Tina254

I just found out I'm pregnant and I am 3 months post op!!! This was a total "ooops" (my DH and I were going to wait till I was 12 months post op)but I'm excited all the same! I haven't got a chance to tell my surgeon yet but I'm hoping he is not too upset with me (this was not intentional, even thought the reason for me getting this surgery was so I could conceive). I'm a first time mom so I'm worried about every little thing going on with my body right now. I had some minor spotting of light pink blood followed by brownish blood only when I wiped a couple of days ago so I was worried about that but the doctor told me it could have been implantation bleeding or that my cervix is really soft and sensitive right now. I've been testing every day since I got my BFP just to make sure I'm still pregnant, I know that probably sounds weird but I'm just so nervous, happy, excited a whole bunch of emotions, and I just don't want anything to go wrong. I hoping all goes well and I come out of this with a successful pregnancy and baby!!! Anybody with advice I would love to hear it, lol. Thanks.:tongue2:

**My story so far with getting the Lapband** (By no way am I trying to make any one feel sorry for me with telling my story but this is just a way to let out some of my feelings and possibly help someone else going through this journey:smile2:) I have Tricare Prime with Triwest and this is my process so far... I went in to my primary care giver and asked him about getting the lapband surgery in mid January 09, he told me to wait 3-4 months and exercise 5 days a week and eat lower calories. Which being overweight my whole life I would think he would understand I’ve tried everything and the reason I was asking him for this is because I have tried all of those things and this was my last resort but I walked out feeling embarrassed for even asking and went home and was thinking I would never go back and ask about the lapband again! :huh2: About a month later my husband and I decided after 5 years together that it would be a nice time to try for a baby. We both always wanted to have kids so I agreed and I came off the Birth Control pill. After 4-5 months with no periods and no ovulation I went in to talk with my OB-GYN and told her I had no periods and I would like to know if she could help me regain my periods so I can try to conceive. I also thought that I could have PCOS. Most of you know if you have no periods you’re not ovulating and ultimately can’t get pregnant. Well she told me that I would have to lose weight before she would help me try for a baby and that if I don’t lose at least 100lbs that there was no hope of her sending me to a fertility doctor to help me get pregnant or find out if I had PCOS. She had read my chart from the previous doctor visit with my primary care giver about me asking about lap band and she advised me to get the surgery, lose weight and come back to see her. I was devastated! I still till this day feel disgusted with myself. I feel so at fault for not being able to conceive. I thought having a baby would kind of take my mind off of the first visit with my primary care giver and make me feel better about myself, cause I thought having a baby is at least something I can do right, but obviously obese women are off limits to having babies, according to my OBGYN.:sad: So on July 1st, 2009 on my birthday (that was the only day they had available at the time) I went to talk with NEW primary care giver and he told me that I've done my time with waiting and was completely upset and disgusted about what my OBGYN told me so he personally walked me down to the referral desk and gave me the ok to go to the surgeon. I know a lot of people ask why am I getting the surgery and not fighting back with my OBGYN. Well I’ve told myself, I’m not doing this for her, I’m doing it for myself. I’ve struggled with weight all my life and I don’t want my weight to be a discrimtory thing I’ll have to deal again and later on in my life. Well on to what I’ve done so far, on July 1st my new primary care giver wrote the referral to see the surgeon and I checked online with triwest that night and I found out I was approved for my first consult. :lol:I couldn’t have been happier because it was my birthday and that was the best birthday gift anyone could have given me. On July 8th I went to see the nutritionist, physical therapist (he told me how to exercise) and I saw the psychiatrist. On July 14th I go to see the lapbanding surgeon for my first consult and after that I have to wait to see if Tricare approves me then I’ll be able to schedule my appt for the surgery. I’m hoping for a beginning of August date. Well there is my long story, I hope this helps someone else that is going through some tough times with lapband and life. Thanks for reading....I’ll keep yall updated on my progress, wish me luck!!

