goldngrll

well, I think the above posters are correct about cobra, and getting on your parents insurance, but hey, you have insurance till the end of the month, and they already approved you, I would still go for it!!!

another thing to note, is that there are many things that effect the band....illness, allergies, your cycle, weight loss, even humidity can effect how tight your band is....it is a Fluid thing....stay in touch with your docs, and let them know whats going on....

here is the quick answer. If solid food is not going down comfortably, you are in the red zone, and need an unfill. Listen, 5% of all bandsters will need re operation for slippage or erosion, and this is totally preventable. Remember that little card you got from your band manufacturer about being in the greenzone??? keep it with you. seriously. I had a fill that I was wondering about, but kept blaming myself for my discomfort. oh, I must be eating too fast, or not taking a small enough bite....when it gets to be every meal, every bite, yeah, it is not you, it is the fill........when you are too tight, and dont deal with it, you will keep irritating the stomach lining and it will just keep feeling tighter, and really could erode...or you could just stop making the best food choices, and start eating slider foods.... soo 3 weeks after that fill I got a partial unfil...I had irritated my stomach so much, I could hardly get my shakes down. Mind you , I have lost about 100 lbs in 6 months, and generally make pretty good food choices. it was soo painful, I felt like I had been kicked in the gut for 3 days....NOT. GOOD. so I got 3 cc out for a week, kept losing and had 2 put back in....a week later, had another 1/2 put back in, and I think I'm staying here for a while...can eat small amounts of everything so far, and have not gotten stuck...wooot!! really, not something to play with though!! take care of you, and your band!

Hi there Congrats!!! you're off to a great start!!! now listen, this isnt magic, so dont expect an overnight miracle....this is a tool, and it will work for you, if you use it and respect it. I have had many fills (and a brief unfill) and heres the quick answer.....Everyone is different. Everyone will get to that spot where they are at perfect restricition at different times....for some, it may only take 1 fill, for others, it could take 5 fills..... stay in touch with your dr. if you're still not at restriction, and hungry, call back. ask for another fill. just go slow with it...trust me, you do NOT want to get too tight......I am at about 8ccs and I think I will stay here for a while... the band changes as your body does...things like colds, your cycle, allergies, even weight loss will affect the band. so you will be dealing with this in some form for the rest of your life...just dont wait too long for visits....and if you think you're too tight, yeah, you prolly are... hang in there!

Hi there Congrats!!! you're off to a great start!!! now listen, this isnt magic, so dont expect an overnight miracle....this is a tool, and it will work for you, if you use it and respect it. I have had many fills (and a brief unfill) and heres the quick answer.....Everyone is different. Everyone will get to that spot where they are at perfect restricition at different times....for some, it may only take 1 fill, for others, it could take 5 fills..... stay in touch with your dr. if you're still not at restriction, and hungry, call back. ask for another fill. just go slow with it...trust me, you do NOT want to get too tight......I am at about 8ccs and I think I will stay here for a while... the band changes as your body does...things like colds, your cycle, allergies, even weight loss will affect the band. so you will be dealing with this in some form for the rest of your life...just dont wait too long for visits....and if you think you're too tight, yeah, you prolly are... hang in there!

hi, I am a mom of triplets +1. Actually my older child was a twin, but we lost one very early on....my triplets were 28 week preemies. I cannot tell you how many times we should have lost them. even after being sent home, I resuscitated my oldest twice in 1 day @ 13 weeks. My youngest has a mild case of cerebral palsy as well.... although I wouldnt trade my life for the world (ok, I'd like a better growing money tree) I caution everyone who mentions wanting multiples, that this is no joke. yes, its really cute and all, but you have NO IDEA how dangerous it is to carry, and how common loss, and disabilities are with multiples. Not to mention the reality of raising multiples. This aint jon and kate. there are no nannies, or cleaning folks or anyone but the hubby and I. Yes we did fertility treatments....lots of them....actually it was called ICSI IVF, which is a very specialized form of ivf....we did it for 6 yrs till we got my oldest....then the triplets came when she was almost 2. chaos is not even the word.... hang in there....!!

soo funny!! I make a cauldron of chili every week for myself!!! I use ground turkey most of the time, and top it with some cheese and chopped sweet onion......yum!!!

