NWgirl

I usually do a handful- I would guess it's about 1 cup. I usually also do 3-4 ounces of meat.

I'd start calling around and asking. Just call sales and ask if they cover pre-existing bariatric WLS treatment.

I really haven't had pizza since being banded, although I am not purposefully avoiding it. I am fine with most foods as far as eating goes (no cheap or fried doughy breads), so I would imagine I could eat thin crust pizza... My nutritionist is of the idea that there are no "bad" foods, just foods to consume in moderation vs ones you should eat all of the time.

1. To be able to buy clothing from any store without shopping in the ugly or overpriced plus sections. 2. A lot more outdoor activities 3. Not feel embarrassed about what I look like

I did not have a hernia repair, but experienced serious left shoulder/neck gas pains from about day 4 to 8 or 9. I used a heating pad and walked a lot, but I think it's one of those things the body has to get rid of at its own pace (unfortunately).

When you are dehydrated, your body loses necessary water weight. You've probably just regained the normal amount of liquid your body needs.

Most companies will probably require a year period to add you due to the surgery. If you or the husband is employed by a company that offers insurance with bariatric coverage, it would hopefully be effective immediately...

The band will NEVER stop head hunger, it is only meant to control physical hunger. Even if you're not physically hungry, you could mentally be.

Different people burn different amounts, varying on height, age, sex, intensity of exercise, elevation, etc.

I have Anthem BCBS and was just required to provide a list of diets/weight loss for insurance. My surgeon required metabolic testing, sleep study, blood tests, nutritional appt, physical therapist appt, nurse practitioner appt, and psychological appt before I could even MEET the surgeon. I am also 23 and was banded in March. I am happy with my choice, although I am now in a slump dealing with mental eating issues. I have gone from a tight 22 to a 16 since surgery and have lost about 25-30 pounds post-op. It really is the greatest gift I could have given myself!

I think that if you both want it, then it's more than doable. I just want to stress not pushing your partner to a decision they are not ready to make. Some need more time to really think about it.

I second the above recommendation.

I used pre-op diet as a game to see how much weight I could lose prior to surgery. If you feel the need to chew, find some ice cubes. You can also blend shakes with cubes to get a thicker texture, or use sugar free syrups to change the taste.

Insurance companies have 30 days to respond to pre-authorization requests. It seems that most get approval in two weeks or so. If you have a case manager through the insurance company, you should call them. You also have to realize that BCBS is operated under many different names and states, so some people posting saying they got their approval in two days probably have a different kind of insurance or more severe health problems.

I have read other posts from pregnant ladies, and some unfill and some do not. I think as long as you get the right nutrition, you should be fine to stay filled. If you struggle to consume enough for you and the baby, then you should really unfill.

I have the card but don't use it. Frankly, I'd rather pay a couple extra dollars than deal with the strange and judgemental looks. I hear chain restaurants usually honor the cards though.

I wonder if you are saying that the Amazon customer service was not good?

I started looking into the surgery at 22 and got banded at 23. I started by visiting my primary care Dr, who ran tests to see if there were any other underlying medical issues that could be contributing to lack of weight loss. I then went to an orientation on Jan 17 after my new insurance kicked in and was scheduled for a series of appointments over the next couple weeks. I was given the go ahead to begin "dieting" around the same time my Dr submitted to insurance in mid February. I would suggest attending some support groups and researching everything about the band. It's so much better to go in well prepared and to not find unpleasant suprises down the road because you did not research well. I also started a blog for my own personal journey and needs. Also, you did not mention if you have insurance or not. If you do, you should contact customer care or look at your benefits booklet and see if weight loss surgery is covered. I stress that you check this out for yourself and do not rely solely on the surgical practice to do it for you- I made that mistake the first go around and the insurance coordinator told me I was covered without researching due to her assumptions about my insurance (there were three seperate plans, and the one that covered WLS was not the one I was on). . If you do not have insurance, you will need financing (such as CareCredit).

After my second fill, I would get hiccups. They've since gone away (swelling, I'm sure), but they definitely were a signal at that point. The second fill is where I had to change my eating habits and chew, chew, chew or else I was uncomftorable and stuck...

When you transition from full liquids to real foods, it's expected that you will either gain or not lose until your body stabilizes. Make sure you are eating real foods and don't just continue with shakes because you are worried you will gain.

Down time is extremely less than either gastric or the sleeve because they aren't actually removing a part of your stomach. I only had to take a couple days off of work and really felt great after day three.

acid reflux is a sign of too tight.

I would just nip that habit right away, regardless of if you've had a fill or not. It is possible that your pouch is working ever so slightly but you are washing the food down. I was told after I was off the post-OP liquid diet, i needed to not drink with meals.

Well, usually the first fill doesn't do much for restriction, but you are usually required to be on liquids for a few days, which doesn't sound too fun if you're having a fun weekend... Depending on where you're going, I would recommend postponing the appointment.

The liquid either comes back up or you feel like you can't breath. I haven't had the first happen, but did experience the second and it was not fun.