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Thanks for the quick response. How long did the whole process take? I mean from the seminar to the surgery date? I'm getting anxious. I have BC/BS/ of Michigan and they tell me that's one of the best. you have a great day....I'm about to head to the beach and as always will most likely be one of the biggest babes there!! Life goes on anyway....lol

Oh I know exactly how you feel, I wanted every last tiny detail from anyone! LOL. Deep breaths serenity, it's definitely gonna happen for you!!! I know it! :wink2: :biggrin: For me, it was 2 months after my surgeon's visit, add another month before that for gathering up data, visiting my PCP, psych eval, and boom. Done :hand: Once the surgery date was set, the weeks WHIPPED by. It was so weird. My friend Lexy just got banded yesterday and she said the same thing. OK honesty time. I soooo did not last on the 2 week liquid pre op diet. I lasted all of 5 days, then went back to Wendy's. I felt like crap, I was hungry, I was upset, I felt unsatisfied, did I mention hungry, emotional over being separated from my food when I wanted it. The biggest thing I think was that frankly, Slim Fast, Carnation, all that CRAP is completely filled with preservatives, processed stuff. Since getting on the band, I went to the Blood Type Diet (now the GenoType Diet), and SLOWED DOWN enough in eating to realize my specific body just hated certain foods. Slim Fast is one of them. Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine...any "low fat" food is chock full of monstrously distorted natural foods...and then it was confirmed when I had some testing done and found my body was allergic to preservatives! Ha. It knew better than I did, I just never listened. I could eat 20 calories a day of natural organic food and never feel as crappy as I felt on Slim Fast, Herbalife, Smart Ones, Healthy Choice etc. I think if you try eating low fat Beans, rice, veggies, even if not organic, then make them FRESH, you will slash the fat in your diet, feel full and SATED (which is incredibly important) and drop weight pre-op. I guess the docs want you drinking liquids to 'get used to it' but I think it's BS, personally. Some docs don't even require a pre-op diet, so clearly it's not all about the fatty liver issue :ohmy:

Hello everyone, After reading this list for the past few days, I decided to join in. I have been considering lap band surgery for years, and have finally decided to go for it. I'm considering having the surgery in either the Seattle area or Mexico, but as I've been reading, finding a fill doctor can be challenging if you have surgery away from where you live. I'd be interested to hear other people's stories, particularly anyone who is from B.C. like me and those who have done their surgery in Mexico. I plan to post in the doctors forums to ask about experiences with specific doctors. This is definitely a big step and I'm excited to take it, but I also want to be very careful. I'm definitely mindful of patient coordinators and marketing people who pose as patients, so I'm being extra careful about evaluating what is said online. In any case, this looks like a great place to do my research. Vangirl

Thanks for you thoughts, but things aren't getting any better. The place where I work says that BCN does cover it and the surgeon's office says it doesn't! Even if they do, my doctor is hesitant to write a refferal because she said that BCN does not cover it.... They also say if I change ins. now they might not accept it anyway because it would be a prexisting condition... I am getting a little fed up with Ins companies! I am about ready to just find a way to finance it myself! Any input would be great! Thanks! Baileym

Ok, will try to answer some of the remaining questions- no, not taking any pain meds, only allowed Tylenol these days and that does exactly nothing for me so I use alternating heat/ice ..elevate etc.. to deal with knee. Getting MRI tomorrow and should know more. As far as water at work, we are a manufacturing facility of medical parts- we have one small cell that deals with chemical finishing that should not have water in/near those chemicals- the rest of the plant is just regular machining, inspecting, shipping/rec. They decided to unilaterally punish everyone in the plant minus the office staff up front by removing all drinking abilities (water,tea coffee, whatever ) and we only have water fountains at both ends of the facility and one in the clean room. I myself only do computer and paperwork, have no chemicals near me (nor does 98% of the plant) but they made up some bullshit OSHA rule about not being allowed to have drink containers of ANY kind out on the floor. It is cruel, inhumane and I'm looking for a new job, not just because of the lack of hydration but the mandatory 10 hrs of OT they've been shoving down everyone's throat since May of 2018. I still am able to walk and get around, but I'm slowed significantly because sudden changes of direction could cause more damage, kneeling or stooping is impossible at this point, and stairs are risky bc the knee wants to go it's own direction without notice. My husband used to ask me to slow down my walking and called me a "sandpiper" bc I always walked like I was on fire or something. Now it takes a long time to get anywhere and it's frustrating to me. When your mobility is changed for any reason, it's a frustrating adjustment. As far as lifting my arms, do that all night long. My arms never stop all night long. Just want to be able to enjoy (and trust my legs again) so I can walk around, garden, go shopping, etc without pain and restriction. Don't want to be hurt right now. If I've missed a question- please forgive.