I am soo sorry to read about your stomach issues!!!!! stress really is no joke!!! thats how I got to 366 lbs! I have to chime in though, the band is not a scam. its just a tool, and if you dont use it, much like the treadmill with the clothing hanging off it, it wont do much for you... I was banded July 1, and I have lost about 85 lbs (about 50 pre op) there are times when I may get some food stuck, but it has always been my fault, by eating to fast or not chewing well, etc... I'm not a perfect bandster, I do like my wine, but I think if we're honest, for the most part, anyway, if we're not losing its our fault....we have to take responsibility for our own actions..... take care!

Hi, so I'm wondering...are you not eating because it hurts to eat?? are you having reflux, or are things getting stuck?? when folks are too tight, and dont realize it, sometimes they stop eating the things that get stuck, or go back to shakes in fear of getting stuck...if this is not the case for you, then you know what to do.... even if you want to continue with the shakes...make them good ones!! add in some protein powder, half a banana, peanut butter (my morning shake is a chocolate eas with all of the above, YUM!) eating small meals or snacks keeps your metabolism going, and thats what helps burn fat, and lose weight, as does low carbing.....if you arent losing, you definitely want to eat more!! take care!

Wow , I'm reading all these replies, and am surprised!!! my practice requires a consult with a nutritionist, a shrink, a full panel of blood labs, sleep study (already have apnea, so not necessary) plus the orientation, and pre op with surgeon.. I started the process April 29, and was banded July 1, and I kinda thought that was quick!!

HI THERE! hope all is well!!! here's the thing....the band is a TOOL. its not a quick fix. like that treadmill sitting in the corner with clothes hanging off it...if we use it for a clothes hanger, we get no use out of it.... there are some, that have not lost weight with the band....but is it because of the band? well, no...you still have to use the tool....everyone is different, and if you are determined to cheat, and eat your way around the band, you can succeed at that. I was banded July 1. I have lost about 75 lbs thus far....(about 50 pre op) I have no fill at all, and let me tell you, I have worked for EVERY pound. but I have also not been sick once, or been stuck once. I guess it depends where you go...my practice, all they do is lapbands, and I know many and you will find them here also, that have lost 100 lbs plus... it is the safest, and least invasive bariatric surgery. it also gives you the best chance at living a normal life...it is normal to make Cookies with your kids at xmas...not normal to eat a dozen...but you can have 1 or 2 and be ok...not so with the bypass.... I personally would never consider the bypass....heres a website that makes it clearer... Lap-Band vs. Gastric Bypass if you want to change your life, you have to work at it, and if you do, the band will be your friend...if not, then you know, you wont!! its actually quite simple...ya gotta work it baby!! feel free to email any time! TAKE CARE!

just remember, the band is a tool.....weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, and definitely not the easy way out! you still have to use the tool....you still need to change your eating habits, not just what you eat, but how you eat...you need to eat slow, and take small bites, etc....there are ways of eating around the band.... its like that treadmill in the corner..if we use it we lose, if we hang clothes off it we dont..... looking forward to hearing your success story!!!

Hi, Ryan!!! My name is Patty, and I live outside of Boston. I, too have been overweight since I was a kid, and have lost hundreds of pounds over the years. I got banded on July 1, and have lost about 70 lbs (about 50 pre op since may). It is by far the best decision I have made for myself in years. I wish I did it 10 years ago when I was thinking about it! So listen, you've got a great advantage!! Your youth!!!! seriously, the pounds come off easier, and with the band, they'll stay off.....plus your doing it early before doing too much damage to your heart and body. I applaud you on a great decision to take control of your life at such a young age!!!! The other thing about you being so young, is that you likely wont have many issues with excess skin, etc, as your body will rebound well, and work with your weight loss...if you were 40, yeah, not so much.....just remember when you're feeling up to it to put some exercise in your life...you will need strength training, along with cardio, and I bet your skin will look fantastic!!! Dont sweat the surgery...I didnt have any serious pain except some gas pain in my shoulder, and I was up walking that afternoon.....some pain in my port, but thats mostly due to my kids. I have 3 yr old triplets and my youngest has cerebral palsy, so I have no choice but to do some lifting.... so listen to your doctor and follow your pre op and post of diet. I use the EAS shakes (you can find them at Wal mart pretty cheap) and I use Protein powder as well (look for about 25 grams per scoop and as low carb as you can get...I get that from wal mart too) The eas shakes are really high in protein compared to the instant Breakfast and slim fast, and you dont need the carbs anyway... would love to keep in touch....give me a shout if you have any questions!! take care!!!

hi there!! cant help but notice...you're only 2 days post op, and eating all this ?? be careful!! your still healing!!!!! I'm 3 weeks out, and still on puree, softs... 2 days out I was only on liquids.....

check this out.. Lap-Band vs. Gastric Bypass

hey there!! how are you feeling??? I was banded on July 1.....am feeling fantastic!!! except for some port pain..ok a lot of it..but its partially because I need to do some lifting (my 3 yr old has cp, and I have to lift him...) and my boys always seem to get their elbows right there, too....so I have some bruising... but my energy and stamina has rebounded, and I have been a workout fool!! not eating too much, mostly shakes, but thats fine with me.....so far down 65.5 lbs.... I promised myself a reward for getting under 300 lbs....this week I weighed in at the surgeons office at 300.5 grrrrrrr.. take care!

hi there!! you should ask about it....the purpose of the pre op diet is two fold..the most important thing is it is to shrink you liver...since your liver sits on top of your stomach, the surgeon has to actually lift it, and move it.....you want to make this the safest procedure as possible... secondly, to heal, you are going to need to give your stomach a rest....so this is also to get you used to the idea of a liquid diet, since you will really need to stick to it post op....plus losing a few pounds never hurt!!! I personally and digging the way I am feeling from the great nutrition in these shakes!!! I have been a workout fool, and feel really good!! (except the port pain...ugh!!) hang in there!!!

wow!! you lost all that with no fills, AND no exercise?? amazing!! do you feel restriction?? I am an exercise fool, unfortunately I dont lose anything without it....keep it up!!

seriously!! all that weight and never had a fill??? do you feel restriction at all???? congrats!!! that is amazing!

hey there...hope all is well!! lets see...banded July 1. lost about 50 lbs pre op, about 66 in total...I am an exerciser...I am a walking maniac! lol...I just got my stamina back after surgery, and have been walking 5 miles a day, and swimming, and chasing my kids around, lol... happy with my results, happy with my choice, a little afraid of real food to be honest, lol....remember though, this is just a tool, its not the "easy way out..." you have to work it, like anything else... I eat pretty healthy...(especially right now, !!) low carb works for me, so thats what I do......mostly Protein shakes still.... good luck!!! I'm assuming you're doing research??

CONGRATS!!! stay encouraged!!!!! I am 2 weeks out, and I have lost 65.5 lbs...I lost about 50 of it pre op....it gets easier with the band every day!! I still have pain at my port, but I have no choice in doing some lifting, and my kids always manage to poke me right there!!! ugh!! go slow!! remember your body is healing, and this time is not about losing.. try your best to get your Protein and Water in!! keep us posted!!

congrats!! go sloooo !!! your body is still healing!!! my surgeon recommends full liquids for the first 2 weeks.....but that includes cottage cheese, yogurt, puddings/jello in addition to the Protein shakes.. to be honest though, I have only done the shakes...I am afraid to eat I think....I keep hearing slime stories!! but really, I have had a lot of days where I can only get down 1 or 2 shakes and Water...I get full fast!! I also made a shake too thick, and it was really uncomfortable....that turned me off a bit as well but then I was reading of folks just a week out eating tacos!! maybe I'm the wacko, LOL!!! take care, and keep us posted!!

yeah, I was wondering that myself!!!

thanks for the tips...where do you get the papaya enzyme tablets?? are they costly??

hi! kinda new to this, but wondering...your post said "no more fills without floro" what does that mean?? take care Patty