RavenClaw779

Just got the EOB for my endoscopy. My insurance company was billed $4,400! That's more than my bi-lateral mastectomies cost! No real change to what I can and can't eat - but I can't even imagine how much an exploratory laproscopy would be. Maybe I'll just resign myself to a life of yogurt and protien shakes!

Another special experience at my WLS facility...started with patient registration advising me that despite my insurance being a PPO with no co-pay, because I hadn't yet satisfied this year's $600 deductible, they wanted $300 up front - but would settle for $100! The first intake nurse was a real charmer who while taking my BP felt the need to comment on how "blotchy" my skin is! Snow White ain't got nothing on me and when it's cold, I get flushed and blotchy on my arms. How this related to an endoscopy is beyond me. The doc was hour late for the procedure, I was left sitting in the pre-op/recovery room freezing under one little blanket while the nursing staff bitched at each other about their terrible hours, their crappy kids and where to go to lunch. Meanwhile the janitorial staff decided that in the middle of the workday was a good time to come in and take the rolling trays off to be cleaned, so some guy grabs the chart sitting on my tray, throws it on my bed and takes off with the tray. Finally get wheeled in for the procedure and it's like I'm not even there as the two attending nurses discuss some grievence they're planning to file if they don't get the shifts they want. They then proceed to discuss other patient's procedures using the patient's full names(Hello HIPPA???) and segway in to a fun discussion on episodes of choking they've treated in the ER and how that haven't been able to save everyone. The doc finally breezes in to ask a few questions and it's clear that what ever info gleem from the PA hasn't sunk in so I try to reinterate what I've got going on. Then I assume a semi-uncomfortable position, the drugs kick in and the next thing I know, I'm in recovery listening to some guy shout for a nurse..."Hello...Hello...can I please get some help - Jesus F--- Christ - does anyone work here?!" over and over until finally someone comes and acts like this patient is inconveniencing her. Results: "Inflammation - esophagus, duodenum, stomach, ? lap band slip" Apparently a biopsy was taken and I was sent home with omeprazole and carafate the latter which I'm supposed to take a hour before each meal and at bedtime. Should be interesting as I haven't eat a real meal persay in ages! Doctor spoke with my husband who also reinterated what he's been seeing me go through. Upshot - take these meds and see you in 7-10 days. Hope I'm not cursing myself, but as a cancer survivor, "biopsy" sends a chill down my spine! For those wondering about what the test felt like - don't remember any of, no real sore throat to speak of, but really excessive gas and I spent the majority of the afternoon zonked out on the couch.

It's a way to make more money? Half dreading Monday - I'm still trying to blame myself..."it must've been something I did or didn't do"...and what if they get in there and in their view, nothing's wrong?(Not that they'd tell me that; I'm sure I'm going to be told I "need" the diag lap as well) Is it all in my head and I'll just have to deal with it? Mining for even more info online and it appears that I should be able to eat a small salad, veggies instead of getting my green fix a la V8. Yesterday was classic...crazy busy...errands, volunteering and given that it takes me 40 minutes to get down breakfast I opted for a protein shake...went down, no problem. Four hours later, got home, dropped off the perishables, had a glass of iced tea and grabbed four(4) Combos pretzel snacks(To a certain extent I can do crunchy). Chew,chew, chew...back in the car and within 10 minutes I knew I was going to be sick. Pulled into a shopping center and barfed in one of the poo-poo bags I keep in the car for the dogs! Made it to the store I was headed to and right into the bathroom to throw up twice more. Last night I was able to do a slice of toast; this morning - no way. Thank God for gummy vitamins, fiber and probiotics for keeping me somewhat healthy and coffee for keeping me going. Nevertheless, I'm always tired, look bloated and my nails look like crap fairly sure I'm not getting enough protein. I know ...whine, whine, whine. Well, at least someone around here is happy...my two dogs who get to eat 3/4 of what I make for myself! LOL

