ForwardLeap

I had my lap placed on Christmas eve. I did not get to see DR until Jan. 10. I do not get my first fill until March 6. I have no restriction (we will not until the band has fluid in it-and sometimes it takes a few fills before you feel the restriction).

I have not had my first fill yet. Will not get my first fill until March 6. I had my lap placed on Christmas Eve. But I also had a large hiatal hernia repaired and will be on liquids/soft for longer period. I have lost 36 pounds so far.

I had GERD prior to lap band, and actually had to have surgeries 2X to remove scar tissue caused by the reflux so I could swallow. It is very hard in the beginning to NOT panic. But I guess because I went for so long with food getting stuck (i stupidly did not go to the doctor) I learned to just tell myself relax. I would try Water and that often slimed me more. But I would keep trying. I once had a piece of steak caught for almost 3 hours. I ended up going to the hospital to get something to make me get rid of it. Not a nice experience.... Anyway, after that I learned I am not going to die if I can talk and am still breathing. If I don't panic, it goes down or comes out easier and faster. I have to force myself to not eat fast and to CHEW my food. Hopefully this will not happen again to you, but if it does don't panic--you have been through this now and will get through it again (my mantra). :smile:

Funny, I do not want any more children (my baby is going on 22- I had him one month before turning 20). I had to sign paperwork at my doctors and it cracked me up-it said "I promise not to get pregnate for 18 months."

I was banded Dec 24th and mine on my port area did not fall off until Jan 7. I was glad to see them go! The stupid things made me get a rash!

I was banded on Christmas eve, but also had a huge hiatal hernia repaired. My surgeon always is on the side of caution, and I think because of the hernia needing to repair (I had a ton of extra stitches and also had to have some work on stomach) that I did not get to go from full liquids to pureed food until Jan. 10. I now have to have pureed food for 2 weeks, and then I can move forward. I have had times where I was "starving" (not really-but my stomach was non stop growling!) I added more protien and that helped tremendously! It is nice to see others are walking this path as well!

You can read about the Realize band at www.realizeband.com

I am so sorry, what a stressful situation! I have heard so many struggles with Insurance companies. The thing that really gets me is if you need help to get to a healthy weight so you can possibly prevent alot of medical conditions that will require the insurance company in the long run to pay even more $ out--you should just be allowed to get the WLS! What really is frustrating is that people who are able to get (is it Medicare, or Medicaid that will pay for it) the government to assist them, yet insurance companies do not have to cover others!?? Is something not wrong with that? It surely feels like discrimination? Why should one person the same BMI, co-morbidity's, ect.. get help and another be denied? I would appeal and send them everything the lady you spoke to requested. Keep contacting the same lady if you can. Every time you send something give her a quick call and say I am putting this in the mail, or I just faxed over to you....maybe by building some sort of a relationship with her she will help you get in touch with the people you need to speak with?

I was told 1 ounce of fluids each hour to start and then after the mushie stage I could have real food. 2-4 ounces each meal. I may need to eat 4-5 times each day. But once the band gets filled then I may need to eat less.

I actually had my surgery done at a University Hospital. So there was a whole group of Learning Surgeons watching. Some assisted the surgeon, BUT...the Surgeon was doing the actual surgery. I think I am to big of a chicken to let someone practice on me? I would probably lay an egg! :smile: But that is me and my comfort level--others would be fine with the surgery so long as the other surgeon is there instructing. You should do what you feel comfortable with--what is right for you.

Hi I had the lap band placed on Christmas Eve! My BMI was right at 42 so I am a little larger then you. I choose lap band after carefuly researching what would work best for me. I was just to chicken to cut my intestines, or have part of my stomach removed as some surgeries do. :smile: Some people really do not have a choice as they are not good candidates for a lap band. If they are going to get the help they need to live a healthier life they must get one of the other surgeries. Others insurance will only cover one of the other surgeries and not lap band. I did not have the above issues, my insurance would pay for WLS regardless of which one, and my BMI allowed me to get the lap band. I spoke with 2 different doctors regarding the lap band, and both assured that it can be removed. But unless it was medically necessary "why" would I want to take away my tool that helped me maintain a healthy weight? They both (from different facilities) assured me it is removable. Possibly your surgeon has not had alot of experience placing the lap band and is not comfortable with the thought of removal? I choose a surgeon who's specialty is laproscopic surgeries, and gastroenterology He has done thousands of surgeries, so I feel his skill level will handle any surgery I would need. Maybe you just need to explore more surgeons and inquire as to how many bands they have placed. How experienced are they in other forms of surgery. Can they perform surgery Laproscopically?...ect The main thing is to feel comfortable with your surgeons skill, and be able to talk with them and get your questions answered. All the best in your research! Christie

I have a question: Does anyone know if once you have lost your weight and have a tummy tuck as I will--What happens to the port then? Do they move it? Since mounds of skin and fat are taken out? I just found this forum and love all the info I am learning! Thanks

Okay what is the pineapple trick? I have not heard of that. Thanks