BusyMom1961

Why are you discouraged?

I worked at BCBS of Il several years ago. Each employer group can choose their benefits. Self-funded groups have different options than other groups. You should file an appeal and try to find out specifically what you need to get approved. Message me your employer group and I might be able to give you some insight.

It's almost been two years since I had my surgery and my stomach still gurgles when I drink something. It makes me and my son laugh. It is sort of loud, but just a testament to the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Thanks everyone. When you start this journey you are always so uncertain of your path. Will you be successful or will it not work for you as it has for some others - those are all thoughts that went through my head. As everyone says, the band is a tool but you have to use the tool to be successful. The band makes me not hungry, but it does not make me get out of my comfy chair when it is 90 outside or when it is 0 outside. That is all me and I have to say I am proud of my perseverance on this lifestyle. There are days when I didn't think it would ever happen and others days when I felt indestructible - but each day had its own merits. I have worked hard and appreciate each and every step of the journey, because sometimes if I didn't step back I might not see how great the road ahead looked. This site has been so helpful to me - even when I don't post I can come, look around and find motivation to keep going. Thanks to each and everyone of you for helping me find my way.

It has taken me longer than I thought to lose one hundred pounds, but as of today I have lost 101 pounds. It hasn't always been easy, and I have walked my small town everyday for over a year, but it is definitely worth it. I still have a ways to go, but I feel very inspired to have lost 100. I love my lap-band.

I agree with seeing the doc, but I would be taking some sort of antacid to get the reflux to stop also. If you can take something to relieve that you might see some lessening in the swelling also.

I have lost 80 pounds since last April and the girls are still the same size. I am starting to look very top heavy since I haven't lost any cup size. I have lost weight in the back area, but nothing in the boobage area. Close friends comment that my boobs now look huge. Oh well, I am sure that they will deflate at some point, just not sure when.

My doctor told me if you aren't hungry don't eat. You won't hurt anything and you will eat when you are hungry. That was the best information I have received through this whole journey. I always thought that I needed to eat three meals a day, but the doctor told me that is not necessary at all. So, if I am not hungry in the morning - I don't eat. A glass of hot tea fills me up until lunch about 2:00. I eat dinner around 6:30 - 7:00 and I am done for the day. I feel great and am losing weight - the band is a great tool.

In my opinion, any relationship comes down to - Do the good times outweigh the bad? If the bad times outweigh the good and no one is willing to make allowances, then you need to separate for a while and see if you miss them. There are some days that I don't like my husband, but I always love him. I always tell my friends when they ask for advice the same thing. If even on a bad day you look to the future and you see him in it, then you need to figure out how to fix it. If you don't see him in the picture, then move on. I am not advocating divorce, I am just saying that maybe a little separation from each other and a little soul searching will give you the answers you need. If you feel that you need to talk to someone, call a pastor at a church, they will help you. They don't try to get you to come to your church, they will just try to get you through the crisis. They won't charge you anything and will give you an unbiased opinion. I work at a church and the pastor talks to many non-members/non-church goers to help them through a difficult time. Good luck and most of all - take care of you.

I would get a small un-fill. It doesn't necessarily mean you will gain weight. This journey is not about feeling bad, it is about losing weight and being able to live a full life with the band.

Hi everyone, How are all the April people feeling now that it has been six months. I am feeling great. I have lost 64 pounds and have found a lot more energy. Still exercising - and trying to eat healthy foods like I should. How about you?

Thanks for the kind words. Somedays he drives me crazy. I always love him, liking him at times is not always easy. I really try not to stress when I eat or I won't be eating. I don't try to eat anything after that happens. He knows what it does to me also and most times tries not to get me worked up over a meal, but sometimes it happens. Thanks again.

I have a 15 year old son - and all that entails - We have heated talks about what he is and isn't going to do. I am a parent who believes that at 15 you still don't get to tell me what you are going to do and when you are going to be home - needless to say we argue about boundaries. And this generally happens around meal time. When he and I argue or talk excitedly my band slams shut and nothing is going to go down it for quite a while. Does anyone else have this reaction from stress? I try to stay stress free during meal times, but some days it isn't easy. And today was one of them. I don't think that I will be able to eat anything else today and I will be lucky if I can drink anything. Yuck, what a way to end the weekend.