labwalker

It was around four fills for the band to start working for me. I'd didn't see any weight loss until the fourth fill, and that was a good four or five months out of surgery. For the first few months you're still healing--there are sutures holding the band in place. You'll know when the band is working--you'll start feeling full after a small meal; and that is your signal to stop. It sounds like it is starting to do its job, but be patient, it does take time to find the green zone.

You have to find a good surgeon, and then trust that surgeon to give the best advice for your needs. Good luck with whichever WLS surgery you have.

Sounds normal... http://www.malleysurgical.com/blog/82-shoulder-pain-after-lap-band-surgery

Folks who don't live near an office for their follow care should never have a lap band. That's my opinion.... I've read too many similar horror stories, and most of them have the same theme. Lap bands do not work on autopilot.

They are great... good for the Protein content vs. the caloric content. But, they can be expensive unless you shop for the best prices in quantity. LW

Definitely don't eat out as much, nor do we order anything that we can't make three or four meals out of. Our local family restaurant has specials, and every few weeks they'll have stuffed peppers--two huge ones on a plate! I make an easy four meals out them! But, I was never high maintenance as far as needing expensive steaks or other red meats. One thing that can add to costs is Protein supplements, especially Protein Bars. I like Quest bars, but they are pricey and eating or a two a day can add up quickly!

You missed a few! You feel better, you feel healthier, you'r able to start living in a what is better future! Life is now the future, and the past is history..... gone! And, not least, YOU are empowered, and in CONTROL!!!

The number is the post's position in a thread. There will be a 2 on this one.

Every insurance policy is different, and every doctor's office has their own requirements. You need to check with your doctor's office, and the patient advocate for your insurance company to get the straight answer. Bariatric surgery and insurance coverage are often at odds, and it can be hard to get a straight answer. I went through this when the staff who handles the insurance at my doctor's practice gave me conflicting information to what I read in my policy. Their attitude was that they had the information, and I didn't. When my three months was up, they found out that my plan had used a different company for bariatric surgery. I'd call and make sure. That ended up delaying my surgery for another 4 months. I was not happy. You've been giving conflicting information, and you deserve to have some piece of mind that everything is on track.

After my fills I was told a liquid diet for the first 24 hours. You could use Protein drinks to keep up if you are having trouble with solid foods. Sometimes the band is a bit more restrictive for the first week or two after an adjustment--perhaps the stomach lining is irritated and swells? You could also try going to four meals a day, four hours apart. That way you can eat less, and still have the needed protein and calorie intake.

It is part of the evaluation to ensure that you will be successful with your post surgery weight loss. They are looking for signs of eating disorders, and any negative reasons that might be influencing your decision to have weight loss... for example: if someone is having surgery to make their boyfriend happy, instead of themselves, would send up a big red flag! I'm sure all interviews are a bit different, but when I arrived I had to fill out a long questionnaire before the meeting. None of the questions were extraordinary, but she did ask if there were any specific incidents in my childhood that may have affected my mental health. The meeting was not intimidating, you are going to be grilled by a state prosecutor, LOL. Just answer honestly, and keep a cool head and be relaxed.

I guess patience, and staying the course. Some folks think took the easy way out with WLS, but I think we all realize it is not a cakewalk! I stalled at a few milestones. It seemed like it took forever to break under 300, and hold there! The next challenge was getting under 290. Now i'm stuck at 280 and it seems to be an impossible barrier! But, I know eventually it will fall,just like the others! Your exercising, eating Protein, and tracking your food. That makes you a model patient. Don't keep any temptations in the house! I find if something bad is around I will eventually nibble at it. Don't let the stalls bother you. I track my weight, but I threw away the calendar.

I have to chime in, with my opinion. I am sure the OP was sincere in her beliefs, but, I have an opposing viewpoint. I would never consider that allowing others to judge my success with WLS to be a factor..... never. I am responsibility for my success, and my failures. No one else! Somethings in life are private... your most private moment will be when you pass into the next life... is that something that you can "share?' I answer to myself. What other people pass as judgement should not matter. If one relies on the opinions of others to experience success with WLS I'd suggest they are setting themselves for failure. The reality is that human nature is what it is.... there is always a chance that any WLS can fail... where does that leave you when everyone that has been blabbed to realizes that "you" failed? Many folks will always believe that you took the "easy way out." Whether you are successful or not will make NO difference. Some folks are enabled by over eating, they will be jealous that you had the guts to take your life and future into your hands, and choose to make a life changing decision. There always true friends and family who are there and who will support you, regardless of the outcome. I'd be careful to chose the later before letting the cat out of the bag.

Wow, I thought VSGAnn and myself would never be on the same page,. but I have to agree with everything that she wrote. Ann, you hit the nail on the head. Thank you.

