lapbandade

I just stumbled across this 60's Section, and think it's great. Thanks to whoever came up with the idea. It's been a while since I've been on the forum, but I hope to hang around a little more now that some of life's challenges and issues have been met and conquered. I was banded on Aug. 30, 2007, and will become Medicare eligible July 1st this year. Someone on one of these threads said that Medicare picks up the cost of fills. Is there anything I need to tell the doc when this time comes? I just had my first fill since surgery (7 1/2 months), and may have to have more in the future, so this may be important to know. Thanks for your help.

Hi All, This is a great forum, and I can see it provides lots of good information, support, and answers to our weight issues. I am looking forward to being a part of it. I just registered last night, and have been wading through it ever since. I go in for my band bright and early Thursday morning. Just got serious about doing it last month, after about 40 years of yo-yoing. I could deal with it OK until it really started affecting my wardrobe budget, and more importantly, my health.....diabetes (type 2), hypertension, atrial fibrilation, GERD, etc. After the diabetes diagnoses, the weight really started piling on....up about 60 lbs. in 6 years. The Doc wanted be to loose 10% of my weight before he would do the surgery. So, I've been dieting and exercising like crazy and have lost almost 30 lbs. in one month...all healthy too, thanks to my wife. Went down to a 800-1200 calorie a day diet with "balanced" meals. I've been going for 45-60 minute walks every day, and drinking lots of water. Why go for the band then???? Well, I've played this game so many times before, but my will power (lack of) always gets the best of me, and it all comes back on, and then some. Sound familiar?? With this "tool", I am hoping to solve all of my previous will power issues, and get down/stay down, once and for all. It is a challenge that I am looking forward to conquering, and sustaining for the rest of my life.

Hi Idahoans, Let's start posting a little. I am sure there are many bandsters around. Let's chat, and compare notes on pre-op, the surgery, post-op, and life after banding. I am a newbie....banded on Aug. 30. I am in the liquid stage right now, and am continuously trying to find things (low cal./low carb./low fat) that will go through a straw. So far, it's mostly protein shakes, liquified soups, broth, SF popsicles, and black decaf coffee. I've had no complications, except the normal gas pains in the side/stomach and left shoulder. I've been walking at least 7000 steps a day, and have lost 32 lbs. since Aug. 1. I am trying my best to be "very religious" about this program, and eventually want to lose 120-140 lbs. Hope to hear from other Idahoans.:clap2:

It's been about 8 months since I was banded, and I have absolutely no regrets. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is SERIOUS about losing weight. I just had my first fill (yes, after 7 1/2 months), and it was a piece of cake. My loss has averaged 10 lbs. a month, thus far. For me, the band is more of a deterrent than anything. It is completely adjustable, removeable, and gives you and your doc total flexibility, things that gastric bypass can't easily offer. Remember though, it is a tool, not a cure all. If you don't play by the rules, you won't lose as planned, plus you'll probably PB, slime, and be miserable. My problem is like many here.......years and years of terrible eating habits and gorging myself. The band, for the most part, will not cure those cravings. They will, however, help you manage them. I still have the cravings, and expect to for a long time to come. Since my surgery I have NEVER felt hunger. The doc says I am lucky in that regard. As a result I could go without eating, but when I start eating, I don't want to quit. That is my biggest problem, and the band does help me manage that desire. Good luck to you, whatever you chose to do.

Now that I've had my first fill (2 ml) on Monday, what am I suppose to do, and what difference(s) should I expect to see/feel? Do I need to do anything different from before fill? So far, I think I burp (not PB) more than before the fill, but I am not sure. Maybe I am looking for changes that aren't really changes....more awareness maybe. Should/will I start losing more now? Any expected problems or side effects?

OK, it's been just over a week since my first fill after sugery 7 1/2 months ago. I think I am settling in at about one cup of food twice a day, with one or two 200 or less calorie snacks. I feel pretty full at a cup, and thinkI'd be pushing it if I went to a cup and a half. I don't even want to go there, so I'll stick with a cup, or a cup and a quarter at the most. I've already lost almost 5 lbs. which should make the doc (and me) happy. I'll post any further observations/progress. Next doc appt. is May 15th., I think.

