New Hope

I feel like I'm missing out on something here. I have minimum burping or farting. Honest! I do feel like I have a gurgling perculator in my esophagus when I eat. Now if I can get through this Weekend in Galveston w/7 other Bandsters (who will rat me out in a heart beat)! Hopefully my 5 months of nongas relief won't decide to explode, wiping out the seawall, and creating a worse Natural Disaster than the 1900 Galveston Hurricane.

Leatha, thanks for sharing the cottage cheese test. I'm one of those "show me" types, so that is a great test to know. Actually this fill will probably help you enjoy the weekend even more, because you know you won't be overeating, and feeling the guilt and crummy effects from that.

So glad everything went well! And you're off and running to exercise! You're such a good girl!

Think of it as "tummy muscle toning", Betty!

It took me a couple of weeks to "turn the corner". On my first walk around only 1/3 of my block, a 90 year old on a walker could have knocked me over! Listen to your body, if it hurts, stop! Also, be sure you're drinking enough water. Dehydration will make you very lightheaded, fatigued, dizzy, and give you headaches. So glad that you're home and healing!

I use Gummy Vites (taste just like Gummy Bears), Viactiv Calcium Chews, Flaxseed Oil (water soluble), Vitamin E (water soluble), and Chewable Vitamin C.

Spoke w/ Shirley (Dr. Spivak's office manager) today at 713-520-8900. Dr. Beltran got his medical degree in Mexico. He is licensed as a "Physician's Assistant" in the State of Texas. He asks the patient to pay $500 upfront and then files the paperwork, because insurance is taking over six months to pay him. Hope this clarifies any false rumors. Good luck!

If we get bored, I know where a nudist camp is! My son goes duck hunting near there. But he says those people are "nasty" and should keep their clothes on. LOL

Yes, Yes, Yes! I haven't had a night out w/ the girls in ages! My son wants to know if we'll have an adult there. LOL You'll probably want to pack a light jacket. And don't worry about your hair! That sea breeze will undo anything you do. The condo. has everything needed. If you have a favorite pillow, you might bring that.

I just spoke w/ Shirley (office manager) at Dr. Spivak's (713-520-8900). Dr. Beltran received his medical degree in Mexico. He is licensed here in Texas as a "Surgical Assistant". Insurance is taking over six months to pay him, so he asks for the $500 upfront from the patient, then fills the necessary paperwork. He also assists several other surgeons, besides Dr. Spivak. Hope this answers all your questions! Good luck!

Lisa Green is a self-pay, not insurance pay. Fatnhappy (sorry, wish I had a better name to use here), do you know for a fact that you qualify for your insurance to approve this? Do you have co-morbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, etc.)? A family history of health problems? Documented weight loss history? I had a slue of them and they've been drastically reduced (saving me $$ in RXs). Most selfpays do not have pre-existing health problems and/or a high enough BMI to qualify for insurance to pay (if their plan even covers Lapband weight loss surgery.) Best of luck to you!

A self-pay patient is in a whole different ballgame from a patient w/ insurance. All their fees will be included in the cash-pay price. I'm sure there are other banding drs. available on your plan. You might check their protocol out. Good luck!

I have 2 policies also. But one doesn't cover the band. It would have paid on my gallbladder and hospitalization. But I'd had to pay another $250 deductible to the hospital upfront. Yes, you would think 2 policies would cover 100%, but it doesn't work that way. I'm in the process of dropping one policy. I'm double paying (premiums) for something that they're not going to pay.. I'm certainly not judging you! I'm just concerned that you posted 3 times in 5 minutes about the same thing. Feel free to pm me anytime. What was the name of the person you spoke to in Spivak's office? I was told the reason for paying the assistant is because insurance is taking 6 months to pay him. Best of luck to you on what ever decision you make!

Congratulations, Kate! Great job!

Getting the band is a serious thing! Please research before you get a band! Who is your surgeon, what are your plans for aftercare (fills, problems)?

Teresa, I'm so sorry! You're doing so fantastic! You will get your fill next week! Does he think your port is tilted? (((Hugs)))

But we "unimplants" have to admit, the tummy is shrinking too. That really does help the boobs look better! Now if I could just get rid of the inner tube that's settling over my hips!

Tricia, is that in Tennessee? Hey, great job on the weight loss!! Eva, enjoyed meeting you in the Chat Room last night. Best of luck to you on your upcoming banding!!

Welcome back, Ms. New Bandster! It really does get better every day. Try walking as much as you comfortably can and get your water load in. And you really were stabbed 5 times! LOL Congratulations on getting your band! Now please take care of yourself and don't overdo!

What were you expecting to pay for your banding surgery? Houston is a multi-cultural city. There are many doctors from all over the world here. Dr. Spivak is from Israel and trained in Europe. Dr. Spivak gave you an info. sheet showing Dr. Beltran as Texas licensed. Why don't you ask Dr. Spivak directly before posting unproven facts 3 different times within 5 minutes?

You've been banded, what, 2 weeks? You should not be eating solids yet! Please take it easy and follow your surgeon's rules. If you eat too soon and don't give your stomach time to heal and your band to anchor, you are setting yourself up for serious future problems. 18 pounds gone is great! Please take care of yourself! If you are properly healed, you should be able to eat (as long as you are chewing well enough - every bite-slowly and thoroughly). Best of luck to you!

I responded to you in length on your other post. I think there were 3 of them within 5 minutes. United took 8 months to approve me after the first denial. I don't know what point you're at with your insurance company, but try to be realistic, (if you're eligible), it probably won't happen before this year end. Best of luck to you!

Yes, I paid $500 upfront to Dr. Beltran. I also paid $250 co-pay for the hospital. With all co-pays for my many pretests, I figure I was out $1000. Compared to others, that's a steal! I have a second insurance policy also, but they don't cover the Band. I really don't think Dr. Spivak is making anything off of Dr. Beltran. Why don't you go in and talk w/ him about your ?? He's very accomodating. (Hmmm...Hadn't heard about Dr. Beltran not being licensed either. It's a shame to see rumors started without being confirmed first.) It is definitely a 2 surgeon job! I read a copy of my surgical report, there were numerous tools flashing right and left! I had an excellent surgeon, regained my health, excellent aftercare and staff, and figure I definitely came out a "winner" in this deal! Best of luck to you on whatever decision you make!

Hi, what can I help you with? Feel free to pm me if needed. I love Dr. Spivak, saw him today.

Well, been missing here for 2 weeks. Hadn't ridden bike, hurt too bad, and eating bad, soft foods. The pain, unfill, and barium swallow showed all is well now. I was sweatin' that one! Got pretty dependent on this band in just 5 months! So got a .5 fill today. I gained 1.3 in last week while unfilled! Yipes! So back to the old bike! Exercise definitely makes a difference!