CharCo

Good luck June 2011 bandsters! I was banded in June 2010... this year has been even better than I could have imagined. Best thing I've ever done for myself. I'm living my life again, and loving every minute.

I had surgery on Monday morning and went back to work on Wednesday. I didn't work all day, and I sit behind a desk. I would say I was ok on Thursday. I was going through a pretty stressful time at work, so I felt alot of pressure to come in to the office. No one knew at the office, so it was hard.

Almost a year out... BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF. I love my new life. Good luck!!

Good luck as you begin your journey! It's an amazing and wonderful experience. You will probably have that "What the heck have I done to myself??" thought a few days after surgery, but don't worry, you'll soon forget that! I've been banded about 9 months and I have to say it was the best decision I've ever made.

I had my surgery on Monday and was back in the office on Wednesday afternoon. It was a stressful time at work - so I felt alot of pressure to return and they didn't know I'd had surgery. I think if I'd waited until Thursday I would have been better off. Friday would have been even better.

I had really great restriction after my 3rd fill. But, now that I'm on my 4th, it's way too tight. I mean I cant eat a bite of solid food without feeling a significant amount of pain (having some of that 4th fill removed tomorrow - thank god!) I went in for the 4th with the idea that I wanted it to be just a tad tighter, so he added .4 - I think tomorrow I'm going to get .3 taken out. It's amazing how much difference that small amount can make.

Good luck with your next fill - I hope you can feel it!

Thanks for posting this - I am having the EXACT same problem! I could have written you post!

Good luck to all you December bandsters! I will be celebrating 6 months in December - 6 amazing months. It's been wonderful. It truly changes your life. I've been a slow loser, compared to many, but I'll take it. By the end of December, I expect to be down 50 pounds.

Someone asked about telling people - I must say that in the beginning I didn't want ANYONE to know. But, as time has passed I've told most everyone that I'm close to. I'm glad I kept it a secret in the beginning - because I just didn't know how I would feel. But, now I'm glad that people know. I still don't tell people at work, but that's about it.

Good luck to everyone. It's such an amazing journey.

I weigh daily. I can't stand not knowing. It helps keep me focused. Before I was banded I avoided the scale for months because I didn't want to see what it had to say. I am always motivated to weigh when I know that I've been good

A girlfriend that I hadn't seen in a few weeks (and doesn't know about my band) said "You look tiny!" Tiny - that's one I haven't heard in years. I still have a long way to go, but it felt really good!

I had surgery on 6/28 and we went on a week long trip to Florida on 7/23. It was wonderful!!! It's the only vacation I have ever taken where I didn't gain weight!!! I enjoyed very small portions and loved every minute of it.

Good luck to you!!!

myanniversaryband.blogspot.com

I was only at the hospital for a few hours myself. I've read that some people had insurance billed for over $40K for their surgery. Seems crazy to me that doctors (mine isn't the only one out there) can do it for $10K for self-pay, but when you get the insurance companies involved the cost is up to 4 times as much. Kind of makes me sick! My wish is that everyone who needs this surgery could have it.

Dr Kirshenbaum In Denver is just under $10k - he has a lot of out of state paitents. You should consider him before shelling out an extra $6k. I was banded by him in June and I could not be happier. Do some research on him - there are lots of satisfied paitents on this website!

Congratulations on your decision - we have a similar weight history - so I know where you are coming from. I didn't go throughout the insurance process because my company doesn't cover any type of weight management program.

Dr. K is fantastic - the low price is definitely not a reflection of the quality of care. His fills are only $25 - so many of his out of state paitents fly here for them.

Best of luck!

WOO HOO for you! You look amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

I jokingly suggested my coworker name his daugheter "Sarah" - he said "That's a pretty good name for a fat chick!" He and I have a pretty good relationship - so I wasn't too offended. But, it was a pretty damn mean thing to say!!!

I'm 5'4" and it is 10 lbs a size for me.

Its well worth it! It was my first surgery so I was nervous too. But it was actually pretty cool. Good luck on your journey!

Mine is called "My Anniversary Band" - I love the support I've found here!!

My Anniversary Band

You are in good hands with Dr. K!! He almost sounds too good to be true, but he's not. I was banded 6/28 and no problems at all. He's done 720 bands, but he's done thousands of other procedures. I encourage you to meet with him - you will feel very comfortable.

It's so much fun trying on clothes in smaller sizes and discovering that they fit! I have a whole closet full of smaller sizes - I'm looking forward to getting back into them!

My dr. Allowed me to progress as I could tolerate it. I had my post op a appointment one week after surgery and he cleared me to eat chicken! I chewed up everything very well and never had problem. Everyone is different, but I doubt you caused damage. Just be sure to chew chew chew. If you are really worried, call your doctor.

My husband has been supportive since the words Lap-band came out of my mouth. He said he knows how miserable I've been because of my weight and he hates the way it impacts my desire to live life. He likes to go out a lot and I have been staying home for fear that I will see someone who knew me years ago. I even stopped going to a gym by our house because I started seeing people I went to high school with there. Stupid I know. He doesn't care how much I weigh, but he knows how much I care. I'm lucky to have him.

So glad to hear that you are doing well! This is truly a success story!

Now that I'm healed I have just about anything I want. It's amazing - I can have just one or two bites of my favorite things and feel satisfied. I used to eat massive quantities of food. It's hard to get used to the new way of eating, but it's been wonderful so far.

I'm having the opposite problem. I have to take a pill a couple of times a week to get things going. I'm only 3 weeks out, so maybe that will change. I've had stomach problems for years. Maybe someday when I'm at a normal weight, it won't be such an issue!

Everyone who needs this surgery should be able to get it! Good luck to you! I had to self pay because my employer has all weight related health services excluded from their coverage. How stupid!! They would have to treat me for comorbids, so not paying to prevent them is just outrageous. So far - best money I've ever spent.