Lap_dancer

I lost 300 pounds and keep it off and I 10 years Graduate.

I have documentation with my Doctor on all the issues!

I know my Insurance will approve all my reconstruction surgeries!

What the process get started?

Thank you

Sherri

Congrats Sherri, well done. I can tell you one thing, insurance has changed incredibly since I began my weight loss journey. I had a reduction and lift 10 mos. ago for breasts. Process was to find a plastic surgeon in my network, make an appt. go see, I know your problems are the same that most all of us have had. My surgeon had a form to check off everything, and it really was just about everything we have going on which I call 'the issue with the extra tissue'. Next step was my primary sent one page from two years ago that showed I had gone to see him and in that visit had X problem and he had noted 'plastic surgeon?' Sent that to the plastic surgeon who submitted photos, my form I filled out. They were so confident it was covered, they booked the surgery date my first visit. So they submitted the paperwork, images and surgery date for authorization, approved in I want to say less than 2 weeks. I have Humana.

I have had two fills and was banded in 2007. My first adjustment was three months after banding after the swelling had gone down. My doctor at the time was very conservative with fills. After the second fill I had a good stride of green zone. Once I had lost so much volume in my stomach, the fat, I had dropped about 75 lbs. I noticed a change in appetite. I went in for a fluorscope visual of my band, it was good, and measurements were taken. A year and a half later I went back in and had lost about 11 inches in arms, legs, etc. The scale indcated an additional loss of 64 lbs. Again, the Nurse-Pract. at the new location was very conservative. She removed the fill Fluid to check for clarity, and replaced it with new and increased it only slightly. I wanted to share and ask you all if you have been excercising and notcied a change in hunger from workouts. I began belly dancing for my choice of excercise, much work in the stomach and I found it was very tight. Over the past two years, I have only dropped 40 lbs. It has now stalled and for the past 8 months I have stayed spot on the same weight. I have found over time that things do impact my intake of food. Cold liquid is an absolute no do with food. Food will pop out like a golf ball and I can almost predict it with the slime increasing in the back of my throat. I stop eating at that point and wait. The volume of food intake I am able to handle is over a cup instead of the 3 oz. in the green. I go through phases and am not hungry at all and suddenly, the crave begins. I was surprised I ate two boxes of Girl Scout cookies! Time for a check up. While I do agree there is addiction/psychological influence, I do believe the band is a tool and consider it that.. The tool allows and does not allow specific things. I have heard with too tight of a band, some experience reflux, heartburn, etc. I have not experineced that. I am gauging my progress by the sensation of feeling full. Right now I get hungry again within a few hours unlike in the beginning. Time for a fill. Appt scheduled.

Julie great to read you are home. so glad the surgery is behind you. Good journey friend. Am looking at Feb to come to Colorado if all works out. Just love it there and eager to get away. Keep well.

Julie,

I don't have a date set up but I'm shooting for the first week in January. I'm feeling virtually no restriction and can eat most anything I want. Still losing weight because I am being careful and trying not to pig out over these holidays. Sometimes I fear the band has slipped and it's not where it should be. But I searched these forums and that seems to be a concern for many bandsters. Looking forward to that first fill and hoping I feel some restriction. Merry Christmas and good luck Tuesday.

Dan

Hi Dan, I'm Patty in Florida. Hope to meet you some day soon. I think it's a common fear to have a slip. I would not know what slippage feels like other than they say you can eat larger amounts. I think the forums here have that as a topic. You can research it and find out what other symptoms there are. LUCK.

Julie,

I don't have a date set up but I'm shooting for the first week in January. I'm feeling virtually no restriction and can eat most anything I want. Still losing weight because I am being careful and trying not to pig out over these holidays. Sometimes I fear the band has slipped and it's not where it should be. But I searched these forums and that seems to be a concern for many bandsters. Looking forward to that first fill and hoping I feel some restriction. Merry Christmas and good luck Tuesday.

