khath0620

I need advice.... How long should I wait before I call the doctor? I have been feeling stuck for about 2 hours now. I have "slimed" quite a few times and am still feeling pressure in my chest/stomach. I had microwaved a piece of salmon from last night and apparently it isn't going down (or up for that matter)! I have been slightly stuck before but it hasn't lasted this long in the past.... Thanks, Katie

You NEED a certain number of calories just for your organs to function including your brain, heart, lungs, etc. You can find that number out - google "Resting Metabolic Rate calculator" and plug in your height/weight, etc That is the MINIMUM number of calories you should be getting in order to just sit on a couch and breathe. If you are more active, that number can be adjusted. For instance, I am 5' 8" and weigh "X" pounds (sorry, can't share that number) so I need around 1600 calories a day. If you are concerned, I would speak to your nutritionist about it. I think 690 is really very low and so your body is going to start attacking itself and you won't have any energy at all. Good luck.

Hi, For anyone who has had a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck, are there any compression garments for post op that you would recommend? My surgery is not until January 19th but I figured I could pick some up with all the holiday sales right now. Thanks, Katie

It is going to cost an extra $6200 but, from what I read from everyone, it is well worth the money.

Yay, NYDad!!! That is so great! You will do awesome! Your kids will be so impressed! Congratulations on your success!

I don't have that type of insurance (I have HP) but from the research I have done, any rashes or skin irritations that are documented by a physician would make the removal of the extra abdominal skin a medical necessity and then they would pay for a panniculectomy. That is just the hanging skin. They do not cover the cost of a full tummy tuck (a.k.a. abdominoplasty) which tightens the muscles and deals with the upper abdomen. Good luck, Katie

Thanks, Ross. I am in pretty good shape. I work out regularly, even job 5Ks (2 coming up in the next couple weeks). I do, thankfully, have a recliner and a few books I am looking forward to reading. Congrats on your newest accomplishment! Katie

I am so excited to announce that I FINALLY heard from my insurance company today and they approved my panniculectomy. I have been dealing with these rashes and stuff for over a year now and now am going to be able to have the chance to have a flatter tummy. I am going to have the full abdominoplasty and TT (extra cost) but if I am going to do this I only want to do it once! I am filled with a sense of excitement but also REALLY nervous about going under the knife. I have a choice at either the end of December or the end of January. SO many feelings running through me right now! Katie

Plastic surgery in for insurance approval....it's all up to them now! I will be biting my nails for an approval. The PS office said Harvard Pilgrim may take a week or two! Oy!

Hi there, How did your consult go? Are you going to have the work done? What did they say about the 17#? Just had my appointment yesterday and it was mortifying but productive. Should have my paperwork into the insurance by the end of the week (hopefully). Thanks, Katie P.

I just had my plastic surgery consult yesterday. I am having a terrible time with rashes under my tummy. The PS said that if the insurance were to pay for anything it would be a panniculectomy (removal of the hanging skin) but not a full TT (where they would tighten the whole abdomen and suture the abdominal muscles for a tighter appearance). So now my PCP, dermatologist and PS are going to submit info to my insurance company for approval. I have a years worth of paper trail and now photos. My PS said it was good that I had a "rip roarin' rash" because that is what insurance wants to see. It may take a few weeks for approval so I am pretty anxious. Good luck and congrats on your new life with the band! Katie

I was thinking of opening a credit card (have excellent credit) with 0% interest. I saw one for 21 months at 0% and then it goes up to like 15%. Depending on how much it costs I might be able to swing it..... Sue, I am going to Dr. H. I am optimistic that she will be as good as you say she is. Will keep you posted. Thanks, Katie

Hi there, Going for my PS consult next Tuesday. I have some significant skin issues and so am hopeful insurance will pay for a panniculectomy however I am hoping I can see how much extra a TT will be. I figured if I am going to have surgery then I am going to do it right and ONCE! Just wondering, for those who have undergone plastic surgery, how did you finance it? Were there any special credit cards, loans, programs that helped with the financing? I can't pay an "all at once" cash fee but could probably manage to pay over a couple of years. Any advice? Thanks! Katie

Hi there VictoriaLeigh, I feel for you. I am a recovering compulsive overeater, anorexic and bulemic. I go to Overeaters Anonymous to deal with the emotional side of my eating and I am happy to say that my eating is in control for today. I see a therapist a couple of times a month and go to 2 meetings a week. It has taken me 2 years to stay ahead of my eating disorders but it is worth it and so am I....and so are you! All that purging is harming your body....with or without the band. You can cause all kinds of electrolyte abnormalities, you could rupture your stomach or esophagus, rot your teeth, etc. The band is just a tool, the work that we all have to do lies within us. Maybe you should check out an OA meeting??? Go to OA.org to find a meeting you can go to or even a phone meeting where you can stay in your home and listen to a meeting. Good luck. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I have stood in your shoes and it always looks impossible but it isn't. Take care, Katie

I am down like 85'ish and i have the belly thing too. I do have a paper trail of pharmacy orders, doctor's notes (both from my PCP and dermatologist) and photo documentation. I am about 15 punds away from my goal and need to start the process of finding a plastic surgeon who has dealt with LB patients. I really NEED a full body lift but I am fairly certain that insurance will not cover that. Guess it is worth a try though.... Good luck, Katie

Thanks, all! I will give them a try. I never thought about drinking my protein shake at the gym instead of my water. That might be an idea I should try. Have a great day!

