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I am LOVIN' my new life! The program that I chose to go with for my LAP-BAND®®® is called LifeShape Bariatrics in Melbourne, Florida. The AWESOME team is led by Dr. Mark Fusco, and I could not be more happy with any other support system. They are so caring, attentive, supportive, and motivating. I know that they are a big reason as to why I am doing so well post-op. I have lost 24 pounds since surgery and 36 pounds since I started this journey. My clothes, especially my pants, are falling off of me. I was trying not to shop, but I have to give in. My slacks are falling down and look ridiculous with a belt. They are so big now that they make me look even bigger. I am losing pounds and inches, but still do not require help in that area, thank you very much! I feel so much better about myself. I am no where near my goal, but you know what, I am working toward it and that should mean something! I am getting so many compliments on how I look; man, what a motivator! It feels good! I actually enjoy taking pictures again (obviously, see my album lol) I started working out with LifeShape's personal trainer last night and will go twice a week. I will also be working out at least 2-3 more times on my own. What a difference 36 pounds makes! Best of luck to all of you - keep at it and reach for the stars!

I am LOVIN' my new life! The program that I chose to go with for my LAP-BAND®®® is called LifeShape Bariatrics in Melbourne, Florida. The AWESOME team is led by Dr. Mark Fusco, and I could not be more happy with any other support system. They are so caring, attentive, supportive, and motivating. I know that they are a big reason as to why I am doing so well post-op. I have lost 24 pounds since surgery and 36 pounds since I started this journey. My clothes, especially my pants, are falling off of me. I was trying not to shop, but I have to give in. My slacks are falling down and look ridiculous with a belt. They are so big now that they make me look even bigger. I am losing pounds and inches, but still do not require help in that area, thank you very much! I feel so much better about myself. I am no where near my goal, but you know what, I am working toward it and that should mean something! I am getting so many compliments on how I look; man, what a motivator! It feels good! I actually enjoy taking pictures again (obviously, see my album lol) I started working out with LifeShape's personal trainer last night and will go twice a week. I will also be working out at least 2-3 more times on my own. What a difference 36 pounds makes! Best of luck to all of you - keep at it and reach for the stars!

Thank you all! I love this site and am so thankful to be able to communicate with all of you who are going through the same thing as me. So, here is my game plan: - Tomorrow (today I blew it...LOL) I am going to eact more Protein and stick to the protein and veggies. Also, how long do you guys wait to drink after eating? My paperwork says 30 minutes before and after, but maybe I should move that back? - I already called and moved my fill up to 1/06. I am also keeping my 1/13 appointment just in case. Thank you everyone - here's hoping for a better tomorrow!

Okay, I guess that I am in bandster hell! I have only had one fill, surgery was 11/30 and first fill was 12/22. I do not know how much he put in, didn't ask. I have a 14cc band. After the fill, I was full for a couple of days. Now, the hunger is in full control. After the surgery I was not hungry for almost a week. I was then getting back an appetite, but could supress it with liquids and then mushies when I moved on to that stage. I am now on a regular diet, and 4 ounces is NOTHING! I can eat that and still be starving. Needless to say, I eat more and then feel guilty. Full, but guilty. The food also does not stay with me more than 2 hours. I have never felt sick, so hopefully my pounch is how it should be. I worry about that, too. I go for my next fill on 1/13. I am so scared of gaining pounds back of the 30 I have lost just because of how I am eating. Anyone in the same boat and have any tips or tricks? I don't want this procedure to be in vain, but it is so miserable to be hungry!

I realized yesterday that I must be doing better than I am giving myself credit for. I noticed for the first time that my face is looking less fat. My jeans that were once tight are falling off of me. And a favorite shirt that was once too "clingy" to be remotely flattering now fits as though it should. I guess 30 pounds really does make a difference! I am struggling with not getting on the scale every day. I know that it is bad and not very productive, but I have trouble with breaking this habit. I got yesterday and it said I had gained a pound. I got on today and it reported a loss of four. So, beginning this week I am not going to jump back on a scale until my next fill, which is 1/16. Besides, I am sure their scales are much more accurate anyhow! I hadn't really set smaller weight loss goals, but I think that it is a good idea. Something to keep focused on during the "rough spots". So, my first goal is 50 pounds. Let's see how long that will take me! :drool: Good luck to all of you and best wishes for good health and weight loss for the New Year!