JoannMarie, I did talk to the doc a little this last time, but not about billing the fill....or is it filling the bill? I thought I was lucky to have Medicare, Blue Cross and Tricare (Military), but he told me (from his point and mine) that it doesn't make much difference. Medicare "allowable" (assignment) is all he can charge in our cases. The other insurances just pick up anything Medicare doesn't pay.....of the "allowable". He said that is why so many docs won't take Medicare. He also talked of formulas docs use to determine what %age of Medicare patients they can have and still make their "target" income. Amazing!! That's probably the reason for 2 year backlogs. That sucks!! Sounds like you've finally got it squared away and will on your way soon. You asked if I have lost any without fills. See below> Sfeiner, it's good to know that Medicare will pick up the tab for fills, as I have another 40-60 lbs. to go and am sure I'll be needing more in the future. I've been on the overweight merry-go-round for at least 35 years. When in the Military I had to tow the mark, with some difficulty I might add. I've been retired for 18 years now, and inactivity, complacency, and apathy have really taken their toll. After getting all the "morbidly obese" medical problems.....high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, etc. Since I was spending more time at the docs. and pharmacies, I finally thought I had to do something to change this. I went to an info. seminar in late July 07, and right then and there signed up. I had to lose 30 lbs. before he would do the surgery, so I did that in one month. Had the surgery on Aug 30, 07. I wanted to to the whole loss program w/o fills, just in case I wanted to "pig out" from time to time, plus I've heard with fills people PB, slime, nausea and vomit. None of those sound very appealing to me, so no fills, no problems, right? I've lost a total of 80 lbs., but the last 3 months have only been 3-5 lbs. per month. This is why doc said it was time. I haven't noticed much difference, but I am being more aware (don't want the PB, etc.), and sticking to 1- 1 1/2 cups, 3-4 times a day. He filled 2 ml., and showed me on an unistalled band how much restriction it would do. Looked like about 8-10%. We'll see if it works. Thanks for both of your inputs. It is appreciated.

Kbinaz, what does a restriction feel like? So far, I don't think I feel anything different, but I am trying to be more aware (which I obviously wasn't before the fill), and am noticing things that may have been going on before without me paying attention to them....i.e. burping a fair amount after meals. Since I am trying to stay at one cup, 4 times a day, I don't think I am overdoing it or pushing the full limit. I think I am starting to feel full, but not really sure. Guess I just go with the flow and wait to see what happens. Neveragain, the doc told me I didn't need to do liquids, but probably should do mushies for a couple days. I did this, and today is the first day I tried solids. I don't think I had a problem, but (again, maybe being overly aware) I noticed I felt very slight nausea about 2 1/2 hours after eating. I can't believe this is a result of the fill, since it was so long after the meal. Wouldn't nausea, PBing, sliming happen soon after the meal if too much was eaten? I also don't think I want to "find out how much fits" as this would cause the above results, wouldn't it? Thanks to both of you for putting me at ease, and helping me understand this unknown territory.

Kbinaz, you are right. I thought that because I am never hungry I could just keep losing without ever having a fill. I think it was more of a challenge than anything, plus I don't like the idea of potentially PBing, and having the golf ball in the throat if I want to pig out on something. Now that I have had a fill I think I see what you mean. Yes, now I feel full quicker, and have been staying at about a cup, 4 times a day. I've already started losing again. Before the fill I was really starting to have trouble losing (only 3 lbs. in the previous 5 weeks), because I was obviously overeating. Now I am afraid to overeat, as I know I won't like the band's response. Thanks for your input and encouragement. Neveragain, how did you like the strawberry vanilla shake? I've almost quit having any other kind....by far my favorite.

It's been quite a while since I've been on the forum.....busy with life's ongoing challenges and issues. Anyway, Monday I received my first fill (2 ml) after 7 1/2 months. I was trying to do the whole program without a fill, but have only been losing 3-5 lbs. a month for the last few months. The doc said it was time. So far, since my surgery on Aug. 30, 07, I've lost 80 lbs. and would like to lose at least another 40-60 lbs. Just wondering if anyone else has gone as long, or longer, without needing a fill??? What was your secret? Mine is, since the surgery I have never felt hunger, which has helped me lose fairly easily, so far. My biggest problem is the old, bad eating habits die hard, and I eat for the sake of eating, not because I am hungry. Does anyone else feel no hunger? The doc said he must have got the band in just the right spot.

