MLBL

That is great! It is '"your" part of the store now too!

I also just had my first fill (4.5cc in 11cc band) and while I can eat anything I want I do feel less hungry. Thanks for starting this thread. I was wondering too. I was hoping I would feel "full", but I will take "not hungry" if I can get it.

That is great advice and I have been trying to follow it.

My Dr. told me I wasn't big enough for lap band. Then I asked about a breast reduction and he told me my BMI was too high. I told him you can't tell me I'm too fat for one surgery and not fat enough for the other. He gave me a bariatric consult but told me I would probably be turned down by the insurance. I was banded a few months later. I wouldn't ask her opinion next time - tell her "I meet the guidlines for the band. I want a referral." Or, switch doctors if you can.

Just wanted to chime in and support the previous comments. Flouro is great, but the PA should be listening to you. When making the next appointment say you have communication problems with the PA and request the Dr. If that gets you nowhere it is time to change Docs. No need for a whole new surgery yet, try to find the right Dr. first. Hang in there - I know that is easier said than done but you are going to get there!

I recently had my first fill (4.5cc in an 11cc band) and I felt the same way. However, I have noticed that I can still eat a large volume of food if I want to, I am feeling full just a bit longer than I did before. I know I still need another fill, but I think feeling full for an extra hour or two will help me get through until my second fill.

I decided in March, first saw my PCM in late March for a referral, orientation in mid-April, Surgery late August.

Can it be done? Yes. Will many surgeons do it? No. Since your surgeon is willing to try should you? Only you can answer that. I will say it is true you have to get your head hunger fixed first. The disappointment from failing the bypass will be 2x as bad if you fail the band. You will also be out of options at that point. Psychologically that would be a big blow. If you want to do this, set your self up to succeed - get conseling about your eating or go to Overeaters Anonymous (I went to OA for 6 months). Let us know what you decide.

I have Tricare and was banded in Aug. The current requirments are BMI 35-39 with two comordities or 40+ without comorbidities. I was not 100lbs overweight, only 75-80. I was also surprised to learn that urinary stress incontinence is one of the qualifying comorbidities. Otherwise, I wouldn't have qualified.

I totally agree and my band was covered by insurance and I am having a positive experience so far. My surgeon was very clear that the down side of a band was that it is a piece of equipment and equipment wears out. He said that even if everything is fine initially, I would probably have to get the band replaced at some point because all implants (breasts, hips, ect.) wear down, develop problems, and need replacement. The real question is will I have a problem the first year or in 15? He said as long as I understood this and was ok with it, the band is a great option.

My Surgeon's nurse said during our orientation that if you gained 1 pound you would be declined surgery. I gained seven and they didn't bat an eye. That being said, the person you are really hurting is you. You are having a head hunger episode. You WILL be able to eat after the band, especially before it filled. After it is filled you will not feel as hungry. You are not going to starve. Feed your body, not your head.

I do think it is a good idea to get a med-alert bracelet, but I think your OB might not really understand the band. The tube for anesthesia doesn't go into your stomach and your throat is as wide as it ever was.

Before fills the band isn't even working - you've lost a lot and will lose more once your tool is helping you.

It sucks to be one of the few people the band doesn't work for, and it sucks when every tells you it is your fault. I'm sure you beat yourself up about it enough. I would give up on the band now too. But, I also agree that bypass is still an option for you. It is very different from the band and so may be the "right" surgery for you. I feel so bad for you to have gone through so much and still be struggling - we all know the pain of feeling like our weight is out of control. (((((HUGS)))))

The band doesn't work without the fills. It really will start working once you get some restriction. Welcome to Bandster Hell.

Look at that waist!

I use them too. They are cheaper and nutritionally the same as medifast. Just this morning I made the mocha shake and put it in my starbucks cup. Felt just like I had gone through the drive though.

Your insurance company has a fraud department. Send them copies of everything. Maybe you can prevent them from doing this to someone else.

I plant o start the Couch to 5K program when I reach 195 lbs. (I am super top heavy and wanted to get some weight off first for the sake of my back). It is a great program. You start out really slow with just walking and very gradually add more walking, then a little jogging until you can run. I highly recommend it!

I am also an emotional eater. That is part of the reason I invested in some personal therapy before getting the band. Even knowing what I do, it is hard to keep it under control. I will look into the book. Thanks for the info.

I got my first fill today. I got 4.5ccs which is great because I was hoping for at least 3, but on the other hand I don't feel any restriction. I have a follow-up appointment in 4 weeks. If I am not feeling restriction by then I hope he will do another fill.

My first fill is tomorrow afternoon. I am really hoping for 3ccs. I will update everyone tomorrow night!

Our fat stores more toxins than other tissues and as we lose it they are getting released. I am sensitive to this and if I lose too fast I feel sick, as if I have a virus or cold. Drinking water helps flush things faster if I am already feeling bad. Maybe that is contributing to you feeling so bad too?

The new PA will only get better if someone says something. Maybe you could call or write a letter explaining that you understand everyone goes through a learning period but some of her comments seemed insensitive. If you have her again and things haven't improved definitely say something - you are paying too much to be treated poorly.

I have avoided going to see my husband at work and attending any of his office's social functions because I don't want them to know he has a fat wife :thumbup: