faithmd

I hate that freaking Murphy, his Laws are complete CRAP, aren't they? Wheet, here's hoping it comes together and gets better, REALLY FAST for you! Dayum, that's a lot of rotten crap to have happen in a short period of time. It HAS to get better from here, doesn't it?

This is a popular topic on here, there's a few threads about it, here's some links. I hope they help you! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/medic-alert-id-not-28352/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/anyone-bought-medic-alert-bracelet-41736/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f100/anyone-getting-medic-alert-necklace-bracelet-46098/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/medic-alert-medical-id-lapband-38230/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f76/medic-alert-braclet-necklace-36853/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/medic-alert-bracelets-they-recommended-21625/

AppleSmith, and anyone else interested in opinions about Dr. Rutledge, check out these threads from here on LBT: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/about-long-term-effect-lap-banding-40962/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/mini-gastric-bypass-38557/#post524410 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/any-doctors-remove-band-do-revisions-36883/index2.html http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f18/lap-band-gastric-pass-31479/index2.html http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/anti-lapband-website-25351/#post327764

I wanted to add, there is no guarantees how you will react post-op. We are all different. There are many (older) threads around here about this subject. I think there is an old poll about how often folks PB. From what I recall, there are a number of people who have never done it, some who have only done it a couple of times, and yet some still who do it more frequently. Following all the rules is a good way to cut down on the number of PB's, but nothing is guaranteed, sadly. You will discover what foods are triggers for you, what foods you absolutely cannot and at what fill level this occurs. Some people have no problems with any foods, some cannot eat rice, some cannot eat bread, some have trouble with steak, others have difficulty with dry chicken, etc. No way to tell what your issue will be, or if you'll have one. I have no fill in yet and I do have trouble with deli turkey meat. I have to eat it very slowly and chew well, but I do alright with most everything else.

PBing is NOT at all (for me) like vomiting. I HATE to vomit. Though I must say, I cannot imagine not getting this life changing, or rather, life saving surgery because of a fear of vomiting.

My post-op diet said pasta was a no-no until at least three months out.

Sadly, my requirement was 12 months of an MD supervised diet. I think you give good suggestions, Marimaru! And Manatee, what a wonderful thought. I agree with someone else here who said, with the volatile markets, who knows what it would be worth soon, anyway. I know a couple years ago when the markets started to slide after the dot.com boom, I lost somewhere between 20 and 35K. I have no idea how much I've lost recently, I REFUSE to look.

Ooooo, oooooo I just GOTTA know!

I'm so glad you are happy with the surgeon and the practice. Word of caution, if it is an EXCLUSION to bariatric surgery, your chances are nil of beating it. But one of your best allies would be to get in touch with Walter Lindstrom at The Obesity Law Center: Obesity Law and Advocacy Center

That's wonderful! It is soooooo important to be confident in and comfortable with your surgeon. How fantastic that you have seen him in the OR already.

What are Samoa's? Are they the Caramel DeLites? Never mind, I went and looked, and they are one and the same. And I LOVE those little suckers, too. But none for me this year, I splurged on PB patties and Thin Mints and Lemonades.

Dammit, I ordered four boxes. I couldn't stop myself. It's like they are laced with PCP or crack or meth they are soooo darned addicting!

Please, please PLEASE tell me you are kidding about not knowing who he is!!!!! OMG, if you are not kidding, I am SOOOOOOO OLD!!!!!!!!!!!! The man singing is Tattoo from Fantasy Island. He was the little guy who would run at the beginning of every episode to the top of the bellfry and ring the bell and point and yell, "De plane, Boss! De Plane!"

Here's a few links to threads to help you: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f15/what-should-i-bring-w-me-mx-4-surgery-20092/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/going-mexico-what-should-i-take-41039/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/packing-list-mexico-35074/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/travelling-banding-packing-list-25646/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/packing-hospital-30599/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f73/post-op-checklists-things-have-before-surgery-14814/

It is common to take a couple of weeks for a fill to "kick in." But in reading the boards and researching the band for months before being banded myself, one of the biggest things I took away from my research was that it usually takes a FEW fills before you get to that "sweet spot" (and sweet spot feels different to everyone) of restriction. Good luck!

I believe you need to PM one of the Moderators or Alex (the board owner). You can find the moderator's names on the home page at the bottom, if you click on a name, you can select to PM them.

Marty, please go check out the Insurance forum. As I recall there are quite a few folks there who have had UHC. Also, just a word of caution, if YOUR policy does not cover Adjustable Gastric Banding because of an EXCLUSION, then you are sadly stuck. Just because you and I may both have United, my employer may have paid for a Bariatric surgery rider, but yours may not have. That is why you may not have coverage, but I may. Good LUCK! I hope this helps.

dream, you might want to check out the Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery forum (yep, there's a whole forum in here dedicated to that subject, isn't that cool?) for the answers to this. I think if I recall correctly, there is a long thread or possibly a poll thread that already asks the question about waiting to goal. It is unfortunately probably impossible to judge whether you will need cosmetic surgery based on what someone else needed. We are all so different. Sometimes insurance will cover breast reduction and panniculectomy, depends on your policy. For that answer, you'd have to call your insurance company and ask what the requirements for RECONSTRUCTIVE surgery are. No one covers cosmetic surgery that I have heard of.

Citracal, it's (I think) about 30 cals, but it is a yummy chocolate treat!

I'm not single, but I have told hardly a soul about my band, and can't see that you would need to. There is a GREAT thread on here (and it's quite long) for single bandsters, they have likely discussed what you are asking about at some point. Here's a link to that thread. I hope it helps: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f15/thread-single-bandsters-25494/

If you have a choice, I'd ask for the AP band. And there is no way they all have a 5cc capacity. I'm not sure what he means by this. But it doesn't really matter. Doesn't hurt to ask for the box, though. That way you know what band you received (I have mine, it's a neat keepsake!).

I've only lost 27lbs since surgery (June 21, 2007), but it's completely my fault, I've not yet had a fill. I had one scheduled with Christy (Hurley) but had to cancel it and it's a challenge for me to schedule another with my work schedule. I do feel "soft stops" and get feelings of being "satisfied" but I continue to eat through them. I'm working on it, though. I was back up to 308 and have gotten back down to 301, so I'm hoping I can stay on track.

CONGRATS on getting approved!!! But I have a question, how many bands has your surgeon done? That is a consideration. I am certain that as a nurse I do not have to tell you that you want someone experienced to place your band. Have you discussed this with him?

Call your insurance company with your card in hand and ask them yourself of they cover adjustable gastric banding on YOUR POLICY. Then ask them to send you a copy of the requirements. Good luck!!!

Tuna makes me ill, but I wonder how it would be with canned chicken? Your recipe sounds good, I think I'll try it tomorrow.