cakegal

That's great advice. I did have a large hiatal hernia fixed at the time of banding by my surgeon, and my husband has just switched jobs which leaves me with no insurance for 6 mo. But when I went in to have a unfill last week, I did mention that I wanted to deal with the symptoms for now and have some tests done when my insurance kicks in. I have learned not to wait to see the doctor, but I love all this advise because it gives me more to talk to my doctor about, and I feel more in control and will get the most of my cash paid office visit. Thanks for responding!

Dilated pouch! Yikes! I'll read up on that and bring it up with my doctor. My biggest fear is a slippage, and will do anything to avoid it. Thanks for the heads up!

That is very good advice. I had Fluid taken out, and it seems to have relieved the problem for now, but I will surely bring this up with my doctor next time I'm in, and keep the info in my back pocket should future problems pop up. I'm so grateful for this forum and everyones experiences!

Thank you so much! I did see my doctor and had some taken out. It was a miracle! Still have some restriction, but no more heart burn and I sleep flat on a pillow with out any problems! What a relief!

I'm terrified my band has slipped. It was to tight and had a small unfill, it worked like magic. No acid reflux and no more vomiting. Recently I had a bad vomiting episode and I've had nothing but trouble since. I can eat, I feel fine, but four hours later my stomach starts to gurgle, and I feel like something is just at the base of my throat waiting to come up, I can't usually get to sleep until 4 am when it finally seems to settle, I feel normal again until I eat and the whole thing starts over. I stopped eating after 8pm, no help, then 6pm, still no help, I haven't had anything since 4 pm and now 11 hours later I'm up, my stomach is gurgling, I'm burping and when I try to fall asleep, propped up, I get acid reflux and then I'm coughing. So I can't sleep and I'm hungry and terrified that my band has slipped. I'm calling my doctor and requesting another unfill, Has anyone else had this happen, and was it a slippage, or how did you resolve it? I'm miserable!

I've been banded for three months now, I've only lost 30lbs. but my hair is starting to fall out. Everytime I wash it it looks like I killed a cat in my shower. Granted I have a lot of hair, but I can tell it's getting thinner and I'm a bit concerned. My eating has been healthier, although I don't eat as much red meat as I used to, I do take omega 3 suppliments and vitamins regularly. Should I be alarmed, and is there any thing I should be doing.

Thanks, that does make me feel much better, I only thought hair loss was for people who lost alot of weight very quickly. I haven't been doing very well on my Protein, so that actually speaks volumns to me. What exactly is biontin? Is it a supplement, and where can I get it? Thanks again for your reply!

I was just banded in August by Dr. Francis in Dr. LePorts office. My insurance required a 6 mo. diet supervised by my Doctor. I actually gained 10 pounds. Dr. LePorts office never said one word about loosing weight to me and did not require any liquid diet except for the day before my surgery. I was really impressed with how the surgery went and my recovery. I've lost 22 pounds and eat pretty normally. I just had my first fill last week. It also went really well. Over all.... I'm very happy with their office and staff.

I know how you feel, a few years ago I joined a spin class at 240lbs. I was obviously the largest one in that class. In the dark, it just didn't matter and I spun my little heart out. I did this 3 days a week and played tennis 1-2 days a week. after a year, I had lost 4 pounds. I was in the best shape a 240 lb. woman could be, but no significant weight loss. I concluded, that for me, I was just working out harder than my over weight body could handle. I was starving every day after each work out, and pretty much ate what I wanted since I was convinced I had worked out so hard. We all play games with ourselves and tell ourselves what we want to hear. For me, It's not about working out hard 3 days a week, I need to be consistent with a 5-7 day a week exercise plan that I can stick to. I've really enjoyed walking, increasing my pace and time. I've started doing core training and I hope to be lifting weights on a regular basis soon. I'm working my way up to whats reasonable for me, but I know in order for ME to loose weight, it's a minimum for 5 days a week for me. I think we all know what works for us, and we are all different. facing the reality that we may need to change what we did in the past, which did not work for us, and trying to find what does is as hard as the work out itself. I hate that I have to work out 5-6 days a week, and my friend stays fit with 2-3, but that's my reality. I vote for exercise, the benefits out wiegh the weight loss, even if I don't make it 5 days every week, I feel soooo much better about myself, I usually try harder the next week. Never surrender!!!! (not when it comes to exercise)

