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Get back to your doctor and see what he/she says. When I was ready to get back on track my doctor wouldn't let me have a fill, he made me get back on track and come back in 4 weeks. I go back this Thurs. I am ready for my appointment. I got out my food journal and write down everything I put in my mouth, including the 1 M&M I had. I also keep track of my exercise daily. I have only lost 3lbs in the last 3 weeks but I have lost inches as my clothes are alot looser than they were. I am hoping to get that fill on Thursday as I feel I need more restriction. If you want we can be accountable together as we are both getting back on track!!

Hi Charlie. I think you are doing the right thing. I am 23 and have been overweight the majority of my life too... I have dieted and lost some weight, but have never been able to lose enough or keep it off. I look at this like a new adventure and a new chapter, where I can experience new things and really be an active participant in life and not just the person on the sidelines. I ultimately made the decision when I saw my Aunt, who yo yo dieted her whole life, lose a majority of her weight and keep it off for over two years with the Lapband. I don't want to feel defeated each time the newest diet fails, and I don't want this demon on my back for the rest of my life. At this point in time, this is the only thing I can do to assure I get to a healthy weight. I have gone through all of the emotions, and still feel a little ashamed that I have to resort to surgery to lose this weight. I am one of those people that has always excelled in everything I've done, so admitting I'm a failure in this department is still hard. I'm sure a year down the road I will not feel any remorse over this decision.

I have fibrmyalgia as well as PCOS and my doctor says that neither of these should impact it : )

I'm not affiliated at all but I tried this and it's awesome! The meat is so so tender. http://www.pureandnaturalspices.com/product_p/sku16371.htm They sell samples if you want to try it before buying a large jar.

I feel like I see an equal of both positive and negative on here. Make sure you also read the blogs and like someone said above, the success stories. Iv'e lost 45 pounds in 10 weeks, so I believe I'm a success thus far. I would do everything the same and do not regret my decision at all. Good luck and stay positive!

They should have clearly outlined in the denial what the reason was for denial. With that said I have Aetna and was denied as well. I was denied thoughout the entire appeals process. The final step after exhausting all appeals though the insurance company is to request an idependeant external review process. I contacted Kelley Brown Lindstrom at obesitylaw.com on a recommendation from someone on this site. She and her husband Walter are AWESOME !! They handled every appeal and finally the external review process. My claim was overturned in the external review and Aetna was required to cover the procedure. Believe me I know the frustration and disappointment that comes with every denial letter. I lived this for OVER a year. I got my approval 1 day before my family vacation to Disney World in October 2010. My surgery was 12/28/2010. At this point I am almost 14 months post surgery and couldnt be happier with the weight loss. I am at 182 which is only 7 pounds above my goal weight. A little over a year ago I couldnt do a lap around the track without feeling like I was going to die. Since then I have run several 5K races with time under 25 minutes. I play hockey a couple times a week and I am training for a half marathon in May. Please dont let those denials discourage you. I know how bad they made me feel. I think I got a total of 5 of them over a 10 month period. Check out obesitylaw.com web site too. It cost me exactly $0 for all of their help. Did I say that Kelley is the BEST. After every denial she was so encouraging. She assured me that it was OK. That is what they wanted in my case. They had to get away from the reviewers in Aetna and get to the external review. I'm sure every case is differnt but again please hang in there. It is so worth the fight.

I would do the 5 day band test. See if it's time for a fill. Hope life is getting better for you!

My insurance did not cover it either... It is my understanding that every insurance company covers it, it is just a matter of whether or not your employer chose to have it as part of your coverage. My CEO told me that we were not even given the option of choosing it as part of our coverage, I am sure it has to do w/the size of our group and coverage limits. I am almost 3 yrs out, and I was fortunate that I had enough money in my 401K that I was able to take a hardship withdrawal for medical purposes in order to pay for my surgery. I don't regret taking the money for a minute, it was an investment in my life. I can rebuild my 401K but my life is not replaceable. Good luck!!

What a great boost for your self esteeem, that is truly a NSV, and you so deserve it! Karen

I can relate to what you are going through. I had a pretty terrible last year too. My Dad passed away along with two uncles and an aunt. I have gone back to support meetings, and started a regular exercise program. I had to have an unfill this past week because my band was way too tight. I had vomiting and acid reflux. Plan on returning again for a fill when things calm down. Having the proper restriction really helps me the most to put things in perspective as to the volume of food I eat. And, as always, being mindful of having all the necessary Protein in the day, plenty of Water, making good choices of food, etc., all help. Good luck to you! I feel I have done this before (getting back on track and being successful with weight loss) so I know what to do.