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Of course I'm set with Dr. K in Colorado - but, I called all day Thurs & Fri - was unsuccesful in getting someone to accept me for local fills. fillcentersusa is not local for me. So... today, I begin considering going local and paying more. So, I'm posting messages to asking for prices locally (Chicagoland/Indiana). I do have 4 prices here so far. Actually found a couple good prices - just need to know if they will accept my current financing option which is all set and ready. RightWeigh Bariatric in Kentucky charges $12,500 - they also have a location in Indiana - I will call in the morning to see what they charge (hoping its so close to this). Lifeway Bariatrics in Downers Grove & Merriville, IN charge $15,500. Synchronyhealth: $16,000 Midwestbariatrics: $16,211 If any of the lower ones accept my financing and can band me sooner, I'm going to make the switch ASAP to free up that 10/30 date at Dr. K's office.

Just an update. First, thank you to all who replied. I sinerely appreciate the comments and concerns. I talked to my physician and he said that it was not unusual and was probably due to my having a nerve problem in that leg compounded by the positioning on the operating table and the straps used to hold me on. I have had no pain, elevated temperature in the thigh or tinderness and those things are associated with a blood clot. Also, my daughter is a nurse and she checked it too. But, as several of you said, you can't be too careful. Oh, I also weighed today and I have lost 10 pounds. yeah ! and I am now able to eat unclear liquids, so cream of brocolli Soup never tasted so good ! Thanks again.

Hi there I got approved by bcbsnj but my bmi was 43. I haven't gotten the bill yet and that's what's scary. They told me I have to cover the 10% of my surgery just the hospital itself it's around 37K can you imagine. So do the math. it's crazy

So I start my pre-op, two week, liver shrinking liquid diet tomorrow. I had planned to start it today, so I am already cheating a little bit, not a good sign. The problem is, I was in the hospital for two days with what I thought was appendicitis, and did not eat any solid foods. I decided I needed an extra day to get my eat on, before giving it up completely. Besides, the paper the doc gave me says 10-14 days, so in theory, any day between now and Sun should be ok, but I wanted to be sure. I am afraid. I am not looking forward to not eating. I keep telling myself that it will be different when I get the band on and have to drink liquids for two weeks, because with the band I won't be hungary. But, I'm not quite convinced yet. :frown:I feel like I need to get a jump on things because I have convinced myself that I am the fattest person on this planet, and maybe others. I'm sure that this is not true, but I must be in the top 1-2%. Anyway, I feel like with all the extra fat, I will need a big jump on sjrinking my liver, as any part of me must be filled with fat.:thumbup: I am just thankful that I didn't have appendicitis, because, for one, that would have sucked, but mostly because I would have had to put off my surgery and God knows I do not want to that. So, when I was in the hospital, I had to miss a class. I am in this really intense grad program where everything is accelerated and we are not really allowed to miss any classes, but we are technically allowed one a semester. Any more than that and we lose attendance and participation points. I can't let this happen because I am kinda OCD about this and I have a 4.0 and I can't lose it or the whole world will end. So now, I need to hope that my surgery goes perfectly and I come home exactly on time so that I don't miss the 7 hour (yes, SEVEN HOURS) class that happens three days after my surgery (or two days after I come home) as this counts as two classes worth two attendance and participations, and I have a Monday night class 2 days after that. How does everyone manage life with all this? I feel like it is all I can think about and I can't focus on work or school or my house or family or friends. Anyway, I am worried about this liver shrinking diet tomorrow. I feel like if I had enough will ower to do this, I wouldn't be needing the surgery in the first place. I guess I just need to take it one day at a time for two weeks. That is what they taught my dad in AA and Na and this is an addiction right? At least it sure is addictive behavior. I guess this is all I have time for today as I need to get to work on Calculus. My house is falling apart around me, but I just came home from the hospital yesterday with the Appendicitis scare and still feel like crap, so screw the house, right? I can get to it when I feel better. Lord knows the mess aint going anywhere. I need to catch up on homework anyway, at least then I will feel like I am doing something.

