JenniferInBoston

I actually had to pay $500. But maybe they reduced the fee? It's the same fee regardless of who the MD is. It allows you to have access to program resources such as the nutritionist post surgery. If I remember correctly, I had to pay $100 upfront and then had to make sure the rest was paid prior to the surgery being scheduled. I believe you should be able to get your work up done at BWH and then have the surgery at Faulkner. I actually see my surgeon for followup visits at both locations. It's the same program so it shouldn't matter. If I had to do it all over, I totally would have the surgery at Faulkner (no private room at BWH).

Yes, anyone is welcome to the Post-Op groups. And actually, when I was able to attend the support group (at the Faulkner, back when it was on Tuesdays), there usually was always at least one person there exploring their options (LB vs Gastric).

Hi there Missy, Though I have totally been pleased with my treatment at Brigham & Woman's, you may want to explore other programs if you are looking for a speedy process. In all honesty, I would be highly surprised if you got the surgery before school starts up. I had Dr. Robinson, so I am not sure if the process is different with each Surgeon. But for me, my first appointment with Dr. Robinson was in January 2010 (after the info session) and my actual surgery wasn't until June 2010 (and that was without any delays due to insurance, evals, or lack of progress with the initial weight loss he wanted to see). That being said, like Mel said above, the recovery process isn't bad at all. When I got the Lap Band, I took 2 weeks off of work but honestly could have gone back after a week. What I will say is, the Lap Band is not a quick fix. Going to the support groups is very helpful in seeing what life is like after surgery. I found them helpful and am mad that the group got switched to Wednesdays (when I can't go)!

Hey there Mel! Thank you for the reminder about December's group @ Faulkner.... as well as the information about the upcomming changes to Faulkner's group schedule. I saw I had a bunch of emails from BWH about the groups merging, but didn't realize the day was going to change. I am definitely going to make it to the December group because I unfortunately work Wednesday evenings... so the new schedule will no longer work for me. Even though I haven't been to group in a couple months, I am totally bummed out about this. I still remember my very first group back in June 2010. It has been a great support. I will have to make a point of checking this site more often for support. Does anyone have Facebook? By the way, Happy 4 year anniversary Mel! It's hard to believe my own LB surgery was almost a year and a half ago. I am still losing... it has been a very slow process... but I am down about 65 pounds. Sometimes I don't think I even notice a difference (since I still have a ways to go) but then I will come across an old picture and then I'm pleasantly surprised! Hope everyone is doing well. Hope to see you guys in December!

I am planning on being there tonight also!

I also won't be able to go to the meeting this month- I picked up a shift as a favor at the ER (my side job). I definitely will make it in June though. It really is nice to have all the support and to have people to talk to. None of my friends or family really understand... and then of course I have my mom harrassing me every two seconds about whether or not i've lost any more weight. Of course she means well and (I think) is trying to encourage me, but I really just can't stand it. I'm in my 30's for christ sakes! Lay off lady! LOL. I'm just a tad bitter. Hahaha. Anyways, I use to have all the support group dates programed into my old phone... I forgot to enter them into my new one. I am entering the dates in right now so that I no longer forget!

First of all... HELLO CAROL!!!! How are you??? I wondered what happened to you. I haven't seen you on here since your surgery! I was getting kind of worried! I am so glad you have returned and are okay. Secondly- Paige you are right. My fear of seeing Dr. R really comes down to me and my own embarrassment for having gained a couple pounds and the fact he ultimately called me out on it. Really, i'm disappointed in myself. I can't believe I went through all this and have fallen back into my old patterns or at least leaning in that direction... I'm stuck between having lost 65-70 pounds (that of course includes weight lost before surgery). I can't get past the 70 mark. I of course have a million excuses... work too much, went through a break up... but really I need to make myself accountable. I could be doing things differently. For starters I need to re-read the lap band information i got and get back on track with my portion sizes and eat more protein. And go to the gym. Carol I have either 8.5 or 9 CCs in my band. I go back and forth about whether to get .5CCs removed. I am not sure if I am a bit tight or if I am not eating slow enough and not chewing enough. Some days it can be hard to get anything to go down. And certainly, eating out with friends is no longer fun. I think I must feel pressured to keep up with them and eat faster (even though I try to go slow) BUT of course it never works out. I must get a look on my face because they can always tell when I need to make a quick exit to the bathroom. Each time I tell myself "get the soup" but I don't. I need help around what to actually cook.... actual recipes (if anyone has any they want to share...). Spoke with the nutritionist and she directed me to Cooking light magazine. I am going to check that out. I tend to eat a lot of salads because I have trouble cooking chicken or steak... And now I am cooking for one so that has been an adjustment... here I go again with the excuses. Ugh.

I also have been avoiding Dr. R after getting a lecture from him for gaining half a pound. I left the office feeling like complete shit and haven't been back to see him since. Now, a few months later, I've gained a couple more pounds and am especially terrified to go back! LOL. I keep telling myself I will make an appointment after I loose the few pounds I put on. And of course I am unable to attend the group next monday. Damn. I need it. I really need to get back on track.

