NWgirl

A family friend got gastric two years ago specifically because she had received a diabetes diagnosis and the only medicine that worked for her was more expensive. Along with her other family history issues, she had gastric and has lost a great amount of weight and is doing very well in the health department. I never considered gastric and did not have diabetes, but it really is supposed to cure a very high percentage of diabetic patients. Good luck with your decision! Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

There is an edit button at the bottom of your message reply that you've posted if it's on a regular computer (near quote). If you are on a tablet or phone, you click the blue heading at the top of your reply and a list of 4 or 5 options is available (quote, edit, like, etc). Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I buy the cheap 2lb jugs at Walmart or target of Protein powders when I need them. They are store brand and much cheaper ($15-20) than a specialized "weight loss" brand. Plus, some weight loss brands (think slim fast) do not have nearly enough protein and are loaded with carbs and fat!! A single scoop of Protein powder of store brand mixed with Water is usually 100-140 cal, 25-30 protein, 4 carb, 0 fat. If you are looking for ready-to-drink shakes, I recommend premier nutrition sold at costco, SAMs club, or online. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I am not from north Dakota, but suggest you go to the north Dakota forum under the state listings. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I was told no gum IF I was a swallower (yuck) and no mention was made of popcorn. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I asked if it went well, what time it was/how long had I been down, and if someone had told my mom and significant other if I was okay. I really wanted to go back to sleep but I kept forcing myself to stay awake because I knew they wouldnt move me to recovery until I was coherent and I wanted to be with my family so they wouldn't worry. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

If you call your insurance policy, you should be able to ask if they require a referral + letter of medical necessity from your primary care doctor. Also, if you have an ***, those usually require referrals to see anyone other than your primary. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I would honestly be contacting the hospital because that does not sound normal. I would guess you may be having circulation issues. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Are they just now offering employees coverage or is there a long wait time? Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I think I saw you had posted this earlier today or yesterday. Did you have a question?

Surgeon's choose the location. You may be able to request a different location, but I would imagine they place it where they believe it has the best chance of staying. Also, it seems to me that common placement is along the lower abdominal wall around the belly button.

I had restriction starting at 4cc in 10cc band.

I was supportive, just not in the way you wanted me to be. I was more concerned with your health than your vanity. Sorry that isn't what you'd like.

It means productive burp. It is a regurgitation of food from the pouch, not to be confused with regular vomiting.

I would recommend a small travel pillow to hold against your stomach for getting in/out of cars, out of bed, on the toilet, walking, etc for the first few days. I also would recommend a Chapstick and having all required food items in house. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I think the poster needs encouragement to get medical treatment, and not ways she could possibly endanger her life more. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I actually contacted insurance to find this answer out- they said whatever the weight submitted on the pre-authorization papers was the weight they would go by, so I could lose whatever else I wanted pre-op.

I'm sorry, I went to nursing school too and in no way would I ever try and doctor this in the way you are suggesting. There is an underlying issue to this person's band problems and the removal of the port was apparently medically necessary- what you are outlining here would most likely cause a dangerous abdominal infection.

I also don't track food often (maybe a few times a month to see where I'm at) and only eyeball portions when not tracking. My loss rates vary, but averaged out weekly, it's about 1.5-2 lbs. As for the statistical loss average, every Dr tells patients a certain amount. Can you imagine what would happen if a surgeon told their patients they would lose 100% of excess weight and they did not? It does not mean it's impossible, but is not a guarantee.

I started the process mid-January and was banded mid-March. My insurance did not require any supervised diet though. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Allergen has two sizes- 10cc and 14cc. The speed of weight loss is directly related to what you do. For the most part, larger people will lose faster if they are following the correct guidelines. I have seen large people on here who lose very slow for whatever reason and people with 50-70 lose rapidly. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I would recommend if you are really interested in the band that you find a surgeon who is not openly against it. Makes it a lot better journey to get support from a surgeon who agreed with your choice. Plus, who is to say that the surgeon who complained of lousy stats is not good at installing or maintaining the band? Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Gas pains were also delayed for me. I found using those stick on temporary heating pads to be pretty useful. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk