Search the Community

My family doctor scares me lol (she's a great doctor, but very opinionated), so I waited til she was away on holidays to ask for a referral to a surgeon and her associate gave it to me gladly. After the surgery, when I went for a check up with my family doc, she had seen the note in my chart and commented on my weightloss. Much to my surprise, she was really excited for me and was glad to have a good surgeon to refer future patients to for lap banding. I've got to ask her next week for a referral to a plastic surgeon (for tummy tuck/boob lift), so I'm interested to see her reaction to that. But I'm not scared this time heh.

I missed the second half :/ myband, I only barely got a look at the theatre at the Avenue. They wheeled me in and I remember thinking, "OMG what am I doing?!?" and wanting to run out of there lol. All I remember was that it looked too white. In less than two minutes, I was out cold. The one thing I would be uncomfortable with, in regards to going overseas for surgery, is not meeting the surgeon beforehand. Before banding, I went to three different ones for consult, til I found the one I felt most comfortable with. If I went overseas, I wouldn't have that option.

I haven't been here long enough to know what your full story is, but I do recall you were having so really bad breathing problems at one point, quite serious as I remember. So the mere fact that you can walk and take a dance class and got to school full time and work and still not be below the 20 mark is pretty amazing to me.Those tests don't take into account any kind of illness or disability you may have been suffering from or are recovering from. Those are really important variables that need to be taken into account in order to be accurate. I'm not say you're ready to run a marathon yet, but you sure as heck don't sound as if you should be that low on the scale. BTW, I was reading one of your old posts from a while back and happened across the information on your hubby's movie. I went right into Amazon and ordered it, should be here early next week. I can't wait to get it, it really sounds interesting. I'll let you know what I think after I have watched it. Thanks for letting us know about it. Cindy

I read posts here quite often and almost always, without fail, I see the words "I feel like a failure" in a thread. Let's stop this self-destructive behavior RIGHT NOW! Let's band together (no pun intended) and tell whatever friggin demon lives in our heads to go to hell! Despite whatever binging or poor eating habits we may have (and we ALL have them or we wouldn't be here) this thought process just CAN'T be good. I can only imagine that thinking you're a failure causes you to ACT like a failure. If we think it, we make it happen. So, let's choose to change our bad habits, not look back on the bad things we think we've done, and look to to the future! I've made horribly bad choices this past week but I'm CHOOSING not to feel bad about it. I can only re-commit myself and move onward. So how about it?

I had the band on 3 weeks ago and all of a sudden the weight seems to have stopped coming off . did I just hit a phase will it last long . I am going good with eating and exercise . is this normal ?? any advice ? thanks ...

I just sent this to a friend and I thought you guys might be able to give me some independent analysis. I’m so busy worrying about all this, I don’t know if I’m seeing this clearly. I know this is long, but any thoughts/ideas/feedback would be welcome. Thanks all, SJ I’m still pondering the whole lap-band surgery thing. I’ve decided I’m definitely going to do it. The problem is, I have a few options and I don’t know what to do. I’m pretty miserable in my current state so I want to do it now now now, but if I could be patient, it really would be better for me. Option 1: HMO Pros: everything (except $500) would be covered – pre-appointments, surgery, anesthesia, hospital, and after care and I’d have it done at UCLA which is one of the best places in the country to do this and is 15 minutes from home. Well…20 minutes in LA traffic. They also have all kinds of support groups and great after care. Cons: I have to be on a medically supervised diet for SIX months. That seems like forever. And I would spend the whole time being mental because I actually need to GAIN about ten pounds to qualify. I can’t imagine anything as crazy-making as trying to diet and gain weight at the same time. Anyway, after all that, only then can I apply and be evaluated. It could take up to three weeks for them to process my paperwork, plus there are classes to attend and appointments with the program manager, the surgeon, the nutritionist, and the shrink. Basically, this whole process could be 8 months. That’s JUNE for pity’s sake. I could wait 3 months. I could probably even wait 6 months. But eight? That’s practically a whole year! And in the meantime, I’d have to focus on not losing weight, so I’d be exactly as I am for almost a year. Option 2: PPO Pros: I set up a consultation for next week and maybe have the surgery before the end of the year. They could very well deny me if they use the same standards as the HMO, but they could approve too. I’d have it done Cedars-Sinai, which is also a great place – it’s one of the first places in the US where the lap-band surgery was done. It’s where Sharon osbourne had her’s done (although they really shouldn’t have done it because she’s bulimic) Cons: It’ll be about $5000 out of pocket, which sucks, but it’s a for good cause. I might have to pay for after care as well and that could add up. I don’t have all the details. I’m expecting a decent-sized tax return next year, so that would help a little. Option 3: Pick my own doctor Pros: : no waiting time. I could probably call today and have it done within a month. Cons: $$$$$$! Somewhere in the neighborhood of $18K, plus an extra $150 for follow up office visits and fills Option 4: Mexico! Pros: : There are a couple of reputable places down there where I could have it done. I’ve been visiting an online forum so I have an idea of what these places are like. I’d do a consult over the phone and I could be in surgery next week if I wanted to. The other advantage is they’ve been doing lap-band in Mexico for 10 years, whereas it was only approved a few years ago in the U.S. Cons: It’s Mexico. I’m being prejudiced, I know, but there is something that sounds really sketchy about going to Tijuana for surgery. They don’t have the same medical standards or legal recourse. If something goes wrong, I’m screwed. Like, if I get an infection, I have to keep going back down there for aftercare, etc. And if something major goes wrong, I don’t think my insurance would cover it beyond the usual emergency room stuff. Plus, I’d have to find a doctor in the US to do my fills and that’s another expense. $10,000 out of pocket – it’s way cheaper than in the US, but I’ve only just recovered financially from the whole BBM fiasco (those bastards) and spending that kind of money on the surgery would mean a major delay in my home-buying plans. [bBM was a personal training program that ripped me off for $5,000. I hate them with the white-hot passion of a thousand suns.] What to do, what to do. I wish somebody would just give me $20,000. Maybe I can raise some money online…

