ThinSeeker

Hi All, I had the Lap-Band installed in 2005. I lost a little weight (25 lbs.), but started having complications with it (GERD) that made the doctor unfill my band and I gained back the weight. I struggled with the band and its complications until August 2015, when I finally gathered up the nerve to have it removed. I now want to try the gastric sleeve. In order to qualify for insurance coverage, one of the things required is to show that I can lose weight in a 4-month diet supervised by a nutritionist and physical trainer. I'm almost one month into my diet. I have made drastic changes including: Stopping my 8 glass a day sweet tea addiction (I now drink water) Exercising 5 days a week (strength training plus cardio for 30-45 minutes each day) Working with the physical trainer weekly Eating healthier foods (lean Proteins, veggies, fruits, and whole wheat bread) My problem is that I have not lost anything (weight now fluctates between original weight and three pounds less) and I feel like I'm constantly hungry -- making me eat more. I'm so frustrated -- I'm putting all this effort into reforming my life and I'm not seeing the results. I'm figuring having the lap-band recently removed, my new enlarged stomach size, and the ability for me to eat more is a culprit. However, if I don't show a loss after my 4-month diet, insurance is not going to pay. Any one been in a similar situation? How did you conquer this weight monster? Any tips and support much appreciated!

I suffer with that occassionally too. I've found that when it is really bad (waking up and immediately throwing up multiple times a night for more than a few days), that I need an unfill. If I have reflux for just one night, I usually go on liquids until the swelling goes down and the reflux stops (sometimes it can take a 3-5 days before the swelling goes down). In addition, I take Prilosec at those times 2X day to help with the reflux. I hate those times (and so does my husband).

I tried a new recipe for the family last night that was great and wanted to share it. ~Poached Salmon with Horseradish Sauce~ Cut up 2 lemons add to 5 cups of water in a large skillet. Cover with top and cook on medium heat until it comes to a boil. Add salmon filets (I had about 1.5 lbs of filets) to to the mixture and recover. Cook 10 minutes. Turn burner off and let sit covered for 8-10 minutes. Remove salmon, drain, and plate immediately. I add a dolop of the following mixture on top of the salmon to give it more taste: Mix 1/2 cup low-fat may and 1/2 cup of low-fat sour cream. Add 2 tbl of prepared horseradish. Add 2 tsp. lemon juice. Add 1/2 tsp garlic seasoning. Season with pepper and salt to taste.

I suffer from irritants (similar to allergies). I had this problem previous too - especially when my band was tighter. I still get it with a looser fill, but I take Mucinex D daily when the irritants are bothering me and occasionally sleep with a vaporizer to help loosen things up. It really helps me sleep much better (keeping my nose unplugged). I also noticed that I need to drink a lot of water to help break up the congestion. Good luck!

My DH gave me a digital camera for Christmas and I love it. It takes awesome night shots, has video capabilities, has a 8X zoom, and can be set to either manual or automatic. It is a Cannon PowerShot A620. The only drawbacks I've encountered so far is that the pictures take up a lot of room on the card. We had to get a 1GB card in order to take a lot of pics.

I'm starting at 265. I'm off my diuretic for a bit until I can get a new RX, so my weight has gone up. 1/3/2005 - Weight 265 NSV - I was able to walk up my driveway without being breathless. My driveway is a nightmare and has a 20+ degree slope (skateboarder's dream slope though), so this was a feat for me. 1/9/2005 - Weight 261 NSV - I felt like I got back on track this week. In addition to making better food choices, I exercised 5 days out of the 7. 1/16/2005 - Weight 257.4 :clap2: NSV - Clothes felt a bit looser this week. 1/23/2005 - Weight 258.6 I made some lousy food choices this week and reaped the effects. :cry NSV - My waist looks a lot smaller than it did at the beginning. 1/31/2005 = Weight 253 NSV - My husband told me last night that he could really tell that I had lost weight. 5 Week Total = 12 lbs

I want in too! :confused: I really need the motivation after all the holiday overeatting and lack of excercise.

Hi Mayflower. So sorry to hear you're on prednisone. I was on it for a year because of my ulcerative colitis. I gained a few pounds, but it came off quickly afterwards. Something that helped me during this time was reading this book: "Coping with Prednisone (and Other Cortisone-Related Medicines): It May Work Miracles, but How Do You Handle the Side Effects?" One of the authors had to take the drug for an extended amount of time and tells of how she dealt with it (and didn't gain weight). If you're interested in the book, you can get it off of Amazon.com: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312195702/qid=1134315950/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-5518610-4996115?n=507846&s=books&v=glance]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312195702/qid=1134315950/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-5518610-4996115?n=507846&s=books&v=glance[/ame]

Hi Dunatl - There are several doctors in Atlanta that work with the lapband. I'm just not sure if they'll give fills to patients banded elsewhere. I see Dr. Duncan at Peachtree Bariatrics. You could always call their office and ask. Good luck!

Hi. Just wanted to do a quick introduction. I'm 29 and have struggled with my weight my entire life. In the last 2-3 years, I've been at my heaviest (BMI 46). I started researching wls last year, but learned that because of my ulcerative colitis my gastroenterologist would only give me medical clearance for the Lap band -- something my insurance didn't cover. Finally, in April, my insurance started covering it! Anyway, right now, I've gone through all the pre-op appointments and await my surgery on 10-25-2005. I'm so anxious about it -- worrying that I'll get sick beforehand and have to cancel the surgery (insane, I know). I'm so eager to get started. It's great to have this site. My doctor's office does mainly Roux-en-y procedures and I haven't met anyone there yet who has had it done. It's great to have other people that truly understand the procedure to talk to. Thanks!