malps0929

I try not to weigh at home because on a day-to-day, it doesn't matter. It's the long term results that matter. The emotional roller coaster of up and down, up and down isn't worth it. Weigh at the doctor. Be yourself at home. Know yourself by how you feel, not the number on the scale. THAT'S what matters.

I was over tightened and was afraid that because of eating soup and mashed potatoes I'd have put on weight over a week's time, not lose it. To my surprise, I did lose four pounds, but that FEAR was more painful than food getting stuck and throwing it up. I mean, the reason most of us are in this position is because we were emotional eaters. Take the 'eater' out of it with the surgery, and all that's left is 'emotion'. We have to harness that emotion and be stronger people. It's tough and a big change, but we can do it. We have to do it. Our lives depend on it.

hey jaudon-let me know if you're still looking for a text buddy through all of this. My name's melissa, I'm in st. Louis, mo, and i need someone to talk to that isn't in my immediate family! Haha message me back and we can exchange info! -mel

I recently aged put of my parents private health insurance and am now self pay. Fortunately, I had my surgery - covered at % 100- exactly 8 days prior to losing that coverage. That being said, all had been communicated to my doctors and nothing was changed. I say nothing changed because AFTER my surgery, the doctor tells me I should have had a different procedure because the cost of maintenance is significantly less. Bottom line: If you will be self pay for whatever reason, talk to your doctor about the Long term financial costs of each bariatric procedure. One might be better if you don't have a financial commitment every 6-8 weeks, as with the band, when compared to the sleeve or something else that is "one and done" with surgery. Best of luck to all!

Hey Banders! As someone who recently aged out of my parents health insurance, I had to sign up for the exchange. While our privste insurance covered my surgery at 100% (i know, i have no room to complain), No exchange plans cover anything bariatric-related. So I am now self pay for maintenance. What is reasonable for my doctor to charge for an adjustment? I have spoken to two doctors, one of which doesn't charge for the appt. if he doesn't adjust, while the other charges $80 just for the appt. And a total of $125 for an adjustment. Is this normal? Am I being overcharged? Am i getting s great deal? What are self-payers out there paying for band maintenance??? Thanks all!

I saw a doctor other than my surgeon for maintenance, who said he'd remove all Fluid and measure it before putting any more in it. Knowing is important because it let's you and your doctor know how much of an adjustment can be made. Sadly, I had to go back to my surgeon for a fill, and, without knowing what was in my band, he added more. I haven't been able to keep food down, barely keeping liquids down, and I'm going back to get out of this red zone. Luckily, because it's within a week of my fill, they aren't charging for another one. I always wondered what would be the big deal if your band was too tight, you'd just lose weight faster. Uh uh. It's miserable. I can burp up Water, can't even keep down liquidy mashed potatoes. It's been almost a week of this, and i don't think he'll could be worse... Be informed, know what works, and encourage your doctor to do the same. Or find another one.

Hey all! I'm sure many have experienced that feeling of food getting stuck. You feel it in your chest and start burping sometimes. Does anyone have any tips on responding to that feelinf? Do you take a drink to coax it down? Burp and just throw it up? Eat more to keep things moving? I'm still getting used to taking my time and small bites. While I don't expect to get that feeling shain, I don't doubt that it will happen again! Any suggestions are appreciated.

What about yogurt, soup, pudding, etc? Smoked salmon if you're onto it, creme fraiche, a little dill. Perfect bite. But really, anything with protein!!! Good luck!

Thank you so much for responding so quickly and for giving me piece of mind!!! I'm so glad I'm not alone and that this is somewhat normal. Best of luck to everyone out there! I hope these posts help more than just me!

Hey banders! I'm almost three weeks post op and not really able to satisfy my hunger anymore. The first weeks, broths and jello were great, but now I'm starting more solid and soft foods, but I'm only staying full for maybe an hour, hour and a half? Is this normal before you get to the green zone? I know everyone is different, but has anyone had a similar experience? How did YOU handle it?

Hey everyone! I'm getting pretty bored with my Protein shakes and Clear liquids...how soon post-op are people doing thickened Soups, like egg drop? It's protein, it's relatively clear, and it's delicious! Does it count as clear, though? Thank you for your responses! Mel