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I'm going on six fills next Monday..... I'm super close to green .... They are stirring to fill with .2cc's now, bc they are tweaking or fine-tuning the amount. Good luck..... Remember, it's a JOURNEY!

Hey everyone! My name is Erin I'm 23 and getting married in December.. I've been on the road to get my surgery and now after all of the prep I'm waiting to hear from Horizon BC/BS.. It's the worst feeling in the world!! My neighbor and I are doing this together and she got banded yesterday.. I'm so jealous that she is done!! Anyways I would love to hear some encouraging stories!! :mad2:

Get a new Endo. My Endo told me to eat less and workout more even though I was working out 2x a day. I was out in BC and metformin to help symptoms and the BC got rid of all the excess hair and he metformin curbed the appetite a little but not enough to really help-probably because I needed a higher dose. Hang in there, but definitely see a new Endo.

Hi Steph, my name is John. I'm currently on the road to surgery at Depaul Hospital. If you're considering this, you're in the right city for it. The doctors at Depaul pioneered laproscopic lapband surgery. They've done this procedure longer than anyone else in the country because they performed the FDA trials on the procedure. I've been to a few other doctors and have been less than impressed with them. Also, Depaul doesn't charge this stupid "program fee" which could be in upwards of $500 and is not covered by insurance. It is simply a payment to the doctor for the procedure. It's BS in my opinion. I haven't had the surgery yet but my interaction with the staff at the Depaul Weight Loss Center has been good. I'm looking forward to getting this surgery, losing this weight, and getting on with the rest of my life. Good luck on your journey. John

