BeautyisherGODgivenname

I know cigna told me I would have to pay 20%. how much is the surgery?

Please remember, the wonderful thing about the band is that it can be forever and it can also be adjusted or removed depending on life circumstances, illness (God forbid), or problems down the road. I still have all of my insides and i have some control over the band. That is not true for either the sleeve or GB. The sleeve is still pretty new, but many doctors dont like the idea of removing half of your stomach and I dont like the thought either.

The band does not work for everybody, but it is a tool and if you use your tool you can be very sucessful. I love my band and I have lost to my goal weight. Went from a 20 to an 8..(and some 6's)...I had to exercise, eat right and all of that, but the band helps you along that path.

The wonderful thing I beleive about the band is, if I start gaining my weight back, I can go get a fill! yeah! Forever! Yeah...not the case with GB or the sleeve. And i know several folks who had GB, lost great fast...but now gaining it back. They have nothing to fall back on...I always do (although I hope not to have too)...Its your choice, but I love my band!

Very good Pro!

I cannot tell you how over the last 2 weeks, how much I appreciate reading your experiences. I have attended seminars and support groups but nothing like the openess and honest of this message board.

I have been obese my whole life. Aside from the fact I put one an unwilling 40lbs that has pushed me to 300lb, I don't think I was going to change. I am otherwise healthy but traits in my family like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension waiting for the opportune time to present themselves. I made the decesion to get banded. It is covered by my insurance and I am eager to make the life long behavior and lifestyle change.

While discussing this with my sister, she stated her only concern is that it is with me forever and my responce is I would need it forever. But she did make me think about it more. If there was a way to perform the same restriction without having to add "something inside of me" forever. I found the sleeve, which I guess is a median between banding and the bypass. My question to all is an my fellow people in the the struggle to get healthy; Why did you choose banding over bypass or the sleeve? Would you make the same choice if presented today?

I thank all who can provide input

I cannot tell you how over the last 2 weeks, how much I appreciate reading your experiences. I have attended seminars and support groups but nothing like the openess and honest of this message board.

I have been obese my whole life. Aside from the fact I put one an unwilling 40lbs that has pushed me to 300lb, I don't think I was going to change. I am otherwise healthy but traits in my family like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension waiting for the opportune time to present themselves. I made the decesion to get banded. It is covered by my insurance and I am eager to make the life long behavior and lifestyle change.

While discussing this with my sister, she stated her only concern is that it is with me forever and my responce is I would need it forever. But she did make me think about it more. If there was a way to perform the same restriction without having to add "something inside of me" forever. I found the sleeve, which I guess is a median between banding and the bypass. My question to all is an my fellow people in the the struggle to get healthy; Why did you choose banding over bypass or the sleeve? Would you make the same choice if presented today?

I thank all who can provide input

While I am very comfortable with my doctor, I am most comfortable with the Sleeve. The port/band issues seems a little over whelming. I am commited tothe change but I am concerned with the life long relationship. I am fortunate enough to have VLS covered by my insurance and I think I will tell the dr I have changed my mind

Has anyone tried to make "ice cream" with yogurt. I got inspired after eating pink berry and yoforia.

You get plain yogurt/greek yogurt and put pineapple juice in it. Once it get to the right consitancy and after you freeze it, you can top it with fruit. You don't have to add any sugar but you can try it with coconut milk, mango nectur and other syruplike juices.

you will be in :biggrin::wub::thumbup::wub:

I am on full liquids after sugery and found that my favorite ready made Soup is Pacific brand Sweat Red Pepper and Tomato Soup (Organic). I am not into organic but that's the only way this flavor comes. I really like it and I don't like Tomato soup. Go figure.

Do they have enough protien?

Congrats on the weight loss; any loss is a win in the bigger picture. :biggrin::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I saw my PHP today and she asked me why wanted the surgery. I told her I could lose some even all the weight BUT I need a life long tool. THe best part about the band is you will always have something inside of you to help when your brain won't.

Welcome and good luck (wow your name is long lol)

yup...lol.

Its kinda a warning, cuz I'm a chatter box

Good luck to us ALL! I have been on this board religiously since I have decieded this is what I am going to do. It really helps to see how the surgery effects the rest of your life. I watch what I eat now and almost morn it a little. I know going through this process during the holidays will be especially tough. I started with me PHP on the wl plan. I will see the surgeon this in September. So around Feb/March sometime all my ducks will be in a row.

I usally get chicken broth and put some of my fav veggies in there. if you want a little more Protein, you can get some frozen butternut squash to thicken it a little

Good luck! God be with you. I have never had surgery and I dont even know what to expect.

Good Morning peoples!

My name is Nancy and I an just strarting my journey. I attended the seminar las week, got my first apt with the PCP tomorrow and dropping off my paperwork to Dr. Volinger on Wednesday. I am looking to go through the insurance process (Cigna) since wls and reconstructive surgery is covered. I am hoping to find new friends, share our stories and BAND () together to help each other.