bwaydiva

Hi team! I'm moving forward with a revision surgery (lap band to sleeve) but will need different insurance. I have a small business and already have an out of network PCP whom I ADORE. Does anyone have any recommendations about insurance through the exchanges? Or an insurance they wouldn't recommend? I'm looking specifically for an insurance that has the "fewest hoops" to jump through. I live in Northern California and will be having the surgery with Palo Alto Medical Group. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!! Sheila

You can apply for Obamacare any time you have a "life changing" event... Like becoming pregnant. Best of luck to you and your baby.

I am too! Where did you have your surgery done? I have so many questions!

Hello! I haven't been on here in years. It's nice to see some familiar faces and soooo many new folks! Here's my story: Banded in 2007. Lost 140 pounds and maintained that loss until 2011. In 2011, I had a series of very unfortunate events happen and started to believe the toxic voices in my industry (performing arts) I went to food for comfort and with a cross country move, a wedding, having the moving truck stolen with everything we owned... Well, it was a very stressful time and I got through by using food. I'm not proud and I gained almost everything I had lost. In 2013 my band slipped and was removed. I was 308 pounds. Fast forward to 2014. Years of therapy and nutrition. I'm at my highest weight ever (330 but I lost 8 pounds in the past two weeks!) but I'm also the healthiest (mentally and emotionally) and happiest I've ever been. Two weeks ago, I had an appointment with my PCP and he said that without losing weight I won't be able to have children. The endometriosis and extra fat will make infertility treatments unsuccessful. I just got off the phone with a bariatric doctor who said that he won't put in another band because of the risk of complication and scar tissue. To be considered for another surgery, he says I have to get down to 250 (an 80 pound loss) and then "maybe" he'll consider me for bypass or VSG. Can anyone advise? Has anyone been re-banded after a slip? I'm so discouraged and would love to hear some ideas about how to move forward. Thank you for taking the time to read.

Thank you everyone for your encouragement and thoughts! I've actually decided to go with the sleeve. We need to change insurances (I'm posting a question about that in the insurance forum after this) but I'm very excited about the potential of the sleeve. Thank you!!!!

Thank you @@Texasmeg for taking the time to read and respond! My nutritionist and my PCP both said nutrition was a challenge during pregnancy with VSG and RNY. The stomach is already pushed up and gets smaller and with VSG the concern was with an already small stomach it would be too small to ensure adequate nutrition. The band can be tightened or loosened depending on the needs of myself or the baby. I really like the idea of VSG though. I'm so happy you've been so successful with it. Congratulations!!!

Hi Everybody, So I've officially made the decision to self pay and I'm scheduling my surgery tomorrow!! AHHHH!!! :nervous I go back to school in the fall and I was wondering what the average weight loss was for the first 6 months. (I want to clarify that this means post band and not including your pre-op diet.) I'm TOTALLY living in fantasy land and I was hoping ya'll would help me out here in dream world. Thanks team! Love, Sheila Going to face the music, take out tons of loans (at this point what's MORE debt!?) and get my BAND!!

Hey has anyone worked with or heard of Dr. Felix in Fresno, CA? I've submitted my insurance information and now I'm waiting.... So I thought I'd see if anyone could tell me about their experiences with him. It's so much money and if insurance doesn't approve I guess I just need to know that he's worth it. Thanks for your help. With love, Sheila

Wait til you have the right fill... My weight loss was super slow and almost non existent the first six months. It helped me get my head on straight but once I got restriction things really started to move. Sure I had some restriction before but once I found my sweet spot things started to be well... SWHEEEEEEET!!!! =) Hang in there. ~ Sheila

Hello Fellow Banders, I've been away for a long time. I've tried to do this on my own and I've finally accepted that I need your support and help. You are all amazing women who are soooo inspirational. I'm sorry that I just disappeared and that I didn't respond to any private messages. I'm doing okay and now that I've finally have some restriction I'm starting to lose weight. People are starting to notice that I'm losing weight but whenever they make a comment, I react by eating foods that will slip through the band. Does anyone else have trouble taking a compliment? You were all so wonderful to me pre-surgery and I would LOVE an opportunity to help you all. I want so badly to succeed but I need your help to do it. I'm seeing a therapist, I'm exercising and for once in my life, I'm actually hopeful about my weight. You were all so helpful and kind to me and you all offered wonderful and practical wisdom. I'd really appreciate your help. I hope that all of your are well and happy. With love, Sheila PS I need to update my ticker and my signature. LOTS of things have changed. =)

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I swear in my day to day life, I'm never in crisis like I am on LBT. I don't live my life like this. Posting... well it's like therapy or something. By telling you guys about my food issue or "confessing" to you all about it, I actually acknowledge what's going on and I can see the big picture. Once I post, I begin feel better. And then your phenomenal responses! Seriously, I couldn't ask for better group of wonderful, wise women. Not to mention skinny! Thank you all so much. Today was so much better for me. I discovered that I REALLY like refried beans. Those are definitely mushie!! I also got on the scale and discovered that in one week I've lost 9 pounds. Definitely water weight but still helpful in lifting my mood. Talk to you all soon. Thank you. I'm truly so grateful.

