marieze

Hi Guys, On some posts I see people who have been banded speaking about counting calories, eating nonfat or lowfat. I'm a little confused. I am in the pre-op process and wondered this; if I am to eat protein first, then veggie, then good carbs if space permits, do I need to restrict fats? I have lost weight eating Atkins style, i.e. bacon, chicken salad, fish w/dill sauce etc. The fats always make it more palatable for me. I absolutely cannot eat a salad with fat free dressing. If we are being restricted as to the amount we are eating, can't we incorporate fats into our diets? Marieze

I'm here in Lake Oswego! I am pre-band having had my sleep study already and pre-op stuff next week. Once all the doctor visits are done I guess I get my surgery date. I'm going with Emma Patterson. Nice to meet you guys! Marieze

Hi guys! Last night I had my sleep study and slept at the sleep lab. This is a requirement for my surgeon. Well, they said I had sleep apnea. I hated being all tied up with wire and electrodes and almost had a freak out! Now I have to go back and get that cpap machine. My insurance, I think, pays 90%....so here are my questions; Did you do a sleep study Do you have sleep apnea Has weight loss helped with the sleep apnea Did your surgeon require this Do you like the cpap machine, if you have one Are they expensive Did you feel more rested after using a cpap Thanks for your anticipated replies!!! Marieze

do you mean "full" with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food? Marieze

I am in the pre-op testing stage. After reading this thread, I'm really confused. After banding I know that we will still be having head hunger and all the head issues. But when you talk about eating one cup of chile, a salad etc. and then still being hungry, why is everyone saying that "they have a couple bites of food", and are then full? Or, "all you'll be able to eat is about 3/4 cup of food". I don't get it. I am hoping that being banded, I will feel "full" after eating a very limited quantity of food. That's not what I'm hearing....isn't that the purpose of the band? Marieze

what was it like? I haven't been put under in over 20 years and forgot what it was like. Were you in a fog? In pain? Who was there? Did you barf? How long did the effects last? Were there tubes in your mouth/nose? Could you get up and pee? Tell me the gory details!!!! Marieze

I've got all my pre-op appts. set for October and as the time draws near keep thinking about what I will be eating. Can you please show me what your typical day of eating looks like including amounts. I'd really appreciate it! Marieze

Just out of curiosity....how much did your 10% amount to? Also, do you have any idea what you will be paying for fills? Marieze

I have UHC and have the EPO. It is offered through my company. When I started by journey I called UHC and had them pull up my benefits so we were completely clear. I told them that my goal was to have Lapband surgery and they told me that my policy covered both the band and gastric bypass. I attended a seminar by a highly acclaimed bariatric surgeon here in Portland, Oregon, sent in my application and now, 6 weeks later am scheduled for all the pre-op stuff which will take place in 3 weeks. They told me that my UHC policy will pay at 90%. They even said the 10% is something that could be paid off in time, if necessary. I asked about the fills and they weren't sure but think that they too, are paid at 90%. I would call immediately to UHC, have them pull your benefits and see what they say. I'm not sure who determines if there is a certain amount of weight I need to lose prior to surgery, but think I will call my insurance and see if there is anything noted. Good Luck! Marieze

O.K., so tell me; did you lose weight in your boobs? I am walking around in a whopping 50F. I bet you diddn't even know that bras come that big!!! I am pre-band and a real newbie but very anxious to get banded. But Lord, I am so tired of dragging these "puppies" around. That is one side benefit to banding that I can hopefully look forward to. What happened to you? I'm about 350-360 and 5/10 so I have a lot of weight to lose. If I do lose there, I figure they'll shrivel up and I'll have to roll them up and stick them in my bra:eek: Marieze

I have a question. After you got your band and were on your weight loss journey with your new way of eating, did you eat the same foods as before, (basically crap), but just in little portions, or did you REAllY clean up and have a tiny bit of Protein, etc. etc. I ask, because, on various boards I hear people eating everything from nachos, margaritas to a few bites of chicken with some veggies. I know it's protein first, then veggies, then low glycemic carbs or something. I'm pre-band and curious! Marieze

