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Fat2flat: Take a breath ... you are relatively new to band life and still need to adjust. You say you don't want to lose quick, then the band is the right "tool" for you. You also say that you want to lose faster than you are currently losing ... but you don't say how much you've lost. It is likely that you have not yet reached your sweet spot, so more fills are needed along with diet and exercise. Are you consistently exercising? Have you made "lifestyle" changes where your food is concerned? The band is (for most, for a few the weight falls off like GB) a tool that works only as hard a you work. Please note that "hard" is a relative term, it doesn't have to be hard -- if you are willing and ready to change your life. The good news is that if you are not quite ready to jump into the deep end, but need to walk from the shallow to the deep -- you HAVE the band and it will be there when you get to the deep end. I have always been a slow loser, but I am still very happy with my progress. I had been banded a little over a year before I started exercising consistently. I have a number of health problems that prevent me from doing strenuous exercise, but i do absolutely everything I can -- because I want to reach my goal and I am WILLING to do what it takes. I have been in physical therapy for months building muscle to strengthen my spine which is riddled with a degenerative disease. My ortho says that the only way around this issue is building muscle to take on the work that my spine can no longer do. This is a win, win because you lose more weight when you have more muscle. I would first recommend that you let go of the frustration ... it will only distract you from achieving your goal (i.e., losing weight). As you are working your way to your sweet spot do little things to change your diet, things you can live with; so that when you get to your sweet spot you will have many lifestyle changes already in place. Pay attention to how foods effect you. Some people are very sensitive to carbs and have to stay away from them; others require a more balanced diet to lose weight. Find what works for you ... let this be your focus and before you know it you will be at your sweet spot with a great new lifestyle AND you will lose weight. YOU CAN DO THIS. Be kind to yourself and ... patient. This journey is individual and very personal. What works for one person may not work for another. mamastwo; hate to say this, but fills are really necessary. It took 7 or 8 fills before I was got to my sweet spot. If you don't have time to get your fills, you can't really expect the band to do it's part. Again, the good news is that you have the band and when you have time to get enough fills to get to your sweet spot, your band will do it's part to assist you with weight loss. Don't give up. Try to make yourself a priority in your life so you can work this band. Find the time for fills, exercise and consciously making time to prepare your meals. Don't let frustration overtake you .... that will only put you on a cycle to nowhere ... we've already done that and all we got for our troubles was weight gain. Move as slowly as you need to, but KEEP MOVING FORWARD. Be kind to YOU! All the best to you both on your journey. This is a great website, with great support. Make it happen in 2012!!! ~Fran

I had some tests done a few months ago. At that time I was power walking 3 miles a day (I am currently having some health problems so I have cut back -- temporarily). I recently had a visit with my neurologist, she told me that my tests (from a few months ago) revealed a low heart rate. She was concerned. It did not occur to me that my low heart rate could be from all the exercise. LOL When I see her again I am going to mention that. I hope that is the reason. All the best to you. ~Fran

I have Anthem BCBS or BCBS of California or ... I don't know, it seems the name changes EVERY year. I know at one point (and it's on the "back" of my insurance card) it was called Anthem BCBS. The main office for our firm is in NY, and from what I understand BCBS is different in every state. All that said, I had my surgery in 2009 (happy with results even though I am a slow loser and BCBS paid for everything including a years worth of fills. I would suggest that you go to the website for your particular insurance and check out the pre-requisites. If you have a hard time finding this info, call customer service and they help you find the right web page. It's a good idea to check your insurance website for this info so that your doc's office does not get your insurance requirements mixed up with another insurance. Knowledge IS power and when it comes to medical issues of any kind, it is good to be your own advocate. All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

First, what did your doc say about drinking alcohol? If he/she said "yay", go for it; if "nay" you will have to decide if you want to be a rebel. I haven't had any ill effects, but I am not much of a drinker either. Even before banding alcohol just didn't agree with my stomach. Now, before you hear all the "drinking is empty calories, why would you do that so early in your journey", let me just say this ... you're birthday comes once a year (although some would argue it also comes "every" year), if you want to have a drink, do so. That said, be careful because the consensus is that it takes less to "feel it" once you have the band. That has been my experience as well. Also, don't over do it. This is a good time start being conscious about what you eat/drink. Lastly, if you decide to get "blasted" (being your birthday and all), don't freak out when you don't like the numbers on the scale next week. In fact, don't weigh for a week or so. Give yourself time to get back on track and make up for your "celebration". If you are able to immediately get back on track and move forward on your journey, you're golden. If, on the other hand, you find yourself struggling to get back into the groove it will be a good lesson for the next time your friends want you to go drinking. Starting out it is trial and error for some of us. Others are able to walk the straight and narrow from the start. As long as you know which type you are and can live with it, you'll be just fine. Oh and ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Enjoy! My birthday is Friday and I will probably have at least 1 glass of wine.