WARNING.. Long read... But I feel I have to write this.... I have debated on posting this.. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to admit about myself. That everything I wanted is falling apart.. And I feel like such a failure. I started this process with a goal! Be that patient that is a rock star! Walk when I should. Drink when I should... Eat the exactly right thing at the right time... Take super good care of myself.. My fiancé would be the one who was by my side the entire time... And It wouldn't hurt that much. In the beginning Everything was going according to plan. It was a really rough first day... But the second was so much better! And the third!! A breeze. No one in the hospital could believe how well I was doing. The Bariatric team all made special trips just to say hi! Everyone was so happy. Assuring me I was gonna rock this recovery. While in the hospital.. My fiancé was there for maybe a few hours two of the three days.. And wouldn't come near me... Wouldn't even look at me. This just broke me. But I pushed through. When I came home... Our room was so dirty my mother wouldn't even let me stay in it out of fear of infection. No bother. I slept int the recliner anyways (which let me tell you... A godsend!) and he said he was "very sick and didn't want to get me sick" so he went to stay at his parents. Still raw from everything... In tons of pain... And feeling so alone... I thought "fine, no big deal! My family is here and will take care of me" and god bless my little sister. That girl changed my bandages 4 times a day like clockwork. Never complaining how gross my JP drain was... Or how needy I was. She made sure I got my fluids in. And I am so lucky for her. But I kept thinking..."he should be here!" "He should be the one doing this!" If he loved me so much... How could he be like this? So I went on with a broken heart. My family didn't Celebrate Christmas this year... My other sister is down in Texas and they said no celebrating without everyone... Which I was honestly fine with... It's not about the presents right? It's about the joy of the season. It's about family. Except for the fact that all my mother did was cry. The Friday after Christmas everyone but my sister left for vacation in Florida. You see my mother couldn't take the day of my surgery off because she had to save her PTO for vacation. (That's also why she didn't come to a single doctors appointment or seminar before the surgery). Priorities right? So my sister and I were alone for what seemed like forever. To make it even better I started getting so ill. My wound hurt. The stitches on that pert ocular site looked wrong. Very tight and too big. There should have been three small instead of two big ones that were strained. To top it off I had a terrible fever... And I couldn't keep anything down. I broke down and let my fiancé come home. That night I woke up on the living room floor. Severe pain in my surgical site and sweating bullets. They took my temp which was 100.1 They called my doctor and he confirmed it defiantly sounded like an infection. We were pulled in first thing that morning to see the surgeon. He walked in and treated me like an inconvenience. He began telling me all about how he had just treated a woman who thought hers was infected... And of course it wasn't. And he was sure it's fine... He pulled off my warping and took one look at it. His eyes got a little wider and his voice more serious. "Haven't had one of these in a while. Very rarely actually" he said in a very nonchalant manner. Great just what I need to hear! He told me that the wound had to be packed (sorry for the gross detail) it was so painful. I asked for my someone to get my sister. Since she changed my bandages and there would be no way for me to do it myself if I can't see. He blew me off and just went for it. He just started stuffing gauze in with a long Q-Tip almost 6 inches deep. Of course big chested ladies understand that it's hard to see over the Tatas so I couldn't see what he was doing. He told me no antibiotics that the surgeon on call ordered for me the night before. I was in so much pain I just ignored his obvious indifference and left. The next morning we had to change it. My sister had no clue how to pack it.. And I was the blind leading the blind. We dressed it the best we could and called the center. No one answered. The answering service wasn't even connecting. And then I fainted again. Amy sister called the hospital three times. Only to get ignored and forwarded to the nonfunctional answering service. Out of options we called the nurse in ER. They were very concerned with my temp and getting the wound packed and that the doctor didn't show is how. She told us that because it was a weekend I couldn't wait the two days for the practice to be open and to come in. She was so nice and told is to get to the Er and they would show us. I got there... And upon being wheeled into the entrance immediately got sick. Needless to say the receptionist and I didn't hit it off. I feel pretty bad about her desk :/ I saw two doctors who both looked at my bandages and looked very concerned. They pumped me up on IV fluids and antibiotics immediately. I told them 4 times I am allergic to penicillin. The nurse starts to hook up this bag when a woman in a white lab coat runs into the room. She grabs the bag out of the nurses hand and pulls him just outside of my door. "She's allergic to penicillin. That cod have been really bad. Throw the bag out and credit her account. I'll figure out what to give her!" Close call huh? Honestly after the three bags of fluids I did feel better. I had been so dehydrated my skin was flaking. They told me that my surgeon was busy and sending his intern. So in walks this woman. I had my right leg bent at the knee and tucked under the left under the blanket. She looks at me wide eyed. I had no clue you were An amputee! I swear I would have seen that In your chart. We all looked at her dumbstruck... I dryly muttered... "I'm not?!" She stared feeling the blanket over the empty bed below my leg looking for the rest of my leg asking " where is it?" I just looked at her and unfolded it. Needless to say not a good first impression. She barely let me talk. Then proceeded to ignore me and jam Q-tips into my wound to "open it up!" I'm pretty sure it was open considering I had been through tons of gauze just while being there three hours. It hurt so bad I felt sick. She proceeded to tell me that they shouldn't have given me the antibiotic... And I basically needed to suck it up and let them jam me full of gauze three times a day for a few weeks. I was so upset I just stopped talking. After 20 minutes of condescension she told me... I'm inclined to send you home. Let me touch base with your surgeon. So I waited. Two minutes later she throws open my door and says very loudly... "You didn't tell me you were throwing up." Like I had the chance?! I had only told every doctor and every nurse and been sick there.. Let's play a game called "WHO DIDNT REALLY READ THE CHART". She just bluntly told me... Well that could change you going home.. Let me check with the doctor. Well she strolls by almost 30 minutes later dressed in surgical gear and nonchalantly says "you can go! They'll be in to discharge you". And leaves as fast as she came. An hour later I was home. I felt like I was such an inconvenience. That's not fair to a patient. I get they do stuff like this every day... But here I am scared and in pain... And infected (which is apparently rare) and all I get is lectured by a woman who can tell a leg tucked under a blanket? I'm so upset I'm afraid to even call my surgeon. I was supposed to see him 2 days later and was so traumatized and depressed I just never made the appointment. My follow up is in a few days and I don't even want to deal with him. I'm just so fed up and so tired of throwing up at least 3 times a day for a month. I am a failure. I feel so raw. I literally feel like I'm wasting away. Not just physically... But I'm a shell of the happy person I was. I just feel so lost. I am not writing this to discourage anyone from the surgery! I am dropping weight so fast and I m sure I will look back at all of this healthy and happy and think it was well worth it... But I'm really struggling right now. And unhappy just isn't me. I don't know what to do... Get a new doctor? Ride it out? Confront my surgeon about his bedside manner? I just don't know. ????