I go to the gym at 5 a.m. (so I get up at 4:30). I am generally STARVED when I wake up. I try to have a small snack before I go to the gym (i.e. handful of cheerios, a few grapes, etc) so I don't get dizzy when I work out. Any suggestions for other lite Snacks in the morning before I exercise??? Thanks, Katie

Thanks! 80 pounds gone...hopefully forever!

Hi all, I am SO happy to say that I have reached ONE-DERLAND as of my follow up appointment today! I have about 20 more pounds to go to reach a goal I have set for myself. At that time, I will consult a plastic surgeon for a TT. I am hoping to reach my goal by New Years but if it takes longer, then so be it. I have to keep telling myself that this is a journey, not a race. I am on no one's deadline but my own. I have read so many success stories on this website and that is what keeps me going. I have been through the good, the bad, and the ugly with this process but I am overall coming out in the positive! Thank to everyone who shares their struggles and their victories! You all inspire me to be a better bandster! Take care, Katie

Hi Patyann, A few things come to mind.... First, think about the order of your food when you are sitting down to a meal. It should be protein 1st, veggies 2nd and, only if you have the room, carbs last. I can sometimes not even finish my veggies much less get to the carbs. I find, for me, when I eat a lot carbs I want more of the sweet things so it makes sense to me to reduce the amount of the carbs and thus the cravings are less. Second, the quality of the carbs you are eating. I have found my cravings are a lot less with whole grains and whole wheat. Any kinds of white flour, rice, pasta, bread, etc just stirs the beast inside me and I want to overeat. I tend to avoid flour and sugar because I can't handle it. Third, when you are craving something, is it a "real" hunger or an "emotional" hunger? I always ask myself "Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired/bored?" (the HALT rule). If it is an emotional hunger, food is going to do nothing to fix it (or the problem) and does nothing for you physically/nutritionally. Hope that helps, Take care, Katie

Hi everyone, Been a while since I posted but I just have to share my excitement. I am about 1-2 pounds away from ONEDERLAND!!! I can't stand it!!! I am fitting in extra workouts this week just so I can get there sooner! I still have a while to go (at least 20 more) but I am so proud of the steps I have made to change my life on both a physical and emotional level. I have said it before to others who struggle.....the band is just a tool, the strength and dedication comes from within you! What I found to help me to succeed: 1. An amazing support system....my surgeon and his staff, my family and friends, all of you.... 2. Being involved in support groups (both Lapband patients and I also belong to OA). I have learned that I can't do it alone. I need others around me to keep the motivation going and keep me accountable for my actions 3. Taking it not only one day at a time, I also take it one meal at a time 4. Don't set unrealistic expectations of myself....I can do what I can do with the time I have 5. Physical activity....I hate the word "exercise"....I just move my body. Started off slow and now I am a runner (well, pathetic jogger really). The benefits are so amazing! I have more energy, am proud of myself for doing something healthy, and my body is changing in a good way. I am always open to emails for support and encouragement if you need it! I am more than happy to help! I am actually a mentor in my surgeon's office....been through the good, the bad, and the ugly of living the banded life! Have a great day! Katie

Thanks for all the good advice. I was able to run 2 miles this morning on the treadmill at a 5.0-5.2 pace and a 1.0 incline. I have resolved to "just to my best" and have fun. I am doing a practice run with my friend on the 14th (the race is the 29th) so I will know what to expect. I am just happy to be trying! We will see how it goes! Katie

Hi all, I need some words of wisdom. I signed up to do a 5K which is at the end of May. I was doing well ... jogging on the treadmill at a speed of 4.8 or so for a distance of about 1.5 miles. Now, since the race is getting closer, I have tried to start jogging outside and I hit a block every time I hit a mile. I know running outside is harder but it has been at least 2 weeks of every other day running that I am at a one mile wall! I feel sore, tight, and frustrated! Any advice? Thanks! Katie

I can totally understand where you are coming from. I am a self-confessed and proven food addict. I am absolutely powerless over food, particularly things with sugar in them. I will honestly tell you that just as an alcoholic drinks to self-medicate, I used to eat to numb my emotions and fill some void. I have really found a lot of help in Overeaters Anonymous. You can go to their website (www.oa.com) and find a meeting (either a face to face meeting in your area or a call in phone meeting you can do from home). My philosophy is take what you need and leave the rest from the meetings. I am doing pretty well right now but I know it is a process that will take time. Good luck with everything! :-) Katie

Mterry....5 pounds is 5 pounds! Think of what would have happened through the holidays WITHOUT the band! Plus you should be SO proud of 54 pounds! Congratuations!!!! I have said it before to myself a thousand times...the band is around my stomach, not my brain. All the cravings and habits can tend to eventually creep back in, even when I don't want them to. I have been going to OA for almost 2 years (1 year before the band) and I am in better (but not total) control of my eating habits. It is a journey for me. Some people after banding even still go to weight watchers or a routine nutritionist appointment just to stay on track. At then end of the day....does the food taste better than thin feels or better blood pressure or lower cholesterol, etc....? It is about choices and you have obviously made awesome choices along the line having lost 54 pounds! You know how to do this...you are SO worth it! Good luck, Katie