Search the Community

Hi...I am having the Lap-Band surgery on March 27th at Magee. Dr. Carol McCloskey is the surgeon. On March 10th., I go to Magee for pre-op tests. I don't know what they will consist of since I had so many tests already. When I questioned the need for more testing, I was told that the tests can be no more than 30 days pre-op. In July of 08, I attended an informational meeting about bariatric surgery at Magee. On Aug. 4th was the Pre-Operative Lifestyle Classes first meeting. The fee was $395.00 which could be paid in three installments of $145.00 each------the last one at the end of the six month life style classes. Also, I was instructed to keep a food/activity log for one week prior to the initial class. A nutritionist ran the class which had about thirty people gathered in the waiting room area of Suite 5600. I noticed that most of the people interested in the surgery were accompanied by another person. I went alone. The Nutritionist passed out several informational booklets which were about nutrition, behavioral basics, lifestyle changes and physical activity. One has the choice of either attending monthly classes at Magee or going to one's Primary Care Physician monthly. I chose to go to my PCP. The monthly PCP visit consisted of me bringing in my food and activity logs for each month. My PCP is closer than Magee and the parking is free, plus there was not the hassle of the drive on the Parkway East. Also, Magee had a list of the dates for the monthly classes. I was unable to attend any of the meetings scheduled in Oct. Thus, I had to schedule with my PCP at my convienience. It is imperative to attend a meeting each and every month. It makes no difference if your PCP meeting is one month and the next time you could meet is the next month only two weeks after the previous meeting. This was important to me and something I did not understand at first. It happened that I did have to schedule an appt. for Jan. 21st and the next one for Feb. 2nd. I had little to add to the activity log due to the pain in my knees but I did attempt to take more steps each day. Of course, there was the dreaded weigh-in. My PCP filled out the required After Visit Summary and faxed it to Magee after each visit. My weight at Magee was 243. My first weigh-in with my PCP on Sept. 3rd was 237. My last weigh in with my PCP on Feb. 2,09 was 217. I had a twenty dollar co-pay at each PCP visit. I am in my 60's so I had a ton of tests.......EGK, stress test, echocardiogram, Chest x-ray, blood work, sleep study(which showed I have sleep apnea so I had to have a second study). I have a minor blood disorder so I was also required to see a hematolgist. He sent me for more tests. It was a lot of testing but I did it all in Feb., and got it done quickly. I see a therapist, so I only had to take in the form for him to fill out and fax to Magee. That was the easy part since he was the one who first suggested that I consider the Lap-Band surgery. Before I scheduled all my tests, I spent hours on the phone with my insurer making sure that all the tests and the doctors were covered by my insurance. At the first meeting with the surgeon, I got all the scripts for each test to be done. After the six month program ended with the appt. with the nutritionist, all my records were sent to the insurance company. About ten days later, I got a call from Magee that my insurer wanted my PCP to send in a two year record of my weights. Only a week later........Feb. 27th., I was called by Magee to tell me that my surgery was approved. I have a confession that after my last PCP visit, I did lose my focus and start to eat badly again. I went on a three week vacation and fell into the same bad habits of overeating. I knew that I was not going to get approved for the surgery if I had any weight gain during the six months. That fear keep my on the straight and narrow.....well, mostly. I also knew that if I really stuck to a 1500 calorie plan that I would lose too much and get denied. There is a fine line to be walked. I attended one Magee Bariatric support group meeting and the person running the meeting said that someone had just gotten rejected because she lost 50 pounds on her own. I gained 7 pounds. I feel badly, but if I did not have a history of losing and gaining, I would not be having the surgery in the first place. I know this is long, but I thought it just may answer some questions for one or two people. I have been in the health field for over 35 years, but I found this process to be a bit confusing and complicated at times. Wish me luck.......this is my last chance.

I am with Cigna too and am hoping to get approved soon too. The requirements for them are only as follows, right? 1) 3 months of doctor visits 2) Bariatric surgeon clearance 3) PCP clearance and letter of medical necessity 4) Meet once with a nutrionist 5) Clearance from a pyschiatrist 6) Meet BMI requirement Anything else I should be aware of?

Actually my GP is quite overweight and I felt like because of it, he never took my concerns about my own weight very seriously. He would just say things like “well, if I had the magic wand for that...” (and pat his tummy) Finally I made an appt with the NP and talked/cried to her about my weight concerns. She was actually the one who suggested bariatric surgery. I love her for it : )

My bariatric team was spot on to reply quickly to my questions and emails.....same day. I agree with SherB, An effective team will not leave you dangling in mental anquish and worry. Be proactive.

Finally after months of tests, medical appointments, paperwork and hours of explaining to my good friends why I have finally come to this place in my life, my surgery is tomorrow. Check in for 5.30am and surgery at 7.30am. After fighting cancer 14 years ago, complications of the surgery, chemo and radiation caused significant side effects and damage that left me with health effects and took away ability to exercise and my love of trail running. My weight increased significantly. Failed diets made my weight yo-yo upwards. I started to withdraw, didn't want to go out socially. I've struggled to keep up a professional career, fit in plane seats, turned down job opportunities and put up with derogatory comments from business colleagues. I have everything planned, Protein drinks, non caffeine tea (this will he hard), vitamins/calcium supplements and chicken broth..... I have lists of the to-do's and not-to do's from the folks in my Bariatric support group..... Today this has been the first time I have nerves and second thoughts. I so want this to be successful, I am tired of being overweight for so many years, of it ruining my life and my health. I want to throw my BiPAP in the trashcan! My journey starts now - I am scared but oddly excited. Have others felt the same way?

Ok thanks sooooo much. It's weird that I just haven't been able to find much info on him but I guess it's really actually not given the amount of TJ bariatric surgeons not all get press on the web and add to that the many popular Ortiz, Kelly reviews and it gets anything on Dr.M tucked away.

July 7th for me with Dr. Kia at McLaren Bariatric. I am getting very nervous and excited...also worried about my mental state afterwards - will i feel like i made a mistake, etc? I have lost 40 lbs on my own since starting the journey and sometimes feel i can do it without the surgery. However, I have to remember how many times I have lost weight only to regain it back and then some. This surgery is to prevent the roller-coster of weight loss....

where did you get yours done? I'm scheduled with dr garcia with Tijuana bariatrics... Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

Chew your food thoroughly Digestion begins in the mouth. Your saliva contains important enzymes that begin to break down food in your mouth, so it will be less work on your stomach. Ideally, you want to chew your food until it reaches applesauce-like consistency. Chewing more thoroughly also helps you to slow down. For many of us, it is a habit to take a bite, chew a couple of times and then swallow it down with a chug of water. But after bariatric surgery, you can no longer do that so it is even more important to chew your food. Use a baby spoon While it is important to chew your food thoroughly it also helps to take small bites of your food. Using a baby spoon or chopsticks may slow you down and regulate your bite sizes. If you are having a difficult time tolerating chicken, try smaller bites before giving up. When you eat smaller bites, less food will reach your stomach all at once and it may prevent nausea. Eat every 2-3 hours Since you can no longer tolerate large portions at a time, it is important to eat small amounts of food every two to three hours. This will give you more opportunities to eat enough protein. You can have protein drinks or eat a high protein snack like string cheese. Eat protein at every meal By building your meals around protein you will be more likely to hit your daily protein goals. Every meal or snack is an opportunity to help meet your daily protein goals. Pack high protein snacks Having high protein snacks on hand is key to meeting your daily protein goals. Examples include cottage cheese, string cheese, tuna, hard boiled egg, and sliced deli meat. These are portable snack items that you can store in the fridge at work or in a thermal lunch container. For more ideas on what foods to eat after bariatric surgery, please be sure to check out my Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery. Experiment with different types of protein Everyone has different tolerances after bariatric surgery. I have met some people who never had any issues with food, while others need to avoid certain foods for a period of time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of protein. After surgery your taste preferences may change, so be willing to try foods that you previously didn’t like. If you cannot tolerate chicken then try yogurt. If you don’t like yogurt then try white fish. For other ideas on different protein sources to try download my free guide, Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Foods to Eat After Bariatric Surgery. Eat protein first The cardinal rule after surgery is to eat your protein first. This may seem counterintuitive because you may have been programmed to eat your vegetables first. But after surgery, your pouch size is so small that you need to make sure to fill it with protein first because you may fill up quickly. Yes, vegetables are important too. but you will be able to eat more of them as your pouch size expands. In the meantime, please make sure to take your multivitamins. Add PB2 to protein drinks PB2 is a peanut butter powder, but it is lower in fat and calories than your traditional peanut butter. Although peanut butter can be a healthy source of fat, it’s usually not recommended right after bariatric surgery due to its high calorie and fat content. PB2 can be a flavorful addition to your protein drinks, smoothie or yogurt and be a sneaky way to get more protein. Use protein drinks Including protein drinks in your diet is essential to meeting your protein needs in the first few months after surgery. Even if you ate protein at each meal you would likely not be able to meet your protein goals because of your new pouch size. Most surgery centers recommend using a protein drink during the first 6 months after surgery. As your pouch size expands you will be able to get most of your protein from food and reduce your protein drink intake. Experiment with different protein drinks to identify which one you tolerate best. Although whey isolate is usually recommended if you cannot tolerate it then try a different one such as egg white protein. Use Quinoa as your grain If you have started to include grains in your diet then quinoa can be a good choice after surgery. It is higher in protein than other grains and high in fiber. You can have a small amount with a stir-fry or add to soups. Please join my Facebook group if you would like to receive Dietitian-Approved Bariatric Recipes on your weight loss surgery journey.

