clarityseeker

I have been absent from the board for so long -- life intrudes. I got my 3rd fill in early December and it is still a good fill for me. I seem to have found the "sweet spot". My goals for 2007 are to exercise and to achieve my goal weight. My most exciting NSV was when I went to buy new bras. I hadn't bought any since surgery. Well, I went from a 46DD to a 38D. I was totally shocked and thrilled. I have noticed that now that I am wearing clothes that fit correctly, my weight loss is much more noticeable. It's good to hear about everyone and to be back on the board! Jessica

Josette, I can totally relate to your situation. I am down about 30 lbs, had a fill a few weeks ago, but haven't really lost much in a pretty long while. Part of it is lack of exercise, but like you -- when?? I work full time, have 5 kids and I'm a single mom. I guess I could squeeze it in between 4 and 5 in the a.m., but I am barely getting enough sleep as it is. Somehow, I have to figure it out, but I haven't gotten there yet. I have had several "getting stuck" experiences since my last fill, and I do feel restriction, but not all the time. It's weird -- one day I will get stuck on something that I wouldn't get stuck on another day. My band seems to change restriction from day to day. Can that be? Overall, I am okay with my weight loss and I've gone from an 18/20 to a 14/16. But, I need to get my butt in gear -- literally and figuratively, and commit myself to my weightloss. I guess this is just all part of the process, but some days are frustrating. Jessica

I haven't posted in a while. Time is going by so fast. I am really happy with my band overall, and feel like I am finally getting good restriction after my third fill (2.2 ml) in 4 ml band. I subscribe to the "I wonder what band I'll wake up with today" syndrome. Bread and other doughy stuff are a big No-No. Hoping to step up the exercise regime soon, Happy holidays to all, Jessica

Silly pun, huh? I can't remember who posted what, so I figured I'd give my 2 cents on some of the topics: 1. Restriction - I have had 2 fills and I think I have 1.5 cc's. The last fill was early this month, and I really think I am ready for another one. I feel like I am getting to the "sweet spot", but I'm just not quite there yet. I can eat things that I shouldn't be able to eat and I'm able to eat more than I should. So, I am going to go back in soon and get another fill. 2. Carbs -- I too have had my cravings. It sucks, but I've mainly stayed away from them. Instead, I've given in to my sweet tooth a bit too much. Something I definitely have to keep working on. 3. Stomach size - I do think that our stomaches get smaller as we lose weight. Makes sense since not everyone has the same size band. I have also heard others talk about this. But, I haven't confirmed it with the Dr. 4. I am down to the weight now where I usually get stuck, so I am really praying that with my Band's help, I can get through the next phase of weight loss that I have tried unsuccessfully several times in the last few years. 5. Sometimes I wish my dr. was a bit more aggressive. I want to stay excited about the band and losing weight!! To those that are working on finding the "sweet spot", good luck and to those that have found it (Robin!), congrats! Best to all, Jessica

Most exclusions now say "Any treatment or surgery for obesity, including morbid obestiy". That's how mine is worded and it shuts down the possibility completely. I have seen language to the effect that "wieght loss surgery is excluded unless medically necessary." Obviously, this is much better for those that meet the FDA guidelines for the Lap Band. I would argue that the language in your policy that you quoted does not address the "medical necessity" part, so that's what I would work on proving. You should also double-check to make sure there isn't some other part of the policy that applies. Also, make sure you are looking at THE POLICY DOCUMENT, not a summary. Good luck. I wish I had insurance that covered mine, but it was worth it!

One more view from an attorney -- yes, there are always the potential liabilities, but they can be managed. There are all sorts of legal concepts at play -- assumption of the risk, and if you would certainly want to execute a legal release. In most states, there shouldn't be a problem. I don't know where you live, but if you want to PM me, I could give you some more specific information. I think you and her husband are angels! Go for it!

Iron deficiency is really common among women and most of the time can be managed by supplements. Try not to get too concerned until you see the doctor. My experience has been with mild anemia during and after pregnancy, and I've had no other problems. Good luck and let us know what happens.

Starting weight - 206, Current - 182 (24 lbs lost) First fill - 9/11 (1.3 in 4 cc band) Second fill - 10/18 (total of 1.4 in 4cc band -- most had been absorbed by the band) Jessica

Thin people totally don't get how big of a deal this is to us. I started at 18/20 and am now 14/16 (3 months from surgery). I can comfortably cross my legs now. One direction is more comfortable than the other, though. I try to remember not to sit too long like that because it really isn't the best way to sit for circulation and stuff, but when I am somewhere that I have to sit and my legs can be seen, it's really cool to be able to cross them in a ladylike way! Truly one of my first big NSV's.

