Brenda G.

Hi Tamika, I'm in Tennessee so I can't help you with the NYC thing, what kind of INS do you have? If the Psych. exam is an ins. requirement, I would think that they would cover it. I have Cigna and I called 23 psych offices for a psych exam and every single one of them told me I had to pay out of pocket that they would not accept ins assignment (considering they were in network it really ticked me off). I called Cigna and explained to them what I was being told, they actually called one of the offices and did a single case agreement with them and paid them the full $325.:clap2:. I would certainly check, all you can be told is no. Hope this helps and good luck. Brenda

April, 5lbs doesn't sound like a whole lot, but try losing it and you think "oh my gosh, how?" I was on a 2 week pre-op protein shake meal replacement, it was the hardest thing I think I have ever done, but I lost 15 pounds in that 2 weeks. Maybe if you did meal replacement protein shakes for breakfast and dinner and have a low calorie, high protein lunch, and drink PLENTY of water I think you can do it:clap2:. I'm glad your mom is going to be able to make it for your surgery, having the support of family is really important even if you don't think so at the time. Good luck and keep us posted on how everything goes.

I can't wait to be able to buy clothes at a regular store, Prior to surgery I was wearing a 34. I can wear a 30 now and it is confortable, but the 26/28 is still snug and bothers my scars. I also can't wait to get rid of my Bipap, I have been on either a cpap or bipap for 18 years and I am sick of it. I seem to be stuck and can't break 300, but I know I can do it, Congradulations to you, you are an inspiration, best wishes for your continued success. :whoo:

I don't know if I'm the best person to ask about recovery, I've had a pretty rough time. I have had previous surgeries, many years ago, I have a large sunken scar on my far right side from appendix surgery and a very long mid-stomach scar from gallbladder surgery. So all of my banding scars are on my left side I have a total of 7 incisions which I am told is abnormal, but was necessary because of my previous scarring. Recovery the first 4 days was really rough for me, my sister came and stayed with me for those days, it was a real life saver. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you have the resources. Just remember to sip fluids as much as possible, I got a sippy cup to use, it really helped in reminding me not to take a big drink (very painful). I also stocked up on gas-x strips and Mylanta, and let me tell you a made a major dent in my supply (ha ha). I heating pad is also a must, or was for me, helps with the stomach discomfort and I also have left shoulder pain. It helped for me to make a list of things I though I would need and went shopping prior to surgery, I wish you the best of luck and let us know how things progress.

Thanks for this thread, I think everyones fight to lose will be difficult, but when someone has over 100-150# or more to lose that battle will be extended and have other issues to deal with. Its a long road and some uphill battles. I hope I will find support and encouragement here and that I can offer the same to others. I'm only a little over 2 weeks out but hope I can offer assistance to a few hurdles I have crossed. :biggrin1:

My physician wanted (and tried to talk me into) a bypass, he said because I was diabetic it was a better option. I just couldn't get myself to consider the bypass. So he relented and agreed on the lap-band. I was banded on 10-5-07. I started out @ 347 and after the 2 week low calorie diet and the 2 week pre-op liquid only diet I was @ 324. I am inspired looking @ the pictures of Brandy, I want to look like her. ha ha. I am a little discouraged that I havn't broke 300 yet, but I going to hang in there. Just looking and reading the posts give me hope.

I'm also having a problem with not being able to go, when I called the Dr. he recommended Milk of Mag. ugh, double ugh, but it worked. I am finding certain foods fill me up better than others. Cottage Cheese is definately filling, before surgery I couldn't stand the stuff, now I love it, especially with a little sugar free strawberry jam on top. I have also tried the Campbell's soup at hand, the blended veg medley and potato are really good. I also have an issue in getting the shakes down, have you tried Syntrax Nectar Protein powder, its better than any of the others I have tried, they have fruit flavors that mix well with Tropicana Sugar Free Orange-ade drink. I have also gained a couple pounds back, and it is totally depressing.

Hi Ilenev yesterday I would have said that I still had restriction, but today it seems like theres no restriction @ all. Your getting a fill in 3 weeks, I wish it was me. My Dr. says he doesn't do fills for a min of 6-8 weeks, mine is scheduled for Nov 28th. and he would not guarantee me a fill then. I was really hoping to get one before Thanksgiving. Hang in there. everyone tells me its mind of matter, I still working on that (ha ha)

Hi ElleMae I noticed my shoulder pain wasn't as bad today as it has been, but unfortunately with the dispearance of my shoulder pain has come hungar and like a blink I don't seem to have the restriction anymore. Is this normal? I have been very careful about making sure everything is off the diet list of soft/pureed food, but I don't feel the fullness I have been having. I just noticed your from Australia, cool.

I was banded on 10-5-07 I have a few complications and was kept overnight for low oxygen levels, I don't remember a whole lot except that they did an x ray in recovery but I did not have a Barium Swallow, does the xray show enough to be sure it is placed correctly or should I request to Dr. to be a barium swallow to be sure, your right about stressing over band slippage. thanks

Hello everyone, thanks for responding. I look forward to having someone to talk with. Does anyone else have left shoulder pain, I went for my 2 week followup today and ask the Dr. and he said it was nothing to worry about it would go away. I do find myself being able to eat a little more liquid soup now then I have been in the past but not a whole lot, for some reason before I get the full feeling I get the hiccups so I know its time to stop. I can't start Soft food for a couple more days per the Dr. I am nervous about it . I'm terrified about doing something that will cause my band to slip, or maybe dilating my pouch.

This is my first visit and very excited to find this web site. I am going for my two week follow up tomorrow and excited to have made it this far. I'm not sure what problems my physician ran into during the surgery but all 7 of my incisions are on the left side of my stomach. I have read several posts of about the grumbling stomach, I'm not so worried about mine now. My surgery was done on 10-5-07 by Dr. Wayne Westmoreland I spent one night in the hospital because of low oxygen levels after surgrey, but feel fine now. I look forword to learning from everyone here.