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Welcome! I hope you get fast approval from your insurance company! My approval was fast... but as you can see... some are not as cooperative. Wishing you the best and be sure to keep us updated... you are going to love your band! Darcy

I was never afraid of the surgery(although it sucked more than I thought it would). I was afraid I would have to give up the foods I had become addicted to. They're different for all of us. For me, fast food, bread with butter and cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes smothered in fatty gravy and so on. But I don't miss it and I still sometimes have those foods. But, they don't taste as good as they did before so the cravings left immediately after surgery. Unknown forum member quote: " In my case, the most fearful thing I had to do in order to succeed with my band wasn't switching to skim milk, surviving a liquid diet, or giving up bread. The most fearful thing was giving up my emotional attachment to food. In the nearly 5 years since I was banded, I've made a lot of progress with that, but the attachment is still there. It forms one of the innermost layers of my turtle shell. Working on that layer will probably be a lifetime job for me. At times I'm not even sure I truly want to get rid of it altogether. At times I'm afraid that if I shed my shell completely, I won't be able to survive. On the other hand, I seem to be doing fine without that thick old b***h layer. So I'm going to pay attention to my dreams rather than my fears and pray for a miracle. And why not? It can't hurt to try!" I think change is difficult for many of us. Especially when it comes to our binky(food). Sounds like you have your head screwed on just right so good luck. tmf

Can we drink coffee on the preop Fast and after surgery?

I remember when I went in for my first post-op appt. I was seated next to three people. One was a woman who had come in to check out the available options for WLS, one was a woman who had WLS (sleeve) when it first became available and then the third, a young girl who was getting sleeve in two weeks. The girl kept blabbering on and on about how she chose the sleeve because "it works fast!" and how she didn't want to take her time to lose weight, she wanted it gone NOW. The other woman who already had surgery was telling everyone how she lost a lot of weight, and how she could keep drinking and partying her butt off, which naturally, made the young girl VERY happy. When they got called back, the other woman asked me what I had, and I told her lapband, and how I would much rather lose the weight slowly but surely (sometimes I question this, lol), and that the girl seemed to be taking the easy way out, and the other woman seemed downright insane, lol.

drinking too fast or too much at one time can cause this.....sip and sip and sip again...insides still very swollen since you recently had surgery....take your time and dont rush.....those anti naus tablets that go on your tongue are wonderful to have....but i feel you just did too much too soon

Sherilynn, I was banded November 13 so I am not very experienced but I do know what you are talking about with the burping. It was a couple of weeks before I could actually burp. But boy, when I did! It was great. I have noticed that after my fills I could not burp for a few days afterwards. I have not experienced the pins and needles sensation you are describing. So I do not know what to tell you on that one! To this day I do not get "hungry" like I did before being banded. I do experience being hungry but it is not the same as before. I just know I should eat. My stomach will growl, very loudly. It is still hard not to eat like I did before the band, also. I am still battling eating fast. BIG MISTAKE, eating to fast. And not chewing food well enough and taking small bites. The nurse at my doctor's office told me to east like a 3-year-old. It is still extremely hard to do that. Old habits are hard to break. Each day is a new adventure and I would not change having the surgery. I still mourn food. It was like my best friend!!! But hey, I am down 30 pounds and under 200 pounds for the first time in forever!!!! It has been worth my normal being changed! Good luck on your journey!!!

Just sending positive thoughts your way from someone who can empathize. I'm being sleeved in 2 weeks, and I am 2 weeks into my 4 week pre-op diet. It was very rough at first, but it actually does get easier as time passes. Day 1 I was very week and then I felt fine for about 5 days. Then I had a total meltdown that I wanted to eat mashed potatoes or something. I also had a meltdown that I couldn't sit down to eat with my family. Fast forward a week later and last night I made a complete dinner for my family, sat in the room (but not at the table) while they ate and I felt fine. I will admit to being slightly tempted, but it was easy to resist. I didn't feel hunger at the time so I was good. I still have to do this for almost 2 more weeks, so we'll see how it goes, but I really have my good days and bad. Good luck! I'll be rooting for you!

I have had 3 fills totaling 3.5cc. I had my surgery on 12/30/09. My last .5ccs was on 05/19/09. I find myself being unable to digest more foods such as bread, tuna, salmon, and beef. Since I have not lost anymore since my last fill I feel I may need another adjustment. I was advised to come in every six weeks if I am not losing 1-2 pounds a week. I am just nervous that soon I won't be able to eat not much other than pureed food. Is this what I have to look forward to? I am missing something. I even have that uncomfortable feeling like something is stuck in my throat when I drink something too fast. Any advice will be appreciated.

