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I just went to the seminar last week, and it also included meeting with the nurse practitioner and dietitian, so it counted as my first appointment. The weight they took when I walked in that day is what is considered my weight for approval. My surgeon requires a 5% weight loss of all patients, or he will not do the surgery. You will find out at the seminar what is required of you from your surgeon and your insurance company. Good luck!

On the one hand, 4lb in 4 weeks is good weight loss, this is not a surgery that will have you losign 4lb a week for very long. It DOES take a lot of your input. But it shouldnt be that hard. I never "dieted", and I didnt starve either, I had enough restriction to not be hungry and all I had to deal with was head hunger and poor habits/choices. If you are hungry and that 4lb was damned hard work, then a fill is not an unreasonable request. I wish these stupid doctors would stop insisting they can read our bodies and interpret our experiences for us and listen to us instead! My doc was great, I'm so lucky. But what you are going through doesnt seem to be at all uncommon.

Yessssssssssssss!!!! It is VERY Possible!! As Tiff said I have lost 172 pounds in a year. I am not at "goal".. which is 160. I got to figureing out that I lost 191 pounds from my highest weight of 373... but I use my "day of surgery" weight of 354. I NEVER dreamed I would have lost that much weight... I just knew I had to do something. And it turned out to be the BEST thing I have ever done for myself!! So yes....... it is very obtainable!!

If your not happy forget about it....He should be taking care of you...to an extent!! You are a new person and about to go into college!!! I am so jealous! I just graduated college this month and I wish to God I would of had the lap band done before I went to college...I had alot of fun and you met sooooooooo many new and exciting people...and boys...but I wish I was in your shoes and had the weight off before I went instead of gaining 55lbs....oh watch out for the college weight gain...it happens to the best of us even though I promised myself it wouldn't happen...it did...there are alot of late night pizza and breakfast eating...and drinkin :tongue2: Just make sure you walk walk walk walk around campus and to class if possible and you will keep the weight off!!! Also, Have lots of fun...it goes by really quickly.

I don't do any sugar free stuff. It's toxic!!! I feel like my weight loss has be great even with my daily vanilla latte wih regular vanilla syrup!

Mine has always been thin plus i have PCOS which I've always lost a little due to that but now i just want it to stop before i have patches lol. I'm sure stressing out about it doesn't help but it's hard not to. Other then that everything overall has been going great! I'm down 78lbs and have 4lbs to go before my final goal weight.

From: Chapter 5 - How It Works (Higher Power Version) "Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest. ******************************************************* No part of the Big Book is more beloved or oft quoted "in the rooms" than "How It Works." I am now applying these concepts to my personal experience with Food. I am thinking about the difference with Alcohol, if there is one. OA bases its program on the same Steps and the Big Book with an adapted form as well. One can live without drinking, but not without food. The portions I am trying to resolve are: "People who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program" refers to the 12 Step program process. How does it apply to the Weight Loss Surgery process? Certainly one "gives themselves" to it. "they seem to have been born that way" Many find it impossible to overcome their genetics for obesity. Some are able to overcome them through dieting, and/ or medication, some through WLS and the remainder are, unfortunately unable to do so. It is Higher Power intervention that acts to bring these folks through, but failure does not mean they are wrong or that the Higher Power is incapable. What is the answer for these people? I am still unsure about this, as I am about children who die in Africa etc. it is one of those great unanswered questions. "They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty." We know that the success of WLS is dependent on 100% effort, when it comes to managing food and exercise properly. A lifestyle change = a "manner of living," I believe. "...grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest." Honesty must be a very powerful factor indeed, if it trumps the incapacity of mental illness. As a person who has survived alcohol and drug dependency by taking appropriate medications, i must believe that "honesty" also means getting the help you need, no matter what it takes. Medication also falls under "manner of living." to be continued

Next to my boys!! date of surgery 02/21/12 surgery weight 340 lbs. current weight 146 lbs

My sugar went very high for a few days after surgery even though I wasn't eating. My lower and mid back were very painful to the point I could barely move at all for about 2 full days. I am 52. Just letting you know you are not alone. Things worked out in the end and I am off of metformin and insulin though my blood still runs a little high and the doc has started me on victoza recently. But overall my bs is lower and I am eating better than I was before. Hope to be off of all dibetic meds by spring if I lose enough weight.....

