Anwyn

-Are you self pay, partial insurance covereage, or full/most insurance covered? Full insurance coverage --How long have you been banded? (in number of months): 6.5 months --What is your AVERAGE weight loss since banding? (total weight loss divided by number of months banded) 9 lbs/month --Have you had any complications? If so, what? Reflux (resolved now) --Have you had your band removed? No --What country was your band placed in? US --What is your age? (I know...touchy. LOL But it does go along with the question.) 32

I have a Tanita digital scale too, and I love it. I can weigh several times in a row, and it always reads the same. It's two pounds lighter than the doctor's scale, but I assume that's because of clothing, time of day, etc.

I agree - that stinks. I have heard that it is much easier to get life insurance 1 year after WLS. I assumed that as soon as my weight was down I could start looking for a policy, but from what I've read I'm going to wait a little while.

I went through the same thoughts when I was researching surgery too. I had had two back surgeries and my surgeon told me flat out that if I didn't lose weight I would need a spinal fusion operation. Did this motivate me to lose weight? Yes! For about 3 weeks... I was so ashamed and full of guilt. I needed help. And there is NOTHING wrong with having help. Getting banded is the best present I ever gave myself and my family. Please don't feel bad about yourself. You're taking control of your life and using a viable tool to help you lose weight - be proud of that!

I can't remember which thread this was in, but I know someone on here was saying that they have 11 cc's in their 10 cc band. A second opinion is a good idea. I would also question whether she has a leak.

Eilene, way to shake your booty, LOL! Indeed, this guy (who was only 34) had a mother who was also severely overweight, though still mobile. She was embarrassed to take him out as a child because he was heavy, so she used to bribe him to stay home... with FOOD!!! Yeah, she was an idiot. She's the reason I question his ability to lose weight. Dr. Phil told her that she needs to get on the same program as her son, and she had a "who, me?!" look on her face. Thanks for the visual on Dr. Phil. How am I ever supposed to look at him again without seeing a 6 foot penis?! I may just have a nightmare...

Just another thought to throw in the mix... there are several people on this board who are "flying solo" without a band (either due to complications or by choice). There is some great support available here to help you meet your weight loss goals. I'm so sorry that the band isn't working out for you. Keep your chin up - there are people out there losing without a band! (((HUGS)))

As you've figured out, every surgeon is a little different in their band rules. Most doctors say no carbonation of any kind. All doctors will tell you to avoid sweets and chocolate as much as possible because they're empty calories and the band will not restrict the quantity. They don't damage the band, they just need to be eaten with caution because they taste so darn good. Personally, I can eat a small amount of tender steak if I eat very slowly and chew, chew, chew. Tolerance for different foods varies widely between bandsters, so this may not be true for you. The most common problem foods seem to be bread, rice, and Pasta.

Hi Tina, Congrats on getting your band! Symptoms of band slippage include vomiting, bad reflux, a sudden increase in restriction or a sudden decrease in restriction. There may be more that I'm not thinking of, but the point is that you'll probably know that something is up. Moving around will NOT slip your band. Neither will standing on your head, having sex, or doing jumping jacks. Not that I'd recommend that - you DID just have surgery after all. FYI, I believe the first step in diagnosing a slipped band is a barium swallow. That's where they have you drink contrast and then look at your band under x-ray. If you're slipped (depending on the severity) they may give you a complete unfill to see if it will move back into place. If that doesn't do it, surgery is required. Most doctors do the first fill at about 6 weeks out, but that's a good question for your doctor tomorrow because it can vary a lot depending on whether or not you're losing weight. Now.... take a deeeeeeeeeep breath. In...... Out....... You're going to be fine!