I would contact your CPA or tax lawyer before you do your taxes. I am not a tax lawyer, but I would question whether you can deduct the full amount this year if you did not pay for it this year. I could be completely wrong, but it's worth a call to someone who gets paid to know the answer. Just my 2 cents.

I haven't had a chance to check in for a while. Lots of losing going on here. Robin, I'm glad your surgery went well and good luck on your recovery. I had my second fill last week. The first fill was 1.3 ml in a 4 ml band. When I went back only .5 ml were left -- no wonder I wasn't feeling any restriction. The PA said the band absorbs a lot of the first fill, and I went longer than a lot of people between the first and second fills. It was only about 5-6 weeks! So, this time, they put in a total of 1.4, which is only a bit more than the first, but supposedly it should last longer. I feel like I am getting closer to being properly restricted. I have to be careful with what I eat, especially dry meat or chicken. I've had a couple of "stuck" then PB-incidents and they are NOT pleasant. I have been good about not eating bread and pasta even though I could eat it before the 2nd fill if I wanted to. I admit I have had a couple of desserts here and there, but life wouldn't be any fun if I couldn't splurge a little. I find that I do best when I concentrate on getting enough protein, and the rest seems to take care of itself. I am not breaking any speed records for weight loss, but I'm in this for the long haul. I'm as pleased with the band as I have been so far -- it works when I work with it. Now, if I could just get the exercise thing going... Jessica

I do think that my ability to take medication in pill form is related to how restricted I am. I have had one fill and after it I noticed that I did have to be careful about even smaller pills -- I take Paxil for panic disorder and the pills aren't that big, but I would have to break them in half. Now, I know I need a fill b/c I can take them whole -- in fact I can take 1/2 of a vitamin pill. So, for me, it's actually a good guage of restriction.

I'm glad that I am in good company with several of our group. I had a fill on Sept. 11 and lost some weight since then. It's kind of interesting that now that my weight loss has stalled, more people are noticing that I have lost weight. It's strange. I am down almost 2 sizes, so even though I am still fighting to get to the 20 lb down mark, I have definitely seen a difference. Now, though, I am getting to the point where I can eat more than I should be able to and I can eat anything. That means it's time for a fill. The PA that did my first fill said that I would probably need 2-3 fills to get good restriction, so I am hoping this one will get me closer. Overall, I am happy with the weight loss and even though it is slow, it is happening. I don't really want to drop weight like a bypass patient for many reasons. I do feel that I am going to be successful and keep it off. Postive thinking!!! Robin -- good luck with your knee surgery. To all the ABC's -- thanks for sharing your experiences, good and challenging. It really helps to have the support from y'all. Jessica

Pebbles, my prayers are with you in your healing process. Kristina, you go girl -- sounds like a really fun job. Robin, Bug & GEMom, I hope your knee and ortho problems are resolved quickly. I am a little over 2 months since surgery and 1 month from my first fill. I haven't yet decided when to get another one. I'm losing weight -- slowly, but surely, so I am planning to wait until I stall before I get another fill. I can eat most anything, just less of it. I'm still staying away from most startches, so I think that is helping. I feel good and NSV's are starting -- clothes are not fitting, a few people are noticing, and I feel better! Best to all. Jessica

To Kate and others that wish they were losing faster -- I'm not losing that quickly, but I am losing and I figure that I might be able to avoid needing plastic surgery by losing at a steady, but somewhat slower rate. I have lost 18 lbs in 2 mos since my surgery -- that's 9 lbs per month, or just about 2lbs per week. It isn't easy -- but it's a lot easier with the band than without. I noticed that during "that time of the month," my usually voracious appetite was not nearly as bad as before being banded. Plus, I'm definitely not at optimum restriction yet. I will probably schedule another fill for later this month depending on my progress over the next week or so. I am still getting used to a different type of eating routine -- focusing on Protein, then fruits & veggies, then a little bit of carbs here and there. I have been able to "cheat" with no real problems. That's not necessarily all bad. I still believe that it's okay to have a bit of something sweet now and then. I like that my band is not so tight that I can't keep down "normal" food. I hope I can get a bit more restriction, but I would be thrilled if I could lose 8-9 lbs/month. That would put me at goal in 6 or 7 months. Also, I am not exercising at all -- not because I don't want to, but because I have yet to fit it into my schedule. I've accepted that the band is not a panacea -- but it is making my journey more comfortable and a bit less difficult. My goal for October -- 8 lbs. Keep up the great work. Y'all are an awesome group and extremely inspirational!!

I meant to ask when I got my fill and I forgot to do so. Why is it that we cannot have these medicines?

