Sultana

Hi Alexandra, I can't ask for more than that!

Hi Patty, I did just have a fill in late Feb. I orginally had an appointment to get another on March 24, but I changed it to early April because I will be on spring break and will not have to miss school (I'm a teacher). It is a longer wait, but I HATE to miss school, and I have missed more days this year than I have the entirety of my career before this year. Not all were banding days; I had two deaths in my family. Boy, this is more than you need to know, eh? I am trying to be patient and convince myself that when I get to the right restriction point, that I will lose weight. I have not been losing since I lost the post op pounds, and that can be depressing because it makes me feel like this band will not work. I do exercise and watch what I eat so I am maintaining my lost pounds, but it is not easy! Try to be positive and patient. I'm good at positve, but patience is not one of my more admirable qualities. Let me know how you do, okay?

Hi, Dr. Kurian did my lap band on Dec. 29th of 2003. If I had it to do again, I would choose her because she is a very skilled and confident surgeon. I even travel from Phila. to NYC to see her monthly. I have been disappointed in the post care because she is not big on bedside manner, and I always feel like I am rushed out of her office. However, like I said, surgery skills and experience are much higher on my list than bedside manner. And, after all, I have all of my band buddies here who have been so very kind and helpful to compensate! I did lots of research, and I chose her. Sultana

Hi Alexandra, I am so happy to hear that you are finally feeling some real restriction! I can certainly understand that getting used to your appetizer-sized portions might be a little depressing, but I'll bet that when the pounds start coming off, and when it starts to become just the way things are, that it will be a whole lot easier!! Eating is such a part of any type of socializing (even within the family!), and that definitely requires some adjustment, but when you start to really lose some weight the adjustment will become easier! I suppose that we all have to realize that this is a physical and a mental challenge/change, eh? I just hope that I will get to the point where you are soon! I am struggling now because I can still eat too much. At this point I feel sortv of like I did when I just couldn't believe that it would ever happen that I would get banded. I feel like I don't even have one. I am trying to believe that it will work out in time and with fills. Take care. Sultana

Hello All, I was banded on 12/29/03 and all the bills have been coming in to my insurance, UHC. I have been keeping track on the web, and one was for $19,000+, and I assumed that was the surgery bill even though it was billed as Lenox Hill Hospital. Today I received a statement for FOUR charges of $15,000 each for the surgery. Two were assistant surgery charges and the other two were listed as Laparoscopic Procedure charges. I did e-mail my doctor, Marina Kurian, because they sent the bill to an insurance company that I had to drop so that my husband's UHC would cover the surgery, but COULD THIS BE POSSIBLE that the surgery cost $60,000???? If so, no WONDER we will all have to start kicking in big bucks for health coverage. If UHC pre-approved this surgery, and they did, I will not be stuck with any of this, will I? Thanks. Sultana

Hi Alexandra, I do know that I determined before surgery that the most I would have to pay if my doctor was not a UHC participant (and Dr. Kurian is not) is $1500. Since the surgery was pre-approved, they can't charge me more than that can they? Perhaps there is a duplication of charges. I do know that there they share procedure codes--two have one code, and the other two have another code. Thanks for your reply. Like you said, it really can be alarming! How did your fill go? I do not even feel a change with mine. Some days I feel like I never even had this surgery, and I struggle to not GAIN weight. I sure hope things improve. As always, thanks for your reply. Sultana

Hi Patty, I was banded the same day as you, and I had one fill of .6 on Feb. 18. I have not noticed a difference. I am scheduled to have another on April 7. From all I have read, it seems that reaching desired restriction is very individual, but I can tell you that I am most certainly not there. I do eat less than I used to, but it is still difficult. I have lost about 20 pounds (mostly right after the surgery), but I am struggling to keep from gaining. I am trying to be patient, but sometimes I get depressed and feel like I went through all of this for nothing, since I don't feel much different. I really HOPE that it will change. Sultana

Hi All, I have read all of your fill experiences, and while some of the news is positive and seemingly easy, I am still scared because there sure are some horror stories. I have an appt. with my doctor on 2/18 at which time I will be almost two months post op. I want to get a fill because I still feel like I can eat too much. I do certainly eat less than I did, but I get hungry again in a few hours. I really think I need a fill, but the thought scares me. How much saline is put in the band after the operation? I have not had any problems eating anything, but I do avoid rice, bread, steak, potatoes, desserts, and carbonated beverages. I lost about 20 pounds the first few weeks, but I have not lost weight since then. I keep thinking that if I don't use this band how it was intended to be used, then I will not lose weight, but I do not want to be sick and PBing all the time either. I would appreciate your help and suggestions...as always.