Most gyms offer a free or reasonably priced trial membership. Take advantage of them, and try a few health clubs or gyms before committing. It is almost like choosing a WLS--one size does not fit all. We all have different needs and expectations, and often the expense involved is a consideration for folks on a tight budget.

I'm surprised no one has jumped in to help?? First, what you are experiencing is NOT NORMAL for a lap band patient. I would be very concerned that if you continue experiencing these episodes you are at risk of damaging the the sutures that hold the band in place. I would suggest calling your doctor's office to discuss those problems. But, I am curious to know exactly how your doctor's office prepared you for life with the band? I am not a medical professional, but this is what I have been thought, and it does work for me, another banders on this forum. You should be able to eat almost anything.... but, you need to relearn your eating habits! Every bite you take should be chewed twenty or thirty times before you swallow!!!! You should learn to put the fork or spoon down for at least 30 seconds between bites. Don't worry about cleaning your plate! If you need more Protein, consider doing four meals a day, with at least 4 hours between meals. Most of the foods you are eating seem to be very reasonable. But, hamburger can be a problem for some banders. Tomatoes: try removing the skin first... but, if you chew properly, they should not be a problem. I've been banded for almost two years, and I am just into the green zone. I can eat anything, providing I chew, chew, chew and pace myself. For some folks who have band that is on the tighter side of the green zone, some foods will always be a problem. Relearning how to eat is a big part of living with the band. But, after a few months it becomes second nature. If you are following good eating habits, and still have those problems, you need to talk to your doctor's office. Being a successful bander requires follow up care.

t makes more sense to do a ten or twenty dollar monthly gym membership to see what your commitment level is first. A good tread is over three grand. Then add weights, etc. Ask me if the Nordic Track was a better investment than my PF membership.

I started taking long walks about 14 years ago, with my first lab. We'd walk for two or three hours a day... I was able to lose 70 lbs over the summer, but when the snows came the weight came back on. Rinse, wash, repeat. The lab was doing a lot better with her health and weight than I was, LOL. At least that effort got my cholesterol well under control, along with an effort to eat a lot healthier. But, once I had the WLS, the weight came off, and stayed off. I may go through periods where I cheat a bit, or miss going to the gym, but I don't gain. And when get back on track, I start losing again. I will reach my goal, and I will live to see it. I had my doubts before WLS. I told very few folks that I was considering the WLS, except for several folks that I knew had WLS. My wife was nervous about it, but once I made the decision to follow through, she had a gastric sleeve done several months after my gastric band. We're both very happy with results. To be honest, I am glad I didn't go public. I've felt the negative vibes, and when folks ask if I've lost weight, I honestly tell them that I hit the gym for one hour, at least 6 or 7 days a week.

The first best thing I ever did for myself was to quit smoking almost 20 years ago... the second best thing was deciding to have WLS, and following through with it. Still on the CPAP machine, but I am down over 80 lbs and feel a lot better. My cholesterol dropped from over 250 total to 153, and now my HDL is higher than my LDL numbers. I'm not near my goal, but I am positive the band is giving me a new lease on life.

Varies by doctor... there are sutures holding the band, and the stomach has to heal. I've read one to three months is normal. It will take a few more visits before the band starts controlling your appetite.

I can't imagine a fill costing 600 dollars!!!!!!!! That is outrageous. My doctor was billing $350 for a fill according to insurance statements, and that is very high. I've read where folks are paying as little as 75 dollars for follow visits, including needed adjustments. I hate to sound preachy, but lap band successful requires a commitment on both the surgeon and patient for months and years after surgery. If regular follow up visits are not possible, than the band becomes a very poor WLS option. I would not be where I am at if I hadn't been able to do the required follow ups on a regular basis. Shame on that doctor for not being a bit more compassionate.

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I always found it strange that a bariatric ward would only have standard size gowns for their patients. They usually let you have two, front and back, but you'd think they'd plan a bit better.

When you can eat food following the advice given by your provider, and not feel any discomfort, while being able to lose a pound or two a week. If you are in the green zone, you will feel full for at least 4 hours between meals. That requires having enough Protein at each meal, and watching your portion sizes to avoid extra calories. The band should let you know when you don't NEED to take an extra bite of food, and you shouldn't feel an urge to clean your plate because food is still left on it. The band is a tool, and it will not doing anything magical except to let you know when you have had enough to eat. If it is too loose, you will eat more than you need at a sitting. If it is too tight, you will have episodes of being stuck, or experience PB; all of which leads to eating slider foods and no weight loss. That's how it works for me... you will see others who are living with very restrictive bands, and who are doing well. Others, like me, are able to make do with a band that is comfortable, yet still does its job.

Call your doctor.