juliansmom2003

The first appointment, they take your weight and explain the process, then Dr Goldstein provides you with a checklist to complete (various tests, psych analysis, blood workup, etc.). Once that list is completely checked off and you have either gone through the program at FitSmart or the one they offer through Lourdes), Eva will submit your paperwork to the insurance company. Believe me, if I can do it, ANYONE can. Here I am 15 weeks pregnant and STILL haven't gained anything (and am still able to eat)! The band is AMAZING!!!!! You just have to work WITH it to work :-). They'll teach you all about that--they are VERY involved and concerned with patient success. After it's done, they don't just send you on your way. They really do care!! Good luck!

Not a SINGLE one (Eva, his assistant, is PHENOMENAL and she works diligently to get these approvals). I have Keystone Health Plan East and I got my approval 2 days after the paperwork was submitted! I was really lucky! The entire process was a total of 3 months. LOVE them all over there!!!!

Hellllo good people! I'm so sorry i haven't been around in awhile. I, um, have quite a bit going on. I found out a week and a half ago that I'm expecting #3!!!!!!! The kicker is, I'll be 10 weeks on Friday and I had NO idea lol!! Insane on so many levels. I called my surgeon's office to tell them and they said I would need to get some Fluid removed from my band, but the thing is even with 6 ccs in my 10 cc band, I am now all of a sudden able to eat 10 to 12 ounce portions. No pain, no repercussions, nothing! They told me I might not need any removed afterall, so I'm waiting to hear back! I'm still eating a LOT less than I used to in my old life and still eating healthy, but I do feel like a pig eating this much (even at my best restriction, I NEVER was a 4 to 6 ounce portion girl anyway). In any event, I'm still kind of shocked, even after seeing the ultrasound last week, but I know it has to be meant to be (even though I'm almost starting over--have a 5 year old and a 7 year old- ARGH!) Anyway, I think of you guys all the time and really hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for letting me share my big news with you all :-) --K xo

Wow, Tiff. I hope you feel better and praying that band repositions itself! Tracy--I'm so sorry you need to have a revision to yours :-( Good luck to the both of you!!

I hear you -- I actually eat more than the average bandster myself. Good to know it's not just me LOL. I agree--I eat about as much as my friends who at a normal weight. I did have a slice of pizza last weekend and wondered if it might be time for a fill though. I am sure it would be next to nothing, but might make some difference. I am just not getting stuck or anything anymore (may sound weird, but that's how I know I'm "right"). Still, I'm not going over 1200 calories/day, so it can't be TOO bad lol. I have been stuck at this weight for months now though and I need to start working my tool again. I know I can do it, because I have already come this far, right? It's just that motivation fizzles sometimes with the craziness of life and this has not been my #1 focus (whereas it very much was about a year ago). I am back on the exercise wagon though and it really does feel good. You guys have really been an inspiration to me -- you, Leigha, HB, Elfie, Betsy, Stacie.....if I left anyone else off I apologize. I really attribute a ton of my success so far to the support you gals have given me since being banded. You have been my rocks, my heroes, my examples of what I should be doing. So, thank you :-)! xo

Welcome, ready. Congrats on being banded. Yes, I hear you --when you follow the 'rules' you do see results. It's great to know though because you can rework your lifestyle maybe to have a treat every now and then without allowing the exception to be the norm. There are lots of people on this board and on this thread in particular that are definite examples as to what you will achieve when you stay motivated and life the lapband lifestyle. I admire them and still look to them for support. You are doing great losing 2-3 lbs a week! Congratulations! Welcome again and I look forward to getting to know you!!

Oh no!!! Tracy, I'm sorry to hear this! You're one of my band buddies back from last October ('09). I cannot even imagine!! Good luck with the unfill. I am praying it's not a slippage. Good luck tomorrow and please let us know how it goes.

It's something people do to try to get their band back in shape. If nothing else, it almost detoxes you after you might have fallen off the food wagon a little bit. Here is the site: http://5daypouchtest.com/ Days One & Two: liquid Protein low-carb Protein shakes, broth, clear or cream Soups, sugar-free Gelatin and pudding. Read more. Day 3: Soft Protein canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy. Read more. Day 4: Firm Protein ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut. Read more. Day 5: Solid Protein white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game Read more. HTH

That is the one that my nutritionist recommended. Some really good recipes in that one. You can get it on Amazon.Also, I have found the Hungry Girl cookbooks just full of healthy ideas that are protein-rich, yummy and satisfying!!! I also have some great crockpot recipes I could send over to you. If you'd like to PM me with your email address, I can send you the file. Not sure how to post an attachment on here (can you tell I'm one of the old school members LOL)?

!>= Congratulations! I remember your posts when I was first banded (Oct 09) and it's so wonderful to hear that you've lost 130!!! You must be very proud of yourself!!! I think I speak for lots of people when I say that is something to make ALL of us bandsters proud. What an amazing job you've done. Congratulations on your success and have fun just enjoying your life!!! What an inspiration!!

Lordy, woman. I would say you SO do not need to lose more! You have done such an amazing job! I would KILL to be where you're at right now!! So, do you get fills or anything anymore? Are you eating 4-6 ounces in a sitting? Honestly, it's been 15 months and you'd think I'd have it figured out, but since I barely need to chew lately without repercussion, I am thinking I need to get checked. Ugh. So glad that your results came back normal. How wonderful!!!!!

Way to go on the 4 lbs!!!! Just awesome!!! good luck with the fill--hope it goes well. I'm still debating whether or not I need one because these 8 ounce portions are still NOT cutting it :-(

I was told a minimum of 18 months. Insurance actually required me to sign something confirming that I wasn't planning on getting preggers before then. From what I understand, when you get preggers while banded, they deflate the band to allow you properly nourish the baby. Everyone's docs are so different though, so you might get a couple of different perspectives on this. Good luck to you!

HB-- I am laughing my butt off as well, but the reasons would be me imagining you calling someone a beotch and the fact this little twit must have been 18 or 19 to ask such a question. I am sure you looked HOT all dolled up in your new jeans and sweater! LOL @ Elfie about the Fried Green Tomatoes scene!!! Thanks for the chuckles!!

OMG I didn't even see this post (I was posting my "I think it's gas" post as you were posting and yours seemed to hit first). What a GREAT decision you made going to the ER!!!! You know your body more than any one else does and it's great that you had the foresight to go!!!!! i hope you feel better soon!