Hang in there Matt. There aren't many docs that give fills in less than 4 weeks. I had my post op appt a week after surgery and my 1st fill 3 weeks after surgery, but that is not the norm. Hang in there ... and here on this forum for support getting through "Banster Hell". Even with getting my first fill 3 weeks out, I didn't hit my sweet spot for several months. Everyone is different so I will keep a good thought for you that your sweet spot will come quickly. Whoever said "this is a marathon, not a sprint" definitely did NOT lie. LOL All the best to you on your journey. ~F

I agree ... not a big deal, especially since yours is so mild. You will likely not need your cpap after losing 20-30 lbs. Please don't let this be one more thing you worry about, and don't be sad because for you ... it's temporary. I got my first cpap in 2004 and it was a God send. I was falling asleep behind the wheel of my car and would get off the freeway to nap before finally getting to work. It was awful. My cpap changed all that. Also, in 2004 my kids were much younger and were not the least bit terrified. They were fascinated and fought over who got to use it as they giggled and played. I explained what it was used for and they were fine with it. They will follow your lead, make it fun and funny and they won't be terrified. I am, unfortunately, still (trying to) using a cpap, but I think it has more to do with my asthma than anything else. I am going to see a pulmonary doctor in December. So sorry to hear about your student. My thoughts and prayers to you and their family. All the best to you on your journey. Your cpap (should you actually have to get one) will be collecting dust in a cabinet somewhere in no time! ~Fran

I started having a little reflux at night a few weeks back. I bought otc Zegrid and have not had a problem with it since. I do however, have problems at night if I eat too close to my bedtime ... the food just won't digest if I do not sit up 1-2 hours. But that's not so strange. As for "is this normal", in weightloss "normal" is a relative term. Some people have to cut their carbs to make the numbers go lower on the scale; others must exercise more; and still others must do both. The key/trick is to find what works for your body/metabolism. It can be a challenge especially when you do not have a large amount of weight to lose. If you are currently at a size 16, you must be another 50 lbs or less to goal, yes? I suggest you pay close attention to how your body responds to certain foods and once you get your formula going ... you'll be golden! All the bst to you on your journey. ~Fran

LOL!!! I thought you said dip and chips too! I guess it's been so long since I have had a "french dip" sandwich that it didn't even cross my mind as I misread your post. Too funny! As for the easy to eat food, hard to drink ... when I have a problem I have both. I have read that in the morning most people are a bit dehydrated. Since I take a blood pressure med with a diuretic in it, I have big issues with dehydration. When I am well hydrated I can drink and eat properly. When I am dehydrated it can be a vicious cycle of not being able to eat because I have not had enough fluids, but not being able to drink because I am too tight from dehydration. Ughhhh! It can be a hassle to have to focus so much on drinking liquids, but if I don't I can spend days going in circles. Good luck with this, I hope you find your solution soon. ~Fran

When you next see your dietition tell her your concerns and expectations. If you are not satisified with her response ... get a new dietition.

That sounds crazy frustrating! Sorry you are going through this. Maybe your next move is to find a surgeon that will do the lapband for you ... maybe lapband with plication (check your insurance's website first to see if they will do the plication part), I understand that lapband w/plication is similar to the sleeve (I don't know that much about the sleeve so plz do not take my word as gospel) ... bottom line is you need a surgeon that will do the surgery that your insurance with pay for ... unless, of course you have the cash on hand for the sleeve. If you haven't already, do extensive research on the band and see if it is something you can live with. Best of luck to you. ~Fran

I am happy that the Cedars program is working for you. Congratulations on starting this journey. Whether or not there are fees depends on the particular insurance plan your employer purchases and the agreement between that plan and the hospital. Mine plan would have cost me extra. Since I have been banded more than two years now and I have no regrets, my choice of surgeon/hospital turned out to be safe. My insurance (as most do) required nut, psych, labs, etc. Different strokes for different folks. I was not saying that the Cedars program was bad, just that it was not the right one for me. All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

oooooh okay ... good to know it was just a test.

