RestlessMonkey

Full for me is very different from the bloated stuffed way I used to feel. Now I eat slowly and at some point hit a spot where I think...OK one more bite and I'm going to PB it back up. The "full" feeling is around my band or in my esophagus, not down in my "stomach". And I truly don't get hungry again for HOURS. No food seeking, no stomach growling (except some normal digestion sounds) I CANT physically eat like you still can but .5 ccs ago I could. I think you aren't properly filled yet.

now you know why people say the band isn't the easy way out. Restriction for me has been the key but I don't like Chardonnay! You know restriction won't stop that. you have to, if you are cheating and ashamed of it. Restriction takes care of true physiologic hunger. The rest of it, you have to deal with. Maybe some therapy would help you?

I will say this...when I was 16 I got a bladder infection. I always drank tea (even then) never water. It hurt like the DEVIL! Our family doc told me If I would make sure to drink at least a few glasses of plain water each day I'd never get another. He said beverages leave sediment I have no idea if they do or if the science has evolved but I can tell you I'm 54 now and have NEVER had another bladder infection by drinking some water each day. So I agree we don't really need 64 oz, I think drinking some is good for you.

I can (and have) downed buckets of unsweetened tea (no lemon) daily and not lost as well as I do when i make SURE I get 64 oz of water a day. My band restriction is more consistent, my skin is looking better (which i thought was just a bunch of bunk propogated by pro-water anti-tea people LOL) and so on. I've become a water convert. I still drink my tea, but only after I get my 64 oz of water in each day.

Because I knew someone who got the surgery in 2003, I have wanted it/not wanted it/wanted it for a LONG time. By the time I was in my PCP's office and he said "You need to do something or it's all going to hell for you" I was ready with a big R. I can say I have not honestly once since that point had a single solitary doubt. I love my band.

I understand your concerns and don't honestly think you're being even a little paranoid; I've read some true horror stories here about people being denied because their BMI was 39.9 instead of 40 for example (not specifically w/Aetna...but just any ins) However...if you can find it in writing, then you have a legal ground to demand your rights. I called my ins, Tricare, 3 times and each time was told "no we don't cover lap band" . Then I got a military flyer discussing how tricare had covered it since Jan 1! I don't know if those 3 agents were intentially lying or just hadn't gotten updated training (and were too lazy to look) So..I understand your reticence. But it's something we all eventually have to bite the bullet and go through. Some people get so frustrated they just "self-pay". Not all companies are so inaccessible, though. Hopefully your experience will be a good one. Once I had proof that tricare paid, I actually was approved in under 48 hours. So good luck!

I have no idea why your doc won't tell you; ask him! (or her!) I can say that especially being a medical type myself, I wouldn't tolerate not knowing. It's info about me and what is in my body; I have a right to know that info. Some people don't care and that is their right and prerogative; we do what works for us. Me? You aren't coming at me with a needle until I know what's in it, how much, and what it's supposed to do. i don't care WHO you are! LOL So ask. I think legally he HAS to tell you. If he won't and you feel (like me) you have a right to know, you can report him or find another fill doc.

I think you should probably defer to the doc about a fill amount, especially since you don't yet know about what size band, what a "cc" is, etc. It can be dangerous if you are filled too much too fast (jury is out with docs in both camps) If your doc is one that believes fast aggressive fills can cause issues he likely won't speed up the process just because you ask. Conversely if he is one of the ones who believes in quick restriction, then you'll be getting that anyway, And yes it's common to not lose unless you are dieting the old fashioned way until you get restriction. Good luck; your doc can tell you about your band, what brand, how much it holds etc if you want to know. Again, some people want to know, some couldn't care less as long as it works. Both sides are right in their own way! Good luck on your first fill!

Welcome! Honestly you're going to have to call the ins, I think. Employers can modify policies, as can state laws etc, and so one person's Aetna coverage is not necessarily YOUR Aetna coverage. Call and find out what the requirements are. They are probably listed in your book but who keeps those things? Perhaps if your ins has a website you can check there. Many policies which DO cover banding require, with a BMI of 35 to 40, that you have a comorbidity or two. I'm honestly not sure what they are, but again it varies by policy. Good luck; start your journey with a call to insurance. I hope it works out for you! For years I put this off because my insurance didn't cover it. I finally decided I was worth the price of a compact car and started the ball rolling when I received info that my insurance WOULD begin finally to cover, retroactive to 1/1/2008. So even if your ins won't cover, don't despair.