Scheduled for an endoscopy on Monday. Never wanting to assume that my insurance will cover just anything, I called to make sure. It is, as is removal of the band, but "revision" requires pre-approval. The person I spoke with couldn't clarify for me what encompasses "revision"...replacing the band with a new band? going for the full monty with a bypass? Not required to, but I emailed my surgeon's PA to reinforce the need for pre-approval if "revision" gets tossed around. Why jump the gun since this is only a"look-see"? Well, I this is what I told him and his response... Me: "The endoscopy has been scheduled for 2/18. Just to let you/surgeon know, the same "rules" we discussed before still apply. Definitely can't eat while wearing a bra, though I can eat small amounts of "safe" foods while seated. I've largely given up on any food that isn't the consistency of yogurt. I haven't been able to get down more than a tablespoon of vegetables and even the smallest amount of meat/fish/chicken will be making a reappearance. Tried again tonight - single slice of thin deli ham, chewed 45 times - stuck and likely coming back. The area around my port is tender but not consistently so. Checked with my insurer endoscopy is covered without preapproval, so is band removal if needed. Any revision surgery will need preapproval." PA: "Hopefully the egd goes well and gives us some answers, but the longer this persists with difficulty swallowing, and keeping down, foods that you should be able to tolerate, especially without any fluid in your Band, the more likely it is we will need to take a look with a diagnostic laparoscopy as we have discussed." Guess what a "diagnostic laparoscopy" is? It's the same procedure used to go in to place the band, except this would be another "look-see"...if there's a problem, they'd take out the band. I'm guessing that any revision options would be agreed upon before this procedure, which is actually surgery but the thought of the surgeon leaving me on the table while they go off to get pre-approval has crossed my mind! LOL

The symptoms got better for a short while, but flared up again, so I had an upper GI series. Could barely choke the barium down and ended up vomiting it up several hours later. Met with my surgeon's PA who reviewed the films. The band looks like it's in the right place, but there was an area of concern which might indicate the band has partially eroded. I was asked if I was "wedded" to my band - not if it's eroding my body parts! Now the surgeon wants to do an EGD. Guess this is usually done at the same time as they go in to effect any repairs or removal, but mine will be done as a "look see" as the surgeon doesn't think the problem is serious... *Reflux is back *Vomiting *Still can't eat with a bra on *Still takes an hour to get a meal down *Still have to more or less stand to eat ...but hey, none of that is serious...can't wait to do my next business lunch, where I whip off my bra and stand through the entire meal!

Had my quarterly follow up with my oncologist on Thursday and mentioned the 'Jill's Rules' as applies to eating. He urged me to go see my WLS and I did on Friday. I was ashamed that I'd gotten down to 216 and have been now hovering at 223 - 227 since July and have been blaming myself for not trying hard enough. When I laid this all out to my WLS, he assured me that it wasn't me, it was the band and told me I should've come in when this first started. He took all the fluid out of the band(4cc) and I'm to follow up with him on Monday. He's concerned that my stomach has mushroomed over the band and that due to the amount of time I waited before coming in, I may have scar tissue which would mean additional surgery. So far so good though - was able to eat an english muffin and a scrambled egg for breakfast yesterday in 20 minutes and actually got to go out to dinner with my husband, eat while sitting down and wearing a bra without having to run to the bathroom in agony. It felt so good to feel normal I almost cried!

Still hanging at the 216-224 range. It's gotten to the point that I have "rules" that are so bizarre that my husband is pushing me to see my WLS. I don't want to go back for fear I'm going to hear it's my fault I haven't lost more... Jill's Rules - not really mine, what my body is dictating: *Can't eat before 10am; thankfully, coffee goes down okay. *Can't get breakfast down(1/4c oatmeal, 1/4c egg sub, 2 slices turkey bacon or yogurt and fruit) in under 45 minutes. *Can't be wearing a bra or anything remotely fitted around my waist - food will not go down. *Can't sit down to eat - three bites and I'm backlogged. *Attempt to sit down to dinner - see above - then run to the bathroom, throw up food plus a nasty looking mucus ball(TMI-I know!) Then - surprise! I can eat..as long as I stand up to do it. *Hungry all the time - and it's not in my head - my stomach growls so loudly my co-workers crack up in meetings. *Obsessed w/chocolate - never was before. It's either because it will go down and gives me instant(temporary) energy or because if the serotonin release. *Vomitting can be triggered by something as small as the thin slice of a radish or a 1/4 tsp size piece of chicken and can go on for hours. *After throwing up, the area around my port seems to puff up. Despite having my haital hernia fixed a surgery, I feel like I have acid reflux. When I list it all, it does seem a bit ridiculous for me to continue to suffer. I guess I should just be glad that I'm no longer 286 pounds. Healthier with well-controlled blood glucose, but still the biggest gal in the room. Still not taken seriously or talked down to because I'm plus sized. I suppose it's time I just suck it up and accept that this is as good as it's going to get.

