coloradobanding

Hi there, I am in the process of looking into a full body lift, and specifically an arm lift. Would you mind telling me how much your procedures cost? I'm very scared to find out the cost..have a feeling it is way out of my budget

The Green Zone is truly why we get the band in the first place. As already described, it is literally when your appetite doesn't run your life..you do! I literally forget that I haven't eaten..and when I do..normally don't even want to. I am the exception to most rules about the band though..I've been able to eat "tricky" foods pretty much from day one..any type of bread, pizza, chicken, carrots, broccoli, you name it...I generally have no issues with any type food. But the manner in which I eat it (bites etc) my band will "remind" me it's still there On the very rare occasion (maybe twice all of last year) I was able to eat a large meal in one sitting with no PB's or sliming. In fact, the last time I ate that way I distinctly remembered thinking..WOW..this is what being full feels like again...I didn't like it

Right after surgery I was instructed to take a mult-Vitamin and Calcium (both chewable). Once I could swallow pills again, I found the best Vitamins on the planet. They are NOT cheap..but I would pay TWICE what I pay for them now having seen the benefits for years. They are made by Pro-Caps, Andrew Lessman and sold on HSN. I personally would not live without the "Healthy hair, Skin & Nails" capsules. My hair is thick, my nails long and my skin absolutely amazing (I'm going on 43..if you check out my pictures, I look maybe 10 years younger than that I've been told). I am not a spokesman for these vitamins nor HSN, but lemme tell ya'...its is the BEST investment I've ever made..and take them every single day without fail. By far the highest and purest levels of Biotin available anywhere. Best of luck whatever you choose!

My band definitely tightens up when I'm stressed. Then it causes me not to have any appetite. Also, and I don't know if this happens to anyone else who is a couple years out from surgery...my throat burns sometimes when I haven't been eating. When I do eat something..it literally burns the roof of my mouth and my throat. Sound familiar? My family is getting concerned because I am down to about 300-500 calories a day, but I cannot force myself to eat (Did I just say that???? lol). I am hoping my stress levels go down on their own and my appetite comes back..but for right now..I'm healthy, not too tired, taking my Vitamins and losing weight again finally...(almost 6 months of no weight loss). 13lbs in 4 weeks...

My insurance paid for the first year, but then it's only $125 after that which I thought was high. Some of these seem like highway robbery!

I read this too which brought me back to this forum after a long hiatus. When I got my band over 3 years ago...I had a lot of pressure from friends who had RNY and saying that there were many more problems with the band over RNY..the band takes longer, why would you want to do that..etc? I've NEVER regretted getting the band over RNY and it seems as time goes by..more and more RNY patients are doing the band surgery. I love Carnie Wilson..she is strong and true! I hope this works for her!!

I am 3+ years out and feel great! Still not exactly at goal, but went from a size 22-12 to a 12 and I don't have that saggy look that I've seen with so many RNY patients! I love my band!!

I would disagree with the thought of the lap band being reversible. The band is actually sewn into the stomach..and after a certain period of time..the risk of having serious side effects of having it removed is pretty high. So..yes..it is "reversible" to a degree..but my surgeon and many others I've heard of, wouldn't do it unless it were an absolute necessity. To that point..I've been extraordinarily happy with my results with the lap band. I too had several people trying to talk me into RNY, but I chose lap band for many of the reasons already listed. The main thing I'm learning over the years (3 years out now) is that many who have RNY can easily gain the weight back because the stomach can stretch back to its original size (and bigger in many cases). With the lap band, if you get off track you can get it filled again. There is always a way to adjust the band to where you want it to be. That being said...take a LOT of time to investigate all WLS options and choose the one that feels best for you! Because, until you're lying on that gurney getting ready to roll into surgery (one of the scariest moments of my life) only YOU know what is best for you. My weight loss has been slower than most, but I look and feel GREAT!! The 3 year plan (that being you will lose as much in 3 years with the band as you would in 1 year with RNY) is pretty close to right on for me. I am SO happy I chose the band!! Best of luck with your decision!

Hi Amanda, This is the first post I've replied to in a year or more. I had my surgery on 1/19/2009, so I am almost 3 years out. At 3 years I should have reached my goal weight. Although I haven't, I feel great! I am still 25lbs from my absolute goal weight, but have reached 3 big milestones I set for myself. My 4 milestones are/were...lost 35lbs..check. Lose 50lbs..check...get to "Onederland"..check and finally get to my goal weight (working on it). My point in telling you my story is this....this journey is yours and yours alone. If you want to cut down on foods to make you feel better..do it! If you want to feel better...do whatever you need to do to get it done. I would suggest walking..that made a HUGE difference for me! Everyday, focus on walking at least 30 minutes...do it in 10 or 5 minute increments if you have to. But setting even a small goal like that can completely change your outlook! Congratulations on your new "birthday" coming up..it will truly be a day that will change your life forever! Chin up...you're already on your journey. How you choose to prepare for it, is up to you and your doctor. You can and will do thiS!!

I went through Northwestern Mutual and got the highest preferred rate!! I was surprised because our broker "prepped" me for a high premium because of the surgery (I was 10 months post op at the time). He specifically told me that insurance policies for WLS patiens is much higher than others. After all the normal testing, he was shocked to see the results and my rate. I was PERFECT in EVERY WAY (test results wise anyway). The underwriter told him that I was the "poster child" for perfect health! It was that reason that outweighed the surgery.

Oh how I can relate!!! My family is Sicilian...need I say more? lol LITERALLY, there is food on the stove or someone inviting you over for something or other darn near every single day! I didn't tell ANYONE in my family except my cousin (who is more like a sister) so that was even harder. What I did, and still do today, is bring my Muscle Milk and some healthy Snacks. I also usually eat before I leave so I have no desire to eat anything. When someone asks why I'm not eating...and trust me, even after 15+ months, someone ALWAYS asks..I tell them I am cutting out fatty foods for a healthy lifestyle. After a few "you do look great" and "good for you" comments, I don't have to explain myself again. However, on certain occasions, if I want a "no-no" food, I have it. Just make sure it is not very often and in small quantities. Best to you, it does get easier!

They ask basic questions to ensure you are ready for the life changing surgery. I wouldn't worry about the "what do they want to hear" part of the question. Speak the truth about everything so you are going into this with "eyes wide open." It isn't a quiz or anything, but it is a life changing surgery and they need to make sure you are ready for the challenge. I've never heard of anyone being turned down because of a bad pshych eval..but that's just me