Denise H.

The port hurts me! Does anybody else have that problem? I was banded in Aug '06 and I still have pain in that area.

Happy2BeMe - Good luck to you on your surgery! I hope things all go well, just be prepared for that annoying tugging that you will feel where the port is placed. That has been the worst of the whole thing - besides losing my best friend (Food)!

Happy2BeMe - I was suppose to start my period the Friday before surgery, but was very happy that it did not come. Then I had surgery on Monday and Wednesday morning Mother Nature came to visit. I normally am a tampon user and thought there is NO WAY I can bend over to apply a tampon so I had to use pads for the first 2 days, then I was able to use tampons. It's been rough - but I really think the stress of surgery postponed me!

I had my Lap-Band surgery Monday, Aug 21st. I arrived at 10am and was home at 3pm. I was very sore the first day and took the pain medication given by the doctor. I am still very sore (Day 3), but it is only where the port is. I have consumed water, gatorade, chicken broth, and protein shakes so far. I am not able to consume anything else until Friday (when I get applesauce - yeah!) I am really not hungry at all, just tired. I know that in a couple months I won't even remember this! Congrat's to everyone!!!!

Tim - The link you gave for viewing the surgery was AMAZING! Thanks so much for the insight. I learned a LOT, it was just very lengthy! Thanks again!

I will be banded on Aug 21st and I am very excited! I had to go to great lengths for Aetna to approve - but I finally got the approval! I am pretty informed from all of you regarding the surgery and such, but I am trying to figure out how my life will change!!! I've always lived for eating out with my friends and family and now I am wondering what to do for fun! (I'm sure I will think of something!) Any suggestions of portable foods to take during the 2nd week after surgery? I will be going back to work and need to take something to satisfy me and I have no clue what to take and how much Water to drink, etc. I'm looking for any information you have to offer! Thanks so much! Surgery 8/21/2006 Beginning weight 235lbs. Ideal weight 145lbs.

I didn't know Dr Carter was ill, but I do know that he had to cancel and reschedule some of his surgeries. Sorry you have to wait..... It WILL be worth the wait! Hang in there! I'll let you know how it goes after my surgery Monday!

Yes - he is in Arlington. My PCP has nothing but positive comments about him and I was very pleased with him in January. I would love to hear from anyone who is having surgery this month or has used Dr Carter in the past! Thanks for the info!

Dr Carter is my surgeon. I did the initial visit in January of this year hoping I could schedule surgery right away before Aetna came back and denied me. I'm hoping the Dr's office will refresh my memory on what I can and can't eat, etc. - I'm just looking for more information from people who have "been there!" Thanks for the input! All input is appreciated!

I will be banded Monday, August 21st! I am so excited, nervous, anxioius, etc. I am sure that you can relate! I want to do the right thing, eat the right foods (or liquids!), etc. Does anyone have any information on what to eat, what not to eat, what to do, etc.? I am trying to get all my information together into one binder so I won't have to 2nd guess. I know that the Dr will give me Post-Op Diet Instructions, but I have to be back at work the next week and I don't know how to handle that!!! Congrat's to everyone who has had the surgery! You guys are doing great! I am VERY encouraged by your success. I want to be a success story like all of you!!!! I want to be considered a part of the "August Band Crew!" Surgery 8/21/2006 Pre Surgery Weight 235lbs Ideal Weight 145lbs

I have just received my first denial from Aetna PPO. They said they need documented evidence that proves I have been overweight for the last 5 years and that I have tried to lose weight from a doctor in the past. I have evidence from a doctor that I was trying to lose weight by taking Phentermine - does anyone know if that qualifies/helps? What would be good to submit to Aetna to appeal this? Please help I do NOT want to give up!!!! Thank you so much!!!!!!

Hello to everyone! I have been reading the discussion boards and trying to learn all I can about how the lap-band surgery works for others and what to do/what not to do. I have learned a lot! I am waiting on insurance to approve my surgery and then I will schedule! I have appx 110 lbs to lose to get to my "ideal bodyweight." I have TONS of questions and would love to hear all the advise I can!!! My biggest struggle at this point is trying to get off Dr. Pepper's - I am truly addicted I think! Any advice?? Excited to be here!

Thanks Alexandra and everyone else! It's reassuring to know that there is someone out there that has dealth with Aetna!! I am upset about all this and to top things off my Dr told me today that Aetna will not pay for it (her own words!). It's not very encouraging to have your Dr's office give up on you......

Hey - What all did Aetna require of you to get the Lap-Band covered? Any advice would help a great deal!!! I just got my first denial today... :-(

I have signed up now for the discussion board and filled in all my information. I am going to see about having the lap-band surgery done but I am waiting on my insurance to approve of the surgery first. I am scared of having the surgery because I know it is not normally reversed, yet I am ready to lose weight! I am truly addicted to Dr Pepper and I love to eat for entertainment purposes. I will have to adjust rather quickly to this diet and see what I can do to turn my thinking around. I am nervous, but I know I can do it!!!

I have signed up now for the discussion board and filled in all my information. I am going to see about having the lap-band surgery done but I am waiting on my insurance to approve of the surgery first. I am scared of having the surgery because I know it is not normally reversed, yet I am ready to lose weight! I am truly addicted to Dr Pepper and I love to eat for entertainment purposes. I will have to adjust rather quickly to this diet and see what I can do to turn my thinking around. I am nervous, but I know I can do it!!!