BigDennis

I think you hit the nail directly on the head! Our medical system is driven more by greed than any concern for the American people! Nothing is standard, nothing is managed, and they are free to charge anything their little hearts desire! The checks and balances for this industry is need of some serious overhaul!

Congratulations Jean! You are doing awesome and definitely have the right attitude too! Keep us up to date on all your successes! Dennis

I definitely cannot digest dry meats of any kind, whether it is chicken, fish, or other meats. If it is not fresh and moist, I either have to figure out a way to make it moist again or move onto something else.

When it comes to "party food" I usually start looking for the veggie and fruit trays. The downside is they usually have regular dressings and nothing fat free. I have been known to purchase those small restaurant sizes pouches and take them with me! Restaurants, I can usually depend upon baked chicken or fish, steamed veggies and a small salad. Sometimes the chicken may be a little dry and cause issues, but fish is always a GO for me! It will definitely be trial and error for quite some time, but you will figure out what works for you and stick with it. Good luck and let us know how the party goes! Dennis

I know how you feel kwood! My past two employers carried insurance that would not cover gastric surgery at all. I had actually stopped thinking about it when I discovered my present insurance did cover all types of surgery! That's the downside of living in a society where our healthcare is employer-based! I'm not a big fan of other country's systems, but I do know this one is broken!

I have BCBS of Texas with the 80/20 plan. The medical center billed BCBS a total of $65,000 and the negotiated or actual cost ended up being approximately $25,000. My total out of pocket cost was $1,150.00. So far, everything that has been billed since the out of pocket was met, has been paid at 100% by BCBS. I keep hoping there will be no "surprises", but so far I have been very pleased!

Keep in mind that for many of us, losing weight is a daily battle in the war against genetics as well. Some folks can eat 6 ounces of chicken breast and be fine and others may eat 4 and gain weight. What works for one person, may not work as well for you. You will eventually find that perfect combination and see results very quickly. Dennis

Tabitha, Weight loss surgery is only a tool to help us lose those excess pounds. You also have to learn how to eat the right foods and in the proper amounts. Most surgeons work in tandem with hospitals and offer support groups lead by nurses, dietitians, and other experts. I would highly suggest joining one of these groups or start seeing a nutritionist on your own. You will be surprised how well the combination of being banded and eating the right foods really is! Take care and I am looking forward to hearing about you successes soon! Dennis

You will do great! You've done your homework and know MOST of what you need to be successful. Just like anything new, you are simply getting a case of butterflies and uncertainty is setting in! Once you get into the swing of things, it will become the norm for you and the pounds will melt away! Can't wait to hear about your successes! Dennis

Dacoop, Congratulations on your weight loss! I once lost 135 lbs on the L.A. Diet and know exactly how you feel! You will definitely become more confident and it will show in everything you say and do! The most important thing to remember is never lose sight of who you are inside. Your family and friends love you for that person. Be sure to ensure your hubby how much you love him too, because he might feel a little threatened with other men taking notice!! LOL Dennis

Wyldlove, It will be tough for a little while, but ultimately NOTHING will taste better than you will feel as the pounds melt away! You will learn to control your urges and also understand the full signals from your band. Stay focused you are almost there!! Dennis

I agree with the rest of posters. I wouldn't say a word and would wait to see if he has a problem too. I know a lot of doctors were actually piercing the fill tube at one time and the manufacturers had to reinforce that area! Good luck! Dennis