MarySJ

Are you getting enough protein? You should probably be eating more lean meats rather than pasta. The dietician I've been seeing has said to stay away from breads, rice & pasta. I'm 4 months post-op - haven't had any bread, pasta or rice and I've only had one fill so far. I've lost 42 pounds so far.... Also, are you getting any form of exercise in to your daily routine? That could help jump start your metobolism too.

I know everyone's doctor & dietician tells them something different so I thought I'd share what mine have said - do not have red meat and bread until 6 months after surgery. And if you have to eat bread, make sure it's 100 whole wheat.

Rather than Flintstones chewables - I bought the Walmart generic brand - worked just as well and were a bit cheaper!

Received a letter from Carefirst Blue Choice that they made an "error" and my fills will be covered, as long as I have the proper referral from my primary care doctor.

Carefirst Blue Choice approved the lap band surgery for me in June 2008, but are denying the fills - even though I've called them and was told that so long as Carefirst approved the surgery, they would cover the fills. Has anyone out there dealt with Carefirst - Maryland? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

If your doctor's office is submitting claims to the insurance company for appointments that were cancelled - that's insurance fraud and you should notify your insurance carrier immediately. Also, check with your insurance plan and see what other bariatric doctors are in your area that you could switch to. Good luck to you.

Hockeyson - my doctor's office received approval from Care First Blue Choice within 3 days of submitting the request for surgery. I had my lap band surgery on Friday June 13, 2008 (along with a hiatal hernia repair) and I went back to work on Tuesday, June 17. I have a desk job so I'm not lifting or doing anything strenous. I could see having one week off - but I know I definitely didn't need any more time than that. Re Carefirst - every time I call them I'm put on hold forever, then usually the customer service rep never knows what she is talking about so she always has to consult with her manager. Apparently the manager doesn't know much either since I was told that fills were covered but they are declining to pay the bills. Hope you surgery goes well! Keep me posted.

His office is located on the campus of the hospital - at the Comprehensive Obestity Management Program (which I believe is part of the bariatrics program at GBMC). They also do fills on patients that didn't have their surgery done there - but they expect payment at the time of the visit.

My BMI was only 36 and I was still approved for the surgery. Do you have any co-morbidities - such as sleep apnea, thryoid problems, high cholesterol, depression? My surgery was approved based on having these problems (insurance is Carefirst Blue Choice.).

Yes. I had my surgery done at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson. I was given those booties to wear on my feet, one to put over my hair and the usual hospital gown. It's not that bad though - they are used to seeing people like that.

Dr. Babak Moeninolmolki at Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson did my lap band surgery, and continues to do my fills at the hospital. If insurance doesn't cover the fills, they charge $250 each fill. Not sure if he takes patients in which he didn't do their surgeries though. Telephone number is 443-849-3779.

I had my surgery on Thursday, June 13, 2008 - and also had a hiatal hernia repaired. Didn't effect my recovery time - I was back to work on Tuesday of the following week.

Do you know what size band you have? That does make a difference too. I've only had one fill, and I only got one-half of a cc- but my doctor told me I've also only have a 5cc band. On the down side though, my insurance doesn't cover the fills and he charges me $250 for each.

Think I was around 205 before my surgery on June 13, 2008. To date I've lost 34 pounds - which seems to be a lot less than others. I guess may be because the total amount of weight in total I need to lose is around 70 pounds, so I only have about 35 more pounds to go.

I had my surgery done on a Friday and went back Tuesday. I probably was well enough to go back on Monday, but the incision spots were still pretty sore and I wasn't looking forward to my dress slacks rubbing the sore spots. If you can take another day, I would.

I had to have clear fluids the first two days - water, chicken broth, sugar free jello and sugar free popsicles. My doctor indicated NOT to use a straw because you would be ingesting too much air.......best of luck to you!

We were told by the dietician that we weren't supposed to have bread, pasta or rice until 6 months after the surgery. At that point we could have 100% whole wheat only.....

Hello all. I was banded on June 13, 2008 and had my first fill on July 17, 2008. I've only lost about 22 pounds - which seems very low compared to others. I work out 50 minutes a day five days a week and am probably eating only about 800 calories a day (protein first always!). My next fill isn't scheduled until September. I've heard that it takes anywhere from 3 to 5 filles to get to the right restriction. Should I see if I can get a fill in one month rather than waiting two more months? The weight loss has really slowed down in spite of my vigorous exercise and carefull eating. My BMI was low to begin with (36) and I really only need to lose about 40 more pounds...Any suggestions?

I was banded on 6/13/08 and just got my first fill on 7/17/08. I still don't think I have any restriction - but I'm told that it could take 3 or 4 fills before you reach the perfect restriction stage.

I was banded June 13, 2008 and had my first fill on July 17, 2008. My doctor told me to have only clear liquids for the first 2 full days, then full liquids for two days after that. Once that time was up, I could continue with the soft foods.....guess each doctor is different.

I get my first fill on 7/17/08 - my doctor says after a fill - clear fluids for 2 days.....

I drink the Instant Carnation chocolate - with No Sugar Added. I add it to one cup of skim/fat free milk and its 15 grams of Protein. I drink one for Breakfast, one as a snack, and one as dinner for a total of 45 grams of protein a day. This way, I've gotten most of my protein. For the remaining protein, I eat cheese cubs, cottage cheese or Protein Bars. My doctor has indicated we are not to drink from a straw because too much air is swallowed which results in gas. We were told not to mix fruit with out shakes until at least 6 weeks after the surgery...... Best of luck to you!

I headed back to work after 4 days (I was banded June 13). I was a little sore then but one month later - I don't even feel like I had the surgery. Give yourself a couple more days and the pain should go away. You're not doing any strenous activities - are you? If you are in that much pain - contact your doctor.

I had my surgery on a Friday and returned on Wednesday. Felt pretty good other than a little soreness on the incisions. (I also had a hiatal hernia repaired at the same time.) I think that's enough time.

I was banded on June 13, 2008. My first follow up appointment with my doctor is July 3. Can you tell me how much weight you have lost during the first 3 weeks after your banding? I haven't weighed myself but can tell my pants are just a tiny bit looser but don't look like I've lost any weight.