allwright

You said they took the "fill" out...was this because of your choking problem? If so what instructions did your Dr. give?

Good luck with your surgery! This is a great site for infor and support. You are so right in thinking about the end results for your wife and kids. Health issues like you named is a definite reason to do something about your weight! Stay positive and take pics with you of your family. Let us know how your doing!

I went into the "band" idea with an understanding that it was a tool to help me lose weight. I was told that I would have to change some of my habits to succeed. I was told that it was not a picnic or get thin over night fix. I was instructed that I would be expected to be a willing participant in my diet intake and my execerise program. I was told that I would need "fills" to aid in the weight loss. so in saying all that, I must say that every word was true! I do not regret for one second my decision to be "banded". Yes, I have been hungry and yes I have been discouraged that I have not lost more weight than I have. Yes, I want it now....my weight to be gone...to eat whatever I want.....and to never have to shop for "fat" clothes again! Now back to reality, I love watching the weight go...even slowly. I love have more energy. I love watching my clothes get baggy....my neck getting thin....having my stomach getting more flat and firm....saggy bottom firming up and knees not hurting...I could go on. I would do it over in a heart beat. I hope it turns out for you but you must decide if it is right for you. You really need to be committed to take the step of being banded. Do your homework and really talk to yourself. Really know if you can give "yourself" the time and effort it takes.

Sleep Apnea is one of the diagnosis that is affected by weight as my insurance co. stated. Health issues are a main concern for the need of weight loss surgery. Sleep Apnea, blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, multiple meds, morbid obesity are all some of the diagnosis looked at for the procedure to be approved at least for me.

I chose the band because of the safety factors vs. a complicated surgery. Either one can assist you in loosing weight. It is up to you and your physician to decide the route for you to take. You have to be committed either way. My sister had the B/P and I opted for band. We are both happy with our results. Difference is she had amputeed leg and could not exercise and had other health issues. The band was the smart thing for me as I could not be away from work for the post-op recovery but was dedicated to losing the weight. Good luck with your choice!

If you are only 4 days post-op, you should not be trying to eat anything. Your body has to heal and get use to the band. Most doctors advise 2 weeks liquids and then mushy, slushy foods for 2 weeks before attempting solids of any kind. Be careful and be patient. Contact your doctor or dietician for exact instructions.

I, too did not feel anything different after my surgery. I guess I was scared to test it though. I went for my first fill and still felt nothing different. I did not eat a lot and stuck to the rules. Again, I was afraid that I would cause problems if I ate bread, etc. I went for 2nd fill and did feel some restriction. I have been cautious about what I am eating. I fear the "fills" as they have hit the edge of my port both times I have had a fill. I know I probably need another one but dread the thought. I will discuss it with my doctor on July 13th, my next visit!

WOW, I thought having to have the H. P. test was a waste of time and money prior to my banding. Guess not! Whew...glad it was negative. Sounds like rough stuff. Glad you are better and got your fill! Welcome back to the family of "Banders".

Good for you in your choice to do the "band"! When you say that you have dieted before and lost 40-50 lbs, was this not documented in your medical records? For me, I had to turn in copies of past 5 years medical records which showed my trials and failures at weight loss. This took place of the 6 months dieting regimen. I had tried OTC weight loss products, diet pills and exercise programs. All this was in my records as I cried the blues when those darn scales "weighed heavy" at the doctocs office. I too, decided to keep quite about my choice to do this. My husband, mother and favorite sister-in-law know and are super supportive. Other than that, only the thousands of supporting lapband web-friends know!

Making the choice to do something about it....is the first step. Good support is invaluable. Ask any questions you have. There is someone here that has probably been thru the same situation. If not, maybe we can point you in the right direction. It is definitely worth the effort and the wait!

If you have a Costco nearby...they have great varieties of SF syrups. My favorites are ameretta, maple and berry!

When I get the "urge", I take a bite....is it worth it, yep! Do I feel guilty, nope! Do I pig out...absolutely not! Rewarding yourself to a small sample will prevent you from thowing caution to the wind and giving up. If we had the willpower in the first place we would not need the surgery. I applaud the people that have that kind of self control. My doc said he had rather me give in to a small desire than to let the desire control me.

Welcome to the site. All of us had lots of questions. There are no real set in stone answers as everyone is different. The main thing is do you really want it? Are you willing to do what it takes? As to the insurance...they are all different too. Mine covered the surgery as they felt it met the criteria for medically necessity. I had diagnosis of high BP, back pain, arthritis and hx of blood clots. I had two doctor recommendations for the procedure. I had to produce 5 years of medical records showing my many attempts to lose weight. But, it was all worth it to me. My husband, children and pets are important reasons for me to get healthy. But the number one reason is me! I wanted to feel better, have more energy and get off meds. I knew I was a walking time bomb for a stroke or heart attack. 2 BP meds and still not controlling blood pressure is not a good thing. I looked in the mirror and saw a stranger. I wanted to be me again. I was screaming to get out of the fat suit. I am almost 3 months post surgery and 31 lbs. lighter. I feel like a freed bird. I have a ways to go...but each step I take is lighter. It is worth the effort I put in it. That is the key. Do you want it bad enough to do whatever it takes?

I suffered yesterday when I had to safety pin my slacks at work to keep them up. I will suffer Friday when I am off from work and go shopping for pants that fit. NOT!!!!!!!!

WOW, good for you! Nervous is ok...any surgery will make you nervous. Just remember why you are taking this step....it IS all about YOU and your health!!!!

Hi Lisa, as others have said, it depends on your physician. I basically cut back myself to start the process and get my body ready. I drank the protein shakes and started my vitamins, gave up sodas and straws in preparation for the surgery. The main thing is to get your "Liver" in the right stage for surgery. Losing a few pounds doesn't hurt. Don't beat yourself up.......it is worth the effort.

Pookie, I had to have all the test done. I called the insurance company and ask what they needed for me to be able to have the band. They gave me a list and I wrote quickly as they talked. I then got a letter from my regular primary physician stating how I would benefit from the surgery. I had been to a neuro for back pain...and ask him if he thought I would benefit from the surgery...of course he did so I ask for a prescription to say he recommended the surgery. I had my dr. to order the test they said I would need. Sleep Apnea, EKG, stress test, x-rays, H-pylora, thyroid profile, psych eval, dietician consult, 5 years of my medical records showing the many attempts at weight loss(which replaced the pre-op diet) list of meds....ultrasound to rule out blood clots(I had them in the past from a fall) and diagnosis. I had arthritis, high BP, weak ankles, and back pain.

I was banded on March 29th. See my ticker below as the pounds had to go....

I just got back from Boston, MA. I went to see my grandchildren. My husband and I flew there from KY. I can not explain the joy I felt when I had to say, "wait a minute honey, I have to tighten my seat belt"! He smiled knowingly as we shared that moment. No one else knew but we did and it felt sooooooo...good! We also took the kids and grandkids to the Aquarium. Walked all over the place, subways, buses, sidewalk tours, and I kept up and breathed NORMALLY! We ate in nice restuarants...I chatted, nursed a wonderful bowl of chowder, laughed, smiled at the grandbabies, talked, enjoyed my lemon Water, smiled, nibbled on a wonderful chicken salad..had a blast and no one noticed I was "Dieting"! Woops, was this supposed to be hard? It's only been 2 1/2 months and I can't wait for our next adventure. I did nothing different or special. We can set and meet our goals!!!

Welcome again and come to "CHAT" sometime.

Well it seems that alot of us go through the same situations after surgery. First of all, you have to heal!! Going back to the gym this early is probably not wise. You want your body to get use to the port. The swelling has to go down and the port settle. Be kind to yourself. Walking is good but you might want to re-think the strenuous stuff. Protein is number 1 to consume. Make sure you get the protein whether you get anything else or not. Chew, chew and chew some more. This does a coupl of things for you. First, it will go down as it is designed to do. Also, you will fill up faster by taking longer to eat. Drink lots of fluids between meals, stopping 30 minutes prior to meals and 30 minutes after meals to make yourself feel full. Last, but not least, go easy on yourself. It takes time for your body to adjust. Relax and think about your food before you take another bite. Ask yourself, do I need to eat anymore, or can I do without this next bite. If you can...great! If not, don't beat yourself up....you will get through this. Your dr. will give you a fill and advise!

Hi Jen, I'm Jen also(allwright, on here). I had my surgery 4/29/07 and I am your neighbor in KY. As others have said...go to TickerFactory.com and set up your choice of a fun ticker! Your doing great!!!

BUDININDY is absolutely right....fast learner too! I could not even tell for sure I had the band other than incisions.....I had to be strict with myself and follow the rules for liquids and mushies. I felt like I could have eaten anything. Fill definitely made a diff!!! Hang in there, it will get better!

Hello ROC and welcome. You have made a great decision and young enough to really enjoy. I'll be 55 in Oct and had my band in March this year. I feel GREAT!!!! Energy level is unbeliveable already! Good luck!

Hello Melissa. I also drive 2 hours for my dr. visits. I go to Louisville and live in Campbellsville. I was banded at Nortons with Dr. Tanner. Welcome to the site.