Ddem

I have had my first adjustment (on Aug. 3rd) with Dr. Francis and just loved her! I have had the band for a year and am on my 4th fill. I have switched doctors to Dr. Francis after being referred by many to her. I have just under 7 cc's in my 10 cc band and was just wondering what to expect. I will tell you what I am experiencing 3 days into it and maybe you can share your experiences. Still on liquids but tried a teaspoon of Yoplait fat free yogart at lunch - back pain, chest pain...maybe I tried it too soon, maybe to fast. I have had a hard time with Gerd (only at night, when I lay down) the first night, this was painful....last night, I must have burped stomach acid up in my sleep because it went into my lungs and had me sitting straight up in my sleep and fighting for air. I finally coughed up the Fluid from my lungs and went back to sleep at an elevated level. All in all, I have lost about 4 pounds in the past 3 days, YEAH ME! Sooo....what should I expect in the next week???? Anybody??

I got my band on May 29th 08 - last year and have lost about 60 lbs but have stopped losing now. I have had three fills but haven't been back for my 4th fill yet. I am between switching doctors for my fills (closer to home and work) and have started a new job so I am waiting to build up for time off. Although it is almost impossible for me to eat meat for breakfast and lunch still - to tight. I can eat it at dinner with the exception of chicken breast. I am getting hungry all the time now and am thinking I better get in for a fill but I am worried that it will be so tight that I wont be able to eat at breakfast and lunch at all. I haven't lost much over the past 4 months (since my last fill) even with doing weight watchers. Anyone having the same problem?

JoannMarie - That is what they try to charge me, but when the insurance company negotiates with them, the fill is only $1200.00. but still alot of money to pay for a fill. My share of it after insurance is about $90.00 - that is- if they ever get it billed right!

I just wanted to make a comment: Even with all the problems with accounting, I am still happy that I got the band and still happy with the Dr. who did the surgery. Some people have paid out of pocket for their surgeries and I am glad that I didn't have to. GOOO BANNND!

I have a question. I am 8 months post op, down over 50 pounds and have about 6.5 cc's in a 10cc band. I was told when I started that I would need to have 90 grams of protein a day...but do I still need that much or does the need lower after you have healed and are on your way? How much protein does a 45 year old woman need a day?

I do an instant oatmeal packet for breakfast. I can mix it up in a styrofoam cup and the company water tank which has a hot spicket. Fast and very filling and only 2-3 points on weight watchers! I try to stay around 1200 to 1400 calories a day and yes, I still count points on Weight Watchers.

KAT817 - I mean WOW girl! What a winner YOU are!! For goodness sakes - look what you have done!! You should feel gi-:thumbup:normously proud of yourself. Way to go! You must be a strong and determined woman! You really did it and I am so proud of you!

I think that restlessMonkey stated it perfectly. It is no different than me getting up every morning and putting on a bra or my contacts! During my 3rd month post op, it did hurt just a bid every once in a while but that is normal but now after 8 months, I can push in and feel it but it doesn't hurt at all. Your doctor will push around on it plenty when you get your fills, he is looking for the spot to put the needle in. Sometimes it hurts a bit when he pushes a bit to hard but it is really nothing. I remember being scared before surgery, and I remember everyone saying that they are so glad that they did it....2 days after surgery - I was off all pain meds and running up and down my stairs, I remember thinking...hmm, it was really not a big deal - I am so glad I did it! It was really easy! Good luck!

First I had an HMO and it paid most of everything. Then I switched to a PPO and now I have to pay around 82.00 each fill. All together so far after 3 fills, I have paid a little over $1000.00US dollars out of pocket.:thumbup:

Oh, I forgot to mention...after 3 fills, I have 6.5 cc's in a 10cc band.

Thanks Becky. You were spot on with everything you said. It is not like I am a newbie at this - I have been doing this for over 8 months so it isn't like I don't know the "rules". Doesn't matter how small the bites or how slow I eat...some food goes down fine one day, then the next, I cannot tolorate it. My husband is ready to stop going out to eat with me. :thumbup: I find that eating a smart-one or a lean cuisine is ok for lunch as long as it isn't a meat paddy (like a salsbury steak thingy). I am just worried about my protein, I was told after surgery to get 90 grams a day in. I find it impossible without a protein bullet! I have gone through the loosing hair, flaky fingernails that won't grow and all that phase, but I was just wondering how much protein do you need after 8-9 months post surgery. Anyone know???

Thought that I would follow up on this and add what has happened over the last 8 months. I stuggled to get the care providers to get the proper paperwork to the insurance company but finally got it taken care of. BUT, every month since then - with every fill/adjustment - I have to do it all over again. It is a constant struggle to get the girls who fill out the paperwork to do their job. I always have to get involved to get it done...because they bill me $4000.00 per fill until I make them take the time to get the proper codes and discription to the insurance company. What a pain - I have just stopped going. I have had three fills as of last October and got so tired of going thru this, I have never gone back. I am soooo done with them. Now I have to find another doctor to do my fills, preferrably around Orange County.

Hi, I had the same problem. After working at my company for 9 years, I was laid off. I was within a month from having my surgery, it was already approved. I chose to go onto Cobra and continue on with the process. Although the Cobra cost me a whopping 319.00 per month, my husband and I still think (after 8 months since my surgery) that it was the best thing that we did. I have lost 52 lbs (with little effort on my part) and was able to take the time while I was off to heal and relax while mending. You will have alot of doctor appointments after surgery and it was nice to be able to not worry about taking off work to go to the appointments. I am working again and have had my 3rd fill. I have gone from a size 32 TO A 22/18. I know that it really depends on how your family is set up financially but I knew if I didn't do it then....I would never do it! My current company's insurance doesn't cover it so I know that wouldn't have had the chance at all if I had waited. I am so glad that I did it!