My Dad is hard hitting me not to have this surgery. I am 46, BMI 40, Arthritis in both knees and obviously no long-term ability to keep it off. He is gathering stats and posting them to me in emails. Here is an excerpt below, what do you think of his stats? "I have never seen so much distortions and obscurations pertaining to anything as is done in bariatric surgery. I thought knee replacement was bad with all the hype but nothing like this!! There are hundreds of "authoritative" articles on the subject, almost all of which are blatantly designed to appeal to your emotions. Half the forums are a joke mixed with truthful questions and experiences and often salted with carefully spin doctor messages. The most complete reporting that I have found with only moderate spin is: www.obesitycoverage.com " Gastric By Pass vs. Gastric Sleeve Surgery." I feel that you doing this surgery could be without a doubt the worst decision in your life. You've got to know the probable consequences and they are not good. Colette, this is one of those times that even if you feel that the probability of serious occurrences occurring is low...you still just do not do it..... You just don't do it because if any of the serious consequences do occur, they are so unalterably life changing negative that you can not risk it no matter what because it will be forever. I don't get where you say the odds are in your favor? They are not. Yes, I understand that the death rate is low, (which I am thankful for), but to have some complications are almost guaranteed. You have got to know that by now. Read the article. Even if you ignore the 60% to 70% probability of indigestion, nausea and dehydration, the percentage of occurrence of mild to severe complications is a huge collective 88.9% !!! GERD 47% Nutritional deficiency 12% Gallstones 23% Acute Stricture 3.5% Deep Vein Thrombosis 1% Staple line failure 2.4% Total: 88.9% Please don't go through with this. We can figure something else out. You do have options. Dad"

I can't answer for that person but in my humble opinion, the need for such a high amount of protein isn't really needed. I think in the beginning, to follow through the best you can. But I just ordered Dr Garths book called a Proteinaholic today. He's a bariatric surgeon who went vegan and encourages his patients and everyone on a vegan diet. I'm currently doing vegetarian. I'm going to read it and see what he has to say. He dispels the myths about protein, protein, protein. Even though my doc wants me to do protein (min of 65g and that's where I keep it) he does promote more veggies and grains too, which is what I'm doing. So far so good. Still losing the weight too. 😊

Hello all! Got a question on vitamins pre op... i take 3 of the bariatric advantage multivitamins with iron a day and then I take an extra iron pill too since I am anemic. I also take a biotin barimelt too. Should I even be taking the multi vitamin preop? and do I need to stop them before surgery? I asked the surgeon... sent him an email... waiting for response. Just trying to see what others have done. My surgery is april 2nd so just a little over 2 weeks away.

I was on a liquid only diet for the week leading up to my surgery. No meals to be had at all. You'll find that every doctor has a different pre-op diet plan. Some want liquids only for 1 week, some want liquids only for 2 weeks, some allow for liquids all day and then a small dinner of lean protein and veggies. My suggestion would be to call your bariatric office and ask for clarification, explaining that your nurse said to have a decent meal the night before your surgery but that your paperwork conflicts with what the nurse said. They should be happy to clarify it for you. I wouldn't think that a single meal before surgery would undo the liver shrinkage to that much of a degree, but the conflicting info is something that you'll definitely want to get clarified.

