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What Next????????????????????? ???????

I received a phone call yesterday while I was in training at my job from my doctor's office manager. She called to let me know Dr. McCowan was not in network with my insurance company, but they have their application in process to become in network providers. I was speechless! :cursing:I asked her what you mean my doctor is not in network with my insurance company. I asked-day one before I chose Dr. McCowan to be my surgeon if he as in network with my insurance company. I was told yes he was. My husband included the high opp. plan so his benefits would pay 90%, and I would only have to be responsible for the remaining 10%. That is a big difference when you are talking about several thousand of dollars. After I have done every single thing required for me to do, I am being told this none sense by his office!!!! My insurance has approved me for this procedure and my pre-op is schedule on 7-14-10 @ 9:15 am and my surgery is scheduled to be on 7-21-10. Due to unforeseen additional financial expenses, my procedure will be postponed for a later date. This is totally unfair and heart breaking news for me. Someone may ask how I not knew my doctor was not in network with my insurance company. I called and asked the insurance company and my doctor before this entire process was started. I was told by both parties everything was fine and 10% is the only out of pocket expenses I had to be responsible for. I started getting bills from my doctor's office with high balances. I was paying my entire portion up front before any visit or procedure was done. That was the first red flag, but I was told by the office manager everything was cleared up and corrected on their end. I started calling my insurance company myself to see what was going on around April when the second bill notice was mailed out to me. I was then told by my insurance company they accepted his insurance but at 70% instead of the 90% that I was originally told. I was told several times by the office manager everything was being cleared up, but within 2 weeks of getting my band it's all been a lie. The difference of my 10% out of pocket and 30% is about $2500 additional dollars. I am not financially prepared to pay that due to some other financial obligations I have. I spoke with another person who works with Dr. McCowan to see if he will do my procedure at the 10% rate, because that was the original agreement. I am just praying something workout before my actually date. :smile2: I do have faith in God that he will and has always worked things out in my favor.
shonette

shonette

7
 

What if someone knows you are banded?

I have been apart of this site since the end of 2009, and I have read hundreds of post/blogs with members concerns about other people finding out they have a LB! I really didn't know what approached I wanted to taken once I finally had my band. I first prayed and I thought about all the reasons I decided to get the band in the first place. God gave me confirmation not be ashamed of my decisions to live a happier and healthier life. I think most people on this site were in a life or death situation due to weight issues, and they needed help that they were unable to provide for themselves. After taking a wide overview of several members' reasons for not wanting someone else to know they were banded or getting banded was somewhat overwhelming to read. Most people feared others judging their decisions to get help to lose the weight. Okay, lets get real- if we were able to lose the weight and keep it off on our own then we would have done that. However, most of us are able to lose the weight but we have failed to keep the weight off on a long term basis.   I have decided in my life time to stop giving people control and credit to decide what is or isn't good for me. Most people who judge our decisions to do something pretty "major" about our weight issues don't have enough courage to confront their own "demons"! I don't care how prefect we may think someone's life is they still have underlined issues that they still need to deal with. I said all of that to say: we owe no one any excuses or explanations for why we decided to get the LB. Baby- I am proud of this little tool inside my body! That's exactly right: it's only a tool to aid and assist each of use with our weight lost goals! Work and a lot of effort must be done on our parts! The LB is not a quick fix card for all of your weight loses problems. Yes- it takes a lot of work and effort (mentally and some physical) to get the results you want.   I am very proud of my decision and I will never allow anyone to make me feel guilty or ashamed for having this surgery. To be prefect fully honest: people judged me fat and they judge me now but overall I am happier with the current me! To all of my fellow LB family, please be proud of your choices to live a happier/ healthier life. Just remember that "old person" who experienced so much hurt, pain, and challenges when you were heavier vs., you now. I love the new me and no person is going to ever change the way I feel. I tell them, "don't hate just congratulate my success"!
shonette

shonette

15
 

What am I doing?

All of my documentation was forward to my insurance company this week. I was required by my surgeon to do a sleep study last weekend. That was one of the most unpleasant experiences I have gone through in a very long time. Thank God it is done and over! I have found myself trying to eat a lot of different things I normally would not be eating. It’s like I know in the back of my mind I will not be able to eat those foods for a while or never once my procedure is done. Food is starting to become more of a focus for me than I would like it to be. It really takes very little food to bring me to a filling of being full. I am finding myself force eating, and I hate that feeling. It has taken me a very long time to train my stomach that a little can go a long way. I have started losing the weight on my own, but getting the band would be a wonderful thing tool to have. I understand that my mental state has a lot to do with the physical desire to eat even when I am not hungry. My husband did not even eat supper last night, and I noticed he did not give the thought of not eating a second thought. I don't understand why that does not work for me. I do understand that every single person is created and designed totally differently, but I wish some things about me were different! I have a lot of mixed emotions about being band, but I am still so excited at the same time. Does any of that make sense? I know God is going to give me the strength and ability to be successfully with the band. I feel like some of the bad food habits I've tried so hard to fight are trying to over take me once more. I find myself wanting to eat and I am not even hungry. Is that crazy or what? I read someone's blog and they wrote," Being thin taste better than food"! Those words are keeping me focused when I don't want to be focused. I do want to be thin, and that is a greater desire than eating certain foods. Maybe some of what I am experiencing is the anxiety of waiting for my answer from the insurance company! I have waited so long for my day to come so an extra 15 business days is not going to kill me!
shonette

