Search the Community

juliegeraci Wow! you are doing soooo well. Don't be discouraged...they say loosing the weight slower means more chance of you keeping it off... Although I have lost 84 kgs alltogether only 46lb has been post lapband surgery and I had lapband surgery in October 05 that is almost 14 months ago... As long as the scale is staying put or going down you don't have anything to worry about...just enjoy your new found lease on life...and the excitement of seeing the gradual body/shaping changes. :xena_banana: Becky

First, congrats! You look great!! The same thing is Still happening to me ( and I am where I want to be weight wise). The scale wouldn't move for what seemed like weeks.. But my clothes didn't fit. Good luck!!

I was banded back in 2001. I did well for a while but stopped getting fills after I lost my health insurance. I have to go through Flouro for a fill which is VERY expensive. Anyway, I have gained back almost all that I lost, but am recommitted to the band and have health insurance again. My original doctor has now left the practice. The doctor I have now just isn't filling me as aggressively as I need him to. He is putting in 1cc to 2cc's at a time and saying it is aggressive, but within a couple days I have no restriction. Should I keep going to him? Should I ask for another doctor in the same practice (they are now a bariatric center rather than the small practice they were when I was banded)? or should I seek out a new doctor at another practice or center? Would love to hear your thoughts. I really need a doctor that is going to tighten this thing and I have given my current doctor a couple shots at it and still nothing. (which is especially frustrating when I didn't have health insurance and I told him I was paying for the fills out of pocket at the tune of 3000 per one) Thanks in advance.

I was eating 600-800 but have developed horrible headaches so I am trying to get closer to 1000 to see if that helps. I have continued to lose weight.

When I first started looking into this, i thought my only option would be going to Mexico or AZ. I *think* anything under 35 is considered "off-label", but a physician can decide if you fit the profile. And, of course, being self-pay is another factor. When I consulted with my surgeon I had about 15 years of weight history that I had tracked over the years (gaining and losing 65 lbs 3X). That, coupled with my family history of obesity and heart disease, (and being self-pay) and he gave me the go ahead. Good luck in your search!

Get your family involved in your weight loss goal's its easyer to stay focused.. fun spending time with your family. And every one is getting healthy. Take care keep the weight loss fight up!

Congrats on your weight loss! That is awesome! I was banded in April and almost everyone I know who was banded around that time and lost 40-50 so far has hit a plateau, me included. Usually that means that your body has gotten used to what you have been doing all this time. Our bodies are incredibly efficient so you need to shake things up a little. Add a different exercise, eat different types of food or even at different times can help. Above all else, keep plugging along. It'll start coming off again and sometimes we just have to work through it. However, please don't hurt yourself with exercise. It doesn't have to hurt to work. Small changes in activity can lead to big changes down the line. I think you asked about yoga. I love yoga!! I usually go on Fridays and it's the perfect thing to get me over a chaotic week and a nice start to the weekend. Yoga is perfect because you work at your own level and pace. It can be everything from light to moderate stretching to a full out heart pounding workout. It's up to you. There are many modifications you can do to make it work for you. In the beginning, there were many things I couldn't really do well and some not at all. Now after a very short time, my flexibility is better and my muscle tone is getting really nice. I still can't do all the poses perfectly like the instructor, but I can do it a lot better than just a few months ago. I really do feel better after doing yoga. It's the perfect accompaniment to the other exercise I do throughout the week. Keep up the great work! This is a long journey and we will have lots of twists, turns, and bumps but in the end it will so be worth it! I'm glad I found your post because I've been very hard on myself today about my plateau, actually I gained 1.5 this week for no apparent reason. It would do me good to take my own advice! Good luck and keep in touch!!!