My weight is fluxuating between 216 and 222 - feels like I'm circling the drain so to speak. Plugging along with Weight Watchers and working out but having a hard time getting my weight to stablize. Considered going in for a fill, but it seems like I'm stuck at least once a day and vomitting at least once a week. Wish I could say it's consistantly due to the same food violations(pizza, bagels, bread - you know, the "No-No's") but it happened the other morning with my scrambled eggs(couldn't even get them down - my dog loved it though) and I had a fun two hour bout in the bathroom the other night over one stalk of steamed asparagus and less than an ounce of grilled chicken. I can actually eat a slice of thin crust pizza with no problem. Don't really eat bread anymore and forget bagels - but when three mini pretzels cause a problem it gets frustrating. Sometimes I'm afraid to go out to eat for fear that I going to have an incident. Frankly, there are many days when I make my breakfast or lunch and it takes 45 minutes to get it down! Oh well - I keep reminding myself that my weight gain was my own damn fault and now I'm paying the price. Speaking of prices paid - with the weight loss has come the giant jelly roll which fortunately with the right spanx-type garment I can mostly conceal, but I gotta wonder how much this thing weighs? Oh so much fun to have to buy pants etc to accomedate the "roll' then have to have the waist taken in! Came home from the gym the other day and notice this sweaty(wet?) semi-circle on the lower abdomen of my yoga pants. Probably TMI, but I'm now getting a permenant red rash and tissue breakdown under the "roll". I'm using baby butt cream and powder in an attempt to keep it dry, but if it's this bad now, what'll it be when(if) I get to my goal weight ...another 75 pounds from now?! Maybe I should just pack the area with paper towel, throw on my gridle and live with it! Amusingly enough, my insurance will cover the surgery since I had WLS - but if I just lost the weight on my own it wouldn't!?! The plastic surgeons I met with re; my breast reconstruction also consulted on my "tummy tuck" - they suggest that I need to be at or near my goal weight before even considering the latter procedure. Course with a roll this big, maybe they could just pull it up and create some faux boobs!

I was banded on 3/9/10 and got down to 222lb before being diagnosed with breast cancer on 1/17/11, Spent 90% of 2011 going through surgery, recovery and chemo and ended back at 243lb. Joined Weight Watchers on 10/20/11, Joined the "Y" on 1/3/12 and started the FitLinx program along with 30 minutes a day of cardio. Just hit my first WW goal of 10% of my weight lost - down to 218! NSV 1 - Although I'd heard all the talk about how exercise helps you have more energy, sleep better and relieve stress, I always was "too busy". Well, I'm still "too busy", but realized that there are things that can wait, like housework and catering to my hubs needs. Putting my health first needs to be a priority especially if I want to be around for the long haul. NSV 2- Last band adjustment was Nov '11 - any further adjustments were understandably nixed by my WLS until after I finished treatment and got the okay from my oncologist. I got that okay back in October, but haven't felt the need to go back. My restriction is good but more importantly, I've learned to realize what true hunger is and what's emotional eating. NSV 3- Kudos from my trainer: Jill - Congratulations you've reached a milestone with your Strength training lifting 100 000 lbs! It is your commitment to regular strength training that got you here. Great job! Adrian 2012 May just be the year I finally reach my goal! <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/waosz4T/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/waosz4T/weight

Sorry - forgot to check back in...no, by abs are not hard yet! My port is very pronouced too - especially as I lose weight. DId a course of Prilosec as rec'd by my doc and am feeling okay and continuing on in my workout efforts.