*Update* I got my second fill on 10/13/09 and it went well, no problems finding my port. I now have a total of 5ccs in my band and I do feel the difference. I'm doing great with the weight loss, I'm now at 250.2 lbs ( I lost 27.4 lbs), and I can't believe the progress I've made this far. My next fill date is November 10th, so i'll update then again to let you guys know my weight loss and restriction status. I know I couldn't have done it without the help of the band. If you wanna know more info just write me! Band Dust of all of the awaiting bansters!!!

Hi meno123, that is great that you've lost so much weight. When did you get your sugery? How did you eat? What did you do for exercise? How are you maintaining your weight now? Sorry so many questions, just curious :biggrin:.

Hi babyka16, here are the recipes... Jello (any flavor you like and sugar free) - Basically follow the regular jello instructions, except... For most Jello you need two cups of water, one cold, and one hot (boiled). In the cold water add a scoop of protein powder (vanilla or unflavored work best) and jello mix and blend really well. After that add the hot water that has cooled for 5 min and stir really well. Let set up in fridge for a couple of hours. I made mine in individual cups so I can have it measured out and easy to eat after my surgery. Pudding (any flavor you like, needs to be sugar free and not the hot cooking kind)-Same thing follow regular pudding instructions, except... For most pudding you need (I think) 2 cups of cold milk. I use skim milk. Add your protein to the cold milk and blend really well, then add the pudding mix and blend well also. For the pudding if you are making chocolate pudding, the vanilla, unflavored, or chocolate flavored protein powder works really well. And for most all other flavors like vanilla or butterscotch pudding, ect., the vanilla or unflavored protein powder work best. Let set up in fridge for a couple of hours. I made mine in individual cups so I can have it measured out and easy to eat after my surgery. I think the best kind of protein powder for taste is ProNos :biggrin:. I truly believe it is the best tasting one I've tried so far. I've tried the Sam's brand, EAS, which is cheaper and it is nasty (I’m mad because I wasted $30 on it ) and I've tried another from Wal-Mart, I forgot the name but it’s in a orange container and it is Okay but nothing like ProNos :w00t:. My husband and I got it from GNC but you can also get it a little cheaper off of eBay. I will say it is on the pricier side but believe me from experience with all the money you'll most likely put into protein powders (because you are either trying them out or don't like the one you bought before) you will save if you buy one you actually like, lol. GNC sells smaller bags of ProNos, you don't have to buy the big whole container at first so you can try it and see if you like it. My favorite is the vanilla, yummy! :biggrin: Well I hope this helps and you can understand my “cooking” instructions :wub:...good luck!

Hi margie2u, Yes it is amazing how Tricare is so different and how some people get approved fast, some slow, and some (that are even the same as the people who got approved fast) don't get approved at all and have to appeal. I don't understand how it all works all I know is I'm so very happy and blessed that mine went through quickly and I'm on my way to being happier and healthier. I hope for the best for all that still are waiting, hang in there it will happen just got to have faith!!

Hi babyka16, I'm so happy for you getting approved! My eating right now is protein, protein, protein! lol...I fell off the wagon for about a week and ate some bad carbs but I'm back on track and eating lots of protein and drinking my protein (shakes, coffee, etc.) as well. I love making protein decaf coffee and protein jello because they taste good and I don't taste the protein in them. I've noticed the more protein the more the weight comes off and faster, so eat meat first, and chew, chew, chew, believe me it’s harder than you think about the chewing thing. You think oh ok I can chew but if you don't chew good enough you can hurt yourself. I ate lots of protein jello, protein pudding, popsicles, and muscle milk before surgery (I still do now). The day before surgery I couldn't eat anything not even gum or peppermint. I hope this helps! Keep me updated on your surgery!

