BansterNYC

I was banded 9 months ago. Biggest issue: Keeping my band a secret. 3 people in this world know I have the band (aside from doctors). I am an open-book personality - lively and energetic. For a number of reasons, some obvious and others not, I decided not to tell anyone about my band. Here's a few reasons why I kept it a secret: I didn't look fat. I was 195 and 5'1". Really, no one looked at me and thought I needed weight loss surgery. Most people would guess my weight at 170 at most. I carried it well. I didn't want to be "known" for my band. Do you notice when someone suffers an injury in a car accident, or when someone is diagnosed with cancer.... it's all anyone talks about to them! A neighbor of mine had breast cancer, and she hated that it was the only topic of conversation among friends and family. She appreciated their support, but said she was more than just cancer. I sort of feel the same way -- didn't want to talk about it all the time. I didn't want to fail. "Oh, she got the lap-band and it didn't even work!" Fortunately, it has worked incredibly well for me. Many people don't understand the struggles with weight nor the long process one goes through to decide if the lap-band is the right decision for them. I didn't want to have to explain and justify myself over and over. These are just some of the few reasons I didn't tell people about my surgery. I said I had my appendix out, and was back to work in 3 days. No one noticed. I didn't really start losing weight until weeks after surgery and my body was hidden under big winter clothes. So, keeping it a secret has been tough.

Here's something to ponder: **Pilates!** 2 months after I was banded I walked into a local pilates studio and pre-paid for 4 lessons per week for the next 6 months. (Jan- June 2008) It cost me an arm and leg -- literally! It is expensive, but worth it to me to tone my body into a long and lean ballerina figure. Everyone is shocked and amazed at my body now. I am not only thinner (due to band) but toned and strong (pilates). I also believed it has prevented me from eventually needing to seek out a plastic surgeon to deal with loose skin. Granted, I have lost 47 lbs so far and started out as a lower BMI (36.5) so that is a factor too, however I have been able to tone as I lose weight... not just melt like a candle. I also believe that cardio makes me hungrier. Pre-banding I ran 3 marathons and just ate more after each 2+ hour training run, despite trying weight watchers simultaneously. I am done with cardio as I now see how well my body responds to pilates. Much more strong than cardio. The biggest change with pilates is how much my core is strengthened, and thereby my *posture*. I look 10 lbs thinner just by standing up with a strong and lean posture. It's amazing. Now, I attend a pilates studio which is about $30 for a small class session or $80 for a private trainer session. It's worth the expense to me, however it could be replaced by a dedicated user of Pilates DVDs and a Magic Circle DVD. Magic circle is versatile pilates prop. Pilates DVD: http://www.gaiam.com/category/<wbr>fitness-center/pilates-dance/<wbr>media-books.do?page=all&gcid=<wbr>S18376x028&keyword=pilates%<wbr>20dvd [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Pilates-Collection-Sculpting-Accelerated/dp/B000KCUBH0]http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-<wbr>Pilates-Collection-Sculpting-<wbr>Accelerated/dp/B000KCUBH0[/ame] Magic Circle: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JWLZAI]http://www.amazon.com/gp/<wbr>product/B000JWLZAI[/ame]

Contact your insurance company and ask if they cover procedure "43770" and what is needed to prove coverage. Ask them to fax you the portion of your policy that relates to this procedure. 43770 = Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric band You can go to seminars and talk to as many people as you want, but until you find out from the money holder, it's pointless to do anything else. Unless you want to do self-pay which can range from $10k - $40k. A bit less if you decide to go to Mexico to have it done. Call insurance first. Arm yourself with information.

Did Dr. Jacob perform the gallbladder surgery?

I was banded at Mt Sinai by Dr. Brian Jacob.... and highly recommend him. Lenox Hill has a good reputation, but the hospital facility is not so great IMO. Old, outdated.

Here's a post I wrote a few days ago. It was regarding poor posture as people lose weight with the band, however it also addresses your saggy skin question. ************************* I know exactly what you're writing about! Many of us not only have poor posture as it is near impossible for those small muscles between our shoulder blades to hold up all the weight we put on -- esp around our breasts and belly. All the years of being overweight put those posture muscles into a dead zone. Never really working. I have found a solution: **Pilates!** 2 months after I was banded I walked into a local pilates studio and pre-paid for 4 lessons per week for the next 6 months. (Jan- June 2008) It cost me an arm and leg -- literally! It is expensive, but worth it to me to tone my body into a long and lean ballerina figure. Everyone is shocked and amazed at my body now. I am not only thinner (due to band) but toned and strong (pilates). I also believed it has prevented me from eventually needing to seek out a plastic surgeon to deal with loose skin. Granted, I started out as a lower BMI (36.5) so that is a factor too, however I have been able to tone as I lose weight... not just melt like a candle. I also believe that cardio makes me hungrier. Pre-banding I ran 3 marathons and just ate more after each 2+ hour training run, despite trying weight watchers simultaneously. I am done with cardio as I now see how well my body responds to pilates. Much more strong than cardio. The biggest change with pilates is how much my core is strengthened, and thereby my *posture*. I look 10 lbs thinner just by standing up with a strong and lean posture. It's amazing. Now, I attend a pilates studio which is about $30 for a small class session or $80 for a private trainer session. It's worth the expense to me, however it could be replaced by a dedicated user of Pilates DVDs and a Magic Circle DVD. Magic circle is versatile pilates prop. Pilates DVD: Pilates Media: DVD Video, Pose books, and Music - Gaiam [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Pilates-Collection-Sculpting-Accelerated/dp/B000KCUBH0]Amazon.com: Winsor Pilates 3 DVD Collection (Ab Sculpting, Bun & Thigh Sculpting, Accelerated Body Sculpting): Mari Winsor: Movies & TV[/ame] Magic Circle: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JWLZAI]Amazon.com: Stamina Pilates Magic Circle with Workout DVD: Sports & Outdoors[/ame]

I know exactly what you're writing about! Many of us not only have poor posture as it is near impossible for those small muscles between our shoulder blades to hold up all the weight we put on -- esp around our breasts and belly. All the years of being overweight put those posture muscles into a dead zone. Never really working. I have found a solution: **Pilates!** 2 months after I was banded I walked into a local pilates studio and pre-paid for 4 lessons per week for the next 6 months. (Jan- June 2008) It cost me an arm and leg -- literally! It is expensive, but worth it to me to tone my body into a long and lean ballerina figure. Everyone is shocked and amazed at my body now. I am not only thinner (due to band) but toned and strong (pilates). I also believed it has prevented me from eventually needing to seek out a plastic surgeon to deal with loose skin. Granted, I started out as a lower BMI (36.5) so that is a factor too, however I have been able to tone as I lose weight... not just melt like a candle. I also believe that cardio makes me hungrier. Pre-banding I ran 3 marathons and just ate more after each 2+ hour training run, despite trying weight watchers simultaneously. I am done with cardio as I now see how well my body responds to pilates. Much more strong than cardio. The biggest change with pilates is how much my core is strengthened, and thereby my *posture*. I look 10 lbs thinner just by standing up with a strong and lean posture. It's amazing. Now, I attend a pilates studio which is about $30 for a small class session or $80 for a private trainer session. It's worth the expense to me, however it could be replaced by a dedicated user of Pilates DVDs and a Magic Circle DVD. Magic circle is versatile pilates prop. Pilates DVD: Pilates Media: DVD Video, Pose Books, and Music - Gaiam [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Pilates-Collection-Sculpting-Accelerated/dp/B000KCUBH0]Amazon.com: Winsor Pilates 3 DVD Collection (Ab Sculpting, Bun & Thigh Sculpting, Accelerated Body Sculpting): Mari Winsor: Movies & TV[/ame] Magic Circle: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JWLZAI]Amazon.com: Stamina Pilates Magic Circle with Workout DVD: Sports & Outdoors[/ame]

I was denied 3x before finally being approved. Took me 6 months of craziness. Get that letter of pre-certification and guard it with your life! Congrats, and move forward asap on a surgery date!