I weighed myself yesterday after a mini-vacation. Funny thing, I couldn't remember what I weighed before I left. Turns out I am down 30 pounds - and I have 30 pounds to go. Half-way, baby!!! I will be 3 months out on June 7. This is absolutely amazing. Some things I noticed about myself: - my mind is having a hard time catching up with my body. There are times when I think I don't look luch differen than before. - initially, I lost all the weight from the waist up. After the second month, my stomach / midsection finally started to go down. This morning I got into size 14 slacks :-) - I still can't tolerate sugary stuff. I can eat it, but it doesn't taste good - makes me queasy. Good thing is that it seems to have had a bio-feedback effect and I don't even crave it anymore. Being a lap-band survivor, I just can't believe how well the sleeve works. It isn't even hard. Once you get your head around your limitations, it is really very easy. AND IT WORKS!!!! My band never worked like this - never. So happy I made the decision and looking forward to the day that my head catches up with my body. Lara

Teens typically make better patients than adults. They are not trying to find ways around the docs instructions, they do as they are told. I'm all for it. I think it's great. Bands or sleeves, either one. I'm not supportive of bypass in a teen but I am bands and sleeves. Why should a kid suffer obesity? I had a Mom PM me the other day regarding her 13 year old son with a BMI of 52. What will his BMI be by the time he's 18? He could well be dead by the time he's old enough to make his own decision. He already has high blood pressure and diabetes. Kids can't lose all this weight any better than we can. Why wouldn't they deserve the same chance at a life saving surgery?

I like the idea of a child being able to avoid painful, obese teenage years. But in reality, I just dont think an average child of that age can handle the work it takes to lose weight - with a lapband or without.

Hi welcome!!! LBT is a great site for researching the band, and what is has to offer. Blue Cross Blue Shield differs depending on which state it is from. I for instance live in New Mexico, but have BCBS of Texas, because my husbands company is headquartered there. It also is dependent on whether the company you work for has excluded weight loss surgery---some do, others cover it. My experience with BCBS, is that they usually require 6-12 months of medically supervised weight loss attempts. So they will want you to see your Dr. each month, and follow his directions aimed at weight loss. Then when you submit to insurance, he will have to show where you saw him steadily as required. They also usually require a BMI of 40 or 2 co morbidities---which it sounds like you have covered. They wanted 5 years of documentation of obesity, which can be obtained through any Dr. records, or hospitilizations, any documents where they weighed you. As for cost it varies, from $10K to over $20K here in the US, and in Mexico you can find it for down in the 7-8k range. Financing it might be difficult with a fresh bankruptcy---any way to do it prior? Oh sorry, I just re-read you were doing it this week. Some people have used 401K's, refi'd their houses, e-loans, family loans---all kinds of things. There are some Dr.'s in Mexico I understand who do in house loans for the surgery, but I know nothing about them. I am older than you by many years, but relate to the want for the surgery. I provide day care for my 2 year old granddaughter. And I can tell you with 90 pounds gone---it is SOOOOO much easier to do! I think about it, and realize, that if I continue this way, she will never remember Granny as being fat!!! I love it! I too was taking 2 meds for HBP, 1 for high blood sugar, and had a massive family history of heart disease. Now less than a year later, I take no meds---my blood pressure and blood sugar, are both normal. I cannot change my family history, but I know if I inherit the artery disease, or heart disease, fighting it at my weight now will be much easier than when I was morbidly obese! We look forward to getting to know you too---good luck in your lap band quest!!! Kat

//This is my worst nightmare, remember my weight gain is inevitable post?// I don't have my band yet so can't comment about that but I was wondering if you have been tested for Hyliobacter Pylori (H.Pylori)?? Sometimes that can cause all kinds of problems...and you could have had this lovely little bacteria that lives in your duodenum since you were a kid. A simple blood test is all you need and if you do have it then they give you two antbiotics and prylosec. All gone and symptoms such as heatburn...gone, too. It's worth checking out. I know because my surgeon always does this test for his Lapband patienst...and sure enough I had it, which explained my heartburn. I haven't had any since i finished the medications.

Well I couldn't take anymore and went in to the weight loss clinic. They had to take all 2.5 cc's. I have to start all over but man o man what a relief. I felt instant relief and was able to drink water after 2 days of absolutely nothing. I am now able to drink protein shakes and getting some energy back. I'm so glad I decided to call the weight loss clinic where they could help.

my weight is distributed everywhere, huge butt, legs, stomach, arms, everything.