Good Morning everyone...I need to ask some questions bc I am having trouble with the approval process....can everyone that has kaiser southern ca answer this please? 1. When did options class end and location? 2. Were u able to do your labs before the option class ended? 3. Were you able to chose the location you wanted you surgery done at? I am trying to see just how different the locations are from ours...mine was done at Corona and ended Sept 28th we had to wait til classes were over and to meet with a specialist then we were sent to do our labs...I am not able to pick were I go...kaiser said I would either go to Pacific bariatric or Crown. Thanks everyone!!

Here is a list of behavior modifications that I got at support group last Monday. It is from a book called The Emotional First Aid Kit: The Practical Guide to Life after Bariatric Surgery. 1. Eat only as advised by your bariatric doctor. Usually this will be three meals per day. Try not to allow yourself to snack between recommended meals while making this transition. If you must, make it a bariatric-friendly snack. 2. Eat very slowly and place you eating utensil on the plate between bites. As a bariatric patient you will be advised to chew your food at least 25 times, so this in itself will slow you down. 3. Do no engage in other activity except eating at mealtime. Concentrate only on eating. Avoid reading, watching television, or too much conversation. This time is about eating only. 4. It is most important to eat in a specific place. Choose a room where you will do all of your eating, and promise yourself not to eat anywhere else. If possible, eat in the same chair. Do not eat while driving or doing other activities as you will quickly lose track of the amount you have consumed. It is important not to establish a connection between driving and eating. 5. Stay out of the kitchen except when absolutely necessary. Keep the kitchen light off so the room is not so inviting, and try to take alternate routes that don’t lead you past it if possible. Make sure food is stored only in your kitchen. 6. Use small plates, bowls, and utensils. 7. Do not keep leftovers on the table to invite additional nibbling after you finish. Instead, get up from the table immediately and do something else. It may be helpful to store leftovers in the refrigerator before your meal so you will not be tempted to eat more later. 8. Keep food out of sight as much as possible. Dot not keep it on the counter or in see-through containers. Keep your healthier choices in see-through containers so you learn to choose those before the others. 9. Do not leave bowls of small snacking food son the counter or table. We will eat “one or two” every time we pass. 10. Use these principles at work too. Take all snacks out of your drawers and off of your desk including candy dishes for “clients or coworkers”. 11. Bring healthy snacks and meals with you to work so you will not be at the mercy of the cafeteria, fast food, or vending machines. 12. Do not eat lunch at your desk. Go to the lunchroom or a picnic table outside, but break the psychological connection between your desk and eating. 13. At break time, avoid the break room where others may be eating or where vending machines are located. Instead, take a stroll outside or inside your building. Make phone calls, do some stretching, or balance your check book. 14. Learn to change your routine. If you go to the refrigerator first thing after work, learn to go directly to another room so you will eventually break that connection. 15. Learn to read labels on grocery store items. Shop only when you are not hungry and bring a prepared list. Avoid certain aisles that might be tempting for you, like the crackers and cookies aisles, for example. There will be little or no food appropriate for a new bariatric patient in that aisle. 16. Play soothing music while eating. It tends to slow us down. 17. Try not to nibble while preparing foods. This is a common trap. We may not eat much at dinner but we do not count all those bites taken during preparation. Plan ahead so you are not hungry while preparing meals, and try strategies such as brushing your teeth or keeping sugar-free hard candy around if you need something. 18. If munching while you cook is a problem for you, try to prepare several meals at once to decrease the amount of time you will be vulnerable. 19. Keep healthy snacking alternatives available, such as sugar-free hard candies, sugar-free popsicles, or sugar-free flavored gelatin. 20. Always keep a bottle of water with you. It will keep you feeling fuller between meals and is very healthy. 21. Always have an escape route. Do not put yourself in a situation where you feel unable to control your eating. If you find yourself overwhelmed at any time, have a plan for how you will allow yourself to leave. 22. Monitor your progress. Assess your BMI on a weekly or monthly basis. Weigh yourself weekly. Keep track of your workouts. Many people have difficulty when they stop monitoring themselves. We tend to feel more responsible for eating and exercise when we have to be held accountable. 23. Be aware of visual cues for eating. Let’s say someone puts donuts on a desk nearby you at work or there is a community candy bowl you pass by several time a day. A little snack here and there may feel like nothing, but it all adds up. Break the connection between eating and the cue. Move the donuts to another part of the office. Get rid of the candy dish. If you find your cue is being with a particular friend, then attempt to alter the connection by going to a movie instead of dinner. 24. When you have a craving, try waiting 10 min. before you eat anything. When you do not immediately respond to cravings, they tend to decrease in intensity. If you do this over time, the craved food will lose its strength and power over you.

