Dawn NH

I had my gallbladder out six years ago, and I was just banded 12/12. I had a difficult surgery for both. My gallbladder had not moved back into position (I had just had a baby) so that made the surgery harder. I was in bed for 1 week taking a lot of pain medicaiton. My Lapband was put in this week, and I feel great!!! I was prepaired for the same pain as my gallbladder but it is nothing like that. My surgen said that because she had a hard time getting the band in my body that I would have some extra pain from that. I have been moving and able to do things on my own even in the hospital this time. The nurses kept telling me to slow down and rest. Hope this helps!!

I am wondering if other people got emotional before being banded? I am four days away and was about to cry all day over nothing. I feel a lot of stress over things that need to be done prior to my getting banded. I know this is the right thing to do, so I am not sure what my problem is. Did anyone else do this?

I am being banded on 12/13 and called my insurance to see if fills are covered. It seems like a no-brainer to me if they pay for the band, they should pay for the fill. Well it seems that there is not a clear answer to that. I was told that there is a pre-certification process and there is no guarentee that it will be covered. So I am wondering if people are paying for fills or if they are covered, I have Cigna insurance and my dr charges about $250 for each fill.

My doctor has not billed yet other than the 90 days after surgery code. They were able to give me the code and I checked with my insurance, I am just concerned that they can reject the claim. It seems silly that the insurance would approve the band, but not the fills. Everything I have read is clear that the fills are very important to the band being a successful tool to lose weight. Thanks for sharing!!! It is very helpful to know what others are doing.

I am glad to hear that others are emotional as well. I was fine up until today. I have been very excited about this and my husband is very supportive. I think for me it is also the stress of not being able to do all the things I usually do as a mom.

I am being banded next week, but I will be on solids at week 5 also. I know my program told me to be very aware of the diet and amounts that I will eat. I was told that they want to see a regular diet before the six week visit (I have an appointment at six weeks for my first fill already scheduled). I don't have the plan yet but I can understand your fear. I am afraid of being on liquids and then having to eat again myself and I have not even started yet. Good Luck!!!

I am on a liquid diet for the first three weeks. I am allowed to have liquids, cream of wheat and broth. I was told to get protein shakes and make one a day with 40 grams of protein, but I am supposed to have 60 grams of protein per day. I was looking at my food list yesterday and am not seeing how I will make up the other grams. I figure there is between 5 and 10 grams per day depending of what I eat that will be missing. What did others do during this time to get the protein in?

Thanks for your idea's!!!!! I am going to write a list and go shopping this week so I have everything when I get home.

I am getting banded on 12/13 and just got my food plan. I am wondering how bad the first few days are and if anyone else had a three week liquids only diet? I am a bit concerned about being either hungry or not being able to get in enough liquid.

It is great to hear from people who have done this. I am very excited to have this done.