mrsto

I don't think you're being paranoid. If you haven't experienced this type of ongoing pain before, then it's certainly something to ask your doctor about. I have been having the same problem; a constant stomach ache. It started a couple of weeks ago; some days better than others. I am also concerned about possible complications, and will discuss it with my surgeon next month. For me, this pain isn't something new, though. I had bouts of it pre-band, and I think it was stress and too much stomach acid. Knowing that, I went back on Prilosec a couple of days ago. And to be completely honest, during the holidays, I've pushed my stomach capacity to the limits. No weight gain, but giving into some old habits. My paranoia about this pain is because of that. As banded people, we do need to pay attention to symptoms of possible issues. Knowing how neurotic I can be, I paid very close attention to all of my gastric pains & other issues before surgery. I made mental notes so I wouldn't freak out that it was surgery related, afterward. Even so, I will rest easier when I address this current issue with my doctor. Our minds can really do a number on us

Sharpie - great post…..SO positive! And I'm so happy for you. I know how good you feel. You deserve it…..well done my friend

I emailed the insurance woman yesterday, but haven't heard back. I also asked her to reiterate what the $1,500 up front fee was for. The way I see it now, it was for nothing…..money down the toidy.

Wowwwww - that's great! My doctor charged an additional non insurance covered $1,500, to cover the first year of after care. I thought that meant fills, but came to find out that it's only the support groups, etc. Well, that was a total waste of $1,500, because I went to one support group, and never went back. I've been paying for all of my office visits post-op. Now…..I'm extra super annoyed!!!!

I'm going to email the insurance person to make sure I heard it right. After this thread, my blood is starting to boil. She said that they work with cash patients to do their best on charges, but $250 for a non fluoro fill doesn't sound anything like working WITH the patient.

I asked what self pay fills would cost, should I lose bariatric coverage. My doctor charges $250, but those aren't under fluoro. Reading all above, now I'm annoyed. Already being in the green, I don't suspect I'll need as many fills ongoing, as I've had this year. But even still, based on what I'm reading here, $250/fill without fluoro sounds a bit steep.

My first thought is…. ALL that sugar. I don't think the sherbet will hurt you as far as being on full liquids, but I don't think leaning on something "ice cream" like is the best choice. If your doctor allows it at your stage, how about some nonfat or low fat yogurt?

I have been in the Green for 2 years now, at least, never wavering, no complications.......my last fill was 2 -1/2 years ago.... Have no idea what you are experiencing....but for my last fill it was difficult to keep or get anything down for at least 2 weeks...I called my Dr. and he suggested patience, the band is setting the rules, and I should try to Learn and understand what is happening and adjust myself, my eating, my foods, everything....to what the band is dictating.....in other words, I had to learn to "Listen to the Band", and obey! Not all Dr.'s will say that I know...some will give an immediate un-fil, putting you back to where you were... I'm glad I did....things DID settle down, I DID change just about everything...the foods I eat, the amount I can eat, how thorough I really needed to chew, and above all, don't try to force it...don't try to overeat...which to this day I cannot do....also, within all this adjusting on my part, I learned I was not really hungry in the first place...that while the band was limiting my food intake, I was becoming aware I did not want/need to eat in the first place....I don't miss eating less....I could walk in a room full of food and not even notice.... Finally everything began to fall into place.....NO Hunger, LIMITED portion sizes, UNABLE to eat certain (mostly unhealthy) foods......Green Zone. I hear time after time people refer to the band as a "Tool"....I get it, and understand (I think) what they are trying to say....but for me and my mental process, the band is not a Tool...it is the "Boss" telling ME what I can and cannot do, telling me I am not hungry.....telling me to stop when it's time to stop......telling me what foods are hazardous... To me, if it was truly a tool, then I would be in charge, I could set the rules, choose to use it or not, choose to turn it on or off...but I can't...it is there 24hrs, doing it's thing regardless if I'm at a party, on vacation, Thanksgiving or just sitting in front the TV...it's always there, it's always a constant.... If it were a tool. then the choices are up to me and change under various circumstances..... Everyone has their comfort level....everyone has their "Happy" place where they find success with this WLS...and that is all that matters......everyone approaches this a little different....some people do not ever want a fill at all....if they're happy, we all should be happy. I know I could not be happier.... Sounds like your band and your head are having a very symbiotic relationship I wish I could say that my band is the boss. But the reality is, my band is the boss when I allow it be the boss. I would venture to say that the plication is that secondary scream that gets my attention - LOL! Most of the time I abide by the band signals, but other times my compulsive NEED to eat takes over. Enter…..plication

I had terrible gas for a long time after surgery - a good 2-3 weeks. I slowly got better, but it also hurt to take a breath. It will go away…..in a bit of time. Once it's gone, you'll forget just how bad it was

Congrats Sandy! I'm right there with ya……8.5 months out, down 58 pounds. We'll both get there!

