Lori Ann

Good Afternoon to All: I know my body would stop ever so often losing weight...I would get stuck for a couple of weeks. That is normal and the body needs a chance to catch up with the 20 lb weight loss.....the body wants to hold on to the fat....so sometimes switch things around with your diet....do different things (healthy things)......make sure you ARE eating....get the metabolism going...protein, Protein, protein. Track what you are eating and don't get discouraged....the weight will start dropping off again.....Good luck!

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome....glad you are here and we welcome you with open arms.....come on this journey with us. I don't think you will have any problems with getting approved......and it doesn't matter what anyone in the class said to you....if you are uncomfortable with yourself, and you have tried things in the past, your BMI is 38.8....you are considered morbidly obese....just like I was. I was the smallest one in there, but I was still wearing a 3X or Size 22-24.....It is absolutely the best thing I ever did for myself (getting the lapband). It has been 2 1/2 years since I got the band.....have maintained my weight for over 1 1/2 years.....I love my band and everything else that comes along with it! Good luck and keep us posted. Sorry we didn't respond right away.....again, Welcome!! Lori

I think it is a combination of a few things.....#1...Are you going to be able to follow instructions & directions on a medically supervised plan. I really didn't realize what a change was going to occur when I couldn't eat like I used to eat....it is mind blowing....my life revolved around food. I believe like the other person said previously that this prepares you and you don't want to have the carpet yanked out from under you....this is definitely life changing. #2: The insurance companies want to make sure you have tried everything....and I mean everything. Our problem is we cannot do it long term....we are all good short term people!!.......but once we accomplish our goals....guess what...we reward ourselves with food......Well, with this new lapband....you cannot reward yourself with food! The insurance companies want you to have exhausted all opportunities and chances at losing weight....make sure you have really tried to lose weight.......let's face it, this is a lot of money getting the band....Insurance companies always go overboard...which they have to cover all bases.....that is what they do right?

I am so so excited for you and your new life.....you are amazing and I am so glad you left that abusive relationship.,......OMG new doors will open for you....which I am sure thay already have. Keep us posted on your progress....You will do great!!

Good Luck to All!

Also, Denise...try to drink things very high in protein..this tends to keep you from feeling so hungry...there are protein shakes that are very high in protein and they really do work....remember, protein keeps you from feeling so hungry!

Hi there....you are going to be just fine...but this is what we call Bandster Hell....this is the very difficult part of the journey and you must try and do what the doctor tells you because you don't want to damage your band. Typically as in my case, the band is placed on your stomach in surgery and stitched into place....they do not fill usually (and some people are different) until 6 weeks...this is so healing will take place with your band...so please, please follow the rules. I would imagine your band is not damaged, but pick yourself up, and dust yourself off and follow the liquid diet....this is very, very difficult and it is totally normal that you are very hungry....the band doesn't usually really start working until you get your first fill...and sometimes it takes a couple of fills before you get good restriction....but once it starts working, it is heaven....please take time to heal and follow your doctors orders. Good luck and I promise, promise you, it does get better!

Welcome Rosemary....this is a wonderful site and has excellent advice and support from people that have gone through exactly what you are going through...the bad and the good. It always helps to know that someone is always going through what you are going through. I can't tell you how many times in the middle of the night, that I came to this site for advice or simply to read everyone else's posts. Please ask questions and the 14 lbs. is fantastic....when I first got banded, the first few weeks were a nightmare so I am impressed you feel so well...you are doing great!!! Good luck on your lapband journey....your life is going to change so much as I'm sure it already has....but, it only gets better!!!

After first being banded, citrus fruit hurt my stomach...I don't know if it was the acidity or what...now, after being banded for almost 2 years....I love grapefruits and do just find...like Jodi said, it is definitely an individual thing...try it but make sure you don't get any of the stringy stuff or skin...it will get stuck.

This is very normal...this has always happened to me after a fill...very tight...you are able to get a little bit of food down and that's great. This is the way I preferred it....like everyone else said, if it doesn't loosen up in the next week or two...go back....but please make sure you are hydrated and if you can't keep liquids down, then go asap. Some peoples tolerance levels as to the amount of restriction is very different....so if you are totally uncomfortable and can't see waiting for it to loosen, call your doctor. Good luck!!

I had BCBS of NJ and the approved my surgery the first time. I had diabetes and high blood pressure. My BMI was 41. I had to have all the sleep tests, psych test, x-rays, meet with a nutritionist and have a referral that my primary doctor approved....They lost my paperwork and everything had to be resubmitted....but I tell you...I called BCBSNJ (Horizon) every day until I got the approval. At one point, I was missing something that I had my doctor fax over. I really believe the best thing is not to sit back at wait....you call the insurance company and that way you know exactly what stage your claim is in....ask for answers and ask questions. Good Luck!

