Jesangel76

Hello CT Bandsters, Well, I got my surgery on 11/24/08 and all I've lost is 14 pounds. I thought I'd lose more, but I do admit I've been cheating a bit. I don't normally eat what I'm supposed to and now my stomach can hold more food than three weeks ago. I think the bad habits started with Christmas festivities because I was able to hold down more food. There are two people at my job that have gone through the bypass surgery and they're losing weight like crazy. Not saying I should have gone with the bypass b/c I don't regret my decision in getting banded - it's just a little discouraging when you hear one say they've lost 50 pounds in a month's time (although this person is severely overweight). Then it's like they look at me and don't know what to say b/c I barely lost anything.:wink_smile: I've never had a fill and I'm scheduled for my first one on 01/28, but I don't know if I can wait that long. The good thing is that I've been pretty good about going to the gym. But, I need to get my eating under control again. Any suggestions, advice and words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

Hey thanks for the info on PB and sliming. I was wondering what they meant. Thankfully, I have not had any of those problems. I was banded on 11/24 and beginning my 3rd week post-op and I've lost 13 pounds. My only problem is that I can't burp. I rarely burp, but my surgeon says it's normal and that eventually I will again. I have to admit. I haven't been too diligent about my diet. I was supposed to be on liquids for 2 wks, but I started eating solids on the 2nd half of week 2. Now, I'm supposed to be on mushies for a week, but I can eat practially anything without any ill effects. Well, excpet for chicken and steak. I learned that the hard way. OY! I hope I don't pay for this in the future. I just hope I'm one of the lucky ones. Thanks for all your stories and advice!!:tt1:

Hello All, I just got banded on 11/24 and I am feeling bloated. In addition I cannot birp, which is probably why I'm feeling bloated. The birp reaches my neck and for some reason just goes back in and I'm so frustrated! Also, I"m still in pain b/c of the incisions and it hurts when in I take deep breaths. My doc prescribed Roxicet Elixir which is a painkiller/narcotic that pharmacies don't stock, so it had to be ordered and I'm still waiting for it. Not feeling too jazzy! Is any of this crap normal? Your responses would be so appreciated! Thanks!

Congrats!!! I'll bet you're super excited. As for me, I'm also excited and nervous. My surgery is less than 2 wks away. I had my pre-op appt yesterday and I'm all set to go. :thumbup:

Hey there Connecticut Bandsters. I just got my surgery date of 11/24/08 and I'm so excited! It will be at Yale New Haven Hospital and Dr. Duffy will be the surgeon. Anyone out there had their surgeries at YNHH that would like to share stories?

I got my surgery date yesterday!!! I'll be banded on 11/24 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Woo-hoo!!! Congrats to all of you and good luck to ALL OF US!!!

Awesome! It looks like you're well on your way. It's a pain in the arse, but once they say yes and give you the date - you'll finally be able to exhale and relax... I haven't been to any support groups yet. I've been meaning to attend them before my surgery so I can warm myself up to the idea that I will have to include these meetings in my weight loss plan.

Sugerferret - After all the ridiculous hoops I've had to jump with my insurance, I finally got a call back with an approval and surgery date of 11/24. This is so you know that it pays to be persistent. So, don't give up and give em' hell! Best of luck and please keep us all posted on your progression!:thumbup:

Sugarferret - whatever you do, don't give up and please do not get discouraged. I have Aetna and I've had to jump through so many hoops that I"m surprised I haven't reached my goal weight! But I just got my call on Friday that I've been approved and my surgery date will be on 11/24. It pays to be persistent! Best of luck to you and please keep us posted!

Well I guess my prayers were answered b/c I just got approved too! Hooray for both of us! I get banded on 11/24, which just before Turkey Day, but oh well!! :thumbup: Good luck!!!

Wow... yeah, that's completely different. Did you have to go through 6 months of seeing a nutritionist and a psychotherapy evaluation? I had to do that in addition to bloodwork and an abdomen ultrasound to check for gallstones. I got my call on Friday and they've scheduled my appointment for 11/24. So, I'm excitied but at the same time a little nervous b/c it's right before Thanksgiving! How crazy is that?! LOL I have my pre-op appt on 11/12 and I'm guessing this is when they do an EKG and potentially a sleep study test as well... Anyhoo, how have you been progressing?

