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you nurses need to relax lolol... in reality.. sure you have a lot if extra info in your head that maybe u shouldn't but also that knowledge can be power...you can take better care of yourself too..but right now it's time to let go and be the patient...let them take care of you... don't give then a hard time bc you know better... and everyones trajectory is different and even unique so you can't predict what's going to happen and obsessing about all that can go wrong due to ur knowledge base isn't going to help you cope ir heal physically or emotionally....so try to let it go and get off the hamster wheel

You will....it's was hard 4 me 2, but I was aloud to eat wheat thins and have dinner during my pre-op diet.. I was aloud eat fruits( strawberries & grapes mostly) during also. I also had chicken noodle soup, sf Popsicle, sf Hawaiian punch mix n my water, and grilled chicken or baked chicken wit a salad wit lowfat dressing...everybody diet is diff't, and that was mine. I had hungry pains bc I was measuring all my food and my body was wasn't used 2 eatin less. U gone do fine. Good luck wit ur journey!!!!!' I was banded on 8-16-2012!!!!!

I'm hoping someone can relate and give me some hope. I've always had irregular periods. Some lasting 3 months and recently not having one for 2 years!!! I've been on BC since I was 13 to regulate periods and stopped 3 years ago. Jan 2011 I had pre-cancerous cells removed from my cervix. I decided to get banded as I've always been told my weight was preventing me from getting preggo. I've lost 80lbs since being banded feb 1. And still no period. I really hope this changes I would love to have at least one baby Anyone else have my bad luck???

Saturday night I woke up at about 11 PM and my stomach was soaked and through my pants were soaked I called the surgeon to let him know that I had serous drainage. As a nurse I know that this is common however I have never seen it so bad in all my years of nursing. So he stated to just put a dressing over it and it should be okay. So the next morning I wake up still draining. By after noon is was draining so bad that the dressing was soaked within ten mins of changing it and I don't mean just wet I mean soaking through pants shirt and hoody. So my husband said I think u need to call the surgeon back. Long story short he said met me at the office on a Sunday which was wonderful since he was in the operating room all day anyways he said. So he looked at it and said everything looks okay and it may take a few days to stop draining. Today it's still draining super bad. I've been nauseous today a lot and now started with diarrhea. I'm hoping not related . I just don't wanna develope seroma. Or any infection as a nurse I do great with patients but not with my kids or myself bc I fear the worse. Lol. Which I know co workers have told me they're the same way when it comes to them or they're family probably bc of all the things we see in patients. Anyways I'm still soaking through dressings like crazy changes them atleast ten times today already. They have me comming back in tomorrow morning. I guess my biggest fear is that everything has gone sooooo smooth is this where I start having complications? Has anyone else had this? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Mine eval almost didn't get passed bc he said I was unreasonable to have 130 lbs as a goal (I'm 5'6") and that I hoped to lose 100 lbs in one year. It sounds like alot of us had issues. I wish you all the best and if it takes longer than maybe it was meant to be for some reason.

I went to my second of two psychologist's visits. Yoohoo!! I got clearance from him!! And this time, he didn't bother asking me any crazy questions like "Have you ever been small?" I saw my coordinator at the grocery store....she had a bypass and lost over a hundred pounds a few years ago.... she reassured me that she feels 99.9999999% sure that I'll be approved. When she gets my "Letter of Medical Necessity" and psych clearance, as well as nutritionist's clearance - she'll send it on up to BC/BS. Another woman that I work with (same insurance) just got approved....and I believe my BMI, sadly enough, is much higher than hers. So, it's really going to happen..........I'm going to do this - despite the naysayers who are telling me I'm mutilating my body, I shouldn't mess with what God gave me, etc. How do you respond to these people? Anyways - until the next update.... So, here's the weekly progress: June 9, 2013 8 weeks post op - Highest weight: 320.2 Current weight: 315.2 Goal weight: 172 Height: 5'10" My weekly diet modifications: Go entirely to decaf coffee. My weekly behavioral modifications: One night this week - no snacking or grazing after dinner.

I scheduled a gyn. Appointment shortly after my surgery for this reason. But I do not want an IUD. I don’t like the idea of having that in my uterus and I have heard too many horror stories from friends/families. I hope to continue with the good ole pill form of bc.

