Good ole sweeeeeeet tea! I make mine with Truvia now and it totally kills the craving! Give it a try :)

Keto is a lot like atkins in that it's low carb, but the biggest differences are increased fat content (think fatty meats!), no sugar and the lack of any wheat/rice/grain derivatives at all. A lot of food additives include wheat based sources and chemicals. Keto is about eating healthier fresher foods high in fat. The fats you eat actually fuel your body so its less about restriction and more about getting your fats and fiber in...a plan that lets you EAT! Woo! haha I am actually less hungry with it, too. I started it because I wanted to stop my body from making insulin as frequently. I'm insulin resistant. Anyway, I'm always here to help if you want any more info.

So yesterday was AMAZING! I went to Surgical healing Arts in Ft. Meyers, FL. It's a 2 hour drive from Tampa but SO worth it. Dr. Ramlogan completely agreed that I needed to remove my band. He completely unfilled it and I could immediately eat 100x better than I have in 8 freaking years! I had 2 tacos and didn't throw up or even get backed up. I am so excited! I am going back for an endoscopy as he fears there may be some erosion based on my symptoms and pain at the port site. After that they will submit to Cigna to see if removal will be covered. We had a very long discussion about my current eating and exercise habits. He advised me to think about what I WANT, not just his thoughts. He did say insurance would likely deny a revision because I am at a healthy weight (169 yesterday with only 30lbs of fat), but if I self pay for removal it's only $2k more for a revision (food for thought if I self pay). So I think if insurance covers the removal, I'll just try that at first. I'd ideally like to not have to cut my stomach open if I don't have to. Now that I have found keto, I'm optimistic. :)

The entire appointment was very therapeutic for me. He asked why I had not been in for follow-ups and I was honest. I explained the depression, shame and guilt I had over not being successful at losing the weight, the fear of there being a problem, drinking carbonated water to eat, etc. He was absolutely floored at my sheer determination to make it work for me and just how far I went to get food down. He told me there's nothing to be ashamed about. Doctors know now that the band is not a successful tool, which is why he no longer places them. He said my story is not uncommon and that I should not be ashamed at all. He truly made me feel SO GOOD about the whole thing. My S/O was there too and he really helped as well. I cried a couple of times but it was all so worth it. It did cost $325 for the day, but money well spent. $175 for the visit and $150 for the unfill. I was not warned of this, so i thought I'd share.

When is your appointment?! I really hope you have an amazing doctor experience like I did. Man, I should have done this like 7 years ago. haha!

Hello, I too am removing my band on Sept. 30. I would love to talk to you about it. 405-799-6669.

Thanks

Carolyn

Have you been able to find one? I can't think of an option besides calling around. I would think NY would have something being more urban but you might need to travel if you want this. I have read varying things about the over stitch procedure. I wish you the best

Hi! I just had a question? What type of test was give, urine or blood? And when did you stop smoking before they give you the test? Thanks so much hope to hear back from you!

I did and going great. Down to normal bmi no gerd issues. And I am so glad I did it.