You did good-- ate and didnt feel left out... I have a friend who had the band last year and I'm amazed by how much (and what) she eats. She hasn't lost much and has been stalled for months. She's so discouraged. My heart feels so badly for her bc I know she isn't happy.

Was this the ER dr that said this? Or you surgeon? A friend of mine gets bad colds/respitory allergies and sometimes cant drink liquids. The dr removes fluid while shes ill. She usually has to wait a while before getting fluid back in bc shes swollen from all the mucus being built up near her band.

Hang on u may not like me after this LOL... Pros: my clothes are cheaper bc I can shop in the kids aisle. I sit better in chairs My feet no longer have plantar fascitis Goodbye insulin shots My feet shrank from a 8.5 to 7 Guys notice me now which is honestly annoying Ppl who don't know think I've been like this my whole life lol Ppl who do know me from school that bullied me were preppy are now my use to be size lol I can booty dance to the floor Lmao The final last precious one..my kids can wrap their arms around me. Cons: (potential could apply to u) You develop complications which require several surgeries You need blood-from a total stranger You can't sleep bc ur bones hurt against the mattress Ur hair falls out U stay lethargic U vomit..sometimes a lot U catch more colds U constantly freeze Ur body hurts everywhere bc its use to carrying loads of weight. U may continue to keep a few co morbidities U stay scared bc at anytime a food can cause dumping U get sad bc now u don't know how to cope like u use too. Alone u wonder why did I do this Intimately you feel ugly and unwanted bc your stomach is full of scars U don't tell anyone bc u don't want to hear how cruel and harsh ppl can be even if u are a size 4. What I've learned in this is u can 300lbs or 100lbs either way somebody somewhere is out there ready to berate u. One thing I urge u to do. Come to honest grips as to why and how u became obese. Lots of luck and love on ur journey.

HI Kelly, I was banded on Friday and my port is not visible at all. I can barely finish a cup of broth or a cup of hot tea so in my case the band is supressing hunger very well. I drank a Protein shake yesterday and it took like 30 mins to drink 6 oz and I was't hungry for hours. I actually haven't been hungry at all but I make myself eat and drink Water bc I don't want to get dehydrated. Good luck!!

Congrats on starting your journey, I also have BS/CA and approval was in less than a week... My surgeons office had me to do a 3 month supervised diet....that was their practices formality...not BS/CA which does not require any pre-diet anymore.

Thanks to all of you for your words of advice and encouragement. Yes you do understand and that is a comfort to me. Being like this is an emotional slice of hell anyway and I think I will reach out to anyone who throws a lifeline to get through it. Again – thank you. Does anyone have any information on affordable (self-pay) lap band surgeons in the U.S.? There is a reputable one in San Antonio, Texas who quotes about $12k. It is so frustrating dealing with BCBS. Mainly the hoops and that 6-month diet thing. They treat you like you are less than human and stupid. My frustration is that I have been dieting and exercising for 4 months waiting to visit a new doctor. Yes it takes that long if you are a new patient here and want a good doctor. I wanted to make myself healthy enough to get the band and mitigate other health issues. It is working but I know I will not sustain it over time. Now I find that I don’t get any credit for that. I fear that if I fall below the qualifying BMI, I will be disapproved as BCBS states on their website. So my option now, and I am seriously considering this is to self-pay just to spare myself the BCBS BS. Aftercare is a concern because even though the medical tourism options are affordable, the doctors around here do not want to fool with you. I would be forced to drive long distances and pay large amounts for one who will. I had decided on Panama or Costa Rica, because I always wanted to visit there but…factoring in air fare for 2, hotel stay, it puts me right at or even above a cash pay here in the U.S. I did find a local surgeon who will do the aftercare if I get the procedure from a U.S. doctor (ironic because the doctor is a foreign national).