Even when your periods stop, your body still does some cycling. I had a total hysterectomy 8 months before my lap band surgery, which pretty much put an end to all of it. But I had been post menopausal four years before that, and my body had still bounced around. I can't help but think, if you can't keep anything down for 3-4 days during that time, you may be a bit too tight. Ongoing vomiting with the band is very dangerous, so I would suggest that you speak with your surgeon about it. If nothing else menopausal bothers you, other than the days you can't keep anything down, I would consider a slight un-fill to accommodate that time of the month.

LOL - ever since WW offered the online option, it became so easy to simply "sign up". ALWAYS on Mondays, though Such a wonderful sense of peace, not continually going through that exercise.

You look absolutely beautiful! Well done…. Thank you so much for posting; very articulate and heartfelt. When you talk of the numerous attempts with Weight Watchers….and all that goes with it, I felt that you were writing my story….to the T! I've always said that I should be a stockholder in that company…..all the money I've paid in…for nothing! And yet I did it one more time while I was making my decision to have WLS. I lasted about three days. I too, feel a sense of peace that I no longer feel the need to go down that road. It is liberating, to say the least

Deciding which surgery to have can be daunting. I was ALL over the map, and was initially scheduled for the bypass. I freaked out 10 days prior and cancelled it. I settled on the lap band with plication…..and at 8.5 months out, I'm thrilled with my decision. When making your decision, keep in mind that weight is lost AND gained with all of the surgeries. No matter which, it all boils down to patient compliance. There are so many people who have lost tons of weight with the band; more than 200 pounds! You have to choose what YOU can live with, even if the doctor is pushing you in another direction. The sleeve isn't a perfect answer either, but if that is the one you can live with, then it's the best answer for you. My sister works with a woman who had the sleeve, and she's gained a lot of weight back. She grazes on junk all day long, so no mater how small our stomachs are, if we're so inclined, we can figure out ways of eating past it. I'm not telling you this to sway you in either direction, only that we can gain weight back with any of the surgeries. For me, I made a decision that I could no longer live the way I was, and the band was going to work. The surgeries are tools, and if we're compliant, we're successful. I wish you the best with your decision. It can make you crazy! All I can say is do all of your research, and leave no stone unturned. Information is your best friend, so you can make the best choice for you . Good luck!

HI! Here is the info on the Metagenics Acute Care---actually the whole name is: UltraFlora Acute Care. UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf It's not letting me cut and paste, so I'll include a link instead. The ingredient is S. Boulardii.http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care I had what felt like a golf ball and then tennis ball in my throat for 2 years, so I understand what you are talking about. My voice would get hoarse, too. The product I take, now, is around $35 a month. I have to get it shipped. But so very much worth it to me. There is something about the S. Boulardii that is special. It's one of those things that may have been meant for one thing, but has been discovered that it's helpful with another. I hope the info helps you. ~hiddn Thank you so much! My internist sells Metagenics. I'm going to call tomorrow & see if she carries this specific thing. If not, I'll order it online. I hope it works the same for me! I'll be curious to hear how it works for you! ~hiddn Thanks hiddn! I'll let you know. The reflux has subsided somewhat since losing a chunk of weight, but it's horrible if I eat too close to bedtime. With the band, it's strongly advised that we don't eat anywhere near bedtime, but sometimes…..well, you know The thing that concerns me most about silent reflux, is the potential in developing cancer. My ENT told me when he diagnosed it, which is pretty scary. Though it's not common, it can happen. That's enough for me

HI! Here is the info on the Metagenics Acute Care---actually the whole name is: UltraFlora Acute Care. UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf UltraFlora™ Acute Care features S. boulardii, B. Lactis HN019, and L. Rhamnosus HN001 to support a healthy intestinal microbial balance and provide targeted relief for acute bowel distress including occasional loose stools.* Supports a healthy intestinal environment and immune response.* Provides targeted support for healthy intestinal function for jet-setting patients.* Designed for reliable outcomes and acute care with a concentrated dose of S. boulardii.* - See more at: http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care#sthash.xbBwLnox.dpuf It's not letting me cut and paste, so I'll include a link instead. The ingredient is S. Boulardii.http://www.metagenics.com/mp/products/ultraflora-acute-care I had what felt like a golf ball and then tennis ball in my throat for 2 years, so I understand what you are talking about. My voice would get hoarse, too. The product I take, now, is around $35 a month. I have to get it shipped. But so very much worth it to me. There is something about the S. Boulardii that is special. It's one of those things that may have been meant for one thing, but has been discovered that it's helpful with another. I hope the info helps you. ~hiddn Thank you so much! My internist sells Metagenics. I'm going to call tomorrow & see if she carries this specific thing. If not, I'll order it online. I hope it works the same for me!

