Maggifer

Hi! I was banded in Topeka, KS. I'm about 8 hrs away from Chicago (driving) or a quick 1 hour flight! My total cost was $13,500. This includes 3 years of fills and 3 years of post op care. I am a self pay too. The surgery was outpatient and I was home that afternoon! I'm not sure what else I could add, but if you have any questions feel free to PM me:) Good luck!

I have the 100 calorie bags, and I can't always finish them. I think they are correct in the calories? But I'm not sure... But I do love popcorn :biggrin: It's been a great snack when needed!

Hey! Welcome to the site I was banded about 2 months ago and with my pre op and post op I've lost a total of 23 lbs. I'm stalling now for some reason, but I've only had 1 fill and haven't hit my 'sweet spot' yet. Good luck on your journey!

We have the exact same surgeon and facility! I love Dr. Berntsen, she is amazing Next time you are in town for a fill or something maybe we could meet up for lunch or dinner?

Thank you so much Joann! I appreciate your honesty:smile: I had a feeling it would take another fill or two (maybe more) until I have good restriction. I'll just keep on trucking making good food choices and sticking to my exercise.

Hi everyone! I was banded with my Realize Band on January 14, 2009. So far I'm down 23 lbs, and I've had one fill. Currently I have 3 cc's in and I have some restriction, but not as much as I want. I can still eat more than 1 cup of food per meal. I go in for my next fill on March 23rd. I love, love, LOVE the website associated with this band. I log my daily weight and exercise, as well as keep my food journal on there. I will admit it was a huge 'bonus' for me to have the online access, as that is why I chose Realize vs Lap Band. I am curious, did it take everyone awhile to feel restriction with your fills? Or did you start feeling good restriction after your first fill?

Thankfully no meat has proven difficult for me to eat, however an hour or later after eating I get wicked bad gas. Does anyone else have this issue?

Eartha- Are you getting banded at Tallgrass in Topeka? I was banded there on January 14th and had my first fill yesterday. Trust me, the pre op diet is the WORST part of the whole journey. Keep on trucking

Lellow- I'm 6 weeks post op and going in for my first fill tomorrow. This post is JUST the 'kick' I needed to stay focused. I was starting to let my nasty, critical self in, saying I was losing weight too slowly. Hell I've lost 22lbs in 6 weeks, not to bad if I say so myself! Thanks for inspiring me :w00t:

I'm glad I'm not alone either. I have 130 lbs to lose (my personal goal), the doctor said 110. But I would LOVE to be 170 if possible. So far I've been banded 6 weeks and I'm down 22lbs, which feel great I get my first fill on Wednesday, I'm exicted/nervous. I definitely could use some more restriction though. My weight loss has stalled a bit.

I went to a seminar on Oct 11,2008 and I was banded on January 14, 2009. So it was only about 3 months, but I was self pay. I think it all depends on your insurance coverage and requirements.

I have my first fill on 02/25. I'm so nervous but excited! So far I'm down 23 lbs, so I'm happy :thumbup:

Surgery is always as risk, no matter whether it's outpatient or not. I did ALOT of research before I chose the band and I'm so happy I did. I'm not a doctor, but most of the research I found said that approximately 1 out of every 350 people who have Gastric Bypass die vs 1 out of every 5,000 people who have the Lap Band. But keep in mind EVERYONE has different medical histories and ailments. Just continue to communicate with your husband, and show him how the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks! I wish you much luck:) -Maggie

I was also banded with the Realize Band on January 14th! I don't have my first fill until February 25th, but so far so good. I'm on soft foods for another week and a half. Then I can start 'normal' foods. Everyone's diet is different. All of our bodies are different. I'd listen to your doctor!

Good luck tomorrow! Remember this surgery is about YOU getting healthy. To hell what your family thinks! Have they ever been obese? At first everyone was a little hesitant when I told them I was having surgery, but they've come around. I was banded a week ago TODAY and I couldn't be happier:tongue2: I wish you a healthy and smooth recovery!!

Good luck to you! I was banded yesterday morning and I'm feeling pretty good. Please keep us posted :thumbup: And from my experience, the pre op diet was the WORST part. Hehe

WendyMary: I'm just 24 hours post op and I'm feeling great! My stomach just feels like I've done about 10,000 crunches though :thumbup: I've only taken my prescribed pain medicine once, and I have liquid Tylenol if I need a little something. I don't want to take my pain medicine unless it's absolutely necessary. No gas pains so far, and I'm hoping it stays that way! I'm not sure how old you are, I'm 27, and my doctor said that may help my recovery go a little smoother. So far I have no complaints! I'd say if you're feeling as good as I do 24 hours after surgery, you'll be good to go 72 hours after. Given you take some pain medicine and do what the doctor says. Good luck to you! This is an amazing journey. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me :thumbup: Sincerely, Maggie

Hey everyone! I had my surgery this morning at 8am, and I was home by noon:rolleyes: I am so thrilled I did this, and I have NO regrets. Now I'm just looking forward to healing and then taking better care of myself once I can eat solid foods. I do have a quick question though. If you have shoulder and gas pain, would you wake up from it immediately post op? Or am I likely to have it tomorrow or something? I know you all aren't doctors, I'm just wanting to know other peoples experiences. Because if I feel as good as I do now, my recovery will be ALOT better than I was thinking!!!

The quotes they've given you Policeman does seem REALLY high. My insurance doesn't cover my banding, and I'm a self pay. The total for me is only $13,500. I'd definitely look into financing and I'd sure as hell shop around for a different surgeon!

I'm having my surgery tomorrow, and I can say my BIGGEST fear is that I'll fail, yet again. Hell, I've been dieting since I was 13 and now I'm doing this. I've gained and lost 75+lbs a few times, and how will I know this time it'll be different? It will be different for a multitude of reasons, but the biggest will be the fact that I can't 'gorge' like I used to:)

Welcome!!! (from one Maggie to another) :thumbdown: I have my surgery in 2 days, and I can't wait. I too have PCOD, but i'm quite a bit larger than you. I'm currently right at 300lbs. It's been a long 4 month journey for me, but it's so worth it. Best of luck!