inneedofhelp

Hi Everyone, I was banded by Dr. Von Rueden on Feb 6, 2009.

I started looking around for a PS, because once I lose 20 more pounds I want to pursue a Tummy Tuck. The question is how close are the finished results to the predicted results during the consultation expectation? The Dr did a great presentation showing me what he can do, but is that an accurate expectation? The take a current picture and show how they will remove the skin show an expected results. I guess after having 7 children and being over weight I am having a hard time believing that I could ever look like that with the skin removed. Thank in advance for your answers.

Dr. Von Rueden's group meet's the third Wednesday of the month.

They have a set fee for a year of services that the office provides. The services include nutrional counseling, behavorial counseling, monthly support group meeting, exercise opportunities..... a good range of services. If you go to one of his informational sessions at St. Agnes he includes the current price in the information packet that he sends you home with. His staff coordinated with the insurance company and got me through the whole process in three months. I am currently 5 1/2 months out and feeling fantastic. I had my second fill last week and I am hoping that can jump start my weight loss, I am hoping to lose another 20 pounds before the year is up.

Had my first fill today! On liquids for 48 hours, so then I'll know how I'm feeling.

You weight loss is fantastic. You are an inspriation.

I have BCBS Carefirst and I went through Dr. Van Reuden at St. Agnes Hospital.

I feel the same way. I have been losing 2lbs a week, so I guess I should be happy, but I keep thinking I should be losing more. When I went to the Dr's he said it was great, I just wish my goal were closer.

I was banded on February 6th, and have lost 32 pounds as of this morning.

I would do it again in a heartbeat! :tt1:

Congtratulations on your approval :thumbup:

Ale78 I am in a similar position, so the only people who know are my husband and my sister. I did not want to deal with the judgemental people that I call family. A family friend had surgery and they have done nothing but roast this person, because she sisn't lose the weight they thought she should. Of course at picnic's and dinner's its her plate is always a topic of discussion. So.... I lied and told everyone I needed to have a hernia fixed. I was banded 2/6 and feeling great. I am trying very hard to get my Water and protein's in. Yesterday I managed to get 32ozs of water, 8 ozs of Protein shake and 3 tablespoons of cream soup down. I feel stuffed no matter what I put in. I am thoroughly craving scrambled eggs, but can't have them until Monday. Good Luck.

Welcome to the forum. I was banded on 2/6. Like you I am looking forward to moving past the full liquid phase. I am honestly dying for a scrambled egg. Good luck!

Actually I have the Realize Band, it was a surprise. I thought I was getting the Lapband, but woke up with other. Not a big deal. I'm easy going and wasn't attached to one or the other. I am looking forward to going online and getting that support set up. I need to get the doctors code before I can set up an account. I only have my band number, so I can't get very far. How has you success been? I know I don't feel very hungry and fill up quickly. The doctor advised to drink 3ozs every hour, but I can't. I fill up quickly. I had an 1oz of cream of crab Soup and am full. I am sure things will loosen up as the swelling goes down. I go back on 2/11 for a follow-up.

Hi Sara, Welsome to the forum. I was banded 2/6, so I am a newbie. I am the married mother of 7 children and 2 Labrador retrievers. I live in Maryland. Just wanted to say hi and good luck. N

Welcome to the Forum! I just wanted to stop in and say hi. Have you had any luck finding a Surgeon? N

Welcome Vanglo23! My sister and I started the process together on 11/4. I have CAREFIRST she has KAISER. I was banded on 2/6, because Carefirst would allow outside diets to count as the six months. My sister in going to her third visit with the dietician this week. She sometimes finds the wait depressing, because there are so many additional processes to go through. She is crossing her fingers to be banded by May or June. Keep your eye on the prize, six months isn't a long wait compared to the benefit of being banded. Good Luck with your journey, and welcome to the forum. n

Welcome to the board Greg! This forum is full of useful information and good people. Good Luck with your journey. N

maybe you could add a little skim milk to them?

The pillow and ice chips are #1 & #2 on my list. My doctors provided pre-surgery support, so there weren't too many things that he didn't go over. He did surprise me with a Realize Band instead of the Lapband, so I can't wait to ask why. I wasn't prepared for the full feeling all the time. I sip Water all day and haven't been hungry. I drank 3 ozs of a Protein shake and feel stuffed. It a good thing.

I was banded Friday! I am happy I did it. Still in some pain around the port incision, but really feeling better than I thought. I have been trying to walk more to get the gas moving around, but all in all it went well. I am trying hard to keep up on my liquids, but I feel full all the time, so its hard. I get to move to full liquids today, so I am excited about that. Hope everyone else is feeling well!

I was banded Friday, and it was easier than I thought. I still have some pain when I stand up, where the port is located, but all in all it wasn't bad. I slept most of the day friday, getting up and taking 10 minute walks every 4 hours. I would take my pain medicine and go back to bed. Saturday I just took Tylenol during the day. I went out to a movie yesterday, the hardest part was the drive. If you go out remember your pillow. Good luck!

Hi, I am looking for a Buddy/Mentor to got through this process with me. I am a married, female with 7 children ages ranging from 20-1. I live in Maryland and work outside of the home. I am being banded by Dr. von Reuden on February 6, 2009. Thanks in advance! N

I would love to have you as a Buddy! I am just looking forward to beginning my journey. I am being banded at 8:45 am at St. Agnes Hospital by Dr. von Reuden. Wow 131 pounds, that alone is motivating. My email is redmanx5@aol.com, please feel free to get in touch. Thank you again and I look forward to getting to know you and learn more about your WLS.

Reading material.... hadn't even crossed my mind. Glad I read your post. I have been so busy buying things to drink, I completely forgot about needing something to do. The kids are with my sister for the weekend, so I will be bored out of my skull with out something to read. I need to run by the book store. I did buy Fuze slenderize drinks.... I am going to see how they taste with the Protein powder. Good Luck on Friday if I don't hear from you guys before.