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I went in for my first fill today and had reddness around the incision where my port is, I was afraid he would not fill. He did, YAY!! Anyway, I am going to buy some neosporin this evening in the hopes that it will be completely healed and the redness gone by my next fill -- in two weeks. Karamel, I also keloid and I am concerned about how I am healing. It appears that only the incision under my bra is showing signs of keloid. Go figure. Good luck to all.

Has anyone else experienced nausea after getting your first fill. It's been about an hour. I only had a Protein shake for Breakfast hoping to avoid any unpleasant after effects. Looks like it backfired. Anyone else experience anything like this? Also, my doc has me on solid food after my fill. Most of the people on this forum say they have been on liquids and/or mushies for 1-2 days after their fills. Feeling pretty crappy ... please help. Thanks. f

Thanks so much everyone. It is soooo good to know that I am not alone!

I have never heard of this card. My doc never said a word! What's up with that ... LOL. I go in for my first fill next week, I'm going to ask for my "card". Don't know if I'll actually use it, but I want it just in case. I have been taking home leftovers lately anyway. A card, who knew? :redface:

I am really glad this forum exists! It is so good to have people that have similar experiences as well as different experiences. Helps me to know the right questions to ask my doctor. Thanks everyone.

I have been reading a number of post and I can't remember anyone saying that they had a fill as early as 3 weeks after sugery ... makes me wonder about my doctor. What's the earliest fill you have had? Do you think that 3 weeks is too soon? For some it seems they waited more than a month for their first fill. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.

I am glad to hear you are getting better. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I will consider it a cautionary tale. Be well.

I was banded on 6/15 and didn't have a bm until 6/20. Part of the problem was the pain pills, I was taking Darvocet. Darvocet causes constipation. Are you on pain pills at all?

I had never heard of the MMPI test until you mentioned it today. Not sure why. I started therapy before I even went to the surgeon. I wanted to know for myself if I was ready and if I was doing this for the right reasons. I started therapy in October 2008, my surgery is scheduled for June 15th (originally scheduled for June 1 but had problems with my insurance). I chose a therapist that had a specialty in obesity medicine. So, as it turned out my psych eval also covered my 6 month diet/food modification because our sessions were focused on my relationship with food and changing the triggers that caused me to overeat. I am sure you will pass the test with flying colors. I would think that antidepressants would be a help, not a hindrance. Good luck! f

I am diabetic. My surgery is scheduled for June 15th (finally). I am having real problems with the liquid diet because when I take my metformin, if I don't eat carbs my blood sugar drops low and I get sick. I am tempted to stop taking my metformin so that my numbers will stay normal but I'm not sure if that will help. Any suggestions?

yes, I know ... I'll check with my doc tomorrow.

I live in Los Angeles. My surgery was approved by my Blue Cross of California. Both the doctor and the surgery center were contracted by my insurance. The surgery center refused to do my surgery because my insurance does not pay them enough to make it worth their while. I have tried a couple of other hospitals and they, although contracted with my insurance, will not do it because BC does not pay enough. I called BC and they said that yes, the hospital/surgery center has the right of refusal. Is there ANYPLACE that accepts the miniscule payment of BC of California in or around the Los Angeles area? Along with several co-morbitities I have spinal stenosis. My feet and ankles are constantly swollen and my back is killing me. I need this surgery!!! I must find a hospital that takes my insurance.

My surgery was set for June 1st. It has now been cancelled. Why? Because Blue Cross of California refuses to pay what the Surgery Center of Santa Monica asks for, so the Surgery Center flatly refused to do my surgery. I only found this out on Monday when my doc office called to tell me. Blue Cross of California pays less than a third of what the surgical center asks. It was hard for me to phathom how they could be contracted with BC and then REFUSE to fulfill their contract. So, if there is anyone out there that has BCBS/Blue Cross of California be absolutely sure that the surgical center will accept your insurance. I am scrambling to find another surgeon (the surgical center was the only place my doc performs his surgeries) and a new facility. I need to do it fast or I will have to pay to have my pre-op stuff done again. Be warned! Fran

As soon as this is over I have every intention of calling the commissioner. I also have the BCBS side of my ins getting in contact with the Blue Cross of California to get some answers since they supposedly have been having this battle with Surgery Center of Santa Monica for 2 years. They should never have approved the facility knowing that the Center would not honor their contract. Thanks for the advice.

My surgery in on June 1st. I am anxious and excited! Started a weight loss eating program yesterday ... so far, so good. Water aerobics tonight, that should be fun. Congrats to everyone!

I finally have my surgery date, June 1, 2009!! I am excited and anxious. I so look forward to getting my health back. I have many co-morbidities and they are sucking the life out of me. I want to live life abundantly. God only knows why it took me so long to realize this is what I needed. But I am thankful just the same. I have begun a low carb/sugar/fat diet so that I will be in good shape for the surgery and I start a Water aerobics class tomorrow. I am soooo excited. Can someone tell me how to add the bar that charts your progress, please? Any other advice you might think is helpful is definitely welcome! Many thanks!

Hi, I'm new here. Hope someone can help, I am becoming very anxious. I called my doc office today and was told that BCBS is giving my application for the lapband surgery "further review". Should I call the insurance company or should I just wait? I have several comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, asthma, spinal stenosis, arthritis in my knees and hips, BMI=40, 150 lbs overweight. BCBS requires six months weight loss supervision by a medical professional. I have been doing this with my therapist. I keep a personal journal AND a food journal tracking my weight and my feelings. I am not sure if BCBS will accept this. Anyone out there have their weight supervision in a non-traditional way? I appreciate any information you can give me. Thank you.

I have finally found a doctor that is under my insurance -- 3rd times a charm. :-) I hope to have my surgery in 4-6 weeks but that will all depend on my insurance. I have BCBS, and they require six months of some kind of diet program. I hope that the time with my therapist will do. I really do not want to wait six months. I have many health problems related to my weight and I am tired of being in poor health. I am glad this forum is here. I have been reading posts and everyone seems very helpful and informative.

LMAO @ IWalktheline! Thanks. Good to know. I will though, try to stay on the pre-op diet ... I'll have my hamburger (and maybe a burrito too) 2 weeks before the pre-op ... lol

Thanks HeatherO, I'm sorry to hear that they might night accept my therapist report. She is a PhD and specializes an Obesity Medicine. We have been working on changing the foods I eat as well as food portions in addition to food diaries and jounals. All that work just to have to spend another six months with someone with a "more acceptable" title (i.e., "nutritionist") geeezzzzz ... oh well, it is what it is. Thanks.

Thanks to you both for your responses. Seems my pre-op diet will be at the choice of my surgeon, but it appears it will be a drastic claorie reduction either way. I will continue to think positive and to put aside my anxiety. I really do want this. I MUST change my life and improve my health. Again, thanks much. These message boards are lifesavers! F

Thanks Tquad, 6 months seems a very long time but your explanation of all that I will learn and how it will help me prepare really does help. I am a little anxious, scratch that, I am a LOT anxious ... lol about having the surgery. And thanks for the heads up about my docs requirements, I will be sure to ask him Monday.