DRB1

Look at this website for great recipe ideas: theworldaccordingtoeggface.com She has some great casserole and dessert ideas.

I agree that Protein powder for smoothies is a great way to add protein to your diet. I use Max Protein by SEI. It's a little spendy but tastes great. I add it to Greek yogurt for a great protein adder. The yogurt has 15 grams of protein and the powder has 22 grams. It's a great way to start the day. It's also good in oatmeal. I use the plain Greek yogurt as a base for dips and dressings for added protein as well. I would also recommend the following blog which is full of high protein recipes -- www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com

I had Cigna too. They count the weight and BMI at the start of the process -- not after 6 months of weight loss. It is true that they don't pay for visits with the nutritionist for weight loss purposes. But they will pay once your surgery is approved. My doctor had me pay one invoice and held the rest until I was approved. Insurance paid for all of it and I got the money back from the initial invoice. Be patient. The 6 month waiting period is a great time for getting your head together about the lifelong changes that will occur once you become a "bandster". Good luck with your journey!

I would highly recommend going to this website: www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com She has some really great recipes for all stages. I wish I would have known about her from the beginning. I've tried a bunch of recipes and they are really great! Good luck in your journey.

My husband was out of town when I had surgery. My sister-in-law dropped me off at the hospital and then was there to drive me home. They really care that you aren't planning on driving. As far as going somewhere the next night, I couldn't have done it --- but everyone is different. Good luck!

Shirley: I'm over 50 too and was banded 6 months ago. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself! I lost about 12 pounds before surgery and about 44 since. Some days are easier than others and the first 6 weeks are tough! Hang in there and you will see the rewards! I would highly recommend the following website for great food ideas: www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com Good luck with your journey!

I had a fill 2 days before I left for vacation. It was my 3rd so I was a little nervous. I talked to my doctor and we decided to do a smaller fill to make sure I didnt' have any complications. They also suggested that I stay on liquids the day of my flight since flying can aggrevate the situation. I ended up having no problems while I was gone. I didn't stick to liquids the day we left either. I lost 1.5# while on vacation and still enjoyed myself! Have a great trip!

I drink Crystal Light every day too. It really helps get the water down which is the most important thing right now. I enjoy the sweet flavor which does help with the sweet tooth too. Crystal Light makes a different product that has no artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives. If you're really concerned, try that. It's called Pure Fitness and comes in Grape, Lemon Lime and Strawberry Kiwi. It's got a few more calories (30 per bottle), but it might be worth it to you.

I am 57 too. I had my surgery in November and I'm so pleased with the results so far. Good luck in your journey!

They told me that the first 4-6 weeks after surgery are the hardest. Once the swelling goes down and before your first fill you will be hungry. Hang in there. It does get better! Good luck!

I was banded a few months ago. Am loving the weight loss -- 33 pounds post surgery! I still am not "restricted" after 3 fills, but I think its getting closer. Have gotten "stuck" a few times though. Next fill is next week -- right before vacation! I hope that's a good move!!!

Your weight and BMI from the start of the process is what will be submitted to your insurance. I worried about the same thing and it was no problem. I lost 12 pounds prior to surgery and it was still approved. My starting BMI was 37 and I was at 35 when my surgeon submitted to my insurance company. You'll do fine. As far as talking to your doctor -- mine actually suggested the surgery option to me and supported my effort to get the surgery. Good luck and don't lose hope. Use the 6 months to get your head together to prepare for what the surgery and life afterwards will be like.

I am in exactly the same place -- surgery 11/4/10 -- have had 3 fills -- none of them felt much different although with the last one I actually have gotten stuck a couple of times. I'm getting fill #4 on 3/21. I hope this one is where I feel some restriction. I've lost 33 since surgery and am really okay with that, but want to feel the restriction I haven't had yet. Good luck next week with your fill!

I am flying -- so thanks for the heads up! I will check on this when I go in for the fill.

I also had a 6 month waiting period. I didn't like it at first because I was ready to go and didn't want to wait. What I discovered, though, was that the waiting time really helped to prepare me emotionally and physically for the surgery that I had 4 months ago. Embrace this time -- it really is a good thing!