Bro Rob

I am sure anyone who has been banded for more that a couple of weeks has run into the issue of getting bored with the some old vanilla, chocolate or strawberry shake. So what did you do when you got to this point..What is your favorite Protein shake recipe? So far my favorite is a chocolate and Peanut Butter that tastes like a reese's peanut butter cup.

When you hit a "STALL" it may just be a matter of changing your exercise routine...adding an activity that your body is not used to...and hide the scales... especially if you are stressing out. Take other measurements of you success - smaller clothes, more energy, less medication, etc... AND ABOVE ALL..don't compare your weight loss to anyone else...Just because two people have WLS at the same time, does not they are going to show the same weight loss 3, 6 or 12 months later..

No one method, no one procedure is the cure all for everyone....all the weight loss procedures have their pros and cons....and you can "CHEAT" on all of them...so the first thing would be to look at your expectations...If you are expecting surgery to take care of your food issue without any effort on your part...then you will be disappointed in any procedure...Once you know that you will have do your part and are ready, then do your research on both procedures and doctors...Make sure your doctor offers a good follow up program...ask if they have support groups available, or if they know of any...Remember all WLS carries risks, and I am sure you will hear Horror Stories associated with every type of procedure...so after your research, you should go with whatever you are most comfortable with. Best of luck to you.!!

I would call them back and ask them what they are charging for the consultation....find out what procedure codes they are/will be billing. Then call your insurance company and find out what they will allow / pay for those specific procedures....If this is strictly a consult...no labs, xrays, etc...depending on your policy...you should only be responsible for the applicable office visit copay...If you're plan is a PPO type plan that requires you use a network provider for the best benefit, be sure to check with Aetna to confirm if your doctor is participating - CALL Aetna....do not base the provider participation status on an online or printed directory as these are often outdated....and DOCUMENT EVERYTHING...NAMES, DATES, DEPT, PHONE #...in case you end up having to fight with them later on....As for the situation of having the same employer and same insurance...it is very likely you and your co worker signed up for two different policy...My employer uses United Healthcare, but employees have six or seven different policies to choose from.... Please feel free to message me if you have any additional questions. I have been a health insurance claims examiner for more than twenty years, and will be glad to assist in any way I can. Best of Luck!!

Firs of all CONGRATS on having the surgery.....I think everyone is different....I really don't remember if I was hungry immediately surgery. Best of luck...I know that we all want to lose weight as quickly as possible, but as you travel on this journey, remember THE SCALES ARE NOT the ONLY measurement of success.

You CAN DO IT!! Yesterday is done....living with "The Band" like everything in life...is 90% attitude...so you made mistakes, and didn't do what you should have done. you can't change that. What you can change is what you do TODAY. I have found that living in the present is the ONLY way for me to be successful....If I think I can NEVER have that piece of Choclate cake, or those chips...then I want them that much more....but if I tell myself I can't have that cake or chips with this meal, then I can hadle that. I wish you all the best!! You cand do this!!!

I Was banded June 2013 and weight loss so far has been slow...but since my last fill in January, I got into a good workout routine and seems to be comming off faster now. Looking for buddy (Male or Female) near Weatherford, TX - who likes to workout and mountain bike, Must have an encouraging positive attitude!!

I Was banded June 2013 and weight loss so far has been slow...but since my last fill in January, I got into a good workout routine and seems to be comming off faster now. Looking for buddy (Male or Female) near Weatherford, TX - who likes to workout and mountain bike, Must have an encouraging positive attitude!!

Agreed!!! Since you are only 14 days post op, I am asuming you have not had your first fill, so the band will be more "forgiving" in these situations. As guy touched on, the bigger concern is your mental approach to life and food after the band, I will share with you what others (including my doctor) have shared with me. As always, I include the disclaimer that these are things that have worked for me, they may or may not be helful to you... 1. You are not going to follow your lap band "diet" perfectly every day. NO ONE DOES! But, as my doctor often repeats - If you eat right MOST of the time, you will lose weight. 2. This is not a RACE...it is a journey, not just to lose weight, but to live a healthier, happier, longer life. 3. DON'T Beat yourself up, when you mess up!! Most of us, have spent a lifetime of dieting, then when we mess up, we just say "what's the use" which just leads to more eating and more weight gain, which leads to another diet, and the cycle repeats on and on and on....Just because you mess up, doesn't mean you have to give up! 4. The band helps with the physical issues of our eating, but we still have the mental side to deal with...the head hunger...what are your eating triggers? Stay connected with a support group, such as this forum, or better still, if there is a live support group in your area, check it out. Finally, take an HONEST look at how you think about food and your decision to have the band...are you thinking, I have made a smart investment in my future health, or do you think of all the things you can "NEVER" eat again....By the way, my doctor does not give a list of foods you can "NEVER" have, but lists foods which commonly give band patients problems - otherwise everything in moderation. Best of Luck!

Ok - all my Texas friends can relate to this one (as well as some non-Texas friends). You know how most Texans LOVE our Tex-Mex cuisine. What has been your experience post-surgery? Do you have issues with spicy food? We are going on vacation next week, heading to San Antonio, so you know I HAVE to eat Tex-Mex (in moderation, of course).

Day three of vacation and able to eat whatever I like - (in proper portions, of course). Ate at Ritas on the river had chicken fajitas WITH jalapenos - no problems at all..also am able to eat thin crust pizza - (one slice). So, life with the band is good so far, and though I seem to be able to eat whatever, I am also able to enjoy being active on vacation, without constantly thinking about food.