First off, Let me start off by saying that I am so sorry that you're having to go through this insurance fiasco on top of your health issues. At 258 lbs and 5'5" and a BMI of over 40, plus MS - YOU ARE A PERFECT CANDIDATE! So Kaiser can take a long walk on a short pier! :eek: Insurance companies will say anything to not pay for the surgery, but within reason. Kaiser is obvioiusly lying to you, which seem illegal. As the previous responder - you have to keep at them (insurance and your doc). Your doctor's involvement is critical because they have to write letters and submit paperwork to the insurance companies in order for them to pay. If your doctor feels you're not a candidate, then you absolutely should seek out another doctor. Ask around and so some research in your area, I'm sure you're bound to find a good doctor that will care enough. It will take time, patience and persistence, but if you keep up the fight, Kaiser will pay! :eek: Best of luck to you.

When you get notice of the info session, that usually means that they have all of youru paperwork and is ready for submittal. The info session is a group session that include other potential bandsters. First they check you in, take your picture, weigh you and put you in a room with the other patients. Then the office administrator talks to the group about insurance, blah blah blah.. then Dr. Bell will talk to you all about the actual procedure and what he expects. It's a very LOOOONG session. This is about the time when they submit your paperwork to your insurance company for approval, in which they say takes two weeks for you to get a call back. Today would be my 2 weeks and nothing yet. OY... I think I may have to call my insurance company directly... Anyway, hope this helps.

Well, it's going on 2 weeks since they submitted my paperwork. I'm supposed to get a call back from them tomorrow, 10/23 - but I have a feeling I'll have to call them. Dr. Duffy is great, but the center's administration has been a nightmare for me. No call-backs, no follow-ups and when you do call them back, they don't seem happy about it. they seem unorganized. So, hopefully I'll know tomorrow. Wish me luck!!

I think it would be an excellent idea to have your spouse join you in the consultation. He'll understand the magnitude of your condition if he hears it from a professional. And it's so true about how much you'd save on medication and food once you've lost all that weight. I don't know what comorbidites you may have, but WLS can put an end to all of it. Yes, it's costly, but we're talking about your life. Money can be replaced, but you're life can't. Please try and explain this to your spouse and have him join you on any consultation and/or information sessions you attend. I think he'll be more receptive to the idea if you include him in your efforts. Very Best of luck! :biggrin:

Awesome. I'm getting mine done at Yale too. Still waiting on insurance approval. But, it approved I'm looking at mid November. I hear Dr. Bell is great. I'm having my surgery done with Dr. Duffy at Yale. Good luck!

not all doctors request a diet before surgery. My doctor didn't. So, if you cheated here and there I think you'll be fine as long as you lost something... Good luck.

Good luck to you..

My doc doesn't require any diet, just as long as I don't gain weight from the last time he saw me to the day of surgery. Good luck to you!

Hey there. I got some info from the internet. For me, whey Protein has a much better taste than soy and its easier to digest and absorb and it doesn't sit in your stomach as long as other Proteins. So, it's probably the wiser choice post-op. If you go to the Vitamin Shop or GNC, they have these whey protein powders that you can make into shakes that taste VERY good. chocolate is the best in my opinion. Anyhoo, good luck and I hope this helps! How does whey protein compare to soy protein? A: Here are some of the differences between whey protein and soy protein. Whey protein is a nutritionally complete protein. It contains bioactive ingredients, like immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, that help support the immune system. Athletes prefer whey protein to soy protein due to its rich abundance of branched chain amino acids and its quick absorption rate. These are important to help repair and rebuild muscles after a workout or competitive event. Whey protein has a fresh, neutral taste compared and will not change the taste of foods you add it to. Whey protein does not contain isoflavones or any other components with potential hormonal effects.

Hey there! I'm also from CT! Fairfield County to be exact. 3-months of seeing a nutritionist?! That's awesome. I had to go through 6 months. I just finished them and now am waiting on insurance approval. If approved, I'm looking to get banded in late November at Yale New Haven. Let's wish us both luck!! :smile:

Wow, that's just horrible. Especially when the PA's had the nerve to leave you alone with the syringe sticking out of your tummy. That's so careless! You must have the patience of a saint b/c I would have lost it. :frown: Good luck next time and hopefully they'll be able to do a better job. Although, after your ordeal - you should have the right to request the doctor inject the saline - not the PA's. :smile:

I hear ya! My paperwork was sent to my insurance company a week ago and it takes two weeks for them to determine if I'm approved or denied. I have a week to go and I am nervous that they'll say NO. which shouldn't be the reason b/c I did all I had to do and I qualify. So, I'll pray for the both of us!!! :smile:

Hello there. I'm scheduled for lap band surgery in late November and I wanted to know if excess skin can be avoided after surgery. I know if the weight comes off fast, then excess skin will follow, but I just wanted to hear from those out there who did not have this issue and what did you do to prevent it... Thanks!