It would be in the Stonecrest Ballentyne area, which is the Rea Rd exit off of 485. Most likely it would be every 2-3 weeks. I have to check with Debbie on that it maybe only once a month. She told me she would keep the cost down around 15-20 a session. I can let you know next week sometime the exact details.

BUT i've been on liquids for a week, can feel myself being hungry, am hungry and haven't dropped a pound in a week! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Go Nickie!! I have only been going for a couple of weeks, but I am starting to notice a difference in my energy levels - and I have lost 8 lbs... Treadmill, bike & eliptical........... It's not what I would call FUN - but, it isn't too horrid after the first couple of times. Good Luck!!

Even if you find that your insurance covers the surgery, be patient. This is not a quick, easy process. There are a lot of hoops to jump through before and after surgery. I started my journey in Sept., and my paperwork may go to my insurance for consideration by next week ... and I'm still pre-op. Good luck, God Bless, and go for it!

2 a week is fantastic. Thats 104 lbs a year folks, I'd take that in a heart beat. I really can't comment on the losing end b/c I just am under 4 weeks out. I'll let you know in January / February.

I am not losing a thing but I realize that I have only had one fill of 1cc 2 weeks ago. My problem: We just opened a BAD business. It's a MaggieMoos Ice Cream Treatery. I make the cakes and sometimes do other things there to help out. The ice cream is soooooo good and I know it's a big "NO NO" but IF I could say "NO NO" to the "NO NO's" I would not be over weight! So, my question: Can we bandsters take Xenical the fat blocker? Do any of you take this? I'm just thinking that if I eat a little ice cream, I could take this and it would just go on through!

The head banding is sooo the hard part. it's natural to go to thinking about food alot since your diet has changed so much and you are learning a new way. it will settle down alot as the weeks go by and you start eating real foods. You will be amazed at how much less you worry about food when you can actually eat it and you don't really care about it! The hard part for me has been not eating, losing weight, and my body making me hungry for the calories it needs to maintain my weight. What has helped me (months down the road as I figure this out) is to be sure to EAT!! so the hunger doesn't sneak up on me and I find myself ravenous...even though just a bit will do me. It's weird, but you'll get it figured out. Your body and your brain do a little dance together. You just have to learn to monitor well to be sure the right one "leads".

I had my first fill a week and a half ago and I am able to almost eat a full meal as if I don't have the band! I don't understand why I am able to eat so much. I have started tanning, does anyone know if maybe that is not good for the band?

Candysmooch, I just went to the website and Mo hasn't updated his results in a while. You can check here http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/contestants/wherearetheynow/mo.shtml I thought I heard that some of season one's contestants will be on the finale this week. I hope to see MO, he was my favorite from season one. My favorite from season two is Dr. Jeff. I broke my heart when the voted him off. But he is doing great and I am looking forward to seeing him at the Finale this week. Matt drives me crazy crying all the time! That boy needs an antidepressant. Yes he looks great so far, but stop crying on every show! Seth and Suzy have done great jobs but I lost interest when Dr Jeff was voted off. Good luck to all of them!! And may the biggest loser win!!!

