Lapbandster

Interesting about the tylenol- I just went to my local dollar store and got 40 pills of 500mg extra strength acetaminophen. I did the same with ibuprofen

I have BCBS of iowa (otherwise known as wellmark) even though I'm from illinois (my company is based out of iowa...) Anyhow, I was also denied my first attempt. Then I did the 6 month diet, did all the preop testing (total hell), and FINALLY was approved! My advice: work with your surgeons coordinator to help you with the submitting process. they do this all the time and know all the nuances and things you need to get approved Good Luck

Hey everyone, Just had the lapband done yesterday and contrary to what I was told by the doctor/nurses, I am really really hungry! My stomach has not stopped growling since this morning and I can only have Clear liquids and Soup broth which doesn't satisfy my hunger. I can't drink Protein shakes because they make me nauseous (and my preop diet didn't require them). Anyone have any advice? Did anyone else have the same experience as me?

Uch, i'm noticing this with my obese friends. Whenever one of us stops eating so much suddenly the questions start "why arent you eating" "are you trying to diet AGAIN?". I think it's absolutely gross to look at someones plate and comment on what they're eating. Its just not polite at all. And if it's too awkward to continue eating with them, then I certainly will stop. Why put myself in an uncomfortable situation?

Ok, i'm thinking that since these hunger pains make absolutely no sense either 1) I'm just thirsty 2) It's gas pain (but why would that my stomach growl with hunger?!?!)

Wow didn't know that. Thanks for the info

I'm a newbie, so maybe my opinion doesn't count but here goes: I would never go back! The only other options for me were the sleeve and gastric bypass. Gastric bypass freaks the $h!t outta me because my mom had it. Don't get me wrong, she loved losing the weight, but lets face it: She is suffering from malabsorbtive problems, is always tired, and has lots of stretched/saggy skin from the rapid uncontrollable weight loss. She also is very anemic and can't seem to snap out of it even with meds, due to her malabsorbive issues. (interestingly, remember that singer carney wilson who was the "golden girl" promoting gastric bypass?? well guess what! She is now getting a revision surgery to the lapband because she stretched her pouch and gained back lots of weight http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/21/carnie-wilson-has-lap-band-weight-loss-surgery-again_n_1370723.html ) Plication also was scary to me since losing part of my stomach was a permament thing and I know someone who re-stretched their stomach rendering the surgery totally useless. OF COURSE i could have convinced myself that I didn't really need surgery and I could do it on my own, but lets face it- Obesity runs in both of my parents families, i was prediabetic and not getting younger. Losing 100 pounds seemed so daunting to me that I couldn't even get the nerve to try. I'm 23 and sick and tired of watching life passing me by. all my friends are confidently dating/getting married etc etc. All these things are just dreams to me now. Sitting on the sidelines and wishing to diet/be thin just simply doesn't work for me anymore. It's time to get a tool and help my dreams become a reality. Yes, every surgery has risks and complications, but statistically LapBand IS THE SAFEST. (not including plication which there is currently not enough data for)

Yah same here Got liquid pain meds that I don't really need because I have no bad pain (A little sore but not enough to need meds) But when I get hungry I will take them. Thanks for the insight

Yep I feel the exact same way! You literally took the words out of my mouth. But one thing is for sure: I'm glad i didn't wait. I really need to lose the weight and to keep living morbidly obese is not good for me socially, mentally or physically

Yes I agree with you, but i think plication is newer so there is not yet as much research on it, which is why people are more hesitant But yes, it seems to me that its a great sleeve alternative for those afraid of cutting out parts of their stomach

Was just banded yesterday (the 17th) and i'm already having stomach growls from hunger! Whats that all about!? I keep being told that I wont be hungry for a while! On the bright side though, the surgery went well, so far no gas pains, i'm out and about, and barely feeling nauseous! woohoo!! Definitely don't feel the band either. In fact if I didn't feel the port I would wonder if my doc pulled a fast one on me

Oh that sounds cool, do you remember what medicine it was? Were you also this hungry in the beginning?

@2muchfun Yes, I understand that i need to follow the rules and why they're so important... Just wondering why the heck i'm feeling so hungry?

No prob! Good luck with everything

When you get your meal, before eating cut it up into very small pieces. Then eat one piece at a time. Put down your fork while you chew. don't pick it back up until you have chewed a lot and have swallowed. Leave yourself at least 30 minutes to eat

Yep same here. It hurts when i try taking a deep breath. I'm not too worried though as i'm thinking it's just gas and the pain from my incisions. I just got banded yesterday (friday)

plication= folding over, so the surgeon will literally fold your stomach inside to reduce its volume and make it look like a sleeve without any removal of the stomach

I wanted to get the plication along with the band, but my surgeon didn't think i needed it. He said plication with the band is only for people who couldn't exercise and needed that extra "oomph" Also, there is not enough research long term for plication, so insurance won't cover it and they sometimes wont even cover the band if they get the surgical report and see you got plicated. It's more risky and not necessary for some people

Just be strong and ride out the first few days like a champ and you will soon be feeling better than ever

Excellent! Enjoy the compliments they are the fruits of your labor!

Oh dear This is NOT what I wanted to read the night before my surgery!!! AAAHHHH!!! Now i'm more freaked out than ever

Just wondering, when did you get your band? How many fills have you had? and when did you get this feeling (of not being hungry)?

hah welcome to my world! My whole family is expecting the pounds to magically melt off of me **eeep ** Surgery is tomorrow and im freaking out about that

@Skyvic I feel the same way as 2much fun. I WISH I can be in your place!!!!! Getting banded tomorrow and am hoping thats what my green zone feels like If your feeling tired make sure to take a once a day vitamin in case your deficent. and drink one cup of water/hour

OMG!!! Surgery in 11 hours!!! Any last minute tips for me? Omg, I don't even know what to bring to the hospital!! SO NERVOUS!!