Rina83

I was banded on March 18, 2013 - over a year ago. I remember when I was thinking about having the surgery, I was obsessed with the speed... I had upcoming events (weddings, vacations, etc.) and I continued imagining what I would look like in 3 months, 6 months, etc. I was so frustrated and disappointed as I read on this site about everyone just dropping weight left and right. I lost about 20 pounds pre op (and so my real starting weight was about 240) and then another 10 or so in the first 6 months. I had fill after fill after fill... I took small bites and ate high Protein, but I was still pretty hungry and could eat 1.5 cup portions without a problem. So, I read - these pages and posts and guess what? My story was a dime a dozen, so I just didn't post or complain, because what everyone says - and what I needed to hear, was that THIS IS MY JOURNEY. It might not be the same as everyone else's. Not everyone starts losing immediately... I needed 7 fills before I reached the green zone and I really didn't start losing until 8 months after my surgery. BUT, I learned a ton about patience and I believe I needed those months to adjust to my lifestyle and to learn to love myself a little more. So, today I'm just under 180 and I feel great. My goal is to be 150 - 160, but I'm happy at the pace I'm losing (about a pound a week). Slow losers, don't get discouraged. Stay in contact with your doctor and just keep going For those of you that do post often, thank you - although I wasn't posting, I was certainly reading and feeling supported. Peace, Rina

I got it at GNC - it looks like it's a little cheaper at amazon.com. I first read about it on one of these forums. 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat (5 Protein and 5 carbs).

Hi guys!! So glad to hear that everyone is doing well! I'm down 17 since pre-op. I am still having protein shakes and have been adding PB2 (powdered peanut butter) and its delicious.

Name ~ Rina Goal weight for April 30th ~ 199 Weight on April 1st ~ 210 Age ~ 29 Dietary goal ~ drinking enough water. Exercise goal ~ elliptical 2x per week. Personal goal ~ including my daughter in this healthy lifestyle change. Date banded ~ 3/18/2013 Total weight lost ~ 15 lbs. What about spring do you like ~ open windows.

Good luck everyone! I was banded yesterday and feeling pretty good - just a little sore! I hope everyone going in this week has a good experience! I'll be thinking of you and saying some prayers!

It is hard and we are hungry! I just had surgery yesterday and feel fine. Everyone has been so nice to me - doctors and staff :-) I was scared yesterday, but now I have this overwhelming feeling of excitement! I feel like singing the "I have the golden ticket" song from Willy Wonka!! The surgery is not bad and neither is recovery (so far for me). What I have now is something that can help me!!! I will work with it to accomplish my goals. I have a sense of security now - continued support from my doc and this amazing little tool that no one can take from me :-) I already feel like I'm more in control of my life than I have been! Deep breaths - you'll all do great :-) you have a huge support group of people here thinking of you and praying for you! Xoxoxox Rina

PI just had surgery yesterday and in that last week I was also thinking about that THING! What helped me was thinking about the other THINGS that I want now but cannot have. As a healthier me - maybe my THING will be hiking! Or, who am I kidding, SHOPPING! Maybe that could be our new thing?! Focus on what things you'll be able to do to replace the food and the eating! That's what made me so so so sure that I could do this! It sounds like you have everything that you need. I brought a Water bottle for the car - that was nice. Also, I'm so glad my mom was there because although I thought I knew all of the post op care info - there was even more - and I was out of it! So make sure whoever is taking you is prepared to collect some additional information. I'm sure you'll do fine :-)

Hi everyone! How did it go today? I was only at the hospital for 3 1/2 total hours. I feel good. Just a little gas and incision pain but definitely manageable. I have been walking and have taken some pain meds. Sooooo excited about the start of this journey! I hope everyone is feeling good and I can't wait to hear. Xoxoxo Rina

Good luck tomorrow everyone ???· I'm at 10:00 am! Also very nervous... Hoping everything is in order at home and at work. See you all on the "other side!"

Me too! At 10:15! Nervous!!!!

Good luck :-) CONGRATULATIONS!!

For me there was a two week wait, just for insurance approval. As soon as they had that, they called me to schedule. So, I had my consultation February 6, they called 22 to tell me I was approved. My pre-op appointment was march 4 and my surgery is scheduled for march 18. I've heard it can be faster (depending on the doc) if you are already approved or self-pay. Sometimes the hold up is insurance. One thing that I did while waiting (oh the waiting!) was read an entire thread on this site (I think it was October bandsters). It's long... But so helpful to see and really understand the whole experience. Everyone is nervous and excited and then the first person gets banded. Everyone wants to know what it's like, step by step. As the month goes on, you can see how much pain people were in - if any had complications, the differences in pre and post op diets from person to person. Also, the differences in weight lost. This was soooo helpful for me - although I felt like a bit of a stalker :-) by the end they were posting pictures and were so happy (for the most part) and that really sealed the deal for me. Thank you, October bandsters! CWinks, use this site! I think the more you read, the more realistic your expectations will become! Good luck!!! ???»Rina

Omg - long weekend... UTI - not IUD. I'm losing my mind :-)

Hey! Is the UTI thing just a preference for you - or does it need to be removed? I have an IUD and no one has mentioned that it needs to come out. Thanks!

Hi! I have Anthem too and was approved - my first appointment was February 6 and my surgery date is March 18. My understanding is that if it is covered in your plan (and I found out that mine was by logging in to the personalized anthem website). I found it under "estimate my cost." Then, I found this document that included the specific requirements: http://www.anthem.com/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053317.htm My doctor actually did all of this for me. I provided him with dieting history and he passed on that information. They have a psych on staff, so that was handled there too. It took 15 days for them to call and tell me I was approved. Good luck :-)

I'm March 18th too!!! FREAKING OUT! I'm so excited, but not looking forward to telling my dad... I mentioned wanting a band about a year ago and my family just doesn't think that I need it. "Work your little a** off to work your little a** off." Has anyone else experienced people saying that you don't "need" the band? My consultation was on February 6 and my insurance approved 2 weeks later. I think I'm obviously a good candidate. I read all of this thread - I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone! Good luck on the pre op diets - mine starts 2 weeks out ???