ldcravens1

Tropicana ~ My fill appointment went fine. But I am not sure what my restriction level is because I am afraid to test it. I usually just eat very little and mostly Protein. I have dropped another 4 pounds so that's exciting..I've got to update my ticker again. I also have a pair of pants today that are 22/24 (they have elastic in the waist) but I am still excited. I was wearing 26/28 (with elastic) & 30/32 without. So, that was a GREAT NSV for me! I also purchased a skirt that is size 24 w/out elastic - yeah! No, I did not have to see a psych or a nutritionist.

Just out of couriosity, did everyone on this board give up alcohol entirely once they were banded? That seems to be a big issue for some people who are interested in the band - they don't think they can deal with not ever having a drink again. I told them I would check with you guys (the smartest bandsters in the world) for more information. Please provide specifics - like when (after banding) it is okay and how much & how often or if Never. Thanks,

Does anyone have any suggestions for Dining Out? Like specific restaurants and specific items to order. I know that everyone's tolerance is different with the band but I just need suggestions. I finally got my 1st fill on yesterday and next Friday my co-workers are taking me out to a "going away" lunch (I am starting a new job). So, I would appreciate all suggestions on where to go and what to order. Thanks

Thanks everyone for your warm and friendly welcome! YES! I love this board it provides the answers to so many questions and the support is GREAT! I am off to my fill appointment --- I'll let you know how it goes!

Hi! I joined the board last week but just ran across the Introductions Forum (don't know how I missed it). Anyhow, my name is LaTonsha & I was banded 9/19/05 by Dr. Jayaseelan in Dallas @ Richardson Surgical Center. My weight at my initial consultation (7/14/05) was 369.5, my pre-surgery weight was 362.5, and my current weight is 347. That's down 22.5 pounds in approximately a month! I am VERY happy about the results so far BUT I have been pretty hungry for the last 2 weeks or so. I go tomorrow at noon for my first fill & I can't wait to stop being hungry!

I believe my weight loss scale is updated. 22.5 pounds so far without having a fill. I think that's pretty good! I feel GREAT about it. I don't know why they didn't tell you to do the paperwork but I think it is an excellent idea to print it out and take it with you. No, I did not have to stay overnight. I went in @ 6:oo that morning and I was home by 12:30 or so that afternoon (it's kind of foggy because I was pretty out of it for most of the day). Everything should move pretty smoothly with UHC (I have the Choice version also) as your provider. I ended up not having to pay anything out of pocket with the exception of my initial office visit co-pay. I go for my first fill today so I am EXCITED and a little NERVOUS about that.

The consultation was really simple. When you call and make your appointment, they give the website information to go online and complete all your paperwork. It really speeds things up at the appointment. The paperwork is a pretty extensive medical questionaire and it does include a check list of previously tried diets. Once you get to the actually consultation, they will weigh and measure you and the scales will print out your bmi and goal weight and some other information. Then you will meet with the PA who will show you the band and answer any questions you may have and finally with Dr. Jay who will basically go over any other questions not answered by the PA. If you are qualified, they will tell you the steps to follow and these steps are dependent upon your insurance carrier. I have United Healthcare so all I had to do was call the office 2 weeks later to make sure they had submitted my paperwork and then check in with United Healthcare once a week to see if they had received it (this was the longest part of the process for me because we kept getting different fax numbers). Once the insurance had my paperwork, it took about a week & a half to get my approval. I was banded 1 week after my approval. The time for surgery is within 3-5 days post-consultation for self-pay & 4-6 weeks for insureds. I hope this answers all your questions. If not, be sure to PM me for more details.

Count me in for a gathering of Dallas bandsters. I also thought it would be cool to have some sort of support group meeting at least once a month. If anyone wants to do this or is already a part of a meeting in Dallas, let me know. I'd love to join in.

Dr. Jay is my doctor also. How wonderful to find a post with other of his patients. He is a fine surgeon but I haven't ssen him personally since my surgery just his PA. Becky, you are an inspiration to me. Please share info on how you accomplished this. I am sure I am not the only one interested.

Hello All! I am new to the board but so happy to have found you guys. I was banded 9/19/05. My consultation weight was 369.5, my pre-op weight was 362.5, and my post-op appointment weight was 351. Down a total of 18.5 officially so far. Last official weigh-in was approx. 2 weeks ago. Per scales in gym current weight is 345 but I will wait for an official weigh-in on Thursday when I go for my first fill (can't wait b/c my appetite is back like crazy right now). I do have a question for you guys. What did or do you eat when you are on your 1 week of regular foods prior to your fill?