lindas0809

Belly- I was banded at Johns Hopkins Bayview last month and had a very good experience. They do not charge a program fee -one of the reasons I went there. My insurance has covered everything except a few co-pays, so much less than $2500. I know that U of M does not have a fee either, but they just started doing bands and I felt more comfortable at Hopkins. Let me know if you have any questions.

I'm sorry to hear your having it so rough. I will say I was surprised by how much pain I was in the first few days after- especially when I would read about people going back to work two days later- no way. I would call your Dr., they may give you other meds or want to check you out. Once some swelling goes down you'll eat a little more. I had a pretty similar experience for a few days, little sleep, lots of meds for pain. Now I'm doing great and love my band. I hope things start to get better for you.

Abingdongirl, I think you were probably venting, so please don't take our concern over your reluctance as being mean, but we've been on the other side of surgery and know it takes a lot of commitment. I was exactly opposite of you and had to fight to get my band because my surgeon wanted me have RYN. For me personally RNY was second best because I knew what I needed to be successful. I'd seen friends with RYN lose tons, but never change their relationship with food(which I'm trying to do). Like everyone else has said the surgery you choose is very personal. I wish you luck with your journey- do as much research as possible on the band and be ready for the lifestyle change.

Sugar Free Fudgesicles! They give you a chocolate fix and are only 40 calories.

It's totally normal to be so scared, but mushies rock after liquids. I loved pureed chili with a little sour cream, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat. When I first started with mushees it didn't take much to fill me up, so you probably won't overeat. Good luck - they will taste so great.

Hi Cathy! I 'm glad to hear you're doing so well. I had surgery on 6/5 and had my first fill 7/16. I'm like you, I feel a little restriction, but definitely need a second fill(scheduled for 7/30). I'm in MD too - Elkridge and had surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview. Keep in touch - let me know how it's going.

I'm curious about the responses on this thread. I do have type 2 Diabetes(for about a year), I was banded six weeks ago. I have some days when I still take a very low dose of Glipizide, but some I don't (if my sugar is high), but the last few weeks it been good. I'll probably have to go through 1 or 2 Ac1 tests, but my PC Dr. is hoping when I get 40 pounds off I'll reverse it. My surgeons did encourage RNY since I'm diabetic (and high BMI), but respected my decision to get band. Getting rid of my diabetes is main my goal with the band.

Hey guys where are you getting the papaya enzyme? A health food store?I'm starting to get fills and thought I'd be prepared.

Good luck with your surgery!! This site is a great resource.

I have to say after reading a lot of peoples stories on this site I vastly underestimated my recovery time. Luckily my surgeon will not approve anyone to return to work until their two week post op appointment. I could have worked a week after surgery, but I'm glad I took the extra week off. I would say take as much time as you can- even if you feel great physically there's a lot to get your head around mentally after surgery. Good luck!

I hate to be a downer, but I had my first fill yesterday(5 cc's) and don't feel much difference. My Dr.'s office stresses 5-6 mini meals in the beginning if hunger is too much and I do feel better when I have a string cheese in the afternoon between lunch and dinner. Don't get too discouraged - we're all there. I'm hoping my second fill in two weeks helps.

Your story sounds like mine. I've always been heavy. I'm certainly not an expert yet, but so far I'm glad I made the decision to get the band. My personal mantra/goal is that this is not my ten millionth diet it is me changing my relationship with food. I still want to be able to eat normally, just smaller portions, I don't want "bad" foods or off limits to rule my life. Good luck with your decision!

Hi fholt! It sounds like you've done great in a year - over 80 pounds. Everyone here is very supportive, so hopefully you'll get some new motivation. Feel free to send me a message if you ever want to chat.

Good luck Big Momma!! I did the same thing, had an appointment in 2007 chickened out and then started working on it again last year. I had surgery last month and feel great. I hope all goes well for you.

I had surgery on the June 5th also and has lost 15 pounds since. I think any loss is great now before we have restriction.

I was banded 6/5 and my Dr. gave me clearance to swim on 6/22- so a little over three weeks. I'm sure it depends a lot on well your incisions are healing.

Hey - I'm so happy you're a June bandster. I was banded June 5th and doing well- sounds like you are too. Feel free to contact me as a June buddy. We also have a social group called June Journeys you should join.

Congratulations!!! I have Aetna and the approval process and everything after surgery has been great. I see you're in Laurel, I live in Elkridge- where are you having surgery? Good luck to another MD girl!!!

No way I could have worked in that short of time, but a lot of people do. I don't think you know until after surgery and can see how your body reacts. Good luck!

Definitely call your Dr. !That doesn't sound right, is it possible your band was insert with a some fill (some surgeons do that). I'm at the three week mark too and have little restriction- officially in bandster hell. Good luck and keep us posted.

Yes, I don't think I had one until I started mushies about a week after surgery. I urge you to keep up on the colace!!! I stopped after I went off meds and not too be to graphic but had one of the most painful experiences of my life one morning on the toilet. :blushing:I thought I was going to pass out.

Hopefully the BMI issue won't delay you. I can tell you that in my case because of a mistake my papers were sent in without my former Dr.'s records, so it was really just 1 year of weight history submitted and they approved me with no problems. I don't know if it was because my BMI was so high (49) or if it helped that I had a comorbidity, but either way I was really lucky. Good luck to you- it sounds like you are being realistic about your timeline.

Christina, I have Aetna and had no problem getting approved after doing the 6 month plan. I had surgery early this month and they have been good throughout. It can seem like it takes forever sometimes, but hang in there. Linda

Hi Jaimie! Welcome! I was banded June 5th at JHU - Bayview - it went really well. I have heard good things about GBMC - I almost went there because I work in Towson. Do you have a date yet? It sounds great that you and your husband are doing this together - it will help. Feel free to send me a message if you want to talk. Good luck - Linda