catfish87

I agree 100%...just imagine how many people start this process and never go through with it.

I paid a $350 "program fee". ( I think thats how much it was, been over three years )

You should be able to sip Clear liquids with no issues. If you can't, I'd suggest calling today. Otherwise, you've been banded for less than a week, so not being able to drink Protein PROBABLY isn't an issue. My doc had me do clear liquids for a week PRE and POST op. While everyone's doc's have different suggestions/requirements, I don't think you're doing any harm by not getting in protein for a week. JUST KEEP HYDRATED.

I did clear liquids for one week post op, then full liquids the second week.

I don't think the costs you mention are unheard of. My Dr office was billing my insurance $600 for a "visit" with fill, NUT session, all my fills now are done with fluoro. This year, it is $700 per visit. This is a summary of my recent visits bill:$700.00 Bill received by Aetna on 12/19/2012Your Aetna member rate $364.03Your total responsibility: $72.80Included: Office visit = $100Fluoroscopic Guidance $125Contrast XRAY Upper GI Tract $175Adjustment Gastric Band $300

Yea CG! Congrats!

Love me some Pandora radio while riding!

I have one and use it sometimes. Its also useful to keep the info about it handy as well.

I took two weeks off. Then did "light duty" for a couple more. Everyone is different, so listen to your body and surgeon.

Congrats! Start asking questions and reading. Nobody will bite....Hard! Lol Welcome

It sounds like you are happy and excited about your revision....so, CONGRATS! Wishing you much success in your new journey!

Congrats!! Welcome!

Bacardi and unsweetened Iced Tea

Congrats! Stay hydrated = most important right now. One day at a time and you'll do great!

My insurance also required a "six month supervised diet". I went to my PCP. My insurance, (Aetna EPO & I live in Illinois. ) was a stickler for dates. Couldn't go too early, too late, etc, etc. If I were you, I'd talk with a prospective surgeon's office, and/or your insurance and make sure you know your insurance's requirements and then follow the requirements to the letter. I've heard more than a few posters on here talking about having to start over because they didn't meet the exact dates. Congrats on your decision and good luck!

How's that bike going? I too started biking last spring. I bought three different ones before I found what I really like. I ended up going to a bike shop and buying a USED road bike. ( Trek 1200 ) Since then, I have put about 1800 miles on it. (Ive got another one I ride at times with the family.) I started slow, about only about 5-8 miles the first couple of times. Within a month, I was doing 20. Now a 26 mile lap around our local bike trail is a normal ride. The longest I've done so far is a 50 mile nonstop ride, with a group. I'm gonna get to 100 KM by summer, with this years goal to get to a 75 mile nonstop ride this year. Next year, hopefully a century ride, 100 miles! My point is, get you a bike that fits you and your style of riding, start slow with small increases in distance/pace. I despise going to a gym and working out, but LOVE outdoor road/bike trail riding. Good luck to you and congrats on your weightloss!!

If I'm on the go in the mornings, I have a muscle milk LIGHT chocolate flavor, and if keeps me satisfied until lunch. Just find one that works for you and count the calories.

82

As far as your question about test to determine if all is well.. Does your Doctor do fills using a flouroscope? (Its similar to a live X-ray.) It can show band placement and restriction level. It can also show if your band possibly came undone..I know firsthand on that issue. If they offer it, please try one. If not, ask if you can have a fill done using this method. I highly recommend it. My insurance, Aetna covers it. Im sure there are other tests, but I have no experience with them.

Just a question/suggestion.... have you had a fill done using a flouroscope to actually see how much restriction you have? I wish everyone could have this option. You and your Dr can SEE the restriction level, instead of guessing. Maybe something you could talk with you Doc about. My Doc has one in the "fill room" and I THINK all adjustments are done this way now at his practice. I know mine are. Read my story or send me a note for more info on how it helped me.

"another reason im posting this is so maybe when im successful with my band that i can look back at this and not forget how horrible things are/were. also i have now decided if i ever date people again my test is going to be what they think of obese people.. if they have bad feedback. theyre out of here." Hang in there and you will do JUST FINE! People can certainly be mean, sometimes to unknowingly to themselves. Yesterday is over! Make today a better one and tomorrow will be even better. One day at a time.

You could call him/her if you choose, but likely you won't feel restriction if it was just your first fill. If your doctor does fills using a flouroscope, he/she may be able to get you close with the first one. A lot of people need many fills to reach proper restriction, not everyone, but many. During the time you don't have proper restriction, do your best to limit your portions to the size instructed by your medical support group. As a very successful bandster posts often, "Its all about restriction, otherwise it just a diet." SO TRUE!! Its tough, but you can do it!

Please, if youre having chest pains, you need to call or get to an ER NOW! as far as gas pains post op, I didn't have them. Others have had different experiences and timelines.

Congrats!!

Like I mentioned, there are doctors who are doing "lapband with plication" now. Might be worth asking your doc about and researching. Carolinagirl had it done. she might be willing to share her experience with you. She's done VERY well with it. Congrats on those kiddo's!!