Dulci

I had my surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida and I highly recommend their program.

I have come to believe that no matter which WLS one chooses, most of the change has be done in the mind. If the patient is ready, willing and able to make changes, they will succeed. If the patient thinks that the band, sleeve or bypass is going to do the work and they will passively watch the weight melt away; they will fail. If I ever have to lose my band, I will revise to a sleeve, if I can.

I wish I had done it sooner.

It sounds like you are eating too fast, too big bites, or not chewing enough. The horrible feeling in your chest is what happens to me when food is not moving through the pouch. My nutritionist recommended bites approximately the size of the nail on your pinky finger, chew until the food is mush, then swallow. I hope you are happy and successful with your band!

I will be moving to Jacksonville in November. I will be looking for a good doc/practice for continued care. I was banded in 2011 at Cleveland Clinic Florida and I would like someone for maintenance fills and to be established as a patient if an emergency occurs. Any recommendations? (or warnings?)

My insurance only covered follow up for the first year. My doc only does fills under fluro and the cash price is $1,200.00. I found another doc that will do fills for $200 for the first and $140 for any subsequent fills.

Congrats!

I agree with Missy. I would hold off on the surgery until you have a new job with health coverage. Being unemployed is stressful. Making a lifestyle change and re-learning how to eat is difficult. Going through both at the same time sounds daunting. I wish you the best and I hope you will find a new position very soon.

I had my gallbladder out one year exactly from when I had my band placed. My surgery was similar to the band - 4 tiny incisions.

Come here to vent as much as you need to. When I was doing my post op diet, I actually sucked the salt from some pretzels, then spit them in a napkin and tossed them out. It was not one of my proudest moments.

I switched from one employer sponsored plan to a different plan choice. I didn't realize that the new company would only cover follow-ups and fills for 1 year after the surgery. Since my new insurer didn't pay for the lap band, I had to fight them to get to pay for my fills for the first year. I am fortunate to work for an employer that offers several options for health plans. During open season for 2014, I will be reviewing my plan choice. DH takes several name brand Rx's and even if I pay out of pocket for fills, we are still ahead because of my current plan's Rx benefits. If they change to a percentage based co-pay for name brands, I will switch back to my original plan.

Congrats on your loss! You are right on track and since your band is unfilled, it hasn't been as much help as it will be in the future. Get your fills as needed and keep up the great progress.

Living with a band is a lifestyle change. The band helps you feel satisfied on less food for a lot longer. When your physical hunger is sated, it is easier to make the right choices, easier to learn to distinguish "real" hunger from head hunger (eating from habit, eating because you are mad, sad, tired or bored, eating just cuz you want it). I read somewhere that losing weight with a band is like a having a car with power steering. You still choose the direction, but it is much easier to go the right way.

My doc said none for at least 9 months post op. I tried something carbonated once and it made me uncomfortable and gassy. I haven't wanted anything carbonated since. It didn't hurt, but it didn't feel "right". I drink a lot of tea: hot, iced, herbal, black . . . such a variety.

Since gluten free has become so trendy now, I use it as an excuse for why I am avoiding a lot foods.

I couldn't swim , take a bath, or use a hot tub for 6 weeks. I was cleared for most other activities before I was cleared to swim.

I don't post here very much. Like prior posters have said, I am happy with my weight, my band and my life. When I found this site, it was when I was researching WLS options and I googled "lap band horror stories". I wanted to know the worst case scenarios. This community has been a great resource for information and support. It also led to the formation of a Facebook group of people that had their bands placed the month I did. The Facebook group has been my primary source of support.

I have a Realize band. I don't think that there is a huge difference between the two brands.

I would suggest that you start logging everything you eat. It will help you to see what you are consuming - calories, fat, sodium, Protein. There are several apps and internet sites. A lot of people use www.myfitnesspal.com The site will help you to find a recommended calorie level for safe weight loss. It has a lot of foods already entered so you just have to search for them and select them. If you have never tracked what you are eating, it can really be an eye-opening experience.

I had my gallbladder remove exactly one year after I had my band placed. It was not the way I planned to spend my first bandiversary. My band did not have to be unfilled. If you have any further questions, let me know.

My doc said six months. I also plan for the calories.

During high school and college, I wore a size 12. When I started this journey, I hoped to get back to size 12. I am comfortably in size 8's and some size 6's! According to the BMI charts, I am still "overweight", but I am thrilled. I'd like to lose another 10 lbs, but if I don't, I am still thrilled with my results.

I add it to protein shakes. PB2 is a great substitute too.

Small containers, measuring cups and spoons, food scale, small plates.

I love popcorn and eat it regularly. I put regular kernels in a brown paper bag and microwave it. I top it with real melted butter and salt. Popcorn is my go to food when I need a boost of fiber.