Missy - when you're eating soup, how much can you typically eat? Lets say…..something like chicken & rice soup. I was sick all last week, and wanted nothing but soup and hot tea. I ate about a cup of soup, but it didn't keep me satisfied for long (all that liquid). I got more bloated initially. I don't think soup is a good band choice, but sometimes….???

8.5 months……HAPPY! Best decision I ever made. I've had no complications, and have lost most of my weight. Still another 17 pounds to go, but I'm confident that I will get there.

B-52 - It's some scary sh-t. So many GOOD doctors are opting out of accepting insurance, period! I refuse to go to Mexico for anything band related, so for me, if/when I lose the coverage, out comes the band. I can afford paying $250 for a fill, but I can't afford anything to do with complications. Moving forward into such mirky waters, isn't a risk I'm willing to take. I have enough stress!! For today, what I DO know, is that I have bariatric coverage for the next 12 months. What will happen beyond that, I have no idea. As the insurance person in my doc's office said, just wait until next October before freaking out. That is when the new "choices" roll out from the County of Los Angeles (my husband's employer). If we're able to keep what we've got, great. And at that point I'll make sure my doctor and his hospital still accepts that coverage…... SAME as they always have. If not, I'll have some very hard decisions to make.

I know this has been discussed at some point, but I want to address it again….. I've been having bits of fleeing panic over the idea that I (we) can lose bariatric coverage with all the health insurance changes coming down the pike. I'm safe for 2014, but what happens after that? My fear is, if I lose bariatric coverage, and have issues that require surgical intervention, how will I pay for it? This scares the crap out of me, and I'm thinking……if I do lose the coverage, I may just have the surgery reversed prior to that happening. And that in itself is a scary proposition! There are still many unknowns with the current flux in the healthcare system. I've heard a few people post that they've already lost their bariatric coverage…..and what will they do?? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. I'm not posting this to open up another political discussion on the Affordable Health Care Act. I'm genuinely interested to hear what others plans are, should they lose this coverage.

Donna12 Is your pain related all to muscles? I have fibro in my back and my rheumetoligist dr gives me flexeril to help with the pain of knotting muscles. Would this be any help to you? I'm sorry you're going thru so much it must be discouraging....but try to keeo a smile in your heart. You have many friends here concerned for you and coming here to vent does help. Bless you and prayers coming your way. Flexeril is a good drug, but you can't function on it. When I'm (rarely) having a very bad bout of something muscular, I can only take ½ at bedtime. That stuff is seriously sedating!

I can deal with most of whatever comes with the new healthcare system. But taking away bariatric coverage isn't something I can deal with. I do not have the resources to pay for a huge surgery out of pocket. When I called my doctor's office to discuss this with the insurance person, the first thing out of her mouth was that the insurance companies are taking out the coverage. They can work with patients on costs, but the hospital is the issue. They will not budge, and they are the biggest part of the expense. My hospital bill was something like $70K, for one night stay. Sickening, but it is what it is. And that doesn't include the surgeon, anesthesiologist, radiologist, etc. Ugh... All of you are right……to cross that path when the time comes. But all of these unknowns is cause for concern. I love my band, but keeping something that could ultimately financially break me, isn't something I'm going to do so close to retirement.

Not just cashiers Bandista. My folks are very close to a former employee of my dad's who's Jamaican. Us kids call him 'the good son' because he calls my dad more than my brother does..lol. Anyway...Carl comes to visit my folks fairly often as his folks are also in Florida and sometimes my mom and dad take his son for an afternoon so Carl and his wife can have some couple time. My folks are white, and Marcel is brown. My mom says she gets funny looks plenty..especially from her neighbors. If anyone she knows questions her, she just says, 'this is my grandson Marcel. Everyone says he looks just like me.' It works every time... LOVE it!!

OMG, Bandista - in what state did you get this comment?? I'm floored! Maybe living in SoCal most all of my life, this shocks the hell out of me. You would never hear that sh-t coming out of someones mouth here.

Well said!