ssdown

At least your insurance is helping pay for your surgery and initial fills. I'd be thrilled if my insurance paid one dollar. I was self-pay and coughed up $16,000 and that only paid for four months post-op. After that, break out the "master blaster" again!SS

When I had 4cc's I noticed mild restriction, but not with mushies or liquids. I noticed the restriction when I began to eat regular foods. Perhaps when you get to regular foods you will have some restriction too. I am now at 6.2cc's and it's a bit too much. I have to stick with pretty soft foods or it hurts. I will probably have a bit taken out on my next visit in a couple of weeks. I'm grateful for the the restriction that I've experienced, whether it's a bit too much or just a little. No regrets here! Hang in there. It will happen! SS

Wow, Am I grateful for my job! The woman is pathetic and insecure. I feel sorry that you have to endure her jabs, but perhaps you could or should feel sorry for her. She is a person that is so full of self-hatred that she has to pick on people to make herself feel good. She is truly a miserable person inside and out. Don't be like her. SS

What's wrong with this site? There's so much information and support here for a bandster or bandster's supporter. I'm sure if your husband had questions, he could ask them here and would get lots of information.

He sounds like an unprofessional ass to me. Run, don't walk to another MD that knows what he/she is doing. Good luck. SS

What your are doing this weekend with your "testing' the waters" is what I did repeatedly, and for many years, to gain all of my weight before I got my lap band. I would rationalize that my overeating would be just for today and tomorrow I'd be better. Thankfully, with restriction, I'm doing OK. I hope you will too, as time goes on. SS

Sick. Yes, contact the company ASAP.

Awesome! But wait, there's more!

What exactly is NSV?

I only told my supervisor at work and she's great. She is the only one that knows and she is very good at keeping secrets. I did not want to be judged (misjudged) by my coworkers, be questioned as to how much I've lost, etc. I guess I just don't want to be scrutinized by them. Sure, I've lost weight and some have noticed. I tell them I'm dieting AGAIN and hope this time I will be able to keep it off. They've seen me gain and loose weight on many occasions, so this is not something new! I also decided to tell only a few of my family members for the same reasons. Remember, word travels fast and a lot more people will know besides your co-workers. It's your call! Good luck SS

I was shy ten pounds of a 40 BMI with no pre-existing conditions. I gained ten pound on purpose to get the surgery. I've read a lot of posts were some people will put weights around their ankles or put rolls of quarters in their pockets to pass the weigh-in requirements. I wish that I had thought of that! Have you received confirmation that Dr. Ortiz will do the surgery with such a low BMI, or do you have pre-existing conditions? Just curious. At any rate, I didn't tell hardly anyone about my surgery. Only a very few close supportive friends and family. Good luck with your weight loss journey. SS

What is levonox?

Talk to your MD and see if your are a good candidate for the prescription Chantix . I have met people in my chair (I am a dental hygienist) that have been very successful with the Rx. Of course there are side effects that some people cannot tolerate. The best side effect is the lack of desire to smoke! Good luck. SS

It might be a good idea to let some people get their bands before you. You know, you might prefer an experienced MD to do your surgery! I was my MD's tenth lap band patient. He has done more gastric surgeries than lap-band. I was a bit nervous, but he was very confident, which made me feel better. Good luck to you. SS

I was lucky. My MD placed 5 CC's in my band at the time of surgery. I've had two fills and am now at 7.2 CC's and have great restriction. I hope you next fill does it for you. Good luck. SS

Mine was $400 and my insurance paid for a good portion of it. $1200 is way too much. It sounds like a nice scam for the participating shrink. Ya, let's take advantage of the the fat guy/gal! Perhaps you can find a suitable substitute. Give it a try. SS

Welcome and good luck. I was banded on March 4. It's been an awesome experience for me. I hope it will be good for you as well. I live in Southern Oregon. SS

I was banded March 4, and just got my second fill yesterday. Right now I am full on oatmeal! I'm pretty tight, so I'm trying to stick to mushy-type foods for right now. I get a little hungry, but I fill up quickly. I love the release of constantly thinking about and wanting food! I hope this feeling lasts and lasts! Good luck. SS

I was given 5cc's at the time of surgery and noticed nice restriction as soon as I could eat mushies and solids. I did not know about the 5cc's until my 1st fill.

Yup, Bandster hell! Stay with the program and solids will follow! SS

I get a more satisfied feeling rather than Thanksgiving full. I often find myself taking more food to eat and I have to stop before I finish the portion! I love it! SS

Good Information for me too, Jack. I liked your analogy, but isn't the band non-organic, made out of plastic or latex? Just curious. SS

I refused any pictures, etc. because I wanted to keep my surgery private. More power to you, though!

Mine was about a ten page quiz with weird questions. Then the Physch. came in and we talked a bit about a few things. The only thing that he was concerned about was when I told him I was very surprised that I didn't miss diet coke (after drinking tons of for years), he likened me to an alcoholic. (I've never drank alcohol, ever!) Whatever. I passed with no problem, though I don't know the criteria needed to pass.

I Lise (band twin)! Well done! All of my big scrubs are getting a bit baggy too! I still weigh too much to get into my next scrub size down, so I will try again when I am another ten pounds down. Keep up the good work. SS