Thanks, Miss Molly. I haven't felt hunger since my surgery, so that is not a problem for me. From what I've seen here, I am lucky, in that regard. I am trying to eat less, and am on "soft" foods until tomorrow. Guess I'll see what happens when I get on more solid stuff. Since I am not sure what to expect, I am being cautious so far, as I don't want to get the golf ball in the throat or start PBing. I understand those are possibilites, if I eat too much. Is that correct? I know for sure that I don't even want to go there. Thanks for your help, and I'll post my observations as I get used to this.

I think the doc said my band is a large, a 14 ml band, I think. Does that sound right? Yes, most of my problems have been, and still are, in my head. Most people I've talked to say the same thing. I don't feel like I need or want to eat, but when I start, I don't want to quit. I resort a lot to the 100 calorie "snacks", but really have a problem pushing away once I get started. I am pretty religious about staying around 1000-1200 calories a day, with at least 80 grams of protein. Still usually do a half or full protein shake a day. I usually use light vanilla soy milk, vanilla protein powder, and fresh fruit. Fresh strawberries are the best, IMO.

How long since your surgery? If you've already had a fill, you may be too tight. Too date, fortunately I haven't had a problem with any kind food. If I did, I'd probably react the same way. Have you been OK since? Oh, I was banded almost 8 weeks ago.

Dr. Anderson and St. Al's are great, IMO. I know some have had minor problems with St. Al's, but my experience was great. Dr. A's presentation is enlightening and informative, although due to limited time, it is not all encompassing. Since joining this forum I have "discovered" much more of the minor details about all aspects of the lapband adventure. I wouldn't change anything though, even if I had known about this forum before my surgery. I was referred to Dr. A by my GP, Dr. Larry Brown. I finally told him I was tired of playing the yo yo game, and my weight was starting to really affect my health. Doc B. just kept adding meds. and increasing doses to keep up with my increasing weight. Since beginning this journey three months ago I have already been able to reduce doses of my two diabetes meds. and one high BP med. I've also been able to lower the pressure on my BIPAP machine. All the doc's say that when I am back to a "normal" weight I may be able to get completely off some meds. and greatly reduce doses on others. That, along with the "reduced" tent (clothing) and food budgets ought to be enough savings to buy a new car in a year or so, LOL. A couple years ago my GP also referred me to an ENT doctor, (Dr. Mathew Schwarz) who set me up for a sleep study. The study showed I would stop breathing over 400 times an hour. That got me on the CPAP (and later BIPAP) machine, which made sleeping a pleasure again, not to mention feeling rested when I awake in the morning. I have been to two different dieticians, Jolyn Seibert (independent) and Liz Warhurst (St. Al's). Both are really good, IMO, but Liz at St. Al's. is a little less expensive. I mainly went to Jolyn first because I was able to get an quicker appointment that fit my schedule. Be aware that the dieticians' philosophies and recommendations will differ from the doctors'. I don't know why that is, and don't really care, as I no longer need to go to the dietician at this point. I also am doing what Dr. A wants me to do, as he is the surgeon and, IMO is the director of my weight loss program. The dieticians to have some good ideas and hints though. Good luck on your upcoming journey, and enjoy the seminar. Don't be afraid to ask questions, either, as everyone there is in the same barge (boat) as you. In just three short months, I have already seen so many favorable changes in me (and my body) physically that I can hardly "weight" to see what the future brings. I never thought I would ever be able to lose this ball and chain I've been carrying around for so long, but now I have a new perspective and see there is hope for a better, healthier life. Keep us posted on how things are going, and when you get a banding date.

Hi Diane, How are you doing since being banded? Gweniper also had Dr. Cahn. Last I heard she's doing well. If all you Idahoans want to keep communicating, we should probably hop over to the Idaho Section of the "USA Local Lap-Band Support Groups area. Hope to see you all there.

Qweniper, Haven't heard from you in a while. How are you and your hubby doing since being banded? Hope all is well with you guys.

