Dragonfly

wheetsin, PCM stands for Primary Care Manager which would be your listed Physician. I too have tricare and was told absolutely no way would it be covered but they will cover gastric bypass. I am told that all that may change in 2007 so keep checking with them. Paula

Yes, I did have a heart cath. about 6 months later. They found a 50% blockage at that time which has since been reversed. They felt that at that time that my prolonged use of migraine med was the cause and they changed the diagnosis to a heart spasm.

I too have suffered from migraines since a very early age. I have been on meds for the last 30 years and until recently was having the attacks as often as 3 to 4 times a week. I was fortunate enough to have a mild heart attack due to the meds and my DO started doing manipulation therapy about 1 year ago. I have had only 1 migraine since that time (no more med). I was banded in Oct. 06 and was worried that they would return. They have not. The one attack was triggered by stressing over an up coming surgery for my knee. All is well. I would really recommend that you find a Dr. in your area who can offer manipulation therapy. I have a life again. Paula

Irishmist, I too have back problems. I have been getting injections in my spine now for over a year. Just when I think things will be good I'm down again. I am seriously considering back fusion but am still looking for other options. I do find that if I don't drink enough water I have the problem much more frequently. I would suggest you try to drink more water and talk to your Dr. about seeing a pain specialist. It will help. Also I have heard that a Manual Therapist (not Physical Therapy) can be very helpful. I have not seen one yet due to the fact my insurance will not cover it, but I may have to pay out of pocket for this too! I know that there is help out there if we look in the right place.

I was surprised to hear that you use a numbing agent before a fill. I have had 2 fills by my Dr. and I can tell you the 1st was a little more painful than I had anticipated. No numbing agent, just jamed the needle in. The 2nd was not painful at all and was done almost the same as the 1st. I am a big wuss and if I had known what to expect with a fill, I probably would have chicken'd out. This information was good to know. Maybe I can get my Dr. to use a numbing agent. Thanks

I have used Dr. John Marsden and have had a great experience with him and his staff. They were all wonderful and Dr. Marsden will answer any question you have. He is really good and has a great bedside manner. I had my band done on 10/06/06 and have lost 25 lbs. I feel great.

Sweetness, Welcome to TX. I can recommend 2 great band Dr.'s here, closer to you than to me but they are great. Dr. John Marsden in Lewisville or Hurst (2 offices) and Dr. Fredrico Maese in Ferris or Dallas. (2 offices). Congratulations on the baby. Boy or Girl? I live in Corsicana.

All that I can add would be sleep apnea.

Hi Becky, My name is Paula and I love dragonflies. I love to lounge in the pool and let them land on me. I call them dragonfly kisses. My birthdate is 12/23 and I was banded on 10/03/06. Love hearing from everyone.

mzsmartypantz, Great idea for the surgery dates. I was banded on 10/06/06. Doing well. The first week was hard but feeling better now and looking forward to my first fill in about 2 weeks. I'm glad that there are plenty of October bandsters. Good luck to all of you.

tianealperry, I had my surgery done by a great surgeon named Dr. John Marsden. He was wonderful. His office is in Lewisville, TX. It is quite a drive for me, but well worth it. He operated out of the Specialty Surgery Center of Ft. Worth. which is located in Hurst. I will have my follow up care with Dr. Maesa in Ferris, but he also has an office in Dallas. I am now starting my 3rd week and feeling great. Have lost 14 lbs. I hope that this helps! Best of luck to you.

Hi, I too am a new October bander. My surgery was 10/06/06. I'm glad to see that there are many more of us out there. My surgery went well and I am now looking forward to having my first band fill. Probably not for another few weeks. Like the rest of you, I also ate alot of the foods that I knew were not recommended so that I would not feel cheated later. At this time I do not miss them. I want to say congratulations to all of you for taking that step. I'm sure that you will not be disappointed. I know that I am thrilled.

Hello, I'm new to the lap band also. Was banded on 10/06/06 in Lewisville, TX, Doing well at this time. I am trying to figure out how this forum works as I have never been on a forum before. I am thrilled that you are here, and look forward to sharing my experiences with others. If anyone can tell me how to set this up I would surely appreciate it. I have lost 10 lbs. since I started and am looking forward to my first fill.