I'm almost two years out, so all healed with no complications. Spent the past year dealing with breast cancer, but I'm all clear and approved by my docs to get back to life. Started working out again - doing the FitLinxx circuit plus cardio for the past two weeks and feeling good until I was doing pushups off a stability ball (lower abdomen on the ball - hands on the floor). Not surprising that I could feel my port, but the resulting nausea and trip to the bathroom with severe diarrhea sure was. At first I thought maybe I'd caught a stomach bug but I've felt fine and have been able to work out since, yet I can't shake this heartburn feeling in the back of my throat. My hiatal hernia was fixed at the time I had my band installed so this is the first time I've had this in a long time. Could I have done something to my band while lifting? Anybody out there experience anything similiar?

I had surgery in March 2010. Never had a problem eating or drinking while wearing my bra. Early this year I had bi-lateral mastectomies(breast cancer - caught early - I'm fine) and opted not to go through reconstruction at this time. I was professionally fitted for prosthetic bras. The first time I had a problem was right after my breast surgery. I had to wear a compression garment but to even be able to drink, I had to unzip the damn thing. Now I have a similar problem - I can not eat while wearing my prosthetics. I can drink, but I get embarassing burping and hiccuping regardless of how slow I sip - really...bleching after a cup of coffee!?! Forget eating - several bites and its coming back up. So now I have to avoid eating in public, find a creative way to unhook(&rehook) my bra, wear something baggy and no bra... Anybody out there note anything similar? Thoughts?

Despite only gaining 9 pounds during chemo, my weight bounced right back up to where I was at the beginning of last year. My docs tell me the steroids can have delayed and lasting effects - great. Feeling almost like my old self most days but since starting Arimidex, I have days when I'm beat and my lower back aches like I've been digging ditches. Yet another side effect - but whew! only have to take this drug for five years! A friend got me to try Weight Watchers with her and though it's only been a few weeks, it seems to be helping. Still able to get all the protein I need - it's just so much simpler to have x amount of points to work with rather than the elaborate charts I seemed to be keeping noting protein, calories, carbs, fat etc. Well - I've tried everything else!! On a strange note - like most women who've had mastectomies, I was professionally fitted for my special bras and prosthetics. The prosthetics add about 3 pounds of weight and are -to be blunt - HUGE! When not holstered, I tend to leave them laying on my bed where they look like two wrinkle breasts just fell off and landed. When worn - gee, it's just as great as wearing a bra before - still having to pull up my right strap while tugging down on the left. It's the first thing off when I get home - just like before. The really strange thing though is that I can't eat while wearing the bra - ANYTHING - and I'm throwing up. I first noticed this when I had to wear a compression bra post-surgery and was throwing up yogurt. Apparently the bra band in combination with the lap band creates some sort of vacuum. This is really great as I now have to either avoid going out to eat, go out wearing a big sweater and no bra, or find a creative way to unhook my bra before eating. Thankfully when I don't eat in public everyone assumes it's because of my band - I just don't admit its the OUTSIDE band...

NFaith - Isn't it funny how cancer puts being over-weight or worrying about your figure on the back burner? AC & Taxol - that's a tough course. Glad you're feeling better. I'll be two months out on Monday and feeling more like myself everyday. That said, I haven't exactly been diet dilgent and I'm try to force myself back on the wagon.

I had four courses of taxotare & cytoxin - way better than ten years ago when I had "AC" The aches are the worse - finally broke down and took the Loratab they Rx'd but eventually you've got to wean yourself because the resulting constipation is just as painful. I didn't get unfilled prior to my treatment - and my bariatric practice never suggested I do so. My oncologist tells me that the hunger and cravings are quite normal and I guess that makes sense as does the craving for sugars and carbs. I'm tired a fair amount of the time and sometimes it takes some carbs to give me enough energy to push forward. Ache wise I'm using Aleve, heating pads and resistance bands - microwave rice bags are also great. Trying not to be overly focused on my weight especially as I'm now going through all the post-chemo consults(cardiac/GI/Dexa) as well as meeting with more "experts" in hopes that I won't have to deal with this again. Keeping you in my prayers for next week's surgery! Jill

