kkarryall

Well if you are planning on insurance paying for it, first thing you should do is contact your insuurance company to make sure they cover. Then see your primary care physician--you may have to do a 6 month medically supervised diet. Also, choose where you want to have the surgery and go to an info session there. Where in NY are you from?> I got mine done at NYU and couldn't be happier!!

So you have the 4 cc band and are almost filled? What has your Dr. said in the past? Have you checked to make sure there are no leaks, slips, etc.? Something just doesn't sound right if you are able to eat that much food. What kind of food can you eat? Bread? Wishing you the best! Keep us updated...

before and current... 101 lbs lost in this picture.

Hi! Sorry to hear of all your troubles....How many fills have you had? It is very important to be filled to optimal restriction. Keep us updated and good luck!

Yes my band did have a fill in it when I first got banded. However, I did not feel any restriction whatsoever until my 5th fill. My first five months I could eat whatever I wanted---pizza, sandwiches, whatever. I had to work very hard to lose the weight. Once I got restriction , it did become a lot easier...and harder at the same time

Having the lap band is a forever changing process. Everyone is a little different. Right now, because I am at optimal restriction, my band decides for me how much I can eat (often times less than 1/2 cup) and what I can eat--which can change daily. I personally cannot eat any bready products--no pizza, sandwiches, waffles, pancakes, etc. One day I might be able to eat an egg--the next day it gets stuck. So at parties or going out to dinner etc, I just take it really slow. Have a hot drink before I start. Take teeny tiny bites, and chew chew chew!! Remeber to enjoy the company, the atmosphere, the experience...enjoy the food too, but the experience should be the most important thing. Good luck!!

I am not sure of the recipe you are thinking of...but I know when I am on purrees, I make this: 1/2 can of fat free refriend Beans 1/4 cup taco sauce (not salsa--too chunky) 1/4 cup low fat cheddar Microwave until hot and cheese is melted. After that , I add a tablespoon or so of low fat sour cream. It is very flavorful and satisfying. Most of the time I am not able to eat all this, but just refriderate the leftovers.

Check out this website, it might help to shake things up again. I am doing it right now--only on the first week. It is a way for non-runners to start running but gradually.... Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

Great job redins!! Here are some new before/current photos of me. I am down about 101 lbs. First at 280, second at 179.

Hang in there please! I am just curious , how has your weight loss been? At a good rate, or not so good bc you are craving all the junk? I do feel that I am at my sweet spot. For me, I don't eat breakfast regularly--just an iced coffee with skim milk and splenda. Then for lunch, usually greek yoghurt and maybe a piece of fruit. Then for dinner, I have a meat or chili, something high in Protein. Maybe some veggies if I can fit them in. And then I usually do have a snack like ice cream or candy, but a pretty small portion. I know its not the best diet in the world, but I feel good and the rate of weight loss is really good right now--so it's working for me. How many ccs do you have in your band?

I am not a teen, but I am happy to answer any questions you may have. The first appt witht he surgeon is a great opportunity for you to ask him/her anything you want to know!! At my first appt., my surgeon chose the date I would be banded, assured me that my insurance would cover surgery, and answered questions I had. Then he set me up with another appt with the nutritionist to discuss the pre-op liquid diet. Good luck

I am def. not an exercise expert but I have done a bit of research on this myself and I do know two things: 1. the bigger you are the more pounds between sizes. 2. Ab exercises do not make your stomach smaller...only losing fat. I mean doing ab exercises will make more muscle which helps to tone and takes up less space than fat; but bottom line is just keep losing the weight. Unfortunately we can't control where the weight comes off!!! I wish I could!

What you're feeling is perfectly normal. You are going through what they call "bandster hell." I felt absolutely no restriction until fill #4 or 5. Got to my sweet spot at fill #6. Just be diligent about going for your fills every four weeks and you will get there!

I had that too...DOn't touch it. It will just go away, but call your Dr. to be on the safe side.

How many fills have you had? WHat is your restriction level like? Trust me, that helps a lot with motivatioin because you gain self-control. Other than that, go to the lapband discussion boards and look at all the before/after pics...very motivating! Good luck...you CAN do this.

That is completely unacceptable. Not only did they put you through stress/pain/discomfort, but then you had to leave without a fill??? I cannot imagine that. When I go in for my fills, it is a piece of cake--thank God the nurse practitioner really knows what he is doing. Maybe you can get follow-up care elsewhere?

My food intolerances did not start until about 6 or 7 months after I got the lapband. When I finally reached proper restriction.

well said Jachut!! And oh so true...

There are many people on meds for anxiety. I don't think it will effect anything with the psych eval. I think they want to make sure that you are emotionally ready/mature enough to deal with the huge committment and resposibility of having the lapband and that you are ready/willing to follow the program good luck :tongue2:

The best advice I can give you is to be patient bc in the beginning, when you have no restriction, it is very difficult. You have to be diligent and count calories/measure your food etc. Make sur eyou get your fills every 4 weeks. I began to feel restriction at my 5th fill and hit my sweet spot at my 6th fill. I am sure you will do great!

I am at my sweet spot currently...usually I eat three times a day. I don't eat breakfast--usually just an iced coffee. Then for lunch I usually have a greek yogurt and maybe a small snack. Then dinner is my biggest meal, a protein, and a veggie usually. and then I usually have a sweet at like 9 pm or so, myabe an ice cream pop or something. I def. eat under 1000 cals a day.

I used to ....but now I don't anymore as I am at my sweet spot and can eat very very little food!

Yes a sample menu would be good. Also, 4 fills in a year sounds like a small amount to me. I didn't even feel restriction until my 5th fill and got to my sweet spot at my 6th fill. Keep us updated...

I was banded by Dr. Ren's husband Dr. Fielding. I have spoken with Dr. Ren many times, she is great. I had no probs with insurance; and I have nothing but good things to say about NYU. I am very happy with my decisiion to have lapband surgery!