allwright

I went to my Dr. Friday for 2nd fill. A lady in waiting area showed pics. She had been 478 lbs. She is down and now weighs 258. She was banded in late 2005. She was estatic! Health had improved dramatically. Good luck with your seach for what is right for you!

Did you not get info from dietician before surgery? Usually they give very good instructions. Most frown on breads, beef, carbonated soda's, etc. There are very good websites to assist with this. I encourage you to be very careful. Yes, many people try the foods that got us in this shape in the first place.....and end up having problems. Soft foods, grilled chicken, baked fish, tuna, mushie veggies, Soups, cottage cheese, puddings, Jello, cheesy eggs, are just a few things I choose from. Some people can tolerate more than others. Many however, end up with complications from eating the wrong foods. Good luck....

I went in under the assumption that I would be staying 1 night. Spiked a fever 101.7 and doc wanted to be on safe side and kept me till next day. Otherwise could have went home as no pain nor need of pain meds. Took antibiotic and tylenol and was good to go.

I wondered if my "secret" should remain secret from my friends and extended family. Now I know I made the right decision. I only told my husband, mother and supportive sister-in-law. I wanted this surgery for my heath. Two BP meds a day,(needing a 3rd), back pain, knee pain, enlarged liver, arthritis, low self-esteem, etc. all were signs I needed to make a drastic change. It was for me! Selfish, I don't think so! I wanted to live a better life. Losing the weight is for my health benefits and the benefits will trickle down to my family and friends as it allows me to become healthier. I did not want the na-sayers to spoil my desire and goals. My husband is the heavenly-supporter! He is my biggest cheer leader. This web site is my support system that I knew my family and friends would not be able to fill. Is the "secret" aspect for everyone? No, but you know who you are. If you have that loving support then I applaud you. But for those of us who have the negative, whiny, spoiled, immature, selfish, close-minded, jealous and judgemental family and friends....."they'll never know"! Jen "Happy to be on the BAND wagon"!

Yeah for you!!! I know what you went through. I had the same issue and had to wait.....it was awlful and I drove my husband crazy! But it was worth it...every long, painful, and aggrevating second!! Best of luck and stay positive, Jen "Happy to be on the BAND WAGON"!

Hi Sunshine, I live in Campbellsville, about 85-90 miles away. I had my surgery at Nortons March 29th, 2007. I have lost 21 lbs so far and have reached a plateau or something. I had my 1st fill on May 11 but nothing happening from that yet. I'm going back Friday for a re-check from my Dr. Tanner. It's good to see a fellow Kentuckian! Jen "Happy to be on the BAND WAGON"!

Hi Lee, I had my 1st fill on May 11th and feel(fill) nothing at all. I'm disappointed in a small way. I called and am going back in this Friday. I thought I would see some difference. I am not eating much but it is just because I know I am not supposed to. I can manage this for a short time but not indefinitely. Course I do not want your symptoms, and I'm sorry you are having to struggle. Hope all goes well!

Hi Susie....I'm Jen (allwright) from KY. I got banded in March, 2 months ago yesterday. I'm new to this site and still learning to get around on here. I can't seem to figure out the signature and ticker thing. I chose one and my sig. but how do you post it?????(feeling really dumb). Thanks

OMG, I just realized I was saying 4/29/07 and it was March. Does that mean I have started having "senior moments" early. Sorry for the confusion!!!

Thanks for the support!! I love the post...I laugh no, I really laugh out loud, hysterically at some of the post. I cry, no, I sob at some of the other post. What a bunch we are. To be able to share our past, present and dream of the future together is such a blessing. No one could make up the stuff we have been through. WoW, when you think you have been through the worse nightmare of a lifetime, someone else tells their story and you know there is worse out there! Choosing to battle our weight is a postitive step to making a change in our life. Realizing and sharing things that other people would not understand sheds a light of hope. This is an up-hill battle, I know, but I'm a climber. Jen "Happy to be on the Band Wagon"!

<p>Why am I fat? Well it started with a fork and spoon becoming my support tools. I went through a divorce, my x-husband took my son and ran, I was on meds that made me eat everything in sight, and I just didn't care!! I re-married and he was bigger than me. I felt as long as he was bigger, I was smaller! Made perfect sense to me! We ate out, I ate less than he did. We ordered pizza, he ate a slice or two more than me. </p> <p>....then it happened! He had to go to Dr. for something and...they weighed him. OMG he only weighed 30 lbs more than me and he was 7" taller than me. Reality set in real quick....he was gaining over the years and I was chasing him. </p> <p> </p> <p>What was I doing to myself and to my health. Oh sure I had the fall and a couple of blood clots and could'nt exercise anymore...and the steroids they gave me for the pre-cancerous lesions made me eat like a horse (foundered horse)!</p> <p> </p> <p>Reality check...I was fast approaching a point of no return. I had to do something and so my research began. It led me to the "band" and my life has changed drastically, for the better. Surprisingly, hubby is biggest supporter!</p>

Hi there, I had my surgery in Louisville and live 85 miles away. I was extremely please with Nortons hospital and Dr. Tanner. Good luck with your search. Jen, "Happy to be on the BAND WAGON"!

Sorry you are so nervous MariaS. You have made a decision to do something about your weight! Now you are having the tug of war that many of us do or did have. That is normal to try and second guess or even validate your answers. Sometimes we just have to make a list of pro's and con's for doing something. That worked for me. The pro's list was alot longer than the con list. My health and the benefits of losing the weight made me realize banding was the answer for me. I had my band 4/29/07 and have lost 21 lbs. I can already see the difference in my body. Execerise can help tone the muscles and skin. You have a certain amount of elasticity in the skin and that will help. Personally, I'll take some sagging anytime to rid some of the health problems that the excess weight causes. I know you'll make the right decision for you. Good luck with your decision. Keep us posted! Jen "Happy to be on the BAND WAGON"!

Your having some yukie' test done when you get home, possibly gallbladder issues. Have to be really careful but did not want to miss out on the fun!!! That one works for me!! Best of luck, Jen (allwright)

Hi Debi, I'm 54 and had my surgery April 29th...2 months ago today! I have lost 21 lbs. I go back to Dr. this Friday....I did not get sick after surgery. Best of luck, Jen

Hi Kathy! I had my band surgery on 3/29/07 at Nortons. Dr. Tanner did my surgery. I also have UHC and it paid all but $900.00 of everything including lab test, x-rays, Dr. visits, hospital stay(overnight), surgery, etc. I had to go through an act of congress to get everything done. Letters, 5 yrs of medical records, more test and many phone calls. It all was worth it....I have lost 21 lbs in two months today. Hope all goes well for you! Jen

Karla, I really did not feel "filled". I had no restrictive feeling. In the beginning I did the liquids because I was scared not to. I was pretty relaxed at home and did not feel hungry. After the "fill" on May 11th, I left the Dr. office and drove back home and resumed the same activities as before. Did not really notice a change. I eat less because I know I am supposed to and not necessarily because I can't eat more. I have never had nausea, vomiting or severe gas pains. I can feel the band so I know it's there. I eat much slower and try to follow rules. I think I will follow your advise and see if I can get in to see Dr. earlier. Thanks, Jen

I have not seen the High Protein shake by slim-fast. The Optima is the one I have been using. Is the High Protein new ane out everywhere or just in large cities. Thanks,

Hi there. I also travel with my job. I had my surgery 3/29/07. Traveling, no problem. The soup drinks are great. I just pull in to Speedway type stations and go to the grocery asle and get a tomato or cream of chicken soup...pop in their microwave 1 1/2 minutes, pay and go. I use the crystal light individual packs to pour in my water, love the OJ, grape and peach tea! I carry the small 3 oz tuna, chicken, turkey cans with the pop top, also. Sams and Costco type stores have the chicken salad packs in 3 0z with the spoon in the pack to go! You can be very creative and make it work for you! Good Luck, Jen

Hi there. I just read your post and have a question. Did you have to wait till your next scheduled appointment for your fill? My next fill won't be until June 22nd and I know I need it badly! Thanks for your reply! Jen

"My Dr. has me on this restricted calorie thing, but the food is great".....works for me! They smile at you with this all-knowing look of sympathy. Best wishes with your health issues. Jen

Hi Bob! I up the road from ya in KY. I had my surgery March 29, 2007. Dr. Tanner did my surgery at Norton Hospital in Louisville. To date I have lost 21 lbs and seem to have plateau. I'm sure that will change. I had my first fill on the 11th this month. I go back on the 22nd of June. I had mild to moderate pain and did not even fill my pain prescription. A few Tylenol and I was good to go. I'm glad I found this site, today! Best of luck and continued success!! Jen

Hi Katie, I had my band on 4/29/07. I am from Kentucky. I have now lost 21 lbs and had my first fill. I'm new at this sharing my story as only my husband, mother and sister-in-law knows. It's good to talk to other bandsters! Jen

Flip, most insurances will pay if the Dr. states that it is medically necessary. I was on two blood pressure meds and still could not control HBP. I also have a bad back, ankles and other health issues. I had to show that I had tried and failed at other weight loss programs. They had to have past 5 years of medical records. I had to go through x-rays, blood test, thyroid test, etc. It was all worth it. I wanted to know that there was no medical reason I was overweight and could not have the surgery. Finally the day came....March 29, 2007 7:30 A.M. Now I am 21 lbs lighter and treasuring each new day! I was able to drive after 1st week. Good luck!!

My Dr. said "No driving first week." Good luck with your surgery!