Just caught up on all the posts, and you guys are cracking me up today! Eilene, I'm so glad to hear that you've finally given up your special flower and become a woman, LMAO! Congrats on getting your fill BTW. Don't you just hate when a lie pops out of your mouth? My sister asked me to watch her kids, and instead of just saying no I made up a lie (which I was totally busted on later). Fortunately, she laughed about it. I probably woulda lied to the doctor too, or at least padded my workouts. I hate getting lectured! Oh, and don't worry about my coochie and boobie exams . I have my follow up appointments next week, and probably won't have any results until the following week. So, I plan on ignoring the whole thing until then! Geesh, I was reading my last post and I sound like a total hypochondriac! My reflux is totally gone after 4 days of liquids - yeah! I think Beatrix (my band) just needed a little rest. I used the sleep deprivation as an excuse to blow off the exercise, so I need to get back on track with that. Anyone see Dr. Phil yesterday? He was talking to a man who weighed 1000 lbs. VERY sad. I didn't really get the impression that he was ready to make a change, but I sure hope I'm wrong. Our struggles can always be worse, eh? Betty, I hope you don't get that freeze! Try putting sheets or plastic buckets on your roses at night if you think it's going to drop below freezing... I did that with my mums when they started to come up early one year and they survived. Beanie, I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better. I gained 11 lbs after my surgery. I was fuming mad when I got on my scale, lol. Of course it's just all of the Fluid they fill you with during surgery, but that doesn't make it any easier. It falls off really fast though! I have to go get ready... DH and I have a conference with my son's kindergarden teacher to find out if he should move on to first grade next year or go to "senior" kindergarden. He's a young 5 (birthday was in September) so he's borderline. I hope everyone is having a great day!

Banded: 7/26/05 Where: Detroit, MI Doctor: Genaw Complications: None

Ooh ooh! I have one... You should have pretended to misunderstand and said in a very friendly and excited voice: "Yes! I did just have a baby. She's so cute... 6 lbs 8 ounces. Wanna see a picture? Isn't parenting great? Do you have any kids?" Woulda been fun to see him stammer a response... :couch2:

What an ass. It's amazing how long those put-down words can linger and make us feel bad. And if you're obsessive like me, you're probably thinking of a bunch of witty comebacks that you should've said, lol. That guy is proof that bullying doesn't end in highschool. (((((((((HUGS)))))))))

Yup, it's true. It's placed several inches below the skin. Some people do need a port revision surgery to reposition the band once the weight is all off because it can stick out a little on a flat tummy. I LONG for the day that happens to me... :couch2:

I'm so sorry Jonathan... Good luck to you with whatever road you choose.

Good morning everyone! Beanie!!!! I'm so glad you're home and resting. I finally sent your Protein powder out yesterday morning. Sorry about the delay... I was sending a package anyways, so I just had to get a little banding present to put in there. :biggrin1: Pat, congrats on the new car! What kind did you get? My "kinda new" car is in the shop. DH was hotdogging it on the dirt roads and now it shakes every time you hit 60. It's great for getting the kids to fall asleep, but otherwise pretty annoying. Can't wait to hear the office gossip. I hope it doesn't involve extortion this time! I've been battling the dreaded reflux for the last couple days (did you know reflux is French for "burping pukes"?). It's horrible! I didn't sleep at all yesterday, but I did get in a few hours last night. I'm afraid I'm going to end up with pneumonia if I aspirate too much. So, I'm off to the doc yet again tomorrow. I hate driving into Detroit (French for "scary city"). He's probably going to want to try an unfill. So, get this! Not only do I have to see the boob doctor next week because of my abnormal breast exam, I got the call that I had an abnormal pap too! SO, for yor you ladies who were putting off your gyno exam, get your butts (and your other parts) to the doctor!!!!! Now I have to follow up for some cervical biopsy. WTH? I'm feeling better than I have in a decade, and now everything is breaking down. I can tell that I'm not sick. I'm not sick!! What's the French word for denial? Cindy, congrats on getting the scale to move! I'll bet the superbowl weight will come back off quickly. Unless you ate 12,000 extra calories to gain 3 lbs it's probably Water weight. Sorry about the speeding ticket! In MI, if you're not going 10 over people start running you off the road. Is Defensive Driving a class you can take to avoid fines and points? Hi Betty! A morning walk sounds great. We're stuck back in a deep freeze up here and I'm starting to get Spring fever. Eilene, how are you? I just know you're going to get your fill this time. Third time's the charm, right? I agree with demanding fluro if they have to poke you more than once or twice. Try the crunch thing that Zan suggested too... my doctor has me bring up my shoulders and crunch my abs and it really does make the port pop up. Patty, I loved your post with all the emoticons! Too cute... It was like reading a MadLib. I guess I didn't read back far enough, but from some of the other responses I'm gathering that you're having problems with your insurance coverage? Boy, it wouldn't be a lap band surgery if there weren't 30 roadblocks along the way. You'll get there though! Sunsett, that's great news about the insurance approval. How is Lucy today? I'd love a puppy - they're so darn cute. Maybe someday... Sherry, I hope you're not going too crazy at work this week! Zan, have you recovered from your weekend with the nieces yet, lol? I'd send my kids back to bed for an hour if they tried to wake up at 6:30 on a weekend. :eek: Have a great day everybody!

