thistime

I was banded in June 2010. Ive had shoulder pain on and off. Initially oatmeal would send me thru the roof. Now, I often get it when I'm hungry, or rather when I haven't eaten much and know I should be hungry. Weird.

I was banded on June 16, 2010. I've had 2 fills (1 cc, 1.5 cc) plus the 2 cc's that they put in the band during surgery. I had my second fill one week ago. I'm much tighter after my second fill. I feel a tightness in my lower throat when I eat most things now - even when I drink sometimes but that is going away I think. When I eat, I need to burp after just about every bite. I can feel a pressure and then I feel like I need to produce a burp. Is this being stuck? I'm not vomiting or sliming. Eventually, I'll burp which relieves some of the pressure. Am I not chewing well enough? Eating the wrong things? I can even have this experience with yogurt? However, I haven't had any problems with a few foods as random as popcorn. Still figuring out what is normal. I assume that this is just what being tighter feels like and it will loosen up as this fill settles in?

I gained 16 1/2 pounds during my 6 month "diet". I haveCigna and was approved without incident.

I'm dying because I'm soooo ready to have the lap band procedure but I'm worried that I'm going to have to wait 6 months for Cigna's 6 month supervised diet requirement. Don't they realize I've been on an unsuccessful diet for 20 years?? I'm also kicking myself because I started a medically supervised diet in June 2009 but dropped out in late August 2009. I'm wondering if I can now go to my PCP and start where I left off? Hopefully then only having to do 3 months with my PCP? I'm doubtful though because I have about a 2 month gap. Any experience out there? Also, I'll have to pay $4,500 with the max on my insurance - even with insurance. Any experience with how much the procedure costs at an American facility?

I called Cigna and I was told that I did not need to go to both Weight Watchers and my doctor. That just going to my PCP was fine. I got a form from the hospital for the doctor to fill out at each visit that outlines that we've talked about nutrition, exercise, my diet, etc.... I'll have my 3rd doctor's visit tomorrow and then 4 more to go (to technically get to the full 6 months). I too absolutely CANNOT WAIT!! But, I'm trying to be patient and think positively that it will be approved quickly. Best of luck!

Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate them!!

That is encouraging! I'm trying to be patient and just deal if I do have to wait the 6mos but I'm so confident that it is for me - I'd drive to the hospital right now! Thanks for the info and best of luck!

Hi Jill - I hope your experience has continuted to go well since your post. I live in Webster Groves and I am considering having the lap band surgery. I really trust the Wash U programs and I've been researching Dr. Eagon. Everything looks great but I'm concerned about how long it might take to get an initial appointment and then to actually have the surgery. Can you tell me about your experience? Did it go well? Things you wish had gone differently? Thanks so much and congratulations on making such a life affirming choice! Susan

I'm considering surgery in St. Louis. I usually trust the Wash U doctors and Dr. Eagon looks great but I'm wondering - how long does it take to get an initial appointment and then how long for surgery? Is Des Peres a quicker option? But is it as good? Any experiences would be great. Thanks!