pefox

I am experiencing the EXACT, SAME issue. I feel like a total failure. My doctor was great, technically, but there was absolutely "no service after the sale". This is clearly not the doctor's fault but I hate the thought of calling the office and asking for a fill. Don't know what to do. I'm planning to go to weight watcher's on Saturday but until I get my head on straight I don't think that will work either. Any ideas?

Are the meetings still on Thursday nights at 6 at the Barnes and Noble on Fairmont?

Did you ever find a local support group? I live on the east side of League City and have been looking for one too.

I live in League City and was banded by Dr. Ferrari at Memorial City. I've been looking for a local support group. Did you ever form or find one?

Does anyone know of a support group in the Clear Lake, League City or Friendswood area?

Congratulations!!

Yes. I was banded by Dr. Ferrari on 12/21/07. I've had quite a few fills and am still not loosing as fast as I was hoping too. I think Dr. Ferrari is very skilled but don't think you're going to get much time to talk to him when you go in for fills.

Oh, my gosh!! Last night I was literally debilitated by pain under my ribs on the left side (down low) and in my left shoulder. I've had pain in my left shoulder since my surgery. I laid down but it took about 3 hours to feel well enough to even go get ready for bed. I was so worried that I'd screwed something up with my band. Today I'm just fine. Eating my normal, small portions. I went and worked out this morning and all is well. Has anyone else had this happen before? Would I know it if my band had slipped? Can the bands "break"? I go to the doctor for another fill on Wednesday but my doctor doesn't seem to spend much time answering my questions. I seem to get a lot better information from you all - the ones who are experiencing the same things. Thanks!

My lap band works great at breakfast, pretty well at lunch and by dinner its like I don't even have one. I've got a 10 cc band and I've got about 5 cc's of fluid in the band. I'm going for another fill next week. I had my surgery 6 months ago and I've only lost 30 lbs. Its great when it works but my self control when its not working is lousy. That's why I got the band in the first place. Has anyone else had this experience?

Oh, my gosh!! I'm so glad I logged on today! I'm having the same problem. We have about the same starting weight and about the same amount to lose. I've been hungry too - between meals and I really feel that I can eat almost as much as I did before. I've been writing down everything I eat. I'm aiming for 1200-1400 calories a day and doing an hour of cardio 4 -5 days per week. The scale hasn't budged in close to 3 weeks!! I'm stuck at 24 pounds. I'm going for my 4th fill tomorrow. Hopefully this will give me the additional restriction I need.

I was banded on 12/21 and had my first fill yesterday. I can't tell any difference either! Did you call your doctor? What did he say?

I was banded on 12/21/07. I went for my first fill yesterday, 1/30/08. I'm down 17 pounds. My doctor only put in 1cc. I've been getting hungry the last several days and I can't tell any difference from my fill. Has anyone else had this happen? Do you need to adjust to the fill? They said I could call back in a week or 2 if I don't feel any difference. Please let me know if you've had a similar experience.

I'm from Houston too. Who was your doctor? Do you know of any support groups in the Houston area? I live in Clear Lake.

Hey, Triplet Mom - I'm knew to this forum too. I was also banded on 12/21. I'm also a MOM (twins + 1). I love reading what you've done - small steps. Great idea! I think I'll follow your lead Good luck!

After a week, I couldn't take the liquids anymore. I made a scrambled egg - took tiny bites - ate very slowly - chewed really well. I couldn't even finish it but it was the best egg I've ever eaten. I went back to my total liquid diet the next day and I'll go as long as I can but the egg was great and didn't seem to hurt me at all.

I had also taken Nexium for years. My gastroenterologist warned me that it would get worse after my banding. During the banding (12/21) my doctor found and repaired a hiatal hernia. I haven't taken a Nexium since and I feel great!

The port is not exposed. You can't see it and nothing can get into it (without a needle).

I had the insurance experience from h**l!! I started the process in April '06. My insurance company (CIGNA) required 6-month doctor supervised diet, among other things. I finished jumping through hoops in Febrary '07. My first rejection was in April; my 2nd in July; my 3rd in November. DON'T GIVE UP!! I refused to. My husband contacted the VP over benefits at his company. He contacted CIGNA and was able to put me in contact with a customer service representative. Finally....a person to talk to. I found out that the 3rd denial was due to my doctor stating that I had a sore throat at one of my 6 month doctor supervised diet visits. In the nurse reviewer's opinion - this meant the visit wasn't dedicated to my weight loss effort. I raised h**l with the my new friend (the customer service rep) and she appealed it to the medical director. It took several more weeks and weekly phone calls (by me) but I finally got approved and had my surgery on 12/21. I will tell you - this is your surgery and you have to take the initiative - don't take "no" for an answer. The insurance companies try to see what they can get away with and count on you giving up and self paying. Good luck!!

I just read the responses of those of us banded the week of the 17th. I was banded the morning of the 21st. I feel just fine but I've been hungry. I can't eat (drink) much though. I'm supposed to be on full liquids but just wasn't satisfied. I've lost 10 pounds since my surgery. :confused: I had 3/4 of a scrambled egg (that I really chewed well) this morning. It was totally satisfying and I didn't feel like eating again until 4:30 this afternoon (had yogurt). Does anyone know any reason why we shouldn't eat something like a scrambled egg (i.e. is it going to screw up my band?)?

I had my surgery on Friday morning. I'm still pretty sore and I feel like my abdomen is swollen. Did anyone else experience this?

Thanks. Looks like you're doing great!

:whoo: 12/21/07 - 255.2 lbs at surgery time (per hospital scale - 245 at home) 12/22/07 - I'm hungry but determined 12/23/07 - I'm not hungry today but I feel bloated and sore 12/24/07 - couldn't stand it - had a scrambled egg 12/25/07 - neighborhood Christmas brunch at the Griffis' - only ate cheese grits 12/26/07 - back to normal 12/27/07 - tough day, period must be due. Dinner at N&B's. Ate a couple of beans and a couple of grains of rice. Felt fine. No popcorn at the movies but I didn't miss it. 12/28/07 - week 1 - 10 pounds down (per home scale) - egg salad and mashed potatoes for dinner - YUM!!

:whoo: 12/21/07 - 255.2 lbs at surgery time (per hospital scale - 245 at home) 12/22/07 - I'm hungry but determined 12/23/07 - I'm not hungry today but I feel bloated and sore 12/24/07 - couldn't stand it - had a scrambled egg 12/25/07 - neighborhood Christmas brunch at the Griffis' - only ate cheese grits 12/26/07 - back to normal 12/27/07 - tough day, period must be due. Dinner at N&B's. Ate a couple of beans and a couple of grains of rice. Felt fine. No popcorn at the movies but I didn't miss it. 12/28/07 - week 1 - 10 pounds down (per home scale) - egg salad and mashed potatoes for dinner - YUM!!