dar36

I didn't have a BMI of 40 either so I too wore heavy clothes and ate a good breakfast. I did have a couple of co-morbidities at the time but the whole process uncovered a couple of more serious ones that I was unaware of. It also explained a lot of the issues that I was experiencing. So ultimately, the process helped me get the insurance coverage I needed. I was banded 12 days ago and feel like a million dollars. My best to you.

Thanks for asking that question. I never heard of it. I was banded on Aug 17 and prior to surgery I was a really fast eater and didn't chew my food very much. It definitely sounds like something I need to keep in mind!

Simmer some cubed zucchini and onion with some chicken broth. Blend it until smooth, add a little skim milk for protein and a touch of grated parm cheese for added flavor. If you need to thicken it you can always add a few tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes. I just did the same thing with broccoli and plan on doing it with cauliflower and asparagus. I also made homemade chicken broth with veggies and blended them so the texture was smooth. It was a nice change from the average cup of broth. Give them a try...plus the homemade ones won't have as much sodium. I think you'll like them. Take Care!

My BMI wasn't as low as 30. My BMI is currently 35 but I have co-morbities that have made it nearly impossible to lose weight, which is why I went the route of the lapband. I have always kept a low carb, high protein diet and eat a lot of veggies. As a result, my eating habits won't really change after I get my first fill, which is something postive that I already have going for me. I was banded 12 days ago and have lost almost 20 pounds. I feel incredible! I can't even begin to tell you what those 20 pounds have done for me. I am mentally a new person too. I can even say that the two weeks of liquids have made me even more disciplined. This is the best thing I could have done for myself. I am ready to kick it up a notch as it pertains to exercise and I am not looking back. I am looking forward to my first fill. I went to my first party / BBQ yesterday and quite honestly, no one even noticed what I was eating / or shall I say wasn't eating. Maybe in a restaurant situation, it might be different, but the people that I go to dinner with are already part of my support system and know that gig. I wouldn't sweat that yet. You will be fine and no one needs to know anything that you don't want them to know. It is nobody's business!

I was banded on August 17 and went the next day for an x-ray. I see the dietician and doctor on Sept 2 and I believe two weeks after that for a fill.

Wow! 57 pounds is a lot of weight. Good for you! We all want the weight to come off as fast as possible, but remember that Losing an average of 1-2 pounds a week is healthy and should be the goal. I have had many times that I hit a wall and I know everyone's body is different, but for me, when I really commit to exercise, it makes all the difference. Are you exercising regularly?

My port is under my belly button / slightly to the left of my belly button. I can definitely feel it and it also hits the counter tops when I am at the sink and cooking.

YES! My port is near my belly button too! My doctor said that as I lose weight it will definitely be noticable, especially when I have my arms stretched up. He didn't have much of a choice with placement because I had a tummy tuck and lipo about two years ago and my stomach doesnt' have much fat around it. He couldn't put it anywhere else. He even had to use an older style port to get it to fit in. He did say, however, that as they come out with new style ports, he will replace my port with a new one and attempt to place it somewhere else. It is quite noticable to me and anyone can easily feel it under my skin right now and I had surgery on Aug 17. I have dropped almost 20 pounds and I am sure once I drop another 20 it is going to be quite a site to see. Currently it doesn't bother me, but I perhaps I may feel differently later. I am just happy that I finally got the surgery. Today I fit into a pair of size 12 shorts and was able to do activities that would have completely had winded me a few months ago. I feel AWESOME so the port thing doesn't bother me yet.

I am sure there are many variables involved. I would see a specialist to assist you with this. I wish you the best. I have PCOS, which made conceiving difficult. After a few unsuccessful pregnancies, I finally have two beautiful boys! When I was ready to try again, I saw a fertility specialist and took Metformin (preband). The thought of losing another pregnancy is difficult and tramatic. The joy of having a child is beyond anything that I can put into words.

That is awesome! It makes you want to work even harder doesn't it?!? You must feel great and I am really happy for you. Keep on keepin on!

