lindas0809

In your opinion - but to the millions without any healthcare options it may be better.

Hi! I've been blogging since right before surgery (about 18 months ago). I love the banded blogging community - it's a great place for inspiration and support. My blog address is in my signature - I hope you stop by. Linda

Mines in my signature - can't wait to read some new ones.

Hi! I'm 18 months out from surgery and don't regret a thing (except not doing it years ago). I have lost 105 pounds since banding and about 125 total including pre-op weight. It does take work - you have to make sure you are following the rules. If you eat candy and milkshakes it won't work for you, but if you get your fills and eat Protein and fresh foods it will work. I'm not perfect in my eating because I know from past experience that I can't live my life on a diet, but I eat normal foods in small portions and never feel deprived. I agree with another commenter that people who are a few years out and successful don't come to the sight and comment as much ( I know I don't), but people who are disgruntled or unhappy do so don't get too down. I have a blog and there are TONS of bandster blogs out there, so I encourage you to read some it really helps you get a good big picture (good & bad stuff). Good luck with your decision!

It's really hard to fully use the band if you don't have restriction. I understand that your port is hard to access but really talk to your Dr. about making a plan to get you to full restriction so you can start losing. It took me a long time to get restriction, but once I did the weight fell off. Don't get discouraged - the band is great once you get restriction.

Heartburn can be a sign of being overfilled - have you had a fill recently? It can be serious, but I know I have it and after I had an upper GI to make sure everything was OK the Dr. just prescribed a daily nexium. It works well for me. I hope you find some relief soon.

I've been blogging since right before my surgery last year and I can't tell you how great it's been. There is a huge banded blogging community that offers great support. I recommend following some blogs and getting involved in the community. Mine is below, feel free to stop by.

You guys are in "Bandster Hell" when you're back on solid food, but have no restriction. It can take awhile to get good restriction - I think it was about 4 months for me, but once you get it it's great and makes a world of difference. During this time it will take self control on your part to not gain weight, work with your Dr. to get your fills and get to the sweet spot. Good luck!

If you opt to take COBRA coverage with his current plan you should be covered for surgery even if he leaves his current job. COBRA is expensive, but if it covers surgery it's so worth it. Call insurance and be honest with them they can confirm if COBRA will still cover surgery. Good luck!

Congrats on surgery! I think at 5 days post op I wasn't getting all my Protein either. At this point don't really worry about 3 "meals" a day. Just work on getting high protein liquids down all day. Everyone's post op diet is different, but I know at 5 days I was on full liquids that included puddings & yogurts. Don't force yourself to eat just try to sneak in small amounts when you can. Good luck!

Hi Mo! Good luck with your decision! I was banded a year ago and have had great results. Feel free to asks lots of questions and get as much information as possible.

Congrats! I was banded last year on June 5th. I've lost 83 pounds since and love my band. I hope all goes well for you!

Sweetbean- we are band twins. I was 10 month out on the 5th and have lost 76 pound since. My next minigoal is 199 - I'm 3 pounds away! Not sure what I'll treat myself to. Maybe a spa day or a new charm for my Tiffany charm bracelet. You are doing great - enjoy your new bag!

I think I've had 10 fills (including one unfill). I have 9.75cc's in an 11cc band. I'm at sweet spot, but still need small tweaks to stay there (just had on yesterday).

I would definitely call Aetna. I had Aetna HMO and they covered fills 100% for the first 90 days and they I paid a copay and sometimes a balance of $50-70 that was billed after. You definitely need a fill for the band to work, so do what you need to do to get them.