shonette

2
 

Very Hopeful

I've spent a lot of time viewing the before and after pictures of the different people on the site. Am so excited about getting the band.
shonette

shonette

4
 

Two more days

I really do appreciate everyone's advice on handling the remaining balance of my surgery due to my doctor's office error. Thank God everything has worked out just fine with my covered percentage. I have only two days before I have my band. This has been a very long process, but I thank God I am finally at the end of the road. I do understand this band is only a tool, but I thank God I will have this tool to help me to achieve my weight lost goal(s)! Being apart of this site has given me so much encouragement and hope for the future with my band. I now have so much insight on the do’s and don’ts with my band. Wednesday is my day that I will enter into a whole new world (BAND LAND)! I feel a lot of excitement and nervous at the same time. :rolleyes2: I do have faith that everything is going to work out for me during this procedure. :bye:
shonette

shonette

1
 

There is "HOPE"

I really don't know why, but I find so much comfort expressing my thoughts and feelings about my weight issues in my blogs. Being able to write these blogs are a emotional release for me. I am so excited because I called the local Doc in Valdosta just for info, and I found out that he do except my husband's insurance. All of my information was taken over the phone & I faxed a front/back copy of the insurance card to prevent any info errors. Ronda @ Dr. McCown's office will get back with me no later than Friday to let me know the overall status is going. Whatever that may be. I really want to get the band in Valdosta.   I guess my kids play a large role in me not wanting to be out of town. Being out of town for any type of medical procedures brings back bad/neg memories of me lossing my son. That's one more emotional part of my life I have to deal with.   It still give me a lot of hope that Dr. McCown will be able to do my band. My husband is very supportive of me getting the band, because he would like to see the old me from years pasted on.   However, my mothere really do not believe in any type of medical procedure to aid in weight lost. Actually my mother would benefit more than anyone if she would agree to being banded. She has not gotten on the scale in years, but I believe she is way over 400+ pounds. I look at my mother and I do not want that to become me in the future. I want to be able to live a active moble life without the limitations my mother has.   My mother is one of the biggest reasons I want to be banded. I feel that my family deserves to have all of me for a very long time. Overweight runs in my family and everyone accepts it as apart of their life. I now know that being over weight does not have to be apart of my life.   I know things are going to work out for my good one way or another. I do know there is Hope!
shonette

shonette

3
 

The Wheels are starting to Turn

:cursing:Today my first appointment was made to see the nutritionist and to have an initial consultation for the band. 1-18-10 at 1pm will start the wheels to turning. I do realize there is a long road ahead of me, but at least the band process is more of a reality than just talk. I am ready, excited , and somewhat nervous.:ohmy: Overall, am ready to live a new kind of life! Haaaaaa!
shonette

shonette

3
 

The sweet spot (not so sweet)!

For some bandsters this may sound like the silliest thing you have ever heard, but this is my story. I had a fill about 31/2 weeks ago, and I am finally at 5cc's in my band. I think I am very sensitive to fills because I have experienced 2 overfills in the past. This last time I was very careful to follow the post fill diet and eat small bites and chew very well. Ooooh okay, I could really tell my restriction was there but on a good day I could eat a decent meal. Well around the second week I could only eat maybe 4oz at a time. Don't get me wrong because I can hear someone saying- What's your problem? I really don't have a problem but the fat girl inside of me is unable to eat a third of my small meals. I find myself trying to constantly over eat. Honestly, I have prayed for this day and its here! I thought about asking my Doctor to take just a little out, but that is a crazy thing to do.   There are some days, I am only able to eat once per day and mentally I am having a hard time handling that! I have to be so careful about the first couple of food choices I eat because I may not be able to eat anything after that. Lately, my energy level is very low because of my low calorie intake. Yes, I do my vitamins but it's also hard for me to do my protein shakes due to feeling full so quickly. I do know some people will kill to be in my situation and Lord it's an experience like none I have ever gone through! From my last fill until now my fat mass has gone from 106 to 79 is that crazy or what.   My whole life my mother have always taught me to be careful for what I ask God for, because he just may give it too me! I am going to have to learn to have more self control and remember why I am doing all of this! Physically, I can eat one okay meal a day and not have a need for food for the rest of the day. However, my mind continues to tell me I need food when there is no actually hungry present. I feel like I am missing something but I know I everything is fine. The FAT girl in me is trying so hard to wreck my success! I have faith and will power to put her in check and keep this train moving.    
shonette

shonette

2
 

The scales are not moving for me!

