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I had my surgery on 24 July and I to am on an insulin pump (medtronic). I was having some weird things happening with me. I would have a Protein shake with one cup of milk and would bolus for 20 grams of carbs but my BG would zoom up to 180 or so. Then the rest of the day I would do ok on my basal only but at about 5:00 pm my BG would crash to the low 50's. I had to start suspending my pump at night and would wake up the next morning to start over with the same thing. My endo finally told me to simply disconnect the pump all together for a week and see how it went. My BG is now not less than 156 and goes up to around 220 and stays there most of the time. I think I will be getting off the pump but I do think that at least for a while I may need either some insulin or or an oral drug to hold me over while my weight decreases. I have lost about 30 pounds in 3 weeks and I am sure that my weight loss will continue. I just don't know what my diabetes will do to cooperate. I am 60 years old and have been diabetic since my mid 30's. So to be totally honest I don't think that I will be completely "cured". Perhaps if I had gotten the surgery 30 years ago it would have been different. But you will never know till you try. I have gotten pretty tired of pumping insulin.
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Just wanting to know what are some more options for meal plans for day 3-21. Just starting out and so far it's been painfully but I'm looking forward to my weight loss
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This morning is my first morning to get up and just feel like I cant take another liquid anything. I did get down coffee and a popsicle. I dont know if im feeling hunger or just sore from the surgery. With this huge incision i have im sure my feelings are a little different than most. It is hard to hear and listen to my own body when there is still surgery pain. I could go for a good steak right now. I too woke up to no loss this morning,,,,,hummmm, now that is a change. Are you still taking the Milk of Mag? I am, just a swig every other day. I know there is nothing in there to make a stool, but i sure couldnt deal with one if i had one..Sorry,,,,I dont know where that came from.
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I'm an emotional eater
IndioGirl55 replied to ms.lady's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I would guess all of us are - but the real issue is that we choose to eat when faced with difficult situations.. The band isn't going to stop your head hunger issues at all - they aren't banding your head - they band your stomach - The band is only a tool - not the quick fix. It's going to stop you from eating a 16 oz steak - but not a bag of candy or a gallon of ice cream.. If you are truly sick and tired of being fat - then you gotta do something about it - yes the band helps but you gotta do the head work - This is truly a lifestyle change in your eating and exercise habits - it's not a diet - it's about eating healthy.... You gotta understand that the reason you are obese is due to the kinds of foods you eat (high fat - high sugar - tons of starches) , the lack of exercise and the quantities of foods you eat. You have to change all those things to be successful.. End of Story.. I will be banded 4 yrs next month - was 52 when banded weighed 250 lbs and I am 5'3 - Lost my weight in a yrs time - have maintained that weight loss for 3 yrs - today weigh between 136 & 138 and I'm 56 yrs old.. How did this happen you ask - how did I do it - how have I maintained #1 I eat healthy (follow the banding rules Protein 1st - veggies and limited starches) #2 Exercise #3 Band I have lost my Brother - have had MAJOR other family issues -all since I was banded - Did I turn to food - Hell no - it doesn't take away the pain - it doesn't make you feel better all it does is make you fatter and more depressed - it doesn't solve the problems So if you want to get banded go for it - It's a great tool - but that's all it is - make sure you are ready to do the head work that is involved cuz truly that's where the majority of our issues w/food lie.. The choice is up to you.. Good Luck on your journey... -
My name is Stephanie... I started poking around here a couple weeks ago, and finally set up an account and decided I should do an introduction I have tried countless weight loss strageties and spent a lot of money trying to make it work. Frankly, I don't know what else to do to help myself, and so I began to look at the lap band. When I first went through my insurance benefits (Regence BCBS of Oregon) , the booklet said that they did not cover any type of WLS surgery (and this is for an actual employee of BCBS!!). I started to look into Mexican banding options, as I could not afford the $18k self pay quoted in Oregon. One of the gals from Oregon Weight Loss Surgeries said I should send my insurance info over anyways, and that sometimes with these companies you had to ask the right questions to see if you're covered, even if the book says you're not. Lo and behold two days later I got a letter in the mail saying that I could get WLS surgery under my insurance. The copay is $3750, and I do have to do a 6 month supervised diet through a BCBS program called "Turning Point." I'm so excited to be covered in the US, and I don't mind the diet program requirement My question is this: Has anyone from Oregon that is covered by BCBS Innova plan gotten the lapband with the 6 month diet requirement? What is the program all about (I am waiting on a call back from a health coach from Turning Point)? Has anyone purposely not lost much weight to stay in the BMI requirement? Has BCBS looked at beginning weight only? So many questions
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Hi! New here and am confused. I have recently had epigastric hernia surgery which let to me seriously considering weight loss surgery. I have been to a seminar where both gastric bypass and lapband was presented without pushing one over the other. I have visited my general physician to get his input and to start my supervised perioid that my insurance requires. I am 5' 7.5" and weigh 283. I meet my insurance BMI requirements without other health problems but I do have asthma, mitral valve prolapse, high blood pressure,and dysautonomia. My general physician strongly believes in lapband and does not want me to have lapband. I have been researching and I see other forums that are not specific to bypass or lapband where everyone doesn't like lapband. I have had 1 friend do bypass and do very well. I have had 1 friend do lapband and has not had a good experience. I have a 3rd friend who has had lapband within the past year and so far so good. I go back to the surgeon on the 20th to start whatever I need to with him. I have my husband's complete support. So I am here to learn more and make that decision. Can you help?
