yvonneb3

GAPeach76, There are always pros and cons. But try to see the percentage of each. There are much more people who are not having any problems with the lapband than are. As I'm sure its the same with GBP. I have a friend who had GBP several years ago. He lost 200 lbs then he started eating more and more and has gained back 100. He has restretched his stomach and can't adjust it. He is now thinking of getting the band.... The issues that sold me on the band were: *Surgery is less invasive with faster recovery time *There are no malabsorption problems *You lose weight a little slower and healthier, less loose skin *Its adjustible to help weight loss if you gain some back *Mortality rate was much lower *Its reversible if for some reason you need to remove the band Its the best thing I have ever done for myself and my health. I've lost 31 lbs in the last 3 months. Good luck with your decision, Yvonne

Like Beckn, thanks IndioGirl!!! I WILL do this and lose the weight and be more patient.

I have been really working at keeping my portions down lately . Haven't lost a pound in 2 1/2 weeks. I wanted to feel more restriction like others on this site but I feel the same (as some others on this site...) . I asked my Dr to be aggressive so he gave me 3cc's in my 10cc band for my first fill and I go back for a second on July 7th. I have heard that this may kick in suddenly at any given time.....why is that? It just doesn't make sense that it doesn't start the minute the fill is put in....:confused2: Oh by the way, I had NO problem with the actual fill, only a tiny little prick of the needle and it was in. That was a blessing. Anyhow, I will keep on truckin and continue to work towards my goal. My boyfriend says I am just too anxious to be at goal and I am sure he is right. This is so exciting but a little part of me keeps thinking I am going to be in the low percentile that fails at this too...

I was banded on Wed 4/23rd at about 9:45am, and I was in my room by 1pm. I had a bad time with the pain meds the first day & nite making me nauseous and after trying several different types, I said forget it and just have been on Tylenol which doesn't do much. That first day was pretty tough, I could not swallow anything per Dr's orders and could only swish water in my mouth and then spit it out. My throat hurt from the dryness of my mouth and I wanted to down my cherry flavored chap stick. I would have killed for some ice chips like others have had but it was taboo with my Dr. The next morning finally came after a long nite, and the stuff you have to drink so they can xray you and make sure there are no leaks was pretty horrific and almost made me puke but knowing once I got thru with that I could down some liquids, finally, I made sure I kept it down. My first meal of broth, juice, & jello was the best thing since sliced bread..... Went home about 1pm and just took it easy. The pain from the surgery is not that bad but I get migraines and for some reason had 3 in those first 2 days but this too had past. Feeling ok somewhat at this time and I am on stage 2 diet and had some thin Cream of Wheat with added protein and splenda, oh it tasted so good. Had about 10 baby spoon fulls and was full.....I got one of those Magic Bullets which makes blending everything (since I am adding protein to all) really easy. I"ve lost 6 lbs since surgery 5 long days ago. Its true that it all gets easier every day that passes. Maybe its my age but I am glad that I am off work for a month, I just can't fathom having to be getting up and doing all that while going thru all this. So I salute all of you who are having to do that. I go to the Dr's on May 2nd for my post op. I am glad I did this and would do it again. Take care all. Yvonne

Hi Wendy, You have been having some bad luck and that is all it is. Stay positive, I can relate some because I broke my right foot and sprained my left foot in a fall in Feb. I thought my having surgery in Apr was going to be stopped because my Dr insisted that I had to be mobile. So on my next few visits to him, I would take off my orthopedic boots and limp in to see him just saying I had a slight sprain. I had my surgery but still can't do much walking because of my injuries so weight loss has been VERY slow for me too (I lost 15 pre-op). Just keep positive and tell yourself that this will all go your way and you will slowly lose weight to a healthier you. Give yourself small goals. I just focus on 5 lbs at a time... Take care, Yvonne

I mean thank you Dandy75......

Thanks Carol and yes you did make me feel better. I am glad that it all worked out for you, my issues could be alot worse so I am very grateful that I, at least, got the surgery done with no problems. Thank God for this site and you wonderful people who care enough to give a little input which can make such a big difference. Take care, Yvonne

Transition of care coverage, I like the sound of that. I will give them a call on Monday and see whats up. Thanks so much for the info!

Hi All, This post will be nothing but ranting ..... Boy I am so upset today I could just spit. I was banded Apr 23rd and things have been going pretty good for me with 31 lbs lost total (including 15 pre-op). I was scheduled for my first fill this afternoon and was really looking forward to that as I haven't lost any weight in the last 2 weeks. I've also been out of work on disability because I had broken my foot in Feb but that is healing also. Anyway, my company had told me last month that they were going to change medical plans from Blue Cross PPO to Blue Shield Spectrum PPO as of July and that everyone was filling out their new paperwork already so I filled mine out and sent in. My HR mgr had told me that it was the same exact plan that we had with BC and I always thought they were basically the same company. I didn't think anything more of it until I got my mail this morning and I get a new medical card from Blue Shield which shows it is active as of May 1st. I call my surgeons office (Dr. Barry Sanchez with Thinner Future) to let them know that I have the new insurance and they should have the info on it since I did go in to see them on May 2nd. I am then told they are not contracted out to Blue Shield and that I will need to pay for the visit on May 2nd as well as todays appt for my fill. Grrrrr, I don't exactly have alot of extra cash on me since I have been out of work for the last 3 1/2 months. So here I am stuck with not getting my first fill and not having any Dr to go see for post-op follow ups for fills. I'll have to start looking and I sure hope I don't have any problems finding someone in my area and that I don't have any problems with "pre-existing condition" issues..... Anyone know of any fill Drs in San Mateo county CA? I live in Burlingame near the San Francisco airport. Hope everyone elses day is better and have a good weekend! Yvonne :w00t:

Good luck Gina, I do envy you as I wish I could have done this while I was younger. I just had it done at age 55 and can't be happier with my results so far. Good luck and I am sure you will do great! Yvonne

I'm surprised you have found a Dr who will do this surgery with you only having to lose 50 lbs. My Dr was very strict and said I just barely met the requirements having to lose 96 lbs and had a BMI of 42. On the other hand I couldn't relate more to your comment of having this done while you are young and can enjoy life. I just had it at 55 and sure wish I could have gotten this done 30 yrs ago.... Good luck to you if you can have it done and honestly, it isn't bad at all. The percentage of bad cases are very low compared to those who don't have any problems. Because I have a problem with pain meds I only used Tylenol out of surgery and sure I had some pain but it was manageable and I was able to walk around and not just lie in bed and believe me, I'm not one to deal with pain very well. Yvonne:thumbup:

Hello fellow fifties, I had my one month anniversary of being banded on Fri May 23rd and have lost 31 lbs total. 15 pre-op and 16 after surgery. I went 2 1/2 weeks of no weight loss but now have started to slowly lose again. I am just thrilled and I get my first fill on May 30th WOO HOO. Have really stayed with just sticking with mostly proteins with some small salads or veggies. Thank God I love cottage cheese.... My only cheating has been a cocktail here and there, either a margarita made with Crystal Lite lemonade (believe me these taste wonderful) or a Grey Goose martini..... Good luck to all, Yvonne

Hello All, I was banded on Apr 23rd. After going thru a couple of weeks of not losing anything, I started up again and have now lost 31 lbs total. I get my first fill on May 30th, WOO HOO. Good luck to all, we can all do this. Love Yvonne

I was banded on Wed 4/23rd at about 9:45am, and I was in my room by 1pm. I had a bad time with the pain meds the first day making me nauseous and after trying several different types, I said forget it and just have been on Tylenol which doesn't do much. That first day was pretty tough, I could not swallow anything and could only swish water in my mouth and then spit it out. My throat hurt from the dryness of my mouth and I wanted to down my cherry flavored chap stick. I would have killed for some ice chips like others have had but it was taboo with my Dr. The next morning finally came after a long nite, and the stuff you have to drink so they can xray you and make sure there are no leaks was pretty horrific and almost made me puke but knowing once I got thru with that I could down some liquids finally, I made sure I kept it down. My first meal of broth, juice, & jello was the best thing since sliced bread..... Went home about 1pm and just took it easy. The pain from the surgery is not that bad but I get migraines and for some reason had 3 in those first 2 days but this too had past. Feeling ok somewhat at this time and I am on stage 2 diet and had some thin Cream of Wheat with added protein and splenda, oh it tasted so good. Had about 10 baby spoon fulls and was full.....I got one of those Magic Bullets which makes blending everything (since I am adding protein to all) really easy. I"ve lost 6 lbs since surgery 5 long days ago. Its true that it all gets easier every day that passes. Maybe its my age but I am glad that I am off work for a month, I just can't fathom having to be getting up and doing all that while going thru all this. So I salute all of you who are having to do that. I go to the Dr's on May 2nd for my post op. I am glad I did this and would do it again. Take care all. Yvonne:wink:

I had acrylic nails on and had French look polished on them and had no problems in surgery or anytime in the hospital

I was banded on Apr 23rd and have lost 28 lbs total including pre-op!

Hi Kristy, I am the same right now, I was banded on Apr 23rd and don't get my first fill until May 30th. I know I am not overeating because I weigh myself every day when I wake up BUT....I haven't lost a pound now for 2 weeks and its very frustrating. I almost feel like I'm already failing. Others have said once we get our fill we will start losing weight again as this time is for us to heal from the surgery. Lets hope that is true. Good luck, Yvonne

Hi Nance, Welcome and best wishes that you will be successfull in this endeavor. I was banded Apr 23 (in fact so was John below) and I am so looking forward to this journey. Take care Yvonne

Congrats to both of you and good luck on your journey. Sounds like you two will do great with the band. Yvonne

Name: Yvonne Date you were banded: April 23, 2008 Weight loss to date: 15 lbs pre-surgery, 12 lbs post surgery How are you feeling? I'm feeling good, have been slowly building up time on my eliptical but I am off work so i don't have any stress yet. Can't wait to get my first fill.

Good for you Fluffycat, you go girl. I'm sure most of us have gone most of our lives living for the husband, for the kids, for our jobs and forgetting about ourselves. I felt just the same as you as far as doing this for me so that I can live a longer life and enjoy it more. I'm rooting for you and for all of us to continue to take care of ourselves so that we can meet our expectations and even go beyond them. Yvonne

Hi Everyone, Well, I was banded Apr 23rd (same as John-you are doing great John) and have lost 12 lbs since surgery and 27 lbs total since mid February 08. I don't get my first fill until May 30th but I hope I can lose a little more before going for that. It just seems abnormal to not steadily lose. I saw alot of family for Mothers Day who had not seen me for a few months and got very pleasant reactions as they could notice the change in me already. Went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner and had them custom make me a virgin margarita made from Crystal Lite lemonade..... I've even updated my signature picture here which is definitely a big improvement from Mothers day. Slow and steady seems to be the mantra. Good luck to all and keep up the good work. Yvonne:thumbup:

Hello I have been banded since Apr 23rd and I did have diarrea for the first 8 days. I bought some LiquaFiber and once I started taking that, my bowel movements returned. No worries you will be fine but try to get some fiber. Yvonne