Dan

Hi Dan, I'm Patty in Florida. Hope to meet you some day soon. I think it's a common fear to have a slip. I would not know what slippage feels like other than they say you can eat larger amounts. I think the forums here have that as a topic. You can research it and find out what other symptoms there are. LUCK.

The first page, home page, of this website has many of the questions/answers there.

Having said that, you'll typically see a presentation on what the procedure entails, a little history, post op life and a question and answer.

Well all, my surgery is Tuesday. Have a feeling the bypass is gonna be a lot different than getting a band (more pain, I'm guessing... as if my band wasn't painful enough) Start my diet Saturday. Guess I'm going to spend a couple days being hangry. Just love that word... it says it all.

Maybe we can start thinking about a date in January to get together??

Hey Julie, how are you mama, hope life is good for you! Best in recovery, I hope the surgery is a breeze!

Hey friends: Got the email notice about the retirement gathering...in the meeting room? I guess I really love a good party..but I'm here in Florida and only a few days from the party flying to Seattle. ..Hmmm, about that layover in Denver.

Old post here but for anyone comparing driving to flying....uh, fly.

You call the airline after reservations through something like Cheapoair or Kayak or Priceline...

Then you tell them you need wheelchair assistance to the gate and if connecting...gate to gate for connecting. They will input that on your ticket and the folks should be waiting when you arrive. If not. Remind them.

@JonJon I flew from Florida to Denver after careful research. Cannot say enough positive about this doctor. LUCK!

@WATCHNWH8 this ..."

The reason why I'm beyond fat, but obese is because I don't exercise."

Hits me where I live. I was banded in 2007 and watched the scale go down, down, down. Wow, that was so nice. Then one morning I woke up with horrid pain. That journey lasted two years, my weight loss slowed down then stalled because of the drugs I went on. Turns up I had Fibromyalgia. I also had gallbladder surgery. Loads of time in bed sleeping. I just was awarded disability.

I am fat because I do not excercise. I am fat because of the morphine I was on that sludged my body's ability to digest properly. I am fat because my metabolic rate is SNAIL.

@Kimalicious

That meal plan looks like what I use to eat typically. Volumous amounts of food and DRINK to slosh it down. Large tall glasses of milk....I could go on and on.

@NJGIRL32 foodies in the house!! My mother definately showed love with food. So did the rest of my extended family but go figure.

My sister is bulimic and a waif. There is huge addiction issues in my family history. SADLY, those addictions are now in my two kids who are obese and my son is now morbidly obese. I am wretched with sadness and worry as he is only 25 and weighs 366 lbs. He complains of his knees hurting and he has weeks where he slows down consumption but eats constantly. I have banned pizza from the house. He has no control over that food.

I am so thankful for the band. I simply cannot eat the way I use to by wolfing down food. I would be bedridden all of the time and surely fatter than I was when I was banded had I not done something to stop the insanity in 2007.

I can't figure out how to post it. I've tried several months when we've had gathering before, but since they changed the site, I can't do it.

Anyone know how to post a photo here?

Did you pocket dial me today around 1630?

Hey Miss Dee, Hit REPLY, you'll get a box like WORD, you'll see the tabs for Bold, Italic, underline, slash through, keep going until you see emoticon, link and then a photo, that's the insert photo tab.

You are in my heart. HUGS. Wish I was going with you.

Hello Lap dancer! I was just checking in to see how you were doing with your lapband and your FB. I have been having alot of pain lately with mine since exercising and walking. I take Lyrica and I know it puts on wt. but I tried to get off it but the pain was too bad. I am having pain from the back of my right leg down to my heel. I am getting discouraged as I thought by losing wt it would improve not get worse. Any suggestions?

I put on weight with Lyrica. I switched to Cymbalta 60 mgs. x 1 daily. I would try switching meds. I had no side effects as in pain returning. I do have break through pain anyway so I add Aleve liquid gel caps to my routine for no pain. I also take Skelaxin for muscular pain and twitches that I get. You may or may not get any of those as FM is different in all.

