Mrs Sabre

Reminder - Support Group Meeting tomorrow, Saturday, November 12th, 11:30 a.m. at Southeast Bariatrics, Suite A, 2300 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC. Hope to see everyone there!

Reminder: Support Group is tomorrow, Oct. 9th, 11:30 a.m. at 108 Providence Rd. (BB&T Bldg.) Charlotte, NC. Hope to see everyone there! :thumbup:

Congratulations! Your story is truly inspiring!

Reminder, the Charlotte area support group meeting is this Saturday, Feb. 13th, at 11:30 a.m. at the BB&T building, 108 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC. Hope to see you there!

Congratulations Holli! Often the NSV's mean more than the number on the scales! Keep up the good work!

My guess is the 8 ccs is based upon your level of hunger and pouch capacity? Otherwise, it doesn't really mean anything. Fill levels differ widely from person to person. Band ports have a very hard back, can't punch through it with a fill needle. My guess is they simply missed your port entirely?

Timmmers, I agree with those who suggest letting it come up.

No two people are the same. A few rare folks never have their band adjusted. I have been adjusted numerous times over years. Although individual doctors have varying protocols for fills, in general it's dependent upon 1) how long you're staying satisfied, 2) if you're losing weight, and 3) your pouch capacity.

Vickie, I'm no expert on insurance by any stretch, but if I were you I think I'd try to do some research and maybe write some letters. Maybe your doctor can write a letter for you too? Make some type of formal appeal to your insurance carrier. See if there are state and/or federal insurance appeals processes? Good luck and God Bless!

I am aware of several doctors in the Charlotte area, but am unfamiliar with those in the Triad area. Good luck!

There appears to be a number of bikers on this board. My husband and I both ride. He has a 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa. He's added a Yosimura exhaust. ... and I drive a 2004 Honda Shadow Sabre. I've added Cobra drag pipes and freeway bars so far. I'd like to do a cushy seat and windsheild next. I didn't have pictures of our actual bikes handy, so I nabbed these off the web. The makes/colors are right.

My trainer recommends low weights to start, high reps (12-15), and 3 sets of each exercise.

I've had 14 adjustments over the last two years. My doctor always does a Lidocaine local before the fill. There's a slight sting with that; otherwise I'm numb, no pain. Usually it's two sticks: 1 Lidocaine, 1 fill. There were a couple of times early on when they had a hard time finding my port and I was stuck multiple times. Being numb, it didn't bother me the least.

Hang in there! You're doing great! You can do this! You're almost there! :thumbs_up:

IMHO, the best "cure" for hunger is more protein. If you're on clear liquids, Isopure or Profect are good. Everyone's body reacts differently to fills ... some folks have delayed responses and feel tighter over time. Some folks have very sensitive tummies and swell a lot with even the slightest band adjustment. If you're still uncertain, post more questions here or call your doctor's office.

You sound like you still have a great attitude, and that's 1/2 the battle! You're in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery and continued success. :embaressed_smile:

You are not alone. You do lose weight in your feet and/or fluid retention. I've had to get rid of a few pairs of shoes cause I can't keep them on my feet any longer. ... and you thought you'd just need new clothes.:biggrin2:

I was taking Remeron when I began my pre-op process, and was told by both a nutritionist and a weight-loss doctor that it is known to increase appetite. I was immediately switched to Cymbalta. Overall, I've done great with the Cymbalta. Having said that, many women experience extreme hormonal fluctuations during the early stages when weight loss is very fast. I experienced mood swings from h*ll, and my medication didn't touch them. I was thrilled with my weight loss, but found myself boo-hooing at the drop of a dime. Knowing what was going on up front made it easier to deal with. As my body adjusted to surgery and the weight loss stablized, so did my hormones and mood swings.

Congratulations on your new beginning! :tt1:

Congratulations on starting your journey! IMHO, I think I'd ask the following: - how many bariatric surgeries he/she's done? - if exercise, nutrition, & mental support is available in house? - protocols for pre & post op dieting? - in or out patient hospital stay? I'm sure there are others, but they slip my mind at the moment. Poking around here may help bring questions to mind too.

OK, I'm just over 2 years out. Before 237, current 165:

Jasmine, you might want to look into "The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person". I don't know if it will help with the emptiness you describe, but it may help you stick to your banded lifestyle better?

Because my nutritionist was recommended by Dr. Kuwada, the specific guidelines where based upon his preferences. I know there are subtle differences among bariatric doctors; so .... For those of you who have had surgery with Dr. V., does he have you do Clear liquids for two days before and after surgery? If so, have any of you tried nectar brand clear Protein mix? ... and how does it taste? Also, does he recommend Vitamins beyond a Multivitamin and Calcium? Does he recommend a particular brand?

I'm assuming you are talking about Souteast Bariatrics in Charlotte, NC? I had my surgery two years ago and absolutely love Dr. Voellinger and his staff!

Doughy breads & crunchy broccoli are my "no nos".