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Honestly, I gained some weight at first and ended up around my starting weight. I was still approved.

I just went to my first class regarding WLS and I am really leaning toward the Sleeve. I am so afraid to do this, but am more afraid of living like I am now for the rest of my life. I have been worried about my weight for as long as I can remember, and have been on every diet there is. I am a food addict too, which worries me because I'm wondering what I will do instead of eat when I am emotional. Can anyone out there who considered themselves a food addict who is post-op, tell me what you do now instead of eating when you are stressed?

I had the same problem. I didn't feel that I was heavy enough to be eligible for the surgery. At 258 lbs at 5'9", I was able to hide my weight very well. I dress my fat to my advantage! LOL. I just had my last physician supervised visit, and I am just waiting to be scheduled for surgery. It has been a long road, and at times I've been frustrated and felt like it was never going to happen. It is a good time to think about what exactly it is you hope to achieve after your surgery.

My very first reader! Thanks for your kind words. Last night I looked around for pictures to put on my profile, but like you, all my recent ones have been deleted if I even let them be taken. I told my sister because she is my go to person for rides with anything like this. She is about 70 lbs lighter than me, same height. Surprisingly, she was very encouraging. She even told me she had thought before I mentioned it that I might benefit from something like this. Yesterday, she even went as far as to tell me she was somewhat jealous that I could do this. She has been putting on weight too. I breached the subject with my boss, who is heavier than I am. She told me she could never do something like that, so I probably won't mention that I will be doing it if I can get the insurance to cover it. If all goes well, and I start losing the weight, I may let her know at that point. I'm also worried about that 2 week preop diet. But we do what we have to. Its not much longer for you is it? I certainly wish I was at that point, this 6 month waiting period is aggravating!

oh wow , yes I have to wait 2 months for my first appointment , it's the 8th dec , can't wAit . I'm not even sure I'm a candidate for surgery as my start weight is 101kg . What's the pre op clinic for ??

Even though you're not a fan of drinking and walking, give it a try till your tiny tummy can take more water. After a while you will be able to gulp water again but in the meantime, you need some way to keep from getting so thirsty. Just a little sip here and there on the walk will help. I had that issue too and I carried a water bottle everywhere and sipped, sipped, sipped. I still take water most everywhere, but I can now take a nice long walk and then drink a full glass pretty quickly when I get back home. Congrats on the exercise! For me, it's really been key to continued weight loss as I approach goal and to giving some nice form under the looser skin I now have. Lynda

Aww, so sorry about your wait! It is totally frustrating when you feel like you have everything lined up and are soooo ready just to have wait or worse- get denied. I first applied back in 2008, I called my carrier and asked all the right questions about BMI, proof of failed diets and whether co-morbidities had to be present. The rep I talked to for the insurance carrier told me (incorrectly) that the benefit was available at 100% with no requirements. I went to a sleep doc, did a psych eval, was poked and prodded, tested and re-tested and assured I was a perfect candidate. When we submitted to the insurance carrier they promptly denied it, I tried to appeal but was denied again. The next time was 09 and I went tthrough the same process, this time I was denied and found out the reason was I didn't have 5 consecutive years of documented weights and BMI from my PCP- literally the only requirement! Well what fat girl goes to the doctor every year to be weighed??? In 2011 I had all the documentation needed so I waited until the 2012 plan year started to apply and put enough into my flex spending account to pay the deductible and co-insurance. I had my "first" doctors appointment in February again and the paperwork was sent to my insurance carrier with the explanation that it would take 4 weeks to 3 months to get a response and then I would have to schedule all of my other doctors appointments and then try to get a date for surgery. Well 4 years of waiting was enough for me, I explained the situation to the office staff at the surgeons office who were unsympathetic and negative about whether I could speed the procees up but I didn't let that deter me! I called my carrier at the one week mark and was able to get the claim escalated for review and was told I would get an answer within 5 business days- great! but not good enough! I was anxious after doing years of research, trying WW 2 more times, buying tons of slimfast, atkins and off-brand diet bars and drinks. I wasn't losing weight but gaining it with every year that passed. I called back after 2 days and spoke to the supervisor of the person doing the escalated review and they gave me a verbal authorization for surgery! I called and spoke to the office staff who actually put me on the schedule without the paper confirmation- from first doc appointment to approval it was 2 weeks, a week later were my final appointments and I started the Protein diet, 9 days later I had surgery- start to finish 1 month, or 4 years, depends on how you look at it! I have UHC which many people told me was an easy carrier to get approved through, not my initial experiences. I think the only reason it moved fast for me the last time was because I told literally everyone my sob story of trying for 4 years to get it approved and they begrudgingly listened and actually were able to do something about it. I hope things work out for you and you get an answer quickly, but hey, if they don't call you, you keep calling until you talk to that one person who listens!