I also get the sciatica pain down the one leg. Today as a matter of fact. I got a T.E.N.S. unit from the physical therapist a few years back. It just happens to help with that pain down the leg. Wearing it right this moment as I type this.

You know that part of your day should be about getting the pain in order. Maybe on that day it might not go away but one can hope that it will atleast get somewhat under control. Use as many options as you can to do so meaning aromatherapy, meditation, music, medication, stretching, warmth, whatever..try them all.

My goal is to keep my body in check. There are days when all I can tolerate are soft things. It's very strange. I try to avoid anything that will set my stomach off in a not so good way. Taking meds is hard on the stomach so try to eat Breakfast first and then do the meds in the middle of breakfast..like SANDWICH them with food. It's easier on you that way.

My heart is with all FM sufferers. I understand your pain because I know it daily.

Hello Lacey. I was diagnosed after losing 85 pounds and suddenly having horrid pain. I was banded in 2007 and thank stars and all that I did have it done. I cannot imagine carrying that weight and having the FM. I have SHRUNK in body size which I never thought possible. But I still have 100 to lose and it's coming off soooo slow because I do not excercise. Hydro therapy is the only thing I can tolerate. I do meditation in bed and when I can at a studio. I too cannot afford the cost but there are so many things available for free and online YOUTUBE it's a start. Also your local PBS station will air yoga stretching and other such things for free. Tune in and try those. LUCK.

Hi all

My name is Lacey , im 23 yrs old and have Fibromyalgia.I was banded 30th aug 2010 and have been struggling with it.But the new year has set in and i am motivated to get back on track.Are the any bandsters out there that are battling through with Fibromyalgia and how do you live with it and the band.

In the last few months my pain has been severe and the thought of exercise is horrible but i know i need to.Is there any advice about fitness programs or treatments anyone have used.

The only exercise that doesnt give me severe pain is hydrotherapy classes but they cost $10 per lesson and i cant afford that 4 times a week or even to get a member ship.

Thankyou any words of wisdom will help :-)

I don't know about that but try looking for a generic equivalent. Walgreens has their brand. If you don't find what you are looking for, I'd be making myself a cocktail of something to kill the cherry sweetness by countering it with lemon tea.

Congratulations on keeping up with the exercise! Be proud of that accomplishment, that's a positive step in the right direction.

I'm going to take a different approach with you because I discovered something about my own body.

I am very sensative to chemicals in foods. Specifically foods that are fast food or packaged in a box similar to Suddenly salad. What I found out was that something went haywire in me when I ate these foods that triggered hunger and also because I have chronic pain, a flair up. I began moving into fresh everything.

Another thing I am spotting is your sodium intake. Pepsi and other similar drinks can actually make me hungry. I also hold Water more readily than most people. Losing weight has been slower for me.

Try supplementing your diet with Protein shakes to get some Protein in your system. Yogurt is a great choice and if Water is hard for you to drink, try flavored bottle water like Propel.

Cutting back on sodium may open the dam and move the scales. Also, acknowledging what you ate daily helps. I have a tracker on MEDHELP.COM which does all the math for me on foods. You can see how much of what you are getting, protein, carbs, sodium, etc.,

Best of luck

Hi AmyRainbow:

Love your name selection. Cute.

I think it's wonderful you pay attention to details. So many people do not do that in their daily lives and just let things slide by. If you keep up that same energy post your band you will do fabulous. I can tell you like to see things by the book and following the instructions as told you will see your goal and new body!

To answer your questions, I'm sure, though he hasn't told me this, Dr. K is trying to keep things affordable for his patients while still providing quality care in a good surgical facility. I flew from Florida to have him do my procedure. Google his name and surgeon and you should get a lengthy, non-Lap Band report he did for a professional publication. These are the things I look for. Is the person skilled at what they do. Hands down YES. If he know anything, he knows about that scope and surgery on the human body.

