Alfie

What is the actual reason that you can't drink while eating? Is it because it makes you be able to eat more? Is there any other reason?

Hi there, is your bmi over 40? It has to be over 40 or if not 35 if you have issues like high blood pressure or diabetes. If not, then the insurance wouldn't pay. Why did your doctor say he wouldn't approve it? Does he not "believe" in it? Regards, Alfie

I keep seeing DH. Does that stand for Darling Husband?

Congratulations Lori, That is very wonderful about your insurance. Keep reading this blog and if you can find a blog regarding RNY so you can make an informed decision. Have fun on your weight loss journey. Regards, Alfie

Hi All, I'm with Bonjosie 100% :whoo::clap2::eyebrows:

Hi There, Thank the Lord you are okay. I would definately give your doctor a quick call to let him know what's going on. My husband has had Anaphylactic shock 3 times. He says it is very frightening not being able to breath so I can only imagine what you must have felt like. Again, thank God you're okay. Regards Alfie

Hi there I wish you all the best in your journey to become healtier. You'll find lots of information on this site. Nice to meet you. Regards, Alfie

I stopped drinking diet Pepsi, of which I am addicted to, about a week ago. I just realized that must be the reason that I am so very tired. I've been falling asleep all the time. Plus, I had a splitting headache but I've been cutting out sugars, white flour etc so the tiredness and headaches could be attributed to that too. It shows me how bad these things are for my body. Today, it's been better so I guess I'm getting over it.

Hi, I'm from Queens and going for my first consultation on Sept 10 with Dr. Gobil. He is on the same team as Dr. Vohra (Dr. Vohra doesn't take my insurance, Aetna). Just wondering if any of you used Dr. Gobil and if so, how did you like him? I'm joining the Lap band :eek: :mad:

Anyone have their surgery done at South Nassau Communities Hospital? Still waiting to meet my surgeon which will be next Thursday. Dr Vohra doesn't take my insurance but his colleague, Dr Gobil does.

Hi Nina, Could it be gall bladder? I have had gall bladder pain and it can be in the back and is very painful. It can be brought on by changes in eating habits. Your gall bladder is on the right side under your ribcage. Is it tender there? The pain from gall bladder can be all around the front and to the back but I also usually get a tender spot right on my gall bladder especially if I touch it...just a thought. Hope you feel better soon.

Hi, I believe that some insurance companies didn't always approve lapband. A lot of people where I work had the gastric bypass but I know our coverage did not cover lap band a few years ago.

Hi Savory, At the top of this site in "Search" type in "Vegetarian" and there are posts that come up. Your doctor will help you in the area of food choices, but apparently it is do-able. Regards, Alfie

Hi Savory, I am not yet banded but I personally know 2 people who are banded and both have lost so much weight. Those same people had not been able to lose weight before. Please stop and read the posts because on this site are real live people that have had success through being banded. These same people have either not been able to lose weight before or at least not be able to keep it off before. Also, as you will read time and again by many seasoned bandster, the band is a tool to help you, not only to lose weight, but to be able to keep it off. One can sabatoge the band by going for the things that go down easy and don't stay in the pouch (I hear ice cream and chips are a big culprit). If we follow the advise of our doctors which starts with 'Protein first" we should be able to gain control of our eating and do what is best for our bodies. Regards, Alfie

Hi Faith Thanks for the info. I'm going to try it. :heh: I have a Whole Foods not too far away. Regards, Alfie

Hi Faith, I was reading your post and then also looking on the internet for "Stevia". I usually use Splenda and don't want to sabotage my plans from the beginning. I found a website that advertises Stevia in a 2 oz bottle in liquid form. How much would you use of it? I also read that the manufacturers of Stevia are not allowed to advertise it as a sweetener or the FDA will seize it off of the shelves and that they have done it in the past. Can you tell me a bit more about it from your personal experience? Is it very safe? Regards, Alfie

So sorry to hear that you lost your precious granddaughter.

Thought it would be nice to know others from Queens that have or are getting the lapband. I have my first appointment with Dr. Gobil from South Nassau Communities Hospital this coming Monday. Regards, Alfie

Hi Red Hat, I am not banded yet so I cant' give advice out but was wondering how do you like it so far? Tell us about your surgery; how did it go? I wish you the best on your journey. Regards, Alfie

Hi Lawenger, I am just starting my journey so I don't really have any advice per se but I just wanted to say that even though your family is not supporting you right now, they may change once they see the weight begin to come off. Let's face it, we lose, we gain but is anything permanent? Not for most people. You're young now but as you know, the older we get, with our weight on, the more medical problems we can run into. I know this from personal experience. It is very great that your husband is supporting you since he is probably the main one that is around you all the time. I wish you all the best in your journey. Regards, Alfie

Hi Laura, I'm not banded yet. I was just reading your signature and I was just wondering how the cc's disappear? Where does it go if it's in the band? Also, I didn't know we could drink water without a problem. That makes me really happy since I get really thirsty! Regards, Alfie

Hi Faith, I'm not banded yet; I have my first appointment on Sept 10. I had to laugh when I saw that you pureed baked beans and a hotdog, I almost said "Yuck" but I know I'll be there myself. I am waiting for my magic bullet to arrive and I know I'll get great use of it.

Hiya, I'm not banded yet but you seem to be having the same experience as someone I know. He lost some weight in the beginning then stopped but eventually when he had the right amount of fills, he began losing again and wound up losing 130 lbs. I believe he is at goal now. I believe you are one of the fortunate ones as you are not having the other problems that we read about on this thread. Let your doctor know, if he doesn't already, and you'll get to your sweet spot soon! Regards, Alfie

You said "Well, I ended up eating 2 chicken strips and the toppings off of 2 slices of pizza!!!! " I'm not banded yet, but that doesn't sound too bad to me. Did you feel full after eating it?

good for you. I hope your mom gets better real soon.