Had my first fill on Monday and here I am on Friday feeling very hungry! I was told to expect to start being hungry by the time my next fill is due (on August 10th), but I was hoping not to be hungry this quick. Is this common especially during the first few fills??....I know they did not add much, but right now I don't feel any restriction. Since I started working out this week, maybe my body just thinks it's hungry?

I begin with the usual disclaimer that each lap band patient an doctor are different....my doc is on the conservative side and his philosophy is to err on the underfill side vs too tight. My experience was a breeze - liquids the day of the fill, then soft foods the next two days, then back to regular diet. My doc uses the flouroscope for each fill, so they can get a visual on the band to make sure there is no slipping, also when you drink the contrast material, they can make sure it is flowing through the band and you are not too tight. Be sure to drink a little Water before you leave the office - you should not have trouble drinking water - if you too the band may be to tight.... My experience was that I felt more satisfied with smaller portions the first week and one half, but am finding that feeling has subsided and I could eat larger portions if I wanted...this is completely normal for your first few fills, until you are in the "green zone". As I stated earlier, my doc is conservative when it comes to fills, so your experience may slightly be different. But overall I found the experience to be a breeze, and am looking forward to my next fill on August 10th.

First of all WELCOME and congratulations on making a decision for a healthier lifestyle! Like many others have said - Everyone is different, so you may see a wide variety of answers to any given question - that doesn't mean anyone one is wrong - they are just relaying what has worked for them, also, I would like to add if you are getting advice that conflicts with your doctors instructions, always follow your doctors advice, (but be sure to ask questions on your next visit). My doctor advised to drink from a straw, especially early on, and I have never had any problems. As, for the hard boiled egg, I can't help you much on that one - as I have not tried it yet....but I do know, that the moister the food is, the easier it is to eat...once again depends on the individual. Also, you may find that your taste buds change with the surgery, so once you can actually eat that hard boiled egg, you may not like it as well as you did before surgery. Best of luck on your journey!

I want to thank both of you (as well as all the "veterans") on this forumfor your encouragement, support and willingess to share your experiences. As a new lap band patient I appreciate having someplace to go where people can relate to some of the things I am going through. I have never been able to figure out why people will seek advice from someone with more experience on a subject and then ignore the advice. Just wanted you to know that there are some of us "newbies" who appreciate your time, effort, advice and encouragement!

Thoughts and prayers with all of you. Best wishes as you begin your journey to a healthier life. Be sure to check in and let us know how you are doing, don't be afraid to bring up any questions or problems you encounter - whatever it is, someone here has had the same question or encountered the same issue. You are not in this alone - we are all here for you!

I think what you are feeling is completely normal - and understanding that each of us is different - you have to look at "your' relationship with food. For me (and for a lot of others I'm sure) food was a friend I constantly turned to when I was sad, food was there to console me. When I was happy, I celebrated with food...but as I gained weight I started to get depressed, which led to more eating, which led to deeper depression. I realized that I had to do something. Try to focus on the things that you want to do as you lose weight. All, the things you can't do right now. And remember, this is not a race - the band is not a quick fix - it is a tool to help us on our journey to a healthier lifestyle (both physically and mentally. You have a great support system here, but if there is a "live" support group in your area, I would encourage you to attend. You will meet others going through some of the same things you are experiencing and will be able to learn from them. Best of luck to you!

Yes - the hiatal hernia is very common, you may experience some additional swelling, but there is very little pain, I only took my pain meds at night to help me sleep - I am a side sleeper and would tend to roll over onto my side where the port was attached and this cause some discomfort, but not unbearable pain. Best of luck!

I am sorry for your pain and suffering, but as Mis73 stated it was caused by your physicians error and not the band itself. The lap-band itself is a proven tool in the fight to loose weight...however my advice to ANYONE and EVERYONE considering this surgery is do your homework...check out SEVERAL doctors before making your decision. Given the choice, I would chose a surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery (not all do). Then consider the risks of the surgery vs not having the surgery...For me the risks to my health and indeed my life if I did not do something about my weight, were greater than the risks associated with the surgery. And last but maybe most importantly ASK QUESTIONS? If the physician or his staff can't or won't answer your questions, you should consider finding a different surgeon.

Hi LesLee - No they did not add anything at surgery. I thing the fact that I am much more active now - (working out) may have something to do with the extra hunger.... but it is nothing that is going to going to get me off track.

I was banded on June 24th, had my first fill on July 22nd - I wished they had filled a little more because I am still getting hungry between meals. My doc is conservative when itcomes to fills, so I will have to ask them to fill a little more on my next fill on Aug 10th.

Thanks for the replies and pointers! My doc is more on the conservative side when it comes to fills...I will ask about adding a little more at my next appointment.

I was banded on June 24, I have not had lettuce yet, but have had no issues with broccolli, tomatoes, onions, fresh peaches, or cantalope...these are the only raw fruits and veggies I haver tried.

Your experience is completely normal, as dawalsh said ....once you start getting fills it will get better, also being seven days out you should still be on a restricted diet, - I found just being able to have a larger variety of food choices helped a lot. Best of luck on your journey!

Started working out last night - very light work out - couple miles on treadmill, a couple of laps in the pool. Will be meeting with a personal trainer later this week. Has anyone experienced any difficulty in doing certain exercises due to the lap band??