matalo

I was lucky enough that my tummy tuck was covered and I have BCBS of Mass. It was a long process as it had to be deemed medically necessary, but I got it done back on March 15.

I was lucky enough that my tummy tuck was covered and I have BCBS of Mass. It was a long process as it had to be deemed medically necessary, but I got it done back on March 15.

Hello all, I was banded the first time in 2006. I had a slip in 2009 and had a realize band implemented. I had complications with the band again and on May 25th was revised from band to RNY. I have to admit, the pain was intense. I am 10 days post op and am back at work and still have pain (though not very severe). I work in an office, so I am sedentary and am not concerned about the pain. I have lost almost 15 pounds being on the liquid diet (now able to eat pudding / yogurt / etc). I am not really sure how to measure my weight loss as I was really not morbidly obese when being revised. I can tell you I was 311 in 2006 when banded. I had dropped to 175 and then after the slip moved up to 240 in 2009 when I had the realize band put in. I was at 214 when I had the revision and am now, basically 200. I would like to be at a fit 175-190, so once the healing is done I plan on hitting the gym again. I am rambling, I know, and am not really being organized with my thoughts. I am just writing as I think about it. I just wanted to document my story and am willing to answer any questions or try to help anyone I can.

I am now down to 180, so I am at the desired weight I want to be at. Now, I just want to tighten things up. Originally, I was going to have the plication, but insurance did not cover it, so instead BCBS of Mass covered the bypass.

4 weeks post op today. This is my third (and final) WLS. I had lap-band, then Realize Band; both of which I had complications. The Dr. wanted me to get the plication, but insurance would not cover it. So, I got RNY instead. I have lost 20 pounds already, but I was not too over weight to begin with. I am now at 195 and plan on losing 15-20 pounds of fat while putting on some muscle.

Realistically, yes, that is all I need to lose, but I would like my BMi to be reduced to a manageable teen level.

Having gone through this, I can tell you my symptoms: I had pain in the abdomen area, the port area was very tender as was my stomach. I found I was not feeling any restriction any longer. Also, and it took me a while to figure this one out; weight gain. I gained almost 30 pounds and was in denial the whole time. If you feel you have slipped, do not hesitate, check it out right away.

I voted once a day (in the morning), though you should really only do it once a week. Your daily weight can fluctuate so it is not an accurate reading.

Dr. Nowzaradan is who did my re-banding. He was very thorough for me, as my surgery took over four hours. He is a good doctor, but overbooked. It is a nightmare going to an appointment. Just be prepared to wait. :wink:

This is a two pronged question. I was first banded 5/21/06. I weighed 311 at the time. I went down to 170 after 9 months. My band slipped and I gained over 50 pounds (I should have gone to Dr. sooner, but did not) My weight at rebanding (2/27/09) was 225. I am now down to 204. I drink at least 64 oz of water a day, closer to 128 (a gallon).

Since being rebanded I have redesigned my entire menu. Before I used to eat a lot of frozen dinners (lean cuisine, etc). Now, I am cooking more, freezing it, and eating it later. I try to eat 5-6 small meals a day at no more than 300 calories. I try to follow the 40% carb, 40% Protein 20% fat model. 7:30 AM Meal 1- Instant oatmeal (low sugar) 10:30 AM Meal 2- 3 oz. brown rice, 3 oz. broccoli, 2 oz turkey patty 1:30 PM Meal 3- 6-8 oz. lentils 4:30 PM Meal 4- 1/2 cup turkey chili 7:30 PM- Meal 5- medium banana + 2 tbs. Peanut Butter 9:00 PM- Meal 6- Protein shake (w/ water) I try to get into bed by 10:00 PM so I can get about 8 hours of sleep. Hope this helps.

This post is to document my intention on starting on this when I am cleared for excercise (should be on 4-27). I have never been a long distance runner and in the past I have used Bike Riding as my cardio workout. I have a partner to run with so this should be interesting.

For me, I did not pay attention to the fact that I could eat more and in less time. Normally, I ate about 6-8 oz. of food every 3-4 hours. However, I was gradually able to eat up to 16 oz. with seldom a problem. When I did have problems, they were bad. I experienced quite a bit of pain in my abdomen and also had quite a bit of PB. Hope this helps.

For me, I would like to be back at the 170-175 range. A year ago, I was at this level with 16% BMI. Today, I am 204 lbs and about 26% BMI. I am a 35 year old male at 6'0". I want to be in good shape and not "skinny fat". I have another month before I can go back to the gym, so in the meantime I am just walking for my fitness. Good luck to all in your journey!

The first time I was banded, at my 1 month appt. I had lost 38 pounds. This time (rebanded due to slip) I have lost 21 pounds so far. I only have 30 more to go to be at my ideal weight.

Hello all. I have an idea for a new tattoo. It consists of a picture of the stomach with the lapband "installed". Where the esophagus comes into the stomach will actually turn into an arm flexing the bicep. I have attached two links to sample pics to give you an idea. I have zero knowledge on how to use Photoshop or GAIM or any editing software so if you can help, I would appreciate it. http://cimta.in/images/aimages/lapband.jpg http://chuip.com/img/bicep.gif

A triple shot espresso a day for me! I can admit I am addicted and this is the only source of caffeine I have. I did ask the Dr. prior to going back to it, though and he told me it is fine in moderation.

I have a desk job. Due to unusual circumstances, I was back to work the next day. (I am the only person who knows my job). However, I worked from home. So, realistically, I was in the office the week after.

The first time I was banded, I was out within four hours. This second time (two weeks ago today), I had to stay two days due to complications.

Honestly, the Dr. performing a fill in less than a month's time is not usually recommended. Either way, if you are feeling hungry, talk to the Dr. about it. There could be many variables as to your hunger. Is it really hunger? Are you drinking enough Water, etc. The bottom line is you know your own body and if you do not feel the restriction perhaps you need another fill, but always discuss your questions with your Dr. Good luck!

I am sure you know this, but you have to keep reminding yourself why you got the band. You got it for a lifestyle change and not to lose weight. Personally, I know how hard it is to resist the cravings and I find voicing my own weakness certainly helps. When you find yourself craving junk, get some chewing gum, drink some Water, eat a piece of fruit. Anything but junk food. I hope this helps and good luck.

I just joined this forum so I could refocus on my band and my health. I was first banded May '06. At the time, I was 311. In 8 months, I lost over 130 pounds. I had gotten down to 170 at my lowest. However, in the next twelve months, I ignored the signs and ended up having major slippage (as well as gaining 55 pounds). I had to get rebanded on the 27th of February. (Same story Emergency Room admit). Unfortunately, there were complications and Dr. Younan Nowzaradan had to replace the old band with a Realize Band. In the past 10 days, I have already lost 18 pounds (208), most of which I assume is water). I am refocused and ready to get back down to where I was a year ago. I write this not to scare anyone, but to help enlighten people on the risks of not listening to your body. Good luck all!