I have been thin and I have been fat. I have felt good about myself on both ends of the spectrum and also have felt yucky about myself too. For me, I realize that my life-long struggle with my weight has A LOT to do with my emotional and mental issues. The band is a tool that helps the Physical aspect of dealing with being MO, but I have found that I am having to deal with my "Issues" surrounding food, my addiction to sugar, and my aversion to exercise. These issues won't be helped by my Band. For example, I thought that I was fat throughout high school, college, and into my early adulthood. I weighed at most 135 and as little as 115. I look back at photos and realize just how screwed up my body image was. There were times that I looked too thin! So, I have to work on the emotional/mental/spiritual stuff too. Good luck!

First, I want to say GREAT JOB to Jaime and all the ABC's. It looks like this group is kicking butt! Even though I wish I had lost a little bit more by now, I am definitely to the stage where my clothes are fitting differently, or not at all, and even a few people have commented on my weight loss. Well, I had the first "real" golf-ball, slime, and PB incident since being banded. I was totally stupid -- I have been able to eat small bits of crackers here and there, and I had some left-over matzo crackers from Passover. Looking at the nutrition info and my fitday.com for today, I decided to allow myself 1 cracker. Well, that was a BAD mistake. I ate it too fast, and boy did it get stuck. That was about 9 p.m. It's now over 1 1/2 hours later and I am finally getting relief. I REALLY REALLY don't recommend doing this. It totally sucked, I couldn't even talk to anyone and I felt completely helpless to get it to go down. CAUTION GRAPHIC DETAILS FOLLOW: After a LOT of "slime", and two PB's, I tried the "holding your breath technique I found in the complications site". Didn't work. But, finally things are moving. Anyway, not a pleasant lesson to learn, but I can't say I'm surprised! Otherwise, I am feeling good -- losing slowly but I am losing. (Wish I could go a bit faster, but I do not have great restriction yet -- despite tonight's ordeal). I am eating less, more healthy, and having fewer cravings.

Clarityseeker a/k/a Jessica - 1st Fill 9/11/06 - 1.2 in 4 cc band; minimal restriction; 15 lbs down.

I have NO experience with Spiegel. I chose Spivak for a number of reasons and I am happy with that decision. No office is perfect, no doctor is perfect, no surgicenter is perfect. Sh#$ happens sometimes and it sucks when it does. I have a couple of obeservations, though. One, to WVVaporchick who had the pneumonia complication and the problems immediately after surgery, it is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE for any doctor not to speak with you promptly and to see you immediately. I will refrain from posting my profession, but some of your story really made me question whether the standard of care was breached. My biggest pet peeve with so many doctor's offices these days is that they are run by personnel who do not have the training and experience to give medical advice -- not to mention the whole practicing medicine without a license issue -- and they are the ones giving out the advice to patients. This even is true for Dr. Spivak's offfice. They are playing with fire, legally speaking. Also, the surgicenter where Spiegel and Spivak is used by them and other doctors. As someone else has mentioned, they all likely have an ownership interest. I totally respect everyone's opinion on their doctor and experiences will vary greatly from person to person. I think most would agree that both Spiegel and Spivak have lots of experience and good reputations as surgeons. There are other things to consider, however, in selecting a doctor. Finally, to Size8, your opinions are duly noted, but some of your posts are unreasonably hostile: For example: "Was the band removed due to a malfunction? Why was the band removed if u don't mind my asking. I don't consider a waste of money if U didn't follow the directions in order to lose the weight well then it's your own fault." (Seems like you are judging her without any knowledge of her situation) "No offense, BUT anytime I am in fear that something might be TERRIBLY wrong with me, or something within MY OWN body doesn't FEEL RIGHT. Because no one knows your body better than you, well then I would have been in the ER. Understandably it could have been related to the lapband, it could have NOT been related. But, why wait until the WORST THING to happen to you before U UUUUU react. Understandably yes, it might have been related to the band, know one can know for sure. But, again: Anyone with COMMON SENSE would know that IF IT DOESN"T FEEL RIGHT, either go to the ER or call your FP." This is just total BS. If I have had a recent surgery and develop ANY complications, whether I think it is directly related to the surgery or not, the first person I call is the SURGEON because he/she was the last one inside my body. If I need to go to the ER, that surgeon better be available to give information to the ER docs. A surgeon's duty doesn't end when he or she stitches me up. I am pretty laid back about most things, but these two posts really got to me. Eight, you are not the best advertising for Dr. Spiegel's practice.

I know that a "little panic" is an oxymoron, but that is how I would describe my feeling after my first fill. I have had panic disorder for over 20 years and take a combo of an SSRI and a benzo to control it. I had my first fill one week ago and I did have some anxiety --- panic after the fill. I know it was because it was a different sensation in my chest area that felt weird and made me anxious. I realized that it was from the fill and was able to use self-calming techniques to cope. Next time, however, I will be taking the benzo before the fill to hopefully prevent the panic from coming on.

First, let me say that I and my fellow Houstonians are extremely lucky to have the skill and experience of many doctors, especially Drs. Spivak and Spiegel. I chose Dr. Spivak because I liked his presentation, his personality, his experience, and his low complication rate. The fact that his office and the surgicenter are both within 10 minutes of my house is a bonus. I do think office staff is a big deal. I cannot comment on Dr. Spiegel's, but Dr. Spivak's staff has been wonderful. They always seem to be happy to answer any question I have and if they can't, they transfer me to someone who can. I also liked the way Dr. Spivak does his seminar followed by a consultation on the same day. One thing that I did not realize until AFTER my surgery is how different their philosophies are on pre-op and post-op diet and how they do fills and post-fill diet. There are significant differences that I might not have considered to be a big deal BEFORE surgery, but now they seem more important. Generally speaking, Dr. Spivak's diet is more liberal -- pre-op, post-op, post-fill. Much less time on liquids. So, you might want to consider this, too. And, yes, as a self-pay patient, Dr. Spivak's 1 year of fills are included in the $15K price tag with the second year free if you lose 1/2 of your excess weight, which I don't know how much it is, but I expect it is what I have set as my goal. Good luck!

I was banded by Dr. Spivak on 8/2/06. I first met him in 2001 when I was considering the surgery then, but I didn't have the financial means and insurance wouldn't pay. I liked him then, so I didn't even shop around this time. Both Dr. Spiegel and Dr. Spivak do surgery in the same center (I assume they probably both have an ownership interest). Anyway, Dr. Spivak's pre-op and post-op diet are more liberal than other doctors'. He has a great bedside manner which really isn't that big of a deal because you don't see your surgeon that much. His staff has been helpful and accommodating. I have had no problems at all. I had my first fill last week and perhaps I would have wanted a little bit more restriction, but his approach is conservative and to "sneak" up on the sweet spot. I haven't had any throwing up, PB's, nausea. All in all, my experience so far has been excellent. I haven't updated my ticker yet, but I have lost a few more pounds, but I want to be solidly at -15 lbs before I update it. Feel free to PM me if you have other questions. There are lots of other Spivak patients around. I was surprised at the wide variations among doctors regarding pre and post-op diet, fill philosophy, etc.

My surgery was the same day as Robin's, and I, too had my first fill today, but a bit later in the day than Robin. It was easy. Little to no pain. She put in 1.5 cc's, then took out either .2 or .3. She told me not to expect a big change from the first fill, and that it would probably take 2-3 fills to get good restriction. I haven't really eaten anything today except a Protein shake, but I did feel the Fluid going into the band and I have a vague sense of feeling "different". I hope I will have some restriction b/c I've had none since a couple of weeks post-op. Dr. Spivak himself told me that if I lost 1/2 of my excess weight, the second year of fills would be "free". We didn't talk specifically about what that number would be but in my case he said it was about 35 lbs. I also talked to several gals and one man who were at different points in their journey. One lady had been banded for 2 years, had lost 70 lbs and had gained back 20. Another one was 3 months post-op and having her third fill and had experienced a lot of problems post-fill with regurgitation. Another lady had her surgery in Feb. and had lost over 100 lbs!!

The bridesmaid dress dilemma reminded me of my sister-in-law's wedding about 9 years ago. My 3rd child was born in May and her wedding was in September -- plus, I hadn't lost my "baby weight" from my 2nd child 2 years earlier. They ordered the largest dress available (Victor Costa-size 14). We literally had to have the dress taken apart, find material to match, and have it re-made so that it would fit me. I was mortified. I look back on it now and wonder why I allowed myself to go through that. Today, I would say "screw it" -- either let me wear a dress that fits or I really don't need to be a bridesmaid. I mean, my gosh, I had 3 kids at the time. Anyway, it's funny now, but was pretty awful then!! I have an appointment to be filled on Monday -- Yippee. I feel like I have little to no restriction and although I am happy with the 10 lbs I've lost so far, I'm ready to lose some more. The good thing I have noticed is that my weight does not seem to be creeping back up, only fluctuating a pound or so without really losing. I can shock you all if you knew what I have been able to eat with no problem -- a slice of pizza, a small portion of tres leches cake, a PB&J sandwich, Pasta, chips and dip, wheat thin crackers, chocolate chip cookie -- ok, not all at once and not very much, but I don't feel any restriction. I do try to be "good" most of the time -- I just sometimes get to wondering whether or not I can eat something. I've even been able to take vitamin-sized pills without cutting or crushing. Sept. 11 -- here I come. Best to all. Jessica