Congratulations on getting your lapband, Justin! Question: Why did you eat a "HEFTY" sized meal? Didn't you get the lapband because you want to lose weight? Justin, you have conquered some pretty big obstacles in the past and in order to lose the weight you will need to use that same inner strength. You can do this! Generally (with a few lucky exceptions) without a few fills it is as if you do not have the band. This means that until you get to your "sweet spot" you will have to "act as if" Also, you are less than 2 weeks out -- your body needs to heal! Please don't sabotage yourself by doing things that don't make sense (i.e., eating a hefty meal in the midst of trying to lose weight, less than 2 weeks after surgery). You are too smart for that. Give yourself a fair chance, ok? This journey may not always be easy, but it is well worth the effort. All the best to you. ~Fran

Would I do it again? YOU BET! And, I happen to be a "slow loser". Best thing I ever did for myself, and the hardest I have ever worked to lose weight and still loving every minute of it. Yesterday we had a "full building evacuation drill". I had to walk down 26 flights of stairs. Before losing weight I probably would have bowed out for "medical reasons" (i.e., too fat to make it without having a heart attack). But I made it, and I didn't even have to use my inhaler. I learned that although I walk 3 miles each morning before work the muscle strength in my thighs is not as good as it could be. So, tomorrow when I go for physical therapy I will talk to my PT about exercises I can do at home to improve my muscle strength. This new attitude comes from the band and losing weight. It took me over a year post surgery to exercise consistently. But I am consistent now (for a year actually) -- and that's what matters. And I love it! So, don't worry about being lazy, you will get there when you decide you really want to work with your band ... not just sit around waiting to see what the band will do for you. You will find that most of the people on this site are anxious to lose the weight so they do whatever it takes. That is my current attitude. Every person is different ... you'll get there when you get there. The band is not around the brain, but it is a great motivator for me. The biggest challenge for me is that I am a "head hunger" person. I rarely feel physical hunger since being banded, and didn't feel physical hunger much before banding. But I ate over EVERY emotion. With the help of my obesity specialist therapist and my band I rarely turn to food to help me feel (what I thought) was "normal". It's been quite a challenge, but I am happy with the results. I think that if you decide to go through with the lapband surgery you will see big changes in your life - for the better. All the best to you. And, sorry but I have to say this ... you are 49 years old and while it would be nice to have your parents' support, as an adult (of many years) you need to learn to support yourself. They may not like your decision but if you have the courage of your convictions, they will have no choice but to respect you. This website is a great place for info and support. ~Fran

You should be able to go to the website for your insurance and it will tell you all the prerequisites for the surgery. Admittedly, it was not easy to find the actual info on my insurance's website, so if you have a problem finding the info either call your benefits department or your insurance directly and they will tell you how to find it online. It is very helpful to have the info in black and white. It also helps you determine what your insurance requires vs. what your doc requires. Some docs are very strict. One of the programs on my insurance was through Cedars Sinai here in L.A. I did NOT use that program. Cedars included extra fees and a very strict program before surgery. Knowledge is power, and you are able to make better choices when you have more information. All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

Very nice "venting" ... I think I'll give it a "9" on a scale of 1-10 ... not "loud" enough to be a perfect "10", but close ... LOL But seriously, I am sorry you are going through this difficult time on your journey. I am currently struggling myself. Since I don't have PCOS it becomes and even longer explanation (which I don't bother with) about back surgery and asthma and ... etc, etc, etc. I am soooo exhausted all the time. I am seeing TWO docs on the 17th. I can't live like this anymore! Exercise is supposed to give you energy but my morning miles have yet to kick me up a notch energy-wise -- or drop pounds on the scale (I don't get on often -- can ruin my day if I do). Anyway, this is your vent, not mine ... sorry. If you are going to vent, this is the place to be. I hope things get better for you soon. Hang in there ... for some of us this journey is not a "sprint" or a "marathon", it's more like an "ultramarathon". LOL But we won't give up ... WE CAN DO THIS -- no matter what the obstacle before us! ~Fran

Amanda, I had noooo idea what a God send this challenge was going to be when I signed up. My normal routine is to do 3 miles each morning before work and any miles I do on the weekend (before of after errands, chores and/or events) is just icing on the cake. Imagine my surprise when I find myslef struggling to get my miles in ... I am stunned! My life was turned upside down when I was on a project that had me working seriously crazy hours at work, but that's over now and I can't seem to get back on track. Thank goodness for this challenge! I am pretty good about fulfilling my promises so even when I have to roll myself out of bed, down the stairs and into my car to drive for the park ... I do it. Why? Because I am bound and determined to complete this challenge! Thank you soooo much! ~Fran