I was taken off all diabetic medications the day before my surgery and at my 3 month follow up my HbA1c was 5.7 (normal non-diabetic reading) so I was ecstatic about the testing. I had been checking my sugar randomly and didn't have any readings over 140 and most of the fasting readings were 80-90. Then I started adding the one meal a day (at lunch) and my sugars starting spiking. Even though my meals were Soup or sliced meat and cheese (no carbs). So I started taking my metformin again. My 6 month HbA1c was 6.3 (with the medication). I am happy my diabetes is controlled but sad that I have to take pills again. I am having a Protein shake for Breakfast and dinner. I have a "meal" for lunch which varies day to day but has 25 gm protein and less than 15 gm carbs (and usually is about 1/2 cup of food). I try to choose the protein then a veggie and rarely find that I can eat a bite or 2 of fruit before I am full. (I usually get fruit in the day by adding fruit puree to the protein shakes) I do add a protein snack at about 3pm so my calorie count is over 800 for the day (usually 2 oz of a mixture of cottage cheese with greek yogurt or a 1 oz cheese stick) Maybe when I get to my goal weight I won't need medication. I know some diabetics are able to stop the medication when the weight is off but I know others that are still on some medication. Besides, no one ever said that WLS was a cure for diabetes.

Oh I know, it's my biggest feat. I start my pre op diet on Monday, and I'm really afraid I wont lose enough weight, since I never have before. So are you still on mushie food? do you feel really hungry? From what I've read here it seems like it's important to go easy on yourself. Don't worry about losing weight right now, just healing. I believe call what you are in right now band hell, and as far as I can tell it is that until you hit your sweet spot. Does your Dr. use fouro fill? I"m hoping I can get a Dr that will use flouro. Im getting banded in Mexico, and that's a little far from Ohio to get filled. So what are you eating right now. On monday I'm on 2 protein shakes and a lean cuisine and jello and green veggies. Although somehow I doubt they mean avocados:tongue_smilie:. Im busy right now really trying to convince myself that fast food and pizza are poison, not yummy- that they exploit workers, ruin the environment, and serve nothing more then pornography. If I can convince myself that I will be happy- lol.

I gained over 20 lb's but still need about 10 more. I would gain more but my body can't tolerate it. My knees hurt, I can't breathe.... I am definitely going to use weights. My friend had the surgery and she told me they weigh you with clothing ON. Once I am weighed I will HAVE to lose some of this weight on my own because I feel like I am going to burst. I have always been able to lose a lot of weight quickly but I can never keep it off. I gain it back as fast as I lost it an then some. Some people think it is lying or fraud. I feel like everyones body is different and those extra 10 lb,s that I will be fudging do not make it any more medically necessary for me to have the surgery. Besides, if I do not get my onsurance (Oxford) to cover me I will pay $25,000.00 out of pocket. Did you think of using weights before I posted? I am just curious if anyone else though of it or maybe even did it.

I have been going back and forth about WLS for 5 years and I finally decided to go ahead with everything. I have had all tests and medical appointments and my information was submitted on February 8th, well fast forward two weeks and I still have no answer. I called the insurance company on Monday to discover they had no record of receiving the information, so I got in contact with my coordinator and information was finally received on the 18th so now I start to wait again. I feel drained, its sucking all the life out of me waiting for an answer. I want to get prepared for WLS but I can't get excited until I hear that I am APPROVED. I'm praying that everything goes smoothly from here on out. I have a surgery date and I 'm ready to tell them when I'll be taking off work. Come one Highmark BCBS!!! Okay DONE VENTING...

I was astonished to see how fast your hair is growing - it's awesome girl! And you are so dang beautiful - your short hair really brings out your features.......going to keep it short do ya think? I like it - that's my vote lol

I did Optifast for 2 weeks pre-op and the days 1-3 were the worst then I wasn't hungry anymore but I did lots of things with my shakes, the best one is take your Protein liquid - vanilla slim fast or whatever and pour it in a blender - add some sugar free Jello, to taste, add ice and blend - it is great. I expected to loose a great amount of weight but only lost 8# but I made it through and have sailed through the surgery and now have lost a total of 24# and will be 3 weeks on Monday. Hang in there - IT IS WORTH IT

Hi! I am 3 months post op and don't have any regrets. I had the RNY and have lost 50 pounds with 50 to goal. I haven't lost anything since Thanksgiving, but I didn't gain either. I discovered grazing the food table at work, didn't record the calories, until I realized I was sabotaging myself! Anyhow, back on track! The first few days are a blur with discomfort. After that you will be amazed at how fast your weight will melt away! I recommend getting an app to track your food and exercise. I use two because I can't decide which one I like better. Many folks on this forum use Map My Fitness. Best advice I can give you is to get up and walk several times a day. This helps get rid of the gas. Good luck!

Hi all, I'm very new to all this but I felt like I needed somewhere to go where people can relate. I had my lap band surgury on Aug. 9th. I went to Hamot in Erie PA. I had a wonderful experience there with my surgury and the staff.That's not the problem. I was 270 when I started out. I have only lost 20 pounds since. The band itself I feel is not the result of my weight loss. It was the grueling low calorie diet I was on before surgury and the 3 weeks of liquids after. I have had 3 fills with the last one being last week. I feel the hurt when I eat too fast or too much but I can still snack away. My doctor has now prescribed an appetite suppressant for me. It gives me a little energy boost and I am hoping for some results soon. Anyone had any similar problems? I have slipped up on the exercising and trying to eat better. I am trying to get back on track. I think I lost hope after so many months of no weight loss. Any suggestions?:help:

I just went for a consult last week and now I am scheduling a surgery for May sometime. I have been thinking about thue surgery for a year. But now that I have started the process I feel rushed. Time is a little tight since this year my husband and I have a lot going on. Also, I have 2 people close to me that went through it and they have not been that positive about their experiences. I am really worried about the port flipping and the food getting 'hung' up. I go to dinner with one of the people who I know had it done and they throw up a lot. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

:nervous I attended my first WLS support group meeting last night at the Medical Center where I'll be having my surgery. All but one of the people who stood up to give their testimonials were RNY people. One lady, whom I had met at a seminar in Sept. '06 was there. She came over to tell me all about her surgery, which was 11/29/06, and her weight loss--over 80 lbs. so far!!! I got a little envious, and even started wondering if RNY would be better--they seem to lose weight so fast. This is ridiculous, I've been researching and considering lap band for over 3 years! Does anybody else get these doubts? I guess when I think about it, the whole reason I felt lap band was better for me all along was that the weight loss seems to be a little slower, and it seems that there are less complications. Plus, the mal-absorptive feature of RNY is sort of counter-intuitive in my mind (for me). I would never deign to tell somebody else what is right for them, but lap band always seemed right for me....still....that envy sure did creep up on me. Thanks, Carol Insurance approved 4/17/07, waiting on a surgery date--should be in May

Go out for a big long run in the fresh air - never fails to make me feel less bloated and toxic after I've overeaten. similar to how it feels when you're soooooo dog tired, its the last thing you want to do but exercise always picks you up! I dont WANT to run when I'm full of crap food but i always always feel better when I do. The keys to me - fresh air and really working up a sweat. You could do that with hard, fast walking if you're not a runner. But it needs to be sort of punishment lol. I guess I get those endorphins going and it blows away the guilt and disappointment of having eaten the wrong things. I also need the mental relief of knowing I've burned like 700 or 800 calories. That really does undo most pig outs for me.