I've had this PCP for years and she knows my struggle with weight loss. She knows that in order for me to lose the weight I need the surgery but she doesn't support my decision to have it in Mexico. She says that I need to have it here in the States where things are regulated and if I choose to still have it then she won't be my "go to" person if something happens and I need a doctor. Does anyone have a similar experience? I could really use some advice.

Wow I can't believe I actually did it. I just hope it is all worth it. I didn't expect to have so much pain. I also didn't expect to gain weight in the hospital (6lbs). The weight has now come off and its only day 3. My cuts are itchy. The good news is that I found a comfortable position to sleep. Everyone has told me that the first weeks are hard. I can't wait to see my doctor so we can go over my diet. I'm looking forward to eating more normal foods and not just optifast.

HI Everyone, :laugh: I am really really struggling...I am seriously having the fight the insurance co & my PCP blues. Pasted below is draft copy of a letter that I am working on to send to the insurance co. and maybe even the insurance consumer division. Although a really tight squeeze for now, I am working on Plan B. Dr. Alvarez in Mexico, 9750 for sleeve. Here struggling...having gained 18 pounds since September 15--all of my clothes are fitting way way way toooooo tightly! Bumming Here's my letter! I just dont know what to do.... Any insight is greatly appreciated! I am not sure if I should be outright saying I want to request an appeal or just asking for an update. Please review and give me your insight. Thanks! Group/ID Number: XOH842901948/H06800 Primary Care Physician: Dr. Derek Kelly Diagnosis: 278.01 Morbid Obesity Procedure: 99241 Office Consultation Referred For: Office Consultation Requested: 12/9/08 Denied: 12/9/08 Services Requested: Consult with Dr. Vitello for a Sleeve Gastrectomy Referral Authorization No. 23,562'Denied (Referral Denied'This is a request for an out of network non-contracted provider with Managed Health Care Associates Managed Health Care Associates 2740 W. Foster Avenue, Suite 411 Chicago, Il 60625 FAX: 773-271-0264 Illinois Department of Insurance Consumer Division 100 W. Randolph Street Suite 15-100 Chicago, IL 60601 Greetings I a writing to formally request an updated status of the referral decision rendered in December 2008. First of all, the services requested are inaccurate. Since October 2007, Dr. Derek Kelly has provided referral authorizations for me to see Dr. Vitello regarding lapband adjustment. From October 2007 until September 2008, I visited Dr. Vitello for lapband adjustments and presented with complications of my adjustments on a monthly basis. Resultingly, September 2008, I had to have emergency surgery to remove my lapband due to slippage. I followed up with post-operative care with Dr. Vitello, who then consulted with me regarding revisional bariatric surgery. In the interim, I informed Maria, of Dr. Kelly's office and contacted the BCBS of IL to be advised of my benefits coverage and protocol for seeking revisional surgery. At that time, I was advised of the criteria for coverage, which I meet now and did so at the time of request, and advised Maria of the same. She advised me to have Dr. Vitello submit the referral authorization and that she would handle the request, as she had handed the processing of all of my prior referral authorizations to Dr. Vitello. Upon mutual interest, Dr. Vitello petitioned for referral authorization for revisional bariatric surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy. My last follow up appointment with Dr. Vitello was October 31 and the referral authorization was submitted twice by Dr. Vitello's staff (University of Illinois at Chicago) before warranting a response by the Managed Care Group. This petition submitted in full disclosure, my operative and post-operative reports and medical necessity substantiating the need for the procedure. According to my insurance terms, bariatric surgery is a covered benefit as long as it is deemed medically necessary; this is furthered for revisional bariatric surgery with indication that as long as the first bariatric surgery was medically necessary, there is no waiting period for clearance for the authorization of a revisional surgery. Additionally, according to my policy's terms and conditions, I have been advised of the following: Repeat of a covered bariatric surgery may be eligible for coverage only when ALL of the following criteria are met: For the original procedure, patient met all of the screening criteria, including BMI requirements The patient has been compliant with a prescribed nutritional and exercise program following the original surgery Significant complications or technical failure (i.e., slippage, etc.) of the bariatric surgery has occurred that required take down or revision of the original procedure that could only be addressed surgically Patient is requesting reinstitution of an acceptable bariatric surgical modality. Dr. Vitello submitted his referral authorization to Dr. Derek Kelly indicating my request to reinstitute an acceptable bariatric surgical modality, vertical sleeve gastrectomy. On December 9, I received paperwork advising of a decision of denial for a consultation. It indicated the denial was based on the fact that the services are available in-network and the request was from a non-contracted provider. The basis of this claim request for out-of-network coverage is due to this surgical procedure being revisional bariatric surgery, which is an