My hubby was sleeved 7/18 his starting weight was 441 lbs 6/28. Day of surgery (after 18 day pre op diet) he was 411 lbs 7/18. On 7/25 396 lbs 8/1 388 lbs 8/15 381 lbs 8/22 377 lbs 8/29 372 lbs Today at his 6wk check up he weight 367 lbs (^;^) yay!!! He has not been under 370 in prob 10 yrs. I am so proud of him, his new attitude, his determination and will power! I am his biggest supporter and together we will reach his goal Hope everybody else is doing great, keep it up youre worth it!!!

stalls are a normal part of weight loss. They typically last 1-3 weeks, and you're likely to hit several more of them on your journey. I didn't cut or increase calories - I just stuck to my plan. It'll eventually break, even if you just stick to your food plan. My first stall lasted two weeks, and once it broke, I dropped like 6-8 lbs in a couple of days. I didn't make any changes at all - just tried to stay off the scale for a few days so I wouldn't be frustrated by it!

I have officially hit a month stall and it’s bringing me down. ... I have increased water, workouts, and cut calories and still nothing. Getting discouraged.

Surgery Day (Tues): :unsure:As I stated in another thread, surgery day was a breeze for me. I had surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2008 at 12:30pm and went home at 9:00pm. Took a pain pill and slept pretty good that night. Day 1 Post Op (Wed): :mellow:The bloating was miserable, but I was prepared mentally to expect and accept this. I had one GasX strip about every 2 hours and that definitely helped. I did not need any pain meds through the day. I was uncomfortable, but not in any real pain. It was very different to sip on water and fruit juice and hear or feel it sort of gurgle as it went through the new stoma. I am not really aware that the lapband is there except for an occasional knot that comes up - like gas - under my chest and then suddenly goes away. I think the bloating is the worst part at this point. I have had no problem getting in and out of my chair, going to the bathroom, or walking around today. Even took a shower this morning and rode my exercise bike for about 10 minutes. The warm water felt really good on my big belly. I took a pain pill before going to bed, and through the night to sleep good. No point in being miserable if you don't have to. Day 2 Post Op (Thurs): :blink:The liquid diet is already getting old. I've weighed myself and I'm 4 lbs heavier than before going into surgery. IV glucose always does this to me. However, even at this weight, I am 16 pounds lighter than I was when I began the pre-op diet. My stomach muscles are a bit sore, but again, nothing unbearable. I rode my exercise bike for about 12 minutes. My husband made me quit - he was afraid I was overdoing it. At 11:00am, I cooked some chicken and beans, turnip greens, and corn bread for my hubby's lunch. I enjoyed cooking this and was able to eat 1/4 cup or so of the broth from the beans - tasty! I took some liquid tylenol around 3:00pm and took a long nap. That was nice. I went to bed around 8pm and took one pain pill for the night. I noticed it was already easier getting in and out of bed. Day 3 Post Op (Fri): :bored:OK. Some people say you can have this surgery on a Friday and be back to work (desk job) on Monday. Well, I would hate to think I had to be at a job this morning! The liquid diet is really old, but I'm becoming creative. I'm still bloated, but not as bad. The gas has gradually gone up to my arm pits it seems and that is more aggravating than painful. I took a shower today and washed my hair. Dried and styled my hair and put on makeup. Yes, I'm human again! I'm making a shake each day using the Whey Protein Chocolate 52g per 2 scoops. So far, I'm using 1 scoop (26g) in 8 oz of Lite Silk Soy Milk. I can drink about 1/3 of this at a time. It tastes very good and feels like something in your stomach - not the emptiness of water. I am already learning the signs of being full. I have not overdone it yet - I tend to burb in response to the pouch being full. I stop as soon as this happens and wait awhile before drinking more. I can feel my little pouch empty into the stomach - the bloating probably has me hyper-aware of this today. I am thinking, I have just made a huge permanent change to my body. What have I done to myself?! Then I think of all the posts I have read on this site and how everyone has encouraged me to know that you may have momentary second thoughts post-op, but shortly after it becomes the best decision of your life. My post-op weight is disappearing now. I am feeling better and stronger - but still glad I don't have to be on the job today. Day 4 Post Op (Sat): :tongue_smilie: Doing Great! - I used no pain relievers last night which probably helped me wake up without the groggy feeling this morning. I had renewed energy. I cleaned up mess that had already collected in our bedroom then headed to the kitchen to cleanup in there. Today, I could be on the job if I had to be, but I'm glad I have until Monday anyway. I have walked up a long flight of stairs to get to my computer and catch you up on my surgery. Also, my weight is 258 this morning! That's a big hallelujah! I was even able to put my wedding ring back on for the first time in a couple of years. Pre-surgery weight was 279, so I'm already a pretty happy camper. I am getting up and down with ease today and considering eating some watery instant potatoes (1 or 2 tablespoons). My doctor is not a strict about the diet as some. The gas under my arms seems to have disapated (sp?), and I am able to situp straighter without leaning back - thus able to sit at the computer for a long time. I guess I've been on the computer 3 hours or so now and feel well, but may be running out of steam soon. I have to keep remembering to drink water. Good luck to everyone considering this huge life change! I wish I could have done it without the surgery, but 25 years of obesity proved this was not going to happen for me without surgical intervention. I'll keep you posted and look forward to joining the "Lost 100 pounds" list in the future!