I lost my mother 7 months ago tomorrow, and she was my best friend also. I've been struggling this entire week with the fact that this is the first mothers day with out a mom physically here. I still talk to her all the time, but greatly miss the responses. I'm in your former shoes DOC... I hate mothers day and can't stand to see commercials or hear about it on the radio. I threw out all the store ads that have Mothers Day Specials. Maybe if I had a child it'd be different but it is a great day of mourning for me this year. My mothers day plan is to go pick lilacs from my mothers garden and take them to her grave since every year of my life I picked those same lilacs and gave them to her for mothers day. I hope all you mom's have a great day. You're worth it!

so relieved to see this seems to phenomenon many of us go through! i just had first fill today and am glad for it (surgery early jul)... because last two weeks was madness for me. was eating all solid food i can lay my hands on! ate kfc twice, risotto w foie gras.....was stressing out but could not stop myself...fortunately, scale in my favor - cos i realized tho i felt like i was binging, i still ate much less than i used to before surgery.......so i am glad to see veterans like you...going through the same thing....and are still going strong to meet ur goals....

I went for my 3rd fill this afternoon and was excited to see the scale go down once again. One week before my surgery I weighed 271, this afternoon I weighed 225!!!!!! That's -46 pounds :banana :banana -37 since the morning of surgery!!!! I am so happy. I haven't felt this good in a long time. I love my band!!

I am so exited! I just got approved for financing! My psych eval has been scheduled for awhile for next week and I just got a letter from insurance saying they will cover my pshcy eval and I have an appt to consult w/ Dr Barker in Mesquite TX next week! WOOOO HOOOO! I just have to sing my new band theme song! Everyone sing with me..... I’m coming out I want the world to know Got to let it show There’s a new me coming out And I just had to live And I wanna give I’m completely positive I think this time around I am gonna do it Like you never do it Like you never knew it Ooh, I’ll make it through The time has come for me To break out of the shell I have to shout That I’m coming out I’m coming out I want the world to know!!!!!

Hi everyone! I am on the countdown now. I am nervous and excited! I work in a hospital and have for 14 years but I am a chicken when it comes to surgery. I figure I would ask you guys what are some of the things you needed after surgery that you forgot to get before surgery. I am buying Gas-x and glycerine suppositories today. I read in a thread that the gas sometimes can be HELL, so I am trying to prepare. Please hip me to some of the things that you all did in preparation for the surgery. I am already praying that helps alot. I love this sight you all have a friend in me and I feel the same. I never thought that I would get so much support from people who don't even know me and so little support from people I have known all of my life. Thank you all for what you do!!! Suggestions, suggestions, suggestions please. Your friend, Dee Dee

Honestly, the only three things that I packed which I actually used was my pillow, light robe and my chapstick....used a toothbrush/paste supplied by hospital, stay in the hospital gown, they had non-slip socks for me, etc....I went home in the same (loose, comfy) clothing I came in! Good luck....the key to all this surgery stuff is STAY HAPPY, PLEASANT and KEEP A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR...the experience is much more pleasant for you and the staff this way!!! I actually miss some of my nurses and especially miss my wonderful voluneeter helper...she was so sweet...

I am two weeks post op and am very hungry. We are on vacation at the beach and I have four kids to still cook for plus hubby. I am now eating solid food really chewed up. Is this o.k.? I feel that I am cheating and will not lose weight. I haven't been on a scale in five days so I do'tknow is I have lost or not. Should I stop eating normal food chewed really well. I am only two weeks post op. I shouldn't be filled for 4 more weeks. What do I do. I feel fine, except that I am cheating myself. Help. Is this normal to eat so much mushie food? Thanks, Buffy

You are normal, you have not had a fill yet, the fills are what gives you restriction and make you eat less. The band was designed ot be filled to work at it's best ability.With no fill it is only normal ot be able to eat anything and everything in large quantities. Yes tell your Dr. you were eating real food in the event something is not right with your band. ( which I m sure it is fine) The liquid phase is designed for you to heal and for your band to anchor in so it has less chance to slip. If you eat too soon after surgery you are at higher risk of slippage since the digestion process of real foods is a work out in your stomach with all the churning and turning it takes to digest. My Dr. required 3 weeks of liquids also he beleives it is very important for the band so set into place sort of anchor into place and have some time to build up scar tissues , makes it less likely for it to slip in the beginning. I was also told that he first 6 weeks post op should not be about weight loss but healing. Any weight loss during the 6 weeks post op period is a plus! We have the rest opf our lives to lose this weght. It did not come on overnight and it is not going to come off over night either.

Hi Jennifer, I have dr. mun and I think the 3 weeks is too long also I am 2 wks out and yesterday I tried egg salad and it went down fine. I can not drink the protein drinks and am so sick of soup. It didn't take much to feel full. But I don't think I'm going to tell the dr. when I see him on the 25th. He was very adement about no food just liquid until I see him again. Oh well.

You will know the port is there for the next 2 or 3 weeks. It really does not hurt but you will know it's there. Mine hurt some for a week or so then just when you move a certain way or when you go over a bump when in the car. I kind of feel like it shakes it if that makes any sense.