lstanfie

Hi, I am also behind the scenes and had my banding in December, 2010. 51 pounds so far, but I have opted to take it slow and easy. However, I think I may need to get a fill here in September. I'm finding that I am beginning to get hungry in between meals. My insurance paid for my surgery with a 1,000 cost. I had to wait six months while supervised by my physician showing that I was trying to make an effort to diet. I am happy with this surgery even though many lose faster with bypass, I am satisfied. My sister had the bypass and I made this choice based on some of my observations with her experience. I'm 43 years old...seasoned enough? I like the changes in my body from size 24 to size 18 fitting loose. I can't wait to get to the size 16...then 14...again I'm willing to take it slower. Don't forget to eat Protein and veggies first. Take your Vitamins. Drink plenty of water! Make good choices, small bites, chew slowly. Don't get too filled too fast that you are not comfortable or it won't be a good experience. I really stay away from bread (crazy didn't think I could). Soda or pop...not an option, except once I tried it in a frozen icee coke. Just a taste. Really you should not drink soda. I still drink coffee with creamer, sorry just won't give that up and it doesn't hurt me as far as I know. Life does change, some people treat you differently, but your friends and those close will support you. It was the best decision for me. Many things are different...carrying a load of laundry up the stairs, more energy, I can wash my back better in shower, and don't huff and puff when I tie my shoes, love to shop at Old Navy which was not an option before. Good luck and try to remember that you are doing this to improve your health...but it will do so much more. Follow your doctor's rules and you will succeed. Lora (Lorabelle) Hello Everyone, I'm another that has been behind the scenes in the Internet forums, You Tube,etc., watching the progress of those that have been banded for a couple of years! I started my journey April of this year, after the 3rd seminar I attended I decided to go for it. Luckily I had documentation of previous Weight Loss Programs from Curves, Weight Watchers, my YMCA membership, etc. So I didn't have complete the insurance program requirements for Weight Loss programs (they accepted what I had done). I have to work with a Nutritionist, Exercise Therapist. I completed a sleep Study and had to have an Endoscopy. I had everything completed by July and got my approval from BCBSIL in early August..Yeah!!! My surgeon is backlogged with patients therefore my surgery isn't scheduled until October 4. I'm sooo looking forward to it and yes to be honest I'm a bit "anxious" about the changes in how I eat, socialize, etc. I'm employed, I'm a widow and since my husband died in 2003, I haven't had a lot of opportunities to date. I socialize with girlfriends, play Bingo, go out dining & movies alone, travel to see my children & grandchildren, etc. I was told by my one of my sons, Ma are you ready for this? You're all ready "pretty" now you are going to be getting a whole different type of attention from men after your body changes. That kind of bothered me and I stated, I'd be a bit offended if a (man) that has seen me on a regular basis, would want to "date" me because my body changed?? Is that a normal feeling? I would think if they looked at me overall, they could have looked past the "weight" issue. I'm doing this to be the "best" I can be health wise, feel better about me, but are others really going to look at me differently?? Being a more "seasoned" woman, I'd like to hear from others that have been "Banded" in their lives at a later age and how it affected you mentally, socially, etc. I also would like to hear from those that were "Pop/Soda" addicts and how they have been able to transition none in their lives after the Lap Band... I'm not a smoker or drinker and I always told people "Pepsi" was my drug of choice. I have significantly cut it down, over the last year, however at least once a week I will have about 20 ounces of one. I've read NO carbonated drinks after one is banded.. Does having the band take away "cravings" for that type of issue, what about my one cup of coffee a day with "cream & sugar" is that something that will be gone forever as well? I know this is a pretty lengthy "introduction" it's probably just a drop in the bucket of all the feelings & issues I'm going through as I proceed.. Just jump in with any advice you may have and I say in advance "Thank you" I'll be around for awhile, as I Journey into the life of a "Bandster" As Ever, Synsayshun

I'm supposed to lose at least seven pounds pre-op. I also need to follow a two week liquid before surgery.

Hi my name is Lora. I am getting lap band in January (hopefully). The last hoop I had to jump through is the six month supervised diet and weight tracking by my physician. I was denied by my insurance company in July. I would have had a $1,000 co-pay, so I got myself to the very end and was ready for the surgery in August, but was disappointed with the last hoop. So, tomorrow I call the lap band center to re-visit my next steps. My doctor knows I would like it January 3. The lap band center also have me scheduled for January 3 if all goes well. I am scared, excited, wondering how my life will change. Help me! Dr. Hanosh in Grand Junction at St. Mary's Hospital is my surgeon.