TheRealSouthernBelle

Taylee_Rose: I know exactly how you feel. My problem is that since I have so much to lose it's like I see the numbers on the scale and that's it. Of course I am glad I am losing, but I am just so anxious to get this weight off of me. I keep telling myself that it didn't come on overnight, so I shouldn't expect it to come off overnight. I am trying not to become so fixated on those numbers and neither should you. Focus more on how you feel and how you look. Are you getting compliments? You probably are! Are you feeling better and doing things you couldn't do before this journey? Probably so! Look at your scale victories as well as your NSVs, you're doing great! Keep up the good work!

I was perusing the web as usually do on a lazy day at work and I came across another forum. People with all kinds of WLS could discuss their experiences in their own individual groups (ex. lapband, gastric bypass, etc.). So, of couse I go to the Lapband section. I come across a posting of a woman who was over 400 pounds and she was asking peoples' opinions on whether or not she should have the lapband or some other procedure. Just as expected everyone had some STRONG opinions on the lapband including present and former bandsters themselves. I know the lady had a lot of weight to lose and I've heard that some surgeons refuse to do a lapband on someone who has over 100 pounds to lose. I guess because with a lap band you are only supposed to lose 40-50% of your excess weight. I just wanted to get everyone's take on this. I have over 100 pounds to lose even after I've lost damn near 50. Personally, I feel I can do it because I've seen so many success stories and I don't want to "waste" my hard earned money. Am I the only one with over 100 pounds to lose? Have y'all heard this before? What do y'all think?

Hello everyone! I just wanted to finally formally introduce myself. I have been lurking around this board for quite some time and have been hesitant to post something. Well, I've been recently banded, 2 1/2 months, if you can call that newly banded. I had been thinking about WLS since 2008. The insurance through my then employer had an exclusion against it and since I was straight out of college at that time I knew I couldn't afford it. Fast forward 2 years later and I am at a trail ride (where us country folk drink beer and dance after riding horses) and I see a girl I knew from high school/college. She had lost so much weight, so she just started talking to the whole group (me and a couple of my friends). She was very open about her choice to get the lap band and she said message me on Facebook if you know anyone who is struggling with their weight I can help. So, of course I messaged her and bam here I am. I went through True Results in Richardson (Dallas) Texas and due to my insurance had to have the actual surgery at the Hurst (Fort Worth) Texas location. My current insurance does have an exclusion against any WLS, so I had an EGD to determine if I had a hiatal hernia. I indeed had one, so my insurance would pay to fix it (anestesia, hospital fees, room charges, etc) and all I had to pay for was the actual band itself. Thank you True Results! Currently, I am LOVING my band! I've lost almost 50 pounds so far and feel a million times better. Unlike other bandsters I can eat anything I want (no problems with steak, bread, rice, etc.). I have never slimed, PB'ed, threw up, reflux, or any other gross stuff. The worst thing was the week after recovery. I felt weak, tired, and doped up. I had trouble drinking, breathing, and the pain in my left shoulder was excruciating. Recovery for me was definitely no walk in the park. I was having all kinds of emotions, and thoughts running through my. I would probably say that I was even in a deep depression. The only person I could talk was my boyfriend, since he was the only one that knew I was getting the surgery. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I have tried regular dieting and exercise to drop only 20 pounds, get discouraged, then start eating regular foods again. The hunger would get to me! My stomach would growl so loud, my head would hurt, and I would be so weak and even get dizzy at times. I've tried phentermine, which worked pretty good, but I did not like the side effects (racing heart beat, sweats, trouble sleeping). I have even tried over the counter products and binge diets. I swear nothing worked and before you know it I was 348 pounds. I can remember being called fat in kindergarten. I literally have never been slim or even normal size. I am praying that this finally does the trick for me. I just wanted to share my story. Good luck to everyone on their journey!

I liked him. He was very patient and answered every question I had. He gave me alot of hope that I could actually meet my goal. Good luck girl!

TKW: I know we both can! Jodi: You are right I can't let anyone discourage me. It's just disheartening to hear so much negativity about something that's literally changed the lives of so many people, but to each his own.

Thank you! I see you are halfway to your goal. Good luck! I just had my surgery in Texas (wish I lived there). I am in Lousiana, so I guess I'm kinda close. You will definitely be hearing from me. I got over my shyness.

I agree! like mama used to say if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all! I understand everyone is entitled to their opinion, but geez!

I think it's a delicate balance. On every diet I've been on I've had to deal with physical hunger, my stomach growling, weakness, dizziness, and headaches. Your portions have to be soooo small. Now, that I have the band I am okay with those small portions. My body tells me I'm full! I know it because I will usually take a long exhale while I am eating. Your mind will tell you that you want more because you are so used to eating a lot or if you are eating delicious foods your mind will tell you to eat some more because it tastes so good! I knew that without the band I would not have been able to diet and keep the results coming. I would have eventually cheated because I was physically still hungry and then I would have gotten discouraged when the pounds weren't falling off anymore. I would have gone back to regular foods, since dieting wasn't working anymore and that would have been the end of that! So, yes, I do generally watch what I eat and I say generally because if I want something sweet I will have cookie or two, but not half the bag like I used or if I want to eat out I will. I also do some exercising either by walking the track or getting on the XBOX Kinect. Personally, I feel the band is what you make it and you have to do your part. I am sure others disagree, but that is to be expected. If you feel like you can do it without the band, go for it! Why waste your money? But if you are like me and have a lot of weight to lose, need that extra push, and nothing has worked in the past, then I would research this weight loss procedure as well as others before making a decision. Good luck!

I was just wondering had anyone ever tried NutriSystem foods before? What was your experience and were the foods good?

I went through True Results in Richardson, TX. My insurance (CIGNA) has an exclusion to weight loss surgery, so they would not cover it, but through True Results if they find a hiatal hernia the insurance will cover that (surgery room fees, anestesia, etc.) and you just pay for the band. I wound up paying $5500 for the band and $98 to check for the hiatal hernia.

I went through True Results in Richardson, TX. My insurance (CIGNA) has an exclusion to weight loss surgery, so they would not cover it, but through True Results if they find a hiatal hernia the insurance will cover that (surgery room fees, anestesia, etc.) and you just pay for the band. I wound up paying $5500, so I'm assuming this was the cost for the band. I would call around and ask. If you only have to pay 30% of $5500 that is $1650, which is a steal! Good luck!