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Please Help Lap Ban Comm.!!!
cjwilliams77 replied to cjwilliams77's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Thanks for the quick response!! I too was taught to eat all of my food. It's hard to undo years of bad training but I am willing to do what it takes because my family mean that much to me. I have just started the approval process so I don't have a date yet. I just have to be sure I let no one talk me out of it!! A part of feels like I am giving up since I am choosing the surgery versus traditional weight loss. I guess it's pride that says not to go through with it. I know people who have lost the weight both ways. They both have had to work hard to keep the weight off. I am hoping this is the restraint I need. Thanks again for the quick response. I will keep everyone posted and also will be uploading some pics!! God Bless!! -
Pre Lap Band Surgery Testing?
Banterwonder replied to MrsMyers10's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My COE MD requests a cardiology consult, pulmonologist and endocrinologist.The cardiologist did EKG, echo, dopplers of carotids , abdomen and legs and bloodwork. The pulmonologist did pulmonary function tests( Diagnosed with asthma, put on inhalers), and sent me for a sleep study. I go back for repeat PFT's. Haven't seen the endocrinologist yet, but that will probably mean blood work. Then it's psych and nutrition, then a date for surgery...... Oh, yes, I almost forgot, letter from PCP stating the need for surgery and documentation of 6 months supervised weight loss attempts...... Luckily I have insurance coverage...... -
I'm a lost bandster....
rejuvinated replied to butterflymackey's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Thanks and I have a great phone app.. My net diary. I can track everything I eat , see how many calories, most importantly protein , an exercise log and calories expended. I love plus all the tips it gives you for motivation and charting your weight loss -
Please Help Lap Ban Comm.!!!
cjwilliams77 replied to cjwilliams77's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Thanks all!! @Becca29....I have BCBS and they will approve the surgery if I meet certain conditions (ie. diabetes, BMI over 40 and etc.) which I do. I believe they require 6 months of supervised weight loss in which I already have a year and a half so I am good in this category as well. I am excited and terrified at the same time (which is normal, I'm sure). @everyone....I will most definitely keep you all posted as things progress. Having this site has really helped to calm the waters. I am encouraged to move forward because I know that there are many out there who have not only walked the path before me but also really care about each other!! I will say it again and a hundred times more....YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!!! -
I feel the same way too....I think it's pretty hard NOT to think about the band, especially for those of us who are not yet at goal, and who have tried every other weight loss method in the past. Subconsciously, I'm always asking myself "is this the thing that will help me actually reach my goal this time?" I am considering joining a bowling league or finding another hobby as a distraction. Good luck finding your distraction, just make sure it's a healthy one!