im down 45 since my banding (4/26) and 58 total since March 1 The fill I had just before my 5month post-op visit ended up being too tight, so i was back at the doc on 10/2 and had .5cc removed. it made a huge difference. since then I have been eating just about 1 cup food per meal (which is what my nutritionist wants me to be eating) however, some foods i can eat about 1.5cups. I try to stay away from those and just eat the ones that satisfy me with the smaller portions. I was hoping to have lost 8 lbs in the last month (2 per week) but 5 lbs is still good, and i know that had i got to the gym more this week (only made it there once) and didnt cheat and have ice cream a cpl of the days this month...i would have been at least 1-2 lbs closer to that 8 lbs. So i cant blame anyone but myself. I now know what i need to do this next month (and from here on out) if i want to up those weight loss numbers. I am suprised that 6 months after the surgery, I am still "learning" what and how to eat. I knew this wasnt going to be something i mastered overnight..but I still thought i would have a better grasp and better control over my eating by now. Good luck to everyone out there...i am very happy with my band and with what I have done so far...and its good to know that i can still change things up and do even better in the future, if i just put my mind to it.

:w00t: i'm about 2 wks post op....now that i'm on mushies i'm afraid i'm going to gain weight. i asked my doc if i'm supposed to worry about calories and she said to just eat about about 1 cup of food at a time. i make healthy choices...but i want to make sure i'm staying on track. i guess i feel like i don't have enough direction? i've been eating about 4-5 times a day...i get in all my protein/water i guess i need some suggestions? did people gain weight before getting restriction? about how many calories should i strive for? i would appreciate any suggestions....thank you so much!!!

I went for my first follow up, surgery was May 3rd looks like Im down 11lbs so far but I don't go back to see him til June 11th and then he will schedule a fill that seems like a really long time to wait. I am starving and am hoping I don't put on the weight that I lost!!!! HELP!!!!

I am 38 days postop breast reduction & lift...I had the surgery 13 months after being banded & after 80-pound weight loss, 20 pounds to goal. Although I would go back & do it again, I don't want to do it again in the future!!! It is a LONG recovery and I read a lot about many complications on another site that other people have had. I am thrilled with my results, excited to go buy regular sized pretty bras & excited I will no longer have neck/shoulder/back pain from my boobs...I went from a F to a D-DD (not completely sure yet, bcuz I'm still healing & still have some swelling). If you still have a considerable amount of weight to lose, WAIT! You DO NOT want to have to have this surgery twice!!! I did have a TT at the same time, but my boobs have been more sore than my tummy. I am STILL so tired and sore! Wait & it will be worth it!!!

