BeautyLocs

I have eaten sushi a few times since surgery. I get it served sashimi style (just fish; no rice, no seaweed) and have had no problems. With current restriction, I can eat about 5 pieces. BeautyLocs

Hi-- I was banded in February. In addition to high blood pressure, depression, and acid reflux, I have spinal stenosis, spondiolythesis and a large disk herniation that compresses nerves on my left side. My internist noted this in his support letter to the insurance company. I don't know if it helped, but he felt that weight loss would significantly improve these conditions and that it was important to let the insurance company know. I had no problems getting approved. Something else I'd like to share--after three unsuccessful rounds of physical therapy and painful and upsetting steroid injections, I started having acupuncture treatments to control my back pain. It has worked wonders! While you're going through the insurance application process, this might be something to consider to bring you some relief. Good luck to you! BeautyLocs

Hi February 16 Bandsters-- It's been a while since I checked in, but I'm doing well (down 30 pounds). I had my first fill on April 1 and I get my second on May 15. I got 3 ccs and don't feel much restriction. The only think that I have had some difficulty swallowing is banana. I haven't tried loaf bread; I have no problem with lavash or tortilla, though. I also haven't tried pasta. Overall I find that I'm rather finicky. I consume a lot of legumes, protein shakes, carrot juice, pita chips, hummus, veggie burgers, and falafel. I get very specific cravings (corned beef or lamb) though most days I have no idea what I want to eat. Are the rest of you experiencing that? What are some of your more satisfying meals? BeautyLocs

Hi-- I live in Detroit and was banded on February 16 of this year at Harper Hospital. I've lost 30 pounds, feel really good and am convinced this is the best decision I've ever made. Good luck to everyone! BeautyLocs

Thanks Restless Monkey. It wasn't until I read your post that I realized that I have no idea how much sodium I'm supposed to have in a day. I'll have to find that out and pay close attention. I find the puffy, stiff, hot fingers more and more uncomfortable every day. Take good care! BeautyLocs

Hi All-- I was banded February 16 and have lost 22 pounds. Surprisingly, I'm still retaining a lot of Fluid, which causes swelling in my fingers and ankles. I drink between 64-80 oz of clear liquid daily, am not eating a diet high in sodium and take a diuretic every day. I admit I don't have a regular exercise routine. One of the reasons I had the surgery was to relieve some of the pressure off of my severly damaged back. Is anyone else experiencing this? I tend to retain Water, but I thought with a bit of weight loss the problem would lessen. If anything I'm more aware of it. Thanks for any insights, BeautyLocs

Hi-- I drink an Acai Berry juice by a company called Bolthouse. I get it at costco in the refrigerated section. Two 32-oz bottles costs about $10. I was drinking it before my surgery and never thought to ask my nutritiionist about it. I incorporated it into my full-liquid diet and plan to continue using it now that I'm in the puree stage. I find it to be rather sweet, and don't drink more than a couple oz or so on any given day. Bolthouse makes wonderful products. If you want to try it at a lower price, this might be something to consider. If Costco isn't an option, I've also found it at Meijer. Best, Beautylocs

Hello February 16 Bandsters-- I came home yesterday afternoon following a successful surgery in Detroit with Dr. Wood. Leading up to the surgery, I felt a bit disoriented and had some difficulty articulating my emotions, but I never felt nervous or unsure. I was excited the day of surgery and remain that way. My surgical and post-op team were professional attentive and encouraging. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I even got to meet and talk with one of my neighbors on the floor who was having her second gastric bypass. It was nice to talk with someone sharing a similar experience. Today is the worse of it. I feel a bit out of sorts, quite sore and I am very bloated. Emotionally, however, I still feel positive and optimistic. I'm having no problem with the liquids and am feeling quite satisfied. I just wish the bloat would pass. I'm so glad to be part of this exclusive club and have every confidence that each one of us is going to do well. Good luck and let's keep in touch. Beautylocs

Thanks to all for the advice. I called the scheduler again today, got her on the phone and got a date. February 16 I join the world of the banded and I'm very excited. I look forward to sharing my successes and challenges Best to all!

I completed the six-month supervised diet, the support group meetings, the pre-surgery testing, the letters of support from my PCP and others and, like a good girl, submitted it to my surgeon's office. I was approved by my insurance company on December 30, but have yet to get a date. When will I get a date?! My insurance coordinator told me all my paperwork was in and that she'd passed my information along to the scheduler. I followed up and left a phone message with the scheduler and still no date. I want a date! Is this normal? Why no date? Losing it in the Motor City:confused:

Hi Sweettea-- My circumstances don't exactly match yours, but when I saw you were from Detroit I couldn't help but respond. I considered surgery at Henry Ford because it's where my PCP and other doctors are based. I decided against it, however, because I thought that it was strange that I was required to go through a day-long course before I could even meet the surgical team and get a sense as to whether or not the overall program was something I'd be interested in. I opted, instead, to work with Dr. Wood at ABMI. I have BCN and while I've been approved, I don't have a date yet because I need an EGD. I did start my journey in May of last year, so 8 months isn't outrageous. Have you checked in with HAP to get a written statement about what you need in order to get approved? If not, you might want to. It'll help you understand whether or not you're on track and put your mind at ease that you're doing the right things. Good luck to you! Beautylocs

Itschoice--thank you so much for compiling all the comments for those of us about to have surgery. I got my approval, but have to complete an EGD before I get a date, so I have time to do some shopping and think about what I need for pre- and post-op. Thanks again and good luck to you, Beautylocs

Hello-- I, too, gained weight during my six-month supervised diet (12 pounds), but learned today that I was approved by my insurance company (Blue Care Network, Michigan). I think that it's true that they're looking for participation and documentation from the program. I would check, however, to make sure that they are not requiring you to lose or maintain. I've read some posts from people who said their insurers do have those specifications. I also sent in a letter from my Jenny Craig counselor, copies of Weight Watchers weigh in booklets, and a letter from a hypnotherapist I worked with on weight issues. Best of luck to you, Beautylocs

Congratulations on your approval! Do you have your surgery date yet? My information was submitted to my insurance company (Blue Care Network of Michigan) on December 11. I was told it would take two weeks to get a decision. Do you know why you were denied the first two times? What was your appeals process?