pickles123

Congratulations on reaching a major goal.

It is Thursday. I would like to go but granddaughters Christmas Program is that evening, so I don't know if I will make it.

Yes, Welcome!! Hope you had a great seminar and received lots of useful information,

Don't kid youself, it is a diet. The band just helps.

If you have a hernia repair it may take longer. It is not that you don't feel like going to work, it is that you don't have the energy if you are on a liquid or soft diet. At least that was my case. The hernia repair does make it a little more difficult.

Tonya: Congratulations on your band. Sounds like you are doing great. I also was banded in September. Good luck on your weight loss. Pickles

I had the same problem. I lost ten pounds last month. I went in Monday for a fill and he said no fill because I lost 10 pounds. I did explain to him it was all me dieting, not the band (I think most of us are very good dieters). So he did give me a fill and this is the first I have felt restriction. Sometimes I think you have to tell them what you want. It worked for me.

I do use artificial sweetners but I think there is something more in Crystal Lite. I would love for people to comment on this. Other sweetners don't seem to bother me but that Crystal Lite has stopped me many times. Just a personal observation.

My surgeon will not do anyone over 60 so I know what you mean. I think it is an insurance thing.

I sure wish the lap band was cheating and was easy. All I have found it to be so far is hard work and patience. Glad I have it but sure is not EASY.

Hi Katie: Welcome. You will find this site a wealth of information. Good luck on your journey.

They told me the program fee includes 90 days of fills, the nuturition consult and the psych consult plus follow up with the dietian.

I had my first fill Monday and I am still feeling "yucky" I can't explain what it is; but I am just not quite right. Eating okay but kind of weak and dizzy. I think it may have affected the vargus nerve because I have been having a little back and shoulder pain.

Even if you are approved. How much are you paying in addition? Will I have to pay for the First consultation appointment? BCBS said everything is paid for but people have been talking about fees that different Dr's have that are not part of the insurance stuff> (I think that is what they mean) I hope I don't have to pay much because we are out of work. I thought if insurance covered it, it was all covered. Thanks

Good luck!!! Keep us posted.

Hi everyone. I will have my first fill Nov 2. Please keep posting about your experiences. Of course, I am afraid of the needle like everyone else. I am having head hunger; but, I don't think I am really hungry yet. Have a good day!!!!

Hi Rick: Congratulations on the weight loss. I was banded on the 22nd. Good luck on your journey. I still miss food but I am working on it.

I was told by the surgeon that those that have portion control problems do best with the band and those that graze do not do that well. Did anyone ask you about your eating habits before you were banded?

I have BCBS of IL and their was no preop diet or 5 year history. The only thing they required were the Psych exam and the Nutritional consult. The remainder were requirements from the surgeon. My PCP did write a letter so that may have been required, I don't know.

My doctor does not like to tell his patients how much he puts in at each fill. But, I am going to insist because I feel I have the right to know what is going on with my body.

I enjoy greek yogurt, as well as cottage cheese, with some sugar free jello mixed in. I think the black cherry is especially good.

I just found this information in "Lap Band System Adjustable Gastric Banding System with Omniform Design put out by Allergan. "On page 2 under "Adverse Events" 5th paragraph it says: "Gastric Banding done as a revision procedure has a greater risk of complications. Prior abdominal surgey is commonly associated with adhesions involving the stomach. In the US study, 42% of the patients undergoing revisions were reported to have developed adhesions involving the stomach. Care and time must be taken to adequately release the adhesions to provide access, exposure and mobilization of the stomach for revision procedures" (I think this is addressing the MD)" It went on the give a percentage of the failure rate for band slippage on those banded for a second time. It was greater but I can't find the %. I would put the web site up but I can't find it again. Maybe those of you that are more computer literate will be able to find it. It is dated October 2007. If you type in the top stuff maybe it will come up. Sorry for incomplete information; but maybe you can find it and decide if you want a second band.

Just a quick note. I haven't posted on this thread but have been reading it. I have done weight watchers. Lost 62 pounds. It is a great program. I know the program inside and out and I can tell you if you are not getting the results you want it is because Weight Watchers is not carb friendly. I will not be following the program with my band. I will be doing the protein and vegetables recommended by my doctors. It is a great program; but, just be aware that you can carb out very easily. Good luck in your weight loss attempts. Have a nice day!!!!!!

We had it as hambrugers for Labor Day. I don't think it tastes like hamburger. You need to try a small amount. Don't buy too much until you are sure you like it. I did not.

Yes, Change surgeons. I did and it was the best thing I have ever done. For anyone that is interested, Do you know Scottsdale Bariatric, Arizona, Dr. Blackstone, does not even have a full time office staff? If you are considering going there, be warned. (Center of Excellence means nothing when you can't reach anyone)