faithmd

It is totally normal, Marga. Not that is feels good at all because it doesn't, but those are some of the pains I got. I'm two weeks out and just now my port incision and the two closest to it are starting to really bug me. My skin is still totally numb, but the pain is deep inside. I have read a couple of threads where people said their port still "twinged" 6 and 9 months later. After all, it is stitched to a muscle, so I'm sure stretching it will probably hurt a bit.

Woohoo babygirl!!!!

Different surgeons have different first fill schedules, some fill at 4 weeks, some at 6 and a very few wait 8. Some surgeons believe that as long are you are not feeling like you are starving and you are losing 1-2lbs per week, that you do not need a fill.

I have lost 60 lbs and have not had hardly any comments. One person I work with did mention that I should probably buy smaller shirts because she noticed my shoulder seam was creeping down my arm, but that's about it.

I think whether or not you could wear an underwire, or a bra at all would depend on a multitude of factors: How large breasted are you? How heavy are you? How thick is your midsection? Where did your incisions end up?

There are a few bariatric surgeons that are make whose last name begins with B and are in the NOLA area. Just playing Devil's advocate here.

Guys, I think his name is Dr. B. and he's from New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA)

This is a very popular question here, here's a couple of links to polls that have been posted about it so you can get a good cross-section of responses. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/poll-time-off-between-surgery-work-24060/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/how-soon-after-surgery-have-u-returned-work-31539/

I think it is so different for everyone, like asking how many pounds/kg/stone lost equals a size. I think this could be very interesting, though. For example, I have now lost 60 lbs as of today and I am still in the same clothes I was in at 371lbs. They are a little loose, but I wouldn't say that I feel like I could go buy a new size (26/28 jean and 22/24 top-5'7")

The commercials have been running all day here saying the 11th. Is there an IMAX near you? Perhaps that's open the 11th. Trust me, that is THE way to see a Harry Potter Movie, we've seen them all that way first.

Yep, I gotta agree with the two ladies above me. It seems the environment is just getting more toxic for you. It is killing your psyche and eroding your sense of worth, I'm sure. It may be time to look into how best to deal with ending the situation and striking out on your own. Whatever you decide, know that I, that we are all here for you and anything you feel you need to bounce off of us, we're ready. I'm still off work so I'm online a lot. I have my phone by me.

It opens the 11th, go that night. I was banded June 21st and there was no way I'd be able to sit through a movie in a theatre until at least three or four days later.

I wore a loose dress and definitely NOT an underwire bra. I also had my DH mark my stomach with a Sharpie where my underwire sits and where i wear my waistband so that those areas would be avoided during the surgery. They were

It does stink that there aren't more studies that speak to the effects of long term VLCD's. I think you are correct, as long as you are comfortable and not hungry, that's the key. Apparently you've been able to conquer that food monster and now can think of it as merely a fuel. I think that is part of what makes anyone successful who can lose weight and keep it off. I am still stuck (and probably will be) in the mentality of food as partly a social event. I'm much better than I was, but hope to be able to get to the "food is fuel" point. I don't disagree about wanting the fat chapter over soon. My problem is I do wonder about what life will be like when I'm not exceptionally fat anymore. I have been at a minimum of obese since 4th grade (puberty), morbidly obese since HS and supermorbidy obese since my 20's. I have never been normal sized since I was 9. Prior to that, I was actually too thin. I hope I'll be able to handle it if and when I make it to a "normal" or merely "obese" BMI.

Good for you, Glinda!!!

WOOHOO Purple Monkey!!!!!!! Congrats on making it!!!!

I think that answered the question. You are right good advice is good advice. You have offered some great responses to posts here. but I think it really is only fair if you would identify that you are working for a surgeon or for a group that is connected to surgeons in some way. Others here who have and do work for bariatric practices make it known.

Mysticstar, I haven't been having as much of a problem since I'm still on liquids, I was banded five days before you, what stage are you at now? Perhaps try the melting ice in a glass idea. I think that is what I'll do.

I have that pain, too. I think it's totally normal to still be hurting.

Gosh 600 seems so little and like it would be so easy for your body to start conserving on such a small amount. But again everyone is different and some folks need to eat less than others in order to lose. But I do agree with you completely about balancing it all out. I think 900 one day, perhaps a couple of 500 calorie days and then it all balances out.

Take a smallish pillow and some Gas-X strips. The pillow is to pad the seat belt on the plane and in the car.

I stayed home and avoided all celebrations just because I knew it would kill me to be near it. I've just been banded two weeks and I LOVE ribs, hot dogs, etc. I knew I could never handle it. It's bad because the yearly tasting celebration is going on in Detroit (fairly close) and I love going. Alas, I won't be attending this year. I'm also avoiding watching the news because of it. I did happen to catch a couple of stories last night and was amazed at the amount of food people had on their plates. Two weeks ago I'd have thought absolutely nothing of eating a whole rack, and possibly a rack and a half of ribs by myself. Now I just dream of only a taste and I'd be happy.

Joining in! July - Labor Day 2007 Challenge Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme........................293...........293............266...........27 juliegeraci...........................226...........226............206...........20 areellady.............................251.5........247.5.........230...........17.5 punkeyb88..........................306...........238............225...........13 Chris_NJ.............................326...........326............290...........36 PaulaD................................222...........222............200...........22 MM.....................................248...........248............230...........18 sdakotaRN...........................255...........255............230...........25 Babygrl1234.........................224...........224............199...........25 faithmd................................312...........312.............285...........27

Carmalita, it may be right for you, it may not. Find a doc near you and go to a free information session about it. Have you figured your BMI out yet? Unfortunately I can't tell you if your BCBS will pay for the band, not every employer will take the riders for weight loss surgery, so someone else who has anthem may or may not have the same coverage as you. You must call your insurance company, grab your card and give them a call. Tell them you want to have adjustable gastric banding done and ask if they have a special procedures case manager who takes care of the bariatric cases that you can speak with. If not, then speak to whoever can help you figure out what the requirements are. Have a pen and a pad of paper handy, write down the name of every person you speak to and note the date and time. Make notes of what they say. Most big companies have case managers that deal exclusively with special procedures like this. If not, then with the codes below, you should be able to get somewhere with the rep you talk to. The codes to ask if they are covered are: laparoscopic surgical adjustable band:Procedure code 43770; diagnosis code 278.01 Once you have found out from them what the requirements are, ask them to snail mail (and email if they can) you a copy of those requirements.

Sounds like you do need a fill. And yes, certainly what you eat will have a huge impact on your loss or lack of. I would def. call your surgeon and get in to see her/him.