I just wanted to reiterate how important I think restriction is. Getting to the "sweet spot" is just short of miraculous. Fully 1/2 of my total loss to date has happened since 5/7 when I finally hit it at 6.5 cc in my 14 cc band. NOW I know what all the fuss is about. So to new bandsters I'd say hang in there and keep a good fill schedule; don't give up, don't lose heart. Some can and do successfully diet in the interim; I didn't, but the sweet spot is called that for a reason. Your whole outlook on food changes when you hit it.

I was my own worst critic and went through all the "why can't I just lose on my own" etc. Once I resolved all that and started the process, no one has questioned me. HOWEVER one reason may be how large I was at the start: at 405 people probably thought "well at least she's doing SOMETHING" :party: At any rate everyone I've told has been nice, kind, and curious about how it works. It's been a great experience.

I think he's wrong. Statistically 5 years out, gastric bypass patients are down 60% of their excess ON AVERAGE, bandsters down 55% of their excess ON AVERAGE. That 5% isn't worth gastric unless you want it. Here's a link to a website where I got my stats: Lap-Band vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery Actually at your weight, depending on your height, you sound like an ideal band candidate. Go to an informative seminar (or two...pick docs/centers covered by your ins) and if you like what you hear, pursue it. Your primary perhaps has old data.

I eat steak well done. It is good! I take small bites (not tiny, just small, about 2/3 to 1/2 the size of an old bite) and chew it well. I just had steak tonight in fact! A prime ribeye! However I ate about 2-3 oz of it and was done. Full. Isn't that grand? I can eat anything still, but like Parrothead Cathy said, some can't. I have good restriction and can go 6 hours or more without any hunger. I too drink caffeine (1 cup coffee w/sugar free creamer then unsweet iced tea) because my doc too had it on the "don't" list because of appetite stimulation. It doesn't stimulate mine (in fact for some people it suppressed appetites) I DO make sure I get at least 64 oz of water each day, though, and my morning coffee comes after my first 16 oz of water. no tea until I get the 64 oz water in. Otherwise we eat like we did, I just don't eat much of it. Now that I have restriction I'm doing really well. What I don't drink and may never, though, is anything carbonated. I've tried it; the first time it was sip, burp burp BURP for 5 minutes sip BURP BURP you get the picture. If I drank an ounce I'd be shocked. This last time was a week ago; I drank about 1/3 of a beer and was done. It just "almost" hurt each time I took a swallow. I don't like beer enough (or anything carbonated) to have to delicately drink it, mindful of my pouch and how I'm feeling. Some people can drink carbonation, some let it go flat first (well YUK) i just pass on it. Who knows a few years from now; but for now I can say it is truly the only thing I feel I may have given up. What I've gotten in return was well worth the trade.

I agree, tell your doc. I "cheated" on my preop diet, lost 15 pounds (so surgeon thought I'd done as he asked) and did not get my band because of my liver. My doc was upset because it never happened to him before. He told me "I tried and tried but I was afraid i was going to nick your liver. I am SO SORRY" Until I admitted to him what i had done. Bless him he wasn't happy but he knows we're human. I promised I would do EXACTLY as he said and he said "then I'll band you any day you ask (he usually only bands 1 day a week) 17 days and 17 MORE POUNDS (I did as he told me and weight dropped off) and I got the band. Moral? Wish I'd done what I was supposed to the first time. It would've been easier on me and my pocketbook. I should've told my doctor what I did and let HIM make the call. It's possible 1 wendy kids meal won't hurt you if you get right back on the wagon. In fact, it's actually pretty likely! But tell your surgeon. Let him either soothe your fears or put your surgery off for a bit. It seems awful I know but believe me, coming to in recovery without the band because your liver was too big is WORSE.

Good luck LindsaySue! And realize a lot of the bandster "rules" become much easier once you have restriction (which may or may not take a while depending on your doc and situation, so keep that in mind) For example I wouldn't drink with a meal now if you paid me; it hurts! And same with a carbonated beverage; not worth it! Not everyone has the same ease post op but I can eat anything, small bites are easy, I chew to mush by habit now, and so on. So hang in there; you are doing well and will surely be one of the powerhouse bandsters!