I really don't understand why the scales are not moving for me. I try really hard to follow all of the lap band rules that I have been given and those that I have researched. I have limited the amount of sugar that I eat or drink. I eat very little sugar in my diet and the majority of things I drink are almost always sugar free. I eat small portions of food and I target eating my protein first. I try to work out at least 3-4 times weekly if not more. I can honestly say that my workout times are not long but they are within 3o minute periods. I may do some in the morning before work; I finish up that afternoon before bed. I try to get as much walking in at my job as possible daily. I work at a retirement facility, and I make rounds in the building as much as possible to get more walking in. I get a good bit of exercise daily even on my job.   I have pretty good restriction but it maybe time for another fill. A couple of weeks prior I had some fluid removed because I was too tight, and I was unable to eat very little to no meats. There are still some foods that I am still unable to eat like apples and sometimes certain meats. Therefore, I was debating if getting a fill at this time was a good idea. I try really hard to stay clear of high calorie foods that go down easily. I just choice my foods carefully that are still high in protein, and I do eat slowly to avoid the stuck feeling in my chest. That is a very unpleasant thing to experience.   In spite of the scales not moving, on a good note my clothes sizes continue to go down. When I first had my surgery, I was wearing a size 24-26 plus, but now I wear 18-20 clothes. Yesterday was my birthday and I wore a clinging red and black dress size 18 and it fitted me perfectly. I felt wonderful yesterday wearing that dress.   If there is any advice anyone can offer to assist with the scales not moving for me, I would be more than please to hear it.          
shonette

shonette

11
 

The long road home!

This has been a very long process with me getting to this point. I called my insurance company today, and after 35 days I have finally been approved. There were a couple of days that me, my doctor’s office and the insurance company was playing fax tag. Thank God it was all cleared up. Some documents had to be resubmitted, but all and all it’s all over the waiting game is too. I was given my pre-certification number (BX8MSVK1) SWEET! I really don't know how I feel to actually know this is really going to happen for me. I have read so many other people’s site speak about their experiences, but today is my day to celebrate my "Great" news! Thank God for being so good to me throughout this entire process. Everything has gone very smooth but the road has been very long. My date to be banded has been set for July 21st and my pre-op is on the 14th at 1pm. I will get all the information I will need to know leading up to my actual date. Today I started my sugar buster diet and it is not as bad as I thought. However, this is my first day on this diet. I am just so excited to know my journey is just about to take a big turn for the better. One of my good friends I met on the Lap band site recently had her procedure done. That is a really big advantage for me, because she is able to give me some personal insight on does and don'ts! The days leading up to my surgery will be very exciting ones for me. I can not wait for my life to take one of the biggest turn around ever. All I can say is God is truly good to me. Thank God! :frown:
shonette

shonette

2
 

The fight never ends!!!!!

I was banded on July 21, 2010, and my doctor required that all fees that were not covered by my insurance must be paid in full before my procedure was done. Therefore, I was required to pay out of pocket $2,200.00. Therefore, I would not owe anything once my surgery was done. "So not true"! Since a month ago, I've been getting bill statements from my doctor's office stating I owe a remaining balance of $1,521.62. I though surely some type of error on someone's part had been made, because I had paid every single penny I was told had to be paid in full. I called my insurance company to see what was going on and I was told that my doctor's office was billing under a different tax ID # that what was showing up on his billing invoices. Therefore, I thought this was a simple mistake that could be easily taken care of. Well, it's been a whole month later and I am still getting the run around from my doctor's office manager. As of this morning, I was told my $500 deductible was not paid which is a lot of bull! :ohmy: I have a copy of my deductible showing as paid on my billing statement which came from my doctor's office. I feel like I am getting the run around from Dr. McCowan's office. I do know that I am not going to pay a penny more for anything relating to my surgery. This entire process is becoming very stressful and the office manager Ronda is really getting on my last nerve. She doesn’t return phone calls and I have to constantly run her down. She is really becoming a thorn in my side!!!! I just want to focus on losing weight and changing my life style around my band. :smile:
shonette

shonette

6
 

The difference between having good restriction and your band being too tight!