Back to what I was going to say; I have Fibromyalgia and several spinal conditions. I have been to the Cleveland Clinic and atleast three other doctors for pain and neuro muscular dysfunction. I have been given a steady dose of drugs to keep my pain at bay by these doctors but none of them has gotten me to a point where I could pick up where I left off with my life before being stricken with FM. Finally, a neurologist told me that there was an arthritis doctor in a town north of me that is rather rural. I was told this doctor has taken it upon himself to study Fibromyalgia and treat it. Lucky me. So I go to the office and it's located near a medical facility but his office is in 'the back forty' or the last office before a vacant field, parking next to the dumster. (don't judge) I told myself. I go into the office, sparce is not the word. VERY small sitting area, maybe 8 chairs, I sign in and sit down. Next thing I know here comes the doctor. He had no medical assistant coming to get me. We walk into the one room he uses. He has his black bag open and I can see vials of medicine and so forth. For the next 30 minutes he methodically went through my history. NO RUSH. Then he noticed a spot on my elbow, psorisis which he tells me is common for arthritis. Finally, he injected me and I could only feel needles, several, all around my lower back, in my shoulder. He apologized for my discomfort. When I stood up, instantly my back was better. He decreased my pain by 30% right then and there. Hands down better than the Cleveland Clinic. Since that time, I put away any thoughts on what the office looks like and wait for the proof in the pudding.

Here's my soap box, I appoint myself to represent the fattys of the world because I am one, soon to not be one as my BMI goes lower and lower. I have long been sick and tired of people preying on the obese who, like myself, cling to the hope that finally finally, pleeez, finally this will work. I've seen so many infomercials on the bells and whistles with magical cards and 24 hour support, and it doesn't. Failure becomes part of the weight loss effort for some of us. It did for me. So when you say "I want this to work" I feel you. Really.

You can click my pictures to see my progress but just tonight, an old employee of ours came to the house, he has been gone for 36 months and just got back here. I walked into the room and he swooned back and said, "WOW! LOOK AT YOU!" followed by "You look fantastic".

That felt awesome.

The band works but you have to work the plan the follows. Trust me when I tell you that binge eating will become a thing of the past. When you 'try it' and end up hacking up what you ate your body trains itself to not even go there.

As for your tests, I came with, faxed him and mailed tests my insurance covers. My PCP ordered sleep study, heart stress test, full blood panel, and I went and got my own psyche eval. Other insurance companies require it but I am a self pay. I figure if they wanted it might be a good idea to have it done. Dr. K actually thanked me for having all that because he said "It helps me." Not required, just a benefit to help him perhaps understand my body better.

Best of luck Amy. It's your own journey friend. Whatever you feel confident with and comfortable with you should do. As for me, I love this man who changed my life. Calm, methodically explaining to me what he was going to do until I fully understood the procedure.

PR

I'm sorry for your discomfort. I'm sure you will be feeling much better once this is behind you.

I was surprised Dec. 17 this past, when I went to the ER with horrid pain. It was my Gall Bladder and stones had blocked the duct and backed up, infection. They removed it the next day after pumping me with antibiotics and I did just fine.

Hi Amy,

I'm glad you found us on the Internet. I had my surgery in November of 2008, and have lost 68 pounds. I am within 40 pounds of goal. I never thought I'd get under 200 pounds again, but here I am. I love my band!

Dr. K's specializes in laprascopic surgeries, and according to his website, he has done more than 10,000 procedures. I don't know what percentage of these are lap-band® procedures. I live near Ft. Lupton and make the drive for adjustments and both Dr. K. and his P.A. are REALLY good at these.

Here is what I would suggest to you. Make an appointment for a consultation and meet Dr. K. and his crew. It is free, and there is nothing like a personal appointment to get a feel for his practice. It will give you an idea about the drive as well. I'm betting that you will like the guy as much as the rest of us Dr. K. "Bandsters" do.

Also, I was thinking that the McKee medical center in Loveland has a bariatric center too?

Anyway, stay in touch with your Colorado contingency and we will be wishing you a great surgery and outcome.