This is a topic dear to me, so let me share some advice with you. I wanted to manage my scars in the best way possible, and I was initially apprehensive about scars too. Other bandsters don't care too much about scars -- they just *hope* they heal, and maybe use some Mederma. (A weak product in my opinion, and better for small cuts, not laproscopic surgical scars). I wanted to be real proactive about my scar treatment. The *key* time to treat scars is in the initial weeks out of surgery and the first 6 months of healing. After that, it is real tough to make significant progress. The sooner you act, the better!!! Also, let's be clear. Surgical scars need to be treated differently than burn scars. So, please do not follow advice for burns. For your SURGICAL scars here's the best treatment. I say the "best" treatment, for a few reasons. 1. I have compared my scars to other lap-band patients (in-person) and can see a big difference in my healing. 2. Some of the best dermatologists are here in NYC, and am taking advantage of this and seeing the top rated docs in this field. 3. I have done extensive research on this topic. Not just 3 hours of internet surfing and reading some opinions, but real research into the science of how the skin heals. I also looked into the treatment on plastic surgery on breasts and face to see the treatments available there. So, based on ALL of this, here's my advice: Dermatologist -- please see a dermatologist if you want proper scar care. My dermatologist monitored my scars and recommended the following: Kelo-Cote -- Start using 1 week after surgery: http://www.skinstore.com/<wbr>store/product.asp?catID=8975&<wbr>prodID=8977 Also available for half the price on eBay. It is a gel you apply 2x/day daily for the first 7 months. My scars look great! Arnica Montana -- available at GNC. I took tons of this starting 3 weeks before my surgery as it really reduces bruising and has helped heal my scars. Promotes healing. I used it for 8 weeks post surgery too. Steroid -- 2 of my scars were raised, thus my dermatologist injected a tiny amount of steroid into the scar. Within a day, they were flat again! Regular visits to the dermatologist are necessary. No Sun -- Stay out of the sun!!! Sun exposure will "set" the scars and make further healing and improvement difficult. My dermatologist recommended at least 1 year with no sun exposure, and 2 years if I can stand it. This was not a problem for me since I do not have a good bikini body anyway! I wear a one-piece bathing suit, and put zinc oxide or strong sun block on my scars even under my bathing suit. It is more difficult for men to keep scars out of the sun for obvious reasons.

Update: I saw the doctor today. My choking is NOT caused by any of the following: acid reflux, eating before bed, caffeine, sleep apnea, allergies, or an enlarged uvula. He thinks something is irritating my esophagus or that the band may be tilted. There's a small chance the band could be too tight, but based on what I'm able to eat, he thinks that's unlikely. Next step: He ordered an upper GI floroscopy and suggested I sleep slightly elevated. I'll post an update once I know more!

You like your food to be a really HOT temperature, since it takes so long to eat...and you don't want to eat cold food when you have so little of it in the first place. Before the band, I would eat so fast -- shovel food in my mouth -- it never had a chance to get cold!

It is one of the easiest things I have ever done. Before the band, I ran 3 marathons while doing Weight Watchers and I lost 10 lbs at most. The band is the best decision I ever made, and I have been so surprised at how easy it has been! So - I just eat less because I am full faster. That's all. And you can see form my signature that I started out at a lower BMI. Also, I believe lots of cardio makes you more hungry than if you had not done cardio. I am all for working out, but I only do Pilates 4x/week and my whole body is lean and strong now. Never would have gotten this with cardio. I have read a number of articles and studies that seem to back me up on this -- but heck, there's a study to back up every type of approach to exercise and weight loss. My doc gave me a great piece of advice: "Don't think about the band so much. Just go out and live your life." Once I took that to heart, a bulk of the weight just melted away. Sometimes *thinking* about the band can be counter productive. So, for me, being on LPT for hours and fixating on calorie counting, band feelings, etc. seems to work against me. Just some thoughts.

