgeon found it more quickly, but still had to dig. The explanation was that women have more fat on their abdominal cavity. Men are built differently, and it so much more easy to find their port. My husband had the surgery the same day. His fills are over in ten seconds!!! The more women lose weight, the easier it becomes to locate the port, and the less digging they will have to do! I would hang in there, take a xanax, and squeeze that hubby's hand!!! I also take xanax before I go. I tend to have panic attacks afterwards!!! I guess because I feel filled when I try to drink or eat and I don't want anything at first because of fear of throwing up. I am getting over that now, and I think you will do well with the band. Eventually, your abdomen will shrink to where they can find your port without digging. The first time for me, I swear she dug for 3 minutes. She had to get out the long needle. The next time was 2 minutes, so maybe my third fill will be 1 minute!:tt2: Just hang in there and good luck to you!!! I would advise you to not take the band out! It will get better in time!:w00t: Kristi

Hi Tootie!!! I am also from Oklahoma. I live in Southeast OK as well. I went to Texarkana to have my surgery done by Dr. Keilin. She is awesome! I am happy for you and your decision to change your life! I am one of the people who has had some bad luck, but it was well worth it and I am over all of that (knock on wood). Let me know how it goes. By the way, what town are you from? I am from Idabel...Talk to you soon! Kristi

Hi! I had my surgery on June 4th, 2008. My weight loss has been extremely slow. After my first fill, I could still eat practically anything, just not quite as much as I used to. I just had my second fill. There is a major difference! I had only lost 10 lbs before this fill. Now I have lost 20! I eat tuna salad, soft scrambled eggs w/ one piece of bacon, a lot of tuna salad!!!!! If my stomach is upset, I will eat something more soft, like a potato or Beans. Talk to your surgeon about your concern, and he/she will take care of you! :thumbdown: Kristi

Hi! I just had my second fill, and I think it is pretty tight. Everything feels like it has a hard time going down and is a bit painful and really uncomfortable. On your second fill, were you not able to eat much at all? The first day, I could barely drink anything. That was just this past Tuesday. Now, I can drink, but I have to be extremely careful about timing and taking meds or else I end up burping up. Do you think it is too tight? Kristi

Yeah. I throw up from my toes and all! Lol! That poses more of a risk than burping up from the band. The heaving is what can cause slippage. Be sure your doctor prescribes you some medication for nausea. That saved me a few times! Kristi

I asked my doctor the same question. She said it is a risk, but they have only had one person who's band slipped. It will come up, it just can irritate the band. I think in the beginning, when you are healing, it is most crucial to keep from throwin up. I was worried, too. I actually have thrown up, and I am okay. It does come up!

I think you are doing great. I have talked to many people who get fills every two weeks. My surgeon will only do it every 6 weeks! I was banded June 4th and filled once. I have only lost ten lbs. I can't wait for another fill! I am also on the pill, but I am an emotional eater. I have to really watch for that by keeping busy. I know the doctors want you to lose no more than 2-3 lbs per week. You have already lost quite a bit and that is awesome! I hope you continue to reach your goal. I don't blame you for making an appointment. Only you know how your body feels. At least you can talk with them! Kristi

Okay! That makes more sense. I did not have the hernia, but my husband did. He had no pain and is doing wonderfully! We were banded the same day. However, I had nerve damage to the left side of my belly button, as you are describing and up through my shoulder. Sometimes the left side of my stomach seems sore. I bet you are correct. It has something to do with the nerve. Thank you for the reply! :thumbup: Awesome progress!

I think the shoulder pain was worse than the surgery! I would say surgery at the worst was 5...shoulder was 7...neck a little higher. I hope everything goes well for you. I would do it again...I just want this to go away! I probably need to talk to my surgeon again, because I didn't have this pain before surgery. My husband had no problems whatsoever and is doing wonderfully! I'm happy he doesn't have the pain!:thumbup: I normally just try to work with it. Good luck with yours! Let us know how it goes! Kristi

Well, tell the surgeon that I didn't have the hernia! My husband did, and he never has had shoulder pain! They fixed his as well. I don't know why that happens, but it is crazy! I guess mine does seem to hurt when I get home from a busy day at work. Maybe laying down will help me, too. Thanks for the reply and advice! :thumbup: Hopefully it will go away soon!!!

Thanks for the reply. I just wonder why my pain is still here after 2 months! I try some pain relievers, and I normally just try to suck it up. I don't like taking too much medication! Thanks again! Kristi

I had the surgery on the fourth of June. Ever since then, I have had pain in my left shoulder traveling up into my neck. It doesn't occur everyday, but it did not occur before surgery. Also, I have talked to several people about their fills. My surgeon has mine scheduled 6 weeks apart. I felt hungry 2 weeks after my first fill. The weight is not really coming off. I guess I am just confused. I am trying to eat my protein first and not drink with my meals. I don't know what else to do, because I am hungry. My blood sugar drops during the day, too. Any suggestions? Kristi:confused:

I know it is difficult. It is going to take some time. In order to use the restroom, I had to wait and let the urine just come out. I could not use the muscles. My surgeon did prescribe one more fill of Lortab. I think you should call again about the pain, and explain that you just need it to help sleep and until the pain starts going away. I get my first fill next week, and my left side is still achy. The ripping or burning feeling is gone. The nurse explained that when they perform the surgery, your legs are actually up and not in the best position. The liver retractor can cause pain. The fact that the shot was on the same side of my surgery worsened my pain. The shot left a bruise about 3 inches in diameter. Anyway, you aren't alone. I would try to call again for pain medication this week. Nothing else would work for me. Gradually, the nerve pain will go away. You will be happy and almost normal before too long. You will just be losing weight!!!! Good luck and let me know what the doc says about it. Kris