Well it appears that me and my band have under gone several changes since it's been put in. I made a last minute appointment this past Tuesday to get another fill or adjustment. When I started explaining to the PA about some of the things I was experiencing, he determined that my band was a little too tight. You can only imagine that was not what I wanted to hear. I really had not lost any weight since my last adjustment and I was having a very difficult time eating meats. We all know that our protein is one of the most important things we need to eat on a daily basis. However, I had started to make poor food choices to compensate for not being able to eat meat. I was eating more carbs which I really did not need to be doing. They were things that did not provide me with the appropriate nutritional value I needed daily. My meal time was becoming a time that I really hated due to the pain and discomfort I experienced. There are still some foods I continue to stay clear of but thank God meat isn't one of them. Within hours I could really see a difference when I ate meat. I am still learning to listen to my band. I would hear others make that statement so many times before, but slowly a lot of things make more sense to me. When something doesn't feel right it's always a very good idea to discuss those things with your doctor. This band is a tool and we have to make sure our tool is working properly in order to get the maximum return with our weight lost. I go back on the 28th of December and maybe my system have re-adjusted and I can have a little more added in my band!   It's crazy for me to say this, but weekly even though the scales are not moving I continue to see changes in my clothes. I am still very happy that I have my band, because it has really made a positive change in my life. I have learned that having the band isn't a quick fix, but a slow and continuous process to work the band toward my weight lost goal! I still have pretty good restriction, but a little more will be even better.    
shonette

shonette

5
 

The best decision I've ever made!!!!!!!

It's been two full weeks since my surgery, and I've lost a total of 15 pounds. I am learning how to listen to my body and this is very new for me to do. I eat very slowly and when I feel the least bit full I stop eating. Learning not to over eat is a really big deal for me. I have always felt like I needed to have just one more bite of something really everything. I now know that is not the case. Food is starting to mean something totally different to me than ever before. I am getting so excited to finally see the scale move down in numbers. My clothes, underwear, bra, and shoes are all fitting a little different and that is a very good feeling. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I am ready for the challenge like never before. I look forward to doing some form of work out nightly -now. For me, every little thing counts when it comes to working out. I now look at everything as some form to work out. I park my truck farther away from the doorway, and I find every opportunity to walk while at work. I am getting so many compliments from people at work, shopping and church. I do have one little problem at this point. I really thought my husband would be very happy and excited that his wife is looking healthier and sexier. "WRONG" He is becoming one of my biggest haters with all of the stupid things he has been saying. I could notice this changed even before my surgery actually was done! Now things are only getting worst between us. Well, I have decided I did this for me and my love ones who truly love me. Therefore, I am not going to allow his unhappiness to become my own. With God's help I do know things are only going to get better and better for me having this band. I have to stay focused, active, and true to myself and this band. It is a tool and I intend to use it's assistance to the max!:cool:
shonette

shonette

8
 

The amount of saline in your band don't always determine "good" weight lost!

Within the last couple of months, I was having a lot of problems with sliming/ everything getting stuck/ and feeling just down right awful! I tried to eat smaller bites and chew my foods very slowly and wait 30 seconds before my next bite of food. Well, nothing was working for me. I had some fluid taken out almost 4 months prior so I was so afraid of losing my restriction. Therefore, I continued to endure with the sliming and every single thing placed in my mouth getting stuck. I was getting so depressed because the band is a tool that befriends you in the weight lost process, but I was not getting that return from my band. Therefore, I knew I had to make some quick decisions because the constant throwing up was starting to effect my esophagus due the acid reflux I was experiencing. I went in last week and had some fluid removed from my band. I was brought down from 4.8cc to 4.2cc. I felt instant relief and yes- I am not as tight but that was my problem.   I did some research and when the band is implanted- there is only an opening about the size of an ink pen opening for foods and drink to travel through. That's why we are told to eat small bites of food and to drink fluids slowly to prevent things from getting stuck and to endure long periods of pain and suffering. Therefore, when the band is too tight it makes things that much more difficult to allow foods/drinks to go down properly. I still have decent restriction without all the uncomfortable drama (sliming/ throwing up/ acid reflux and pain)!   Therefore, I have learned it's not all about how much saline is in the band, but the ability to use the band as the tool it was designed to be. I am much happier with some fluid being removed than I was having the band tighter than it should have been. Also remember, when your band is too tight you will make poor food choices. That means eating slider foods that will cause weight gain and not weight lost. (just a little food for thougth)!   I am almost at my one year mark as of July 21st with only 4.2 ccs in my 10cc band. but my band is working as a friend and not a foe! I have a tendency to want everything to happen quickly, but slow and easy works better for me.   If anyone is experiencing a lot of sliming, throwing up, daily episodes of food and drinks getting stuck, you may consider having a little fluid removed and allowing your band a time period to heal from the entire trauma episode it's experienced.   I am starting to love and befriend my band all over again! I am definitely a work in progress. Thanks for listening and supporting me through it all. My wonderful band family!    
shonette

