peggy1011

I was banded June 25, 2007, and already: -My back pain is gone -Clothes are actually loose instead of always being tight -Shoes are even getting looser -I have so much more energy -I receive numerous positive comments on how I look And best of all.....I feel really GREAT about MYSELF!!!!! Peggy

I havent had any problem with it. I usually eat the cheese off it first, then slowly nibble the crust. And as always, chew, chew, chew.

I DID have gas pains after my banding, but not after my lap hysterectomy. It has to do with how much gas they inject during the surgery, and how soon you get up and get moving. It seems to vary with everyone. Good luck to you...... Peggy

I have 6, including my port Peggy

It would be either a scrambled egg or some hummus. Both tasted like pure heaven. good luck to you. Peggy

I can feel mine, but cant "see" it. I have a friend who lost a lot weight with the band, and is down to a size 6. She says hers is visible now, if she wears something slinky. Her solution: a small piece of duct tape over it, to hold it flatter against her tummy. Peggy

Congrats, Jim! Welcome Peggy

I'm in Upstate as well, near Utica. Best of luck to you!!! Peggy

Congrats on your banding! I was just banded in June. Each day you'll feel a little stronger...and nothing feels better than putting on your clothes and having them be acutally loose!!!!! Best of luck to you... Peggy

Rose, Welcome! You've come to the right place. I've found such a warm, caring and receptive group here. I was banded 6/25/07, and found the group after the banding. I so wished I had found them before hand. I went through an emotional time the first couple of weeks, and the folks here are awesome. Feel free to ask any question, bring any topic up, or chime in whenever the urge strikes. I've learned so much here about the band, and how I'm not alone in all of this. We're all in it together!!! Best of luck to you... Peggy

I've also learned to stay OFF the scale. Nothing is more frustrating. Right after the banding, I couldnt stop myself from stepping onto the scale every single day. Then I weaned down to a couples times a week, and now I've been doing it once a week. Today would have been my weekly weigh in, but I'm holding off now and trying to do it 2x month. Better yet, let the Doc weigh me at my visits! The best thing to trust is the way your clothes fit (mine are significantly looser), as well as the comments from family, friends, and coworkers. Those two things mean more to me than any old number on the scale ever could. Good Luck to us all.. Peggy

I also would choose a nurse practioner over a doctor. I'm scheduled for my first fill in a couple weeks, and I am so hoping that the NP does it. Peggy

Mine was about 15 minutes tops. The Doc wanted to make sure I understood this would be a lifestyle change. He just asked my reasoning for having it done, and asked a brief family history. No tests, no questionaires. I remember being a nervous wreck prior to the appt., wondering what kind of visit it would turn out to be. Drove thru a snow storm, got lost, but all in all, it went well, and I was back into the snowstorm in the blink of an eye! Peggy

I was banded 6/25 and am down 23 lbs. My clothes are definetely getting very loose, and people are starting to notice the weight loss. It's such an incentive when you hear people say they notice you're getting thinner. I started at 260, and am down to 237. Haven't gotten my first fill yet. Am planning that for the last week of August. The weight loss is slow, but it is at a healthy rate, and I'm very encouraged. Good luck to all of us!!!! Peggy

I have UHC and had the same problem. In the letter that they sent to me, informing me of my denial, they also included an address to write for an appeal. I had my primary doctor write a note explaining my comorbids of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history of cardiac disease. I sent it in to the appeals department at UHC and was approved within 2 weeks! If the letter doesn't give you the address, call them directly and ask for it. Good luck! Let me know if I can be of any other help.... Peggy

Upstate New York here, near Syracuse.

I also was banded 6/25, and am getting my first fill at the end of August. I've lost 21 lbs. so far. Peggy

Deb, I'm feeling the same way, and also havent had a fill yet. At first I was somewhat scared of getting a fill.....now, I cant wait!

I felt it to be more comfortable telling my family, friends and coworkers. I didnt want to deal with the explaining of why i was out of work, and why i am now eating the way i am. I've found everyone to be supportive as well as curious. They all remark on my progress, and encourage me.

I felt the same way you do, and I did my research. I chose the less invasive method (lap band) rather than the bypass, and was banded on 6/25/07. So far, it's been a good journey. I can already see and feel the weight loss. I feel very proactive now, and know that with work and determination, i can finally reach my weight loss goals. This site has been a huge support for me. I suggest you research everything you can about the lap band, and read the posts here on this site. Ask any question that comes to mind. The folks here are great, and we're all in it together. Best of luck to you....

I just started, and hope to see my shoe size drop from 8 1/2 or 9W to smaller. But most of all, I want to be able to have ankles again!!!!

If the pain is still there, I'd give the doctor another call. Gas pain is common place initally after surgery, and after that, we all occassionally get a gas pain. But one lasting 2 days in the same exact spot as your port??? I'd insist on being seen. No one knows your body better than you.

Every doctor is different. My doctor required liquids and a protein shake for the first week, moving on to yogurt, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat the 2nd week (but only 2 tbsp worth.) I would take it really slow until you get the ok from the doc.

I initially was denied by UHC because of the 5 year weight history (this was 2 days before my initial surgery date 3/5). I had my pcp and my gyn write letters to UHC in an appeal describing my comorbid diagnosis's of high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as a significant family history of early cardiac death. They reversed their decision, and I am now happily banded as of 6/25.

Can you please add me too? My surgery date was 6/25. Thanks Heather!