Alexandra

Thanks for posting these, Michelle. It is good to know what the worst-case scenarios are. I'm thrilled to see that the people to whom these unpleasant events happened are posting the stories themselves, though! With RNY negative turnouts you often see the "angels" posting the bad news, because the patients are still in the hospital. To put the risks in perspective, though, I'm mindful of the horror stories of difficult childbirth I've heard. The risks involved in that are enormous, every time, and of course it's higher risk for some than for others. But we still do it! As band technology improves, the number of patients for whom surgery is not advisable will be smaller and smaller. For now, it makes sense that a single size of band will not necessarily fit all. But the dreaded negative outcome of banding surgery seems to be...no band. Well, I can live with that!

Hi Jenn, I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! Yup, I am intimately familiar with that lump-in-the-throat/chest feeling. I had it on and off for the first three or so weeks. It faded at times but would return occasionally for no reason that I could tell. Now at 4 weeks out it's completely gone. I'm sure it's just a normal sensation related to banding surgery. I guess it could be related to gas--it took a surprisingly long time for all of those weird pains and sensations to clear up. As for your pill, I also had that experience with a Vitamin. The next time you have such a feeling try drinking some warm beverage. This can soothe irritated tissue and/or speed the dissolution of the pill. But I don't want to have that feeling again, so I split any pill that is larger than this: O Even if it's not strictly necessary at this point, I figure it's a good habit to get into for later on when I have restriction.

Hi Marsha, Most of the tests you have to do are pretty routine for the initial stages of being qualified for the band. I was talking (above) about the tests required before one is admitted to the hospital immediately pre-surgery. Men under 40 seem to have a very easy time of that.

Megan, what an inspiring story! My heart breaks for Kay who will probably get her RNY. She's so young! To live the rest of her life with the side effects caused by bypass surgery is really unnecessary, and from what you say about her attitude she'll probably be no more than 25 when all the weight has come back on. I'm really sad for her already. Nancy was probably older, right? And clearly wiser. She personifies my mantra that the band is the thinking person's WLS. Thank you for sharing your impressions of these two women, and I know you're another Nancy in the making!

That's fascinating! My experience was just that I noticed my tongue was whitish, but I didn't think much of it. I figured it had something to do with the fact that I wasn't eating anything. Then someone on Smartbandsters said it was happening to him and asked whether anyone knew what was up. Lots of people chimed in that it happened to them too! There were several comments about yeast infections, but I think that's just because no one had ever compared notes on the subject before. It's way too common to be a yeast infection! Let's hear it for the elimination of toxins!! <==imagine a white tongue

Bandgal, your surgeon has given you a diet plan for recovery. If you are only four weeks out your body is still recovering from the surgery and postop liquid diet. You're just adjusting, and everyone agrees a plateau at this point is par for the course. I've seen the same two pounds come and go for the last ten days! I agree with Babs that the idea of banding isn't to eat to a specific portion size. Portion size will limit itself by necessity when you have proper restriction. Right now you're just torturing yourself by eating so little, to no purpose! And when your body does adjust and you do start losing again--which WILL happen--your doctor will see that you're losing weight on his starvation diet and decline your request for a fill. That's just self-defeating, IMO.

In answer to the opening post, I agree with everything Robin said, particularly the above. I sense a lot of defensiveness when I read comments from RNYers bashing the band, and I try to understand where it's coming from. Sure, those comments can be disconcerting. I read hundreds of them. But when all is said and done, I knew what I need to help me lose weight. For me, some mechanism to help restrict portion size and speed of consumption is EXACTLY what I've been wishing for all my life. And here it is! No slicing and dicing, no malabsorption, no major risks, no sudden shocking loss that makes my skin not fit. There are so many success stories from smart people who are working it right -- and I know I will be one of them someday.