Got my band in March 2010 and was pretty pleased with my 60lb weight loss by year's end and looking forward to more success in 2011. That is until I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. As soon as I told my bariatric surgical practice they (understandably) nixed any more fills until after my surgery and chemotherapy. I was "lucky" in that the cancer had not spread and I "only" had four courses of chemo as a preventative measure. Just finished my chemo a couple of weeks ago and despite the massive amounts of steroids that are given as a part of the treatment, only gained 9lbs. Now I'm trying to get back on the weight loss wagon, but it seems my body is fighting me. I don't feel restricted and I am hungry all the time - especially craving Protein. Couple this with the weird taste that chemo leaves in your mouth - tastes like I have nail polish remover in my mouth and can last several weeks to months following treatment! I find I'm eating and eating in an attempt to find something that tastes at least normal and because I'm flat out hungry. I'm sure part of this is my body's healing process but the way I'm craving protein makes my feel like maybe I'm turning into a werewolf! (a bald, boobless werewolf that is!) Anybody out there deal with anything similiar to this? Any suggestions?

You all are too sweet - but I appreciate all the support. Breast Cancer is one of those things that most women fear - and rightly so. It really doesn't seem to be preventable as it strikes all ages, races, thin, not so thin...we've got girls(and I do mean GIRLS) at my local cancer center in their late teens and 20's dealing with this beast. There is a positive - it's a disease that's getting alot of research and attention and doctors are less likely these days to make light of a younger women with suspicious breast issue or family history. Despite the fear of this disease more women actually die of heart disease than breast cancer. That said - Eat Healthy, Exercise and Do Your BSE!!

Had my last chemo treatment a week ago. Just now starting to feel a bit more like myself. My oncologist tells me the rule of thumb is to double the number of months you went through treatment and that's a rough estimate of when you'll actually feel like you did before treatment. So for me that'll be around January 2012. Lost my hair - though it is coming back already - and my eyelashes- which really sucks as I consistantly feel like I have grit in my eyes. Biggest side effect is the fatigue which varies from day to day but hasn't been so bad that I've been nonfunctional. Very proud of myself that despite being on heavy duty steroids the day before, day of and day after chemo(including extra given with the chemo), I didn't go crazy eating and only gained 9 pounds through treatment. I was warned before the last go-round in 2000 that I could gain up to 40lbs during the process - which I did plus more! I was given the same warning this time and it scared the crap out of me since I battled to get banded and have struggled to make it work. My oncologist says I can resume adjustments whenever I want, but I think I'm going to give it a month or so to settle out especially as my immune system will be compromised for awhile. Whew - tired already - Nap Time!

I'm also a year out(3/9/10) and down 62 pounds from my highest weight - wearing a size 16/18. Still seeing a fat person in the mirror even when others comment on my weight loss success, but proud that despite being diagnosed again with breast cancer, this time I didn't turn to food to stuff down my anger, fear, pain etc. Last time I dealt with the "beast" I was 35 and under 200...chemo(steriods!), job stress, cancer fear pushed me all the way up to 283! Have continued to lose weight at a respectable 1-2 pounds per week(on average) and continue to work through the issues surrounding my eating disorder. As far as the beast goes - I was again blessed that it was caught early with no lymph node involvement. Since I'm a BRAC1 carrier I had bi-lateral mastectomies and am having the OncotypeDX genetic test to see if I actually need chemo. Expect I will so my doc and I will be discussing the steroid issue - I am putting the weight back on! Hate the new format!!!

I do have a family history - grandmother died of BC at 51, mother diagnosed at 51 - still alive at 74. Mine was a Stage 2(solely due to size) ER PR Negative, Her2 positive, no node involvement. I had lumpectomy, raditation and chemo(the Red Devil). Just got back from NYC(Weill Cornell) and am cautiously optimist, but ditto on the Why Me? Why Again! Thanks for your kind words.

