SamB

I had the same problem after surgery. I am also VERY heavy chested. I didn't wear my bra for about a week after surgery. Once I finally started wearing it again, I realized that part of the problem was one of my small incisions that was right at the point where my underwire sat. I started puting a big, cushiony band-aid over it, and that seemed to help some. By about the 3rd or 4th week, I was back to wearing my underwire bra without a problem.

I was obsessed with the port. It freaked me out that you could actually feel it. I think part of it was because I was so swollen in the beginning. Now the only time I can feel it from the outside is after I eat. I've pretty much forgotten that it is there.

I feel like I'm in the same boat. I had my surgery on july 17th. When I went to the dr a wk after my surgery I had lost 25 lbs. Then it seemed to just stop (actually gained a lb when I went back the 2nd wk). I am going in tomorrow for my 1st fill. I'm a little nervous, but I'm hoping to see the scale move down. Even though my scale is not moving much, my clothes are definitely fitting much more loosly!

I was banded on July 17th. I had alot of the same problems. I was very weak for about a week and a half. When I went for my one week appointment, I told them how I was feeling. I told them that (like you) I hated the band and was having feelings of wanting it out. They told me it was ALL normal. Once I started eating mushy foods, I felt soooo much better. I went back to work and got alot more active. I feel pretty good now, and I don't regret my decision. Give it time! It will get better.

Erin18, I was banded on July 17. I went through alot of the same feelings that you have been having. I didn't have any of the nausea, but I just did not feel like myself. I wanted the band out! When I had my first week dr. appt, the PA decided to check to see if there was any fluid left in the band. She took out 1.5 cc. That seemed to make a huge difference. I have started eating mushy food now, and I am really beginning to feel better. I promise, it DOES get better. I am feeling better about my decision everyday!

My surgery is scheduled for Friday 7/17. I don't know the time yet (will find out sometime Thursday afternoon). I'm getting really nervous.

I found another draw back of the Slimfast low carb. I started my pre-op diet on 7/3. I was drinking the low carb Slimfast 3-4 times a day. I was fine for the first 2 days, but by the third day, I was having major upset stomach issues! I don't EVER want to put another Slimfast product in my mouth! I'm now using whey protein and 1% milk. This has been much better for my digestive track!

I'm right there with you! I started my liquid diet this past Friday (my dr. said I had to start 2 weeks before my surgery). The first 2 to 3 days were the hardest. It is finally getting a little bit better. I just keep thinking about the end result! Good luck with the rest of your time on liquids and with your surgery!

I talked to my insurance company today. They have approved my surgery for July 17th. My dr's office already had me in tentatively for that day. I have heard from their office yet for a specific time, but I may not hear from them until Wed b/c I have my upper GI tomorrow. I'm getting very nervous. I'm hoping to make it through the next couple of weeks of this liquid diet.

I am so glad that I saw this post. I had the same question. I am hoping that my insurance will come through next week so that I can have my surgery on July 17th. I have had 2 c-sections and did okay with both of them. Hopefully I will do just as well with my lap band surgery. Good luck with your surgery!

I have BCBSFEP. You can also look on their website fepblue.org to find information on services covered. You will need to know if your brother has standard option or basic option. I was submitted on 6/30. I spoke to someone on 7/2 at BCBS fed and they said that it should go through pretty quickly. My surgery is tentatively scheduled for 7/17 (still waiting for approval and have to do upper GI). Good luck to you and your brother!:smile2:

I'm so glad I stumbled across this post! I had a minor melt down this past Monday after I saw the surgeon for my initial consult. I was reading all of the negative posts and began to wonder if I was ready for such a life-altering change. Reading your post reminded me that I am DEFINITELY ready for the change! I'm ready to be that skinny girl that I once was when I was younger (of course, she hasn't been seen since about the age of 19!). Thanks for the inspiration!!!

The doctor that I saw charges a $275 program fee. This is supposed to be for the nutrition classes, education materials, etc. that are provided. I have only had my initial consultation so far. I have BCBS federal and I was told by the doctor's office that they needed to send letter of med necessity, primary care phys clearance, thyroid blood test, phych eval, and nutrition consultation. I spoke to BCBS fed on the phone, and they did not mention the 6 mth diet/exercise requirement. I'm hoping to have everything finished and sent off to insurance by next week. Good luck!