acceptable bariatric surgical modality. Secondly, the letter advised of an alternative for the non-approved service, to contact Dr. Kelly for a referral to an in-network specialist. On December 15, 2008, I met with Dr. Kelly in follow-up to the denial. Dr. Kelly advised that he needed to submit supplemental supportive documentation along with the referral for processing to secure an affirmative decision. Dr. Kelly then proceeded to review my operative report records from the surgery and reviewed my other health records in my medical file and interviewed me regarding my health status. Dr. Kelly indicated this procedure should take approximately 30 days maximum and to anticipate an affirmative response to proceed with revisional bariatric surgery and that I had his medical support in substantiating the medical need. I have been waiting since December 15, 2008 and to date am more frustrated now than ever. For the past 2.5 months, I have meticulously called Dr. Kelly's office regarding a status update. Maria, the administrative assistant, has provided several updates. The updates have included the fact that the previous medical director retired and was replaced and the new director was then on vacation, to the medical director making request for additional paperwork (which was submitted), to the medical director needing to meet with Dr. Kelly regarding the details of the approval process for this type of referral authorization, to the medical director and Dr. Kelly being unable to meet to further discuss the nature of my referral, to Brenda communicating that there was never a properly submitted referral from Dr. Kelley to the Managed Care group which resulted in the initial denial decision. In my first direct contact with Brenda Blazek, the Referral Coordinator who signed the referral denial letter, she claimed to know nothing regarding my case and further indicated that there was no documentation in my file. When I followed up with Maria with Dr. Kelley's office, she advised that Brenda did not find any information in my file because all of the information was being held by the medical director. Whatever the real case is, this is neither professional nor acceptable in accordance to my patient's rights under section 502(a) of ERISA. Just yesterday, I called and spoke with Maria five times to get an updated status, to exhaustedly be declined, yet promised an update by the end of the work day. I have not spoken with Maria, nor have I missed an update call from Maria. This has been my experience for the last 2.5 months. Below is an excerpt of the fax sent to Dr. Kelly, which was confirmed as received by Maria on February 5, 2009. Maria, I would like to reiterate that on 12/9 the referral authorization stated that the procedure, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a covered benefit in-network; however my request was to have the procedure done by an out of network provider. Additionally, this was confirmed by Tammy on yesterday at 12:50 with Blue Cross Blue Shield that this is a covered medical benefit as long as it is deemed medically necessary. My appointment with Dr. Kelly in December was to have provided me with a specialist referral to have the procedure done or we could have executed an appeal. I think Dr. Kelly submitted an appeal for coverage of the procedure; however, I am requesting to have this surgical procedure done by Dr. Vitello or be advised of the in-network provider who can perform this surgical procedure. Even in accordance to the appeals process, the timeline has been elongated to address issue of medically necessity when that is not the matter'the issue is approval for out-of network coverage or referral to an in-network specialist. I hope this clarifies the situation more. I will call you tomorrow to see if you have an updated response. Additionally, I was contacted by the non-contracted provider's office as a follow-up to the request in January and February. Last week, I advised them of the insurance referral hassle that I have been experiencing and they formally resubmitted their request, directly to Dr. Kelly (attention Maria), to the medical director of the Managed Care Group and to Brenda Blazek. To date, no response has been received; however, they have confirmed receipt of such documentation. Resultingly, I am assuming that since the only official documentation I have received to date is the referral denial, then I am evoking my patient right to request an appeal, specifically an expedited appeal process. However, I am highly dismayed because Dr. Kelly advised that there would be no need to execute an appeal. I would like to seek clarity first on the status and if this is in order, I would like to request an activation of the appeals process and under separate cover I will or will have my attorney to handle the appeals process. Before escalating to that level, I am very much interest in seeking resolve immediately. If and when I need to activate an appeal, I am requesting an expedited appeal process because my health at this point is continually declining and it is therefore imminent and serves my best interest to not further jeopardize my quality of life by waiting for a decision. Since December, the following symptoms I have presented: my breathing has become labored and therefore results in extreme shortness of breath my severe obstructive sleep apnea condition has worsened (hypopnea with severe oxygen desaturation) my acid reflux has returned my amenorrhea has returned and I have again began experiencing tumultuous joint, knee and lower back pains __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

