NWgirl

I would either get everything in writing about your cost being reduced even though they are out of network. I remember reading a post awhile back where this girl went out of network and insurance mailed her a check for $3000 and the total bill was over 70k. Needless to say, it could be a very expensive mistake if you don't find out particulars. I also have anthem bcbs and my max out of pocket does not exist for out of network providers. I would be hesitant to go forward just knowing that.

I cannot quote for some reason, but the gauging of how the band working is not if you can eat chicken, bread, or salad. You are looking for smaller portions and longer satisfaction, not the elimination of food groups.

I called the practice I was going to get surgery through and asked for their advice on a primary doctor. I did not need a letter from my doctor, but wanted someone on board with the procedure.

I can still only respond by hitting "more reply options." Am still unable to quote. I am on Windows 7 using Mozilla Firefox 12.

how many calories do you eat a day? Do you feel restriction?

If you are worried about the liver, transfer to a full liquid diet for the last week.

Some infections at the band site show through port problems. Please see your Dr just in case something is wrong.

I'm probably going to sound harsh here, but here goes: I'm also going to mention that just because you chose to get WLS does not mean that your family is going to change the way they eat. You are the one that did something to change your behavior and your outlook. If you cannot control yourself around tempting food, you need to leave the room while they eat. I understand this can be frustrating, but you need to remember why you got this surgery and the changes it entails. I have come to realize that even though I don't need to be eating chips (or any other fill in the blank), does not mean that my family must also stop eating chips.

I love Quest too. Especially if you have problems getting in the right amount of fiber each day.

I am on an Anthem BCBS national plan through kroger and it's a pretty decent plan.

Wow. You are the first person I have seen that's actually recommending something they've tried and not trying to sell crap to us. THANK YOU.

I think what you're feeling is completely normal. I don't want many to know, but if they find out, they find out. I figure if they are on here (which is the only way they could find me unless they randomly come across my blog, which is highly unlikely) then they probably feel the same way I do and would not tell. I did start a private facebook seperate from my normal one so I could post photos and have lapband friends.

You can also buy Coromega Omega 3 Squeeze packs, which have an okay taste considering and go down fine. I have only tried the orange and have read many negative reviews about the lemon lime. If you want to try these, I recommend Amazon as they usually sell for 50% less than in supplement stores.

I have been to the support group offered by Legacy, but have not been there for the last few times due to scheduling conflicts. I found them interesting, as one of the staff members from the practice oversees them and there is usually a specifc thing to talk about or focus on. They are also band only groups, which is nice because I have read of people going to a combined group with RNY and sleeve patients and getting bashed. I would also love to go to the conventions, but alas the money well is too dry I think my profile on FB is set as private, so you would have to friend me if you wanted to see what is on there. It's really not much, just some photos of progress and a lot of other banded folks.

The first time I had my period after banding, I was starving. This last time, I've been pretty ok. I am on new BC (nuva ring) and had very light bleeding so maybe that's it...

Nice to have you here

Time will fly and before you know it, you'll be wheeling into the OR

Wow! That's a large first fill I have 4cc in a 10cc band and definitely feel like I'm almost at my sweet spot- another 1cc or so should get me where I want to be.

I have read that some have port discomfort up to a month out of surgery. Mine went away after week one, but don't be discouraged if yours lingers awhile.

I had the worries about not being able to eat certain foods, but really I think I blew it out of proportion. I have had two fills and feel pretty good at my restriction level and am still able to eat most everything (the only thing that I won't eat now is cheap white breads, doughy breads). Don't get too worried about it I'd much rather be healthy than eating bread...

If you have a Upper GI before, I would recommend not eating for a while before. When I went in for my first fill, I had to do an upper GI first and no one had told me no food. Luckily I had eaten about 4 hours before and the food was cleared from the pouch.