Congrats on being off to a great start! As far as what to expect for the upcoming fill... This was my experience. I was on Clear liquids for a week post op, then a week of full liquids, then a week of mushies, then progress to some solids as ok'd by my surgical team. For the first week, I wasn't hungry AT ALL. Just lots of sipping of the clear liquids, etc. About the middle of the second week, HUNGER set in...I thought I was starving! Obviously, I didn't starve to death and die, lol. I thought, man this is BS....did I even get a band installed....something must be wrong. Then week three.....MUSHIES! I still remember like it was yesterday, the first bite of mashed potatoes I had. About 1 tablespoon and I was sure something was different....felt them and that sensation of "pressure" I call it. Ok....so I really did have a band! Whew! As the days went by, trying a few of the other mushies that were ok'd for me to have, that hunger monster started coming back. I thought I must call my doctors office and get a fill! I couldn't possibly go until they told me to like this....Hungry. But they just told me....NOPE...theres a reason we don't fill early, to allow everything to heal properly. So I just did the best I could with limiting my portions until that magical date of my first fill..... Here's how mine went back then. Get to the office, weigh, talk with the surgeon, lay down on a table, surgeon located the port, inserted a needle, and added some saline. A VERY, VERY painless and simple procedure...took about two minutes! Stood up, and they gave me a litle cup of Water to sip to make sure I could drink it with no problems....and there were none. Off to home with instructions of liquids for 24 hours, then progress back to regular food as tolerated. PB, FOR ME, means when I eat something too fast or don't chew properly, the food kinda get lodged ABOVE my band. It may cause a sliming episode, which evidently is the body's natural reaction according to what I've heard. It helps the food go one way or the other....either it passes on through the band....or back up it comes! It seemed strange/uncomfortable the first time for sure. But that was my reminder to slow down, chew better. You'll learn....just like most who eventually will expericene it. Some of us are slower learners....like me! I've been banded for 4+ years now....and have NEVER vomited once since being banded. That would be a bad thing...such as stomach virus or something. Best of luck on your new life! Trust your surgical team....and Trust your band. Never, ever give up.

hey we are in the same boat exactly. My husband was a real ass also. Reminding me that I was fat, counting the food in the cupboards. I finally got fed up. I decided to leave the Middle East where we were living. We agreed that we would try to work things out but have some space. He just stopped talking to me altogether then after a MONTH on thursday he told me he doesn't love me and will file for divorce. Well that a*****e can eat his heart out because i'm now a sexy hot lady and he's just a small troll. 50 pounds lost has done wonders for my self esteem. I LOVE MY SLEEVE!

I've done ok on the depro shot. I did gain some weight after I started the shots but it was more from being on Weight Watchers and then I got off the program and started back to bad eating habits than the actual shot. My Gyn told me I could gain 10 pounds on it though when I first started it. I have looked online and the only non hormal bc is the paragard IUD besides just over the counter prevention that isn't as reliable. I hope my gyn office gets back to me quick, my next shot is 4/19/12. I hope I can stay on the depro shot but I guess if to have this surgery I have to go off it I will. Thanks for all the suggestions/comments. I've done ok on the depro shot. I did gain some weight after I started the shots but it was more from being on Weight Watchers and then I got off the program and started back to bad eating habits than the actual shot. My Gyn told me I could gain 10 pounds on it though when I first started it. I have looked online and the only non hormal bc is the paragard IUD besides just over the counter prevention that isn't as reliable. I hope my gyn office gets back to me quick, my next shot is 4/19/12. I hope I can stay on the depro shot but I guess if to have this surgery I have to go off it I will. Thanks for all the suggestions/comments.

Oh that sucks! I wish there was some way of determining how you will react on a BC before you have to take it for three or four months and freak out the whole time.

@@Mia Eck LOL you crack me up! Set a reminder on your phone then! On repeat so you don't have to remember to set it. I might try some other form of BC, taking pills is so lame.

Hi Heather. I am getting banded on the 27th. I dont know if you are on a full liquid diet or a clear liquid diet. I am on a CLEAR liquid diet + protein shakes. I prefer the Adkins protein shakes-strawberry is my fav in that. I bought some of each though. EAS, Adkins, and Slim Fast makes a Protein Drink now, so I bought vanilla in that kind. I tried to put that kind in a blender with strawberries...and it looked fine for about 60 seconds. Then it started changing consistency to some weird foam like stuff. YUCK. I had throw that away. I started eating sugar free popsicles last night. That was nice bc I could crunch on something. I also you Sugar Free Koolaid packets in my Water bottles, freeze those a little, and it's like a slushy. My fav so far is my chicken broth! Yum!!!! Good luck! May the force be with you.

I have Anthem BC/BS of California. No problems at all. Approved the same day it was submitted. I had done all of my prelimary stuff with Cigna and they required everything. My employee changed insurance on January 1st and my surgery was scheduled for February. They have been great. My surgery cost me less than $500 total.

Thanks everyone, I am actually on the Merinea (an intra utirine IUD) so I forgot about it when they asked what meds I was taking, because I don't ever think about being "on" it (Seriously the best BC EVER!) But they said it was fine. It has very low hormone levels and localized. 3 more days! yikes. Thanks for all the info though. Sara

I was also told to stop taking the BC pill right away, the paper work i was givin said at least 30 days, but from the time of my first consult to my surgery day which is the 19th of this month was not 30 days so i am not sure why they do it.