"I think most US doctors are using Realize..." "I think its about 50/50..." Let's get some REAL facts and statistics instead of throwing out random ideas of what you *think* may be the case. Please do research before posting. One clarification: Lap-Band is the brand name of the gastric band produced by Allergen and Inamed (same company, one is a subsidiary of the other). Realize is the name of the gastric band produced by Johnson & Johnson and is new to consumers in the past year.

I would suggest trying Peanut Butter OR jelly -- not together. If you have problems, you won't know which food is causing the difficulty. Try jelly thin on pita. If tolerated, try PB on pita. If you're ok - then go for both. Just better to introduce one food at a time.

You need to make this decision yourself. Go with your gut. Is this surgeon concerned in her ability to do the LB? For me, I would never re-route my organs. It's a permanent decision that can't be undone. Also, it's "one size fits all". I love that the LB is adjustable to it a perfect fit for me. I have a friend who was banded at around the same time, same size band, same age, yet she is 2cc's less than me for her sweet spot! The lap-band is removable. That was a big factor for me. Also, keep in mind I started at a lower BMI than most (36.5), and I have lost nearly 50 lbs in 8 months...even being a lower BMI!!! Yes - most LB patients lose slower than bypass, but that can actually be a good thing. When you lose really fast, you tend to have more loose skin that has to be removed with plastic surgery. Can be around $20k (rough estimate) to fix the skin, and 99% of the time that's not covered by any insurance. Of course you can have loose skin with LB, but not as severe a situation. I think it's ridiculous she said you won't lose 1 lb. Just some things to think about.

I buy jeans, black pants, black wrap dress, black skirt at each size I go down. I then make other pieces work with those. Old Navy and H&M are great. Plus, their clothes are not good quality. They never last more than a few months anyway even if you remained the same size.

Aspirating pneumonia! Oh goodness! I made a doc appt for Wednesday -- his only opening this week. I know he'll take care of me!

I am not a fan of chicken breast, even the boneless skinless kind. It's difficult to cook just right without drying it. Also, when reheating for leftovers, it gets even more dried out in the microwave. Here's what I have found as a winner: Do you have a Sam's Club near you. If so - they have the BEST Protein for bandsters! Chicken Sausage with Spinach and Asiago cheese It's high protein, low calorie. Here's my recipe: - Remove the chicken sausage from the casing (5 links) and break into small pieces. You'll see it will break apart as you remove the casing. - Cook the meat over medium heat in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil. - Add garlic or garlic salt if you wish - Remove meat once it's cooked (don't cook too long - don't want if burnt) - Mix with 1.5 cups cooked rice. White or Brown. - Add any other ingredients you wish. I add FF Sour Cream. Other like grilled peppers, a little butter, etc. *Split into 5 portions. There's 5 meals! You will notice the meal is much more chicken than rice. Just a little rice is in there. It heats up well too.