The 5-Day Pouch Test was written for Bypass patients. Bailey was a bypass patient. The pouch she refers to isn't exactly like ours(bandster's). But, the concept is close enough the formula works for me. I've done it twice now and although I seem to lose 4-5 lbs, I always gain it back since it's mostly Water weight loss. She doesn't recommend a low calories input during these times but of course, it's hard to get a log of calories in if you're band is adjusted properly. Good luck and for me the 5-Day Pouch Test is a good way to reset my mind and body for losing weight. tmf

Ok here goes...I just joined this forum to get answers as well but I feel unless I say something someone else won't get answers.....I had the lapband inserted march 2008....started at 237...5'8" (recorded but incorrect) so I met the guidelines. After a baby I went up to 259 then down to 193...lowest with band....I started having complications with the band....leaking....didn't feel Anything until three months in when started having severe pains. In and out of hospital resulted in the removal of my band.....we were waiting first for the insurance comp to approve fixing the band but they denied..."not medically necessary" since I was now not "morbidly obese"anymore..... Then tried for the sleeve...denied again..."experimental bc my bmi was below 35.....I had the band removed to find out the tube cracked.....the band was literally cutting up my insides. Since surgery on October 2, I have gained 17lbs and now meet the 35 bmi but the insurance company wants a letter of medical necessity. Normal you would have to go under supervised weight loss program monitoring for 3 months but my internal medical doctor is hopeful that his letter showing my past six year struggle will suffice. If I don't get approve under my insurance I will try my husbands and if denied under his ill end up paying for it.....I find it ironic that they knew I had a weight problem approved the first device, then when it became defective I'm no longer a candidate. Nothing within my control.....I'll be patient and wait my turn. Hopefully all goes well by the summer.

Okay gang, I have another "ism" of mine..... (1) I read this EVIL Blog on WLS and how crappy it was. This person claims to be a "medical researcher" (on her own time) and is of the opinion that any WLS is waste of time, obese people are not THAT unhealthy. This person post some of the most disgusting pictures of the "after" surgery pictures. She even goes so far as to IMPLY that one of her freinds died of cancer because of WLS. I call it evil because the information in it started to eat at my resolve to make a change in my health/life style. I hate negative bastards like that. AND..... A co worker has had the bypass surgey and has lost A LOT of weight. Now me and this person dislike each other but I can understand why he had this surgery. I told him that he looked much better but I refused to pry into his very personal choice about getting this done. Well, all the hatefull have come out of the wood work and are complaining that "he looks like he's dying" or "he lost the weight to fast" and "what will he do with all the exess skin". He DOES look "ill" for lack of a better word but I hept that to myself since he has enough on his mind without people making comment about his apperance. This is the exACT REASON I'll never tell others at work about any WLS I'm considering... let them eat cake......

Well that is freaking awesome!! Now I just have to get approved! My luck there will be some other weird reason why I still don't qualify! I have high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high BP, GERD, beginning stages of arthritis in my hips and knees, a hiatal hernia, and mild sleep apnea! Aetna would only consider the HBP, but wanted me to be on three meds, and I was only on two! Where is the logic in any of that?!! Well keep your fingers crossed!! I'm going for round three in a few weeks! If I don't get approved this time, I will be seriously depressed!! Anyone know what they require as far as pre req's go? I did a 14 week managed weight loss program a year ago, and I have a 20+ years of documented obesity and HBP. I have seen some people talking about a 6 month weight loss program. Is that a requirement of BCBS? Any info you can give me would be much appreciated!

Thanks guys! I was wondering if it was head hunger at first but felt it really wasnt because my tummy is majorly growling. I cheated on my liquids today and had the tinyest bit of mashed potatoes and omg they were the best thing i've ever had. After that I felt really guilty and have been doing better ever since, back to my tomato soup with melted cheese for protein. Your right Paula when I have some protein i find myself in a better mood and physically able to perform better. I was wondering about the weight issue, today my sclae read 4 lbs heavier than yesterday!!!! I almost had a heart attack! Thanks for letting me know it's not about that right now. I thought this would be a great time for me to drop a big amount of weight before being filled or going back on solids...thanks for the support you guys are great!!!