I have used Dr. Marsden as well. He is really a great doctor and has done well over 500 lapbands. He used to be a heart surgeon and won many awards. He has skills that are unbelievable. I am only 3 weeks out and 4 of my 5 scars are almost gone. He is really easy to talk to. I also had my surgery at Wise Regional bc of insurance, which was like an hour away for me, but the hospital is really nice, cleanand the staff were great! The only advice I have for you is to take it easy. Don't be expecting to run a marathon the day after surgery, your body will be healing so take it easy while you can. I really thought that I would be back to "normal" after 2 days and I was depressed when I wasn't. After surgery you will have to call and schedule your post-op appt, which is 2 weeks after your surgery. He will talk to you about how you are feeling, check out your incisions, etc. You might also be surprised at how liberal his post-op diet is. Days 1-7: liquids, Days 8-14:mushies Day 15: all food as tolerated. Just take it easy when introducing new foods. And also schedule your fill by calling SCOR the same day as your post-op. They are running about 3-4 weeks for the earliest appt for fills. My first fill is scheduled on Oct. 18. I can't wait!! PM me for more info and don't worry, you will do great!!!

I was sleeved 4/26 and I had my first actually fart maybe 4 days out and I think bowl movement 5 days out. I did take miralax to help for 2 days. Now I seem to go daily a very small amount but it's liquid and mucous looking I assume bc of the fact I'm still on liquids.

Well I will tell you the process is horrible. Now that it is after June 1st I would recommend calling UHC and requesting a Care Cord. My Care Cord was Kathy Sweeny and her # is 1-866-534-7209 ex. 67391. I would may recommend contacting her if you do not get assigned to a cord. I also advise you to ask them to go thru everything with you about what will need to be done to get approved. I know I had to have a doctor recommend a weight-loss program bc you have to do one for 6 months. I did Jenny Craig. After the 6 month plan, the psych eval, nutrition class it took about 8 months. I didnt go to my consult with Dr. T until my last week of my 6 month program. That way everything was quick. I hope this does help. If anything else let me know! Good Luck!

I started my journey with Mirena, didn't notice any difference in my weight loss, but just to be sure since my insurance covered the switch I got Paraguard. My period isn't really that heavy and cramps are about the same as before. Soon as I reach goal though, I am going back to Mirena. I love that BC. My period was nonexistent.

Yeah you need to get on his case bc it sounds like you have a leak and will kill you!!!!! Throwing up is a no and not being able to get stuff down is a big no too!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have BC/BS of IL. Their requirements don't stipulate and weight loss during the 6 month program. In fact, here are their words: · It is expected that appropriate non-surgical treatment should have been attempted prior to surgical treatment of obesity Non-surgical treatment of morbid obesity appropriateness criteria: · Medical record documentation of active participation in a clinically-supervised, non-surgical program of weight reduction for at least 6 months, occurring within the twenty-four (24) months prior to the proposed surgery and preferably unaffiliated with the bariatric surgery program. [NOTE: The initial BMI at the beginning of a weight reduction program will be the “qualifying” BMI used to meet the BMI criteria for the definition of morbid obesity used in this policy.] · A program will be considered appropriate if it includes the following components: 1. Nutritional therapy, which may include medical nutrition therapy such as a very low calorie diet such as MediFast or OptiFast OR a recognized commercial diet-based weight loss program such as WeighWatchers, Jenny Craig, etc. 2. Behavior modification or behavioral health interventions. 3. Counseling and instruction on exercise and increased physical activity. 4. Pharmacologic therapy (as appropriate). 5. Ongoing support for lifestyle changes to make and maintain appropriate choices that will reduce health risk factors and improve overall health. Good luck...Dan.

Just free weights. I own 1lb., 5lb. and 10lb. ones. I used to have a weight bench and curl bar so I could add weight onto it. You can google curl bar and see what I mean or I can point you to some links. I had to sell the weight bench and curl bar, unfortunately, bc I have tendon and ligament issues and am only allowed to lift up to 10 lbs. That's why I now use free weights. Oh, and these tendon and ligament issues have nothing to do with the DS. They began long before I had it done.

Phone, kindle, some toiletries, comfortable/ loose clothing, slippers and gasX strips. I'm not anticipating much dry mouth bc my surgeon allows water after surgery but in case yours doesn't/ you don't know I'd bring biotene too.

So, my wlj started in October of last year. I applied for a gastric plication study and was denied due to a discovery of a few SMALL gallstones. I had researched extensively and was so bummed (or depressed) when they told me i had been disqualified. My insurance doesn't cover any form of wls, and there was no way (I thought) I could ever afford any weight loss surgery on my own. I have tried EVERY single diet ever, I swear... the latest being the hcg diet. It worked, but I gained most of my weight back once I stopped taking the injections. One night, it hit me to research the gastric plication in Mexico. Low and behold, I found that it was actually in my reach (financially!) After researching the Drs, hospitals and procedures, I decided to go with alighterme.com and booked my gastric sleeve with Dr Lopez. I am scheduled for surgery on July 12th! I found that the gastric plication was a great surgery, but, I found that the sleeve was just a better fir for me. I am very excited and CANNOT wait to start my new journey! I am not worried about the flight, having surgery in MExico (bc I have read nothing but good reviews), how I will feel afterwards, OR being completely alone for FIVE days, I am most concerned about leaving my 2 little girls at home! (ages 4 and 1) I am so excited I found this board, and cant wait to talk more with you guys!!!