leatha_g

I was banded first by Cigna PPO, I had to have my band removed due to slippage just over one year later and at the same time had another band put in. Cigna HMO then paid for that. I would think that each case and each insurance company would be unique in it's outcome. Hope you don't have to test it to find out.

I'm really sorry to hear of this unfortunate thing, but I'm really glad you were able to have this awesome opportunity to get this far ahead with your weight loss. You've done a great job with the band. I'll pray for strength that you'll continue to maintain. We're all in this together. Hugs.. Leatha

Yep. I've eaten out of dessert plates since I was banded. I actually prefer them and cups to keep my portion control in check.

Welcome! I am in McKinney and in my humble opinion, I would say that may be pushing it a little too fast. I know, some have done it, no problem, but I would err on the side of caution in case you aren't one of them. There are numerous groups who have dinner once a month and I know Surgery Center of Richardson has a Sunday group once a month. I'm sure Dr Barker's office could put you in touch with some of them. I don't attend, but I met some of them on the Yahoo Groups for local bandsters.

You mean we're supposed to stop learning at some point??

These pics are as I left for surgery and post op, then July 2005. I've ONLY lost 70-72 lbs and sadly, my clothes size really hasn't dropped like some, but I'll take it. Considering I was dying with blood clot issues (pulmonary embolism/DVT) and I could barely walk around the block, I consider it a miracle that I'm still alive. Thank you Lord, for allowing me this opportunity for a second chance.

Could it be the tubing? Maybe adhesions? My port is definitely on the left side about midway up. Others are more centered. But remember, some docs leave a whole lot of tubing in there which would have to take up space SOMEWHERE... hmm..

I really have not, as opposed to Wellbutrin, which I gained 30lbs in 30 days on.

Awesome NSV!! You go girl!

Amen.. and Thank God that He is there for us even when we continue to 'play' like children.

Not too sure about things I've specifically DONE, but I'm very sure of alot of things I have NOT done, like dancing, swimming, riding rides, riding horses, staying outside in the heat, playing volleyball, riding a bicycle... shall I continue?

Interestingly, before being banded, if I didn't eat, I will feel nauseous, weak, jittery, get migraines, the whole bit. Once I was over the initial surgery and basic 'detox' of all the sugars/refined starches I was stuffing in my face on a daily basis, those things seemed to subside. Now, my thinking is such that if I ever get to feeling even slightly that way, I say to myself, 'I need protein'. I rarely get those hungry shakes anymore and I've been banded well over 2 years. If I stay hydrated and maintain Protein intake I do amazingly well. Do I only eat protein and drink Water? Nope. Do I 'diet'? Nope. In fact, I vary from the path on a daily basis, but I no longer have those terrible bouts of weakness associated with hunger.

Thanks Lisa! She looks awesome and more like a little girl her age should. God bless her father for taking a stand and intervening in her life. Every child deserves a little structure and routine, along with some genuine parental love in their life. Not all get it. The smile on her face says to me, she is doing well. Awesome!

I am taking a new drug called Cymbalta, and I also take Trazadone at night before bed. So far, so good. The thing I liked most about them is that they didn't have that horrible lethargic/groggy period that the old anti-depressants had. In fact, I had a very seamless transition off of Nortriptyline/Pamelor onto the new drugs. I haven't noticed any real side effects except that my mood is on a much more even keel. The 'brain fog' I seemed to have gotten from the older drug has improved greatly. Of course, your mileage may vary. Good luck. I know it's tough getting the right combination.

I was banded over 2 years ago. I'm down to 178, from 250. I'd still be better off to lose another 50, but if I never lose another pound, having this band is the ONLY way I could have ever done this AND maintained it for this long. I was banded twice, due to slippage and the answer is an emphatic YES, and I would do it again once a year if that's what it took to keep me from going back there.

For those of us who are extremely self conscious or who have limited mobility or stamina. I have yet to find a comparable place to help us gain the confidence to continue going. It is a very non-threatening environment. No 'hard-bodies' staring you down. No men to be embarrassed in front of. No bouncing or dances that you may not yet be coordinated enough for. Just simple range of motion movement, repitition that doesn't last too long or leave you sore. I think it is a ray of hope for those of us who are hesitant to try or unable to do some of the other things that are available. I go there for me, because it is the one place I feel comfortable and WILL go on a continual basis.

Cool. I've got two Large bags sitting in my house right now who need a home. Course, I could also use a change myself, too. I signed up. Hopefully, it will work!

I have extensive experience with alcoholic/addicted family members. Attended AlAnon/Adult Children of Alcoholics for 12 years and still declare they pretty much saved my life and sanity. Ask away.

just think of all the rats and such that have climbed all over those cans in the warehouse. yummy...

I have had both. I'd choose United. Cigna HMO is a real headache, however, they did cover my second band surgery, because I was on the PPO with my first and had changed to HMO when I needed a second.

Boy.. isn't that statement true! You'd think we all had a stake in Inamed/J&J stock...

YAY Betty!! You've been a model bandster girlfriend! I'm SOO proud of you and for you! You deserve every great thing that comes from this and more! Happy Bandiversary!! (((((BETTY))))

Sounds like a great phenomena to me, however.. I'm concerned about the soft foods. The band is not meant to only be used with soft foods (soups, ice cream, gravies, mashed potatoes) eventually, the calorie dense liquids will slow you down. Hard proteins - fish, chicken, etc are really the thing that helps work the best and also keeps your protein level on an even keel. Leave it to me to call attention to this, but the 'soft food syndrome' is not your friend. I'm really glad the band is working with your satiety, however. Keep up the good work! Congrats!

(((((((((((((((PAULA))))))))))))), so glad to see your smiling face! So sorry you've had to go through this awful experience, but I thank God that you are safe! Love, Mom!

Great post, Megan!! you have really done an awesome job and you are just getting better and better! I'm really proud of you and all that you have accomplished!