JDru

Hi everyone! I was banded about 6 weeks ago and I started at a BMI between 39 and 40. Audree that plateau buster sounds interesting...I might have to try it sometime.

I have Aetna too and their general policy is that they will cover lapband if it's "medically necessary." You should call them to see if your specific benefits cover lapband surgery and also ask for the criteria for coverage. They want to know your medical history (5 years of being overweight, co-morbidities like bigh blood pressure, diabetes, joint pain, etc), a medically supervised diet for at least 6 months, blood tests, psych eval, nutrition eval. It takes awhile to get everything together but it's worth it. Once I submitted everything, I was apporved in about 3 weeks. I've heard that some people have had a hard time with Aetna if they have Aetna HMO. I have Aetna PPO/Managed Care so I don't know if that makes a difference. Good luck!

Threebeauties...post pics! We want to see your funky haircut! Sometimes little things like finding the right accessories or a new haircut can make all the difference.

Hi Dawnae!! I started to feel hungry around day 4 or 5 because I was still on clear liquids. Once I could eat full liquids it wasn't as bad. I'm not sure what the sensation in your gut is...does it hurt?

I measure some things because I am really bad at estimating. But once I've measured something a couple of times, it's easier to eye-ball it. I also like to buy things that are already in single size portions like cheese and popcorn.

Congratulations! It sounds like you are healing well. Take care of yourself and fill us in on your progress.

I'm SO excited to see how everyone looks!!

Good luck on your fill tomorrow Kimberly!

Ugh!! I tried with 2 browsers and it's STILL not working. Maybe it's a sign I should stop wasting time at work! I'll try it at home later...thanks for the input!

Ok, it seems to be working now. But I can only get one kind of ticker to show up. I can't do all of my weight loss AND a Christmas ticket. I'm still working on it....

I get the pin thing...but when I copy the code and try to paste it into my signature it just has the code and no ticker when I preview my signature. I must be doing something wrong.

Is anyone else having trouble updating their tickers? Tickerfactory.com has some new pin/website thing and I don't get it! Am I dumb?? Help!

Jim I hope that all of the October Bandsters have made you feel welcome because this is a forum for EVERYONE! The issues we have to deal with as bandsters are not unique to gender. I agree with threebeauties...you should definitely call your doctor. I just had my first fill last Monday, but I have a follow up appt next week. It's important for your doc to monitor your progress and if you're starving all of the time you prob need a fill or at least some support from your doctor. Let us know what you find out!

Welcome to LBT! This site is a great resource for support and information. I started looking into surgery in August, went to a seminar 8/15, turned in all of my paperwork/records/insurance info on 8/30 and I was approved by my insurance 9/11. I had originally scheduled my surgery for Oct 5, but I had some anemia problems and it had to be postponed until Oct 26. So it's pretty fast! I think it can be even faster if you are self-pay. I've only been banded for about 6 weeks, but I don't regret it one bit! Good luck on your journey and keep us updated on your progress. PS: Congrats on your approval Sunshine!!

Chrispy I had a fill last Monday and I was only on liquids for one day, then mushies for one day, then solid food. I can still eat about a cup at a time, but I feel full longer. I'm going in for a follow up and possibly another fill on Dec 20. We'll see how I do. I'm still kind of hungry...

I'm down 2.6 this week! Chrispy you are doing awesome...seems like that fill is really working for you. Do you just have one fill or two?

Jodi I'm so glad to hear that you got everything taken care of! Good luck on your recovery.

I'm so glad that everything went well for you Dawnae! Good luck on your recovery.

I'm Jessica! My name, JDru, is a nickname I got around the time everyone was calling Jennifer Lopez JLo. So J is from my first name, Jessica and the Dru is part of my last name.

I love this show too!! I'm from Utah and there is a rumor going on that Heather gained weight on purpose to get on the show. Kind of a gamble I guess and I'm not sure it's true, but I wouldn't put it past her. She bugs!!! And Wylie does too...I cringe every time he speaks. Marty and Bobby were my favorites. Now I think I will root for Erik. Can't wait until Wednesday!!

Hi Frogger! I just had my first fill on Monday and it was pretty painless. They give you a numbing shot first, then fill you up. I got 1.2 cc in a 4cc band. I didn't really feel any pain (expect a poke/stinging with the numbing shot), but I did feel things moving around a little and I had some swelling near the port area. I have more restriction now than before the fill, but it's definitely not at the "sweet spot" yet. Good luck with your fill...let us know how it goes!

Hi again Lori! I know that Dr. Hansen and Dr. Alldredge will not do fills for Mexico patients. There is a Fillcenters USA (866-345-5872) that is opening soon or might be open now and I've also heard that Dr. McKeen in Orem will do fills as well.

Good luck Sal...I hope you find someone to help you with your surgery!

Welcome Sunny!! I think most of us have had surgery here in Utah. Do you know who is going to do your fills? I've heard some good things about a Dr. McKeen in Orem. You'll start to feel much better in the next week. It took me 2 weeks to feel back to normal and about 3 weeks to get all of my energy back. mypov: I haven't tried any of the clear Protein drinks. I have heard that the unjury ones are good though. Your surgery is so close!! Dawnae: One more day!!! Let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it. Good luck tomorrow!

Lauren you must be short like me! I'm not quite 5'2" Initially I had my goal weight at 125, but then I decided I could live with being a healthy weight at the top of the healthy range. So now I'm at 135, but I'm sure it might change later. I've found that comparing my measurements pre-band to now helps too when the scale isn't moving, so be sure to take your measurements and lots of pics before your surgery. It was definitely painful for me to do that, but I'm so glad that I did now.