shonette

5
 

Small victories makes all the difference in the world

It's been 15 months since I was banded. Looking back over this entire process is somewhat of a fog. My feelings are totally different today than I remember them being initially. I was so very excited and I didn't know what to expect from the band or my “body”. I had joined this site almost a year before having my surgery so I was very familiar with the way some things were going to be. However, until you actually cross this bridge for yourself- no one else's experiences can compare to your own!   Learning to live with this band and how it's going to work for you is a total different story. There were a lot of trail and errors for me and it still continues to be some rough spots from day to day. My whole entire life, I have had issues with food. I have good restriction now, but I still have to monitor my desire to over eat. When I don't listen to my band, and I eat one bite too many -I do pay for it several hours later. I experience this awful pain that you just can't imagine. I can say- that I am learning to pay attention when enough is enough for me. Really, having this band is not a quick fix to anyone's weight lost problems, but it's an aid to make your weight lost more achievable and to feel full a lot quicker or more satisfied. The key to this band is not to fell full but satisfied. There is a lot of work on my part and self discipline with right food choices. It's very easy to fill up on high calorie foods (that goes down really easy) then wonder why you are not losing weight. Unfortunately, I have been there and done that as well. I think it's really helpful to let others know that bad choices are made with this band, but you can recover from them and still be successful with your weight lost. Yes, I am a slow loser and a lot of it is because of my own choices, but I have changed a lot. I have also lost a lot of weight as well!   I have learned to be accountable for my own actions and not blame everything in the blue sky for me being over weight. I've learned that working out is not a punishment, but being good to myself and overall all fitness! Most of all- I love all of the positive attention from other people. Since I am 6"1 people think I have lost a whole lot more weight than I actually have. Yes- I love the new me. I always remember why I did this and I remind myself that anything worth having is worth working toward!   My beginning size was 24-26 and today I can wear a size 16-18. Yesterday was my 9th wedding anniversary and my husband purchased me a pant suit from NY & Company size 16! I was tickled pink. I've always been embarrassed for my husband to buy clothes for me due to my size, but yesterday was a totally new and different feeling! Yes- I love it!    
shonette

shonette

7
 

Pins and Needles

To day am waiting on a phone call from the Dr's office to let me know if my insurance will be accepted by Dr. McCown. I really pray things work out because now more than ever, I really want to get the band. I get so excited for others when they are given an approval or an offical date for banding:ohmy:!   I have always heard that if you can celebrate for someone's happiness God always make the same provisions for me :thumbup:! If I have to go out of town, then I will do what I have to do.   This morning I mentioned to my husband about being banded. He acted as if that was the very first time he had ever heard the word Lap-band®®®! He stated, "you know I still have until the end of January to make any changes to my insurance"! Okayyyy, now am thinking what was that all about. He always make comments about me losing weight, but in a very nice kind of way. Therefore, why in the world would he not want me to be banded. Honestly, I really don't care if he want me to be or not- if things are approved by any doc am getting it. He better watch out because a new me is just around the corner!     By the end of the day I will have good news or Wednesday I'll be on my way to Brunswick Ga. :biggrin:
shonette

shonette

1
 

Personal distractions

I have found myself feeling very unsure about a lot of things lately. My job, marriage, personal relationships, and my band have often been the center of my frustrations. I thank God every single day for having a good job to work at, but lately things are so over whelming with mess! I supervisor two departments with a total of 36 staff members, and they are all woman. Do I need to say any more! I hope this does not sound offensive to anyone, but woman are some of the most emotional creations God has created. They bring their personal issues with them to work ex. (sick kids, bills, relationship issues, and lord help me "their endless gossip"), and I have had enough of their endless nonsense. Every single day it seems to be one more endless issue with work related drama. I do understand it's all apart of my job but I am worn out daily with the constant counseling, investigating issues, and being a peace maker.   For some reason, I initially thought my marriage would get better once I started to lose the weight. But honestly, our issues are not weight related and our communication break down continues to be broken. Yes, I do love my husband, and yes he is capable of being a great man. However, he continues to put himself before his family and he really don't see why I am always frustrated and upset by his choices and decisions. The poor communication breakdown makes things that much worst between us. We have been together for over 16 years, but I feel like I am living in a time zone because things often remain the same between us. I have often visited the question (do I go or stay.) We have a 5 year old son who adores his father and my 18 yr daughter who now has a 7 month old son adores him too. My grandbaby is very attached to my husband so I will be viewed as the bad person, because I try really hard not to involve the kids in our issues. Its several things that I have settled with for years that’s not okay with me any more. Am I being the unfair person?   Several of my long time friendships have sort of drifted away due to the lack of communications we have. I often find myself so wrapped up in my family, church, and my job until it’s very little time in my day for anything else. So, slowly but surely my friendships have drifted away. I continue to have two close friends and I do make an effort t to nourish those relationships a lot more (as best as my free time will allow me to)!   I am nearly 7 months post band and I make every effort daily to follow the rules of my band, but sometimes I really don’t workout like I should or would like to workout. I try to be as active as possible daily, but I still feel like I should be doing more when I read about other’s success. I do know and understand that every single person is totally different, but sometimes I do question if I am doing my best. I have posted some recent pictures but I really feel like my body and weight lost should be more advance than it is. Sometimes I feel so good about my progress and other days I continue to see that fat person staring back at me in the mirror.   I really don’t know why I have been on an emotional roller coaster! For so many years I have always been the strong and supportive person for everyone around me, but sometimes I want and need someone to be those things for me. I do know that God will not put more on me than I can bear, therefore I will continue to lend on my faith and stop feeling sorry for poor (ME)!   This post may have been more information than I needed to share, but I do feel so much better to get some of this stuff off of my chest. Thanks for the listening ears.        
shonette