I love my Fitbit! I actually owned a Bodybugg prior, and cross used them for a couple weeks to see which I wanted to keep and which was going. The only thing that is different is that my Fitbit showed I was burning 400 less calories than my Bodybugg... If it said 400 more, I would have been skeptical. I really think the Fitbit is an extremely motivating tool. I love that i can look at it throughout the day and push myself to do more activity if my numbers are low. I actually also bought their new Wifi scale because I wanted one that was completely integrated. If they had not come out with one, I was going to buy a Withings. One last thing- their customer service is the best! I purchased one fitbit in March 2011 and five months later something went funny. They sent me the new Ultra model asap. About two months ago, my Ultra developed some charging issues and I contacted them again. Once again, they sent me out another brand new Ultra, no charge! I did find that it's best to use the included clip (I had been clipping directly to my sports bras, which was slowly causing the plastic to widen and mess with the charging) and not clip directly to clothing.

I went ahead and quoted your post so I did not forget to answer any of your questions I also have a Lapband facebook if you'd like to add me https://www.facebook.com/thebandedblogger. Hi!! Encouraging to hear that your surgery went so well!! I am 30 and I stay pretty busy. Baby and bought a new house. Perhaps I should check out Good Sam, because my doctot suggested them (or oshu) and it sounds like you had a good experience! I was required to go to Good Sam because of my insurance coverage requiring a Center of Excellence. The staff is really nice, although the surgeon can seem a little standoffish but it's nothing personal. I was actually originally looking into Oregon Weight Loss Surgery (which is literally in the same building, on the same floor as the Weight Mngmt Institute) but they did not show on my insurance coverage. I would actually really recommend Good Sam, I've nothing bad to say about them. Portions can be hard. Does your band allow you to eat big portions? I am now able to eat smaller portions, and haven't really tested a pre-band meal because I am satisfied after only a little. Not to say there aren't times when my head/eye hunger don't push me to eat more and more, but I am usually able to resist and if I don't, I can probably only get a few more bites before I feel the pressure in my throat that is telling me I'm done. How are you doing with foods that expand in your stomach like the white bread and pastas? Usually I can eat breads, but I make sure to chew, chew, chew. I have not tried pastas yet and haven't had anything like Wonder Bread type texture. I did find that I am unable to chew fried bread (pizza pocket) well enough, so that type of breaded product is off my menu. I have a fear of vomitting and have done so in years. Have you experienced vomitting with your band? No vomitting on my part. From what I've read, you only vomit (and even then it's not the same type of vomit that a sick person would have) when you've eaten incorrectly or if you've eaten too much. I have soft signals that tell me when I'm getting full so I don't push it. Did you have gas after surgery? I had delayed gas pains about four days after surgery that lasted for 5 or 6 days. Most of my gas issues were in the shoulder, although in the first month I did fart a lot (sorry if too much info). I drank peppermint tea for the first two or three days post op and should probably have continued drinking it but I got burnt out. I had read that peppermint tea can ease gas pains as well as GasX, although that did not work for me. On your first day him did you rest or were you able to function pretty normally? I was actually very, very sleepy from the anesthesia the first day, so I slept a lot. When I was awake, I was able to get up and move around, although I did use a mini Pillow Pet to hold against my stomach because it helped to lessen the pulling of the incisions and the port. After the first day, I was up and about, albeit slower than normal. I actually recovered very fast, but people vary so much that I would recommend you prepare for the worst, just in case Anything I can do to help with your goals? I have really been focused on me and what I need throughout this process. Not to say I've been only about me, but for the first time in my life I've made my own goals a priority. I think being able to really think out the whole plan and what you want from surgery and how you're going to get there is super important. FYI- I have a reading disability which often presents in my written thought. If something doesn't make sense I am not offended if you ask. I try to reread. Didn't find anything I didn't understand Enjoy the day!! I will check back soon!

I can't see my port, but I can definitely feel it. Depending on how much stomach fat you have, some people's ports show more than others.

Three tiny ones, one large (1.25") where my port is and one .75".