Well I guess I'll respond first! LOL. The link was very helpful in regards to many of our concerns about discussing weight with our kids. It can be a very slippery slope and as parents or caregivers we have to take caution when having these conversations because our kids are very sensitive to what we say and it may stay with them for the rest of their lives so we need to have positive words and not negative. I myself have been guilty of negative words like "oh you're shaped like your dad" or "I didn't see (insert childs weight here) lbs until I was 7 months pregnant with your brother!" These words only lead to additional feelings of unworthiness and unnacceptance and does not help the child at all! The link provided some very common dillemas amongst parents and children including situations and scenarios when talking to your kids about weight can turn into a positive and impactful moment. It's a touchy subject and those of us who are dealing with an overweight child be it your own, or family member, neighbor etc. and I'm constantly in pursuit of how to tackle this issue daily! My daughter now 12 is in the 90th percentile for height and weight. I've become desperate to get her weight under control and looked into camps I could send her away to, or even signing her up for weight watchers. Both I felt although the intentions were innocent, the outcomes could be damaging and set her up for a lifetime of failure. But how do I get her to listen to me without her feeling that I'm putting her down about her weight? it's a thin line. I've learned that leading by example is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Since my WLS I have been eating healthier meals and Snacks, decreased portion sizes, Zero sweetened beverages, fast food etc. As a result I cook more-- and decided if I won't eat it why give it to my kids? I've encouraged my daughter to go to the gym with me-- she loves it and it makes her feel more grown up. Something her friends aren't even doing! She plays softball (she's darn good at it too) playing up a level with an older age group and more than keeping up. She made her Jr high school girls basketball team so she's been engaging in 2 hours of practice after school 5 days a week. Softball practice one day a week and games on Sunday. We meal plan throughout the week, get up early or go after softball practice and do our shopping and on Sundays we meal prep. She takes her lunch every day todays lunch included a salad topped with cucumbers, strawberries, turkey breast, boiled egg and light raspberry vinaigrette. Sides include 6 Strawberries, Greek Yogurt, Colby jack cheese stick and a Zero calorie Steaz tea. I allow and encourage her to pack 1 sweet treat last week were 9 pumpkin spice yogurt pretzels. This week will be Pepperidge farm Milano Cookies (2) 120 cal. I am trying to encourage moderation not deprivation. So far-- it's working well. Since school has begun 9/6 she has lost close to 10lbs. She's blown away by how fast she's losing and I tell her it's all her hard work and of course her youth! Its also reinforcement to continue the healthy behavior. I have her weigh weekly to maintain accountability for her choices and make tweaks in her plan as needed. She has a short term goal that she is very close to and a long term goal that we hope to achieve by the end of the school year. Reminding her that 1-2 lbs a week is normal and that stalls will happen along the way. She is rewarded with things that matter to her. A new shirt, nail polish, sleepover with a friend. the most important thing is we're doing it together-- and she's guiding the ship. I asked her do you ever feel like I put you on a diet. She said yes! but then she took it back saying " well-- not really we've made a lot of changes though. No McDonalds or wendys everyday or ever now! But it's ok I don't get headaches as much as I used to and I like making the food that I eat. I feel like I used to eat without even thinking about it and now I understand more about serving sizes, calories, sugars and Protein. I understand how easy it is to eat way too much without even realizing it! and now I know better."-- out of the mouths of babes. I'm on a mission for my health and I couldn't imagine leaving her behind.

My gas pains lasted for two weeks. I had the SHARPEST pain inside my left shoulder. It felt like i was being stabbed with a knife. I used gas-x and it helped a little, but mostly I was told to MOVE. The more you walk, the better. WALK WALK WALK ,, the more you move, the better. Even little frequent trips around your home. Hope it goes away fast for you!!! 278/232/180

Thanks for the feedback!! My surgeon does not require a pre-op diet, but I am going to do it anyway so I am not discouraged in my first month....... 2 days after surgery, I can have only clear liquids and then after that for 2 weeks I can only have 1 slim fast per day. If I don't lose on that, then there must be something wrong. I imagine that my body might shut down a little bit because of the trauma of surgery, but that will go back to normal......

Although I do agree that people around you shouldnt have to change their habits, I do feel that a little bit of support is warranted. Having the fast food right under her nose is not very nice especially since they are only eating it because she isnt cooking at this time. With all that said, my advice is to try and take this time to realise how much effort and change is in your future. I am only banded since 4/29 and learning more of my strengths and weaknesses daily. If your family isnt going to be more considerate, chalk up your willpower to stay on liquids as a mini victory and hold your head high. Good luck on your journey.

You go girl...turn up the heat...do anything...to get what you want..and FAST you have a whole life ahead of you. :eek: becky

My hubby went out of his way to prepare the kids meals and not eat around me, the first week, but I was missing the family time. The big thing now is for him to eat slow so as to keep pace with me. He was a big help with bathing, scratching my back while I was sore from the surgery. The best help now is simply being there. Sometimes if I eat to fast or swallow to big a bite I get chest pains and have to walk around.. he is always watching to make sure I'm not in pain. Just knowing he cares is very comforting.. but the creme de la creme is he changed his jogging schedule so that we can now take long walks together every evening. He still runs, but not as much, just does twice as much walking and now with me!.