This is a topic dear to me. I wanted to manage my scars in the best way possible. Other bandsters don't care too much about scars -- they just *hope* they heal, and maybe use some Mederma. (A weak product in my opinion, and better for small cuts, not laproscopic surgical scars). I wanted to be real proactive about my scar treatment. The *key* time to treat scars is in the initial weeks out of surgery and the first 6 months of healing. After that, it is real tough to make significant progress. The sooner you act, the better!!! Also, let's be clear. Surgical scars need to be treated differently than burn scars. So, please do not follow advice for burns. For your SURGICAL scars here's the best treatment. I say the "best" treatment, for a few reasons. 1. I have compared my scars to other lap-band patients (in-person) and can see a big difference in my healing. 2. Some of the best dermatologists are here in NYC, and am taking advantage of this and seeing the top rated docs in this field. 3. I have done extensive research on this topic. Not just 3 hours of internet surfing and reading some opinions, but real research into the science of how the skin heals. I also looked into the treatment on plastic surgery on breasts and face to see the treatments available there. So, based on ALL of this, here's my advice: Dermatologist -- please see a dermatologist if you want proper scar care. Mine dermatologist monitored my scars and recommended the following: Kelo-Cote -- Start using 1 week after surgery: http://www.skinstore.com/<wbr>store/product.asp?catID=8975&<wbr>prodID=8977 Also available for half the price on eBay. It is a gel you apply 2x/day daily for the first 7 months. My scars look great! Arnica Montana -- available at GNC. I took tons of this starting 3 weeks before my surgery as it really reduces bruising and has helped heal my scars. Promotes healing. I used it for 8 weeks post surgery too. Steroid -- 2 of my scars were raised, thus my dermatologist injected a tiny amount of steroid into the scar. Within a day, they were flat again! Regular visits to the dermatologist are necessary. No Sun -- Stay out of the sun!!! Sun exposure will "set" the scars and make further healing and improvement difficult. My dermatologist recommended at least 1 year with no sun exposure, and 2 years if I can stand it. This was not a problem for me since I do not have a good bikini body anyway! I wear a one-piece bathing suit, and put zinc oxide or strong sun block on my scars even under my bathing suit. It is more difficult for men to keep scars out of the sun for obvious reasons.

WOW! Thanks for all of this advice! Just a few responses from the posts: 1. AthinnerDenise - I am not sure what you mean "take my medicine". Are you referring to taking any medicine in general before bed? I am confused. 2. I don't drink caffeine, except on special occasions where I need to try and stay awake. 3. Maybe it is acid reflux. I will try Pepcid tonight and see what happens. Thanks for all the advice -- keep it coming! And I will post my progress!

Yes - you can start it early. However, don't think because you do, that you can "cheat" at any point once you start. If you're going to start early, then stick with it up to surgery date!

I was NOT filled at surgery time, but received 3cc a month after surgery. I wish I had been filled a few cc to get my weight loss going quicker. It did eventually pick up once I got a few fills.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/scar-stages-share-yours-6117/index29.html This link contains my post about scars. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using Kelo-Cote. Available at SkinStore.com, or you can also get it on ebay. I would also recommend you see a dermatologist that can inject a *tiny* needle with some steroid to reduce the raised appearance of the scars. Visit a dermatologist ASAP, and have regular visits every 3 months for your first year post-op. You have a precious window to get a handle on your scars. After they mature, it's much more difficult to deal with them to reduce their appearance. I also used Arnica Montana which promotes healing. Available at GNC. I used it before surgery and for the 4 months post-op. Now is the time to get proactive and deal with the scars!! Don't wait!!!

The Lap-Band is adjustable and is customized to be a tight as best for YOU! The sleeve is "one size fits all" and there's no turning back. While the Lap-Band is meant to be for life as well, it can certainly be removed if complications arise (which is quite rare). Also, REALLY look at the long-term data -- same percentage of weight loss with the Lap-Band, Sleeve, and Bypass over 3 years. Why would you not go with the option that doesn't reroute your organs? As for the fill process with the Lap-Band, it is not something to discount the surgery. If you can't handle getting fills, if that's too *inconvenient*, then perhaps you are not ready for a weight loss surgery. There will be many changes in your life, regardless of which surgical option you choose, and getting to a doc a few times for a fill is the LEAST of them! You will still have to have regular visits to your surgeon with the sleeve as well. Follow-up appointments are part of any surgery. Please educate yourself on all the options and their LONG TERM results!

I was denied by CIGNA twice as well before being approved. It's a great feeling. Congrats. If they want you to be out of the hospital in under 24 hours (which was the case for me), be sure you do exactly that or else CIGNA won't pay.