Yes, I had that for months after my first band was replaced last year September, it was agony. Mine wasnt constant, but came and went, but it was very painful, I was told it was gas left in my stomach after the op. It wasnt, it took months for it to settle. Are you able to belch, bc in my case it was air that I could not bring up, now that part has settled but the air I swallow now gets trapped in my bowels, causing terrible colic. Since then, only recently it was discovered that my band is not in the right position. Terriffic, I am booked in for this band to be repositioned in October, which seems like a lifetime away for me. If I were you, I'd have it checked out, you should not be having any pain.

I just wanted to share my progress. I had RNY on May 19th, so not quite 3 months. I have lost 40 lbs thus far. It seems as if the weight loss has been slower than expected, but I have noticed a difference in how my clothes are fitting. I assumed my clothes would start looking better bc of the weight loss, but now have too much material in the waist area, making me look wider... I won't complain about this it gives me an excuse to go shopping. Unfortunately, my hair is changing for the worse. The texture is more straw-like, and it's noticeably falling out. At this point, I am taking Biotin, and looking into alternatives to cover this up while it re grows. Overall, I am very blessed to be able to tolerate almost every food I have tried post op. I still struggle with getting in all my proteins/fluids, but that will come I just wanted to ask-- what are some examples of Vitamin regimens y'all do? I really feel like it must be a mental thing but I Cannot stand taking pills. I tried chewable gummies Vitamins and those were getting to me disgusting to me too..Id love some examples of how people space their meds/vitamins. Here is a pic of my day of surgery, and of my current status. Thanks so much

LOL, I love my doctor. I dont understand why you would think I need another one...bc he lets us eat bread? He is had done over 500 lap band surgeries, and I am lucky enough to work at a hospital that is a bariatric center of excellence. Bread is allowed. It is stressed that for most patients, they dont tolerate bread very well bc no matter how good you chew it, it can feel stuck and just balls up. I cant think of one single thing that is off limits to us except carbonation. I have been on this site for about 5 months now and find it very helpful. I also drink tons of water. I read where sometimes it takes awhile to feel your fill. Thats why I waited two weeks the first time. I will admit though...I like immediate gratification. SO patience in some matters is not always my strong suit!

Weeelll, I dont think I could eat as much as I used too, but I really havent tried. Which is why my weight loss has been pretty good...its really been like I am on a diet. AND, I have been working out. I have to really work at stopping eating...not bc my body tells me that I am full, but bc I know better. And of course, I dont eat the junk I used to, or consume the 7 sunkists a day, etc. But I am definetly not full or physicall satisfied with 4-6 oz. I think if Indiana Jones were to make a movie in regards to weight loss, the title would be "The Quest for the Holy Sweet Spot". :crying:

Hello everyone! I thought it would be helpful to have a detailed account of my experiences from first pre-op meeting through surgery (have a date but have not yet been sleeved) and perhaps beyond. These are my experiences which I think are fairly typical though yours may differ. Much of this same information is available here on bariatric pal but may take a bit more digging than I hope to lay it out here. So, let's begin. May of 2012: I began to seriously consider bariatric surgery and began hunting around for information and resources. It was then that I found Bariatric Pal. I thought my mind was made up about getting the lap band but after reading numerous posts here, I also began to consider gastric sleeve. The band seemed simplest and safest to me. After reading many, many posts here, I learned that that was not only untrue but that the band simply didn't work for most people. June of 2013: I finally got up the courage to see a surgeon about the surgery. After seeing him I was sold on the sleeve. It has a great long term success rate of an acerage of 60-70% (depending on the study) excess weight lost for five years or more. He highly discouraged the band and simply said it just doesn't have the success rate and he is not recommending them. August of 2013: I learned that my insurance at the time would not cover the sleeve, band or any other bariatric surgeries or weight loss programs. I was very upset but renewed my determination to lose weight "on my own". I did. I went from 385 lbs down to 305 and felt like a million bucks. I was absolutely positive I would shrink all the way down to my then goal weight of 225. Hah. Mid 2014: I ballooned back up to about 365/370 and began experiencing extreme knee pain, occasional chest pain, increased sleep apnea and rising blood pressure. My quality of life sucked. December 2014: I had a total right knee replacement. It was horrible. My weight prevented from attending the inpatient rehab clinics that I wanted to attend which had weight restrictions. I wound up in what was essentially an "old folks" convalescent home that made me feel old and invalid. I was ashamed to be there. February 2015: I severely injured my replaced knee while leaving physical therapy. I tore my hamstring and the tendon which attaches to the knee cap. It sucked and I know it was largely due to my weight. The injury still has not healed properly and I continue to feel very handicapped and I am only 48. I can not run at all and standing and walking long distances is out. I again renewed my efforts to lose weight. I went from about 375 to 345 by May and was feeling pretty good. May 2015: I learned I had a diaphragmatic hernia which is like a hiatal hernia but not as close to the esophagus. I had it repaired, which went well but developed an incisional hernia at the site of the laproscopic repair. My efforts at losing weight again turned around. It was at this time that I renewed my intention to get bariatric surgery. I came back to bariatric pal and researched Mexico. July 2015: I was just about set to go to Mexico. I did a skype consultation with Dr Altamirano in TJ and joined his FB group. I began putting the money aside in hopes of going in Mexico for surgery in December. I had strong reservations about Mexico at first but got over it after much reading on here, the consultation and the FB group. Still, I worried about follow up care if there were complications. I had new insurance at work but it still did not cover bariatric surgery. November 2015: I learned from some folks on here that they bought an insurance plan off the Obamacare insurance exchange and used it to cover their surgery right here in the U.S. Some of them even had it as a secondary insurance policy and it worked. My interest was piqued and I began exploring the exchange for an affordable policy that covered bariatric surgery. Some of the others I referred to had success with BC/BS of Illinois and I learned that Illinois requires companies participating in the exchange to cover bariatric surgery. Since I live in Illinois, this was great news! I found a policy that covered the surgery at 100% after a deductible of $3500. Steep but doable. The premium is $398 per month. January 2016: Now we're getting to the meat of the potato. I bought the plan off the exchange, receiving no discount, and it took effect on Feb 1st of 2016. It was the BC/BS IL PPO Silver Plan. Pretty good coverage after deductible. February 2016: I called the insurance company to verify benefits, and they were confirmed. I learned that they did not require a six month diet, or many of the other things that many insurance companies require. They simply said the require a "letter of pre-determination". I also learned that they do not cover the hospital or the surgeon that I initially consulted with. I researched their website and found out that Elmhurst Hospital, and their surgeons were covered. Hallelujah, I live in Elmhurst! I will pick up here later with details of my visits so far!

I after to agree with one of the other posters. Lap Band is something to take very seriously. You have to be commited in everyway to be successful. On that note, being diagnosed with pcos myself, I can understand your struggle. Metformin also did nothing for me. None of the pills and diets worked. With so much stacked against you its hard to lose weight. Trust me, I totally understand. Then trying to throw getting pregnant in the mix.... forget it. My Dr at one point told me that we would not help me get pregnant until I lost X amount of weight because the risk of sever complications was high. I did have to agree with him but it was horrible the first time he mentioned weight loss surgery. I was 271lbs at that point. I too have never had a regular cycle and had little hope after 17 years of getting pregnant. After more depression and more failures in dieting, I finally got the band. #1 to be healthy. I had given up having children especially since I was pushing 34. Each time I went to the Dr, something else was wrong. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, sore knees, bad skin.... the list goes on and on. I had surgery 10/2009 at 291 lbs and do not regret one single moment!! It has been the best decision I have ever made. Within 4 months I stopped all 7 of the medications I was taking. I never actually had cysts in my ovaries and was cleared of pcos. Fact: most people diagnosed with pcos do not actually have cysts or they can clear up. So I went on birth control because I was still having irregular periods. I stopped taking my BC on Nov 24, 2011 and found out on 12/26 I was expecting my first. I understand that each situation is different, but after 17 years of heartbreak and tears, I can finally say "I'm gonna be a mommy"!! If you are prepared to work hard nothing is impossible!!! Good luck and keep us posted on our decisions!!

One of the best purchases I've made to help in eating well is a food Saver. I love wild-caught salmon but it's quite expensive here. My local grocery store, however, has a very good sale on it about every 3 months. I buy a lot then and package it in small portions, vacuum seal and freeze it. I have completely quit eating any farm-raised fish, as they are usually fed a corn-based diet and probably medicated as well. I live near the Chesapeake Bay, source of great seafood, but I am not convinced the Bay is all that clean anymore, despite the extra surcharge that goes on my sewer bill every month for that! So, while I love shrimp and clams, I eat them less frequently - they are bottom feeders so who knows what they are picking up.

Today is my first fill. Kinda scared bc my side the port is on has been kinda sore.just hoping everything is still in the right spot.

Banded 3/19/2012 this summer had to get all fluid taken out. Lost total of 40 lbs, gained back 30 recently. Dr wanted to do revision, bc of stomach coming up over band. Insurance wouldn't pay for new wls so, I said to keep my band. I'm all good now, it went back down with unfill and liquid diet. I go next week for another fill(3rd since unfilled), right now I still have no restriction. With my Dr hating the band now, and not doing them anymore, I feel so isolated. Started local support group this week, but no one has had the band. I feel like I'm on my own. Could anyone give me an encouraging lapband story?

