PrettyThick1

Twinlab Bariatric Support Chewable Multi plus Iron - berry Flavor 1 tablet NOW Certified Organic Spirulina - 500mg La-La Liquid Probiotic - 1 bottle On the list of things to start soon: Calcium Fish Oil B-Vitamins

Add your tickers...they are good for inspiring people, even yourself sometimes! Also take your measurements, they are as important as pounds on this journey.

How much protein are you getting? What are you eating?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. You pay her salary, explain why you want to procedure and if she isn't on board find someone who is. You qualify for the surgery and with your BMI and comorbids your insurance will likely not deny it. I would go to the seminar first, then go to your PCP with your new found knowledge and literature on the procedure. Again, if she won't recommend it, go to a doctor who is pro-band. This forum is huge and I've heard of a few physicians who have been banded. You just might run into someone at the seminar that can refer you to a new PCP if that's what you have to do. I am so glad I had this done! It has made a huge difference in my life after such a short period of time. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and Severe Obstructive sleep Apnea this year and both of those conditions have improved tremendously since I've been banded. Not only that, my blood pressure is a textbook 120/80 and I can't say enough about the confidence I have, the compliments I get and the heads that I am starting to turn. You've done enough research to know that this is something you can do to change your life for the better, now go for it and don't let anyone stand in your way. Good luck and stay in touch!

He's adorable! Congratulations and enjoy your new blessing.

Keeping track of your measurements is just as important as keeping track of your pounds. Sometimes the scale doesn't budge, but you are reducing. I've lost 43.5 lbs and 39 inches - almost equal!

My out of pocket with BCBS TX was $2,100.00

Job well done...you look great!

You go Amazon Princess! You told her what she needed to hear and you were spot-on with what you said. Misery loves company, let her wallow in it all by herself...keep up the good work and let your haters be your motivators!

Looks incredible! I can't wait to try this, thank you very much!

Way to go! I see a big difference already...you should post a ticker with your weight loss progress!

Insurance typically only takes a few days at the most. You will find out faster if you call them directly, your surgeon won't know until they get the letter in the mail which could take more than a week.

Something seems to change with every fill I get. It could be that you cannot tolerate eggs with this one; I couldn't eat them after my second fill, no matter how they were prepared.

I'm near Willowbrook Mall. Fashion Stylist is also in Houston, we stay in touch via text ; ).

This is the first time since I've had my band that I just want to eat, eat, eat! I'm not hungry at all, but that's not stopping me. Although I'm not eating anything that's terribly wrong, I'm just in a mood to constantly snack and it's scaring me. Have you ever experienced this and if so, how did you overcome it? It has to stop and I'll take any and all suggestions you have.

What part of Texas are you in? I'm in Houston and was banded 2 days after you!

Restriction simply means that you are satisfied on a much smaller amount of food than you were before the band and that you stay full for a longer period of time. I'm not sure what your caloric intake should be (mine is 1,200), but if you only had 1.5 - 3 cups of food per day, given the requirements for our meals - you won't get anywhere close to that without Snacks. I am allowed 2 snacks per day (usually a Protein shot, a cup of Jello, pudding, fruit, cottage cheese, a cheese stick or smart pop popcorn) and have come to rely on myfitnesspal to keep track of what I am eating and how much I am burning off. When you eat, no matter how much you have prepared for yourself you need to stop BEFORE you feel full - you just want to NOT be hungry. Overeating, feeling stuffed isn't safe as it means you are stretching your pouch and overtime that could result in a slip or other issues. If you eat until you feel pain, you've taken in a few bites too many. I had a "soft stop" which was an involuntary sigh, but it's not working this week for some reason and I have overeaten 2 times this week. It's not a good feeling and it worries me a bit. If your band isn't full enough, you can't expect not to feel hunger for four hours and you are not in the green zone until you can make it that long without eating. You know when you've overeaten because it will be very uncomforable, you don't always PB or vomit, but you will feel a bit of pain - that's not restriction. Good luck...you learn something new just about everyday with the band. Just keep asking questions. I've had mine for 2 months and 2 weeks and I'm still learning things and asking questions.

Hi Byrdmen! First, congrats on your sucess! I am a newbie - banded just 2 months and 2 weeks ago and I'm dealing with a rough round of head hunger and overeating. While I've only had about 700 calories so far today, I am stuffed but I keep wanting to eat...so I've been nibbling on smart pop popcorn all day...again, I am stuffed but still want to eat. I know this isn't good. Have you ever had these times? If so, how did you deal with it?

Great progress! Keep up the good work!

Left over baked chicken and broccoli. For dessert - cottage cheese and pear slices.

I hope they get to the bottom of your problem and you start feeling better soon.

Everybody and every band is different. I'm going to give you advice that I don't follow myself - weigh yourself only once a week...if that doesn't work, go to once per month. Most of all, do not be discouraged! It will happen, when your body wants it to.

Wow ladies...sorry to put the insurance covered TT out there like that. I guess God just keeps smiling on me, I've already gotten mine approved through BCBS simply because I had a C-Section.

That's terrific news and you look great! I think they made a great choice, you are very photogenic.

You go girl! I am addicted to the scale, I realize I have to put it away and resist checking my weight because it is very discouraging for the most part. I've been losing and gaining the same 3 lbs. for more than a week now and it's driving me crazy.