pinkxx88

I struggle with this...I was banded in May 2009 and have lost 63 of my 110 pound goal, a bit over half way. I have had 4 fills in realize band. After the last fill in November, I felt I hit the sweet spot so did not get a fill at the end of December. My weight is up and down the same 4 pounds. I do get stuck daily, but only when I eat too fast or too big of a bite, then I PB. This happens daily as I eat too fast...why...because I am hungry! I am scheduled for a fill next week and am debating. I do not think I am at my sweet spot because I can eat quite a bit and not feel full. 1-2 hours after eating I am hungry. What do you all think? Small fill or not? I am apt to go have this because I do not feel restriction, only stuck when I eat too fast or the wrong food.

Hi, I had my 3rd fill two weeks ago and have little restriction. I do get stuck often, which leads me to eat less, but I am still hungry. I am hoping with my next fill I will reach my sweet spot. I do have some questions, though. What is the difference between stuck and restricted? When you get stuck, what actually happens? Should we want to get stuck so food stays in the pouch. What keeps the food in the pouch, if it is too big, it would get stuck, which is what we want so the pouch stays full? It confuses me. I know we have the pouch so it fills up and food stays in there and we eat less, but what keeps the food in, a small opening, therefore stuck. I do not mean to go on and on, but I do not understand the difference between stuck and restricted. I really feel stupid at times. Thanks.

Thanks for the replies....I got this information from a nurse and someone who knew someone who got the band. Another person I know, who had bypass, also told me this. I am hanging in there and look forward to getting to my sweet spot. thanks everyone.

I was told that if you don't loose most of the weight you are striving for by the 8 month mark, chances are not good for you to reach your goal weight. Any Truth in this. I had surgery at the end of May, want to loose 130 and have only lost 47. I had two fills, have very little restriction. I am going to keep going, but weight loss is VERY slow....less than 1 pound per week. Can anyone out there let me know how long it took to get to your goal weight?

I had different insurance when I had my surgery, which covered the lap band surgery. Shortly after my surgery, my husbands company changed insurance companies (to Health Assurance) and they do not cover the surgery, nor do they cover the fills. Has anyone had to appeal the fills, and if so, how can I do it? Thanks.

I was able to have my lap band surgery before my husband's insurance changed to Health Assurance in PA. His previous insurance covered most of my lap surgery which was done on May 27, 2009. On June 1st, his insurance changed and Health Assurance will not cover lap band fills. Can anyone help me to appeal this? I contacted the insurance and they said I can write a letter to appeal, but I have no idea what to include. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Since my surgery, we have switched insurance companies. They do not pay for fills. I can appeal this. Any idea where I can go for help in writing this appeal? Thanks.

Thanks everyone for answering. I figured it had something to do with weight loss and the surgery. Just when you think you are done, it's BACK. Thankfully, it only appears to be spotting for now and I hope that is the end. We shall see.

Hi Everyone, I was banded on May 27th and things have been going well. I am through menopause, or so I thought. I have not had a period for a year and a half. Yesterday, I had a small amount of spotting?? I wondered if this has happened to anyone else. I am going to call my family Dr. tomorrow, but just wondered if this is something that happens? Thanks.

Hi, I was on a clear liquid diet after my May 27th surgery until today. I am now on mushies and boy does it taste good. Going real slow. Had 1/4 cup of tuna for lunch with some low fat mayo, and did well. I had one scrambled egg with 1/2 cup of yougart and for a snack had a cup of homemade tomato soup. So far, so good. What is everyone else eating?

Hi, I was banded the day before you, and as of Monday, I was feeling much better, too. The surgery pain was not too bad, it was the gas. It eventually went away after 4-5 days and then I started to feel better. The other bad thing is my skin from the bandages....OUCH! My incisions look really good, but the skin around them is red and extremely sore. I have now waited until I am in the shower for 5 minutes or more to take them off....OWWWW. Hope this gets better. I walked for 3 blocks today, and it felt good. My weight is now down 21 pounds prior to surgery. YAHOO! Tomorrow I am allowed to start mushies, I can't wait! Hope everyone else is doing well.

Thanks, that's a great idea!

Thanks, I know everyone is different. I also know you have to give your new stomach time to adjust, but how can you recover quickly when you have nothing to help. I know I won't starve, but I don't think 290 calories is enough to help me heal. I will let you know what the nutritionist said. Thanks.

Hi, I was also banded on May 27, went well. My only problem that started yesterday was gas, it hurts. Have been walking but it is still there. I am sure time will cure! Good luck to you!

Hi, I was banded the day before you, May 27th. Surgery went well, stayed overnight. I did not get any pain meds, I was afraid of getting sick from them. The only problem right now is that I am weak, probably due to lack of calories. I am on clear fluids. I am only getting about 290 and I am to stay on this for a week? I am calling the nutritionist tomorrow to see what else I can have. The other problem that started yesterday was bad gas. I wonder how to get rid of it, have been walking but still bad gas pains in stomach and between shoulders. Good luck to all the May banders!