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That's what I was hoping to hear. I am getting banded bc I am absolutely exhausted with diets. I know EVERYTHING about nutrition and how certain foods are digested and used in the body etc...I have been on diets for 14 years and have never been able to keep the weight off. The band feels like my last hope. Even if it dominates all aspects of my life, I have to do it. But it's great to hear that things feel normal after awhile. Thanks so much

Yes! You can feel "normal" again. Early on, its very consuming, mentally, physically and emotionally. Many people I think arent ready for that, no matter how they've prepared, when you think about it, there's not very many ways in which we can change ourselves as fundamentally as completely renovating our health and appearance. My primary goal out of this was that I was fed up to the back teeth of being a fat person. I hated the way it consumed my thoughts, I hated the way I had to "resist" food, I couldnt help being always ready to eat and always consciously avoiding eating bad foods. I hated the routine of the Monday morning diet, I hated the abortive attempts at exercise programs, I hated all of it. I vowed once I was banded I was never ever ever going to "diet" again. I dont think that personally I would have coped well had I not had it done here in Australia where that approach is supported, I'm not saying a more structured routine is wrong, but I think i would have come to blows with almost every US doctor out there, with their nutritional views, rules and targets for daily eating. I will not do that ever again. I eat what I want when I want. So, maybe I had slower weight loss than others - it took me 2 years to lose 100lb and actually, I'm still losing at the rate of about 3lb per year, lol. That was a worthwhile trade off for me. I chose the exercise that appealed to me, not the latest craze I read on the net. I knew what bad things they say about long, slow cardio but I knew I liked running so that's what I did. That way, I actually DID it. I knew that yet another gym membership was going to have the same result - early enthusiasm, followed by life getting in the way and the rest is history. I like healthy foods. I have to force some healthy foods in (it really is a challenge to get enough fruit and veg when you're banded), but that's my version of swallowing Vitamin pills (which I dont take). I dont like Protein shakes, and I dont believe I need mega protein, so I ignore that particular avenue. Today, its the first day of school holidays, I've had a hard term as a graduate teacher, I fancy a bit of window shopping and a cappucino and vanilla slice (a gorgeous concoction of choux pastry and custard) and I'm damn well gonna have it. Why not? Its a once in a blue moon thing and I for one dont think that the occasional treat with food is dysfunctional or indicative of an eating disorder. Once I allowed myself that, I broke the "well, I ate a vanilla slice, so I may as well drink this milkshake, eat this ice cream, pig out on this chocolate" cycle. I eat more when good food is put in front of me, I sometimes dont eat when I'm busy, I have periods where I eat too much sugar and others when I eat really realy well. I dont really think about it or beat myself up over it. Hey? Guess what? I'm NORMAL. I never viewed normal as some sort of perfect eating, perfect exercising robotic life where you got x grams of protein, 100% RDI of every vitamin every day, etc etc. That's setting yourself up for failure. I saw normal as eat what you like, mostly healthy and dont obsess over it. To me, the band is a great tool for achieving that becuase it takes inappropriate hunger out of the question. I hate to say it, but I think many people who defend their more rigid regimes are really still clinging to the hope that if they do everythign right they will be rewarded. I think it takes a lot of courage to let yourself go and abandon that adherance to imposed rules and really listen to your body. It is a really really hard thing to do but I think THAT's the key to lifelong weight control. Otherwise, its just using your band to strangle your desires. Its your desires and mental processes that you really have to work on to really become free of your weight problems.

Well the odd thing about being 160 is it was after 12:30midnight, I was at the docs for something totally different the blood sugar just kinda came up after some tests. I hadnt eaten anything since maybe 5pm that night so what made my BS stay that high until after 12 is beyond me I only ate meat for dinner and nothing with it. Anyway I go back tomarrow and I will see and let ya know later

I had my surgery ay Highland Hospital and my doctor are Bariatric Surgery Center (Drs. OMalley, Johnson and Forbes). I recommend this practice. Important for you to get answer FROM Aetna whether they cover your surgey bc policies vary state to state and depends where your plan is administered. So, call Member Services at Aetna for that answer.

I tried breaking it up in paragraphs and for some reason I couldn't. I promise I'll try nxt time. I've been taking gas x and it seems to help. I think I overdid my afternoon walk bc I got tired and sore. Last but not least, I don't know if its my head playing games with me but I feel hungry. I haven't cheated but just saying, food smells so delish...

