s1m1

I recently had a conversation with someone seeking a Gastric-bypass. Her provider warned her against the LapBand; stating that over time the materials corroid and breakdown, resulting in the need for more surgery. Has anyone else been told this? :phanvan

:clap2:Well, I'm now a banster. I was banded on Tuesday; 17 Oct 06. Everything went pretty well. My doc indicated that I was "very tight." He used the largest band possible. I really don't know what that means, or if that's good or bad. He said during the first six weeks, this should help me loose weight pretty quickly. Right now, I just want to feel stronger. I seem to be healing really well. I can just about walk normal, but I'm still pretty swollen. The pain wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I only used extra strength tolenol, instead of the vicodin extra strength. I"m not hungry, but I'm so very weak. Since my surgery, I've only been able to eat small amounts of broth, water, and 1 sugar free popcycle. I can't seem to get much down (2 - 3 sips) before feeling full and with a great deal of preasure in my upper abdomin. I don't want to over do it - throw up. It seems to take about 1 1/2 hours to loosen up. Is this normal for liquids? Also this morning, I noticed after taking my medication I had a lump in my throat. Is this what you call tightness, or a sign of being full? When can, or should I try to take in liquid protien? Will that help with my strength? I'm really weak. Thanks! Darrell...

I was banded last Tuesday, and had a great deal of difficulty with my energy level. I was really weak. I couldn't find the right balance of consuming Protein and clear (non-protein/calorie) liquids. Finally, I think I've found it. I'm using whey Protein. Instead of 1 scoop, I blend 2 scoops in 8 oz of 2% milk. I pour it into a Starbucks 8 oz container, chill and take to work. This gives me 46grams of protein per bottle, or 92 grams per day. It's really easy to sip during the morning and afternoon. In between, I sip juice mixed with Water. This has really helped my energy level. If anyone's struggling during the 1st stage to get enough protein - try this. Darrell...

:biggrin1: Ladies, I love women. Oh boy, do I love womenJ. So please, I beg you not to misunderstand this posting. Your support is phenomenal. But as a guy, I need to also read/hear more men speak out about their experiences. I know we’re on here. We just don’t verbalize things as freely. So, here it goes! MEN – it’s time to be strong, and report in. We need to hear from strong, victorious men who decided to TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR LIVES and be banded. Tell us about the obstacles you face – good, bad, or indifferent. From a guy’s point of view, give us some tips to help along the way. We are the bands of steel, so speak up and be counted. I’ll receive my band of steel tomorrow morning. :shade:

I'm 2 days out, and I thought I needed to burp also - but couldn't. The gas hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be, but I"m really weak. I also have pain when I try to breath deeply, but it's getting better.

Thanks Carol, I know it's only been two days, but how long does the swelling (actual inside stomach) generally last?

Thanks Guys. Well I'm on the other side. I was banded on Tuesday; 17 Oct 06. Everything went pretty well. My doc indicated that I was "very tight." He used the largest band possible. I really don't know what that means, or if that's good or bad. He said during the first six weeks, this should help me loose weight pretty quickly. Right now, I just want to feel stronger. I seem to be healing really well. I can just about walk normal, but I'm still pretty swollen. The pain wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I only used extra strength tolenol, instead of the vicodin extra strength. I"m not hungry, but I'm so very weak. Since my surgery, I've only been able to eat small amounts of broth, Water, and 1 sugar free popcycle. I can't seem to get much down before feeling full with a great deal of preasure in my upper abdomin. I don't want to over do it - throw up. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to loosen up. Is this normal? Also this morning, I noticed after taking my medication I had a lump in my throat. Is this what you call tightness, or a sign of being full? When can, or should I try to take in liquid protien? Will that help with my strength? I'm really weak. Thanks! Darrell...:help: PS Tired Ole Man - thanks for the advice. I will also post to the main board...