I was banded on August 12th, and I've lost 19 lbs. I'm scheduled to see the doctor the end of September for a "possible" fill. My doctor said even if I was loosing only a pound a week, they would not fill me. I need to have stopped loosing all together to require a fill. I'm a little bumbed because although I lost 16 pounds in the first 2 weeks, I'm loosing pretty slowly now. I guess I shouldn't rush things and be greatful for any loss at all. I'm not hungry, I have no restriction and I feel great! What weight I have lost has just fallen off. I don't feel like I've done anything, except eat a whole lot less and not be hungry every second of every day. I could live like this!

I was banded August 12th, and I too have a pregnant stomach. It's discouraging because the scale is moving but my pants still feel tight. It's like I'm involuntarily sticking my stomach out as far as I can. I hope someone can let us know when to expect the "baby" to be born.

I was banded August 12th. I had a large hiatal hernia that was hiding, and fortunately was fixed. I had no problems walking after surgery, and even tried to river dance down the hospital corridor. I kicked my foot on the IV pole and that ended my dancing. (I don't know how to River Dance, I just improvised). I got home the next morning, slept most of the day, walked for 20 minutes and went to the grocery store. I have been great ever since. I have energy, and I'm not hungry! It's a miracle! I went to the Mall again today and a sales clerk asked me what I did to make my face look so fresh and glow. I wasn't wearing any make-up and heck, I'm 44, I almost laughed out loud and didn't know how to respond, it took me totally off guard. Lets see.....have surgery 5 days ago? I'm not sure how long this high will last, but I'm enjoying every second off it.

Hi Girls, Count me in for August 12th. I'm starting to get a little nervous. Good luck to all of us!

Hi August Bandsters. After a total of 10 months working towards this I finally have my surgery date for the 12th. My preop is July 28th. I live is sunny Southern California where the weather has been perfect for the last few weeks, I hope I don't jinx it. I'm almost 45 and have been Married 20 years to a wonderful, supportive, handsome, slim man. I have a son going off to college this fall and a 13 year old daughter. I have 2 small dogs and a duck my son snuck into his room for Easter this year that now I'm in love with, so I can't seem to get rid of it. I make the best tasting gourmet wedding cakes that are stunning. This is going to be difficult for me to not lick the spoon! I went shopping with my daughter today and wanted so badly to buy something new. I held off with the idea that it will be much more fun to shop at a smaller size. I decided I want to wear high heals again, and I'd like a pair of boots that fit over my calf. These are things I haven't thought about in a very long time. I also want to dance. It finally struck me that I could maybe dance at one of those weddings I'm always attending. I love to dance and never do because I'm always afraid I look rediculous at my weight. I guess I'm getting excited.

I go on the 12th, I have my preop appointment on the 28th. It's all becoming very real now. I'm scared....not of the surgery, but what if it doesn't work for me, and I fail once again. All those negative thoughts. Reading about what to expect and all the success stories really helps me. Good luck!!

Count me for August too! My date is August 12th and I go for my Pre-Op tests on July 28th. I guess after 10 mo. It's really going to happen. Does anyone know about the recovery time, or what to expect?

Thanks, not really what I wanted to hear, and yet I'm okay with that. Thanks for responding, I think knowing what to expect is easier than getting my hopes up (again) and then being disappointed. This way I stay Positive. Thanks again!

Congrates!! I have Great-West which was bought out by Cigna in March of this year. I have open access, and same thing with me. They approved it. Yeh! I'm waiting for a surgery date as well. I hope it will be soon.

