Howdy!

[Don 0]

This morning I attended a lap band seminar in Richardson, and my research online led me to this site. It looks like there's an enormous amount of personal experience discussed here, so I'll be working on reading that the next few days to fill in some of the gaps and answer the questions I still have.

But in the mean time, I'll jump in with my first question:

I budget about $400/mo. for groceries. After your lap band, how much did your food costs increase/decrease? I'm thinking that with such restricted food intakes, most people would see significant savings each month from buying less food. Is that pretty common?

Thanks in advance, everyone. I look forward to participating here! :huggie:

[citygirlnks 0]

Welcome to the forum Don! There are lots of very kind, helpful and supportive poeple here ready to answer questions and tell you about their journey. I was recently banded (7/31/07) and I couldn't imagine not joining the site prior to being banded. I went into surgery knowing what to expect and it helped a lot emotionally and mentally.

As for your question about grocery budget....

The amount spent on dinners out were cut in half since I always share a meal with someone. As far as groceries, I think I am spending a little more than usual just because I am buying good quality food (fresh fish, fresh meats, ect.) as opposed to cheapo frozen foods and junk food. Of course it takes me longer to eat all the food I buy since I eat less now. So perhaps I'm just breaking even? I'm not really sure. But I don't even waste my money on stopping by drive-thrus or fast food places for Snacks anymore which is a money saver! Hope this helps!

[Big As Life 0]

Hi Don,

Welcome to lap band talk....your food bill will be reduced...I am only able to eat a half a cup...I buy less food for home and I order less food at restaurants....and I always have a to-go- box ....I would say I cut my food bill in half...

[claramae 0]

Don, Glad you found us. My name is Clara. I also live in Texas. Rockwall to be exact. I will get my band tomorrow on the 27th. As for the savings on the food bill; we usually go out to eat 3 times a week. Since I have been on liquids, we have not been out to eat. So, a tremendous savings. Oh, liquids are cheaper than food too!!! lol

[Don 0]

Thanks for the responses!

Just a point of clarification: the reason I ask about food costs is that I'm trying to figure out what changes I would need to make to my monthly budget to accommodate a loan in case I have to pay for the surgery myself. I have Cigna for health insurance, and based on what I've read regarding difficulties with Cigna, I'm both optimistic and skeptical.

Nonetheless, I'm growing more certain that a lap band may be the answer for me; the question is just who's going to pay for it! :confused:

Anyway, if anyone has other thoughts, please share! Thanks again.

[whitetulips45 0]

Hi Ya'all: I am also from TX. Wichita Falls. I have been banded for over a year, fell off the wagon due to embarassment, and am getting my first fill since January 07! I want this to be heard because I would hate for any of you all to go thru what I have. You see the surgeon who banded me, gave very small fills. Because of His gruff ways, I never told Him that I was hungry ALL THE TIME. I went on different diet plans without succes, became depressed and gained ALL MY WT BACK! My fault. I found another surgeon who is taking me on. I get my 1st fill today and am hoping for a full cc. He is also setting me up with a nutritionist, and am joining a gym for a spin class. I almost missed out on a wonderfull gift because of fear, but THANK GOD, I.m not. All will be well. I hope that you accept me into your group, even though in the past I have failed. Amy

[DonHoll1 0]

Welcome to the site Don. I was a self pay and i too had to look at my budget and see where the money would come from. I got most of mine out of my retirement acc. I took a hardship withdrawal. Also took a small loan from credit union. Dr Zapata was 8000 including air fare so it was not to bad. Best of luck Donna

[IndioGirl55 32]

This morning I attended a lap band seminar in Richardson, and my research online led me to this site. It looks like there's an enormous amount of personal experience discussed here, so I'll be working on reading that the next few days to fill in some of the gaps and answer the questions I still have.

But in the mean time, I'll jump in with my first question:

I budget about $400/mo. for groceries. After your lap band, how much did your food costs increase/decrease? I'm thinking that with such restricted food intakes, most people would see significant savings each month from buying less food. Is that pretty common?

Thanks in advance, everyone. I look forward to participating here!

Hi Don

Welcome to Lapband Talk - this is a great group of banders here.

I was banded 7/17 - Groceries - well - so far it's hard to tell since i still have my grandson to shop for and I am so use to buying large quanities of food. In fact last time i went shopping bought 3 packages of fish. Well by the time i got home weighed & packaged them i had about 2 weeks of dinners (i shop about once a week) and on veggies the same problem - i buy too much - This is going to be a process for me as my eyes have always been bigger than my tummy.. but i would say that your food bill should decrease as you are eating less - it's hard cuz i still am over shopping right now - just like my band I will have to learn that once package of fish can be 3 meals instead of 1 like in the past.

Good luck on your journey....