Keep on researching, but this was the best thing for me. I am 47 and had the surgery in May 2007 and it is the best thing that has ever happend to me. I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes. I am now off all medication for high blood pressure and two different types of medication for Diabetes....it is actually gone!! The other is my self confidence and the way I feel about myself.....welcome and good luck on your research.

You have done a great job...Please do call you doctor tomorrow....that's why you have the band...to control those urges and the band will limit the amount you eat if you are eating whatever you want. I went through the same thing and the great thing about restriction is it controls the amount I can eat....now the bad calories or "empty" calories are another thing.....but I think if you have some good restriction, your choices will probably be better because the amount will decrease that you can eat.....knowing you are wide open and can eat anything you want can be dangerous for us....but my goodness you have done a fantastic job at losing 60 pounds.....just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start over again....you CAN DO IT.....you have already proved that. Good luck and let us know what the doctor says.....:rolleyes2:

I have never heard of anyone being turned down because they lost too much weight prior to surgery. Your weight is turned into insurance like your doctor said "at time that you meet with him to begin this process" Once the insurance approves, based on the weight the doctor turns in (your surgeon)....is what the insurance works with.....I have never heard of them contacting your surgeon's office to see how much you weight prior to surgery.......once they approve.....that's it!!! Hope this helps a little bit.

I have never heard of anyone being turned down because they lost too much weight prior to surgery. Your weight is turned into insurance like your doctor said "at time that you meet with him to begin this process" Once the insurance approves, based on the weight the doctor turns in (your surgeon)....is what the insurance works with.....I have never heard of them contacting your surgeon's office to see how much you weight prior to surgery.......once they approve.....that's it!!! Hope this helps a little bit.

I was on a pre-op diet for only two days prior to surgery....my bmi was 41 and I was on clear liquids for two days, jello, popsicles, clear broth...absolutely nothing solid. Like all the advice on this thread, each doctor has a different way of approaching the surgery day. Good luck on yours.

Well, I can share my experience with the band....there are many articles on Lap Band Surgery....you need to research, research, research. I live in Georgia and my surgeon is in the Decatur, GA area. I had to attend a consultation and information seminar prior to hooking up with this surgeon......I found out all the info I needed to know at that seminar along with instructions as to what was going to happen next. Never once have I EVER regretted my decision to have the lapband....it has asolutely changed my life.

Well, I am sorry you are having this bad experience, but there is hope...many of us that are successfull, have been through all of what you are talking about...so it's just steps until you can get to the place you need to be....you are not a failure. I had 4 fills before I found my "sweet spot" it might take one or two more times. I understand what you are saying about this Doctor, but when you go in there, remember this is about you and the help you need...not the Doctor that has an attitude. You go in there, hold your head up high, and realize this is just another step towards being more successful in your journey. You wouldn't have already lost 29 lbs if you were a failure. Keep on trudging this road to happy destiny...you can make it!

Welcome to Band Land! We look forward to sharing your journey with you. You will find a wealth of knowledge on this board....It has been a great journey for me and I couldn't of imagined it without this board to ready. Good Luck...I know you will be successful!

You are doing amazing for having surgery on the 8th....usually the 3rd day or so is bad because all of the medication is coming out of you (anesthetic, etc.) You have a new little stomach that is sensitive and it is very normal to have horrible gas pains - kind of feels like gas is trapped in the chest (that was my experience)....matter of fact, the gas is about the worst of it.....it only gets better from here. Welcome and have a wonderful journey...I know I have!!

I live in Atlanta GA and my Sponsor is from California....Nancy R.

Step 3 is a wonderful step.....my Sponsor took a formal 3rd step with me and it was wonderful. We did the 3rd step prayer together and that was the 1st time I ever got down on my knees with someone...it was really awesome. Hope your Step 3 goes well and congratulations on your 24 days....that's a true miracle!

Good Afternoon....I am a recovering alcoholic and my sobriety date is September 29th 1996. woohoo!! I love my band and I knew there had to be some of us out there. Love to all fellow alocoholics. Lori

I got my ticker tape from www.tickerfactory.com....then you build your own weight loss ticker. To make this appear everytime you post you here I store my weight loss ticker from tickerfactory.com....I update as need be. If you notice to the right of when you post a message there is a list of things in the Member Area......Choose User CP and you can edit your signature there. The things you want to appear store in the signature area and then everytime you post, it will show. Let me know if you have any additional problems. I'll be glad to help!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Welcome to Band Land! We look forward to sharing the journey with you. To be nervous at this point in the game is very normal!