So my SO is totally supportive and has been really excited for me but now that surgery is getting close, he keeps making comments about when I'm skinny and different sly things about how I will prob leave. My surgery is really high risk. I know he's scared to death and now I think he's starting to question us. He doesn't have a weight issue and works in the entertainment industry. He's never had a problem with confidence and is the life of the party. Anyone have any tips? Do I just ignore it? Reassure him? Let him act like a whiney baby?[emoji38] Why are they so complicated ?! [emoji13]

Hi all... Can anyone recommend a plastic surgeon in Manhattan? After nearly 2 years and plenty of hard work, I'm down a little more than 100 pounds and thinking it's time to consider an abdominoplasty and perhaps an inner thigh lift. For better or worse, there are plenty of plastic surgeons to choose from in New York City. The problem: which one to choose. I'm aware of local surgeons like Dr. Schulman who specialize in treating weight loss patients. But I do think it's important to consult with multiple doctors and compare their techniques and patients' outcomes. If you've had a procedure done and have a recommendation, please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi they go by your starting weights when you first go and starting BMI.

Hi everyone...I'm new here. There hasn't been any activity here in awhile but I hope someone reads this. I'm planning on getting sleeved soon. I'm aggressively meeting all the requirements and hope to get a date at the end of March or sometime in April. I'm 5'2 230lbs and I was wondering how many of you became petite after you lost the weight. It;s like you take off that costume and surprise! So I have short legs and I'm always looking for brands that sell PW (petite womans). And there's not many! That way I get the shorter leg but the width too. So did anyone else discover that they were a real true petite. After the weight could you just fit the "p" clothes outright? This is a really silly thing to waste my first post on but when I saw a 5'3 under social group I couldn't resist.

ummmmmm. my surgeon didn't tell me any target weight. I asked my NUT recently and determined my target goal to be 130 lbs. I'm 5'6". So I have about 33 lbs to go. I can do it with perservaration. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! I'm goin rock my sleeve until I get there!.

So I'm somewhat consumed with the possibility of hair loss after banding. I already have some thinning and take Biotin 1000mcg each day along with other supplements. Due to the hair thinning, I have had a variety of lab test that have all been negative. My GP says that it's just hereditary and to keep taking Vitamins. I have had weight problems most of my life. I have been losing the same 25 to 30 lbs for the last 10 years. I have been trying to do some research while waiting on insurance approval for Lap-band® Surgery. I am 42, female with a BMI of 35 and I have high blood pressure. I would appreciate any recommendations. Also, does anyone know the percentage of those that have hair loss after banding? Thanks

I was banded back in 2005 and have since had "slippage". I am getting the band replaced along with plication next month. I told everybody about my Lap-band and I sure wish that I had a "do over" about revealing that! Everyone watches what you eat. They will constantly ask you, "are you suppose to eat that". They will question why you couldn't lose weight on your own and not have to rely on an implemented device. They will ask why you haven't lost more weight than you have (even though you have lost "tons"). My opinion......only tell the people that you absolutly trust and love the most.

I can relate to what you're saying. Now that I've lost weight I feel even fatter than I was when I started and I worry so much about it. Congrats on your success, you look great!

I am almost 2 yrs out from surgery. I had gotten myself a pair of Miss Me Jeans for my “goal jeans” (from 24 to 14’s). Back when I was a 24- I mentally couldn’t imagine myself ever be close to a 14. (I seriously thought this was too far fetched of a goal) I would love to be there. I even took pics of the 2 pairs of jeans together that was I would have a visual of my success. Well- here I am rocking those 14’s. I probably could go down to 12’s! (Sw 280 to CW 203) Why can I not be happy with this?? I still feel so fat. Almost more conscious than I was when I was larger. It’s like my upper belly area is like a mega muffin top! 😩 I’m starting to be afraid- even if I were to lose more weight- would I even be happy with it. So depression comes in & says.. why bother trying.

Same here. I didn't get heavy until pcos kicked in. That was my 20's. Fast forward 20 yrs and a divorce I just didn't bother dating as I disgrace feel comfortable in my own skin. I'm now down to my lowest weight since 1998. I'm at 198-199 naked lol. Some might consider still big but I'm rocking it. Only thing I miss is my boobs. My ass was pretty sad when I was big now it's nonexistent

Hello y'all! I just wanted let anyone, who is being denied by their insurance company, to consider Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy, to help in your fight for approval or overturning a previous denial! My story.... I was denied coverage for revision surgery (lapband to sleeve) twice, by insurance xyz (I am not naming insurance company, until I get reimbursed), and enlisted Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy for 3rd appeal and subsequently, a review by an independent doctor. After a few months of diligent and expert advocacy, on my behalf, LHA convinced the doctor and insurance xyz to finally approve my surgery! And this was almost 3 months AFTER my surgery, in which I funded myself! I am just waiting on reimbursement, which is in works now. I've talked to my insurance company and they are keeping me updated in the whole process. They have assured me that I am covered and reimbursement is in the making. Just a matter of claims and paperwork from my providers. Walter and Kelley Lindstrom, makeup the army that fights the good fight for you, by way of expert letters, phone calls, and legal knowledge. These guys are lawyers, who have made their primary scope, that of advocating healthcare, for those who need it. Insurance companies, in many cases, will use a multitude of reasons for denying coverage! In my case, insurance xyz was denying my coverage, due to a clause in our policy, that allows only one lifetime bariatric surgery. Walter Lindstroms letters and provided facts, convinced that my revision was not only necessary, but also eligible for coverage. Regardless of clause in policy. Kelley Brown Lindstrom, does ALL the leg work, as far as medical records and release forms. I can't say enough about her help and willingness to listen and answer all questions! She is simply genuinely awesome! As for the cost, it amounted to about 10% of the cost of my surgery. A risk indeed, but nonetheless, worth it. I will be getting back, minus deductibles and out of pocket maximums, about 90% of my total surgery cost! Three months AFTER my self paid surgery! My revision surgery was worth my self funding, regardless of an approval or not. I am now only 15 pounds from my goal weight, in just 16 weeks out of surgery! But with the help of Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy, the victory is just that much more sweeter!

I was banded in May 2011. I had a fantastic experience with surgery, needed 5 fills ( my surgeon does no fill at time of surgery) through December 2011. I have lost 1-2lbs per week and had been very happy until I read the forums and see all of the Lap-Friends who have lost a lot more weight than I have. I food journal and eat small portions and meals, but my head's becoming completely unscrewed. What can I do or say to myself to get this negativity out?

I also have had Splenda and a few other 0 calorie sweeteners without any harm too. I keep seeing articles and posts touting that artificial sweeteners can make you gain weight but when it comes right down to it I don't see any plausible explanation as to WHY. They typically just mention the fact that it wakes up cravings for sweets causing the person to consume other high cal sweets, I haven't had it happen to me. I drink a few diet 0 cal sodas a week, 2 cups of coffee with Splenda a day and have pretty steadily lost. I recently started to lose again after being stalled at 210 for over a month but while my weight stayed the same my measurements kept decreasing, I was building muscle from working out and displacing fat. Short answer - no one really knows, if they do their not coming out with a scientifically backed answer.

It was suggested to me that setting multiple goals along the way would be a good idea, and it's best to be somewhat realistic. If you're 50, it's probably not realistic to think you're going to get back to your weight as a high school junior if you were particularly slim, for example - your body has changed with age. High end of healthy BMI was a suggestion of a reasonable goal. Then once you get there, consider whether you want to continue or maintain and adjust your diet and exercise accordingly. Your surgeon may also have a goal for you. If it's less aggressive than the one you've set for yourself, then by all means think of the surgeon's goal as a major milestone, but not as the end of the journey. And don't forget - this is not a race. Slow and steady can reach a goal, too!

So Thursday did not go well at all! Hopefully Friday brings me a better day. My weight loss struggle has been forever, it feels like. I had a baby at 17 years old and that is when the battle started, 18 years ago. To think that I have been fighting a battle this long, no wonder I have no more energy. Yes I am 35 years old:ohmy:! Anyway, I have thought about weight loss surgery for a long time, but knew that I could never afford it. I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to have it done and my husbands insurance will pay for it, buuuuuut, he really HATES his job and may have found a new one. The new job does come with benefits, but we do not know what kind and if they will help pay for any of the surgery cost. To get this close and see the light at the end of the tunnel and then slowly watch it go dark is killing me inside. I love my husband to death and know how it feels to be at a job that you hate going to everyday:cursing:. I told him if he gets the job (he finds out Tuesday) then to go ahead and accept it, but now I feel that I am giving up on me:confused:. This really is a ackward, selfish feeling that sets at the bottom of your stomach. I am up at 4:00 am because I do not know what to do. I have always lived by the motto that there is a reason for everything and that GOD will take care of me, but when you have wanted something so bad in your life, and see it slowly taken away as each day passes it is heart wrenching. I mean this is up there with the lottery, everyone that has battled with a lot of weight to lose understands this, you pray that one day you find the help you need to succeed and I almost had it. Now most of you are saying, well you don't even know if he has the job yet. Well he said the interview went really, really well :thumbup:, and that he was shown around and told to call back when the HR person got back from vacation, and come to find out he knows some people that work there already:scared2:. So I am about 90% sure he got the job . My husband will be very happy, but now I am going to be miserable, knowing that I had got this close, I mean I have already seen the dietician and was told that I could possibly go in for my LAP-BAND®® in August. It is so hard to sacrifice for the ones you love but then I ask myself, why can't he sacrifice himself for me, then the guilt sets in :crying:. This is one of those moments you wish you could have a crystal ball :thumbup:, I would get my answer and know if I am making the right decision. I would hate for him to not take the this oppotunity to make himself happy and come to find out they would have helped pay for my surgery too . Can you be mad and sad at the same time :crying::cursing:?

That's what she said. I asked a lot of questions about it. Maybe because of my starting weight? I was 382 day of surgery.