Last night on Grey's Anatomy there was a patient who had a simple operation, but never woke up from the anesthesia . That's the last thing I needed to see as my surgery date draws near. It totally fed into my deepest fear and filled me full of doubt. I sooo wish I hadn't watched it. I may need to skip watching that show until AFTER my surgery. Ugh.

Today is my peer to peer review, I couldn't sleep last night bc I'm so anxiously awaiting the outcome. I was supposedly denied because I don't have a comorbidity. I have a fatty liver, high cholesterol, and pre diabetic. My BMI is 42. Please pray that I get my big fat approval and I can get on with my new life of living instead of just existing! Thank you all in advance! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am 5 weeks PO and having “hunger” feelings in my mouth which I believe are bc of stomach acid. Does anyone else have these- and what did you take? I’m confused if I should be taking Pepcid or Prilosec? I know they have different main ingredients!

Usually most insurance companies will accept wt loss histories from Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc. I know my plan accepts them. Just call and ask them. They'll tell you. Or sometimes you can access the actual policy online. I can w/Carefirst BC/BS. But again, if you call and ask them, they will tell you what the policy says. And I'm w/you regarding the weight gain from pregnancy. I can't wait to get my band back!! I wish you the best.

Hello- you just justified my surgery to me- I am 20, 5'8 and 225 and getting surgery soon... Im a little nervous, but I think its the right move bec Im so fed up with diets and want to be a normal healthy weight- sick of struggling and yo yo ing... I am also flying in from overseas to do this- so Im sure you can figure it out with your move... Good Luck!!!

what do I tell my surgeon when he says wellI really dont want to do another fill...bc I know thats what hes gonna say

Ok got the dogs fed - GS went to taco bell - I have my fish cooking... I haven't been too good with Breakfast lately - I need to go to the store - today one of my insured asked me to lunch - I had never met her before just talked on the phone for 5 yrs - She doesn't know I am banded she was the first person who I have eaten with who didn't know - it was weird cuz I was eating so slow - she didn't notice as she ate 2 soft tacos and I ate 1/2 of the taco a few bites of the Beans - So for you who haven't told - I could see how it's hard - all my freinds know so when i stop they all look at me are you ok - ya I'ms just a little stuck :tt2: I can't say I eat on a time schedule - breakfast when ever - usually around 9 ish - always noon for lunch on the weekdays - dinner is usually 7:30 - 8 p.m. most nights - Weekend are when ever I am hungry - I ususally don't eat breakfast on the weekend - cuz I am out and about - usually just dinner and evening Snacks.. If I ate at 6 p.m. I would be hungry or looking for food from head hunger by 8 - As peaches indicated (i don't know if it was here or 50 thread) that the night she had fish she was hungry a couple hours later... It's not just that it's my whole nite time eating thing - I know when my demon hours are so I just fix it so that I can feed those demons during the hours that the want to be fed and stay within my calories for the day.. Today all I have had was that 1/2 taco and 1/2 beans - I had a dentist appt after work - got my new bridge it feels good.. Expensive but you gotta have teeth :frown: Can't say I am really hungry - I cleaned the kitchen - tried to Iron this skirt from coldwater creek that came today (a lady I work with gave me a 40% coupon) omw - it's gorde or pleated and i spent an hour on it and now my back is killing me - I was pissed this afternoon when I could get our old thread - Wanted to see what Phyl said - I was busy at work so didn't get a chance to ck as much as I usually do... Yes this is a healthy transfer addiction - better than my shopping :eek: Ok gotta ck my dinner - gs just gave be a bit of chick quesidlilla from taco bell -it was good - see i wasn't hungry till i had that bite now i want to eat - food really is an addiction for me - once i start I can't stop (well yes with the band I stop - but pre band I didn't - this is why for me it's such a great tool.. Ok - I am out here for the night - Sweet Dreams everyone - Talk to you all tomorrow... xoxox Janet P.S. What am I the unofficial leader of the lucky#7 - phyl - jackie and Karri all got in contact with me about our thread being broken -:frown: Thank you guys for loving me - It really made me smile Well, I fixed our problem - we have a spot again - :thumbup:

Hi zoomomma, well I am going to be banded in Idaho and have been to all the classes and seen the doc. and was just waiting for my date. i started this in May. I have medicare as my primary and bc bs as my secondary...just about a half hr. ago I got a call from Idaho and found out that medicare is requiring that i go to classes for 6 months before they will pay for my surgery. I am really crushed but I will go as I want this surgery more than anything. So I do not know if this is the norm or not but just be prepared. Ma:sad_smile:

I still have a psych eval and the medical clearance. My problem is I live abroad. I was hoping to get everything done while on vacation but I don't know if that is going to work. I have FED BC/BS. They do not require the 3 or 6 month dieting. The doctor's office told me they are easier to work with. I am just hoping my time line for returning to the US works. I really would like to be home by October so that I can have surgery by November........They did indicate the process should take me around 2.5 months.

Hi all, I was banded in November 2008, I fell pregnant in April 2009 and had my gorgeous boy in Dec 2009. I am now struggling to move forward. My first adjustment after birth, done in Feb, prove to be too tight, so I went back and he removed 3/4 ml. Since then I have been back 4 times and although I now have more saline in there than before I still have no restriction! I now go to the hospital tomorrow for an xray fill. I feel really fed up and have been making really bad food choices and sabotaging the weight loss already acheived before I fell preggers (3 stone) I still have another 4 1/2 to go and feel like I will never get there. I was banded in London.

This PCOS is why I feel i need this. I have lost the weight, but it always come back and I cannot maintain the extreme dieting or 3-4 hours in the gym a night. I also cannot have children. The surgeon said this sleeve basically puts PCOS in remission. That he tells all his patients to get on BC within three months as he has had a number of patients get preggers within 6 months post op. Have you heard anything about the insulin resistance related to pcos and how the sleeve helps it?

Please make sure your getting in your fluids. I have been back to the hospital twice bc of dehydration and its not fun:(. And if your dr is just saying drink more then I would unfortunately go to the emergency room because brown pee and pain is NOT good. Maybe you have a uti if you had a catheter in at the hospital. Please get it checked out I would hate it if something was seriously wrong and it was ignored.

Hi everyone - new member here. I have been researching lapband surgery for a couple of weeks now. Been considering some kind of bariatric surgery for a couple of years now, but after watching the people at work who have had gastric bypass and all the problems they have had I was scared to do it. After reading about the lapband, I feel comfortable with this method. I am going to the free info seminar next Thu in Houston. I talked to our HR lady who had gastric bypass 4 years ago and she said our insurance (Anthem BC/BS PPO) was good about approving people as long as they meet the requirements (which I do). I will be 49 in January, I am 5' 2" and I weigh 100 pounds more than I did before I had kids (my oldest turns 23 on Christmas Eve). I have been yo-yo dieting for the last 20 years and I am sick of it and tired of being hungry all the time and a slave to my hunger. I am so impressed with all the support and information on this forum!

Hi! I just went to my information seminar last week, and am starting my 6 month medically supervised weight loss program BEFORE surgery, which is required by my insurance. I hadn't realized that was required, and wish I'd started long ago- I had thought and thought about this so by the time I went to the seminar I was ready to do it NOW!!! But I know that a structured process is best. Just wondering, so I might know whether to anticipate any difficulties with insurance, anyone have experience with BC/BS? I know the procedure is covered, but am just wondering if they are easy to deal with. Nice to be here!!!:laugh: