leatha_g

I'm real glad you've come this far, but it concerns me that you may not have continuing coverage AFTER your surgery. You do know that any new coverage you may get later probably will NOT cover the band since it will be pre-existing, I hope. ?? Also, are you prepared to pay out of pocket for fills and continuing care if you let the COBRA go? I know how exciting it is to think of getting the lapband, but I just want to be sure you understand this is just the beginning. You will have this band for life and things can get a bit costly out of pocket, especially if there are any complications, which we certainly hope you do not have, but are very possible. Don't mean to rain on your parade, but it something you should seriously be planning for. I wish you luck with your approval!

To add to all the other great advise: Gastric bypass patients DO have a 'window of opportunity' for weight loss. Lapband really does not, so don't worry yourself about beating the clock. It is just not something you have to do with the band. Now aren't you glad you got the band instead? :banana

Rica, I'm really sorry to hear of your father's diagnosis. I truly hope that he is able to beat this. Having said that, I'd also like to add that there is a form of 'leukemia' (and I'll try to find it) that apparently hits men of a certain age, usually older. My uncle has this type of leukemia and at the moment, I don't recall the actual name of it, but I can tell you my uncle is 81 years old, goes dancing every weekend and is in better health than his younger brothers and sisters. I certainly don't want to minimize your father's diagnosis, but I don't want you to lose hope either. I'll be sending up prayers for your father and your family as you get it all sorted out. ((((((((((RICA))))))))))

Jodie, I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this. Having been through a divorce myself, after 20 yrs of marriage; my heart goes out to you. There isn't much someone can say to take aware your fears and the reality of the situation, but please know that we are here and will support you through good wishes and prayers that everything will turn out the way you would wish it to be. For now, take a deep breath, maybe a relaxing bath and try to gather your thoughts for the days to follow. One never knows what tomorrow will bring, but it usually always looks better in the daylight. Hugs to you... Leatha

I would be a bit concerned about some of those really large capsules, for sure. But, I wouldn't let it stop me from being banded and losing weight, which would probably do more good for me than all the supplements on the market. Just my 2 cents.. Good luck with your decision.

If you build it, they will come. :devious or, at least, I would. :cheeky

That's a very impressive website there. I wished I had the determination to tackle something like she has.

I sure don't understand why any doctor would go against what the manufacturer of the product deems to be the most successful way of maintaining a band. Strange. In the end, however, it may be very lucrative. 'Iffy' maintenance could UP the chances of re-operation. As a consumer and patient, I would be a bit concerned about this. Be kind to your band, Loveme. It is meant to save your life and to help you maintain your weight loss for the rest of your life. Michelle/Southern Band girl, was he this lax when you were first banded? Just wondering..

This is, by far, the hardest part of banding. But, more than that. That you can identify it, label it and admit it is a major step in the right direction. We really do do a certain amount of grieving over the loss of food, our great comforter. Of course, as with any addiction, we have to find something to take it's place. For me, that is the hardest part. I'm glad you like it here. Truly, we do have a great group of down to earth, practical folks here who all seem to identify with each other. That makes us very lucky. Welcome!

First of all, there is no maximum number of fills - unless you've reached your band's capacity, which varies from band type to band type. You can definitely gain your weight back IF you start eating around your band and stop making good food choices (Proteins first, veggies next, anything else IF you still have room, Water, water, water, exercise, exercise, exercise). Each person's experience is unique. What 2ccs does to you and your band experience may be totally different than what 2ccs does to me and my band experience. Everything hinges on how thick the layers of tissue are where your band is situated and how much they shrink or do not shrink during your weight loss. It's not a silly question, but from what I gather, it is meant for us to continue to tighten the band until we get to a place of maintenance with our weight. Once we reach a place where we are not gaining, nor losing any longer, we should be able to leave it alone. Some of the longer term bandsters have gone for several years without tweaking their bands. They say they maintain their weight within a few pounds and if they see that the weight is creeping up, they begin to check themselves for 1.diet 2. exercise 3. water intake and if they feel they're doing all the right things, they may have their fill topped off. Hope this makes it a bit more clear for you.

Welcome Theresa Marie!!! Please feel free to browse through all the sections of this forum. There is so much experience and information there for the taking. Let us know of any specifics you have questions about and tell us all about your journey thus far!

Sounds like we need to clarify - we are talking about TWO different occasions. One - a possible day trip - local people kinda thing. TWO - a sort of LBT get-together, more like a whole weekend sort of gig. I'm old ya'll. Don't get me confuzzled. The 14th is a Sunday. I'm easy, but I'd prefer to hear from others before I commit to any one date.

Yes. it's driveable for me, depending on what day it is. Thanks for thinking of me.

Congratulations on a great year, Kyleigh!! Great job!!

Welcome Home Kelly Ann!! Glad to hear all went well and looking forward to watching your progress!!

LOL, well. Looks like it needed to be re-iterated. lol.

Sounds like your band is doing what it is meant to do. Again, with the lapband, 5-10lbs PER MONTH is average. You are actually ABOVE average. Try chewing more and taking smaller bites. Remember, this is for life. There is no hurry and you will not/SHOULD NOT lose like someone with the gastric bypass. Slow loss is a much more healthy loss. This is not a race. Try not to drink while you are eating so that the food will stay in your pouch longer. If you begin to feel as if you will vomit, these could be signs of taking too big of bites or eating too fast. Today is the 22nd. You have lost 12 pounds in 17 days. What's there to complain about? I'm a bit concerned that you got a fill BEFORE 6 weeks is up. Can you tell us again, who is your doctor? This is very unusual to get a fill before the 6 weeks healing period is over.

I just noticed Penni and Marie(NewHope) have become moderators. Congrats!!

Well. I have just taken a major step. I have signed up for C&W dance lessons starting Monday night. This is quite a step for me. I have country danced since I was 10 yrs old, however the country dancing I have done all my life is 'traditional' country dancing not all this new-fangled line dancing and steps. I literally danced my ass off when I was younger/single and never knew I had a serious weight problem. Then, I met my husband (who is now ex) and he did nothing of the sort. I danced on occasion even after that, but I really missed it and always sort of resented him for not learning how/taking that out of my life. Once I was single, I had began traveling 100% for my work, so there has been no time or way to incorporate that or any sort of regular activity into my life. Then, I got sick and have been fighting my way back to something resembling health over the past 3 years in addition to traveling. Now, my traveling has slowed way down and I think I may be working in the office or at least in the area more, so I just signed up for dance lessons and a local dance club who go dancing as a group on the weekends and some weeknights. This has been a helluva long hard road and there were days I sure never thought I'd make it to this point, but I've been such a recluse these last few years, due to illness and self-loathing. I reckon this is exactly what NSV(non-scale victory) is all about.

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Great news Ryan. I'm so glad all is well and you're on your way to better health now! I'm so excited for you!!

I do have the waistline problem with my port. It is on the left side right where my jeans waistband was and it DID really cause me some concern about the first year, however, since I have now lost 67lbs it has moved more to the center and lower so it doesn't give me fits as much anymore. Usually the doc doesn't give you an option. They each have their own favs and reasons why they prefer it one way as opposed to the other. I've heard sternal ports are great! Easy access, no hinderance with waistbands, etc.

Welcome Melissa!! Sounds like you're doing fine! Glad to have you aboard!! Be sure to browse through all the sections of this forum and soak all the info you can so you'll know what's coming next!

I printed this page out and carried with me forever, just to remind myself there are many and varied choices for protein. :-) http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/9847/protein.html