Ummmm... NO! If you have 50,000 to dedicate towards your lifetime banding/WLS expenses, put it in savings and sit on it. Why would you give it to the physician ahead of time? Chances are you'd never need to use it and you'd be overpaying by $35,000 (assuming you paid about $15,000 for the initial surgery). Heck, you could be rebanded or converted to RNY two times with that much money. How often is that going to happen? I've always read that extended warranties are a rip-off. I do think you've hit upon a great money making opportunity for the band docs though.

Robyn, it definitely sounds like a call to the doctor is in order. It may be band related and it may not, but it sure sounds uncomfortable! Good luck in getting to the root of your problem, and keep us posted.

As you can tell from the other responses, the pre-op diet varies greatly from surgeon to surgeon. I was on liquids for 7 days pre-op. It was a loooooong 7 days, but I lost a lot of weight! I don't think you'd be normal if you weren't a little nervous before surgery. After all, it's... surgery, lol. Yes, there are complications, but they occur in a small minority of patients. I know it can be hard to read about the problems that do occur, and of course you should take that them into account, but most bandsters are doing fine. My experience has been great so far at 6 months out. Good luck to everyone with your surgeries!

Hi Brenda! Interesting, I've never heard of the band being anchored to the diaphram... As far as the hic-urps go, you may want to call your surgeon and just check in to make sure he's not concerned. My guess is that if it's not painful to you it's not hurting anything, but better to check it out than be worried.

Welcome to LBT Pink! There is a ton of great information to help you on your journey (sorry Dawg, I couldn't resist ). Congrats on getting your surgery date - it's going to be here before you know it!

Is it wrong that I live near Detroit and I didn't even know who was playing until you told me? Er... go Lions! LOL, Just kidding. Can you tell I don't follow sports?

Vines, I wouldn't know a raw quince if it came up and bit me, so I guess I've sworn off them too. I rarely eat bread, Pasta, or rice. I can do it in small quantities, but I was stuck all night after eating lasagna this week. It just isn't worth the pain and sleepless night. It really depends on how I'm feeling that day. If it's late and I'm more open I can tolerate anything. I sure hope I can eat tuna salad, though I haven't tried it in months. It's on the way with the delivery man right now, along with pizza for DH and the kids.

Hi everyone! I'm pretty excited - I just hit my half way point, so it's all downhill from here, right? (ha ha) Can you believe we've been banded 6 months already? I'm still working on some issues (head hunger, exercise, etc), but I'm so glad I did this. Keep up the good work everyone.

Oh honey, I am so sorry. I don't care if she's a saint, he's a fool if he's choosing his mother over you and his children. Good for you for standing up and taking charge of your life. ((((((((HUGS))))))))