kymmie

I would have him talk to the surgeon before taking ibuprofen because my surgeon says to stay away from all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) as they add to ulcer risk

Yes, it comes in liquid form for adults. Here you go.. Extra Strength Pain Reliever / Fever Reducer | Tylenol | Walgreens

Just to give you an idea, here is what my insurance claim for the hospital was: Claim Number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Begin Date of Service: 05/21/2008 Disposition: Adjusted Ending Date of Service: 05/22/2008 Status: Approved Claim Amount Paid: $21,468.30 Payee: Provider Paid Date: 10/09/2008 Charge Line Number: 001 Begin Date of Service: 05/21/2008 Provider Name: ST ALEXIUS HOSPITAL BROADWAY CAMPUS Ending Date of Service: 05/22/2008 Provider Status Code: Preferred Charge Status: Approved Type Of Service: Medical Billed Amount:$828.00 Covered Charge Amount:$828.00 Medicare / Other Ins.:$0.00 Deductible Amount:$0.00 Coinsurance Amount:$0.00 Co-payment Amount:$100.00 Amount Paid:$17,776.85 What You Owe This Provider:$100.00

I flew last week without getting an unfill. I did swell up a little but it wasn't as bad as the swelling I had just after my last fill. I tried yogurt the morning following my flight, and it was painful to get down but no pbing, so on my return flight I stuck with liquids for first 24 hrs and I was fine. However, everyone is different and if you are concerned than go get an unfill.

The first few days after a fill you may feel too tight. Once the swelling has gone down from the fill and any vomiting that may have occurred, re-evaluate your eating and determine if you still feel too tight. Personally, I have to stick with mushies for breakfast, typically yogurt. But the rest of the day I can eat pretty normally for a bander (small portions and I must chew thoroughly). Some food I can only eat in the evening when I am the loosest. It takes time, but you’ll learn the how YOUR band operates.

Yes, my first few fills were a little painful and had left bruising. But once I lost some fat around my belly, it has gotten much easier.

You may be, is it only with certain foods or when you’re in a hurry to eat? Because that is normal, some of us cannot eat bread, eggs, rice, etc…. And if you’re in a hurry you forget to chew well enough. Also after a pbing, you should stay on liquids a few days, because the swelling from pbing can cause you to get tighter, which can leave you on a never ending cycle of pbing. If you don’t think either of those is it, then I would suggest a small unfill. Talk to your doctor.

I also wanted to add that you are not alone. For 4 months I fluctuated between a 32-34 lb weight loss. I only started loosing again after my last fill. Hang in there, you can do this.

I got a fill last week, that night I had no problem eating a salad and yogurt. Next morning milk would not stay down and the rest of the day either had pain or vomiting with liquids. But after a few days of just water and protein shakes I was able to eat solids again.

I am 8 mo. post op, and just had my 5th fill. I finally feel I have reached my sweet spot. Yes, I felt restriction after my last fills, and that prevented me from eating in large portions, but I never stayed satisfied for very long causing me to snack between meals. Everyone is different, most reach their sweet spot sooner but you should be prepared that weight loss with the lap band is a slow process and possibly for 8 mo you will need to use your own self control.

I was actually wondering if Brockbabe82 had the standard plan, because $15 co-pays sounds pretty good.

Do you have the standard option?

The fills have been $70, I think because there is a percentage max... since the actual charge for the fill was only $150.

I also have BC/BS Federal, the basic plan. I agree it is fairly easy to get insurance approval Although, I am getting charged a surgury co-pay with each fill, when I had expected to just pay for a specialist visit. Wouldn't be so bad, but I've had 5 fills and that cost adds up (but I think I finally hit my sweet spot).

I haven't felt any discomfort today, but I have been really careful because I'm sure the vomiting had caused me to get too tight and I don't want to experience that again. lisainbohemia, if you're still feeling discomfort than I doubt it will get any better as any swelling from the fill should have gone down by now.

I have trouble eating eggs (even scrambled), especially in the morning when I am tightest. If you want to try them, take a small bite and wait to see how it goes down before eating too much.

Last wednesday I got a fill and felt fine that night, the following morning I couldn't keep down liquids at all. I vomited all day. Friday I didn't even attempt to drink in the morning (since that is when I am tightest), then that afternoon I was doing fine with liquids, so I tried some mushy food, but then I began vomiting again. After vomiting, I must have gotten swollen and it was painful to get liquids down again. So, the last two days I didn't eat or drink in the morning, and sipped liquids all afternoon. I am now feeling so much better, I don't think I need to go in for an unfill.

Your doing the right thing by getting back on track with another fill. Don't worry about the weigh-in, your doctor has seen it before (and he'll understand because your unable to exercise). I have been at the same weight for nearly 3 months. I just got another fill, and already I am able to get back on track. Best Wishes

I am 8 mo post-op, and the 1/2 in scars are no more noticeable than my stretch marks. The long one still pretty noticeable.

When I told my boss, he didn't ask why (I don't think he is allowed to) but other co-workers did ask (they were concerned it was something serious), I just told everyone I would like to keep it private and there is no need for them to worry. My boss did say I would have to provide a letter from my surgeon (maybe he thought he would get all the details from that) but my surgeon’s letter simply stated I was under his care and the date I could return to work.

I am having a birthday party for my son tomorrow, he is turning 7 yrs old. So I decided to do it at Chuck E. cheese (since my in-laws are neat freaks and I don't have time to "perfect" my house). It is scheduled for 2 pm so I have time to eat lunch before and I am not tempted to eat any pizza. I also got a veggie platter so there is a healthy option for everyone. The part I am concerned about is the cake and ice cream. I feel obligated to have some because traditionally that is how a birthday is celebrated. Most of my friends and family know I had the surgury and would understand if I said I can't have any.. I just don't know if I can say 'no'.

I was told no eating in between meals because we have to get 8 cups of water a day, but can't drink 30 min before and 30 min after eating. Therefore that takes an hour away that you cannot get your water. So if you eat 3 meals a day, plus a morning and afternoon snack, that is 5 hours of the day you can't drink water... it makes it much harder to get your water in.

I just had my 4 month anniversary 9/21... so if you want to compare my number with yours... My starting weight was 264... lost 12 lbs on pre-op diet and currently at 237 ish (my next fill is next wednesday.. so I will have official number... don't really like counting my numbers from home scale because it is slightly lower than at doctor's office)... anyway that puts me close to a total 27 lbs lost. I think this is normal because we haven't hit our sweet spot yet. Right now I do get full off smaller portions, but it isn't keeping me satisfied until my next meal so I am tempted by snacking.

I guess the idea of having any cake and ice cream is making me feel guilty. I know I will be able to control myself at the party when there will be people there who know I had they surgery and shouldn't be eating much. I am just going to have to ensure I don't have left overs, because if I had it at home, I'll be more tempted when no one is around and that is when I would lose control.

PinePal, I know where you are coming from; it takes a lot of will power. I suggest for pot lucks, volunteer to bring in something healthy. So if nobody else brings in something you can eat, at least you can enjoy your own dish.