Look what I just found out about in my mailbox today. I really respects this man's advice in his newsletters - if you don't already get them try them out for yourself. Anyway, he is offering a very superior whey Protein in 6 flavors: Here - read a bit about what they are: For a Limited Time: Get FREE SHIPPING and HANDLING on your ENTIRE ORDER (US and Canada Orders Only). Expires soon! Every day your body faces a range of stressors that constantly challenge your health and wellbeing... Everything from daily tensions to physical activity to your diet can strain your body's natural balance. Stress, aging and exercise -- especially overtraining -- can break down your body's defenses. That's where Miracle Whey? comes in. Made from all-natural grass fed cows' whey, Miracle Whey? provides more of nature's nutrients. Plus, it's certified GMO-, pesticide, and chemical-free, protecting you from ingesting chemicals and hormones* Not only that, it: Is rich in glutamic acid and branch chain amino acids which aid muscle-building and recovery* Contains 25% or more glycomacropeptides for immune support, high energy, muscle building and recovery* Promotes satiety, so compulsive craving for refined carbs and sweets is curbed* Contains beta glucans, so you can be sure that your immune system is getting the boost it needs.* Contains water-soluble Fiber, which supports healthy blood sugar levels and prebiotic properties* Miracle Whey?comes in your choice of six delicious flavors with no aftertaste like some powders on the market: vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, blueberry, banana and Peanut Butter (made from all-organic peanuts). Protein powder Now Needless to say they have much more written about it, too much for me to copy and paste here, but perhaps if you google his name you can subsribe to his newsletters and read for yourselves. Sounded so good, I ordered their 6 pk. Free shipping to me here in Canada? Why not! I always have pampered myself when it comes to food and supplements, why stop now! Check it out! 40 grams protein per serving, people! Incredible! Donna:thumbup1:

That sounds yummy. I found some really good tuna the other day. It us actually a patty already made and comes in the pouches like the regular tuna. They had several flavors and they are nice bc I know exactly how many ounces I am getting without having to weigh it. And it is a good protein source without having to eat plain tuna or add extra fat like mayo. Really good on top of a small salad with Dijon mustard. Which by the way is my new favorite condiments!

I have the same question... what they heck are all those noises!! Now I know FOR SURE that today my stomach was growling. Some on here say no, that is just some other noise. But I know it was....undeniably stomach growling bc I was hungry! Already!!

i weighed myself this evening just to see my progress bc i have been working out so hard and eating good but boy ol boy did i get a rude awaken, such a big disappointment (5lbs wt gain), hoping some of that is from the bloatness of my TOM, i am so stupid for doing that

I have the plication and think it really enhances the band. Just an opinion hard to tell, because I never had a band without plication. I did not have to pay extra for the plication. The dr has a grant for that. Maybe you can look into that. I don't mean to say the extra money isn't worth it, but your husband may be right. Ask if there are extra hidden prices. Fir instance because I fit a certain checklist I was able to go home day of surgery (live close to hospital. no other health probs, there was a list of things my dr considered). However he wants all his plication patients to stay overnight. If I had to pay out of pocket for that (being that insurance did not cover overnight stay bc I was a candidate to go home) my bills would be very high. Ask about other fees and if dr is subsidized by any grants. Are there other drs in your area who do plication? it can't hurt to get a second opinion/consultation, even if you don't do plication. I like shopping around for imot stuff like doctors. In the end, with or without plication you will probably lose about the same amount of weight if you work towards your goal!

Don't feel bad I've been band sence May and I've had 7 fills and I'm still not losing. Talk about fed up..... I just keep going back and getting another fill I have a 4cc band and I'm at 2.5. I have no leeks my Dr. is just taking things slow. I'm due to go back after Christmas but I'm a bit afraid to get another fill because things are getting stuck very easy. any answers out there????

Excuse my french but I have BC/BS PPO Anthem and they don't cover shit. I hate them. I pay 625.00 per month for hubby and I and I have absolutely nothing wrong other than back problems. I was self pay from the get go and have paid out over 20grand so far and bless they're little hearts I wouldn't even turn in a fill, I would be afraid it would break them up so I just pay them myself. LOL. Yours might, mines crappy.

Ok I went to Mexico for lapband all is well and my doctor was going to do the fills but is heading to Africa and will be gone 6 weeks and my friend and I need our first fill in 2 weeks and he leaves in 1 so I need a doctor in BC who will do a fill and we are up north in Smithers BC so whereever we go will be a long drive. I am desperate please help Thank-you muchly!!:thumbup:

Hi there and congratulations on your decision to get banded. It has been the best decision of my life. I too went to Mexico, I live in Kentucky and had NEVER been to Mexico but let me tell you my experience and then of course you do what you need to do for yourself. I went to 3 seminars here and the 3 had done less than 300 surgeries each and I had health insurance Anthen BC/BS but I went to Dr. Sanchez and Dr. Zapata at www.ready4achange.com They were wonderful. They've done over 7000 each and it was 8500.00 for everything including one person to go with you, food, your stay, and your chaffeur. Surgery was 45 min. and recovery one hour, left 18 hrs. later to the guesthouse of the Dr. and then one more night there and then flew home. I've had absolutely no problems. I needed to loose 100 pounds, I'm 5'7" and I lost 40 the first 3 months and another 25 the next 3 months and an well over half way. If your looking for a doctor here I know it's far away from you but he's the Surgeon who answers all of the complications questions on here and you can search his name and he is Dr. Trace Curry. If I'd known about him before I would have gone to him. He's my fill doctor and he's topnotch. He's got an excellent price and done many, many. He's in Cincinatti Ohio and I'll give you his info. Call and ask for Charity and tell her Sherri Smith told you to call and see what they can do for you. He's a fabulous, sweet, caring, and very easy of the eyes, lol. and very experienced. www.thebanddoctor.com is his web page. If I can be of any help please pm me and I will be glad to help you.

