DanR

Does anyone know how to watch the webinars in the forum: "Webinar Videos - Watch them all from here!" It looks like there is a file name, but I do not see a link or video box. I sent a message to Chad, the administrator, but I have not received a response.

Yesterday, I celebrated my 1-year bandiversary. So far, I have lost a total of 85 lbs. and I feel great! I have a high-deductible, individual health insurance policy which provides minimal coverage and my monthly premiums recently increased. I decided to shop around for new health insurance and I received quotes for lower premiums and better coverage. However, underwriting denied coverage due to bariatric surgery (instead of excluding related conditions). My primary reason for having bariatric surgery was to improve my health and to avoid weight related co-morbidities. My insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, so I paid for it myself. As a result, I am healthier and I am a lower risk. I think it is ridiculous for insurance companies to deny coverage due to bariatric surgery! Apparently, I would not be able to get health insurance if I did not already have it. Say what you will about the healthcare bill, but everyone should have access to affordable healthcare. The healthcare bill is supposed to eliminate pre-existing conditions exclusions by 2014. Has anyone else had similar experiences while trying to obtain new health insurance?

I made it through the post-op diet without much hunger. I think hot liquids helped me feel full (coffee, broth, etc.). I really enjoyed adding drinkable yogurt and cream soups to the diet! It's only three weeks and you can do just about anything for three weeks I had a little bit of restriction when I started eating solid foods, but it went away as I continued to heal. I thought the first fill would make a big difference, but I was wrong. The first fill provided minimal restriction for about one week. The band initially has some air in it and the air slowly escapes from the band after the first fill. Don't be discouraged if you need a second fill a month later.

I think I'll give up for tonight too I hope they'll reschedule.

It says I'm successfully connected but "Waiting for Organizer..." I guess their having technical problems.

I didn't mention other Day Pass options, but you can buy them for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days. The last time I went, I bought one for 4-days and stayed in the Gaslamp Quarter. I can usually get a 4-star hotel in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter for $79/night on Priceline.

I guess I spoke too soon. I PB'd for the second time today... I don't think I chewed well enough. I had my second fill this week and I'm experiencing real restriction for the first time. I don't like PBing, so I think the learning curve will be quick!

Red, I haven't had much trouble with sliming, PBing, and puking, but here's what I've experienced: Sliming: If I eat something that isn't going down very well (like bread), my nose starts running and I tend to salivate. If this happens, don't eat anymore and don't try to wash it down with a drink (it doesn't work). PBing: This seems to be the next level after sliming and it has only happened to me once (I understand that it should not be a regular occurrence). After sliming for about five minutes, I began feeling like I had to puke. Suddenly, I spit-up some liquid - presumably the slime (luckily I was standing at the kitchen sink). Puking: I haven't puked since I got my band. However, I understand it should be avoided at all costs because it can cause band slippage. If I get sick and think I'm going to puke, I will take some anti-nausea medication. This is my experience, but other bandsters may be able to elaborate further. Dan

The last time I went to OCC, I took the bus, trolley, and taxi. It only cost $15 (round-trip). I took some pictures along the way and I used them to create directions with pictures. Feel free to download them and print them: http://www.fathomservices.com/occdirections.pdf I also created an OCC Info Sheet for you to use or to give to your family and friends: http://www.fathomservices.com/occinfo.pdf

The last time I went to OCC for a dental work, I took the bus, trolley, and taxi. It only cost $15 (round-trip). I took some pictures along the way and I used them to create directions with pictures. Feel free to download them and print them: http://www.fathomservices.com/occdirections.pdf

The last time I went to OCC for a fill, I took the bus, trolley, and taxi. It only cost $15 (round-trip). I took some pictures along the way and I used them to create directions with pictures. Feel free to download them and print them: http://www.fathomservices.com/occdirections.pdf

ZipTied, I understand your frustration. I had my surgery in Mexico on April 27th. I returned to Mexico for my first fill on June 8th (3.8cc's total with fluoroscopy). Within a few weeks, I had no restriction. I had my surgery and first fill with a friend and she has experienced the same thing. We paid for the fill, plane tickets, hotel, etc. I went to Fill Centers USA on July 7th for my second fill (4.8cc's total without fluoroscopy). I can feel liquids "hang" for a moment before they go through the pouch, so I hope I will finally have restriction. Another thing... The band and tubing has some air in it after surgery. I have a 10cc band, so there was considerable room for air. After your first fill, the saline slowly pushes the air out of the band. By the time you have your second fill, the air should be gone. I like Smiley's analogy... The band is the foundation. The fills are the floors. We can make it to the top