auntlucy

It hasn't been a financial burden for me, but my insurance covered it this time around. I would ask yourself this: do you want it badly enough to deal with a financial burden. This second time around (before I knew if my insurance would cover it), I was willing to find a way to pay for it if they wouldn't cover it and had already prepared myself for that possibility. I was willing to make financial sacrifices in order to get it b/c I wanted it that badly. Doubts are normal...don't let the fact that you have doubts and questions make the decision for you.

Congratulations! I know how exciting it is to get that approval!

Biotin comes in different sized capsules...the ones I got are small. I haven't had a problem with them, and I just had a fill Tuesday. I'm not sure if it will help or not, but I figured it was worth a try. It might actually be better to help my hair grow back instead of helping to stop it. But, at least I feel like I'm doing something to help it.

My hair started coming out about a month ago. I've been getting plenty of protein and eating a really balanced diet. My surgeon said it's the stress that my body has gone through. He assured me it would grow back. Fortunately I also have a very thick head of hair so no one has noticed. But there are times when I'm losing it in small clumps of maybe 20 strands or so. I also started taking biotin (haven't noticed it helping yet).

babbs, I definitely have empathy for you...I had that when I was in middle school after having bronchial pneumonia. It is extremely painful! Hang in there and get some rest.

About 3 years or so ago I went down the path of getting the band, and a week before my surgery I backed out. A big part of the reason was that my insurance wouldn't cover it and I was terrified that I might have complications as a self-pay patient that could end up being very costly financially. But, looking back, I don't really think I was ready then. I had to get to a place where I was ready emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. I wanted to lose weight, but I still felt like I could do it on my own without the tool. This time has been very different for me. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I needed the tool. I've spent the time getting ready for it from an emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental standpoint. So, I tell you all of this so that you can ask yourself if you are ready emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. Do you believe you need the tool to help you be successful? If you answered yes to all of that, why not have the surgery? If you answered no, I would argue that you might not be ready yet. Good luck in your decision!

You are doing great TXdiva! Keep up the good work and let us know how your visit goes. Russ, I was still on low fat creamed Soups, sugar free pudding, yogurt, etc. during my 3rd week.

pineapple (speaking of pineapple, can any of you eat it? it was one of the foods they told me bandsters have a lot of problems with it, and it happens to be my favorite!)

Greasy.......................................

Congratulations! I know how excited I was when I got the call, but I also had some mixed emotions. The reality of it all was a little harder than I thought it would be, but I think that's normal. I'm still so glad I got the band. The trade-offs have been a small sacrifice for what I'm getting in return. So what if I can't drink Perrier or club soda anymore...my back no longer hurts! So what if I can't drink while I eat...I have more energy!

(I hope so...I'm not a Feb bander either)

Russost, yes, I do believe it's normal to hit small plateaus. You recently had the surgery and have lost almost 21 pounds! That's great...your body is just trying to catch up. Just keep doing what you should be doing and you will start losing again. I hit a plateau about 3 weeks after surgery. My doctor told me to not focus on losing weight but to focus on letting my body heal and changing eating habits...I did that and didn't get frustrated about the lack of weight loss. Before I knew it, the weight started coming off again. When you do get under 300, we'll celebrate with you!

inspiration!

Yes, it will be fun. My nephew is so much fun! He is just a joy to be around. I know these early years with him are precious and I'm taking full advantage of the time I have wiht him now. It will be hot in San Antonio, but I'm used to it since I live in TX. I'm hoping that there will be food in the theme parks that I can eat...surely there will be some healthy options.

It sounds like you had a wonderful time...maybe that should be your reward when you hit goal...your own cabin there. Just tell DH I said you deserve it! I'm just going to San Antonio. I'm single, but I'm going with my parents, my brother, sister-in-law, and my DN (darling nephew and the reason for my screen name). My sister-in-law's mom and sister are also going. So, it will be a big family thing. My nephew is only 2, and we didn't want to go too far. San Antonio will be perfect. We'll go to Sea World, the zoo, and spend time at the pool. It should be fun. Well, good luck getting re-acclimated to home. You can get back on track!

Hey Tess! Good to see you posting. I've been struggling a little bit with the same 3 pounds for the last few weeks...I'm so close to being under 300, and this plateau is just not budging. But, I got a 3.5 cc fill Tuesday, so hopefully, that will give me the little bit of something extra that I need. I go on vacation next week, and I can't wait! I really need it. Work has been stressful lately.

I just had my 2nd fill Tuesday...I was nervous about the first one b/c I didn't know whether or not it would hurt. My doctor injects some sort of deadener before he injects the saline. It stings a little, but I wouldn't say it hurts. I don't think it's even uncomfortable. I'm a little sore afterwards, but it's not painful. Good luck as you go down the process.

Bragger! Just kidding...I'm thrilled for you. You are a great success story, and you were definitely ready for the band. Hang in there and keep up the great work! You are turning into a better (and smaller) version of YOU, and you are going to be a role model to so many, whether or not you want to be one.

I also have United Healthcare. My BMI is higher, but other than that, the only problem I had was with sleep apnea. Have you had a sleep study? While I hope you don't have apnea, it might help you get approved. I was approved in less than a week. Good luck! I know how frustrating it is. A few years ago, I tried to get approved and was repeatedly denied by Aetna. So, I understand.

I was thinking about your situation some more, and I had some thoughts...You also might want to think about journaling your food and water intake daily. A recent study showed that people who write it all down (every morsel) lose twice as much as people who don't. I use www.thedailyplate.com to track mine, and it's really easy. It also tracks how much protein, calories, etc. that you are getting, and you can also track your exercise. I definitely do better when I track it. I find that when I don't do it for a week or so that I don't lose as much. You also may need a lot of structure to train yourself. You might want to get a timer to use to time 30 minutes before and after you eat. Get everything you shouldn't eat out of the house. Pre-make meals and put each portion in a separate container (that works well for me).

Cajuncutie, are you getting any counseling? That might help. I know that can be scary, but we all have issues and need help with them at times in our life. If you aren't seeing someone, you might want to find someone who specializes in eating disorders. I feel for you as I can't imagine how I would feel if I were in your shoes right now.

Ok, here is my thought...we can all use prayer from time to time, plus, praying for others helps us take focus off of ourselves some times. So, I'll start by sharing something that I could use some prayer support on. The next person who posts will pray for me and then post their own prayer request. The 3rd person who posts will pray for the 2nd person who posts. And so on... I will commit to praying for everyone who posts. Here is my request...I'm feeling a little down today. I don't really know why, but I'm just blah. I am excited though because I go for my 2nd fill Tuesday, and I could really use it. Please pray that I will perk up and stay focused on the things I need to do to continue making my journey successful. I appreciate your prayers!

bamboobabe, 50 pounds in 6 months is great! You should be very proud of that accomplishment, but I completely understand your feelings. Dear Lord, thank you giving bamboobabe the courage and strength over the past 6 months. Please give her a renewed commitment to her band. Remind her of the gift that you have given her in the band. Help her to jumpstart her continued weight loss so that she feels empowered and motivated as she enters her 7th month.