Jacqui - It sounds like you're a lady who knows exactly what I'm going through. Thanks for you story and kind wishes! Jill

Thanks for your kind thoughts. I don't feel that strong right now, but I'm faking it real well! A friend cracked me up telling me to focus on the positive, "...your great new boobies to go with your svelte body..." It's good to be able to laugh.

I am(was?) a 10 year breast cancer survivor who was banded last March. I've lost 60 pounds and am down 4 sizes. I'd been looking and feeling great, so I thought it was NBD when I went for my annual breast MRI in December... and then radiologist noted something small on the right side(original cancer was on left). He recommended a follow up MRI in six months. My Gyn said, "No way - not with your history". She sent me to a surgeon, who ordered an ultrasound and then a biopsy. The tumor or whatever you want to call it, at least at this point appears quite small - 5mm. From what I gather the fact that it was caught on this MRI was pure luck and possibly due to my weight loss which allowed for clearer views all around. Nothing is going on on the left side. It appears that this new cancer has the same makeup as the first. Unfortunately women with my genetic profile have a 50-70% chance of a second cancer in the other breast by age 70. I had my original surgery(lumpectomy) in 2000. It took two years of battling with my insurance carrier and having my oncologist write numerous letters to get approval for the genetic testing which revealed that I am a carrier of the BRAC1(breast cancer gene). If I'd had that information at the time of the original diagnosis, I'd have done what I am doing next week - radical mastectomies with reconstruction. My general surgeon( mastectomies) and the plastic surgeon(reconstruction) are both young guys with impressive track records. They figure I'll have to take it easy for a couple of weeks. My husband and I are traveling to NYC on Monday to meet with an oncologist at Weill Cornell who will work in tandem with my local oncologist . I don't know if it's spread; tests will be done at the time of surgery. Prior to this fab news, I felt great - now I have every psychosomatic ache and pain in the world! Now I have to face chemo again. The steroids given with the last go around really helped pack on the pounds and my surgeon nixed any band adjustments until further notice. I can't tell you how creeped out I am as I recall the discussion I had with my bariatric surgeon when considering GB -v-GBP and I chose GB because, "...If Iever have to deal with cancer again, I won't have the added problem of not being able to get enough nutrition..." And I am pissed that just as my life seemed to be getting back in the groove so to speak, I'm back to square one. Anybody else out there been or going through something like this? url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wru5592/] [/url]

I started my journey on January 14, 2010 with my initial appointment with the bariatric team. We reviewed surgical options; GB -v-RNY etc. and the decision I made was GB due to the fact that I'd had breast cancer in 2000 and if I were to have a reoccurence, the band could be unfilled if I weren't getting the needed nutrition. So here I am, 50 pounds thinner and feeling good, when my yearly breast MRI shows an area of concern on the right breast(my original cancer was on the left). My gyn had me see a surgeon, who ordered an ultrasound and the biopsy done on 1/13 is postive for breast cancer. Just found out today - oddly, exactly 10 years to the date of the last day of my chemo. Of course, I cried but now I'm a bit angry and some what resigned. Kicking myself because I should've had preventative mastectomies 10 years ago and been done with it. Pissed that just as it seemed my life was improving I'm facing the possibility of debilitating surgery, chemo and radiation. Worried that it's spread and I'm not going to see my niece grow up and how will I get everything organized so my husband will be able to stay on top of running the household and caring for our pets. Saddened that I just may die a fat girl who didn't accomplish much. And just a little weirded out that what I said came to pass...and this isn't the first time!

It'll be a year for me in March - I have 4.2cc in an 11cc band - twice I've had to have Fluid taken out and now have to have an upper GI series. I lost about 30 pre-surgery...and 14 since. I'm going say DITTO...I also could eat enough to feed three men, experience the uncomfortable pouch and the growling stomach, the trying to psych myself in to believing I'm not hungry. Now my surgeon's practice is telling me that the new thinking is that you should only have 2 or 3 fills in the first year...ugh! Elfie, I've been reading your posts since I started down this road - if anyone has worked their band, seems it would be you. God bless and let us know how your progress. It's a small comfort to know I'm not the only one who feels like a failure.