Hi Solla: Be patient, and remember 1-2 pounds is what to expect with banding. Sure some people will lose more than this and some will lose less, but this is truly the average and it is a good healthy weight loss. We all need to remember that we did not get this heavy over night. And the weight will not come off like that either. I was told prior to my surgery by my surgeon that if I wanted immediate results that bypass would give that to me where Lap Band would be a slow but steady process. Your skin has time to recover with slow and steady. Therefore allowing it to not be so saggy. Just stick to the program and eating only healthy choices and excersie regularly and you will be a huge success I am certain of it. For me it is the long term that is my goal and I set mini goals for myself. Like hitting the next 10 marker. I am 4 pouns away from my second goal after surgery the 30# marker. Then it is not so overwhelming. When I look at it that way it makes the final goal more real for me. Remember you are retraining years and years of overeating and of making the wrong food choices and this takes time not only to achieve but also for our bodies to catch up. We are retraining our metabolisms as well. Your body will get the message and know it is not starving. I would recommend using something like FITDAY.com to log all of what goes into your mouth each and everyday. This will help you to eat between 1000 and 1200 calories a day which is what my nutritionist said the goal should be. I have trouble getting that much but I am losing very nicely I feel. Always eat your Protein first at every meal as well. YOU CAN DO THIS and YOU WILL succeed! Hugz,

Thank you all for the support and Yes girls we can do this! Can't believe it's almost here I hope this week goes by fast. I'm ready to be on the other side of this. MarinaCC I'm with you on the chips and Chocolate with my band chips were easy to keep down chicken and healthy stuff not so much. Debbie I hope everything goes well for all of us we deserve some smooth sailing right. Keep in touch everyone and best of luck to us all on the weight loss journey!

Hi Katie -- I'm a relatively new bandster myself, but I can tell you that one week is too early for a fill. Of course, your doctor may have a different protocol, but from what I understand, most docs wait until a minimum of four weeks after surgery -- often longer -- before even considering filling a patient's band. (For example, Dr. Rumbaut wouldn't even consider giving me a fill until six weeks post-op.) These first several weeks are a time to allow your body to heal. The Lap-Band procedure may be billed as "minimally invasive," but it's still GI surgery, and your body needs time to recover from the trauma. Your appetite has returned? That's good! That means you're healing. I'll pass on some advice I received here: Don't focus on weight loss during this time. Focus on feeling better, and on letting your body get used to the (uninflated) band. You might want to look at some past posts on the board. Lots of people write shortly after they've had surgery, wondering if they're on the right track -- and more experienced readers have been generous enough to share their experiences. Good luck -- and, remember, your increased appetite is a sign that your body is getting stronger.

For more information about BLIS, Inc., and the BLISCare program, please visit BLIS - Improving Access to Weight Loss Surgery. The cash price patients pay when their surgeons participate in BLISCare includes something virtually unprecedented: additional medical care. Increasing Surgical Access Novel Solutions to Old Cash-Pay Problems by Nikki Johnson Obesity Help http://www.bliscompany.com/patientfinance/BLIS%20in%20Bariatrics%20Today%20Nov%2007.pdf

Great to hear from you ! Tomorrow night I am going to the Tufts Med Cntr for their intro program and I have 2 more scheduled also. I would prefer the Brigham...but I need a referral after all is said and done. Where did you have your procedure done? I am 240 lbs..the most I have ever been in my life. The more weight I try to lose, the more weight I gain. I can overeat on a head of lettuce! The lowest weight I can remember is 156 and I was a pre teen. 2 Years ago I had breast reduction because of the back pain and ..yep...they grew back because of weight gain! Hello back pain. Last evening I watched You Tube Lap Band procedures and was shocked at all the fat inside our bodies!!!!(I don't think I can clean a Perdue roaster out for a long while after those videos LOL.) This morning I woke up asking myself if I am willing to go to any lengths..even the Lap Band surgery...the answer was a resounding 'YES'. You appear to have a positive experience with the LB..and I like that. You are losing and more importantly ,you are feeling well as you reach toward your goal. Congrats on the 200 mark. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration.