NWgirl

I had the same pre-op as you. I followed low fat for about two weeks, then the last week I chose on my own to do two protein shakes, two greek yogurts, and one protein bar a day til the day before surgery.

I tried the chocolate and vanilla jay robb and those definitely had an aftertaste that I couldn't stomach, almost like soapy residue. The dreamsicle is the only one that did not have it.

Jay Robb tropical dreamsicle powder is a nice treat. The other drink I did was the Premier nutrition pre-mixed chocolate from Costco. I know they have a vanilla too, but I personally thought it was bad.

Yeah, it's a pretty crappy situation. You need the meds to help out the brain, but then they screw up your body. It's been pretty hard on my bf because he was always a really skinny guy before the meds... Keep your head up. I'm sure you'll get there soon

the bathroom issue happened to me about day 4/5 and I was literally running to the bathroom for a day. It was almost like the my intestines were waking back up. It was not pleasant but passed fairly soon.

If you get a Ninja, go to Target. They have the 700 watt Ninja pulse on sale for the same price right now and it comes with three blender cups. I had originally purchased the Walmart 550 watt one too, and just happened to be in Target near the blenders right afterwards Also, make sure to get Protein drinks with enough protein. If you're doing Slimfast, get the low-carb kind. I personally recommend the Premier Nutrition chocolate pre-made shakes- they have 30g protein, low carb, low fat, 160 calories. I found if I got 80g+ protein per day I was not starving.

Good luck!

How exciting!

You could use sugar free syrups if you're wanting to have a different taste.

I would check out Trader Joes to see if they have a lower sodium tuna. I love to have tuna because it is so easy to prepare.

That's great! I was banded on 3/20 (no plication) and have been doing good. I did get my TOM two days ago, and cannot believe the crazy food thoughts/cravings going through my head right now. Cannot wait til it's over!!!

Good luck! My long-term boyfriend was diagnosed with Bipolar in 2009, and has gained a good 20-30 from the meds alone. He actually got up to about 50 gained, but had a medicine change and was able to drop some of it. It's a pretty terrible trade off, but considering the alternative, it's for the best. I am hoping you get your referral

I don't have a fill yet, but like to order a chili and small salad at a local restaurant I frequent. I ordered this before surgery, and the only thing that has changed is I eat about 1/3 of the chili and get the rest to go. I used to eat the whole meal plus a dessert... Never again

I was told it is common to have three to four adjustments to get to the "green zone"

I have the Lapband, but they are similar. From what I've read, the Realize is a low pressure band (one continuous balloon), which means it usually requires more saline to feel restriction. This one also has a lower profile port. The Lapband has inflatables pouches and has a slightly taller port. I would recommend telling the surgeon to put whatever one in he/she thinks will work best for you.

Good to hear you've got it figured out

Good luck!

Yes, I researched a lot before my appointments, so when I was told 40-60% by the surgeon I knew it was based on a lot of things, including people who do not have success. It's a way for the practices to cover their butts- can you imagine how many people would sue if their surgeons assured them they would lose 80-100% of their weight and the people chose not to follow the rules and lost little to none?!

My insurance covered at 80% too, but the catch is that it is 80% up to the out-of-pocket max for the year. My Out of pocket max is $3000 and my deductible was $2500. I racked up around $2000 with just pre-op tests and owed about $800 for the actual surgery. As for the IN FULL, I had to put down a $100 deposit for the hospital to get my date scheduled, and have yet to receive the bill for surgery. I just wonder how you could be expected to pay in full when they would not know exactly what you owe towards OOP because some claims may not have come in by surgery date?

The plication isn't a 100% permanent thing, for the most part. If your Dr is going to be cutting OUT your stomach, then I would refuse. Normally for plication, the stomach is folded onto itself and sutured together to create the banana shaped sleeve. I read somewhere the longevity of the stitches are about 3-5 years, depending on how you eat, etc. This is different from the sleeve, where they remove up to 80% of your stomach. I would clarify with the Dr how exactly they are doing this. I personally would have gotten the plication if my surgeon was performing it.

The statistic of 40-60% is based on everyone who gets the band, including those who never followup and those who never lose weight (or gain weight!). It is not just those people who have actually worked the band. Keep that in mind. I think if everyone comes into this knowing what to expect (in terms of rules for food, exercise, etc), then there is no reason you can't be 100% successful.

aerobic exercise does get rid of the visceral fat in the belly, so if you've been doing that, then it's possible. Whatever it is, I'd just keep on doing it

Lucky you! I don't think I'll need too many fills, as I don't get crazy hungry like I used to on the same amount of food... BUT I definitely need that first one

where you satisfied between meals? That would be my concern. I know I will opt for the first one because even though I am eating 3 meals and 1200 or less calories, I am still hungry in between.

Any store should carry it. I found the 5000 at Walmart. I had gone to a Fred Meyer (Kroger) before, but only found it in the 1000 or 2000 dose.