loube910

Thank You! You relieved my anxiety. You are so right - what's a few more weeks loube910

I was banded on 2/20. I went in for my post op appt. but my doctor had been called away & had to reschedule me for a date in April. I had lots of questions so I talked to the nurse. She told me there was nothing in my band yet... She said when the doctor puts it in He doesn't add any liquid at all for the first 4-6 wks. She said it is in me but is not constricting me in anyway & won't be until I get my first fill - which will probably be on my April appointment. Is this normal??? I sorta feel like I am losing valuable time I could be losing weight. I had just assumed that when the doctor placed the band during my surgery that he would put in the first fill. I would love to hear back on this. It has kinda of thrown me off and affected my willpower & discipline. thanks fellow banders :hat: loube910

I am 8 days out now & no regrets. I have a twinge of guilt try to creep in every so often but when I think about all the $$ I will save on food and how much happier & better I already feel I just thank God that I was able to self pay. thanks for the support!! loube 910

Good Luck!! & Good for you!!!!! You are going to be so happy you did this!! I have no regrets loube910 banded - 2/20/06 (22lbs down)

Well its been 8 days today since my lap band (2/20/06). I have lost about 2 more pounds ( a total off 22 since 2/14/06). I have some questions for fellow lap banders please: 1. I am still on liquids (pureed Soups, Water, broth etc) My doctor has told me I need to take 30-45 mins to "eat" 6oz of liquids that hasnt been that hard because I get bloated. My worry - I guess if you can call it a worry because it sounds really silly when I wrote it ... I havent thrown up - at all. Before my surgery I never threw up either - I hadnt thrown up in over 15 yrs. But I thought the surgery would definitely cause me to if I ate too fast or too much.... Has anyone else had this ?? 2. I seem to be getting hungry sooner. I will have my 6oz of Soup or whatever & at first it was 4-6 hrs before I got hungry . Whats sad is at first I couldnt tell if I was hungry or just having pains.. .I guess I hadnt let myself get hungry (overeatting) for a long time. But anyway now instead of 4-6 hrs - I eat my 6oz and within about 2 hrs I start getting hungry. Is this normal? Any info or advice is appreciated. 3. How soon after the surgery do you have to get an adjustment.. I mean I know everyone is different but could I get a few testimonials on this one. Thanks!! This is a great group of people and I am so lucky to have been turned onto this site!!! Thanks to everyone for your support.:confused: I love all of ya! loube910

Well I did it! And so far so good!!! I feel very positive. :clap2: Here are some facts for others who are interested. It was my birthday present from my husband & myself - probably for the rest of my life - since we had to do self pay. We have excellent credit and after battling the insurance company & beating myself up for a while. My husband & I just did it. We were able because of our good credit to get a personal loan and although the interest rate is higher than I wanted (about 10%) the payments are about the same as an expensive vehicle - $500 a mo for 5 yrs. I just had the Lap Band on Monday 2/20/06. I was able to do outpatient since I am basically very healthy except for bad knees & being overweight & depression (for which I take med & am treated by my primary dr) I live in Austin, TX and so far it has cost me $15,400. This price included my first dr's visit & a mandatory visit with the nutritionist(which I didnt feel I really needed but they make you do it -about $375 total). Then I had to pay the $15,000 before the procedure- this price includes the surgery itself - the OUTPATIENT medical facility (It is about $600-1000 more per day if you stay at the hospital) costs, the anethesiologist, all post op visits up to 90 days after the surgery, & up to 5 band adjustments up to 1 year after your surgery date. They really do overcharge but what can you do? I try to make the best of the circumstances & they allowed me to put the $15k on my credit card - I did this so I can get mileage/reward points. Then I will pay off the credit card within the couple weeks to advoid interest with our personal loan. Then I have to make my $500 monthly payments for 5 yrs. I weighed 350 when I first saw my dr on 2/14 - I am already down to 320. I am sure this fast drop is mainly because of the diet I am on & this isnt typical of what my future pace will be - my realistic goal after I get back to "normal eating" in about 4-6 weeks will be 2-5 lbs a week. & my doc says more like 2-3lbs a week. BUT that is what I want I honestly want to lose slower so I can try & exercise & avoid as much "skin" problems as I possibly can. I am still on the liquids phase -which isnt that bad. BUT BE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS! The first time it got painful was because I tried to slurp down some broth & then lay down .. no, no , no you do not want to do that. It feels like you ate the whole T-Day dinner & Desserts yourself & then did 100 sit-ups - like really sore muscles. I have found now that if do what they tell you & take about 30 mins to sip my 4-6oz of liquids & then wait at l e a s t 30 mins before reclining. Today is my 4 day after surgery & I am a lot less sore and still feeling positive & thanking God. I know I will have a bumpy road ahead & I am sure I will be back here soon asking for support. Good luck & May God Bless to all of you!! loube910

Health Select Insurance Hello, I have question. I work for the State of TX and have Health Select PPO insurance through my job. I am more than 100 lbs overweight, I have 2 drs my primary & my orthopedic who have written letters of medical necessity for the surgery. But the insurance reps I have talked to all say no way - never- they dont cover Weight Loss. Is there anyone out there who has this insurance thru the State Of TX that has been approved? IF yes could you provide me all the details & info? thanks, MB

Hello, I have question. I work for the State of TX and have Health Select PPO insurance through my job. I am more than 100 lbs overweight, I have 2 drs my primary & my orthopedic who have written letters of medical necessity for the surgery. But the insurance reps I have talked to all say no way - never- they dont cover Weight Loss. Is there anyone out there who has this insurance thru the State Of TX that has been approved? IF yes could you provide me all the details & info? thanks, MB