shonette

7
 

Over fill- 5 days of hell

I had my second fill on last Thursday, and I was experiencing some difficulty swallowing liquids and foods. I thought maybe it was from eating something that I should've eaten based on my fill diet. Maybe that had apart to play in my stomach becoming too irrigated to tolerate any foods or liquids going down. However, I was always told liquids should always go do. Well, that was not the case for me. By Friday morning, anything I put in my mouth was not going down no matter what I did. This was the very first time I have ever had to vomit since my surgery. The next few things I am about to say may sound a little nasty but this was my experience. There was foamy/slimy substance coming up due to things not pasting through my esophagus. I had the worst pain in the center of my chest that you just could not imagine. I continued to say to myself things were going to get better. I started to go to the ER on several occasions, but I did not want the long wait or the ER bill. I prayed for Monday to come like never before. I can not remember being that miserable in a very long time. Nothing I did seemed to make my situation better. My every focus was on how to get some fluids down without all of the awful chest pains. It would take me about 3 hours to slip on a 16 oz bottle of water praying it was not going to come back in with all of the foamy/slimy action going on. Thank God Monday morning came and I called my doctor's office first thing that morning. I was first told to continue to slip water and come in on Tuesday morning at 9am. I told her to let my doctor know he would be coming to meet me in the ER sometime that day. I could not take it any longer. Soon after our conversation I received a phone call stating he would meet me ASAP. I went to the center and he asked if I had eaten anything outside of his fill diet and I stated yes. He explained that could have caused my system to swell and increase more swelling to the band area. He took only 1cc out of my band and instantly I could feel my insides changing. I felt like a brand new person. Today am able to drink and eat just fine. I want good restriction, but being too tight is the worst thing in the world for any band person to experience. I still feel like I have pretty good restriction with the 3cc in my band.
shonette

shonette

9
 

One year has pasted

I can not believe how time has quickly pasted by during my first year of being banded. My life has been in so many different transitional phases, but I honestly would not trade this place in my life for nothing in the world. It's like I had this other person locked up for years inside of me who was wanted to come out but she didn't know how. This new person feels so alive and sees life with a different insight on living and not just existing. For so many years, I've always made excuses for why my health and body was the way it was! Yes- I had several miscarriages that left me with serious health related issues, but I did not take care of myself the way I should have for several years. Finally, my health issues had gotten out of hand along with my weight. I thank God I wanted a means to live a better life and this band was just the tool to help me to achieve my weight lost goals. No- I have not met my finally weight lost goal but I have achieved more than I could have ever hoped or prayed for.   Looking back at some of my old pictures just makes me want to cry for that person. I pray to never be "her" again but to continue to live a healthier and happier life for myself and my family. I was not one of those people who lost a great deal of weight very quickly, but my weight lost came off in a more progressive process. I have learned not to find my victories with the scale but the inches I've lost and the new size(s) I now wear. A year ago I was wearing a size 24-26 and today I can wear size(s) 14-16 & a size large. Oooooh my God these are days I never thought I would ever never see again. For that I am very grateful and blessed to have my band which has helped me to become this person I so dearly love and respect. Yes- I am very proud of myself for all the hard work I have put into this weight lost process. I have spent late nights, early morning at the gym or in my bathroom working out. I have learned to take any and every opportunity to get a workout in. Like this morning I did 400 steps on my mini-stepper before going to work. I feel like a short workout is better than no workout at all, therefore I do what I can for as long as I can. I stopped wearing belts for the last seven years and I always worn my shirts outside of my clothes. Now I can wear any kind of belt and I love to accent my waistline every chance I get. OMG- I love the new "ME"!   I often read a lot of new comer’s blogs and how disappointed and frustrated they feel when they don't see the scale moving. Please stop stalking the scales and learn to find success in different areas. ex- how are your clothes fitting you and what other physical changes you can observe? Stop judging your progress off of others, because each and every person's body has a totally different way of working. Learn to love and appreciate who you are in every phase you may be in with your band.   Remember being too tight causes poor food choices, acid reflux issues, stuck episodes, sliming, and unhappiness! My main point is that your band is only a tool to aide you with your weight lost process, and you must do your part to ensure everything works as a whole. The band is not design to do the work for you but too aide you in this process to lose the weight.   Again, I really appreciate my LP family and all the love and encouragement I have received from day one.    
shonette