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? about dehydration
O.T.R. sleever replied to BeatrizS1974<3 sleeve's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
35oz is enough to keep young rom becoming dehydrated. But, it isn't nearly enough to help you flust all the toxins from your body that are produced by burning fat cells at the rate you could be. Not getting your hydration will dramatically affect your weight loss. Focus & lose. You can do it. -
10 DAYS POST OP/ APPETITE COMING BACK
JaniceS replied to CNP28's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Congrats on getting banded! I had my surgery on August 17th so I am in the mushy foods stage. I actually just went to the doctor today with the exact same complaint and they told me it was perfectly normal. Their advice was to treat the weeks before your first adjustment as a diet and to watch what you eat and make good food choices. Also, just to let you know I did gain weight since starting "real" food so don't get down if that happens. They said it was perfectly normal for that to happen and that this isn't the weight loss portion of the program. Good luck with the mushy foods and congrats on 20 lbs. That's awesome! -
I really used the first 3 months to lose weight and to forget my cravings. Coffee was a biggie for me--but I waited for 90 days to drink coffee. Now I drink 1-cup [usually only part of 1-cup/day]. I know a doctor who has the sleeve who is a coffee lover. DITTO on the 90 days minimum for him since you need to give your stomach some time to heal. He deals with some acid reflux and said he would NOT have that at all if he did not drink coffee, but that is a trade off he is willing to make because he loves coffee. Now if the Acid Reflux got bad enough he would go off coffee. PS for me more that 1-small cup of coffee makes my insulin go nutzo and I want FOOD--like a donut. THAT is NOT a trade off that I am willing to make, so I have tested how much satisfies my craving without pushing me into a "problem". ALL foods should be tested 1 at a time. For example I ate some raw coconut straight out of the coconut [high in protein], but it was too soon, I ate too much, too fast and wow did that HURT. I am 57, I lost 45 lbs + 45 inches in 45 days. The first 90 days for me was about WEIGHT LOSS using my Isopure shakes [50 grms of protein] and zero carb drink [40 grams of protein]. Add it up--90 grams of Protein / day and WOW o WOW you will lose weight FAST. I have slowed down now at 4 months, but I am down 55 lbs total. Think more about your goal and less about cravings at this point in the game.
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The hope is...
mnbsleeve replied to A Little Less Dave's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
HI Dave, I know how scary this decision is. It's true that it takes courage and determination. It sounds like you have done quite a bit of soul searching and that your struggles have been huge. I can tell you that for me, in the short 8 weeks that I have been sleeved, I have found tremendous benefits to my health. My energy is so much better but mostly my outlook on life has improved 100%!!!! I won't lie and say the're haven't been ups and downs (scale not moving at times, a little pain returning to my incisions after it was gone, difficulty getting in proteins) But, it has always passed!!!! and I know it will pass. I accept that it is a process, NOT an over night transformation. However, all in all, it is a fast process! and that keeps me so happy, positive and motivated because, again, I *know* that each day I will move forward with this sleeve! It is great that week to week something good happens. And I just feel happy. I know that in a few months from now, a year from now etc. I will be even further along! It is great to read on these boards about people's successes, even if they've had a few struggles here and there. I think most everyone seems to have benefits of daily improvements in health, activity level, optimism, confidence boosts, in addition to weight loss. This surgery is totally doable!!! The benefits when weighed against the detriments of our weight issues are tremendous. Most of us don't get to this place on a whim. We don't take this lightly. We are prepared to do some hard work. But we know our efforts will pay off. I've said this before, we are so lucky to be able to take advantage of this science/technology/advancement, whatever you want to call it. I'm 48. I wish it was available 15 years ago! LOL I definitely have no regrets. I wish you the best of luck on this journey as well as great health an energy. I think you are going to do GREAT!!!! Looking forward to reading more about your journey and progress!!!!! -
Bad Bad Girl...
Sassygirl06 replied to michelleooo513's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I find that I can eat anything that I want, but I have defiantly slowed down in weight loss. I just broke a three month stall and lost nine pounds this month so I am thrilled! You can have anything you want, but just don't go overboard. -
Congrats on the weight loss! I've been a member of bariatric pal since my surgery. Haven't followed it a whole lot since then. Looking to get some support as I initially lost 70 pounds, but have regained 30! It has me freaked out! However, my own fault here...I started a private practice (I'm a psych nurse practitioner) and have been so focused on work I have not been exercising at all. Also went back to some bad eating habits. Trying to get back on track and get into a regular routine of my daily 2-3 mile walks.
