ToddNYG

I was banded in Nov of 2009 and have never felt better. My progress has encouraged my father possibly to have WLS now. His problem is he would only go to my surgeon and of course he doesn't take my Dad's insurance. So my question is (and I know it's a rather broad question) to the self payers, what was your ballpark out of pocket expenses for your surgery? He would probably be looking at a deductible and then another 80% of the rest of the cost. Any info would be very helpful and appreciated. Oh and this would be in NJ, not sure if regionally would make a difference or not.

With the rain finally stopping I am going to begin the Couch To 5K program today after work. I bought the app on my iPod Touch to guide me through it. I'm looking forward to it!

Thank you everyone for all your help and info. I am going today for a fill myself and my mother is coming with me to ask about costs for a self pay.

for your shoulder, walk walk walk and walk some more...also a heating pad worked for me

Going for a fill this afternoon then off for phase 2 of C25K....gonna be a busy afternoon....lol

First week I did clear liquids then I was able to move onto creamy soups after a week. Then the 3rd week I was onto mushies

Godd for you!!!!!!! Congrats and keep up the great work!!!!!

That's great Bella, congrats to you for your hard work and success thus far!!!!!

My local high school does have a new rubber track but of course there was high school track meet going on yesterday, lol, so that option was out. I went to the local park and I did step one with no problems! I haven't ran in so long, I was very surprised and proud of myself. Can't wait to go again. And I highly recommend to anyone wanting to do it, if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch to get the app. It really is great telling you when to start and stop and plays music for you right off of your playlists.

I believe I read it is 3.1 miles

I've had 4 fills and I have never felt anything other then the needle in my side.

I have had good and bad experiences with ham. Just like anything else, as long as I remind myslef to really chew it up and eat slowly it goes down fine.

I had the gas pain in my shoulder and it didn't really show up until about 4-5 days after surgery. I was banded on a Wed and went back to work on the following Monday and that was the first time I really felt it. Walking def helps and I also when able to used a heating pad wrapped around my shoulder.

I'm about 4 and a half months banded and I've lost about 70 lbs so far but that includes 3 week liquid diet pre-op. So really since surgery which was a week before Thanksgving I have lost 40lbs.

I was banded in Nov '09 and mine is the 14cc and i was told that is the Large so i would assume that is what you have.

as we speak I am enjoying some home made chicken salad. I usually have this or some cold cuts that I roll up and dip in some ranch dressing.

This looks great. I am going to give it a try, especially now that the weather is getting better!

Good for you!!! Your story just made my day. Keep up the great work, and keep lovin life!!!!!!!!

I had a pretty bad weekend. I didn't eat anything that I shouldn't have or too much of. Unfortunately, I just had a bad combo of great weather and good friends watching basketball and had entirely too many beers this weekend. I will punish myself in the gym all week but just wanted to confess to my Bandster family.

I have had both good and bad moments with eggs. If you continue to eat them fast you will learn the hard way, as you said. Just like anything else you if chew well and take your time you should be fine.

I have had a wrap but not really sure if it was flour or corn but as long as I took my time and chewed it was ok

I had a few Heineken Lights and my old favorite, Budweiser

I am too having this problem and it's getting harder and harder as the weather is getting nicer.

Thank you for your concern. I was banded back in November. I have had a beer here and there but this past weekend was certainly the most I've had thus far.

I think I am in need of a fill. When I was first banded or when I feel any restriction I would try to have a beer and after only a few I would really feel full and bloated. Unfortunately I had none of that this weekend. But I would like to thank everyone for not letting me beat myself up too bad