Thank you for sharing I was sleeves 18/11 and was doing fine till day 10 then knife piercing pain when I try to stand or get out of bed Same here doc said muscle

I am 4.5 years post SLEEEVE. I had lost a total of 90# and felt great. Over the past 1.5 years I had gained half of it back. RIght now I would be happy losing 25#. Part of the reason for the regain was that I wasn't getting enough Synthroid (I have no thyroid) and part is medication and part is I have no OFF button. I can do great all day and between 7-10 PM I can't stop, Another problem is that an hour after I eat, I'm hungry. Yes I am getting enough protein. I'm sick of regain and I'm sick of never feeling satisfied. Has anyone had experience with this and was able to lose?

Beachee Girl, I think it was really brave to share everything that you are going through. In January I found out that my husband is a drug addict. I had no clue. We have been married for almost 10 years and have two beautiful children and the devastation that addiction has on families shred ours to pieces. I was shocked that I had been living what felt like a lie for almost a decade and was beyond hurt and confused. Then I picked myself up, we are currently separated, and decided I wasn't the one that had to choose differently when it came to the drugs. But his addiction put my own stuff into perspective. My weight was out of control and I desparately needed to address all the issues that surrounded my obesity. So, I got my band and realized really quickly that it didn't all end with that quick trip to a surgeon. It was only days into my post-op that I realized that all of the head issues I was feeling in regards to food must be really similiar to what my husband went through fighting himself about the drugs daily. Wanting something that isn't healthy for us, trying to talk your way through it, having a pity party because you know its wrong, all showing just how controlled we can be by addiction. In that moment of awareness, God really touched my heart and I realized "But for the grace of God go I". I guess what I am trying to say is that God sees our weaknesses and He will give you the strength to continue a good fight when you allow Him to be in control of your life. I am not trying to be overly spiritual. I just really felt that you needed to know that you are loved and supported, and you can beat this. Other people all around you battle stuff too, we all have vices and I think you were really brave (even in the anonimity of this place) to share what you are going through. Take care of you, and I'll say a prayer for you just to get through today...cuz that's all you have to worry about today.

@d258 Consignment shops!! And some things from Goodwill ... I feel the same way ... I don't want to pay for a lot of clothes in one particular size .... when I probably wont be that size too long ... I went from a 30/32 to a 16 in 10 months ... I'm super happy about that!! So many more cute things to pick from ...

I am still getting these feeling, and sometimes have dreams that I won't lose anything, I do, and you will too. It's slow and steady there is no race. I am two months out now and can eat more that before. I track everything and try not to get nutso if I get to 1200 calories. I remember that it takes my body 2300 calories to maintain, and that I will lose weight. It's just a overwhelming change. But we will all get there together! sleeved 12-19-11

Hello Sleevers, I weighed myself in the am and was 238. Yay!! 10 pounds in 8 days. Now I weigh myself this evening and I'm 240. I'm only drinking Protein shakes and a half cup of Soup for lunch. Total calories is about 470. I'm also walking at a brisk pace for an hour for exercise. It's not the calories. The only thing diffrent today was that I managed to get about 58 ounces of Water down. So, I think this could be just water weight and it will all work it's way out eventually. Has anyone else had or seen this?

I buy all my workout clothes at walmart, they have really nice stuff. I only buy danskin. I buy my bras at Soma. My boobs are huge, they are the only option and bras are amazing. Sports bras I purchased on ebay, new, I only wear the kind that go by band and cup size and they come up high on the chest. Unlike a lot of people that post here, I refuse to wear used clothing. I just can't I think it is repulsive. However I do have a limit on what i will spend on a single item and that is $30, dresses $50, and as always no limit on purses and shoes. I am hourglass shaped with a small waist, with the exception of my breasts and arms i am small on top. I wear anything from 12 to 16. I shop at... Old Navy - shorts, dresses, tshirts,rompers banana Republic - tops, the bottoms I am a little too hippy for Tommy Hilfiger - their stuff is very generously cut, you can probably go down a size Saks off 5th - you just have to look Nordstrom Rack - again you just have to look and try things on The Limited Forever 21- I don't know why people turn their nose up at it, I love the cheap tank tops and you can find cheap dresses too. I still wear plus size there Charlotte Russe - I still wear plus size there (the sizes like forever 21 are juniors), if you get on their text list they have tons of great sales, often you can get dresses for $20, tops and bottoms for $10