Hello, How is everyone doing? I hope some got their approvals or very close to it! Sorry been MIA, I got my fill 9/15, went on vacation (to Glacier National Park), and started school so lots of things going on this month. I got my next fill date is on Oct 13th, so I will defiantly give an update then if not before. My fill went well my doctor had no problem accessing my port (It took less then 5 mins for the whole procedure)and did it without any medication at all (it only pinched for a second from the needle). I have 4cc in my band now and I do feel the difference. I've lost 23.4 pounds so far so I'm hoping for more with this my new fill and the next one to come. Thanks everyone for your support!! :smile2::thumbup:

*Update* Hi everyone!!! Just here to give you all an update again, lol. I just found out today my fill date for my first fill! It is on Sept. 15. I'm really excited, I need to "super charge" my weight loss, lol. Also I wanted to let everyone know that I'm starting P90X for my exercise program and I hope with the band and working out i will lose a good amount of weight each month. Ok I'm done balbbering, TTYL :confused:

mrsparker621 wrote: and Jancsoulmate wrote: Hi mrssparker621 and Jancsoulmate, I'm sorry you are still feeling bloated and full of gas. I know it is really painful and uncomfortable. I felt that gas pain for a while and I am just now getting over the big part of it (and its been 9 days since my surgery!)!! The only thing I can suggest to you is first of all believe me even if it seems like it will never go away it WILL, everyday gets better (I know at first that was hard for me to believe but it is really true), second the only way to really release the air and feel better is to fart (sorry if TMI but really that is one of the only ways to start releasing and feeling better, and third is to use some sort of anti-gas med (I'm not a doctor but use what your doctor recommends to you) I used Maalox (sp?) ,gas X strips and easy to swallow(very important to be the easy to swallow tabs) extra strength Tylenol tabs [for pain] and those really helped me but please ask your doctor what is ok for you. I hope this helps you and I hope you start feeling better!! Keep me updated on your status.:biggrin:

*Update* Hi guys I'm back to give you guys an update!!! Today I'm 9 days post op and I couldn't be feeling better (believe me when people say everyday gets better, it really does), I'm 97% back to my old self. The only thing bothering me now is a little gas pain (only a little here and there), a little soreness around the port area and keeping certain foods down. Which all of these are at least tolerable now so I don't mind them at ALL! I'm going to start up my cycling classes and P90X to start losing some of this weight and get to my first goal of [being] 180lbs, that means I have 79lbs to go!! I hope I can get there soon or even bypass that goal into my OMG goal of [being] 150lbs! I feel great and am soo happy and blessed I got the surgery. I'm looking forward to my first fill in about 4 and half weeks so I'll make sure to update you guys then or even before that. Everyone let me know how your surgeries have gone and/or how the process is coming along. Much love and blessings to all who need it!!! :biggrin:

**Sorry I've asked this question mutiple times on other threads cause I'm trying to get an answer, I hope someone knows** So for the poeple with Tricare that got approved for lapband what did your approval say? I know that this is a weird question but I'm not sure about something I'm approved for on the triwest website, I'm wondering if that is the surgery or something else. I have Tricare prime with triwest... On the triwest website it says I'm approved for two things my consult with my surgeon (1 visit) and "office/outpatient visit (3 visits)". I know what the consult means [because I've already been at my first consult] but what is the "office/outpatient visit, is that the surgery or fills (I don't know why it would be fills when I haven't been or I don't know if I have been approved for the surgery yet) or is it for something else? I'm planning on calling later today when they open to ask tricare but I'm confused and I don't want to get myself excited if its not the surgery so I'm keeping myself composed until I call or get an answer from anybody on here. If anyone knows please please please let me know! Thanks :thumbup:

Thanks crzytchr for you advise. I've been on top of all my meds cause I've been hurting a lot due to gas pains. The doctor and the nurses told me I need to release the gas in my stomach and that would make me feel better. This morning for the first time since surgery I actually farted a few times (sorry if TMI). It released some pressure (air) and I feel a little better and not so nausated! BUT I also took 3 gas X strips and 3 teaspoons of Maalox (sp?) before bed (cause I was in so much pain) so that was probably a contributing factor in the reason why I "released". Believe it or not I'm not hurting as much near my port side since I "released"! So I'm soooo much happier now that I did fart, lol.

Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one going through these pains myself! I stayed overnight in the hospital, thank God but I still hurt near my port side, have lots and lots of gas pain, feel really nauseated, have head aches, having a hard time sleeping (on my back especially), and am getting really frustrated really easy cause of the pain. I hope this goes away soon!! Yes Allison I'm doing the same thing. The doctor and the nurses told me I need to release the gas in my stomach and that would make me feel better. This morning for the first time since surgery I actually farted a few times (sorry if TMI). It released some pressure (air)and I feel a little better and not so nausated! BUT I also took 3 gas X strips and 3 teaspoons of Maalox (sp?) before bed (cause I was in so much pain) so that was probably a contributing factor in the reason why I "released". Believe it or not I'm not hurting as much near my port side since I "released"! I hope this helps! I'm on this road with you hun, I hope we feel better soon!!!

I've had the surgery. I had to stay overnight cause I was in too much pain. I'm back home and resting now. I absolutely love having this surgery and wouldn’t change this for anything even though I'm sore and nauseated. I love you guys and thanks for all the support!!!

I'm not absolutly positive but I'm pretty sure it kicks in the day you sign up. :thumbup:

I've paid $0. I have Tricare Prime and they are paying for everything, the only thing out of pocket I've paid for is my gas to get there, and the food I'll need after surgery (if that even counts, lol). Tricare has paid for my consult, psychologist eval, nutritionist eval, physical therapist eval, the upcoming surgery, already approved fills, and a revision if necessary. I LOVE Tricare!!!!

Hey pixiegirl98, Nice to meet you and good luck on starting your journey. You most likely will be getting Tricare prime as my husband is active duty and that is what we have. You could get Tricare standard if you chose to but you will have to pay some out of pocket for standard but for prime you will not, for the most part, depending on where you located (there is triwest, trisouth, and so fourth) because I've heard of some who had to pay for their pyshc eval but I've paid $0 out of pocket with Prime. I have a detailed step by step process with prime on my forum if you would like to check it out. It is at http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f18/introducing-myself-my-story-so-far-98091/. Well I hope this helps. If you need to ask anything just message me! :wink:

crzytchr wrote: and swrktp wrote: Wow thanks for the encouraging news about TTC. I'm hoping that losing weight does help and your friends story really really helps me look to the future, thanks for sharing:thumbup:. I'm glad I'm doing this at 23 so waiting to TTC won't be a big deal. It kinda makes me think, "why didn't I do this earlier", lol, I probably would be pregnant by now, lol...Oh well everything happens for a reason. My husband is doing a year in Korea (he leaves in Feb) and so I will have about a year and a half of no TTC. When he gets back we are going to try for a baby so I do plan on waiting :crying:. Not only is this surgery going to help my hubby and I have a baby but it is going to give me my life back and finally (I know this may sound minuet) let me dress my age and feel my age :wink:. I am tired of my back pain, restlessness, breast size, infertility and other things associated with my weight. I will be getting on birth control while my husband is here after my surgery (just in case cause I don’t want to be getting pregnant too soon after surgery)and when he leaves for Korea I will get off until he gets back:rolleyes:. Thank you all for your ongoing support, I really can't put it in words how gracious I am for all your advice and encouragement.

OMG 3 more days!!! I can't believe I'm saying that!! It kinda feels like someone can take this away from me at any moment, I don't want to think that but I guess that is how I feel when something good happens to me, I'm weird, lol. I have to be at the hospital at 9am on Monday. I probably won't be able to sleep the night before :sneaky:. I've already brought all the items I'm going to need after surgery, I'm soooooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey LaChica707, thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad you are embarking on this journey with all of the bandsters here, lol. I hope all goes well with your surgery and life, and keep me & everyone updated on your status!!! :sneaky: