babykins529

I never rely on someone else to get things done. I called my pcp 4 times to make sure her letter was faxed to the clinic. I then called the clinic to make sure they received it. Then I made sure it was all faxed to Cigna from the clinic. Luckily, the coordinator for my surgeon was just as anal as I am so she made sure she had all the paperwork needed for Cigna. It was a stressful day, but worth it.

I had two prior fills with 2cc's each fill and then on my third fill which was a few days ago, my surgeon put in 1cc. We think I am very close. I only know how much is in my band because she told me this last fill. I really haven't cared. Its not about numbers for me its about how I feel restriction wise and I think this last fill has me super close.

I have a hard time with bending over and my port. Mainly cuz when I bend over, the pants I'm wearing pushes on my port and it bugs me. I've just learned to go down on my knees or change how I bend.

I hope you hear back soon. I was total that they are the hardest to get approval from and not to expect anything less then 14 business days. I was elated when my surgeons office called me 4 days later with the approval. The office and I made sure that Cigna had EVERYTHING they would need to base their decision upon. Keep me posted!

Your port area will be sore for a while. Just take it easy. It bugged me for a month and then one day it just stopped and I could sleep on that side again. Its stitched into the muscle, so it will hurt until its not as irritated.

Sorry, I'm in the Portland-metro area. But I hope you find someone!

I was approved in 3 days but it really depends on many things. It can take upto 2 weeks or longer.

Does Kaiser even do the Lap band? I work for Kaiser (but I don't have their insurance) but I have a co-worker that is in the bariatric program from Kaiser and she said they only do the gastric bypass. Might call them?

Did they check for hernias? My hubby has a hernia that pops out every once in a while in his upper left abdomen and it causes pain.

"Normal" for everyone is different. As long as you are following the guidelines established by your doctor then there is nothing to fear. I've read on this forum of bandsters not losing anything for months after being banded, then one day a switch is flipped and their body just starts losing weight. Others lost a bunch of weight preop but nothing postop. Then there are those who are just steadily losing. I went two weeks without losing a pound. Nothing in my routine or diet changed, but I was put on steroids for tendonitis and then I had bacterial bronchitis and was sick so as soon as all that all cleared up I dropped 4 pounds in 3 days. Your body is an extremely complicated system.

Funny that you say that about your shoes. I just did some clothes shopping but I think I need to go do some shoes shopping too because I noticed the same thing. Even after putting in the heel inserts...crazy!

Starting weight was 277 Current weight 249 Weightloss 28 pounds No preop diet really Surgery was on 1/30/13 No issues or complications. Going in for third fill next week. Don't remember how many cc's are in my band, I honestly don't care. Staying focused on eating and exercising and loving to get new clothes. I'm very happy and cant wait till summer time to go be active with my family.

Starting weight was 277 Current weight 249 Weightloss 28 pounds No preop diet really Surgery was on 1/30/13 No issues or complications. Going in for third fill next week. Don't remember how many cc's are in my band, I honestly don't care. Staying focused on eating and exercising and loving to get new clothes. I'm very happy and cant wait till summer time to go be active with my family.

Yes, just because your nutrition plan says you can eat like that doesn't mean your body is ready for it. I took one more weeks of liquids before I moves onto mushies because I listened to my body when it was painful to eat anything more solid then applesauce.

I had it too right after surgery but it was trapped gas and went away.

Ask your doctor? Not something to mess around with dear. Keep us posted!

My insurance required a letter of necessity from my pcp prior to approval. I had many hoops to jump through for my insurance. Wish you the best.

Man I hate that pain. Bane of my existence.

Longer one usually is near the port. I can feel my port. Its on the right side near my rib cage. Very easy for my doc to access for fills.

I was on clear liquids for a week then regular liquids for week two then mushies and pureed foods for weeks 3 and 4. I honestly stayed on more of a soup/liquid diet till week 4 because my body let me know it wasn't ready for mushies or more solid food yet. Listen to your body. Take it easy. If you had a hernia repair (which I did not), then yes, it will be more painful in your chest. Never hurts to call and ask your surgeon as well.

Banded 1/30/13 and I still get the shoulder pain on occasion. Not nearly as bad as it used to be. My doc said its not still gas pain (back when I was 3 weeks post op) but more likely referred pain from something pushing on the diaphragm which pushes on a nerve which makes your shoulder hurt. Its weird. I told her a week ago at my last fill that the doctors should look into that more cuz a lot of us bandsters have that pain even after the gas goes away.

I get my fills in the morning since they like my stomach pretty empty. I've heard of other's not eating 3 hours before so every doctor is different. I'd ask your doctor.

Don't put the heating pad on your stomach/incisions. Its meant for your should due to the gas pains. Nausea is very common and is either due to the pain meds or the anesthesia or the surgery or a combo. Either way, since you have a long drive, insist on anti nausea meds before you leave. If you don't need them, great, but better to have them and not need them then to need them and not have them.