Wheetsin, I hope this means that you're a Bronco fan? Did you see the game on ESPN the other night? WOW!! If not, it'll be on again tonight...ESPN Classic at 6:00 PM. Where are you hiding out? What are you majoring in at BSU on-line? I see you were banded back in March. How are you doing with the band? Any problems? How much have you lost so far? Oh, and yes, sometimes life is a big joke.....and I usually don't get it either.

Hi ShineNSta, The surgery with Dr. A went real well. He's really good, and knows his stuff. He's pretty tough about getting you to lose the weight, and really nice if you do. My second visit (before surgery) I had gained about 8 oz., not even a pound, and he was on my case. I said to myself, that won't happen again. Monday I had my 6.5 week visit with him, and have lost 18 lbs. in 5 weeks (total of 50 in 10 weeks) since the first post-op. visit. He was thrilled, and I think, shocked, as he said most people don't lose as much or at all until after the first fill. Needless to say, he decided not to do a fill. Hooray!!! I am hoping to keep it up and maybe never have to have a fill. I have not been hungry since the surgery, and sometimes probably wouldn't even eat if I didn't need the protein. For me, this thing is a "deterent" tool more than anything else. I absolutely do not want to get sick, as vomiting almost kills me. If, at some time, I overeat and do vomit, I guaranty it will only happen once. That's how much I hate it. You know, I don't even know which band I have. I know it's in the paperwork somewhere, but have never given it much thought. All I know is that appears to work, unless it is all psychological. I guess I am lucky, as I have really good insurance. The whole procedure cost me about $300 out of pocket. I went to his seminar on July 23rd, and decided then and there to have it done. I had my first weigh-in on July 29th, finished all the paperwork and took care of all the prerequisites (psych. exam, blood work, dietician, etc.) and had the surgery on Aug.30. I did tell the doc. that if I couldn't get it done in August, it would probably have to "weight" until after the first of the year because of family responsibilities. I didn't want that to happen, and was fortunate that everything worked out. Is this your first visit with Dr. A? When are you hoping to go in for your surgery? I hope it all goes well for you. Keep us all posted. I know I am thrilled, so far. I never thought I would ever be able to lose the weight again. So far, I'd say it's been easier than I thought. Once it's all off the real trick will be to keep it off. My biggest problem is, I am having a little trouble ridding myself of the bad eating habits formed since my teenage years. I think good family/friends/forum support groups are essential to suceeding. I am pretty sure I couldn't do it without. Take care!!

Mandi78 has it right. The Laughing Cow light soft swiss cheese wedges are tops. They're available at Walmart in the deli section, and come in garlic and herb, french onion, and original swiss. Be sure to get the light type. One wedge is lower in calories and protein than regular cheese. The low fat string cheese works well if you chew it up real good. It is a little higher in calories and protein. I am on mushies and do both with no problems. You may also want to grind up a wedge or two of the LC in your "main course mushie" meal. The garlic and herb or french onion work especially well and add a little more flavor to whatever.

My doc said to stop the blood thinner a week prior to surgery. He told me to go back on it a week after surgery, which I did. The problem now is that I can't stabilize the Protime readings and they keep changing my dosage. My Protime is either too high or too low. It's been just over a month now and we're just now starting to get a handle on it since I've been on mushies. I expect it will be difficult to maintain the proper range until after I am on real food, and my system stabilizes. Before surgery I was always right on, and never had to vary my dosage.

Gwen, how are you and your husband doing now? Hope he is feeling better now. Who did you say your dietician is? I saw Liz Warhurst the other day at St. Al's. She's happy with wt. loss, exercise and diet. We are finding that everyone's story is different. The first dietician I saw does things very different from her and the doctor. Who do you believe? I think I am going with the doctor, as he is the one that knows the most about the "do's and don'ts" of the surgery. I start mushies tomorrow. YEA!! I am pretty tired of the liquid thing, although I'll probably keep having a protein shake a day to augment the protein intake.