I've been approved for Surgery from my insurance, (only nine months after I started this process), and I got a call from Dr. LePorts office, I'm hoping to have Dr. Francis do my surgery. They said they were sending me over to the scheduling department and I should hear from them with in 10 days. Just a little anxious here! Have waited a long time. Has anyone been banded by Dr. LePorts office, and how quick can they schedule a surgery? Weeks, months? Please let me know your experience, I'm dying for information. What's next?

My sister inlaw had her lapband several years ago done at UCLA. She had a really good experience and would recommend it.

Sorry to be a kill joy, but I had an endo several years ago when I was diagnosed with GERDS. I remember everything!! They had a hard time finding a vein and then when I was wheeled in I remember them asking me to swallow several times. I wanted to gag so bad. They kept telling me not to throw up, and not very nicely either. I guess they thought I wouldn't remember a thing, but I did. You can't talk because there is a tube in yuour throat, and you are sedated. I felt trapped in my body and prayed that it would end soon. I could hear everything they said and was interested when the doctor said to the nurse, "look, see when I touch this the sphinctor doesn't close all the way, a classic sign or GERDS". I was so relieved when they wheeled me back into recovery. I'm looking at an endoscopy for lapband surgery, and I will definately be relaying that experience to who ever is putting me under. I'm actually more nervous about that proceedure than the actual operation. Having said that, I would deffinately endure the endo to get the surgery. It is doable and rather quick, unconfortable yes, I just don't want to remember! Sorry, just voice any concerns you have with your doctor or the person putting you under.

I didn't read all of the posts made after your initial post, but wanted to let you know wasa... I so needed that. I want more than anything to be an active person. I love exercise and despite my weight, from time to time feel strong, like when I took a spin class for a whole year, 3 times a week, was the largest person they ever had in their class, but in the dark, I felt strong and fit. I never did loose a whole lot of weight because, well I worked beyond my physical ability and ate like a horse! I reduced my blood pressure, and it's been perfect ever since. I've played tennis (which I love) every week for the last 6 years, and I'll I want is a tiny pleated tennis skirt. (pleats are out now). I got the call after 9 long months today, that I'm approved for surgery. Funny, I felt somewhat happy and a little scared, not because of the surgery, but what if I don't loose weight? What if I fail, what if there is nothing left for me to do but die fat. Your post was the first thing that felt like a kick in the head. Well maybe a nice slap! Of course, If I eat less and exercise, the weight is going to come off. Who cares about the past, or my reasons for not being succesful. Thats a fat person talking, and I want to be a fit person. Yeah me! Thanks for reminding me. I'm now excited!!!:thumbup:

Well, I was there just about 6 mo. ago. I researched lapband for several months, decided it was for me, went to a seminar and was told my insurance would pay. I got so excited. I was ready to go. What they really meant was, my insurance would pay for it if I jumped through all the hoops, one of which is a 6 mo. supervised diet. I felt like had been kicked in the stomach. I felt sick and let down. I didn't think I could wait six mo., but what choice did I have?! Everyone on this forum said it would go by quickly, even at three months, I didn't feel it was goin by very quickly. My last appointment is 5/30, and looking back, it did go by quickly. Now my demons are telling me I won't get approved anyway, and even if I did, it's probably not going to work for me, so you see, at each stage it's always something new and more to worry about. Damn those demons in my head!! All I know, is to not give up hope, and never stop trying, and to Hell with the demons in our heads.

I have my last appointment 5/30. I was afraid of the same thing, until I was recently given what I thought was some good advise. Go to the receptionist and request a copy of your medical records for the time you need. They may have you sign something but they will give them to you. Ask them to send a copy to your insurance. You can also send a copy yourself, and then keep a copy for your files. this might expedite things quicker. I plan on doing that myself. i think we forget sometimes, that those are our files and we have a right to them ourselves.

I never wanted to go the route of WLS. I always thought it was for the weak. I felt that I knew everything I needed to know about weight loss, and that if I was tough enough, I'd do it. (Ironic isn't it?) I finally realized that my body didn't want to release fat as well as most and I admitted I need help. Now I think the strong people are those who have faced this and get the help they need. WLS is not for the weak, it's tough and I hope I can call myself one of the triumphant who have worked their way back to health with a little help.