I had my surgery on May 9th. It's 12 weeks today! Time flies! Here is the official report: HW: 265 (4 wks before Surgery) SW: 239 CW: 209 Dress size: 22w to 14/16 My post surgery wt. loss is not as fast as some. But I am very happy! It is headed in the right direction! And the total wt. loss in last 4 months is close to 60 lbs! No complains from me! NSVs: Started wt. training and loving it! Started Couch to 5k. On wk. 2. Day 2 At lowest wt. in almost 16 years Compliments/comments that made me feel great: Hey girl! You are shrinking! Looks like someone is bringing the sexy back here! food goals: Kept below 800 cals a day on non-exercise day Upto 1000 on exercise days Carbs no more than 70 gms on exercise & 40-50 on no exercise days Protein intake: 80-110 per day Here is the biggest one: I HAVE LOGGED MY FOOD IN MFP FOT 80 DAYS IN A ROW! hair loss: There is some so far only when I shower. I use Organic coconut oil couple of times a week. I massage it in gently and wash my hair in the morning. Hoping for the best. I will take the temporary hair loss to have a chance at permanent weight loss! Other: No weakness, no surgery pains/complications. Hoping for continued downwards journey and support from this wonderful community!

I've lost 40+ pounds and have gone down 2 shirt/blouse sizes and 1.5 pant sizes. 2 dress sizes depending on the way it's made. I carry most of my weight on the bottom half and tend to lose from the head down as well. I think it just depends on your body type, how much muscle mass you started with and your height. Simply put, everyone is different. Good luck to you.

Soooo, since I have decided on weight loss surgery in March, I've probably gained an additional 15 pounds because I'm eating more now... I guess it's because I know that I'm not going to be able to eat like this anymore, so I'm packing on more weight. It's really depressing me... Had anyone else done this?

Thanks for the kind words. I'm down well about ten post surgery and you are right because that should have been very hard before. I actually lost through my tom then stalled and gained after. I know it's not a magic pill and don't expect miracles. I was just hoping working out would break my stall not add weight. And you are right I feel so blessed to have my new tool. I'm in pain today after having a dream survey and recovery so far. I need to be thankful for those things. Thanks for the reality check I needed it. I've had a very positive attitude until yesterday. Just frustrated. Thanks again I love this board!

I had a proximal RNY at the age of 62. I am now 10 years post op and have lost and kept off 150 lbs. We grew up in a time when you were considered fat if you were 20 pounds heavy. I was always the fat kid or fatty fatty 2by4.We were discriminated against illegally for jobs we were qualified for. Our weight histories littered with lost opportunities and careers because I did not present the slender appearance that was required by personnel managers. Those tears were long and bitter Althoh I am 10yrs out on post op personally but during the 10 years, my mouth started to revolt I started to develop very serious dental problems than were caused by dry mouth in which all my saliva stopped and my mouth go completely dry and speaking clearly was difficult. The condition can be caused by side to some prescription meds that I had to take. My Dentist could not keep up with the constant root canal s and uhh broken teeth. Suggested I have full dental implants done.The pulled all the upper teeth on Apyt?ril 1,2012. Once the swelling went down I was started we wearing full lower flash teeth that had to be gliding with copious amounts of Fixodent.During the long the recovery from the surgery which was marked with a large grape size access wedged betweenb my maxilary sinus bone on the top and smaller abcesses by the top on the upper false test. The top of the false would squeeze the access every time the teeth moved. The pain was so bad it was very hard to work to plan, book ,and ticket large group of peopletravelling to World Bank . Meetings anywhere in the world. After about 9months we decided it was time to pull the lower teeth. This was a repeat of the upper teeth. They put in the false upper teeth about 5 weeks ago and after 2 weeks the teeth fell out. They glued them back in and after 3 bites. The teeth fell out again. My Dentist is starting over on the top teeth. Why all of this...I am going to have to relearn how and what to eat. My sense of taste was basically changed. I can taker several bite of something I have really liked and after several . bits and . I stop eating it and toss it out. .For liquids I find there isl. No such thing as too much sweetener. I would put 15 sweetenurveillance packets in a coffee. I am not sure if I am a good mentor. I think we might have and interesting time. I AM VERY WORRIED THAT I WILL GAIN Weight Sorry for the typos.Is hard to hunt and peck on a Kindle