I would call your surgeon's office. It certainly can't hurt to tell them how you are feeling and feedback. If these are normal feelings, perhpas some reassurance will make you feel better. Maybe they will want to see you. It's never a bad decision to call and ask just to be safe. Are you getting enough clear and full liquids? Enough Protein? Are you still taking pain medication before bed? I cannot take prescription pain medication without something in my stomach or I get nauseated too. I actually just took a pill for nausea tonight for the first time in a week. I just feel a little off tonight too. I was banded on August 17 and actually feel really good. I do have some sensations in my stomach that are quite noticable and odd, but nothing that is setting me back. I have had some very painful surgeries in the past so this one has actually been the easiest for me. I think my port is the most noticable thing for me...more than hunger. I have the hunger thing pretty much under control. Keep in mind though that everyone heals differently and has different experiences. The best advice that I can give is to call the doctor to make sure everything is ok. Please let us know how you are doing.

Thanks! I enjoyed reading them. Some of them really made me laugh!

This is how my process worked: Determined that surgery was covered by insurance Met with primary care provider. Initial consultation with doctor. Group seminar Meeting with social worker and dietician Medical evaluation to determine if other steps are needed Two sleep studies and pulminary clearance Cardiac clearance Psychological clearance Pre op physical Pre admission bloodwork Final meeting with surgeon for review Surgery! I was banded on August 17. I started the process in March. Best wishes to you along the way. Keep us posted.

I would expect 4-6 months depending on your insurance and any required testing, dieting, etc... I started the process in March and was banded last week. My best wishes to you. Let me know if you have any questions along the way. I am more than happy to help.

Ok everyone, I am on day six of being banded and I am not complaining, but why haven't I had all the gas pain that everyone is talking about? I even had a hiatal hernia fixed and was expecting shoulder pain. I have had very little gas or pain. I guess I should be grateful!

First of all...good for you for being on vacation for 3 weeks. That is awesome! As for losing a pound on vacation, way to go! I have been banded for 6 days and although I am currently in the first week of bandster starvation hell, I am so happy that I finally got it done. I am down 16 pounds!

I had my surgery this past Tuesday. I felt lousy for the first two days, but I went on a walk today without issue. I have slight discomfort with my port area, but I hardly have any gas pains at all. The doctor said I would have shoulder pain too because he repaired a hiatal hernia and I have not had much pain there either. Nothing so far has bothered my stomach. I am able to drink and eat the "full liquids" without issue. I am happy that you are doing well. Take care.

I am in NY and have excellus BCBS. I was told that it could take 4-6 weeks to approve. I was approved in 6 days and had surgery 12 days later!

I was banded on Aug 17th and right now I am starving. My stomach is rumbling. I don't know how I am going to survive two weeks on broth, milk, and water, but I guess I will have to fight my way through this. We have so many fresh tomatoes from our garden in the kitchen right now. Do you have any idea how much I want a BLT? I would settle for a jar of baby food at this point. But, like I said, I will get through this! I have to.

I have family members that get gout and it is extremely painful. Make sure you avoid foods that can fuel the fire. Did she give you any medication for it?

I had surgery on Aug 17, which was a Tuesday, and today (Friday) I didn't even need any pain medication. I did not feel good the first couple of days, but am much better now. You should probably be ok.

How soon after surgery did you start your protein drinks?

I was banded on Monday too and also had a hiatal hernia repair. I am feeling the same way you two are feeling.

Hey there! I did a similar weight loss program to lose the 5% insurance required weight before they would approve. I ate a TON of vegetables ( I made Soup with them), I would have an occassional Protein shake and a little lean protein. And of course, lots of Water. I lost 12 pounds in two weeks. I also exercised quite a bit...a lot of walking and swimming. I didn't feel hungry either. I am getting banded tomorrow too! I am scheduled for 10:00 AM and I believe the doctor is keeping me overnight because of my sleep apnea. I will be anxious to come home and talk to you to see how you did. I have a feeling I will be up all night. So if you feel like chatting, I will probably be online. My thoughts are with you. I am happy for us!

If you have ANY concerns or feel something is unusual or different than your medical team described, I wouldn't hesitate to make a call to the office. Sometimes a little reassurance is what we need to feel better.