TwinMom74

Welcome to the board and congratulations on taking this step towards a much healthier lifestyle. My suggestion for this phase you are in, is to not go overboard. Stick to the plan as outlined by your doctor, as the purpose of the pre-op diet is to work on shrinking your liver so that it is not in the way during surgery. You are beginning to develop great lifestyle changes by eating less and exercising, just keep that up once you're done with your surgery. Good luck and keep us posted with your success story!

Welcome FaithfulOne....this is a great site and quite supportive. You have made a great decision. Looking forward to hearing the great approval news!

I really enjoy the EAS Whey Vanilla Powder shakes from BJ's. With a shaker, fat free milk and lots of ice, it tastes like the vanilla shakes from White Castle. The next great thing is that is gives you 26g of protein. A 5lbs bag costs $32.00 At almost 2 years post surgery, I still drink this protein shake on an average of 3 times a week.

This is so true about the self-image. I thought it was only me, but I can't seem to understand that I am now thin. Although I have lost about 10 sizes and I'm now a size 8, when I look in the mirror, I still see myself as heavy. It's only when I look at pictures do I realize that I'm not. What you've stated is great...to maintain pictures of your weight loss journey so that you can track your progress.

Congratulations! It's such a fantastic feeling!

People are quite nosy, and their nosiness will increase when you start losing weight too. I told my co-workers I had to go for surgery to remove my gall bladder (since I had to come back to work 2 days post surgery). I also started telling them way in advance of my surgery that I started seeing a nutritionist and exercising to lose weight. Good luck on your journey..this is one of the best decisions you've made! Keep us posted on your progress.

Hi--you must still be swollen from the operation. Do you know if when they put the band, they left it unfilled? That feeling of being stuck should only be happening if you are too tight, or eat too fast...for sure, you will not be living with this day in and day out. You made one of the best decisions, so be patient and follow the rules...the band as a tool, works! Also, if something feels abnormal, you should call your doctor and consult. Best of luck and keep us updated with your progress!

Try and take it easy, and although you'll be able to get around, it seems you have an ambitious weekend and should try to stay a little more low-key. I went to work after 3 days, but was still in some pain and uncomfortable. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress...this is one of the best decisions you've made!

I've been banded for 11 months now and couldn't be happier....it really works, however, you have to work with it as well. Once can't think that just because you are banded, you still could eat bad foods and loose weight. You really have to modify your lifestyle and be concious of what you are putting in your mouth. When I eat, I now eat slow and ask myself "am I satified", if the answer is yes, then I stop eating. I eat my calories, not drink them (e.g., rather eat protein, than have milk shake etc.) Good luck!

Good luck and let me re-assure you, it's a worthwhile journey. You can't even begin to imagine how you health will change, the physical being a side benefit (a good one of course!). Keep us posted and congratulations on making this life changing decision

Congratulations on your great accomplishment and keep up the great work!

Hi Kristie Lee: I didn't like them either. I switch to Designer whey Protein in powder form (vanilla flavor). I mix it with fat free milk, and it tastes delish...I still drink it once a day to get some of my protein intake. Good luck and hold strong!

Hi LovelyT, Congratulations on your scheduled September 23rd surgery---you will start looking fantastic in no time! In terms of time off, I would think everyone's tolerance for pain would be different. I had surgery on Monday, Aug 15th had to come into the office on Wednesday 8/17 (walked fine, but very slowly--I too sit in an office all day!). Then took off on Thurs and returned on Friday (walked a bit quicker, but still had to get up quite often to walk around the office). By Monday, I was fine. Hope this helps and keep us posted on your progress. Cheers

Hi Meg Meg: I would suggest you find out exactly which type of Cigna coverage your dad has and then call them up ask them for the Bariatric Surgery Coverage Criteria--this document lays it all out. I have open access plus and they required BMI of > 40 or between 35-39.9 with at least one clinically obesity comorbidity; either 6 months of supervised diet with a Dr. or registered dietician OR 6 months of WeightWatchers/Jenny Craig, Optifast is also acceptable (that's actually what I submitted); a psych evaluation and nutritionist consultation. The best advice is for you to be informed of you coverage directly from them and start gathering your documention/lining up your appointments...the approval will then be a breeze (if you follow all the requirements). Best of luck!

Hi Jennifer16005: That is great that you didn't give up and continue to pursue this. It truly changes your life and perspective on it. Best of luck during this initial process and please keep us posted....

Hi Tamika: Welcome to our community. You will find this site very helpful and quite supportive. You have made a life-changing decision and I'm so proud of you! Good luck during your journey, and keep in touch....you will find us very resourceful!

Hi, I was banded last Monday and I did lots soul searching and researching before making my decision. It is certainly a personal decision to make. I didn't choose the sleeve because I was afraid of such an invasive surgery (cutting 85% of your stomach). I also didn't want to loose so quickly as to have all the excess skin issue--those were my primary two focus. With the lapband, the weight loss is steady, gradual and healthy. The surgery is not a big deal and your insides remain the same. Also, it can be taken out. There are plus & minus to both, but for me, this was the best choice---and I don't regret it a bit. Hope this helps!

Hi, This is my second day post op and I feel and look so bloated in my stomach. I've only been able to drink 16 oz of Protein shake yesterday (the entire day and forcing myself). Today, I could only tolerate 1 on and 3 oz of chicken broth. Is this normal? Even though I'm so bloated and feel so full, should I continue to drink for the sake of not getting dehydrated? Please help! Thanks,

Hi TracieR: Thank you. Glad to hear this is normal. Good luck on your journey too!

Hi Diva01: I'm on the 10th day of my pre-op diet and have been taking EAS whey Protein (vanilla flavor). I take this in powder form mixed with fat free milk and it tastes very good. I purchased it a BJ's for 32.99 and it offers 23grams of Proteins, 3 grams of carbs and 130 calories---keeps me full all the time! I totally recommend this product.

First, you should call up the insurance to find out if your particular policy covers Bariatric Surgery, if so I recommend you obtain a copy of the Bariatric Policy and educate yourself on the requirments. Once you find out your insurance covers the surgery, immediately call your surgeon. Some require you attend their WLS seminar prior to giving you an appointment. The way I went about mine, was getting the policy reading it. At the same time made the appointment to attend the seminar and the next day, called my surgeon to make the appointment. Since the appointment was 3 weeks out, and I already had read what my insurance company required, I made the appointment with my primary for bloodwork, referral paperwork and EKG. Got the appointment for 3 days afterwards. Also called and made the appointment with the pyschologiest for 5 days after the seminar. Obtained my weight lost history from weight watchers. By the time I saw my surgeon 3 weeks after attending her seminar, all my paperwork/results were in her office. They submitted 1 week later and 8 days later I was approved. Best of luck on your journey!

Ask4me1: Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress. Relax and stay focused on your goals!

Way to go Bodyandsoul...you're date will be here in no time! Looking forward to reading your success story!

Hi AmyRose--that depends on your insurance requirements. I have Cigna Open Access Plus and they required to show copies of the book. It not so much that I paid I was proving, rather, they needed to document weight history for 6 consecutive months. Only the booklet gives you this. I recommend you search for the Bariatric Surgery Policy your insurance publishes as this will spell it all out for you. Good luck

TammyLee205: Hi--I'm scheduled for surgery on August 15th and want to learn as much as possible to get the best results. You should be so proud of yourself--42lbs in 4months? Wow, now that's awesome! Do you mind me asking what your typical day/week looks like. I would love to have similar results! Thanks!