I love my fitbit one - if I can help am happy to try. I've had it since February and it's great. Syncing with my fitbit goes between both my home and work computer, my ipad and iphone and the device. I sound like a gearhead, but it's really for me to travel easily and make my work simpler. Once home i only use my devices mostly to check Bariatric Pal and Fitbit! My only struggle is trying to print out my food log for my doc, but i imagine i'll find a workaround. Anyone have suggestions? I tried linking to myfitnesspal but it didn't transfer earlier data. Bummer.

I am scheduled to have my sleeve done with Dr. Umbach and I am curious what experiences others on this forum have had with him and his office Blossom Bariatrics?

I ordered some fruit protein drink powder from American Bariatrics - it is a little like Crystal Light. It comes in several flavors. I couldn't do the shakes, but I really enjoy these fruit drinks. They are 90 calories and have 15 grams of protein! Mix it with 8 or 10 ounces of water, and you are getting in liquids, calories, AND protein! They have really helped me to meet my minimums. And yes - take those supplements. I have known others who have not and have landed back in the hospital with complications.

Hi JUNE friends! I get notifications when there are posts and how emotional I was to see all the NEW 2022 Junies posting! Made me reflect on everything that has happened to me in the last year. Recorded my highest weight in NOV 2019 at 305 at 5ft1in at the doctor's office. Cried and talked with her about surgery. She was all for it. Let that sit and fester for another year, what was the rush? I have only been thinking about this for the last TEN years. Finally, Nov 2020, my levels were prediabetic. I was on two high BP meds. I knew I needed to stop this. My insurance sucked and conventional route was not going to happen. MANY MANY insurance companies DO NOT cover bariatric surgeries any more. WHICH is ridiculous since it is the only elective surgery that reverses or ends so many mortal diseases. Why wouldn't they pay? Between HBP and soon to be diabetes, probably need knee replacements, and on and on!! I had to find self pay. I was too nervous to look at Mexico, and found Blossom Bariatrics in Vegas. I started my Pre-Op diet May 25th, 2021. Surgery was June 15th, 2021. Best DECISION I EVER MADE! We have all been there. Should have done it sooner, hmmm-ed and hawed for months and months once my doctor and I talked about it. Then there was covid. The delays never ended. But to all the new people.....TRUST THE PROCESS, LISTEN to your body. It will know what to do. If you do the work, it will follow. I consider myself a SLOW loser. I was not, will not, and won't ever be an exercise lover. I couldn't fathom doing any exercise when I was 305lbs. It was a terrible cycle. I can't walk and move my body because my knees hurt, my back hurt. I didn't walk much when I started this journey but then, after the tiredness subsides, you think wow, my knees don't hurt. I can go for a walk with the dog. Then, I WANT to walk the dog. For me, everything was baby steps. BUT, suddenly the pants are looser. You start to see your face change. Then, those close to you start to notice. Slowly, but SURELY, it comes off. The ONLY WAY to lose this weight is by calorie deficit. It is the ONLY WAY we can all do this. It is NOT EASY. Having surgery is NOT easy. We still have to change the way we eat. We are still have to fight those old habits and desires. I read everything I could, joined this group, and a couple on FB. I read all the advice. I am here to tell you a few of mine. I HATED pictures of any kind. I didn't take many before or after surgery. DO TAKE PICTURES!!! I love seeing people's before and afters and transformations and I just can't go back. and POOP. No one talks about the POOP or lack of it. It was my biggest side effect and still an issue. HAIR LOSS, it happens, just start those biotin pills NOW! SO, sorry for this long post, it was kind of emotional and I needed to just write it all out. You took the first steps. You got this! I still feel like I just did and am in the stages you are. But, as I close in on my first anniversary, I am overwhelmed. I hit the 100 pound lost mark. Then, this week, I hit ONEDERLAND. Lots of milestones all at once. I am anxious to see what my pounds lost will be on June 15th! Trust yourself and the process. There are NO steadfast rules. I hate when I see posts and people are so adamant and actually rude about stuff. In the end, you make the rules. I'm an open book and will answer any questions. You can message me or post. Literally remind yourself, it's ONE day at a time. Best wishes Junies!!

What calcium (chewable or not) do you take. I bought the Bariatric Advantage and its horrible tastes like biting into chalk.