I can't thank you guys enough for your responses. I really had no idea that sleep apnea was a real killer. I go back this Saturday night so that they can fit me with a cpap and I will get this as it seems the most logical thing to do. I have been dragging my a** for years and the though of awakening refreshed is something I only dream of! Wouldn't that be nice. Again, thank you for all your kind and informative replies. Marieze

Thanks for all your replies. Sounds like there is some hope. Dragging these "jugs" (that feel like they're filled with quarters) is wearing me down! Marieze

I am Jewish and understand the question. I think your best bet would be to contact "Inamed" or whomever the manufacturer is of the particular band. Marieze

Just out of curiosity; I, too, am in sales. How long after your surgery were you able to get back out into the field? Do you have to carry any product with you and if so, was that difficult? Marieze

I am only at the application stage. Tonight I pigged out and I have heartburn that feels like it's going to kill me. I feel fat as a house, bloated and sleepy. I'm just starting my journey up the hill. You are on the way down. Please don't forget that in a couple months, you probably won't even remember what you're feeling right now. Frankly, I'd much rather be in your shoes!! Chin(s) up ladies!!! You can do this!!! And you will!!!:clap2: Marieze

[My co-workers think I had a cyst removed. I've lost 41 lbs. They must be thinking, "wow, that was one helluva cyst! LMAO! Marieze

to how much you used to eat before you were "banded". I'm curious, when I go to a restaurant like Applebee's for instance, I get a side salad, a cheeseburger w/fries and sometimes a dessert. I eat everything. And I'm not even Thanksgiving stuffed. What did you used to eat at restaurants before and what do you eat now. Also, regular meals at home for b/l/d. Compare a former meal with a "now" meal! Thanks! Marieze

is the doc here in Portland, Oregon that I have submitted my application to. They confirmed this morning that they did receive it and have forwarded it on to their obesity clinic. Just wondering if anyone here has had their surgery with her and how you felt about her as your surgeon. Any replies would be appreciated! Marieze

to wear those confining stockings to ward off blood clots. I have heard people speak of those things and I think I would hate being restricted by them. I know they are to prevent blood clots, but think I would rather die of a blood clot than wear those (God forbid), just kidding:bounce: Marieze

That you guys are the best, and this is the best board for Lap Band information that there is, in my humble opinion! I posted so much today and I received so many informative and thoughtful replies. I am most grateful! It makes me feel so good when I post something that I think is a fear that is unique to me and then I get several replies that shows me several other people feared the same thing. Not to mention how funny you guys are!!!!:eek: Marieze

is it in your upper chest, or down closer in your stomach where your port is? I'm just curious. I'm starting my journey and as crazy as it sounds, I'm VERY claustrophobic but not in the traditional sense. If I was "stuck" and had that feeling the food couldn't go down I think I would have an anxiety attack. So, where does it feel stuck? How long does that last? Is there anything you can do to break it up or get it down? Thanks, Marieze

I have a few questions about "restriction". I am not banded. O.K. When people speak of "being at proper restriction", I know they can only eat a small amount and are full. Are there other physical feelings of "being restricted". For instance, after a fill, do you walk around feeling "tight" in your abdomen? For some reason, when I hear about "restriction" it sounds like something that would be physically uncomfortable. Is it? After a fill, do you feel bloated? Just trying to "get in touch" with the physical sensations of things:bounce: Marieze

Do I know your name from the Atkins Friends board? I am just starting the journey as I have submitted my application and haven't even met with the doctor yet. I would, however, like to stay at least one night in the hospital. I asked the question as I am claustrophobic and from the pix I saw of those stockings, they look like they would be difficult to "peel" off! Marieze

Thanks for the replies! I guess I keep asking all these questions because it's so hard for me to believe that when banded, whenever that turns out to be, I will actually eat less. I know when I tell people that I truly only eat 3 meals a day they don't believe it. But it's true. They're just HUGE meals! I am so grateful for your responses. It really does give me hope. Keep em' comin! Marieze