Weigh2Fat

Hey Overit! Every insurance company is different so be sure to read the policy or ask upfront what is expected of you in the 6-month diet. My insurance requires that you lose 5% of your weight from the day you're approved. You have up to 12 months to lose it, but won't be approved until you've been in the program 6 months. They want to know that you are committed to changing your old eating habits. During the 6 months, I received phone calls from a 'health coach'. The day of the week and time was preset so I would be available. The coach just went over any problems you were having and made sure you were eating the right things. Then at the end of the 6-months, if I was sure I had lost my 5%, I had to go in to my DR and weigh. As long as you lost your 5%, you were approved. I did hear from an inside friend that you don't want to lose TOO much, or they will say you're doing fine on your own. After I weighed in and was approved I could not gain back one ounce. Surgery would be cancelled if I gained any weight. So it was tough keeping it off. I had to do one more final weigh in 2 weeks prior to my surgery date to prove I hadn't gained. After that weigh in I went out with the DH and had my farewell fatty indulgement dinner. Then started my 2 week liquid diet the next day. Its been hard, but so worth it. I've been banded now about 5 weeks and have one fill. I LOVE the band and would recommend it to anyone who is really ready to make good choices to make it work. You still have to diet. It just makes it easier to stick to the diet. Good Luck!

I had my first fill this morning. I have a 9cc Realize band and was told that they can do up to 5 CCs on the first fill. I left with about 4.5 CCs. Liquids and mushies for the first 2 days so lunch was Panera Cheese Broccoli soup which went down without any problem. I only ate about 2/3 but not because of restriction. I could have eaten the whole thing. Then tonight I had some buttered noodles. I had about 1/2 -3/4 cup down and then BAM! Out of nowhere I got tight. So I stopped and walked around a bit. Nothing bad happened. Just the tightness. Of course I'm just learning to watch for the signs and I know that I was not waiting long enough in between bites. But I was excited to feel the tightness and know that it's going to work. Hopefully, I can restart the weightloss. I've only lost about 3 pounds in the past 3 weeks of no restricition bandster hell.

I had the same reaction but only after I pulled off the steri-strips. I was about 2 weeks out and all 5 of my incisions got red around them and itched like crazy. I used caladryl around the incisions to help control the itch and it worked well. (Just be sure not to apply directly on your incisions if you use some). And no restriction is very common. You're in that bad stage between eating food again and your first fill. A lot of people will gain weight back in this period, but it will come back off. Stay committed. You're going to be so gald you did!

I'm also 3 weeks post-op. The night before my two week check, all five of my incisions turned bright red around them and began itching. The next day at my appt. my DR looked at them and said that there was no infection. It was just a part of the healing and that everyone reacts diferently. I'm about 3 1/2 weeks out now and they are still a little red around the two larger incisions, but no longer itch. It's always best to give your DR a call though.

I'm 12 days post-op and just got the OK today to move on to the mushies. I too felt like I was given a green light to indulge myself. Bad I know, but I'm not worried. I know I have to rein it in over the next few weeks until my first fill. But it was nice to chew again and satisfy a craving. If it helps, try staying on your diet 3-4 days straight and then enjoy a craving one night. As long as you balance it out until you get to your optimum fill point, you're not going to hurt anything. Just don't over do it. You don't want to stretch your pouch. Relax and enjoy the journey!

I had my first post-op checkup today. I'm 12 days post-op and got the OK to start the mushies. It was so nice to chew again! I have the realize band and without any fills have no restricition so I'm going to have to be very careful over the next 3 weeks until my first fill. I hope everyone else is doing well.

Hi kbritt - I was banded on the 27th too. My DR ordered only Water and ice chips the day of surgery. Then Day 2-14 are full liquids - sugar free popsicles, Jello, broth, strained Soups, Protein Drinks, etc. I see my DR on Monday and I'm hoping he moves me to the 2-4 week diet which will be the mushies. After 4 weeks it's back to full solids. I haven't had any problems with recovery, eating, drinking so feel very blessed that this went so well. I'm so sorry for all those that had a rougher time. The only negative experience I've had so far was about 5 nights of not being able to sleep on my left side. But it feels much better now! Rebecca - I'm so sorry that you are having such a rough road. Hang in there and congrats on the 11 pounds down!

Just wondering how all the May 27 surgeries went. Mine went great and I feel really good. Surgery was at 7:30, right on time, and I was in recovery and awake by 9:00. I went home around 11:00 with my liquid Vicadin...YUM! That stuff really works well. Today I'm trying to wean off it a little. I'm tender, but no pain. Hope everyone else is doing as well. Post when you get time.

Hey Juniper! I'm May 27 also, but with the 2 week liquid diet. Are you doing lapband or Realize? I'm going with the Realize but not for any real particular reason. My DR has done mostly lapband, but likes the design of the Realize more and more. Good luck to you. I'll be watching your success postings!

May 27! Can't wait!

I think there are pros and cons either way you go. I have a banded friend who advised me not to tell anyone because she hated the post-surgical, "How much have you lost now?" or "Should you be eating that?" It was constant at her work place. However, I did tell my friends, family, co-workers, (and the nice stranger on the plane last month!). I would say 90% are very supportive and can't wait to see the results. 5% are in that, "You just need to eat smaller portions and exercise more" group and 5% fall into that group of chubby girls who can't stand to see another chubby girl lose weight. The main reason I decided to be open about my decision is that I hope it will help keep me honest. I know the judges are watching, so I must perform. Does that make sense? Either way - it has to be what you're comfortable with before during and after your success. Losing weight is stressful enough without having to worry about what everyone else is thinking! Good Luck!

AshleyRN! YEAH! I know how frustrating it all is. I was denied 3 times before finally being approved. My BMI was a fraction of a point lower than the required 40BMI. I had to jump through hoops to get a new actual height measurement instead of the height measurement they were using from my medical record that was over 20 years old. My persistance paid off and I'm so glad! Good luck!

I have four words for you...No child left behind!

Congratulations! I know how good you feel. I was denied three times from my insurance company. Then finally, after appealing each and every one of the denials, I was approved. It was such a frustrating ordeal. When the nurse from our insurance company called to tell me I had been approved, I have to admit I cried. I was so relieved. I'm now in a 6 month required program to get 5% of my weight off on my own to show my committement. Then in for the lapband, probably early summer. I really hope all news is good news from here on out for you! Good Luck!

Hi All! After a lot of frustration, (3 denial letters), I'm finally approved by my insurance and on my way. I'm now in a 6 month program and must lose 5% of my weight, which is about 14 pounds. If all goes well, I will be scheduled for surgery late spring/early summer 2009. I have a 'coach' through our insurance company that calls every other week or so to see how I'm doing and help me to start making better choices. I'm so excited. One of my brothers was banded a couple years ago and I'm so envious of his success. Anyway...I love this site. It's very helpful and supportive. I come here often for advice so thanks to everyone who posts their experiences. Good Luck to you all! Jamie