Hi All:

I was banded in Mexico by Dr. Rumbaut on September 28th, 2006, so tomorrow will be my 10-month anniversary. I am happy to report that I have lost 110 pounds thus far and am looking forward to losing more. I have had two fills in my 9.75 band and they total 2.5 cc's. For me right now, that seems to be plenty. I have a hard time getting anything down in the morning and sometimes at lunch. When dinner time rolls around, I am ready to eat, but can only do 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food. I stay away from most starches and certain meats, but I try to get in whatever Protein and veggies and fruits that I can. I also do Soups and Protein shakes so I can get the nutrition that I need. I also work out at least four times a week. The band has been a great tool for me, but I have to remind myself daily that it is only a tool. I still have "head" issues with food that I am working on by going to a support group meeting once a month as well as a weekly group therapy session meant for weight loss surgery patients. It has been a long time coming, but I am very, very happy with my decision and at this point in my life, I cannot think of a better way to lose weight for me. It has truly been the answer to all of my prayers my whole life, since that is how long I've been heavy. I wish everyone the best of luck and I wish you all the greatest success and I hope to be on this forum fairly frequently now. I find the best help to be the support one gets from others.

Congrats on your success with LAPBAND!! I was seriously considering getting the procedure but I inquired with my heal insurance company today Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and they told me that it's not covered. SO needless to say I'm a little bummed out right about now because I don't have any other means to get it done.

Should be very proud on yourself!!

Now that's what I wanna hear...you're an inspiration to us all! Nice work!!

Congratulations! 110 pounds in 10 months - great results and proof again that the band is a tool that properly used can enable someone to achieve life changing weight loss.

I hope I do as well once I get banded. Down 17 lbs so far on a pre-op diet. Thanks for sharing your achievement and letting us all see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Eric

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your inspiring story! So nice to hear about positive band experiences.

Congrats on your successful weight loss. It is inspiring stories like yours that makes it seem a reality for the rest of us. I look forward to the day I can say the same thing. I am well on my way and it is indeed one of the best decisions I ever made...just for me!

Go ahead with your bad self!!!!!! 110lbs in 10months:clap2:, now that's what I'm talking about, that is wonderful, keep up the good work.

Congratulations. What an inspiration to all of us. You are proof that a positive attitude and hard work gets the job done. You must be so proud. I know we are all proud of you. WAY TO GO.

Nancy:whoo::clap2:

Wow!!!!!!!! You are awesome!!!!! Thank you for the inspiration!!!!! I will be banded in 2 weeks. I start my liquids tomorrow. It feels funny knowing that I will never eat the way I did tonight ever again! It was my last supper! Thank you for your story, I needed to hear that tonight!

:whoo:WoW that is so cool!!! That makes me so excited and looking forward. Congrats!

AWESOME results! You have definately been working your band!

WOOT!WOOT!

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story! I am 10 days out and so looking forward to writing a similar story in 10 months.

WOW thanks for the post, I am being banded next week, and hope I can have similar results a year or so down the road. Congrats and thanks for the positive reinforcement.

Jim

Keep checking with your insurance company. I have BCBS of Alabama and I'm the benefits administrator for my company. Our policy had a "NO WEIGHT LOST SURGERY" clause, but they lifted it in April of 2007. Of course, they didn't "notify" anyone about the change - I just happened to check just in case, I was planning on self-pay regardless, and when they told me they NOW pay for it, but I'd have to wait 6 months and attend a physician monitored diet program before they will consider paying - I thought about going ahead with self pay. After discussing w/ my brother, he gave me some inspiration that I can mentally and physically prepare myself for the lap band for the next 6 months. The time is going SLOWLY, but I only have 5 more visits (you have to go to the program for 7 visits, a total of 6 months from beginning to end). I guess I'm just rambling now - but my point was - keep checking with them! If not, perhaps you can finance it? I don't know your situation but alot of people are financing now - and your life is certainly worth that extra payment per month. I think of it as the money I used to spend on eating out every week!

Thanks!! I will definately look into other options if my insurance is a no go

Thank you all so much for your responses. Reading them has made my journey even that much better. Every one of you are inspirations to me as well...