haroldrussi

I was not approved until TRICARE put the approval in the system which stated approved for lapband. So far it appears from what you have stated is that you are approved for consultation with the WLS. TRICARE in my case approved me at 120lbs over my recommended weight but I have read on this site they disapprove people that are only 99lbs over their recommended weight so If you are close either cheat(add weight to clothes) or gain so you are at least 100lbs over (I didn't really say to cheat the insurance did I???) but be aware they look that close but go on the recommendation of the WLS. My wife and I started the process on Dec 3, 08 and I got my band on 4 March 09. She changed her mind and is getting the bypass on 6 April 09. I was completed first because I am a chicken and might have backed out if she had too much pain. Other than the port site pain I am doing great. and I am told the port site pain is normal as long as it does not turn hot and red. Good luck on your approval with TRICARE but I think you can get it approved, If denied keep trying....

Are you keeping a record of what you are eating (writing it down) and recording the calories to know how much you are really eating. I have been keeping under 1000 calories and have lost 10 lbs since the band was installed. It has not been the easiest but I really want this to work. commitment Sorry if that sound rough, its not meant to be....

My Dr includes the first 90 days (fills or visits) as part of the surgery and follow-up so maybe you can get your first two fills hidden from medicare that way then the third fill according to medicare's rules.

To start with I have contacted my Dr. office for advice but nothing back yet. I had my surgery on 4 March and know that I am still healing but the port site not the incision site which is below the "port is bulging" (visible without palpation). Some movements cause pain like I would think being stabbed with a knife would be like. If I apply direct pressure I can move around just fine. Do you-all consider this a normal post surgery condition or should I be more concerned and hound the Dr. office for an answer. I am inclined to just wait for them to contact me or for my appt. with my PCP on Thursday.

I baked a potato, used just half and mashed it, then added cottage cheese to end up with about 1/2 cup and it went down great and with a little salt and pepper tasted great as well (my sodium was low for my last blood test so salt is ok for me)

I also had some minor problems drinking liquids after the banding but it only lasted about the first week. I could have my liquid drinks but had to drink them very slowly. My realize C band was restricted to begin with according to the swallow test done the morning after the band ws installed. I guess some of the swelling has gone down because I can now add mushies slowly with no back up. I am still having trouble with not drinking with my small meals.

Thanks that is what I was hoping that the issue was and not a problem. Like I said I know I just had surgery and should expect some pain.

As everyone above stated the scars if still red will tan different than the surrounding skin and cause them to stand out if you plan to xpose your tummy. I have also read that during the scar healing time UV rays can permanently discolor the scar tissue making it hard to hide them in the future. So the best recommendation is to protect the scar tissue from the UV rays.....

I agree, ISOPURE mixed with Water is bad but much better mixed with milk. The unflavored with chicken or beef bouillon was also good for me.....

Ibuprofen is usually not recommended but if you call your Dr. he might allow advil liquid tabs which is what my Dr said I could take to supplement the Lortab for additional pain relief. (check with your Dr)

It has only been a week since the surgery but at this time I am sure I would do it again. If it works like I know it will I will surely be convenced to do it again.

I will have to remember to ask for child or senior meals and show my Realize Lapband card to see if I can get them to allow it. Thanks for the suggestion!!!

After reading a bunch of these threads I see we might not loose much at all till we get a fill or two. Just a little more than a week you most likely still have a lot of water weight like I do. I have only lost about 3lbs since the surgery as well but I lost 20lbs during the liquid diet prior to the surgery. I think this is what they call bandster hell while we are waiting for our fills. I hope this helps and good luck with you weight loss..... Did you get the realize band and if so have you also been to the realizemysuccess web site???

I checked in at 0630 and prep for surgery was completed at 0845. I got into surgery around 0930 and woke up in recovery at 1300. I was told that instead of the 30 minutes it usually takes it took 90 minutes. I had an extra artery running by the location that the Realize band was to be placed feeding the liver and the Dr. had to move it so the band did not block the blood flow to the liver. I got to my room by about 1330 and asked for ice or water. All they gave me was a wet sponge on a stick. So at 1430 I asked to be allowed up so I could start walking the halls. I was told that either way I was spending the night but if I thought I could that it would be OK if someone walked with me (my wife came with me) We walked till 1500 and then I asked for more pain meds and asked for Ice again and this time got a half of a coffee cup of ice. By 1900 I still had not urinated but 100ml so here came the foley cath. which got an additional 700ml. Boy was that unpleasant and painful about 1" in and about 8" in. I hope that never is needed again. I got it removed about noon the next day and ws released around 1500 the day after surgery.

I have friends who think I am just fine at the weight that I am and don't think I need to loose it at all. I on the other hand know that I was at least 100lbs overweight or my insurance would not have covered the surgery. So I think the medical community knows more about the proper weight we need to be at than most non-professionals. I hope that helps you and gives you something to say back to them the next time they make those comments....

330lbs is the limit, both my wife and daughter have tried and the Wii will not allow them to use Wii fit...

Did you bite your lip or somthing else or did you bite the stick and loosen a tooth. If none of these pertain then I still contend that you should call your Dr. He will most likely ask the same questions but one big note in my discharge summary was if I got blood up that I should call or go to the ER.

Contact Dr first. but was this just from your drool or did you throw up???

I am just counting carbs, I don't have to count as high (HAHAHA)

I'm sure my wife enjoyed my extended deployments during my 24 years in the AF (HAHAHA) but now I work as a contractor for the AF and still go on deployments so she still get to enjoy them. I hope he gets back safely and you have met all your goals you wanted to meet during his absence to really surprise him on his return. Good luck on all the tests and I hope things get better.

The same with me, they told me I could start walking at my one week post op check up and I had to respond that I was already walking a mile a day because it had been told to walk to decrease the gas problem so I walked a lot. The Dr decided that was ok but to still restrict lifting to 25lbs. I lifted a 24pack of sodas for the office yesterday and climbed into the back of the office van and pulled my stitches (nothing pulled out just stretched them a little) so I was sore last night. I learned a lesson for sure. I won't do that again for a while. But still went for my walk... Maybe a longer one today...

Have you received your blood work yet, did your Dr suggest any more information yet. Just worried about you. I was telling my wife about your problem last night and we are both waiting to hear what your Dr has to say. The post hosptial should give you (free with test strips) a glucometer so you can test yourself if they think your were hypoglycemic which is what it sure sounds like to everyone who has responded to your post...

My blood sugar prior to the band would be above 125 after fasting 12 hours so they told me I am diabetic (VA clinic, retired AF) and that was about 8 years ago. There is a blood test "AIC" which does not require fasting because it (laymans terms) tells the history of your blood sugars which your Dr might have also done. Up until 8 months ago I did on take any meds or drugs for the diabetic condition. At that time I had a drug show up in the mail without any comments from the VA Dr so I had to call to find out what gives. I have not taken any diabetic meds since my band (again only a week) and my blood sugars have all been good.

I was told that to start with 1/4 cup total food and after a while the pouch would allow up to 1 cup. I just started mushy food (only a week since my band so instructions are still clear) and a 1/4 cup more than fills me up and it takes me 20-30 minutes to even get that down.