Hi Everyone! Hope you all are doing well. I just realized I haven't been on this site since mid November! Looking back at my last post, I am happy to report things have been going much better. After all my complaining about the band not working blah blah blah, I ended up seeing Dr. R like a week later and had actually lost 7 pounds! I seem to go through phases where I am convinced I have either gained weight or haven't lost any and then the next day think I can see a difference. Maybe I am just self-conscious or anxious... I don't know. BUT what I do know is the last few months I have been losing and just hit 60 pounds!!! I am actually very close to hitting the half way mark in terms of my overall weight loss goals. Hopefully I can keep my motivation up. I want to. But, it can get pretty hard sometimes. When is the next group? Is it on February 14th? Anyone going? I haven't been to group the last few months (life has gotten in the way) and only have last years schedule. Take Care everyone!!!

Yea, I get it. I think I was having a bad day. But always a good reminder. Thanks!

I wish I had checked back here last week BEFORE making the trip all the way up to Faulkner from work (in Brockton). Yup, I was one of 3 people standing there waiting for group to happen. I wish there was a way to know ahead of time or that they would have posted a sign on the door. I don't have any of the contact info either for Faulkner- All my treatment is still up at Brighams. Anyhow, I hope group is on for next month. Since last group I got another fill, 0.5CCs. I believe I am up to 9.0 (or 8.5) now. It is wierd but I still don't feel like I am getting full quicker. Kind of getting worried it won't happen. Instead the selection of what I can eat is getting slimmer and incidents of it coming back up more frequent. UGH.... Dr. R wants me to see the nutritionist again, but I haven't left an appointment up there with the nutritionist yet with any info that I didn't already now... They just stick the plastic food infront of me to show me portion size..... I need recipe ideas. Well, I am trying to stay positive. Trying to drink more protein shakes.....

Anyone going to group tonight? I am planning to. Hope to see some of you there!

Good seeing you as well Holly! I also always leave the group feeling better!

Good luck with your fill this afternoon. Hopefully they figured out your correct fill number. I just was getting caught up and reading everyone's posts (above) because I haven't been on the site in a while. I do think Rachel the PA definitely messed up because you have always been 1 CC ahead of me and I was there last week and am now at 7CCs. I do believe the group is at 6pm. I missed the group last month because I was on vacation in New Orleans at the time.

I am heading to the group today. Anyone else? I had another fill last week. I am now at 7CCs in a 14CC band. Still don't have too much restriction- at least I don't think I do. I have been trying to eat smaller portions but certainly do not have that "get full quick" feeling... mainly I am just experiencing more things getting stuck more frequently. I have a bad habit of eating too fast, so I am sure that is contributing to that. BUT I am working on it. So how do you know when you are at your sweet spot? What makes it so damn sweet?? HaHaHa

I think I am at 5CCs right now and have a 14CC band. I'm losing weight so my appetite must be somewhat smaller but I still can eat anything I want. I do like the idea of naming the band! I have my next fill on September 7th.

I have only had 2 fills so far. The next one is in a few weeks.... But still dont feel anything yet!!! I know it can take several fills to feel any restriction, BUT am curious to know how many CC's of "fill" people have in their band, particularly if you feel some restriction....

Congrats on your achievement Jay!

I am planning on going to the meeting on the 9th. I actually am scheduled to get my second fill on the 10th. I am a bit nervous because I am use to having NO restriction... So I havent had to crush my pills (though I cut them in half anyways), still can drink during meals without issue (though I try to remind myself not to), havent vomitted or slimmed, and havent experienced any kind "stuck" feelings or food restriction. I have a feeling I am in for a rude awakening one of these days. I almost feel like I need a refresher course at this point. HaHaHa. Or make myself a cheat-cheat with reminders about what I can and can't do with the band. I know people have mentioned keeping a plastic bag in the car; just incase... any other survival tips people have found helpful? Has anyone heard from Carol lately? She use to be very active in the forum and meetings...

That sounds absolutely AWFUL Paige... So sorry you are having to deal with that bullsh*t! What a nightmare. I am nervous because I may need to have surgery to have some adenomas removed from my liver in a few months... Jeeezzz. Keep us posted on how you make out! Hope you feel better soon.

I had my first fill today... 4cc's. I have done pretty good about sticking to the liquid (protein shake) diet today but did just have a 1 oz piece of cheese- I was just sooo hungry!!! I ate it really slow and took really small bites. How long after a fill do you guys stay on the liquid diet? I also saw the dietician today and got a copy of the food records they have. I'm noticing that I seem to particularly struggle with comming up with dinner ideas. Any suggestions? Hope everyone is doing well! PS- Carol, I didn't see you at the group last Monday. Hope everything is okay. I know you had been planning on going.

I am planning on going to the Monday group as well. I'm scheduled to see Dr. R for my first fill on July 20th. He actually just referred me to an oncology surgeon who I see on the 13th. During my Lapband surgery he saw some lesions on my liver and sent me for an MRI about a week after surgery. Well turns out I have 5 Adenoma tumors on my liver. They are typically benign, unless they get too big. So I guess I have to see this other surgeon to find out if they will just monitor them or if I will need surgery to get them removed. I wonder if it will affect me getting my first fill??? I am one of those unfortunate people who has discovered that I can eat anything right now Carol- HaHaHa. Though I am down 52 pounds so I haven't lost complete control yet. Anyone else familiar with Adenoma Tumors?

Carol, I am happy to hear surgery was successful! Good to see you back online!

What a nice meeting! After getting lost (and being a half hour late) I almost just headed home, but I am sure glad that I didn't!!! Carol, good luck tomorrow! It was great finally meeting you in person! It was also nice meeting everyone else. Paige, no worries. I was able to find my way around the detour- haha. Turns out that actually was the way I came except at the last rotary I continued onto the Jamaica Way instead of turning up Centre. Thanks everyone!