Your doc did not give you a aftercare food plan? My doc did not give me the best aftercare, but he did "briefly" go over what I should and should not eat. May I suggest that you give your doc's office a call, becasue each doc seems to have a different method for healing. I was on solid foods in 3 weeks. Some people are on Clear Liquids for a month or longer. Might be a good idea to check with your doc. All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

The first doc (the one referred by my PCP) was not on my insurance. He and his staff were fabulous, I was sorry to leave them. The second doc, who was on my insuraces website, turned out to not be on my inurance either. The third doc I went to I made sure he was on my insurance ... got all my tests done and had a surgery date. about 3 days before surgery I received a call telling me that my surgery was cancelled because the surgery center that my doc uses would not accept my insurance. I was mortified! Soooo upset. I called the surgery center, which was on my insurance website, and they told me that "yes" they had a contract with BCBS of CA, but that my insurance did not pay them enough so they would not allow me to have the surgery there. I called the benefits dept at my firm and they went ballistic ... it got a little ugly because the woman at the surgery center devulged info to me that she was not supposed to, but that's another story. Knowing that my tests would not be valid for much longer I went on a Quest to find a doc. My insurance gave me a list of doctors and facilities. I found one, the doc understood about my insurance and the problem with facilities so he found a hospital for me and voila! instead of having my surgery on June 1, 2009, I had it on June 15, 2009. It was a little stressful, but it turned out ok. With 2 kids in college at the time I couldn't afford to go with a surgeon that was not on my insurance. Good luck to you! I know it will all work out. ~Fran

Many of the things mentioned apply to me ... but, I have one that makes me laugh every time: Since losing weight I frequently have to check my seatbelt -- to make sure that I have it on! Before lapband my seatbelt was a constant bother and uncomfortable while driving. Now, I have to check an recheck that I have it on because I can hardly feel it. Once I look down and see it's in place, I adjust it so that it is snug -- makes me laugh every time. I've heard it said that one habit is replaced with another. The key is to replace the habit with a good habit. Personally, I tend to shop too much these days ... virtually everything I buy is on sale. My good habit is walking. I love, love, love my early morning walks! I would never have believed it would happen, but it did. I now get up at 5:30 a.m. to go to the park and walk at least 3 miles before I go to work. It soooooo wasn't me to do that before lapband, but I am soooo thankful that it's me now. Find a healthy habit that you enjoy. It can happen! All the best to everyone on this journey! ~Fran

Wow! This looks like something I can do. YAY! I think the hardest thing will be getting the "ticker" on my signature. I have 24 hours to get that done. Thanks! ~Fran

To get the answer to your question I think you should read the requirements that your insurance puts forth for lapband surgery. I have BCBS of CA and on their website it sets out eveything you must do to have lapband surgery. Like Kll724 said, if you need a referral from your PCP then you will likely have to jump through your docs hoops. But, I believe it is best to be your own advocate and check it out for yourself. Find out from your insurance what the requirements really are and move forward from there. Good luck to you! ~Fran

I have never heard it referred to as "mouth hunger" but, I do suffer from "head/emotional hunger". Physical hunger was never my problem. For me, historically, the answer for every emotion/feeling ... bad (or even good) was to eat. I also struggle with wanting to eat something before bed. Well, the band has helped with both. I see a therapist (obesity specialist) to help with the emotional eating, and together with my band I am winning the battle. As for eating before bed ... when I do it, I pay dearly. I wake up coughing and choking -- the band does NOT like it when I eat and lay down, not at all. So, I rarely do this anymore. When I do, like I said, I pay dearly. All I can say is collect as much information as you can before you make your decision. All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

... they really don't know! LMAO! Good luck!

I don't think you are crazy in the least! You WILL wear those blouses sooner than you think. And what a great bargain. Last November I bought 5 pairs of slacks on sale -- they were quite snug. Well, they aren't snug anymore! LOL They are a little bigger than I like to wear my slacks and still have them look neat, but it's tolerable. I'm pretty sure the sale will happen again next month. This time I plan to buy them a size smaller than I currently wear. I have no doubt at all that I will fit into them in just a couple of months (or less). I love to shop and a good bargain is hard to pass up. You're not crazy -- at least not any crazier than I am (and the jury is still out on me... LOL). ~Fran