Yes, I am ashamed to admit I ate fast food at least 4-5 times a week before surgery. Not only is it quick and easy, it's comfort food. One of the many benefits I've experienced since being banded is that I no longer want or like fast food. My body is so used to being fed healthy foods, now if I eat junk it makes me feel really awful.

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum, and like many on here, am busily doing my research before I take the plunge. I'm in Vancouver, BC and considering doing my surgery either in Seattle area or in Mexico, and one of the issues I've come across in my readings is the need to establish a fill doctor that's near you locally before going away for surgery. So far I've heard of a Dr. Woodhead that does fills for patients who have had their surgeries in Mexico, but I also read he is no longer taking any patients. Does anyone have any updates on this, or know of anyone else in BC that does fills? Thanks! Vangirl

Hi Seaangel. I had my banding done in Mexico and it cost me about $7500 Canadian which includes the flights. I'm in BC and I had arranged to get my fills over the border in Washington state, however after I returned from Mexico I found someone here who was willing to do fills on patients banded in Mexico. I got my surgery done in Tijuana. I flew to San Diego and was picked up by the clinic at the airport. I talked to the Dr., fairly extensively, on two occasions before I went down. I chose to stay an extra day, just for my own piece of mind. Good luck with your decision.

My sister is an RN & took off 2 wks bc they limit the lifting, she did great no problems just tired for a few weeks, I had my sleeve & on the 3rd day post op pulled my inner stitches out & I was also out 2 wks, you will be sore I found that those Salon Pas pain patches stink but did help.

I Have Not Heard An Update But I Know Bc Of Mississippi And I Think Ga Are Paying For It.

hey everyone gongrats to you all! I myself have been concidering lapband and i went to a seminar and the surgon said with this specific wls that most people ony lose 50 lbs over a 2 years and that was real discourging bc i need to loose well over 50 lbs so i was wondering who has lost more then 50lbs and how long did it take you to get there?

I am looking for a new fill Dr. I am covered under the BC/BS Federal Health Plan. I had my band done back in 2008 and my Insurance Plan provider is being cancelled by Federal Insurance Program and now I am under the BC/BS Federal Health Plan and I need a local Fill Dr. The one I have in Waco, does not seem interested in my case anymore. I cannot get into to see him for a fill and when I send an e-mail it goes un answered and when and if I can get in now I am asked do you really need a fill? well I have a 10 cc band and only 5 ccs in the stupiod thing and I am hungry all the time. My stomach sounds like an empty tin can. I have maintained 180 pounds for over a year and a half now and it is getting pertty old. I follow the information given to me and now I was placed on a 800 calorie day diet, consisting of two protein shakes and well you do the math, not much left to eat. So I am in need of help here. My co payment is only going to be 35.00 per visit. I need to know whrere to go from here. Thanks:mad::smile2:

Michelle - I don't know what to say! Sorry that you are having the problems with your insurnace, sorry that your doctor will be starting over (sorry for your doctor, too), very sorry that you are going to have to deal with an insurance change through all of this. I would like to advise you to check out your new insurance coverage, though. My old insurance covered the procedure, but by the time I was ready to go, my hubby's company had switched to BC/BS (which is supposed to stand for blue cross/blue shield, but for me it stands for buncha crap bull sh*&%!!) You may want to think about COBRA with your current insurance until you are banded! You might also talk to someone else at the insurance company. Are they stopping all procedures from that doctor (that doesn't seem possible) since he has lost everything, or are they reaching for a reason to deny weight loss surgery? Just some thoughts, dear! Hang in there, keep your inspiration, stay on the boards, and work toward your goal with or without a band. We all love you, banded or not, and we will do our best to help you out!!! {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}} ~cheri

The local guys won't give me a solid answer if they'll do my follow up/fills. They said it had to do with their insurance not wanting them to take liability for someone elses work & if I end up in the er they won't know how to help me. Which I think is BS. Its no different than doing fills on a regular lapband patient. And no different than a sleeve patient having leaks if that were to happen. Plus they want $180 for fills on a regular lapband without fluro which others have said was high.

Ha! You got me to finally watch it. I am happy that I will be buying smaller portions of meat with the lap band. I think it will make me feel okay spending a bit more for the local stuff (I try to buy local/grass fed/free range as much as I can but it is pricey). One of the other suggestions I can offer you is to eat Turkey if you can stomach it. I'm not a big turkey fan, but it isn't as massed farm. Another great suggest, organic frozen veggies and fruit. They're harvest when they are in season and softer than fresh stuff so easier for us to chew properly

I am dealing with the same thing right now. I had my lapband removed 03/15/2011 bc of slip and now I just want back to get either the lapband put back in or sleeve. My stepdad has the sleeve. I am waiting to get my authorization for the sleeve-worst case scenerio I will have to get the band again Amy