Gwen, Sorry to hear your husband is having a difficult time. As you know, it will get better. Did he have it done at St. Al's? I took my own mask (as they told me) and got hooked up right away. What kind of pressure does your husband run on CPAP? I use BIPAP, and run 16 in, and 12 out. Also, who is your dietician? Is he/she at St. Al's? I am using Jolyn Seibert. So far she has been great. I go see her later this month. I think the St. Al's dietician is trying to horn in, as she made an appointment for me, without me knowing about it. Don't know if I'll go see what she has to say though, or not. As far as the liquids go, my wife is becoming a master at making a variety of different, good tasting liquids. Right now I am having my morning protein shake. She made it with vanilla and plain whey powder, vanilla silk soy milk, and raspberry ice crystal light. It's got a ton of protein (69), and also lots of potassium (620). Is your doc OK with "anything that will go through a straw?" Those were my doc's words. I haven't gotten a reading from the dietician on this yet, but I think I will go by what the doc says. He told me, the only reason for the three weeks of liquids is for healing. He doesn't want anything getting stuck or vomitting, because it may displace the bad. He wants the scar tissue to start forming before you get to "true" solid foods. That's why the next step is mushies for three weeks, then "soft" foods for three weeks, and finally solid food. I have found that lots of exercise has been the biggest help for me. I am averaging 8200 steps a day, with daily morning walks between 4500-5500 steps. You are doing real well, IMO, on your weight loss. 31 lbs. in such a short time is super. Keep up the good work. What did the doc. and dietician say about that? Obviously, you're doing something right. The only problems I am having are taking my prescriptions and low blood pressure/low blood glucose levels. I grind up the pills and mix them with juice or crystal light. They still taste terrible, but fortunately only another week to go on this. Monday I went to my normal doc because my blood pressure and blood glucose were both going low. He reduced my meds. and said I could self adjust the amounts based on readings I get. He said just wait for trends to be validated, and not go up and down daily as the readings change. I track my BP, O2 Sat., and BG almost daily. This morning right after the walk my BP was 87/54. I felt a little light headed. If it stays like this for several days, I'll halve the BP med. again. BG has only gone low a couple times. I've already halved that med. (Actos) and the doc is having me halve my Byetta dose also. He said the ultimate goal is to get me off (or low doses) of all these meds. Boy, would that be great. Keep us posted on how you and your husband are doing. I hope he is starting to feel better.

I just got my band on Thursday and have noticed that I am burbing much more than ever before. Fortunately, they have all been NPB's, or non-productive burps, and that's the way I want to keep them. My question is, Is this increased burping normal, and if so, how long after surgery does it continue, or is this a "forever" thing? Is it a precursor to you're getting full, or you've already reached the limit.....stop? My unrealistic goal is to never PB or slime. Is that possible? Any help from you experienced "bandsters" would be helpful. Thanks!!

Hi qweniper, I am right behind you. Just a week and a day for me, and I went to the Doc today. Next Doc appt. is Oct. 15. All is going well except for a little pain around the port. He is happy with my weight loss.... 32 lbs. in just over a month, six since surgery. I haven't really "zeroed in" on a goal, just a range. I'll see how I look and feel when I get closer to that range. Then maybe I'll set a specific goal. When does your Hubby go in for his surgery? Is he looking forward to it? The Doc told me that the only reason for the 3 weeks of liquids is so that the scar tissue can start forming around the band. If you eat too much, or the wrong thing, and end up vomiting, you may cause it to slip. I think you'll be fine as long as you haven't had any episodes. I am being good, and my wife is finding some good ways to make liquids out of solids by thinning them with low sodium V-8 juice, and liquifying them in the blender. The Doc says, as long as it will go through a straw we're OK. I only do about 4 oz. at a time though. Still doing the protein shakes thinned with no fat milk, vanilla silk soy milk, or flavored water. They're actually pretty good with all the different ones. Also doing the 8-plus glasses of water/day. Keep us posted on your progress.....and your husband's too.

I was banded on the 30th of August. It's been uneventful, except for the gas pains in left shoulder and abdoman/side. Each day it gets better though. I've been walking a minimum of 7000 steps a day. To get a little variety in the liquid stage I've been draining broth off soups, eating no more than two water thinned tablespoons of sauces (so far parmegean, and spaghetti). These are treats, and have only tried it twice. Since pre-op diet a month before surgery too today, I have lost 30 lbs. I've also tried a variety of protein shakes (chocolate and vanilla) made with various flavors of Crystal Light, vanilla silk soy milk, or skim milk, and applesauce (two tablespoons) watered down/blended with cherry Crystal Light. Yum! Going to try SF Jello for the first time tonight.