Hi everyone! So, I was sleeved on Sept 28 with Dr. Cribbins in Plano TX. Just a recap, I had ZERO pain and ZERO complications and I had a hysterectomy done at the same time! I have never slimed, nor have I ever thrown up (THANK GOD!). I used pain meds while I was in the hospital but I forgot to pump midway through the second night and never needed anything, even while at home. I was at the Texas State Fair one week post op and did just fine. My highest weight ever was 235. I am 5 ft 1 so it was packed on! Pre-op diet weight 232, day of surgery 227. Current weight: 197!!!!! I am THRILLED with my weight loss. Mostly because it is steady and I am not miserable!! I eat a variety of foods and don't suffer. I still have a cookie occasionally, ice cream occasionally and candy (hello, it's thanksgiving/christmas, how can I not???). One thing that has changed is my love for soda. I admit, I have tried about 5 sips since surgery, and each time it was NASTY! This from a dr pepper addict. I am so glad I don't like it anymore! I am a bad girl because I have not started exercising. Oh well, it is still coming off at a healthy pace so I am smiling. I am one of those people who would do this again in a heartbeat. I tell people and have not had any negative reaction. People still ask me how I'm feeling regularly though which is kind of funny since surgery was 11 weeks ago and I was fine within a few days. My before/after pics are "raw". Meaning I did not plan my best outfit, or maximum shooting angle or any of that. Just raw. I am really enjoying this journey and I am very happy with my decision. Oh, I forgot. So i was an 18/20 mostly. Now in shirts i go for xl, but my bottom is still somewhat in plus size. I did squeeze on a pair of Old Navy Diva Skinny size 16's and it won't be long before those fit just right. I definetely am losing the top part of my body faster but again, I am so not complaining. I am smaller then I have been in oh, maybe 15 years??? HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!

I have been over weight my entire adult life. I am 24 and feel like i am older than that lol. About 4 years ago i had a knee surgery that would lead to my weight gain and ultimatly to the lowest self esteem of my life. I struggle day to day with my body image and i hate being the Fat girl that has a "great" personality. I want to feel better and to look better. I have a wonderful friend that is a godnsend in my life. She is my best friend and sister. Next Saturday we are going to duluth to go to a seminar on weight loss surgery. We are looking at both getting the lap band. I am both excited and nervous. Part of me feels crappy that i have to have this surgery to loose weight but part of me is ready to change. I am waiting on insurance but i should have no problem with getting aproved by my insurance. I also have had the recomendation to have this surgery done. I will be posting on here about my personal journey through weight loss hell and too the ideal that i will be. I cant wait to begin my journey! Im jsut glad i am not doing it alone!

I have been over weight my entire adult life. I am 24 and feel like i am older than that lol. About 4 years ago i had a knee surgery that would lead to my weight gain and ultimatly to the lowest self esteem of my life. I struggle day to day with my body image and i hate being the Fat girl that has a "great" personality. I want to feel better and to look better. I have a wonderful friend that is a godnsend in my life. She is my best friend and sister. Next Saturday we are going to duluth to go to a seminar on weight loss surgery. We are looking at both getting the lap band. I am both excited and nervous. Part of me feels crappy that i have to have this surgery to loose weight but part of me is ready to change. I am waiting on insurance but i should have no problem with getting aproved by my insurance. I also have had the recomendation to have this surgery done. I will be posting on here about my personal journey through weight loss hell and too the ideal that i will be. I cant wait to begin my journey! Im jsut glad i am not doing it alone!