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Need advice on how to get banded quickly
CrisM replied to chsricha's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hello, Have you called your insurance and verified the requirements? I have Blue Cross and I went I went to my originally chosen dr. for the surgery, they told me I had to talk to a dietician for 6 months. Well, it turns out that it was completely false. I only had to see the dietician once and now I am schedule for surgery in two weeks with a different surgeon. That's why I suggest you call you your insurance. I know that there are some insurance companies that do require 3-6 months of speaking with a dietician. Have you tried other weight loss through other means? Such as Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc? If so, do you have it documented? Because then you can appeal it and show proof that you have tried loosing weight, and sometimes they will accept that and won't require you to see the dietician. Best of luck to you and congrats on your wedding!! -
Just started the journey to a new me
NurseShay replied to Jenrod22's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hello and welcome to the LBT forum! Congrats on your decision to take hold of your life and get healthy with the help of the Lap Band! You are the same age I was when I decided to be banded and my mother also has type II Diabetes so I definitely know where you're coming from. If you ever have any questions feel free to message me, I am about 19mts out from being banded and 100lbs down, tho not yet at goal but progressing. The best advice I can give you is to educate yourself on all aspects of being banded- everything from the mindset you will need to be in,the dreaded pre op diet , the surgery itself risks & benefits, the recovery period- which I think we all can agree isn't the funnest time on the lap band journey, the discipline it will take to stick to the rules and follow your post op diet instructions without much help from the band because it can take a while to actually achieve a comfortable level of restriction that will keep you from over eating. So basically get educated and stay realistic! Dont compare yourself to other people on here or beat yourself up if you get off track or dont lose as quickly as they are because we are all different and we all do different things. Understand that the band is a tool and not a cure, it will not stop you from eating 3 bowls of icecream (a "slider" food) you have to have some self control as well. Remember the excercise and healthier food choices is the key to most of the success stories even with the band. Keep in mind that healthy permanent weight loss is slow and consistant- don't deprive yourself for faster results or you will find yourself yo-yo dieting. Surround yourself with positive supportive people who don't judge you even if they dont have all the answers. And finally stay connected to the lap band community for advice and motivation that only a fellow bandster can give. Find comfort in that your surgeon comes recommended from a friend and you have an instant support system in that friend. Congrats on your upcoming surgery!! I wish you the best of luck!! -
Hi everyone. I've been looking at LapBand for years now. I have my first consultation Wednesday with my surgeon and I'm really excited. I have my full medical records and don't think I could prepare any more for this appointment. All records show and document discussions for weight loss with doctors since at least 1998. Even mentions wanting LapBand years ago so hopefully it will all help with the insurance approvals. Just nervous about how long everything will take. I need that edge to my health to push me to lose weight and get more active. I have a BMI of 60.1 with at least 6 co-morbidities. I'm just hoping for surgery soon. Everyone on here seems so supportive and great. Wish me luck.
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OMG! I am so happy you replied to my post. i just got on to the realize band posting to see if i could get some info and here you are a person that actually has the realize. so there isnt much difference you say? i was reading about the differences and it seemed like the only real difference is the port being supported by staples with the lapband and stapleless with the realize. and the port with the realize blends with the skin even as you take the weight off, however havent read about anyone with the lapband having a problem with the port being detectable after weight loss.
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Hair Loss Extensions Possibly The struggle is real!!
Lexington1020 replied to Caligirl T's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
As first time user, do you think it is easy to put them in? I have thinning hair and I use to have super thick hair and it is upsetting. I just want my hair to look full again... -
Hair Loss Extensions Possibly The struggle is real!!
amb052492 replied to Caligirl T's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
If I were you, I would try to fibers first. If your problem is more on top and not the thickness. I have both (thinning top and extremely thin hair) but the fibers work wonders when my extensions are not in. I think you will really like them. -
:mad: Hi you bands out there, My name is pretty penny I had lap-Band last Sept /06 my doctor was Dr.Pedro Kuri a very kind and a real good doctor. I recieved my first fill by Dr. Amson in Victoria B.C. Canada before xmas and waiting for another one I hope soon as Dr. Amson is very much in demand!!!! I have lost 55lbs and I gone from a size 3x to 18. I'm half there to my goal and feelin great. and looking forward to talking to you all I like the idea of support and new info to help us along in our weight loss plan Bye for now Pretty Penny
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Woot!! Congrats on the weight loss!!