Jas - I use Jay Robb's unflavored protein powder -- get it in Wholefoods -- I mix it w/a pack of chocolate alba, 10 - 12 oz of skim milk and 1.5 tablespoons of peanut butter ... put it all in blender and mix up ... sometimes I add 1/2 banana to it .... it doesn't have a protein smell, but all together, it's a whopping 46+ grams of protein, and I have to split it into two servings (one in morning and one in later afternoon) ... you might want to try that ... I am still not a big fan of protein drinks, trust me, but I do realize the importance of getting my protein in and the protein drink really helps me boost my protein intake daily, so I suggest you try your hardest to find something that works for you. Once you are able to have mushies, if you like lentil soup, I would suggest you mixing a can of Amy's vegetable lentil soup in a bullet (makes it really pureed) and heat up & have that -- one can will give you a whopping 16-18 grams of protein - again, you will have to split up in separate servings cause I don't think your new little pouch/tummy will allow you to have too much at once, but the warmth of the puree when heated will go down easier than room temperature protein drinks .. good luck - hang in there!

Hi Shana, I had my first fill in August. They gave me 1.00 CC. I came home and felt hungrier than when I went there. I called my doc and told him that I wanted another fill immediately. I came back the following week and they took me to 1.75 where I stayed for 3 months. In November I had another fill to 2.00 and a month ago I had another fill to 2.25. I just had one of my highest weight loss months at 10 lbs lost. Before the fill, I was averaging 8 pounds a month. So if your doc is cooperative, try to see if he will bump it up some to give you the restriction you are looking for. You have to be proactive and write down what you are able to eat in a diary. This will give them a better idea what kind of restriction you have. Babs in TX 334/241/180 -93 6/23/03

Can I ask -- does Imodium work? I just found out I have a big meeting at work 10 days after surgery! I'm freaked.

The basics Height: 5"1 Highest Weight Tracked: 241 pounds Largest Size: 18/20, XXL, 40D Surgery Date: 4/19/12 Original Goal: 140 pounds Revised Goal: 125 pounds Currently: Weight: 128 pounds Size: 4, S/M, 34C/34D Pictures! Before (left) (right was first 40 pounds gone) Current! Current! I am so excited with life right now, it's hard to believe. Part of me is always waiting for the other shoe to drop but so far it hasn't. Trust me for anyone who thinks they wouldn't be successful... if I can do it, anyone can

For me, running did change the body composition. However, not in an ideal way because it really leaned out my upper body in the absence of strength training. I still run quite a bit for cardio during the week, but now also push full body workouts during cross fit sessions, focusing on fast reps of body weight exercises, but still keeping textbook form. I am finding that body weight exercises like headstand pushups, wall sits, planks, pull ups, push ups, sit ups. Etc are really helping to create upper body and lower body strength. You know, boot camp type exercises. Try and focus on compound muscle movements. Planks are awesome for hardening the core, back and arms. Try holding for greater then 2 minutes and if that gets easy, add variations like on leg in the air, feet on ball, etc. Burpees and squats are also awesome compound muscle movements that really change the body composition. Try doing 100 burpees or do the card deck game where each card requires a different exercise for a different number of reps, as fast as possible. Other fun exercises include farmers carry where you jog/run with two heavy weights for 1-2 miles. I am doing this with 45 lb weights. You might also do fireman's carry where you are jogging with the weight of another on your back. I have not gotten into heavy weights yet, but have my eye on it. My PT is helping me with the technical form for bench presses, squats, back lifts and Olympic lifts with an average amount of weight. These are helping a little, but will be much more effective once I can increase the weights. Dead lifts are also good to do fast and furious. Put on a good amount of weight and see how many you can do in 5 minutes with two sets of 10 burpees in between. That will change your body composition.

