amycc3

I am bout 2 1/2 years post-op and have lost 148 lbs. I get that sensation as well at the beginning of a meal. But then once it passes, I am able to eat a little more than I was able to eat on that initial run. Make sense? Sometimes, it could be what you are eating. It differs for differant people. I personally CANNOT eat bread and french fries. Not even one fry!!! I know others that can tolerate them just fine. Spicy foods, like chili, tend to bother me too. That lump in your throat or pain in your chest is the full feeling. And sometimes that is a sign that you have simply eaten something that you are not going to be able to tolerate. But with just one fill thus far, you should still be able to eat more than 3 spoonfuls of something. The band requires alot of trial and error. Tinker around with differant types of foods and see if you can narrow down what makes you feel that way so soon. Early on, I was able to drink a few sips of drink here and there while eating. But the more fills I got and the tighter that band got, I was not able to continue to do that. It always caused me to have to purge. Hope this helps and good luck to you.

I am about 2 1/2 years post surgery and have lost 148lbs!!! Woohoo for me! I had stumbles like that along the way and I promise, it does get better. Your mind will eventually catch up to your body and although you will still miss some of your favorite foods, you just get used to knowing you cant have them. And another way I look at it is this...no, it probably wasnt good for you to lick the butter off the knife. But you also wont be eating that extra large value meal from McDonalds today for lunch and dinner. So when you weigh it out, you are still doing better than you were pre-surgery. Dont beat yourself up for little slip ups along the way. They are going to come. People ask me all the time "Dont you miss eating?" And I say "Yes, but the rewards are much greater than the food!" And that is so true when you go from a size 20 down to a size 8!! I love my band and wouldnt trade it for the world! Hang in there!!

I have been banded for over two years now and to be honest, it is always in the back of my mind. But what DOES become normal feeling, is that this is the way it is now. And believe it or not, I am OK with it. I cant eat bread or fries or meat most of the time, all of which I used to love. But it's OK. I have learned to take the bad with the good. And the weight I have lost far outways any french-fry I might enjoy. It may be hard for you to imagine that you will feel that way, but trust me, it will come. Although it is a new way of life, it is a great one that you WILL NOT regret! I would have my surgery again in a heartbeat!!! Good luck to you!!!

If you are just 4 months post-op, then you dont have enough restriction yet to prevent this. I am 2 years post-op and have lost 140lbs! Woohoo!!! But I went thru spells where I didnt lose for months and then it fell off for months. My mom even said one time "I dont think that band is working, your not losing any weight!" It was discouraging at the time. But I got the last laugh. I am 5'7" and in a size 10 for the first time since high school. I FEEL GREAT!! Be patient is the best advice I can give! Good luck.

I was fine the day after my band. I was banded on a Friday and went back to work on Monday. I was a little tired, but it was do-able. You will of course be soar the day after and certainly wont be yourself. But I think you could attend your daughters function, with a driver of course.

I had my surgery on 02/01/08 and my doctor does not put any saline in the band during intial banding surgery. Since my pain has gone away, I don't feel any differant than before surgery. I am very discouraged. I am dieting because I know that I need to. But if I fell off the wagon, I think I could clean out the shoney's buffet with no problem. I lost 25lbs really quick, but haven't lost much of any over the past two weeks. I go back to the doctor on March 17 and hopefully he will do a fill. Could this be my problem - just ready for a fill? Please tell me yes!! I have been so excited about this surgery for so long, I am going to be devastated if it doesn't work for me. Any advice or input would be GREAT!!

I waited about two weeks and it was not painfull during the act, but afterwards, I felt sick to my stomach. Of course, I didn't tell my husband. But it was not painfull at all.

I was banded on 02/01. I experienced the upper shoulder pain for about a week and a half. And it was the worst part of my surgery. It nearly brought me to my knees on several occasions. My doctor explained it as a referred pain from the band. It was a differant feeling than the gas pain. It hurts, but it didn't keep me from everyday functions and it did eventually go away. Don't worry - it will be fine. Not everybody has that pain.

I have not posted in a very long time so here it is. I found out the day before my initial appointment that I am pregnant. I am very happy but it almost depressed me that I would have to wait until December now to even think about having the LB surgery. But since I will probably be having tubes tied or something, would anyone advise or know if LB surgery can be included with another surgery? It would be nice for insurance to pick up a little of the cost if having a necessary surgery simultaneously. But I also have concern about how I will feel having LB surgery and newborn at home. Will I be able to take care of the baby? I know this is alot of questions but any help you can offer willb e great. Thanks.

I have blue cross/shield of Alabama. I had an appointment to go see doctors at UAB about just self paying for the lap band. Found out the day before my appointment that I was pregnant with my second child. I'm excited but a little disapointed about my lap band plans. My question is, has anyone ever had success getting coverage if lap band surgery is mixed with another surgery - like having tubes tied? Or, do you know if self pay would be cheaper if combined this way. I may be reaching, but thought it was worth asking. Thanks, Amy

I have BC/BS of Alabama. they are saying that as of right now it is not covered. What is my first step of fighting them on this? I just need a good starting point to get the ball rolling. Thanks, Amy

Does anyone have any recent info on whether or not BC/BS of Alabama is now covering Lap Band? They recently stopped covering gastric bypass and I was told that Lap Band was experimental. I am interested in learning more about the surgery but don't want to waste my time if there is no way AL will cover this. Thanks