SJB

Hello - It's been quite a while since I've been on the boards. I was banded 17 months ago and have lost about 55 pounds. I still have a ways to go so I guess I needed a little boost. Hopefully reading the boards will keep me on the bandster straight and narrow.

Just wondering where everyone was?? I haven't heard from some of you guys lately and was wondering how you are all doing. I guess you guys have been busy as I have. Come on back guys and give us an update!

Welcome to our Mississippi board Sallen21 and Rogers11! This is a very informative site. Please let me know if you have any questions - I'll do my best to help out, even though I am only 3 months out myself! Sallen21, I hate to disappoint you, but if you are a Mississippi teacher, our insurance has an exclusion policy that specifically prohibits weight loss surgery. (It is near the back of the insurance booklet.) I ended up doing self-pay and my Dr. in Oxford has a cost of $14,500 that includes everything (doctor, hospital, anesthesia, etc.) I hope everything goes well for you both. Keep me posted on your progress!

I did the same thing Sunday and I worried too! That was the first time I've had gum post-op and I was so scared it would plug me up! I guess it all came out OK!

WOW, Deb! You are doing great! 58 lbs down! Keep up the good work!

I went for my 2nd fill today and as of today I am down 40 pounds! 6/30 was the 2 month mark and I had hoped to make it to 40 by then. Oh, well - I'm not gonna complain!

Good work, Lee! I also like to strive for 5 days on and 2 days off. Keep up the good work!

Elisabeth, you said you were taking Aleve. My surgeon told me I could never again take Aleve, Motrin or any type anti-inflammatory med because of the risk of ulcers in my new stomach. What did your surgeon say and have you had any adverse effects? I have had back pain for a month and have been going to the chiropractor since I knew I couldn't take anything. :eek:

Jacqui - about your morning foot pain...have you tried stretching it before you get out of bed? Use a towel around your foot and dorsiflex (pull the toes toward your head). That gently stretches the plantar fascia (which relaxes while you sleep) before you put the weight of your whole body on it and stretch it.:eek:

Yes, I have adjusted my schedule due to the extreme heat, too. Before I went on vacation (week of 6/19) I had been walking 3 miles at the park. I walked on the beach and used the fitness room equipment at the hotel, but when I got home --BOY! The heat had really gotten bad here. Since then, I have been walking an hour on the treadmill and then jumping in the pool. I kind of miss the park, but I'll go back when it cools off.

I have tried it all and insurance never covered any of it. The MyAlli that is newly available over the counter is just a smaller dose of xenical. For me, none of the weight loss meds had any long term success.

The "No NSAIDs" was a real bummer for me, too. My doctor also said no steroids (Medrol dose pak, Decadron, etc.) as well. I went to the American medical website and ordered my bracelet tonight. I've been carrying around a paper order form for a couple of weeks -- seemed much easier to do it online.

Happy (Belated) birthday, Lee! Sorry to hear you were feeling sickish after your fill. Don't know about your doctor, but my doctor puts me back on clear liquids the day of a fill and full liquids the next day, then back to food the 3rd day. I think it is so my stomach can adjust to the newly filled amount of restriction. I've only had one fill so far and I didn't have any problems with it. Keep up the good work--I know what you mean about the weather! This southern heat (and humidity) just sucks the life right out of you! Don't worry, August will be here before you know it!

I haven't had one since my surgery and I haven't missed them! I'm too afraid of the possible pain to try one!

I have state employees' insurance and it specifically excludes weight loss surgery. It really stinks to me that I have to pay for part of my insurance coverage, but it didn't pay for this. (And what really bites further, is that my tax dollars are being used to pay for folks on medicaid and medicare to have their surgeries!) I guess I am just petty, but it just doesn't seem fair. I had to have this done as a self-pay patient. If it is any help to you, Allergan has a patient financing plan available.