Hi Amy Welcome!

What Mary said. Great advice and I've nothing to add.:blushing:

Best of luck on your journey.

Well... here's my 2 cents -

I know a gal that was about 40 pounds overweight and worked as a weather forcaster in So Cal. She was told (more or less) that she was "too fat for TV" and that she was in breech of her contract (some strange TV beauty contract - I dunno) She did self pay and got the band - dropped those 40 pounds pretty quick - but still lost her job for other reasons - now she is miserable!! The band completely changes your life - the way you eat, drink, etc! It is quite a commitment to make for just "a few pounds"

Personally, I don't think that you need the band - maybe try following the "bandster rules" and see what type of results you get without getting the actual band installed. Go to the food and nutrition section of the forum - there is a post called "what did you eat today" - try eating like we do - see if that helps you.

The band seems like somewhat of an extreme situation - but it is a personal choice you will need to make - just wanted to share my thoughts! :blushing:

This is a really good story. I think it covers what we go through after the band.

I would never want to put myself in the shoes of someone who was so far below my present weight and pfffft them into thinking 'give me a break, are you serious?'...no friend, I am sure for you the feeling of being unhappy with your body is equal to mine.

What I would add is that surgery comes with many risks and this procedure is for those of us who have tried endlessly to lose weight, some of us for many many years, to no avail. You are very close to goal and you may not even realize it.

I would suggest switching it up to Protein shakes, keeping certain you intake 40 mg. of Protein at the least, daily, and see what happens with your body. Don't try and worry about counting calories or keeping track of points or whatever, make it as easy for yourself as possible, then see what happens. If after three months you haven't lost an ounce, you could have another medical condition. Rule out any other problem before banding yourself.

Best of luck.

I know many of you have tickers at the bottom of your page to track dates, WL, and so forth; I found a website that does that and more. I found Medhelp.com when I was looking for a place to post my pain cycles. I have Fibromyalgia and all that goes with it.

When I was adding the trackers I found:

Pain

Weight

Mood

food

Anxiety

and my CFS/FMS

What I began noticing were patterns in my weight loss and pain; patterns in weight fluctuation and specific types of foods. I discovered some foods were triggering my FM while others showed a tendancy to help my body MOVE :blushing: and weight loss.

I hope you find it helpful.

WWW.medhelp.com

Waterlily said it for me, I'm on the tight side but manageable.

IMHO it's best to save the office visits for real emergencies like maybe you can't keep food down, are vomiting and that type of thing.

Wait.

Go for the 'last supper' the night before you band. Order whatever you want but make sure you follow the physician's orders on when to stop eating for the surgery time.

ENJOY! It's an awesome journey.

I am so happy for you. Congratulations! My daughter found out she is pregnant for the second time two days ago. She has chosen JACKSON for a boy.

Hello my friends:

Stopping by to say HELLO!! Long time no see and long time no visit.

To Tracy: Hello my friend and best of luck with your surgery. I am so very glad I had mine done. To answer your questions I think the purpose of having the shakes is because that first month you are getting use to that new feel for eating. The safest and sure way you will get that necessary Protein in your body is a shake.

Don't think the rest of your life you will drink shakes..unless you want to.. by no means. You just want to be sure you are staying on the healthy side and not eating under the protein guidelines.

Update to me: Still have the Fibromyalgia confirmed by three doctors, still looking for pain relief, weight loss has been a slow crawl surely because I'm loaded on pain meds and my metobolic rate is soooo slow. OTHERWISE I feel great and happy to be here.

I have hope in a new doctor today who is doing 36 lab tests on me one will take three weeks to get back. He said sometimes we have other conditions that mask or present as something they are not and we get misdiagnosed.

I am purposeful in getting a good remedy to my illness and dream of the day I reach a healthy happy body moment. Until then, onward we all go.

To those reading this after I post, HELLO, I miss you and please know I can't wait until my next trip to Colorado and Red Robin. Take care.

Patty in Florida