I had a 3-week long diet that was several of a specific Protein shake and one special meal a day. I didn't really know I had a large liver until I did NOT get the band because I cheated on the preop diet. I thought the point was weight loss and lost 15 pounds doing my own atkins-type thing. BUT I didn't lose the right 15. I did exactly EXACTLY what my doc told me from 8/13 to 8/29 and lost 17 MORE pounds (to my shock and pleasure) and that time I was banded just fine. It depends on the person and the doc. If you do just what your doc says, DO NOT CHEAT, you'll be fine. I read on here over and over about people who cheated and were fine. I KNOW no one meant to do me harm. But I was that one in a thousand or whatever that did NOT get away with it, so .... follow your docs orders. Trust him to know what you need to do! If you're worried, talk to him about your concerns about a large liver and see what he has done to make sure you're covered. It's rare; my surgeon said I was his first "failure" due to liver size (how special was THAT?) but it can and does happen. You'll be fine!

My wonderful surgeon covered various bariatric surgeries and the success rates (and successful "reversal" rates) of each. He then went into more detail on the 2 he performs, banding and bypass. He described his "credentials" including how often he's done each surgery, what type of band he prefers/uses and why, etc. He discussed the procedure and life style changes required by each. He discussed the negative side effects (like hair loss and slippage, death...) and how much and how severe each is for his patients. Then he had a Q & A time (very patient) and THEN that great guy took another 20 min to just talk to my husband about it all (Husband is an RN who worked in a GI lab and was against it but was all for the band after doc and he talked and doc addressed his concerns) Afterward if we wanted we could immediately schedule a follow up appt, or we could take our time. No hard sell whatsoever. I immediately felt at ease and valued as a person, not just a patient.

Thanks...I've lost over 22 pounds since I FINALLY found restriction on 5/7. So I got off to a slow start but I think I'm making up for lost time! My doc had a very specific diet he put me on that I "cheated" on by doing my own thing. I lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks (I was pleased with that) but when I came to, confessed, and promised to do what he told me (and did what he told me) I lost another 17 pounds. The diet is very strict but works; it is this: I drank at least 64 oz of Water. I drank 2-3 EAS Carb Control Advant-Edge shakes a day, and for dinner I ate 3-4 oz of lean fish, chicken, or turkey (usually Gorton's baked fish) and up to 1 cup of green veggies (usually steamed green beans). That's it. No butter no breading no ketchup no diet crystal light no coffee no sugar free iced tea...just water (plain) the shakes (2-3) and the "meal". It works like a charm if you stick to it.

Becky so glad for you! You're doing wonderfully!

Yes you are naked but you won't know it; it won't matter, and if you are going to a surgeon who does this type of surgery often then they've all seen people as large as, and larger than, you are. Older, more wrinkly, etc. Ask your doc about swimming. Because of the incisions some are told to stay away from baths, pools, hot tubs, in other words immersion, for up to 6 weeks. See what your surgeon says. Sex...ask your doc. I wish I had realized how very very important fills are. I wish I could've gotten to restriction faster (finally am feeling it in May , fill #7, 9 MONTHS! after surgery) I wish I'd known how long it might take. I was starting to get discouraged when FINALLY! it happened. The proper fill level is what makes the band work; otherwise it's just pricey plastic in your abdominal cavity.

You haven't answered but if, in fact, you do mean the "Realize" band instead of "elise", as Parrothead Cathy assumed, then here's a link to a really helpful website. The page I've given you lays out a comparison between the two types of bands Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band

I agree you're probably ok but call your doc and check with him. It isn't uncommon; but that doesn't mean it isn't something that needs treatment.

"Bandster Hell" That period of time post op when you are starving but can't eat because of dietary restrictions (post op diet from liquids to solids, generally over 6 weeks depending on doc) AND/OR the period of time before you finally get restricion and are trying to eat less but are hungry all the time. "Sweet Spot" What my doc calls "the green zone"...when your band is restricted so that you can eat up to about 1 cup of most foods and then feel full for up to 6 hours afterward. It is usually a period when you have your best weight loss (not including any preop diet) "PB" Productive Burp...when you take a bite of something (usually too large a bite, or you are eating too fast) and because of your band and restriction it doesn't go through the stoma (small opening from "upper" to "lower" tummy that is formed by the band). It has to go somewhere and if it won't/can't go on down, it comes back up. Your esophagus spasms and the bite or bolus of food comes back out. It isn't like vomiting because there is no stomach bile included...just the bite of food along with mucous(also called "slime") that coats it to make it smooth and get it out of your body. Hope that helps!

Actually I have never heard of the "Elise" band. Just "Realize" and "Lap Band". You might try googling it.

I think you know the answer to this; if you believe you have a mental block against losing then yes, definitely therapy can help you if you're willing to work on the issues.