I realized yesterday that I must be doing better than I am giving myself credit for. I noticed for the first time that my face is looking less fat. My jeans that were once tight are falling off of me. And a favorite shirt that was once too "clingy" to be remotely flattering now fits as though it should. I guess 30 pounds really does make a difference! I am struggling with not getting on the scale every day. I know that it is bad and not very productive, but I have trouble with breaking this habit. I got yesterday and it said I had gained a pound. I got on today and it reported a loss of four. So, beginning this week I am not going to jump back on a scale until my next fill, which is 1/16. Besides, I am sure their scales are much more accurate anyhow! I hadn't really set smaller weight loss goals, but I think that it is a good idea. Something to keep focused on during the "rough spots". So, my first goal is 50 pounds. Let's see how long that will take me! :Dancing_wub: Good luck to all of you and best wishes for good health and weight loss for the New Year!

Awesome attitude! You are truly an inspiration and I am certain you will reach your goal by your birthday!

Yesterday marked the first Christmas that I cooked dinner all by myself. I was proud, but it was bittersweet. My mom usually makes the dinner and I assist, but this year she was not feeling well. She has a rare autoimmune disease and has been in remission for several years. However, it has reared its ugly head again, leaving her weak and depressed. I only hope that we can get her back into remission quickly and that she bounces right back. I had my first fill last week, and can definitely tell a difference. I really can only eat the 4 ounces at a time now, however, it does not stick with me for more than 1.5-2 hours. After that, I am starving again. Needless to say, yesterday probably was not one of my shining moments in weight loss tendencies. Because I cooked, I tasted. I also had dinner at my fiance's parents' house and then back to my parents' house. So, two dinners (4 ounces each), 2 deserts (really small slices, but still), and who knows how many "tastes". Oh well, today is another day, right? :drool:

Yesterday marked the first Christmas that I cooked dinner all by myself. I was proud, but it was bittersweet. My mom usually makes the dinner and I assist, but this year she was not feeling well. She has a rare autoimmune disease and has been in remission for several years. However, it has reared its ugly head again, leaving her weak and depressed. I only hope that we can get her back into remission quickly and that she bounces right back. I had my first fill last week, and can definitely tell a difference. I really can only eat the 4 ounces at a time now, however, it does not stick with me for more than 1.5-2 hours. After that, I am starving again. Needless to say, yesterday probably was not one of my shining moments in weight loss tendencies. Because I cooked, I tasted. I also had dinner at my fiance's parents' house and then back to my parents' house. So, two dinners (4 ounces each), 2 deserts (really small slices, but still), and who knows how many "tastes". Oh well, today is another day, right?

Well, it has been 24 days since I had LAP-BAND surgery, and I am doing great so far! I am down 30 pounds and I just had my first fill yesterday. I can definitely feel a difference already with the fill. I have been on shakes and yogurts all day and tomorrow can go back on mushies, but have been pretty full since the fill. Before the fill I was HUNGRY and definitely not satisfied with only 4 ounces. Hopefully when I start eating again I will continue to feel restriction and continue to lose weight! I am so excited to be on this journey. I only hope that I am strong enough to see it through. I have tried so many diets and programs in the past that it is difficult for me to really see the future on this one. Although, I must say that I am motivated and cannot wait to see where 2010 will put me weight wise!

Well, it has been 24 days since I had LAP-BAND surgery, and I am doing great so far! I am down 30 pounds and I just had my first fill yesterday. I can definitely feel a difference already with the fill. I have been on shakes and yogurts all day and tomorrow can go back on mushies, but have been pretty full since the fill. Before the fill I was HUNGRY and definitely not satisfied with only 4 ounces. Hopefully when I start eating again I will continue to feel restriction and continue to lose weight! I am so excited to be on this journey. I only hope that I am strong enough to see it through. I have tried so many diets and programs in the past that it is difficult for me to really see the future on this one. Although, I must say that I am motivated and cannot wait to see where 2010 will put me weight wise!

