danielle b

WOW...I am jealous!! I just had my first fill yesterday (4.5 cc) and I have to start my 4 phases of food all over:scared2:...5 days for each phase, starting with Clear Liquids, then full liquids, puree, soft and then back to solids....20 days til I can eat again....UGGGGHHHH!!! But I will probably lose another 20# or so within that time.....I hope!!:smile2:

So....I just need to put in my 2 cents here....SO WHAT she ate ONE freakin egg!!!! I am sure she probably did no damage to her band....I read a lot on this website, and it seems to me that everyone's rules are quite different. I remember reading about someone who ate a Protein bar a couple days after her surgery....and I was thinking....Oh my, how can she eat that?? But her surgeon ok'd it. But I kept my comments to myself.... The only question Amanda asked was, "Did anyone else cheat early? So to answer your question Amanda....No I did not, I was strictly on liquids for 10 days....I really wasn't feeling hungry during that time. For future, maybe you can try a Protein shake....those help fill me up! Good luck to you!!:biggrin:

Heating pad worked for me....Good luck!

Good for you....taking the first step is the hardest!! I believe that this was also the best thing for me. I think that it is great that you and your husband are doing this journey together. I have had full support from my husband and kids....it makes a big difference when you have support!! Good luck to the both of you.....

I actually started with a weight loss seminar. When I found the surgeon that I was interested in, I called his office and that is where I had to start....Not a support group but a seminar. Unless all surgeons are different. After I filled out paperwork, I then had to attend 2 support group meetings for my insurance paperwork. Good luck!

I also have UHC, I had the same conditions you had for insurance, the one other item was a psych eval. I was approved in less than 2 weeks!

Gastric bypass was not an option for me....I know 3 people that have had it done and all 3 almost died from it....including my mother!! Yes she recovered and was a success but it was never in my thoughts of having that procedure. I read about lapband about 5 years ago and knew if I ever was to have weight loss surgery this was the one I wanted!! Took 5 years for me to get a job with insurance, but I have finally been banded! Try not to listen to what others say about the band. You need to do what is best for you....and you have explained your reasoning well....So GO FOR IT!! Good luck:wink2:

I was on the pill, Yaz before my surgery. Surgeon had me stop taking the pill because they can cause blood clots. Then he asked me why I was taking birth control....told him I did not want any more kids. So, he tied my tubes while putting in the band.... So, I don't have to worry about going back on BC and gaining weight....thank goodness!!

My surgeon gives everyone that still has a gallbladder intact a prescription called actigall, it prevents gallstone formation for those experiencing rapid weight loss, with long term use, it can dissolve small gallstones. I had my gallbladder removed in 2004, so I did not have the prescription. My mother had gastric bypass 6 years ago and still has her gallbladder. I think it depends on the person!

Welcome to Bandland!! Congratulations....I was banded on June 7 in Klamath Falls. We are very close to each other. As a matter of fact, going to Medford today. You will find lots of information on this website. Do not let any of the posts discourage you....I have been told by my surgeon not to believe half the stuff I read on the internet, LOL!! Anyways, good luck to you!!:confused:

I would call your insurance co. and tell them that this doctor wants cash up front and see if your fills are covered by insurance and if it's okay to mail in your receipt with claim. If your fills are covered, I don't see why you couldn't file a claim. Since you live in Texas, what are your options about going to Mexico for your fills?? Cost would probably be a lot less than here. Otherwise, I would keep searching on the internet for a doctor to do your fills.....I am sure you will eventually need another one at some point! Good luck to you!!

My surgeon gave me a book that they made for everything I need to know. About soups: it says, soups should no longer be consumed with meals. These are mostly liquid and should be treated as beverages and avoided with meals. Hope that helps!

Welcome to the forum....and good luck in your journey!! :thumbup: Make sure you read the forum often, there is alot of great information!!

Well mine didn't taste like alka seltzer....you drink this thick, chalky liquid called Barium. By the end of my test, I thought I was going to puck.....then about 30 minutes later, I had a severe cramp on my left side....I had a reaction to the Barium. Cramp lasted about 7 hours. It is not very often that happens....:thumbup: Good luck!

I also have Anthem Blue Cross California. If I remember right they wanted a letter from your PCP indicating that the surgery is medically necessary. You will need at least 2 co-morbidities; such as joint pain, rash under your boobs (can't think of medical term for it), diabetes, high blood pressure or borderline, anything you can think of that is related to being overweight. My BMI was over 40, so it was medically necessary and I did not think that I had any co-morbidites until the doctor started asking me all these questions....I ended up having about 4 of them. Also, insurance approved me in less than 1 week. Good luck to you!!! As for the questions about the band.....keep reading everything you can on this forum, there is a lot of great information. :thumbup:

I think you are doing just fine. My surgeon also said 60 grams for me too. Keep it up!!

Thanks Betsy....You nailed it, that was exactly what I had. It only drained that first day but kept bandage on for 2 days. I was also prescribed Bactrim (antibiotic). No leakage since Monday.... Thanks for everyone's comments!

My surgeon DOES all his fills under Fluoroscopy (xray). I hope your doctor got it in the first time with the xray. I am not quite ready for a fill yet, but I am hoping I do not have a horror story to tell......I feel sorry for all of you that have to go through more pain. Good luck all!

I was told to drink 1 oz every 3 minutes or so. Do you have a medicine cap that is equivalent to 1 oz? It took me forever to drink the required 64oz a day.....sugarfree popsicles and sugarfree jello count as liquids also!! Good luck to you

I had surgery on June 7, Monday and I had diarrhea that started up on Thursday. For me it only lasted a couple of days!! It is very common, it's posted all over the forum....good luck!

That's great....I lost 18 the first week, but gained 2 the 2nd week and lost 5 third week...I am 3 weeks post op....keep up the good work!

Maria, I was pretty sore for about 10 days or so after surgery, with each day getting a little bit better. I lost 18# the first week, doctor had me on clear liquids for 10 days!! After seeing that # on scale, I knew I did the right thing. I work for a school district, so I have summers off. So I was not concerned too much about the healing time. And "no" I will not have to have surgery for this leak....it is from my incision, not band....its like a pinhole leak! Anyways.....need to call the surgeon! Take Care of yourself!!!:ohmy:

You can tell your friends that having surgery is not the easy way out!! It really makes my surgeon mad when people think like that.....You let them know, that this is a life change. In order for you to be a success you need to follow your surgeon's program. Please do not think this is easy!! I am 3 weeks post op and had my doubts after day 2, but it all gets better. Right now I am having some leaking problems in my port incision....just when I was feeling sooooo good!! Good luck to you in whatever you decide....and keep looking at the pics, they were a constant inspiration for me!!!

So, I am 3 weeks post op as of today. I am feeling Great!! I was sitting at computer and felt something wet on my shirt, thought I spilled some tea on myself. Changed shirt, came back and looked down....My shirt had a puddle of fluid. Looked at my port incision.....and my port incision is leaking big time!!! I freaked out and called surgeon immediately....He knew exactly what I was talking about. I had to push out as much fluid as possible, he is calling in antibiotics in the morning and it will continue to seep fluid for the next 48 hours (need to keep it bandage). I am praying to God that I do not lose my band!!!!:ohmy:

I smoked for 25 years....But I quit over a year ago. Thank goodness I haven't started back up....It was the hardest thing that I ever did!!! I still have cravings, but know that I am much healthier without it. My surgeon has you sign a paper stating that you do not smoke and if you do....you have to be smoke free for 8 weeks. Be honest with your surgeon, let him know you only smoke a few now and then, see what he says!!