Hi Holly, I did have my first fill--.6, and it was very quick and painless. I heard the pop into the port, but didn't feel it. I do not feel much restriction, but it is early yet and I have been doing liquids and mushy foods, so we'll see. I suspect that I will need another in a month or so. I have decided that this banding process will take a while until the proper restriction is reached--enough to lose weight consistently, but not too tight so as to interfere with nutrition. I think I will just have to be patient; it is NOT one of my virtues! Good luck, and keep us posted.

Greetings All, Today I had my first fill, and it did not hurt at all and only took about 30 seconds. I was only filled to .6. Does that seem very small? I feel no difference, but then it has only been half a day. I am sticking with liquids for a few days like Dr. K. advised. By the way Alexandra, I remember that you are getting a second fill tomorrow. I hope yours goes as well as mine did. Two weeks after the surgery I had lost about 20 pounds, but I sure have been struggling to keep it off, and when I went today (almost 2 months post surgery) I had lost only one additional pound. I have not been feeling restricted, and I could eat just about anything. I hope this is normal and that I WILL lose weight. I am so afraid that I won't. I do exercise and I really watch what I eat. I am so grateful for all of you!

Alexandra, You do have a way with words, and as always, you made me feel better. I am going to try a fill. Good luck with your second fill; maybe it will be the "sweet" one, eh? Let's keep in touch.

Hi CAROL!! You sure did clear that up. It seems that Becky, you, and I were all banded on the same day. I, too, am eating solid foods, but I seem to be able to eat more than you. I have another appt. in about 3 weeks, and my Dr. said maybe I would get a fill? I know I could eat more than one rib! The other night I ate a crab cake, a few pieces of lettuce and some cooked broccoli AND some soup. Are you still drinking with meals? On another note, isn't PBing a scary thought? Everyone on here has really made an effort to calm us newbies, but it is still the unknown, and that always scares me! I wonder is it more unpleasant FEELING --painful, uncomfortable, etc. or more embarrassing?? I hope to not find out, but maybe that is not realistic. I wish I could eat as little as you are (could your band be more filled??). I feel like I am not even restriced. I certainly do a lot of chewing, however. Well, this is getting long and rambling, so I will close. Keep in touch.

Hi Carol (Cadydid??), I am so confused about who you are. Your profile says you are male, yet you signed Carol, and you logon is Cadydid? You aren't Becky, right? Are there 3 of us banded on the same day? Whoever you are congratulations on your weight loss. I have not lost nearly as much. What are you eating, or not eating? I am allowed to go back to my health club next week to work out, so maybe that will speed things up. I have lost about 20 pounds, but right now I feel like I am eating too much--but then that's another e-mail!

Hi Alexandra and all, I am now 3 weeks post-op and also worried that I am eating too much. When I went for my 2 week post-op check, Dr. Kurian told me to start introducing solid foods a little at a time. I have been eating some (LOTS of chewing) and everything seems okay. I have to agree with what Alexandra said that I feel very little restriction. I am still drinking a little with meals most of the time so as not to stress the band (this is according to what Dr. Kurian's nutritionist said). I am soon going to try to stop drinking--one more week. My doctor said that at my next appointment in a month, that I can get a fill if I need one, but that I might not need one. Here's my question (s). How will I know??? Is it too early to try a fill? Will a fill make a big difference? Did anyone else feel like they were kinda in the dark about how to use this band? When I saw my doctor it was very rushed and her instructions were very general. Any advice? Thanks! Hey Alexandra, you are still losing weight even if it is slowly, right? How many fills have you had? I think I told you this before, but you (and your little one) look great in your picture!

I am only 2 weeks post-op. I was wondering about the cost of fills. Is it usual for the Dr. to include a certain number of fills with the surgery cost? If so (or if not), how much do the fills run, and does anyone know if UHC covers them? Thanks.

