Gigi_Girl

I took Celebrex before surgery. There is transition without it, but as you lose weight, it joint problem, especially with knees gets better. You ortho doc might be able to give you some sort of injections to ease the pain.

I was originally banded in 2008 right after my insurance started covering it. The sleeve was still experimental. This summer my band was replaced due to a leak. My doc recommended changing to a sleeve and I was supportive, but insurance would would not cover a different type of weight loss surgery "one type per lifetime". Heck, I had to fight them for four months to even replace the defect. Originally they only agree to take out the defect. I originally picked the band over bypass for the same reasons as most--reversible, to rerouting, etc. However, if I was starting new today, I would choose the sleeve over band because of the lack of follow-up fills, unfills, 40%+ failure or replacement rate over time. The sleeve is a compromise between the band and bypass and gets a weight loss rate close to the bypass.

We are all here to share and support one another. If we don't listen to each other, who else is going to listen to us?

Your body is detoxing. It does get better.

I had a year missing in the required period. My insurance allowed me to submit a picture that missing year. It is worth asking?

Sounds like you will be fine. Prob just water retention. Just follow the doc's guidelines.

I assume you are talking about a flexible spending account. If so, the amount depends on what your insurance pays on fills and follow visits. Ask you doc's office how often they see patients in the first year and what your insurance typically pays. For me, my copay is $30 a visit and I expect to go in every 4 - 6 weeks the first year. Howver, all docs are not the same.

It could also be a sign of dehydration. Are you getting in all of your liquids?

10 lbs on preop is great! It is normal to get anxious prior to surgery. My way of handling anxiety is to keep very busy. Time will pass quicker than you think it will. You will be fine.

I like the Extreme Smoothie canned protein shakes and the Matrix powder to mix as I need.

Liquid Tylenol brand is currently off the market, but there are several makers of the generic tylenol, Acetaminophen, that do just as well. You can find them in most drug stores.

Sometimes I eat the extra calories, in fact, I believe that is the intent of MyFitness Pal. However, when I hit a stall, the nutritionist told me to stop doing that and to monitor my carb intact (which MyFitnessPal is great for). If you continue to lose with the net calorie consumed concept, I say go for it!

I think we all need a pair! We will be able to tuck our jeans into our boots before long.

Yes, the leak was confirmed in testing prior to removal. I had one band and scar tissue removed and a new band installed. It took less than 45 minutes where my doc says it takes him only 30 minutes to install an initial band.

I just had to have my band replaced. The price to redo was the same as the 1st time. When I got price quotes on removal alone, that too was comparable.

Hi Shawna, Good to see and and especially good to see someone back on this website. You are doing great. I don't think I have seen you since Spring 2011. As you can see from my ticker and profile, I have had my ups and downs, but am back on track since I had my band replaced. The tubing in the band was leaking which I am told is very unusual. So I am doing well and fighting to lose these last 32 pounds. Judy

Your port is under that incision. It takes the longest to heal and is probably still swollen inside. It will soften up. Try massaging area with Eucerin cream to help the exterior scar to heal. The massaging will help soften the internal scar tissue too.

Our mind tends to push our body to do things. Glad you had a great time, but get a little extra rest over the next few days so you'll be ready for the next wedding.

It doesn't happen often for me. If I eat slow enough, and chew the small bites well, it rarely happens.

A stuck episode occurs usually when you eat too fast, dont take small enough bites, and/or don't chew food well enough. Food goes down but will not process thru the pouch/band into the stomach. It hurts as it pools at the bottom of your esphagus. If it won't go down, you have to choice but to make it come up. No pretty, but true. It is a lesson well learned, it does help you remember to slow down, chew and be mindful of what you put in your mouth. We all learn things differently.

I had my band replaced 7 weeks ago. (First band had a leak). The port area was the last to heal probably because it had the most trauma. For the first few weeks, I felt the port area was swollen like there was a softball. It continued to shrink to baseball size, to golf ball size, etc. It was just scar tissue from port removal and placement of a new one in a new position. The area has softened up now. I am sure yours will too. Good luck to you!

It all depends on how much you have to loose. I lost 13 pounds in 14 days. Usually it is a detoxing and cleansing of your system to get rid of all the carbs, sugars, etc. I didn't continue at that rate post surgery.

With all that and still a net loss! You are doing great!

I see you found the tracker.