webenchantressd

I have TriWest, and I can't get over how easy this whole process has really been. Let me first start off with letting you know my whole process. On March 3rd, I told my family doctor that I was thinking about doing the Lap-Band... she started the ball rolling for me. Also, I guess I should mention that she is my PCM, but an "off base" doctor. Had I said I wanted this on base I would of got a total different reaction. On 3/17, I had my nutrition class. On 3/27, I had my psyc eval. On 3/31, I went to a support group, met other people with the band, and made up my mind I was going to do it. On 4/16, I met Dr. Sufficool, who will be preforming my surgery. He seems great, and everyone I met at the support group loves him. On 4/18, I had my physical (ekg, blood work and a chest xray). On 4/24, my request was sent to Tricare. On 4/26, I got the insurance approval email!!! On 5/23, I had my surgery On 6/2, I went back to work. I worked 2 half days, and then the rest of the week I worked a normal work week. On 6/26, I had my first and only fill. I have opted not to have any more. And here I am now, over 57 pounds lighter than my initial weigh-in/qualification on 4/16. Since the surgery, I've lost an average of 2.7 pounds per week. Two weeks prior to the surgery, I was on a 2 week all liquid fast. It wasn't easy, but it dropped some major weight. The 2 week all liquid fast was to shrink my liver making it easier for the Dr. to move it so he could perform the surgery laparoscopically. Overall, one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I found that I have not made my self as tight with fills like others have. I like eating popcorn, corn, rice, shimp, etc., and find that I like to use willpower and good choices rather than PBing, which I never done. I have a 10cc band with only 5ccs in it. I take small portions and avoid bad things. I exercise when I think I might go over my allowed calories for the day. I am a lot more active than I used to be. I use food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate (or LIVESTRONG.COM - Health, Fitness, Lifestyle) everyday and I document everything I eat on this website. I feel that this website has helped me 30%, the band 30% and me 40%. I think its the combination of all three that has made it work for me so far. My Family Dr. thinks I should loose another 26 pounds and then I would be at a good weight. I am not that far away, and it feels great!

Ok, I had 1cc added back in on Friday, and the acid reflux immediately stopped. I am so leaving the 1cc in there. It did wonders. My OBGYN was ok with it too.

Mischievous1, thank you so much for responding. I asked if I should do liquids for a few days and they said I should be ok... should have known better... (that was the nurse not the doctor). I am still going to get the 1cc put back in to see if that fixes the acid problem for now.

Has anyone had an unfill like me? If so have you had any problems. They thought I should have a total of 5.5 in my band, but when they pulled out the fluid, they could only get 3.25 out. My doc said you do loose some over time, but that seemed like a lot to loose. My stomach felt weird all weekend (had it done Friday), and a little sore, but I didn't notice that I could eat anymore that I usually could. Guess it is just habit at this point. Anyway, last night I had an acid reflux attack that was really bad. I was really scared so I am going back in to see my Lab Band doc tomorrow and he is going to put 1 cc back in to hopefully keep the acid down. Just wondering what your other expeirences have been. Thanks.

Yes I am a first time mother, and I didn't go into this saying wow, I just want twins. Especially with my husband deployed for 6 months and may not get back in time for the birth... but its not like I could put one back at this point. I didn't take fertility drugs either... I understand that it is going to be a lot of work - having two - but really, being anything but happy and excited would just be really depressing at this point! Just looking at the odds alone really make me smile. Its a journey.

Two girls! That is so great! My husband wanted a boy too because he is the last Starr, but I made him promise what we get is what we get, after I found out we were having twins. After all, he picked the sex really... I just gave him two chances! Do you know if you twins are monozygotic or dizygotic? Mine are likely dizygotic/fraternal.

Hi, I was also banded on 5/23/2008 and I am pregnant with twins as well. Had an unfill yesterday. I am 12 weeks tomorrow. I am 33 years old... Interesting.

I finally get to post here that I am pregnant, with twins! 12 weeks. First time trying since all the weight loss, and I had a complete unfill yesterday. Gained about 2 pounds so far (since getting pregnant). Not worried at this point. Scared about the two babies part, but I think that is normal.

Hi Cindy! How are you doing? I am almost there! Online 1.6 pounds to go!!!

I just wanted to give an update that I am nearly 80 pounds down now, and about 3ish pounds to go to my goal weight. Thanks!

Had my attack Tuesday night, had my surgery yesterday. It seems like 2-3 times before the actual attack I did have some pain a few months ago, likely do to the stones themselves, but I didn't know what it was so I didn't do anything about it. The attack was different because I was in so much pain. They saw the stones in an ultra sound. They also had an ultra sound from back in 2006, which showed no stones. My Dr. told my husband that my gall bladder was enlarged, infected, and full of stones. I was lucky to get it out when I did.

I am not pregant yet, but my Dr. prescribed me Prenatal 19 29 mg - 1mg Chew Tab. They are great. They are chewable and with my insurance they cost much less than buying them from Target or Walgreens. Thanks.

Just wanted to give everyone an update. Still doing great

Hi Everyone, I am fairly new to the forum, and I wanted to tell everyone that I am approved with Tricare! Looks like my date is 5/23!

I've heard conflicting things... like they only pay for fills for up to 12 months after the surgery? Anyone have any more info?

Why does Tricare only cover fills 1 year after surgery... What if I get pregnant and have to have an unfill! Will they not pay to have it refilled?

I had my first fill yesterday. I had 2ccs in my band which the Dr. said alreay had 3ccs in it from the surgery (sounds like a lot to me...) I did liquids yesterday, like he said... and mushies today. I didn't feel well eating cottage cheese, so I tried some yogurt... I could only get 3ozs in. I feel so full I could pop. I hope this is just swelling. I was doing good before the fill, but just kept getting hungry after 2 hours or so. Is this normal after a fill?

Hi, this has happened to me a few times. I was banded 5/23. I find if I keep a bottle of crystal light next to the bed, and a take a few sips of that, it keeps my tummy busy just long enough for me to fall back asleep. I also started to take my chewable vitamin at night, which I think has helped too.. I kept forgetting to take it during the day.

Wow, that's great! I was banded 5/23, and I just started to eat scrambled eggs, cottage cheese and applesauce. Can't fit only like 3-4 oz. I asked my Dr. about that today and he said that might be all I can fit. I hope he didn't mean forever. I had a terrible time with the gas; it made it hard for me to breath and hard to get rid of. I really didn't have any appetite until today.