Hi Alexandra, Like I have said before, you are a wealth of information! I am hoping that because I am with UHC that they will cover the fills. I know that I am perhaps borrowing trouble, but I am a "look forward" kind of person and already I am worrying about my first fill and I am only 2 weeks post-op! It seems that some people breezed through, and others had difficulties. I do have a highly skilled and qualified Dr. (Kurian), so I am hoping I will be part of the first group. I wonder, does there come a time when band living becomes just a part of life that you become so accustomed to that you no longer have to fret or anticipate snags? I sure hope so! Again, thanks! Have you noticed that I am finally getting the hang of putting my posts in the correct place!!!

United Health Care paid for my banding surgery. I assume that you meet the requirements. I think they base it on BMI. UnitedHealth Care is actually noted for being a banding friendly insurance.

Thanks Alexandra. This is certainly not the first time you have helped put my mind at rest. I see Dr. Kurian next week for my 2 week post-op check, so I will discuss it with her.

I just logged in to ask the same question! I was banded two weeks ago, and depending on how I move, I also feel pinching pain near the port. My question is the same as yours. Is this something I should be concerned about, or is it part of the normal healing process?

Hi All, I am scheduled to be banded on the 29th of Dec. with Dr. Kurian in NYC. I just read all of the messages here, and they were so helpful. I had particularly been wondering about the Vitamins I take, drinking, and what kinds of foods to get post op. I have an additional problem: I am allergic to corn products, and that sure does rule out many yogurts, puddings, Jello, etc. I sure am open to any suggestions. Tangerine, congrats on your remarkable weight loss--not being banded I always check out losses; it encourages me! I also noted you live near me and that Dr. Kurian is your Dr. too. Again, thanks to all. It is so wonderful being able to share experiences. Whatever did we do before the Internet existed? Of course, some of you may not vividly recall such a time, eh? How about this. I really want to be banded and lose weight, and I am an overachiever and I know I will work hard, but right now I feel sort of in mourning and depressed about the food I won't be able to eat??? Am I psycho? Anyone remember a similar phase? Best of luck to all, Sultana

Thank you Mary Beth for your support. I appreciate it! I wonder if the food grieving will lessen over time? I suspect so--HOPE so.

Hi Anne, I think that the fact that you can be so introspective is a real plus. Many people never, or rarely, stop to question themselves about why they think or do things. I too do not like to ask for help, but for a different reason; it makes me feel inadequate. I am a control freak, and a very strong person, so that asking for help makes me feel....weak. It's really a kind of male thing, I guess, without getting sexist. I look at the lap band like this. I have a disease, and this is what I need to help me--my "medication" if you will. My body just does not process food the way someone who has a normal metabolism does. I think you sound like an excellent candidate for the band because portion control is your problem, and that is the band's strength (if you use it right!!). I exercise too, and I always have. I am only 1 week post op and can't exercise for at least another week (I hope I'll get the okay at my 2 week check-up). I think it put off some weight- related issues that may have occured sooner! We will have to convince Kiera, huh?? I agree that journaling can be valuable. Ironically, I TEACH writing, and I do not journal myself even though I urge my students to. I think I am in writing overload. You know, I think maybe we have switched to what started in the "food" section to what should be "support", but I don't know how to move it there! At any rate, forgive my rambling, and stay positive. Keep in contact with Kiera; she is a wealth of information and very willing to share!

Hi All, What do you mean by the term "full liquid"? I am a week post op and was on clear liquids for 2 days and according to my doctor's instructions I am now allowed only pureed food (I thin it with liquid) for the next 3 weeks. Is my pureed food the same as what you refer to as "full liquid"? Thanks.

Thanks Lindaloo and Wendy. I am going to check out both protein shakes. I am only a week post-op, but could use them now and later. I have to be very careful because I am allergic to corn products. Right now I use a protein powder that is brown rice based, and it's not too bad. It definitely doesn't have corn products.

Hi Becky, Congratulations! I was banded on the same day, but I don't seem to be in as great as spirits as you, although I am better now. How are you feeling? What are you eating? How did the surgery go? This is certainly an adventure, huh?