I was banded yesterday, 11/30. I am feeling okay so far, although today has been worse for pain. I have the gas pain and the abdominal pain, but managed to go out shopping today, mostly to just get some walking in! I also just awoke from a pain med induced nap, only to hear my belly growling! LOL I will be on clear liquids all this week, next week will be the same with the addition of 3 Protein shakes a day, and then on to mushies. Boy, can I not wait until the mushies! I also am very congested. I guess it is from the tubes? Anyone else have this? Been drinking a lot of hot liquids to clear out the throat. Best of luck to all of you! Thanks for the support!

It's done; I have been banded as of 9:10 this morning! I'm not going to lie, I am in pain. The gas pain in the shoulder comes and goes, but boy when it comes, it is strong! I have been walking as much as I can, though, and that seems to help. I have the typical 4 smaller incisions and the one a bit larger where the port is. I can definitely feel them, so I am trying to stay on top of the pain med's. One more thing; I have been hungry today! Just been drinking and sucking on popsicles. That helps. Now I am just so excited to get on with my new life! I can't wait to be pain free and start to really work out. Also, I had lost 13.5 pounds since my pre-op appointment, so that makes me feel good, too. Good luck all! And thanks for sharing your stories and for allowing me to do the same.

Good luck to you, Bobbi!!!

Thanks everyone. Feeling a bit less anxious now!

Well, tomorrow morning I am scheduled to get banded. I am getting anxious, but excited as well. I am excited to get started on my new life! I am hungry today on the pre-op diet, but wonder how you all felt hunger-wise post-op? I am talking before mushies. I will be on Clear liquids only a week after the surgery, add Protein shakes the next week, and mushies on the 3rd and 4th weeks. I am nervous about how I will feel. Thank you all for your support and answers! Have a wonderful day!:confused:

So, I went for my pre-op yesterday and the aftercare nurse brought up something that I had not heard much about. She said that rarely some patients cannot drink after surgery and have to come in daily for fluids, or worst case scenario, be admitted. She said, and the doctor confirmed, that this is due to greater than normal swelling in the esophagus. :bored: Have any of you experienced this and if so, how long did it last?

Wow, I can't believe it! I went to my first seminar last night and called the office this morning to speak with the insurance representative to see what I needed to do next. I have United Healthcare, and apparently all I need to do is get the letter of medical neccessity from my PCP and my weight five years ago in order for her to be able to submit for approval. She said that United is typically very quick with approvals for my doctor's office, and that she felt confident going ahead and setting me up for a tentative surgery date of 11/30/09! I am excited, anxious, and nervous all in one! I am going for my pysch consult Thursday and am waiting on the dietician to call me back. I know that then I will also be receive an e-mail with a ton of other appointments to go to, including pre-op with the surgeon. Phew! So, I guess that I will plug on and work on my prerequisites and hope that everything goes as planned with insurance. I am just a bit stressed, but not in a bad way. I guess that I did not expect to get moved along so quickly, but that is a good thing! :thumbup:

Welcome, Jessica! Best of luck!

I am in the very preliminary stages, but have done research on my insurance coverage. I have United and they will cover 90% of all related surgery costs. I will have my regular co-pays ($30 for specialists), and will likely pay $1,200 out-of-pocket for the surgery. I can definitely live with that! :closedeyes:

Hi Tina! I feel your pain, honestly. I am so tired of being told what a pretty face I have. I know, I should be thrilled. It is a compliment afterall, right? But to me it just feels like they may as well be saying "you have such a pretty face, Heather. But the rest of you...". It feels so degrading. I so long for the day when someone tells me "You are pretty" or "you are beautiful", and "face" can be left out because I am a "normal" size. Good luck to you! Keep your chin high and stick to it. I know you will do awesome! - Heather

Hello! My name is Heather Branson and I am now just starting to think seriously about getting Banded. I have found this site quite informative and all of you are so kind to offer your experiences. So, thank you. :crying: I will be attending my first seminar on November 5th. After exploring this site, I am wishing that it was sooner! I have done some research, and luckily my insurance does cover the procedure, 90% in network. I couldn't ask for any better than that after reading the trials some of you have been put through. Looking forward to going through the "journey" on this forum... Have a great day and good luck! - Heather :thumbup: