the best me

Great grammi! Thanks for letting us know. Sounds like all went well and you are back to work already, wow! Good for you. Good move on being conservative on the eating. You have the rest of your life to eat, so this next littel bit of time will go by quickly. Take care of that band! Welcome to Bandland!!!!

All of the above. Actually, when I slime and get the hurt chest feeling and it's very uncomfortable, etc, even if it doesn't come back up (which is technically a PB) and it ends up passing through, I treat it as a PB and do liquids. So take it easy, or easier! You can really get yourself into a downward spiral with things getting stuck. Some folks will have a fill kick in weeks later, some will have trouble during that time of the month, and many have one episode which brings on another and another. Chew chew, make it your goal to eat things that go on past the band, rather than staying up top like you normally would eating like a Big Girl Bandster. Go back to recovery/healing stage like you did post-surgery and let the area heal. Mushies, etc. Give it some time, especially after all these episodes. And read other posts, too. You are not the only one and you are right on track for diagnosing the problem. It will get better, just go slow.

I went to Blue Cross online and enrolled, then looked up my plan number and did a search on weight loss surgery and found out that Lap Band is specifically excluded. Perhaps I could have fought it and won, but instead I just bucked up and paid cash in MX and I'm glad I did. It would have taken years, I assumed, and I didn't feel like I had years to wait. This way, it's done. But check with your specific plan and see what it says is covered or not. That could tell you which direction to head at this point. With a 43 BMI and possible sleep apnea, you have a fighting chance. Besides, you don't need 2 comorbidities with a BMI over 40.

Yep, I fall asleep on my tummy if I'm restless and having a hard time settling in for the night. I always wake up after an hour or two stiff and sore, so I just curl over onto my side and sleep well the rest of the night. I can definately tell that my stomach sleeping is hard on my upper back, shoulders and neck. Thankfully, side sleeping is what I do most.

I think, and someone correct me when I'm wrong, that you should start with a visit to your PCP and get your weight related complaints documented. At some point, you will need to ask you PCP for a letter recommending WLS, and the Band in particular. so that conversation needs to happen. When I was looking into my local band doc (before i found out my ins didn't pay and ended up in MX for the surgery) they have PCP's nearby that know how to document, submit letters and file properly, so perhaps you could change PCP's and find an in-network linked to the WLS surgeon you plan to see? Good job on the sleep apnea test. If you have it, you need to know, and that is a definate co-morbidity. One down, one to go, unless your BMI is higher than 40. At 5'1" it might be! Check on that one, too (your BMI). Good luck! I hope this has helped, but stay here for other, more informative posts. Someone else my dissagree with me or have better advice....

Welcome again, Penney! I see you joined LBT in 2003. Glad you are back and good luck!

I had a terrible time with reflux right after banding. Called my doc in MX and he said, "Take Prilosec, twice a day" I told him it was a 24 hour/once a day sustained release tablet and can't be crushed, he said "crush it, twice a day" so I did and it helped lots. Others here have recommended Prevacid over the Prilosec, saying it works better, but it requires a prescription. So if your local doc will prescribe the Prevacid, and if it is available in a chewable or dissolvable tablet, even better. I just got a pill crusher and Prilosec at the drug store and it worked fine. Don't tell the pharmacist you are crushing it, you'll get a finger-wagging! Whatever. Crush it, twice a day. Also, Tums, which is an antacid, unlike Gas-X which is great but is for gas. It provides good temporary relief. Also, Aloe Vera juice. The 99.?% pure, cold-pressed kind. I got mine at Wal-Mart. Watkins sells it, too. Or a health food store, or GNC. I drink 2-3 ounces with my Prilosec and it helps to heal all the way through! Good stuff, but isn't the best tasting, yuk. Good luck! keep us posted!

I feel the same way. I guess because the recovery is so much more vicious. It's a much more invasive surgery than banding. Lots of folks have gone and come home happy, but I still feel the same way as you. Besides, I need to lose the weight first, too. Then we'll see...

Check out this thread... http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6117 That should help.

Yummm, egg drop soup. That stuff got me THROUGH! No straining...if there were small chunks of anything (like with the Campbells Soup at Hand) I either chewed it first or spit it out, then I realized some of the smaller things were going down fine, so I quit worrying about it. I used the straw test. I figure if a chunk is small enough to make it through a straw, I should be okay, and I was.

I think you look great! What a cute outfit! And I don't see the black in your teeth, either. Wow, looking great never costs so little! LUV Wal Mart! Great look, Paula!

I have posted my butt pillow story elsewhere (somewhere on here!) but it might work for you. I have an old flat pillow the really should be tossed, but I keep an old pillow case on it that doesn't match AT ALL to keep it distinct from the others. It floats around under the covers and if i'm sleeping on my side, it goes between my legs. On my back, it's up under my thighs/knees. Sometimes I fall asleep on my stomach, and if so, I hike my left leg up a little over the butt pillow and take some pressure off the left port side and sleep on my tummy just fine. Just be sure to support your hip bone to get enough lift off of your port area. I was able to do that during week 3, I think. Give that, or a body pillow, a shot and you might be able to swing it now. The body pillows are too fluffy for me, so the flat one works well. Happy resting. You WILL be able to sleep on your stomach soon. ZZZZZZZZZ

Wow Jan! I was looking for you in the April Bandsters group but hadn't heard anything for so long I thought you might have forgotten us! So glad to hear you had your surgery and all is well. Good for you! Thanks for checking in, and don't stay gone so long!!! Glad you are back. Congratulations!

Good for you Teresa! Well done! Poor horses. They can't thank you but I will!!!! Thanks!

Wow, okay, I'll do my best here... I can sleep on my stomach now, and could after 3-4 weeks, but I kind of prop up on one side to take any pressure off my prt site. I hike my left leg up over a pillow. Sleep great! Exercise or movement that strains the port area is a tough one...you don't want to rip stitches. But once everything heals in and you have good scar tissue around the port site, it's fine. Check with your doc about where he/she likes to put the port. Each doc is different and prefers a different spot. Mine is on the left, around my waist band area, or just above it. Comfy spot, no problems. Taking it easy with the lifting and crawling into places might be tough at first...I'm not sure about that. You may need more time off work than folks with a desk job. Could you somehow do "light duty" for a few weeks, or more? That would be your best option, I'd think, just to stay on the safe side. Google Lap Band. There are lots of sites. Yahoo has many message boards but this one is SO much easier to navigate. Plus everyone her is so nice. Someone may post a link to other informational sites...Inamed (maker of the only FDA approved band) has a site, too. Maybe google Inamed? Wish I had the links...sorry. You could also do a Search for any word on the bar above and look for posts on ANY topic. That has helped me lots. You can "eat around the band". There is a thread on here somewhere about a man who lost 5 lbs in one year by not eating the bandster way (hard protiens first, then veggies, then starches, if any) and you can drink high calorie liquids, do all kinds of things to sabatoge your weight loss. You have to eat slower, but youcan eat smaller and more fequently and get around it. It's just a tool. A very helpful tool, but it is work. But it's work for the long haul, not just short term weight loss. But you gotta do it right. Pokey ports happen. It's probably more freakish to the owner of it, than it is to others. I am 5 weeks out and 15 lbs down and can see mine (the bump) when I look for it in the mirror. Noone else would notice, but I see it. Most folks don't seem to have a problem with it being very obvious. Okay, about your mom, is what better? Lap Band better than one of the bypass procedures? I'd say yes, if she's prepared to do the work, and knows what she's getting in to. Search bypass and see all the interesting stuff that comes up. If that's not what you are asking, sorry, please clarify and I'll give it another shot. Good luck with your research, Joe!

Wow! Now that's a side effect I hadn't heard of, but it makes sense! Good for you! Your fingers love you for it. You should treat yourself to a manicure!

Hey jq! Are you ever going to get banded? It seems odd at first if you are not at least planning on the surgery, to be here and getting encouragement. And giving it! But it makes sense, really. Even banded, it's just a tool to help you do all the things needed to get and keep the weight off. Sure makes it a little easier for the long haul, having that little band, but we are all going through the weight loss thing together. I always like your reminders, good thoughts and encouragement. So, thanks!

You are in good hands with Kuri. I'm a little worried about the speedy decision...I know you will be fine but many folks research for months, even years, before making the decision. Then again, if they could go back, they would have had the surgery years before, why wait?! Stay involved with a support system. It's a very important part of making a great success of your band journey. I researched for months, although I was ready to go within weeks of finding out about the Lap Band! I felt very prepared for everything post-surgery, but still say there is nothing like going through it. Perspective is everything. You will be fine, just don't stray too far from LBT or some other online support, and if you can find a local group that meets, all the better. You will have lots of questions, to be sure. Good luck! And welcome to LBT!

Yep, nosey we are, so spill the beans...who's your doc? where? how much weight do you want to lose? all the good stuff. Glad you found us! You'll love it here. Welcome and congrats!

No Life cereal for me today, either. Thanks for the kick in the butt everyone. Lessons learned: Hard protiens are better Don't eat around the band Watch for sugars in the snack foods...it only makes it worse Don't even START eating junk Don't fool yourself that it's fiber There is NO nutritional need for Cheez-Its OR Life cereal It's all willpower, even with the band. And I can do this. Hey Jack, who wrote the book you mentioned? I'd like to check it out on Amazon, if you don't mind. I'm anxoius to find out if you like it...thanks Okay Eileen, you go girl!!! Thanks for a great thread!

Okay, dunno about the fill thing, haven't had one yet, but I just wanted to say HI! and good to see you here. I get stuck all the time, always have. My body tends to like 208. I started there at both pregnancies. I was 223 on band date and at 5 weeks out and 15lbs down, I'm 208. Yep. And stuck. Sigh. Looking forward to your replies here...

Dang, I knew it when I did it. I thought perhaps I might get a full feeling (?) that would stick around. I've been on this board long enough I should know better! Crud. I really liked that Life cereal. Better switch to Jack's Holy Shredded Wheat. It's more effective on the Fiber end of things anyway. I wanted to wait till 6 weeks but the snackies are setting in...chew, chew, chew. Thanks Michelle!

Good advice, I discovered cinnamin Life Cereal. I can't quit grabbing!! Help! Know how I used to be jealous of those of you who feel "wide open" after banding? I'm no longer jealous. I think I've got it. I have been opposed to a fill from the get-go, but after my cinnamin Life cereal day, I'm wonderin... Looking for advice, too!

Wow Becky!!!! What a great check up! Flavored Cream of Wheat is yummy, too. And guacamole!!!!!!!! Just by the spoonful and well-chewed. I eat lots of avocados these days. Don't know if that's good or bad, but they sure satisfy and taste great. Congrats and keep up the good work!

Thanks so much for filling us in. Yer a great sis! congratulations Nikkee!!! Can't wait to hear from you! She got her Ba-and, she got her ba-and!!!