shonette

6
 

One step closer

I called my husband's insurance company 1-3-10 to find out which doctors will cover the lap-bands in my area. There were no local drs in my area so I will have to pick someone out of town. That really is not too bad, but I really wanted to use the local doctor in Valdosta (Kevin McCown). He actually had the lap-band® done on himself. I thought that was really cool. He has a personal experience with the different things a person would be going through before and after being banded.   I have heard a lot of good things about him and thought he would be a good choice for me. However, I chose the closer doctor in the areas listed-Brunswick Ga. My first appointment is 1-13-10 @ 2pm. I really have some mixed emotions about getting Banded now, but I feel like a changed needs to occur in mylife for a lot of reasons. There are more out of pocket cost than what I actually realized it would be. I think it was round $1300 for the diet, pycho, and some other things first. Then the actually procedure is totally seperate.
shonette

shonette

1
 

My first fill experience/ 10 cc band with 2cc fill

Today I received my first fill and it was not as bad as I had anticipated it being. My doctor is a very cool person and he has a way of talking you through your fears of the unknown. I really don't have a problem with needles, but I did not want to be stuck multiple times as I originally thought would happen. I learned that I have a standard seize band that is 10 cc, and I was given 2 cc of saline in my band today. My doctor took me up to 3cc just to let me know how it felt to have an over fill. He then took 1 cc out and I was able to swallow just fine. He was really proud of my weight lost, but he also wanted me to focus more on my fat percentage and not just the weight lost itself. I was put on a three day post adjustment diet to ensure everything was working the way it should. He also encouraged me to buy one of those scales that calculate your body fat mass along with your weight. On the way home from the Hospital I felt a little pressure in my chest area, but it appears to be fading away at this time. I do feel like my diet is very bland at times so I pulled up some food ideas that are high in protein from the net just to mix things up a little. I don't want to feel like this is something I can't do, because I know I can and will do this. Since I now have my first fill, I don't want to feel like my weight lost will slow down. I know that sounds crazy! I really want to keep myself on a consistent weight reduction cycle. I feel really good about the things I am doing right now, and people are really being supportive towards me in this process of losing weight. I had my first appointment with my Podiatrist today, and he gave me a boot to sleep in and a cortisone shot in my heel to relieve some of my pain and pressure. Hopefully, once I get my heel pain under control my exercise can increase. At this point it is just so hard to apply excessive pressure on my feet. The pain is just too much to bare at times. In three more weeks I will be considered for my second fill. I really do thank God that I don't have any type of complications with my new found friend "Allergan" my band!
shonette

shonette

5
 

My fat mass has decreased (151) to (129) and the scale did move!

I went to my doctor yesterday for another fill. The last time I was seen by my doctor over a month ago, I had some fluid removed due to being too tight. I now have a great fear of being too tight due to some of the unpleasant things I experienced. If any one has ever been too tight, that is one feeling you will never want o experience again. Therefore, I am very careful to monitor how tight I feel during my fills. I rather get a little less than too much. I have realized that being too tight is just as bad if not worst as being too loose. I currently have 4.85 cc's of fluid in my band. I probably could have gotten a little bit more, but I did not want to run the risk of being too tight. I have more restriction than before my fill yesterday. Overall, I am very pleased with that. I was also very pleased with my fat mass going down. Before my surgery, my fat mass was 151. ( ) and now it's 129. ( ). I was very happy to see that my body is losing a lot of inches. On my last visit over a month ago my fat mass was 133 and yesterday it was 129. For some people that is no big deal, but any time I have numbers going down instead of increasing it’s a very big deal for me.   I now know that all of my efforts have not been in vain. I use my electric stepper several times a week, and my kettle bell on alternate times. Overall, I eat the foods I should and my water intake has increased. I do know my weight is coming off, but time plays a lot into my overall weight lost. This site has a lot of wonderful people who take the time to share their advice on how they handle different situations and just the love and support is amazing. Today I wore a pant suit that almost fell to the ground when I put on the pants. I was not expecting that to happen. Everything I think nothing is happening, I can find the small accomplishments and compare them toward my overall success. My clothing seize has gone from a 26 to 18. I do feel pretty good about my weight lost and all the hard work that has gone into it. This band is not a quick fix, but each person has to be willing to put their time and efforts to make it work for them. I thank God every single day for this opportunity to be healthier mentally, and physically as well. I have learned that the scale does not determine my overall weight lost success!!!   I do have one big dilemma: I was taking a prescribed diet pill during my six month diet period pre-band. I now have considered getting one more prescription filled to aid my weight lost. I really don’t know if this would be the right thing for me to do. This was one of the reasons I wanted this band was too due away with diet pills etc……….   Your opinion (s) would be greatly appreciated!          
shonette