Hi Folks, So glad I found this forum ! I have less than 2 weeks to go and I am feeling very scared. I have one of the best surgeon's in the country. He has done more than 5,000 bariatric surgeries (both band and gastric) but I am still coming up with every bad thing I can think of in my mind ... I wish i could just let it go. I have no fear of the pain, I just do not like going under anesthesia. I have been overweight for the last 20 years and have lost and gained probably a couple hundred pounds in between. Now I am getting close to border-line diabetic, as well as mild sleep apnea, High BP, and knee pain. It's time ... I have to do something. All of my friends and family keep telling me how great things will be in the long run but I still can't get this fear out of my mind. I feel like I should get a grip. I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one feeling this way.

Hi Margie, I was banded by Dr. Robin Blackstone at Scottsdale Bariatric Center. Thanks! I never have any trouble losing weight. It is the keeping off that is hard for me. Although, I say no trouble but the weight I am now is pretty much where I always get stuck and then start to gain again. So, while I am excited to be where I am... I am also leary.

Well, once again, it's a no. I couldn't talk to him, cause I was told that he doesn't talk to patients on the phone, and usually they go through his nurse/secretary, and she relays the message to him. So I said "Could I plead my case to you then?" and I did. I told her, I didn't want him to 'take over my case, per se", all I wanted was fills... he doesn't have to have anything else to do with me, otherwise.... that how they told me "I should continue having my Dr. in ON follow me", I said that he wasn't following me now. I said that I went into this knowing that I had to secure someone for fills closer to home (Calgary), and that's what I had done. That I was just out of school, had moved across the country, and could not afford the cost of flying to Toronto for something that will take 15 minutes, at the most (haha, I hope). She said that that's what they expect of their patients, if they move somewhere else, such as Alberta. I said "You would want them to fly back to NB for a fill?" and she said "Yes, unless a dr. in Alberta would take over their case." AHHHH! Well, I hope for those patients sake, that wherever they move, they'll find someone to do it for THEM. (and I know for a fact they would, cause this seems to be the only place in canada that I could have moved that has made it nearly impossible for me to get the followup I need... anywhere else, I could have been at least within a 8 hour drive of somewhere to get a fill) I asked what they would expect me to do then, cause I have no other options. She said that they do bariatric surgery in NS, and maybe I could try there. I asked for the name of the Dr I should look for... she didn't know. Hospital name, maybe? Nope, didn't know that either. So, I'm looking for someone in NS who might do fills. I'm pretty sure they don't do the lapband in NS anyways, so the chance that I'll find a dr. there (even if they do do the RNY or something) that can do fills is unlikely. She said that they were so busy with 'their own patients' that there's no time to take on anymore, because there's people who are waiting years for this, and I would be taking away from them. Which I totally get... BUT, it just seems so unfair. If they were just better equipped to handle the more and more patients.... but I guess that's the state everywhere in Canada. I asked, "Well, isn't there just nurses who can do the fills, and not have Dr. B. do it?" and she said no, that it was always him, and a nurse that do the fills. "Any time in the future that this might change, and you'll be able to take 'new' patients?" ... "No" So many other things I wanted to say, but I was on the verge of tears, and I could hear my voice shaking. It just seemed that there was nothing I could say that would matter. I did email the NS lady who does her own fills... but no reply still. :pout:

Hey Mandi, I finally met Dr. C. He did my fill on Monday. The clinic looks modern, kinda weird, but modern. The outside of the building is this burnt orange color so it's not hard to find. The inside has very high ceilings. I kinda expected this huge aquarium in the exam office, ya know like the Nip and Tuck aquarium. Anyhooooo Dr C was fabulous. He asked me some questions about restriction and he determined that I could use a fill. He said that he would give me .5 ccs but he may give less of a fill dependant on the resistance he felt when he injected the saline. He ended up only putting in 0.3 ccs. I already feel a difference and after his pet talk I am a renewed lapbandster. So now I'm in lurve with Dr. C.

All I will say in reply to this is that bariatric surgery will never be the easy way out!!! I had so many ideas of how things would be post op when I was pre op and none of my thoughts were correct. You will never know the struggle after having a bariatric procedure until you have been through it. You haven't had the surgery so you have never struggled or failed or gotten off track. Until, you go through the surgery and make no mistakes and follow the plan to a T for the rest of your life you have no room to judge or put anyone else down.