shutuplena

Has anyone had trouble with their insurance company in having them cover the cost for removing the band? I'm thinking of having mine removed and I want to know what I'm in for. I have Oxford insurance. Thanks, Lana

It's been quite a while since I've been here. But I need some advice. I was banded in November 2006 and I've lost 50 lbs. It's such a struggle though for me. I'm almost at my max for fills (I have 8cc) and it's probably a bit too much. I can't find very many foods that go down easily (especially protein). I can't eat chicken of any kind (too dry and gets stuck), steak I can have sometimes, fish sometimes. I can't even eat eggs anymore unless they're hard boiled with light mayo or Smart Balance. I'm still in the mindset that I can eat alot and I pay the price after. I still get depressed when I can't sit and eat a meal with everyone else and enjoy it. Forget BBQ's....can't do those anymore either. Any advice you can give me I'd appreciate it. Lana

It's called good old fashioned SABATOGE...I can't speak for everyone but I think I'm afraid to lose the weight too. I want to more than anything but I'm just afraid. I don't know why. Hang in there southernwoman - you're not alone. It took many many years to get heavy, it can't take overnight to lose it. Easier said than done I know. But at least we're blessed with having the tool to help us.

Chickie you look awesome. Way to go!

The thing I had the most of postop was GAS-X. Pre op I didn't have to do anything or eat anything specific. Shame on me but I can't remember anything else for post op because my gas pains were the worst and that sticks in my mind. Congratulations and good luck on Thursday.

I have been going through the same thing recently. But it sounds to me like you need another fill. As I keep getting fills, if I force myself to eat like you do, it really hurts - BAD! and eventually you have to stop. Sometimes we need to be forced to break the bad habits. I know I'm more cautious now when I feel like "binging" cause the few times I did I really paid the price. Try a fill if you can. But 37lbs since December is terrific! Don't give up. Keep trying everything.

Hey - at least you're doing it! That's great. You know the old saying "no pain no gain." I don't exercise nearly as much as I should, so be proud of yourself. The pain does get better. Keep up the good work. And honestly, I don't think an Advil here and there will hurt you. I sneak them sometimes.

Louise, I feel your pain! I feel lost a lot of the time, like I'm really missing something. It's an addiction like any other addiction. When you give it up it's like giving up a part of yourself. I get anxious sometimes like I don't know what to do with myself. I didn't realize how difficult it would be either. It is so hard to adjust for me so I understand. But we are happy we did this and we're not giving up, it just takes time to adjust to the change. Some people adjust quickly and some don't. But hang in there, you have to believe it gets easier. And the fact that you lost 35lbs is awesome. Keep your chin up!

Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement. I have to keep trying to get my head back in it and not give up.

Hi All! It's been a while since I've been on. I don't know if it was a feeling of thinking I could do it myself or what..but it's been 6 months since being banded and I've only lost 39lbs. Am I being too hard on myself? I still eat too fast and don't chew enough, and I pay the price. I only PB'd once but the other times it just hurts like hell til it passes. I don't know why I don't learn my lesson. I've gone down 2 sizes and 1 bra size so I know it working, I just feel bummed. The only meats I can eat without getting stuck is chop meat (like burgers) or filet mignon because it's so soft. I can eat fish too. But what else can I eat. I do lots of bean salads, eggs, but I'm just bored and I don't want to start eating junk food because it goes down easily. And I definitely don't drink enough water. Sorry if I'm talking your ears off. I need all the help I can get. Any ideas? Thank you for listening.

I'm 4 mos postop and I've been losing my hair since last month. ALOT. I just spoke with my surgeon about this the other day and he said that it's completely normal and that once the weight really starts coming off or levels off, the hair will grow back. It's just temporary. So many people say to use Biotin for hair loss, but after much research and speaking to many people, there's just no proof that it works. Can't hurt to try though. I know how you feel. I'm so afraid I'll be bald in a couple of months.

At 2 wks I would've been a little nervous but 3 wks you should be fine. It really all depends on the person and how well they recover. Good luck.

Congratulations! Don't worry so much about the hunger, it's normal. It'll take a couple of fills before you really feel a difference, so don't get discouraged. I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep on my side, but after the first couple of weeks it was fine. Now I can even lay on my stomach! You'll be fine...keep us posted.

Just wanted to say hello and welcome you. You'll do great on 3/14 - it's my son's birthday. Keep us posted on your progress. Good Luck.

Hi Karyn, I do eat mushies and liquids on the first day. Have fun on your trip! Try a little bit of chips and salsa if you want and see how you feel. Just be very careful.

Thank you all so much for the advice. Tomorrow I'm going to buy Biotin...Hope it works! Thanks again.

Mine is definitely falling out from my scalp because my part has widened. My hair looks very healthy and shiney otherwise, and I do take a mutli-vitamin so I'm at a loss. Maybe it's happening because of what you said -that maybe my body was in shock. I won't freak out just yet and thank you for your ideas. By the way - congratulations on your weight loss. Sounds like you're doing a great job.

Trust me - it's because you haven't had a fill yet. I felt the same way as you. After my 1st I noticed a difference right away, but I still was able to eat and not have a problem. Since my 2nd, things do get stuck, things don't always go down all that well, and sometimes I feel like I want to throw up but I fight it like crazy. Be patient. It will get better.

skbishop78 - you look beautiful! It's great to hear and see great stories. It gives us beginners the strength to keep going.

I'm almost 4 mos postop and my hair is really starting to fall out. I remember my doctors telling me one of the reasons they want you to eat protein protein protein is so that you won't lose your hair. My protein intake is pretty good, probably not as good as it should be, but could there be another reason my hair is falling out? Is it temporary? Is there anything I can do to stop it? Please help!

Yes they do give pain meds after surgery. And Congratulations. Keep us posted.

That's so awesome. Congratulations!

I don't know if this is what you have, but after my first fill I would get little sharp pains near the port area, almost like my muscle was mad at me for disturbing it. Then it felt like little twitches. It did go away after a few days. Did the doctor have you drink before you left to make sure all was well?

Congratulations! We look forward to hearing from you.

I was starving 1 wk post op and probably could've eaten anything that was put in front of me. But I fought it as best I could. What you're going through is perfectly normal. After my 1st fill the hunger was a little better and now after my 2nd its much better. I still get very hungry sometimes but I realize if I eat too much, I pay the price. Don't worry, it gets better. Hang in there!