Great news! I'm looking forward to seeing your updates. I will be banded tomorrow morning. My ordeal waiting for this hasn't been as long as many, but it sure seemed like an eternity. Can’t wait to see those GORGIOUS picture you’ll soon postIngJ. Darrell…

Hey Coltonwade, Have you checked into Capital One's medical financing center? My insurance company (United Healthcare MAMSI) demanded that I attend a six month physician assisted diet program before they'd consider approval. That was after having gone back and forward with them for 4 months – just not fair. At that rate, it would have been nearly a year before I could be on the road to recovery. I’d seen pamphlets for Capital One’s program many times in the lobby of WLSC, but never gave it much thought. Finally one day through frustration, I picked up a pamphlet and read it. Their rates start as low as 1.9% APR, and go up to 7.9% fixed APR for 60 months. The cost of my surgery is $16,250. Capital One is financing the whole thing for only about $325 per month. I plan to pay it off much sooner, but it sure feels good to know that I will be on my way to recovery before Thanksgiving. Congratulations to everyone! I will be banded tomorrow morning; 10/17/06, around 09:15. Please keep me in your prayers, and I’ll see you on the loosing sideJ. Darrell…

:clap2: Well, I’ve got my date. I’ll be banded on 17 Oct 06. I need everyone’s help, prayers, and support, to help me make it through. I know this is something that I really need to do, but every since I got my date two days ago – reality set in. I keep questioning myself whether this is the right thing to do? For the past 10 years, I’ve yo-yo dieted. Nothing has worked. I’d loose a bunch, but gain it right back. I want this to live. I’m an unhealthy 340 pounds, and I think this might be my last real chance for success. I think my biggest fear is loosing my old friend (food). Food has always been there for me, and has never let me down. How do you cope without it? I know that might sound strange to some, but I’ve only just recently began to realize how true those statements are. Has anyone else been in my shoes, and if so how did you deal with it after being banded?

Well, I’ve got my date. I’ll be banded on 17 Oct 06. I need everyone’s help, prayers, and support, to help me make it through. I know this is something that I really need to do, but every since I got my date two days ago – reality set in. I keep questioning myself whether this is the right thing to do? For the past 10 years, I’ve yo-yo dieted. Nothing has worked. I’d loose a bunch, but gain it right back. I want this to live. I’m an unhealthy 340 pounds, and I think this might be my last real chance for success. I think my biggest fear is loosing my old friend (food). Food Well, I’ve got my date. I’ll be banded on 17 Oct 06. I need everyone’s help, prayers, and support, to help me make it through. I know this is something that I really need to do, but every since I got my date two days ago – reality set in. I keep questioning myself whether this is the right thing to do? For the past 10 years, I’ve yo-yo dieted. Nothing has worked. I’d loose a bunch, but gain it right back. I want this to live. I’m an unhealthy 340 pounds, and I think this might be my last real chance for success. I think my biggest fear is loosing my old friend (food). Food has always been there for me, and has never let me down. How do you cope without it? I know that might sound strange to some, but I’ve only just recently began to realize how true those statements are. Has anyone else been in my shoes, and if so how did you deal with it after being banded? has always been there for me, and has never let me down. How do you cope without it? I know that might sound strange to some, but I’ve only just recently began to realize how true those statements are. Has anyone else been in my shoes, and if so how did you deal with it after being banded?

I anticipate getting my band @ the end of next month. Using a BowFlex and walking will be my method of exercise. If you are a BowFlex user, what type of exercises do you do, and how did you progress from beginning to present date? Did it help change your body, and prevent saging skin? s1m1, 8/1/06 338Lbs

Thanks! It didn't make much sense to me either, but I didn't want to discourage her from doing SOMETHING. She's really pumped about it. She's being treated @ a Naval Hospital, and it could very well be an issue with their (Navy Medicine) preferred method of treatment. I just wish that bias providers would cease spreading bad info too thier patients.

I will get my band next month. Everything has been sent to the insurance company, but I don't think they'll approve. I've got everything they need, but no six month physician monitored diet. If I'm not approved, I plan to pay out of pocket. Can't wait to join you group of huge loosers! s1m1, 8/1/06 338Lbs

How difficult was your appeal? I have Unitied Healthcare. I just submitted, and anticipate being rejected. I meet all the requirements except the six month physician supervised diet. I've tried everything from weight watchers too atkins. I lost, but I gained it right back. If they don't approve it, I'm going to just pay out of pocket and try to fight for reimbursement later. Do you think that will be possible? Darrell... 8/1/06 338lbs