HelenC

I've heard that's the going rate around here. However, I'd call several of the doctors and get their self-pay rates. I used Dr. Benavides in Richardson, and I don't think they are quite that much. You may want to consider using some of that money and flying to Mexico to have it done for $8500. Lots of people on this board have done that and been very happy. Edit: I just caught the $28k total....yeah, that seems very high. I think Dr. B is about $15k TOTAL.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery! It's an exciting time. By the time my surgery rolled around, I was practically breathless all the time, and frequently questioned myself as to whether I really knew what I was in for! 10 days post banding, I have no regrets - even the night I cheated and ended up in severe pain and agony for 12 hours. I just counted it as a lesson learned

I was banded on 2/14 as well. Other than some minor discomfort at the port area, I'm feeling fine, although I do tire easily. My doctor (and it does seem as if every doctor is different) has me on five clear liquids AND three protein shakes daily for two weeks, and then two weeks of five full liquids/mushies AND two protein shakes daily. However, at 8 days, I chose to start adding in creamy soups. I have found that the EAS Advant Edge protein shakes (17g of protein) are very tasty and not quite as heavy as powdered shakes.

I've got BC/BS of Illinois, and they covered my surgery 100% after my $300 deductible, and my fills are also at 100% with no copay (just found that out today *happy dance*). I just don't understand all the discrepancies between the various Blues.

I bet you're drinking too fast. Try taking little sips and little bites of your food. I've been having to learn this as well.

I know, it's been SO bad tonight! I love quesadillas, and have seen two different chain's commercials tonight, advertising theirs. Grrrr!!!

I'm like you - I love bread. But I was told that any bread I eat in the future will probably need to be toasted to get the moisture out of it, or it will cause me problems. I was also told that if I'm going to try bread, to try the very high grain breads. Edit: I was also told that rice could be a problem as well, and it's pretty much bad carbs anyway.

You'll do great!! Good luck!

Do you ever go to any support meetings? Are there any in our area?

chicken broth, beef broth, SF Jello, low fat yogurt, SF pudding, applesauce or baby food fruit - these are the things I was told I could have other than Protein Shakes for the first couple of weeks. Basically, clear fluids. I couldn't stomach the chalky Protein Shake mix my doc's office sells, so I'm using EAS Advant Edge - 17 g of Protein per shake, not quite as heavy, and good tasting. Walmart carries them.

Today was actually 7 days for me, and I had originally planned to go back tomorrow. I called the office instead and asked for the remainder of the week off and will go back Monday. Today was the first day I drove myself somewhere - to get my hair colored and conditioned (damned anesthesia!) I probably could have gone back to work tomorrow, but really didn't feel like pushing it.

That would be so much fun, but we already have tickets to a Dave Ramsey event that day from 1-6pm. I'll be watching for the next get together though

I'm a legal secretary and have been since my early 20s. Some days I love it, some days I hate it, but at 51, I'm starting to look forward to retirement. I blame my fat butt on my job! We have birthday cake once a month, lunch brought in all the time, snacks always laying around...UGH!

I have BCBS of Illinois and had to do a six month physician supervised diet, which my doctor basically just said "come in and weigh, and provide me with a food diary". I was disappointed that I had to wait that additional six months, but was thrilled when the insurance approval came through in 2 weeks. My doctor was supportive of me doing this - if your doctor isn't, find a new one.

LOL...believe me, I will NOT be doing that again. There is NOTHING that could taste good enough to be worth going through that pain and sickness again!

They absolutely will not allow you to drive yourself. Find a friend to take you.

I talked to the doc on call's office (finally) a little while ago. They said that it was probably because my esophegus is swollen that I'm having the pain, and that because everything is going down, it's probably nothing to worry about. They recommended liquid Motrin to help with the inflammation and said ice chips and cold drinks for today (glad I didn't try the broth). Of course, I need to follow up with my regular surgeon. They also said I wasn't the first one to try it, and wouldn't be the last, but if this can teach anybody here before they do it, I'll be happy. DON'T CHEAT THIS EARLY IN THE GAME!

Congrats! You are truly an inspiration!

I'm supposed to be anyway....this was a major cheat and it has cost me in a BIG way!! Lesson learned. Thanks for the help

Is it chewable? I don't think I could get a pill down to save my life!

Why do I feel like there is a whole new world of medical terminology ahead of me? Thanks. I'm actually getting a Protein shake down right now, but it's very slow going with lots and lots of gas. Please let this be a lesson to anyone in the future!!

I have called my doctor, but no return call yet-they're closed today. I'm pretty sure that what it is, is reflux. I can get Water down with minimal pain, and if I pound on my chest right afterwards. I'm afraid to try food and my stomach is growling up a storm! The pain is now settled directly between my boobs. Ironically, I'm having no incision pain at all today. There's no more vomiting, no more foaming, so that nasty food stuff must be completely gone. I'll NEVER do that again!!! I have no gallbladder, so that's not the problem. Any clue how to get rid of the reflux?

Another Dr. Benavides fan here. He banded me on 2/14/07, and the AIGB group was great at leading me through the process, including the insurance approval, which we got in less than two weeks.

I was told to shower every day. To take my bandages (not the steri-strips) off after 2 days, and then to let the steri-strips fall off when they did.