Wow! Good for you. My name is Yvonne. My surgery is not yet scheduled and apparently will not be for 4-6 months, but that is okay. I am thrilled to hear of your success. So, you were banded just two weeks ago and lost 17 already! Awesome for you. How long were you in the hospital. By the way, if you feel like sharing, were you on any type of special diet prior to the surgery? A friend told me that a woman she worked with told her that it was only liquids for one month prior to surgery. Just curious. It does not really matter to me.

I'll be watching for your next posts to see how you go. My first fill is on 9/11 and my doctor said I'd be getting 4cc in my 11 cc band. He said I may not feel much restriction afterwards but we have to take it slow. What does your band hold, do you know? I know at the moment, I'm could eat pretty much anything and any amount I wanted to - I was banded on 31 July. All the best to you post-fill. Mel

i heard about mexico :)

I would suggest a support buddy hon, or go to the support groups...take care...don't go back!!! look at those numbers!!

Ok so great news, I called to make sure this doctor my PCP referred me to was on my network and all the dreaded things I was afraid to ask and GUESS what! He is on the network and if approved for what they call medically necessary they cover 100% and the guidelines are not crazy like some that I’ve seen so I should be ok. Now I just need to wait for this seminar that I go to on Sep 6th with Dr. Kane in Arlington Heights, IL. Thank Goodness he is in my network!!!!!!!!

I almost feel so silly for being so nervous but after reading some blogs I feared the worst! I guess that’s not the worst thing to do, because if he had not been in network I would have been bummed to have to start looking for a new Doc. Ok I will continue to keep you in the loop Oh Illiana yes girl you’re so right I’m a Pioneer and a MOM and I can do anything!!!!!! Hey now I’m a rock star…..

Ok seriously if I’m this happy now imagine when I get to hand in all the paper work and finally get my APPROVAL LETTER lol I’m going to get on my desk and DANCE like a ROCK STAR lol.

Peace out!

I just started reading your journal. Does this seem to help you. I'm in a rut. Haven't lost/gained in about 3 months. Need to start working out and drinking more water.

I do not know if this is an option for you, but I have heard of people taking a loan out on their 401K/retirement accounts for the procedure.

i had my first fill on aug 27th at the hosp.it was a experience but fast

I just had my first fill on AUg 25...it was nothing!!! took 5 secs!!! took longer to walk back to my car!

Pete, I found out over 3 years ago that it was excluded and I couldn't afford self-pay. My insurance changed its policy last December. Don't give up. Keep calling every month - insurance companies change their policies all the time. I am proof!

FIGHT!!! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT thru all those hoops that they put u thru! I was banded june 23rd down 30.... be focused... think of yourself as a pioneer...you are about to change your whole life as u know it!!!!!! You are tough!!! You are a mother!!! you can do anything!

Hey Pete...do not give up... it is easy to say...but now u just got to get creative... ask friends,family.. it is hard to put aside pride.. but if u really want something... you got pull out all the stops !

I TOTALLY understand.... no one if they never had a weight problem will understand how it is to be at war with your own body.... i was scared too...none of my family or friends supported my decision... i am 2 mths out... down 30...it is a long process...hard at times... but i amgoing to be normal for once in my life... GO GIRL...dont let no one stop u!

Hi Elaine, I have just read your story in the paper, WOW, you have done fantastically well!

I am so ready to have my surgery, I am on my last weigh in with my doctor (per my insurance). I then have to go through all those other test and wait for approval I guess. I really wanted to have this surgery b 4 the new year so there will start a new me.

YAY!!! You should do something nice for yourself!!! When i made it to the 50 pound mark, i went and got a manicure and a pedicure.. I'm trying to reward myself with something other than food these days :)
Congratulations!!!

I am so proud of you! You are truly an inspiration!!!

WOW 17 pounds in two week, WOW

I had the exact same feelings the week before my surgery. So did so many of us. So what you are feeling is normal!

I went ahead with the surgery and am so happy I did! My surgery was May 13 and I am now down from 217 to 164. I feel great, energetic. My BP (off of meds since surgery) is 120/50.

Of course, you have to follow the rules to the letter! Make good choices and make exercise a part of your day. In just a few weeks, you will enjoy the exercise AND the compliments!

It is not easy, but I have not struggled. Remember, the magic of the band is not the surgery, but the fill. Give yourself and the band time to heal after the surgery; do not worry about weight so much. Then start those fills!

I wish you the best. Would I do it again? YESYESYES!!