Sorry I've been away. Dealing with family stuff, new job and the reality that I AM actually banded has kept my head full. Guys I have not been doing well. I'm a week out from being banded and I'm already back to eating crappy foods. I'm supposed to be on mushies for another week. I'm so disappointed with myself. I'm still eating significantly less than I used to.... but snacking? I can't believe that I just gave up going back to school for another year for this band and I can't seem to only eat three meals a day?! Ugh!! I am thoroughly disgusted with myself. I know it's all head hunger but I don't know what to do. I have NO willpower... just like before surgery! I am so sorry to hear about Alan's problems. I hope that those resolve within the next few months. We're all sending positive thoughts your way. Tracy take loads of Airborne and Zycam. That combo always does the trick for me. A food challenge sounds like a really good idea. I haven't been keeping track of my exercise but I have been doing it every other day. Doc said no biking til after my first fill so I've been doing lots of walking with my ipod. You guys have been so supportive. Hope everyone is doing well. Sheila

Angie that web page is really neat! I'm feeling so much better today after sleeping with my heating pad on my tummy. Mmm feels so good. Anyway, off to work! Hope everyone has a great day!!

I REALLY do think that being younger has it's advantages. I had my surgery last Wednesday and, except for some port pain, I feel good. I'm self pay so I'm REALLY hoping that my skin will just firm up naturally and no TT will be necessary. However, I would like to have decent legs at goal and right now... well that doesn't look too promising. Ladybug I totally understand the Old Navy and Gap dilemma! It's so frustrating being able to only buy earrings or a scarf. Shopping will be FUN!! (I'm a girl, I get excited about things like that...lol) Best of luck on your surgeries and let us know how they go.

You look amazing!

Reqgoddess, although I do only have the perspective of a 20 year old, I think you would be laughing your butt off at my sincere inability to go from laying on my couch to standing. Currently I have it down to something like a roll!! =) I definitely still have pain at my port site as evidence by the fact that it's midnight here in California and I can't fall asleep because I can't find a comfortable position!! I was just trying to be encouraging and for me, sometimes a little push can go a long way. Charolette, I was merely trying to be encouraging and I hope that my comments will be viewed more as empathy than sympathy. I hope that you're sleeping well and comfortably.

Hello fellow band sister. I was banded on April 11th and I had all the problems that you're having yesterday and this morning. I called my Dad who is an ER doctor and my Mom who's a nurse and they agreed that it was all perfectly normal. They urged me to keep walking and keep drinking two litres of water a day. So yes it is normal... at least for two of us. I've heard people saying that drinking milk or dairy products can really irritate your new tummy. Drink your water or soup REALLY slowly. I did little medicine cups full of soup; one every five minutes. You'll feel better if you have some protein or at least some calories. I KNOW that it hurts but you have to get up and walk around. It's the muscles underneath the incisions that hurt... at least for me. So grab a heating pad and set your timer for every hour and walk around your house when that timer goes off. I PROMISE it gets easier but you have to push yourself. If you have a fever or you get really dizzy that doesn't resolve itself within thirty seconds, call your doctor. If you're still worried, call your doctor. That's what docs are for! I hope other people can help. Best of luck. PM me if you need a walking or drinking (he, he) buddy. Hang in there!

I had surgery on Wednesday and I feel like I got in a bar fight! It feels like someone punched me in the stomach a couple of times... more sore than acute pain. But it's a lot better than Wednesday, better than yesterday and I feel pretty good today. Get your butt out walking and you'll feel better and stronger.

I just got banded on Wednesday and although I'm not depressed, I have noticed that my mood has taken a turn for the worst. It's hard being dependent on people and it's hard feeling sore and tired. Keep in mind, the band is not a panacea. I was on meds for depression before the band and will be on meds after the band. It runs in my family. I think it's pretty normal to have a wtf moment post-banding. That's when you just have to get on the Before and After Pics thread and set goals for yourself. I'm going for a walk today and taking my meds for the first time since Tuesday. Being afraid of being depressed or a little sad isn't a big reason to not get the band. I came to the realization that I would be even more depressed if I didn't have the band. The band gives you faith that you can be successful this time... And if depression is a mild side affect for hope in my life... Well I'll take the blues.