Just follow the advice it will come off. I average 10 lbs a month. 2 lbs a week and I am fine with that. I drink 5 calorie juice (cranberry) which my nutritionist happy with. Also Trop50 which is only 50 calories. Other than that most juice is overly sweet. Do you journal in Myfitnesspal?

I was banded 10/9/07 with a 10 cc. band and also have had two fills, totalling 1.5 cc. I know we have a lot longer to go with our fills... But I restrict myself to 1/4 cup oatmeal for Breakfast, 1/2 can of tuna for lunch, and then 1/2 cup of whatever for dinner. I DO have a Protein shake mid-morning and mid-evening (just about the time I'm starting to get hungry again) and generally tomato juice or sugar free fat free pudding in the afternoon (with unflavored protein added). I really find once I have the Protein Shake, I am totally satisfied for a long time. I don't go for another fill until February 1st--hopefully you'll get 1 cc on Wednesday!

I had to sleep on my back. The pain at the large incision would wake me up if I rolled on my side. Pretty much a non issue by day 10. I still sleep more than I did pre-op

I am scheduled for surgery February 10. I live in the FM/HV area. Would like to hook up with a support group. Do you know of any that allow men to join?

Hi Donia! Welcome! You are very smart coming here before your surgery. I wish I would have thought about looking for this after surgery! A lot of very good posts and advice!! Good luck on this journey! SW:350 (11/2015) BSW:260 (10/17/17) CW:248 (1st official weigh in post op) GW:175

I am also a scale junkie and I have been my entire life. The only times I have gained weight have been when I stopped weighing myself every day. Much as the scale can put you in a foul mood, it keeps you accountable. As an example, I recently started a new workout program and in 2 days I gained 4 pounds. Logically I know that since my program is major cardio based the weight gain is a combination of an increase in glycogen stores and an increase in Water and that in 1-2 weeks I will start to drop weight. Now, just because logically I know that doesn't mean I didn't want to sob when I saw the scale this morning. I didn't eat more than usual and I worked out hard the last two days so while I know this is not real weight gain, it does make me feel very cranky this morning. The scale is like your mirror- you can't avoid it forever. You can hide from it and tell yourself that you're only going to weigh only at the doctor's office or that you're losing weight and you don't need the scale to validate you, but ultimately, the scale gives you a quantifiable value to know whether or not you are actually doing good or not. Some days the news isn't good, but you know when you gained a pound or two and you can make an immediate correction as opposed to finding out you gained 10 pounds because you wanted to live in blissful ignorance of the scale. I hate my scale. It routinely makes me cry. It is also the only reason I am still thin because every single day it reminds me that I can very easily go back to being a fatty again. So this morning while I may have stubbed my toe kicking my scale, I may have shed a tear or two, I also cut down my Breakfast to a half serving, I'll skip the smoothie I was going to get after the gym, I'll skip carbs at dinner, and by tomorrow I'll be back down a pound or two. If you give yourself the chance to modify your diet everyday as needed, you don't have to worry about getting on the scale and having gained far too much weight to lose quickly.

I think you are feeling normal. Even 7 mos post op I still freak out every now an then.. what I am amazed though is that how much I used to eat wihtout ever questioning it or second guessing it. When you are fully healed and completely absolutely not able to eat much you will also see it- My husband calls me 10 bite wonder now because no matter what i eat I can only eat about 8- 10 bites of it then I am totally full and feel like I just had a pre op thanksgiving dinner. lol... it is a process- it didnt happen over night...

My goal on S health is 6,000 for now. I used to work retail so 10 to 20+ thousand steps a day wasn't hard to do. Especially if i met with my boyfriend after work and walked around the city before going home. Now that i babysit i don't walk as much so my goal is much lower but i usually strive to make over it. I walked 13+ thousand steps Friday and 8+ thousand on Saturday. It's not too hard getting steps in living in nyc.