Debbie Jersey

How exciting it is to start a new chapter in our lives. The anticipation of loosing this fat! And then..... Well you know surgery, pain, the unknown, the questions, the BIG question..............HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? I want to be skinny already!!! The anticipation can be a big build up and that is ok. But you have to be sure that you continue to think positively about the step that you took....during those post-op painful days.....during the days when you literally feel so hungry that you will swear your stomach is eating itself...............even on the days or weeks that maybe the weight loss isn't going as fast as you thought it would or wanted to believe. My doctor told me that the average weightloss would be around 40 pounds. I even read it in the information. However I convinced myself that I COULD DO MUCH BETTER!

Sounds like we are in the same boat. My primary question and frustration.....HOW ARE BANDERS LOOSING SO MUCH WEIGHT SO FAST? I swear, I REALLY AM TRYING! I can relate to your frustration. I am 1 year post-surgery and have been so discouraged with my weight loss so far. 12 months later and I have only lost 27 pounds. I have felt little or no appetite suppression or restriction up till this point. I have been trying to follow the diet and exercise and attribute my small weight loss to my efforts. But my problem still remains, I love food, love to eat and will overeat. My doctor fills me only .5cc every 6 weeks. Between his vacation and surgery scheduled, coupled with the appointments that they have cancelled on me, I am just now at 5cc in a 10cc band. I just started SparkPeople today to help me track my diet and exercise.

I lost 10 brains!

I am 10 months post-surgery and have been so discouraged with my weight loss so far. 10 months later and I have only lost 20 pounds. I have felt little or no appetite suppression or restriction up till this point. I have been trying to follow the diet and exercise and attribute my small weight loss to my efforts. But my problem still remains, I love food, love to eat and will overeat. My doctor fills me only .5cc every 6 weeks. Between his vacation and surgery scheduled, coupled with the appointments that they have cancelled on me, I am just now at 5cc in a 10cc band. Does anyone else have similar problems? Any recommendations?

My insurance does not require a referral from my PCP but later in the process, before approving coverage they did require a letter of clearance from my PCP. On my first doctor visit I filled out a lot of forms to identify current medical conditions, doctors, medication etc. After providing the details I was evaluated for qualification. This was not qualification for insurance coverage but for medical need. The insurance coverage comes much later (after required doctors visits, tests, studies, etc). If it is your insurance company that requires the referral you might check if they will accept a referral from your GYN. I have not heard of a doctor requiring a referral, but you can check to see if they will accept the referral from your GYN if that is the case. Like Jen said, the first visit is mostly a "get to know you" appointment. Good luck to you!

South Jersey girl here. Anybody still following this topic? I am 6 months post surgery and just had my 4th fill 2 days ago. In reading the topics I am seeing that many patients are getting 2mm fills? My doc is only doing 1mm at a time.....which equals slow go. I am very discouraged with my progress and the effectiveness of the band. I am only just now feeling any difference before my surgery. The difference is that it hurts if I eat too fast or do not chew my food thoroughly. The food usually comes back up. So maybe now I can commence with some weight loss? I understand that only I am responsible for my food choices and portion control but if I was successful at those tasks I would not have needed the band in the first place. I am a discouraged but after my fill I am a little bit hopeful. Any tips for success?