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You are right about what kids say...over the years I've been embarrased more than a few times by school aged kids who have commented on my weight - and one of my children has made some rude comments from time time that were hurtful. I let him know and I don't think he will be so crude anytime soon. Losing weight was MY choice and that is why I underwent WLS and not because of the rude comments of kids. This is my journey and I'm taking ownership.

That's really an inspiration.

Hi Joni, I tried something and it worked! I have a liquid protein shake and I added a scoop of whey protein (26g of protein). Between the 5oz of shake and the one scoop, I am getting 34 proteins. I could not drink it all, but will sip on it until it is gone. Then at supper I will do that again. That will put me Over 60 gms a day! For now, while I am struggling to get 4oz at a time down, this may be my plan. Not sure how I will get all the water in though. I guess I will sip it when not sipping the protein cocktail LOL!

Is there a card that states we need to be offered the ability to eat off the kids menu?

Good luck Cheryl.

I suggest you read the WLS magazine they started on this site, it is full of information and suggestions for continued success. I know you are new and like a sponge wanting to grab on to all the info you gather. My biggest support I can give you is to go into this procedure with your eyes wide open, think of it as a tool from the beginning and realize this is a life style changing event you have decided to take in your life. This is not a diet and you should never think of it as such. I am 19 months post op and almost at goal weight, I have to date lost 102 lbs and look and feel like a different person. I love my lap band it was just the tool I needed to help me be successful. Some other suggestions I have is go to the main Lapband.com web sites and watch the videos, you need to watch them all, you need to arm your self with as much info on how to eat, how much and what before surgery. I hope you have found a protein that you like because in the early months this is going to be key in your nutrition, you need to understand the talk like, what a slider is, what PB means, what it means to slime. All of this info is on the web sites. I lived on these web sites my first 6 weeks post op, I read everyone;s posts I rarely commented until I was comfortable but I can only say the people on these web sites were my support group they helped me and supported me when I needed it most. Good luck to you and we will be looking forward to supporting you in your journey to a healthy life style.

I had my first consultation with my surgeon, and after that I was told I would have to be on a 6 month supervised diet, per Aetna. I weighed 298 at my highest, I am a female, I am 5’6, and my BMI was 47? I went every month for weigh in's, talked about my food intake, and sometimes had blood tests. I had to go to a nutritional class, a one on one nutritionist appointment, and a psychologist. I didn't lose any weight at all during my 6 month check in sessions. After my last 6 month doctors appointment my paperwork was sent to Aetna. There was a snafoo as to who wasn’t sending over paperwork (my doctor’s office not sending or Aetna not receiving it). However once I stayed on the phone it was easily taken care of and I was approved immediately after my case was reviewed. My experience was a lot better than some of the horror stories that I read and Aetna really wasn’t that bad to work with once the ball started rolling. I had a friend who had the surgery done and she went thru Aetna and she had to do a 3 month, instead of a 6 month, but her requirements were more strict and she had to show more documentation than I. She also had to work one on one with a nutritionist for those 3 months. Im not sure which route your health insurance will take you down but remember the months of waiting are a good thing. It gives you time to change your unhealthy habits to start adapting to a healthier lifestyle. You can, and will do this, if you are meant to. Stay strong and my wishes for best health. <3

I would try and stay away from the protein shakes and eat solid foods which keep you full. I work nights too and have a weird eating schedule. I don't have that much fill and I eat at least a cup and a half of food at meals and still have been loosing. I eat a lot of salads, I eat the meat usually chicken first and what is left in the salad until I feel I've had enough.

Yeah, it is a new concept, chewing our food. But it makes so much difference. I am a year and a half into this and sometimes, I still have to remind myself. Chew, Chew, Chew and than Chew some more. I still get stuck occcassionally, usually do to being in a hurry and not taking time to chew. I really find it difficult to eat at work when stressed and busy and do best if I eat in my office. Something about eating in the cafeteia always get stuck, everyone eats so fast and I eat so slow so having lunch with me means you take your full 30 minutes.

I think the trick is following all the rules, never cheating, and really have your psyche set before the surgery. The oddest thing did happen to me though because I was so anxious before surgery. I was great in the room, but the second they started wheeling me to the surgery room I started crying and didn't stop until they put me to sleep. I remember thinking "How could I have let food take over my life to the point of having to have surgery?" It was then I decided that food was no longer my master, the Lord God was and I would, from this day forward treat my body as He wanted me to. To all of those who have not yet been sleeved, please feel free to email me and I will answer your questions. I was an outpatient and it was fine (another concern of mine was why do insurance people get extra medical care and private pay people sent home).