Wow, this is NEWS for Aetna folks. Aetna has changed its Coverage Policy Document on bariatric surgery. It doesn't actually embrace lapbanding, but it DOES open the door for people who have significant contraindications for RNY. There are some contraindications listed, but as we all know they can't possibly predict all the cases. For example, if I were going to try to appeal my denial again now, I'd make a strong case that the rapid weight loss following RNY surgery was in itself something I could not accept. That sort of rapid weight loss significantly disrupted my life 13 years ago, when I lost 75 lbs in 12 weeks on Optifast. For the full picture, visit Aetna's website at www.aetna.com and look for Coverage Policy Bulletin # 157. I see more Aetna bandsters in the future!!

Pre-op diets instructions vary a lot. My surgeon didn't require any pre-op diet at all. The not-eating-after-midnight thing is not a diet, it's generally required for any procedure involving general anaesthesia.

Ginger: Tomorrow is the big day!! Good luck, and don't forget to come back and let us know how it went!! Joanne, it sounds like you would easily qualify for weight-loss surgery with either Aetna or BCBS. Here's what Aetna has to say about the band: From this it seems that you could qualify for the band with Aetna. Your PCP and surgeon would have to really home in on that in their recommendation letters--they'd have to say you're NOT a good candidate for RNY for medical reasons. Good luck!!

Hi Janet, I think that when you hear people say they are "hungry all the time" you're hearing people who ared just recently banded. There is definitely a stage--just after surgery but before the first fill--when hunger pangs return with a vengeance. But it's OK to eat when that happens! Post-restriction, as I understand it, hunger really diminishes dramatically. I've noticed even now that when I'm done eating I stay full for a lot longer than I used to pre-band. I get hungry--I'm human, after all--but it already takes a whole lot less food to answer that need. Keep asking questions!!

I had diarrhea too, for a couple of days post surgery. A liquid diet can do that to you. In fact, until the anaesthesia completely wore off I didn't even have a bowel movement -- that's like three days or so. And until I started on mushy foods there just wasn't a lot solid to make a BM with. Sorry for the grotesque detail, but suffice to say that lots of people have experienced post-surgical runs. Also: a liquid diet can result in a whitening of the tongue. I don't know why, but lots of people experience it and it's nothing to be alarmed about. It's not necessarily a yeast infection, but that's the first thing that comes to mind so it's easy to get alarmed.

When I was doing full liquids, soup was my survival food. If you're traveling around can you stop to get some at lunchtime? Cream soups and bisques were the best and really filling. And there are loads of stores nowadays who sell really good soup to go. (I have some great recommendations if you're going to be in Summit!)

Hi Lenny, Welcome to the forum! I see we're neighbors, sort of. Where are you having surgery? No question, the pre-op procedures vary depending on age as well as medical condition. The sheet of orders handed out by the surgeon in my office even had colums for check marks arranged by the age of the patient. I'd suggest that if anyone is thinking about surgery who is nearing their 40th birthday, do it before you get there. Men who are under 40 have it easiest of all--they didn't even have to have bloodwork done prior to surgery! As a 41 year-old female I only needed bloodwork, and after seeing what was checked off on some other people's sheets I felt extremely lucky.

Hi Jennifer, First, congratulations on your banding!! My guess is that you're not an experienced surgical patient? From your description it sounds like you're having the same sorts of feelings that many of us had--sharp pains in the chest area, port pain around the large incision, nausea and so on. They can be very alarming indeed, but some discomfort is obviously to be expected. Each day you will feel better, and by the time all the anaesthetic leaves your system your nausea will be gone. Then you'll wake up one morning and your port pain will be gone too. Just take it easy and don't feel guilty about RESTING!!! Several days in an easy chair and you'll be good as new. Please let us know how you're doing. Welcome to Bandlandia!

Sandy, that's great! What a drag about the radiologist with the bad aim, though. It could be decades before the band is ubiquitous enough so that most people responsible for doing fills really know what they're doing, I guess. Good luck with your eating! Let us know how it goes in the next week or so. And watch the weight come off!!

Good luck to both of you, Christina and Coal!! This week will zip by and before you know it you'll be BANDSTERS!!!

Insurance carriers make their decisions based on the "medical necessity" of a given procedure. If a doctor and patient can make a seriously convincing argument that excess skin is causing a medical problem, a carrier might very well cover the surgery to repair it. Obviously this is very much open for interpretation and subject to the vagaries of individual doctors, patients, and claims adjudicators. But I absolutely do know of situations where insurance has paid for tummy tucks, breast lifts and/or reductions, etc.

Well, the healing is just about over and my first fill has not yet been scheduled. All the post-op swelling is gone and my scars are fading. I feel, most of the time, like I never had surgery. This is good...and bad. Yesterday was my older daughter's birthday, and I did a great job of avoiding the borthday goodies. Tonight it's much harder--picking at leftovers is my specialty and these are especially enticing. So I come to the computer room to get away from the table, and what happens? My younger daughter helpfully toddles in with a handful of brownie crumbs for me and a big smile on her face. How could I say no? Now it starts, the familiar refrain: I'm hungry...but I'm on a diet! AARRRGGGGHHHH!!! This is such a familiar feeling and it's one that I hate. I'm anticipating two or three more weeks of wanting to eat like I used to and not having anything between me and those habits. Now I understand about the dreaded pre-fill stage!

It certainly seems this is a rite of passage for Bandsters! It's really helpful to hear people who have been through this share how fleeting a time it will feel like later. And I'm trying to remember the WHOLE YEAR prior to banding during which I managed to keep from gaining weight. Now, how did I do that again? Tonight's dinner was pizza, which I haven't had for over a month. It was luscious and, amazingly, one slice was all I wanted. Right there, that's progress!!

May we infer from your username that you are a doula? Yay, you!! I had a doula for both of my deliveries and I swear--it was the best money I've ever spent. Every chance I get I sing her praises!! Anyhoo, welcome to the forum. I hope you'll post often and feel free to ask all your questions!

Hi Shayne, One of the really cool things about banding vs. other types of WLS is that it's really easy to keep it to yourself if you want to. The surgery is relatively minor, and it shouldn't take more than a week for you to feel almost 100% recovered. It can easily be accomplished during a short vacation from work, for example. Personally, I took three days off--back at work on Monday after a Wednesday surgery. As for people looking down on me, well, anyone who would hold such an opinion isn't worth my worrying about. My friends and family who know have all been supportive. Those I haven't told have no idea anything was done. Like you, I have been big my whole life. The band presented my best hope for gaining control over what's so long controlled me. Justifying it to other people wasn't something I felt necessary.

Wow! That is a lot indeed. But "too much"? I don't know that there is such a thing. If she's happy and comfortable having had such a loss, more power to her. She's clearly doing a lot to maximize her weight loss--she's averaging 5 pounds a week!

Hi Roxanne, Glad to know I'm not alone! I was supposed to see the doctor today but his office cancelled my appointment (some emergency got in the way ). When I do see him, which will be soon, I definitely plan to ask for a fill appointment. Even if it's 3 weeks or so from now it will be good to have it on the calendar at least.

Babs, I'm seriously blushing here. Thank you for the nice words! Megan, I'm so glad you started this thread! You've clearly struck a nerve, and I for one am thrilled that we can feel comfortable coming here and sharing what we probably wouldn't share with our real-life companions. I can't imagine telling any of my 3D friends that I'm worried about knowing what to wear when I get down to a normal size. Always being size 26+ has limited my options so much that my "style" has been determined purely by what's available in my size. One of the major reasons I liked the band was that I want to recognize myself in the mirror as the pounds come off. I'm very apprehensive about how I'll feel when people notice, or when they don't notice. The trick, I think, will be seeing the positive in the situation, whichever it is. If they notice and say something about my weight loss, it's a compliment pure and simple. If they don't notice, or don't say something, it's because my weight wasn't something they thought about in the first place. (Yeah, right. ) Here's another fear I won't be telling anyone I know IRL. I've always been something of an underachiever. My career has been characterized by a lack of ambition, a spinning of wheels in place. I have skills I never use and potential that has not come close to being realized. (I know how that sounds, but I hope you know what I mean.) So what happens when I finally do lose weight? I don't really think I'll suddenly become ambitious and Type-A, but I'll have nothing to blame that on anymore except laziness. Will I hate myself? Janeen, thanks so much for your posting above. It'swonderful to know there is another side.