Skyvic

My journey was a seminar, consult with doctor, signed off med records to bariatric tem which took some time, denial of insurance because I didn't have documentation of supervised diet from primary doctor, then after approval, psych consult, nutrition consult, measurements and photo, a couple of information classes, another surgeon consult to go over procedure, two week diet including liquids only... And voila surgery!!!!

It seems sometimes the weight doesn't drop but the panties and measurements do!!!!!!

Memories it's funny how one day you can be a size 14....and the next in a size 9 panties. What a feeling to get out of the granny panties I call them!!!!

I will add that my insurance Cigna denied me the month I was to get surgery because I didn't have a specific diet or notes from my primary doctor proving that I was making an attempt to diet. I also had to weigh in each month, documented. After 5 months I finally got it. Ask your insurance every detail that is required.

Good luck breanna in your journey. It will feel like forever. Just don't forget to go through the details of your surgery....supervised diet documented if you have to have it...just make sure you follow everything to a T if it's paid by insurance. You will not regret this...you will have ups and downs, and many celebrations especially overall health, changes in your body and clothing size, and an overall good feeling.

We also have to learn how to work on our head hungry thoughts. It's tough I still experience this. It will always be a challenge.

It will be okay. I went through a range of emotions the first year...not telling people to telling people about my LBS... Some family not ok with it. I have to learn not to say much to my obese friends. I know it's hard to celebrate and you should!!!! I'm down 81 pounds after a year and five months 63% of my weight. Remember this is a journey and lifestyle change. I don't weigh as much on the scale because I just need to take each day in stride. If you are exercising more.. That is awesome. It's a huge change that you have to get used to. Just think of the big picture in your journey, reflect on all of your accomplishments! It seems the second year is so much easier! I'm losing more now. Hang in there.

I love my doctor and his team. We have good open communication. I was filled to 5.5cc in February. I had one rough month of symptoms you all have mentioned. I told him today and he had hoped that I would have called him ealier. I realize now that if you aren't feeling normal, than something isn't right, possible overfill. Now...after 17 pounds if weight loss since February, I am finally in the green zone...meaning we should not have any of those nasty side effects if overfill. I also learned that just because you drop weight does not necessarily mean you need a fill. In fact a person could go eight months with weight loss and no fill during those eight months. Every individual is different so we must listen to our body.

You know I opted to take the slow route of gradual fills because my insurance is so good. I'm glad I did it. Banded dec.21, 2010, 81 pounds down in a size 14...way exceeded my expectations. My first fill was six weeks after initial banding. This gave me an opportunity to let my stomach heal, learn how to eat better, smaller, and chew. After a month I was filled another 1cc. It was a gradual and pleasant experience. I'm at 5.5cc and have had a few restrictions but it has eased up. I don't recommend cold turkey fills tight...that's just me. I go in tomorrow and not sure if I want or need a fill or not. My doc listens to me so he can help me decide my pace.

My doctor is so sweet, he knows I'm a fainter so he distracts me talking, gives me lidocaine I put on one hour before procedure and asks if I want a numb injection. I don't need all those bells and whistles after the third fill. You really don't feel it kind of hear a little pop ( maybe my imagination) when it goes into port. Not a bad experience like I thought it might be....just look at the big picture of better health, make that vision!!!!

Remember your stomach is like a baby tummy. Clear to full liquids, soft mushy, then later solids. It's a progression that needs to be slow. I know it's hard but follow those rules.

I has a UTI in march put on bactrim which did not help. Went back in twice as miserable and they put me on Levequin. I know one thing....don't get dehydrated and remember to drink throughout the day. We forget when the weather is nice we may not drink enough. Also water pool activities can cause UTIs for some.

My surgeon tells me full liquids for three days while stomach us adjusting to the fill.

It's ok to be a lump. I was the first two weeks. Sleepy wanted to rest a lot, this is your body telling you to rest. Di make sure you are getting your protein and make sure you are getting enough liquid. Give yourself a break, your body has gone through a great change and stress:)

My last full if 5.5cc I had a litlle coughing, especially at night. I dropped about four pounds and it stopped. Maybe I was a tiny bit overfilled but I worked hard eating soups, foods that I could get down. Not having this anymore.

This is still new and please take a deep breath, step back, and enjoy the journey...you have a ways to go. Go over your eating rules, get plenty of hydration, and get your protein in. I wish I had started exercising earlier. You may not feel restrictions as much until a few fills depending in your doc. Take it all in stride and you will be successful:)

I wish I had more knowledge to listen to my body as I get more fills, and to practice chewing small bites before the surgery, yep that's a big one!

Yes...I wish I had done this years ago. I am very satisfied with my band. Also learning to cook differently but I live it. I like that my butt is smaller, that I can get out of the tub with ease, I can tie my shoes!!!! Walk 4 mikes a day without getting out of breath, I can see my toes! I can shop at old navy In large now, where do I stop...no regrets.

Please don't be nervous, all surgeries have their side effects. If you follow the rules you wont have the problems. If you do experience problems you go back and review your tools...chew chew chew, smaller bites, listen to your body wen u start to feel full, drink to stay hydrated not thru a straw. Keep up your 60 grams protein. Get as much knowledge as you can. I love my band and my weight loss down 80+ pounds. Much happier and healthier!

I don't regret this surgery and band. I weighed 268 and I'm down to 188. I have more to go and was banded over a year ago. You learn to listen to your body, learn the tool, and follow the rules. I love my band and support team that put it in. You will need support. Good luck!

Part if this is the gases they put in your body at surgery. It will fade, I remember those feelings and pain.

Congrats! I was banded in late December 2010, 82 pounds so far, I chose to take a gradual weight loss and I am happy, it has allowed me to get to know this band tool. I've dropped the most weight on this fill to 5.5cc. Everyone is different so it's not a comparison in your journey. good luck and just go with it...follow the rules completely and you will b successful.

You are going to do great. I remember feeling nervous, fear of the unknown. You will learn the tools and what works for your body. Everyone is different. Embrace this journey and enjoy the new you and healthier lifestyle!

Hi Pam I'm in grand junction. Make sure your surgeon has a good team of nutritionists, exercise specialists, support groups, and open office for questions and concerns. I have a great team here at St.marys bariatric. Dr. Hanosh was my surgeon. He really listens to what I have to say, and us positive and encouraging. Welcome!

Hi in Denver. I'm in Grand Junction. I've heard great things about all of the doctors.especially Dr.Brown. We have one of the best support teams at St.marys bariatric. We have an awesome nutritionist, exceed use specialist, some great support groups and Opportinity to talk with the office for questions and concerns. It makes all the difference!