shonette

3
 

Mixed feelings

I have not posted anything in a very long time. When I first joined this site at the end of last year 2009, I was so excited for this process to start and end. I felt like this time would never come to an end for me. As I look back over these last seven months, I really can see my idea of being band has changed for the better. I was so desperate to find a quick fix and this band was going to be my answer. I now realize that the band is going to be the tool yes a "tool" to lose the weight. I have said it so many times before that I understand my responsibility in this whole process, but looking back I really don't think I did. This is my body and I am responsible for the way I take care of it. For years I have not done a very good job of taking care of myself. It is hurtful for me to be able to admit this, but I really have let myself down in so many ways. I have made so many excuses for things being the way they have been with me physically. I do understand and realize that no one else can or will do this for me. I have developed so many health issues (heel spurs, arthritis in my right knee, swollen feet, and a hernia) that are contributed to me being over weight. I do realize and thank God that I could have so many more serious conditions. However, these conditions cause me enough pain and discomfort. It's not easy to say these things, but it helps me to understand my responsibility in my present condition. I do love myself and my entire family, therefore they all deserve better from me. I will do my sleep study this Saturday, and all of my paper work will be turned in to my insurance company. I have met all requirements, and I really don't foresee any reason they would deny me. I am praying to have my procedure done by mid June. At this points in my life, am ready to make a life long change to becoming a happier, healthier {"ME”}! This site has been such a blessing for me to be able to vent if needed and receive the most unbelievable support any person could ever want or need. Thank you Lap Band Family. My journey is just beginning!
shonette

shonette

2
 

Learning to appreciate who I am in my "Own Skin" !

This morning I was getting dress for work, and I looked at myself in the mirror! For the first time in years I was somewhat pleasantly surprised at the person I saw! This person has a nice glow about herself than ever before.(me) I have spent some much of my life doing everything for everyone else, and I never took time out to do anything for myself. I am normally racing around my house cleaning up after everyone, cooking, washing, assisting with homework, and being "Grammie"! Yes, I am a grandmother to a one month old little boy! He was born 3 days after my surgery! Therefore, I had very little to no healing time after my surgery. He is soooooo wonderful and I love him to no end! However; being there for my daughter and her baby is a lot to juggle. I also have my finally appointment with my casework today to complete the process to becoming a foster parent. I sometimes feel like I am going to lose my sense of being. I do know God isn't going to place any more on me than I can handle. My plate is very full at times, but it was the way I've always defined who I was in this world. I now know I can take care of myself in the process. I now know I am so much more than that person who provides and takes care of everyone else's needs. I am learning to take some time out of my day to take care of myself. I work out at the YMCA at least 3-4 a week for at least 1 1/2 at night. This gives me the time I need to relax and reflect on myself. Being me isn’t so bad after all!:wub:
shonette

shonette

5
 

Juicing and going for an adjustment this afternoon.

Today I am scheduled to have another adjustment at 430pm. I have put off getting another adjustment for several reasons. I am really not sure first of all if I really need another adjustment. I have a difficult time as it is getting certain foods down. I rarely eat fruits like apples/oranges etc, because they always give me a stuck feeling which I hate more than anything. I love to eat all types of fruits and I really miss not having them in my diet. Therefore, I have started juicing to get my fruits into my daily diet within the last couple of weeks. I had a really nice Jack Lalnane power juicer a couple of years ago, but I had a house fire and it was never replaced. My mother is a gadget queen and she purchased a juiceman 2 yrs back which she stopped using once the thrill was gone. Therefore, she pasted her juicer on to me a couple of weeks ago and now I am able to enjoy all my fruits and raw veggies. I juice in the afternoon which give me a late day burst of energy which I really need after a long day. Last night I juiced (2) small apples, (4) carrots, (1) large orange, and (1) grapefruit that really got my digestive system moving. I felt so good this morning once I got up and moving.   Now when I find it difficult to digest certain foods I juice as my alternative to getting nutritional foods. I know this does not work for everyone, but it really gives me an incredible feeling of being full and it's good for my body. I do not drink things that don't taste good to me. I am learning that foods are to be enjoyed and I now only eat those things that I really enjoy eating. I am always searching the net for new and tasty juice recipes. If anyone has any I would really enjoy you sharing them with me!   Back to my fill- I really think another adjustment will boost my weight lost, but I dare don't want to be too tight like I have been in the past. I want my doctor to be very conservative today with my fill. I think just a little will put everything into motion. More than anything I am very excited to know what my fat mass is going to be today. My last fill was on 1-18-2011 and my fat mass was 129. I am so excited to find out what it will be today when I weigh in at the office.   Lately, so many people have been coming up to me complimenting me on my weight lost and asking how I've lost so much weight. My response is a very honest one (portion control and being more active)! I've learned not to mention my band any more because it leads into too many questions that I am tired of answering. I really don't see what they do, but I do thank God Change is taking place in my body.
shonette

shonette

1
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