Hi Team April! I missed you guys but I'm happy to say that I am officially a member of BANDLAND!! I'm still pretty sore but I'm feeling a lot better since I got off the vicoden. I have a quick question. I take serotonin uptake inhibitor and I was wondering if anyone has tried swallowing pills yet? It's a pretty small pill to begin with and I was hoping if I divide it in two and then take a swig of water it would go down....any thoughts? How are my other April 11th band sisters doing? I'm on full liquids and tomorrow I move to mushies. I've never been more grateful to eat cottage cheese in my life! Are you guys hungry at all? I don't know what hunger feels like but my tummy sure is making a LOT of noise. Hope you are all doing well. Good luck to those having surgery, in recovery or anxiously waiting. With love,

Oh and did I mention: I'M FINALLY BANDED!!! (See there's always something to be happy about!)

Hi guys. This is my first post since having surgery. I'm pretty out of it still and typing is a little difficult. I'm off the vicoden and only doing liquid tylenol. I'm definitely going through the "What the f*** have I done stage?!" I know that this is the right decision and that now is time for healing. I'm just tired and sore. Drinking Water 2 litres of water is hard and I'm exhausted from only 5 minutes of walking around. My port is right below my sternum so breathing is pretty painful. Thanks for letting me vent. However, I am excited about the future and I know that this discomfort is only temporary. But...Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. You guys are all such an inspiration....I can only hope to be as successful as you all a year later! With love,

Hi Team April! I'm so glad people are posting on this thread again! I've really missed you guys and I hope that everyone had a great Passover/Easter/Weekend. My weekend was VERY eventful. This month is just gonna be a new start for me in MANY ways. First a little history, my Dad died two years ago when I was a senior in high school. He died very unexpectedly and I renounced God and Christianity. I couldn't understand how a just and loving God could hurt my family so much. Weight wise I packed on over 100 pounds in the year following his death. I was always overweight (BMI +30) but never obese. I also moved across the country and tried, VERY unsuccessfully to start a new life. Anyway, I was consumed with anger and pain and I directed it at God. This past weekend (after 1.5 years of therapy, 6 weeks at an inpatient facility for bulimia/binge eating disorder, 5 months of cathecism classes, and a LOT of 12 step meetings) I became Catholic. I took my first communion and was baptized into the Church this past Saturday night on Easter Vigil. While this may not seem like a big deal, I'm a really spiritual and artistic person and not having God in my life was well...devoid of life and passion. I AM NOT trying to push religion or hurt anyone's feelings. I just wanted to share what I view as a big step in my recovery from my Dad's death and my addiction to food. I am strongly against "religiosity" and the "show." I think it's pretentious and well, stupid. Maybe this isn't even the right forum to post this... it's just that you guys know me the best of LBT and as fellow banders you'd understand how feeling devoid of goodness can lead to a chocolate binge. Please don't judge. I just wanted to share my excitement over a big step toward the new and improved Sheila. Now I'm being banded in 36 hours...well I'm just grateful for a fresh start. Thanks so much for reading this VERY lengthy post. Sometimes you just need to see things in black and white for them to be real. I hope I didn't offend anyone. If I did, feel free to PM me. You guys rock! Seriously, with all your record breaking, goal setting and humor, I just feel grateful to be part of this group of extraordinary people. Thanks so much. Sheila

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/april-bandits-exercise-t32404.html?p=438542 Go to this Thread and it will explain on the first page all about our little exercise challenge. It's just a way to motivate one another to get out there and exercise. I'm doing the tin foil challenge which is 14 sessions that are 20 minutes long. AHHHHH!!! That's all I have to say about my surgery being in two days!!

What happened to our thread?! Well I'm currently at 5 exercise sessions. Today will be 6! I'm getting into the biking and although my rump is sore, I'm beginning to enjoy the wind in my face and the gorgeous weather. (Why YES I do LOVE living in California right now!) Today is my last day of eating. I'm nervous and excited. Tomorrow I travel to Fresno and I'm on clear liquids. Wednesday is the big day! I'm off to GNC to pick up some protein powder. Still need to do the laundry and right my letter saying I understand everything. Oh yeah and work. Yikes, Sheila get your butt off LBT!! Love you guys. Hope you're doing well. How did everyone's Easter/Passover/Weekend go? I miss you guys. AHHH I HAVE got to go!