catfish87

I've had my band for over three years with no BAND problems. I'm not a super fast loser, but I didn't give it 100% at all times. Its my life, and I'm learning and losing all at the same time. I'm not sure if VSG was an option for me or not really, because I had only considered the band. I do know of folks who have a "band with plication" now. One of them replied to you already. I hear tell its similar to a band and a sleeve combined. You'd have to ask someone else if they are happy with it. So for me, I'd do the band again tomorrow. No doubt about it!

I had Aetna EPO in Illinois and think it only took a couple weeks after we had to submit another document. Hang in there! Your Dr's office should have an idea of exact timeframe for your insurance if they have been dealing with them for a while.

If you're not having any issues drinking, maybe a protein shake? You can get your calories to where you want them while increasing you protein intake at the same time. Call your Dr/Nutritionist and ask them for suggestions as well.

There is a topic called "surgery day stories" that might be of interest. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/60457-lap-band-surgery-day-stories/

I've been banded for about 3 1/2 years. What I can tell you from my experience is that at first, say the first 6 months, it really takes a lot of willpower and you REALLY following the "rules" provided by your doctor, for more than just weight loss. The recovery period. He/she will be the one that should give you instructions on WHAT and HOW MUCH you should be eating. My physician didn't really tell me any specific calorie limit per day, just portion size and suggestions on the types of foods I should be eating during the different post op phases. Now that I'm close to what you'll hear referred to as being in the "green zone", my band really does allow me to feel satisfied on MUCH smaller portions than I ate preband. It wasn't an easy thing to get used to for me. It's a learning process for me to this day, and probably will continue to be. I've been frustrated at times, as most people I read about have been. As for what I CAN eat, if I wanted to and tried, I could eat most any type of food now. I don't choose to eat sandwiches, as soft bread and my band don't like each other. Yes, getting in a lot of Protein really helps me. Lots of Water too. So in closing, until you get to proper restriction, it is like a diet. But, unlike any I've ever tried, I'm over THREE YEARS out and sticking with it. Thats how the band works for me.

Suggestion... ask to have a fill using flouroscope. That way your Dr can SEE your restriction, instead of guessing. It may help. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Normal_barium_swallow_animation.gif

You may not have any symptoms of being dehydrated until its too late. I speak from personal experience. Last August after biking, I passed out. Diagnosis = dehydration. I didn't feel it coming on at all. Woke up in the ER with a pretty good sized knot on my head and a concussion. If you can't get liquids in, get to your Dr. or ER.

Congrats! You'll do just fine!

When I'm needing a protein shake, my favorite is ready to drink Muscle Milk Light, chocolate flavor. I've tried others and for me, these are by far the best tasting.

I think most everyone has to go through this. I have NEVER heard of anyone not getting approved based strictly off of a Pshyc eval. Don't let it stress you. Mine was just some basic questions, like why do you eat too much, what triggers you to want to snack, do you think you can change these to trigger a more positive habit, etc, etc. It lasted about 30 minutes, and she confirmed I was crazy. LOL Good luck!

I still eat fried fish...its pretty much a "slider" for me. I just have to limit it.

Try some fish that isn't "fishy". Like maybe cod or swai, grouper, etc. You'll have to find the one you like and can eat easily. Put it in a skillet with some zero calorie parkay squirt "butter", add some seasonings you like and enjoy. Recently, Swai fish has become available readily in my area and its delicious.

Muscle Milk light. 20g Protein, 160 calories. chocolate flavor is my favorite. They come premixed, ready to drink or they also have powder form. If you're having trouble getting in enough, there is a "New whey liquid protein" 42g protein and 180 calories at GNC and elsewhere I'm sure. I don't like the taste of these, but they are small quanity, maybe like 4oz or so. Lots of protein in such a small volume.

"That day, they did 135 miles, in 100+ temps and 3000 foot elevation gains" Terry, Last August I pushed a hard 40 miler (about 15mph) in about 95*F temp. Granted it was flat, but still a challenging ride for me. I thought I was drinking enough, but NOPE! Got my bike in the truck and the next thing I remember was waking up in the ER. Severe dehydration, and a monster goose egg (I had already taken off my helmet) with a moderate concussion. I can't imagine what a severe concussion would be like because that kicked my butt. I haven't made a century ride yet, but even with a half, I HAVE to take in liquid protein/calories or I'm just exhausted about and hour or so after. PS...After 34* and raining Sunday, today it was 72 in St. Louis. A great 1st outdoor ride of the year!

greek nonfat yogurt, wendy's chili, baked fish, all are good sources of protein.

Thats almost a lb a week. Not bad at all considering you've only had one fill and probably don't feel restriction yet.?? Keep trying to chew very well, taking small bites, and high Protein foods. Do you have an appointment scheduled for a fill? If so, that may help. (hopefully your doctor will fill using flouroscopy) Some people need many fills to reach the level of restriction to where they start losing faster. Just imagine, if you just kept up the pace of loss you've already accomplished, that's 52 lbs in a year! I'm a slow loser, but know losing slow is so much better than gaining.

You have to drink. Dehydration will kick you in a bad way. As far as eating, I was on a clear liquid diet for 7 days preop and 1 week postop, so lack of calories wont kill you for a while. Hang in there and sip, sip, sip that water if thats all you feel like you can do for now. Hunger will return...I promise.

Everyone can have different results, depending on lots of factors. From the information thats online, you could expect APPX 1-2 lb loss per week. Anything more would be a bonus. Most importantly, follow your medical teams recommendations and try and get in as much exercise as possible. You'll hear quoted that 3500 calories equals a pound. However you can burn that or not eat that 3500 calories, SHOULD equal a one pound loss.

Congrats! You'll do just fine.

Congrats on the weight loss! You're off to a good start. You should have no problem going to work after a fill.

i know... for the last month and a half, it seems like the only days it would be tolerable to ride outside are the days im working.... i work 12 hour shifts, so during the winter not any daylight after or before work. Oh well, I did get a new pack of DVD's that have some good ride videos on them last week. They are better than nothing. I can't run...hate it. So c'mon spring!

"she was there when the lady he operated on had placed the band upside down and she sadly passed away." I'm thinking someone could have possibly gotten bad information. I'm certainly not doubting thats what you were told, but I can't find ANY info that this is even possible. The port being upside down is obviously a different thing, but the band?

We had a bike swap meet today near ST. Louis... and its a rainy 35 degrees out. Cant wait to get back outside to ride! My trainer is nice, but its not the same....

Who is your Dr? If he/she has been doing this for a while, there should be some reviews on here of him/her. I'm not quite sure how someone could place the band "backwards" as its basically a circle. Makes me wonder if someone may have given you some incorrect info. Try researching your Dr online and seeing what reviews are like.

Thats my suggestion.... my insurance (Aetna) covers it. I HIGHLY recommend it. I wish everybody had that option. From my experience, its very helpful.