sleepyjean

I didn't drive home after the surgery, but I did go out later to get my pain meds and didn't have a problem. Yes, I was in pain, but it was no different than driving with a stomachache or a headache.

I agree, research the new carrier. If there is a likelihood that they would approve your surgery, I'd consider waiting until the switchover happens so as not to worry about everything being covered.

In my opinion, parenting is just like everything in life: some people are into it and some people aren’t. I’m 31, child-free and plan to stay that way. I’ve known since the age of seven that children are not part of my life plan. For those of us who don’t want children, it can seem like children ruin relationships and lives, and it likely would – for us. But I think for people who DO have the desire or urge to be fruitful and multiply, children bring a special dimension to their lives that people like me will never relate to or understand. I’m an independent career girl. I do what I want, when I want. My sister is a stay at home mother of three. I would never want to live her life and she would never want to live mine.

That's awesome! Good for you :-)

Ha! I bet you thought I was going to brag about something. What I want to know is why do many GB patients wind up with a disproportionately large head? Star Jones and Al Roker are the two that come to mind. Is this something that happens to GBers only, or does it happen to bandsters too? And is there anything that can be done to prevent it?

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but if you're sensitive about it, why put it out there for the world to see? You could just as easily keep your thoughts and photos in a journal and no one else would ever have to know how much you weigh.

Same here. I was approved two days after the paperwork was submitted.

In my case, obesity and depression are irrevocably linked. One causes the other, which causes the other, which causes the other. I think the statement that "fat people are jolly" is just as asinine as "fat people are depressed." But the truth is, people who have never been fat or obese generally have NO freakin clue what it's like. They can't even imagine how we could let ourselves get this way.

For me, it would depend on why the band was removed in the first place and how successful I was while banded. If it was removed due to erosion, or if I had been a banded turtle, I probably would not get banded again. Nor would I be happy at 205 pounds (but that's me at 5'7" with a smallish frame). Like it or not, I'd have to come up with some other "program" for myself. I'd have to do that anyway even if I was going to get banded again because otherwise I'd gain more waiting for my stomach to heal so I could get re-banded. Would it be a struggle? Hell yes. Isn't it always?

Taking the leap to get banded has really upped my courage. Because of my band experience, I was finally brave enough to get LASIK two weeks ago. Now I'm wondering about all the other things I've been afraid to do and wondering if I should try them. Is the band giving anyone else a little more chutzpah?

I agree that it's way too soon for you to be eating solids, and if you're having problems with liquids, you need to go back to baby sips. If something you're doing hurts - stop doing it!

Awesome! High fives all around :-)

Hi everyone! I'm glad to see everybody doing so well! Like Missy, I've been lurking a lot but not posting. I'm doing pretty well - down 34 pounds so far. I had restriction right away after the surgery, but I'm a lot less restricted now. I'm not eating more, than I should but I'm taking much bigger bites and not chewing enough before swallowing. My first fill is on 7/5. Methinks that will put an immediate stop to that behavior! In a way, I'm looking forward to going back on liquids so I can take a break from food for a while. I continue to struggle with the mental aspect of this whole thing. Half of me is saying "way to go, girl" Unfortunately, the other half of me is saying I may have lost some weight, but I'm still the fat girl in the room. That part of me often whispers that one day the band will stop working, or I'll turn into a turtle, or hit a major plateau or something else bad will happen. Then I'll start gaining weight AGAIN. Be disappointed AGAIN. Feel like a failure AGAIN. Pull out the fat clothes that I could never quite bring myself to throw away. Thankfully, I have an excellent shrink who is helping me through this process or else I would've gone bananas long before now.

I'm 5'7" and my goal is 140.

Here's what I'd do: start with your doctor's office. Call and ask to speak to whoever is in charge of billing and whoever is in charge of insurance. Tell them both what happened and say you're hoping to work this out without having to go to your HMO. Be very pleasant and let them know you want to be reimbursed and ask if you are speaking to the appropriate person to take care of that. That's about all you can do. If you're lucky, they'll send you a check. If they refuse, then you need to get BCBS involved. Unfortunately, they will be focused on getting THEIR money back, so you're unlikely to see any of your money again. But at least the Dr. wouldn't be paid twice. The Dr's office, if given a choice, will refund the insurance company - not you. It's just a better business decision for them to refund the lesser amount and besides, they have more to lose by fighting with them then fighting you.

And here are the last couple

Here are some photos from Getty Images. Draw your own conclusions...

I believe the most common advice is to wait at least a year after you're banded to get pregnant. As far as I know, there's no impact on your ability to have natural childbirth. And the doctor will adjust your fill (even if it means taking all of it out) to make sure both you and the baby are getting enough nourishment. I'm curious though, what happens to women who have restriction without a fill. I wonder if they have to get the band removed?

I didn't have a pre-op diet and my dr. prescribed lortab afterward. It's good stuff, but it made me verrrry sleepy

I thought about throwing mine away, but the truth is, I need the accountability. I don't want to EVER have another moment in my life when I get on the scale at the Dr's office and find out I've gained 50 pounds.

:laugh :laugh This is the first time I've ever heard anyone say they prefer plus size clothes. Goodness woman - where do you live? If all the regular-size clothes around you are hootchie, methinks you need to find another place to shop. :laugh :laugh

I used to drink caffeine free, diet soda regularly. It didn't occur to me until just now that I haven't had any in over a month! I quit cold turkey and don't even miss it. I thought it would be much more difficult. But maybe it's because my diet coke didn't have caffeine in it. My nutritionist said no soda but she didn't sasy no caffeine. However, she did say that the minimum 64 oz of fluids I take in each day must be Water or some other low calorie, low suger, non-caffeinated, non-fizzy beverage. I don't think you have to ban caffeine, but you should limit your intake and be aware of how much of it is in whatever you are drinking. Tea doesn't have nearly as much caffeine as coffee, so drinking tea won't have as big of an impact on you.

WOO! Go Junies - can't wait to have you join us. :-)

I've never heard of that. What's the reason for doing that?

What on earth is a molding clinic?