I didn't tell most of my family because I didn't need opinions from the peanut gallery--I knew most would not be helpful and would be against it. And they have reason to be: people do gain the weight back. I know several people (friends, colleagues, family members) who have gained back considerable amounts of weight after WLS, far more than I know people that have been long term successful. And yes, and there are the possible side effects. I am living with one of them right now. I won't BS you, it is a gamble. I knew that going in. At the end of the day, you take your shot, for good or for ill. Maybe you got what it takes to be one of the lucky success stories, maybe not. Sometimes discipline and following the program to the letter does not get you the results you want--sometimes your body is just an a**hole and doesn't care how hard you are trying. However as Wayne Gretzky said, "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take." This is your body, your future, and only your decision. As long as you go into this with eyes wide open, you'll do fine.

I wonder why they ask you to stop BC? My dr talked to me about using birth control. I have never used it. I have never been able to get prego so I assume it is a lost cause and at 48 I dont think I need it.

Day 6 yesterday and a bit tired. Got a bit of brainwork done so that was good. We did lamb in the slow cooker with fennel, potatoes and onions and when I had carved for everyone else I put some in the Magimix for me...which was fine until I chucked in some peas which did not really improve the appearance. Still it tasted good. I blitzed the remains of the meat and veg later in the evening and froze it in small amounts to take to work next week. I got a bit worried and fed up with this pain/ache thing in my chest when I take deep breaths, stretch or just get it out of the blue. Not that bad but annoying. Went on the post-op forum here and typed "chest pain" into the search field and read about a million posts describing exactly what I feel and that was really reassuring, to know that everyone else that has had it got better with time. These forums are really a fantastic resource!

Totally normal to be nervous - I almost backed out a week or two after scheduling. The closer I got the calmer I got though, which is weird. Or maybe I just didn't have the energy to be nervous bc I was too lethargic from the Pre-Op diet! I think you are lucky to be doing it young. Not that it should be taken lightly, but in my 20's and 30's I wasn't heavy enough to be a candidate - still struggled with my weight/dieting/body image, but just not extreme enough for this kind of medical intervention. I am 45 now, and when I look at the before and after pics, some of the women just look SO amazing, and then I realize that they are the ones who had it done while they were younger. Everything bounces back better Not to dis the rest of us, we still look and feel a far cry better than if we had not had the procedure, (I'm 10 days post-op now, so I'm kind of an expert, haha), but I think for most in our age group, it's the body contouring and "lifts" and skin tightening that make the best end result aesthetically speaking. Just remind yourself that you made this decision for a good reason and try not to second-guess that too much, because that's extra stress that really isn't worth it. Just shoot for "optimistically cautious"

Anyone have any advice? I'm afraid I won't go through with it bc of how scared I am of surgery! What if I die during surgery, what if there are complications, etc. I'm so scared but at the same time I want this so bad! Any advice?

Agree, I ordered it on the day I found out and I too rxd a letter saying they cancelled it, they should b held accountable for those who did order it, bc it was posted, mistake or not. Blah! !

Hey Jess, I totally agree, I told my hubby about it, and I said, I was only getting them bc of price not bc I wanted or needed them and since I was refunded, I'd leave it alone too. Trust me, I was disappointed at first, besides, I'd only ordered one bc I really didn't need them, they were gonna b as a back up if needed, so yeah, I agree with ur insight, gr8 job on you!!

This is why I have kept knowledge of my surgery to a very select few family and friends. I don't need the scrutiny, judgment or BS!! SS

Hi gang! I'm not sure if you guys remember, but I have BC/BS PPO Michigan, individual coverage. They just removed all bariatric procedures from their coverage this past January 2009. They said it is just not covered. My doctor CALLED them this past Friday, and I'm not sure who he talked to, but my status moved from "denied" to "pending".... my agent who is my liaison with BC/BS told me they don't cover, no exceptions... however, it looks like they might actually consider this? I'm not going to hold my breath.... I'm probably going to have to pay somewhere about $6-8K for the procedure (I'm getting hiatal hernia surgery along with it) out of pocket, which I was prepared for... but can I actually HOPE that my insurance company is going to do what's right, and cover this for me?? I am not getting my hopes up... but it sure would be nice not to have to pay that much $$ for my surgery! I'm taking prayers where I can get them! Karen

:help:In search for a recommended Dr in the Houston, TX area, I have BC/BS and it is proving to be harder than I expected to find a preferred provider. :ranger: Thanks

I am being banded in November by Dr Turnquest in Houston. I really liked him and his staff. Don't know if he takes BC/BS but it's worth a look. Good luck!