Mimi1980

Good luck! I don't have any insight because this is my first go around. I hope you're approved this time

My leg ultrasound is scheduled for 12/19. My surgeon requires it for all his patients pre-op.

Thanks!

My insurance company accepted my time with Weight Watchers as an approved diet that counted towards my requirements. You have to be an on-site member who goes to meetings though, not online.

I've been seeing a nutritionist since June and I've lost about 12 pounds. I haven't tracked using MyFitnessPal or restricted myself to any specific caloric intake. What I did was act as if I already have the band (somewhat). When I go out to eat (which has been for every meal, 6 days a week for the past 5 months while working 2 trials), I have the waiter wrap up half my food right away then I focus on eating just the half that's in front of me at a reasonably slow pace, whereas before I would just shove food into my mouth until the plate was clean. I developed good habits like putting my fork down between bites and not drinking (much) while I'm eating (this is still a struggle for me). I also did what babykins said above and kept healthier Snacks around like fruit, veggies, fat free cheese, popcorn, etc. I'm a candy addict. Not chocolate, but chewy and/or sour candy like skittles, sour patch kids, starburst, jolly ranchers, etc. I found sugar free options to my favorites and I also bought these really tasty Calcium chews from Bariatric Advantage. My point is that those little things put together can change your life totally. I never thought I could do it either, but I've made decent progress (in my opinion) and every time I've stepped on the scale since June, I've lost or maintained. You have to figure out what your issues with food are and break yourself free from the bad habits bit by bit. It's important to take the steps prior to getting the band because being shocked into something is a recipe for disaster for most (definitely for me). Believe in yourself and lean on your fellow January bandsters for support. You've gotten to this point because, like us, you've tried everything else to no avail.

Congrats! Do you have to go on a pre-op diet?

I'm scheduled for January 23rd. I will be starting the pre-op diet on January 9th. My last few meals will be nuclear wings from Atomic Wings here in NYC and drunken noodles from my fav Thai spot near my office. I loooooove hot and spicy food, but my nutritionist said pepper can irritate the band so I shouldn't have much of it after I'm banded (

You are doing so well! Congratulations!

Congratulations! I start my pre-op diet the day before your surgery. Keep me posted on your progress.

I've only told my mother, one of my sisters, my maternal grandmother and my boyfriend. My sister, boyfriend and my mom are supportive, but my grandmother not so much. She's from the Caribbean and opposed to any type of surgery for anything, especially something she considers "elective"

Thats great progress from your supervised diet so far. One week pre-op diet shouldn't be too bad. My surgeon is very strict about the pre-op diet. 2 full weeks of nothing but 3 Bariatric Advantage shakes and two bars per day. I'm super nervous about it because I've never lasted more than a few days on a juice fast or cleanse. Have you told anyone that you're having the surgery?

I had to have 6 nutrition appointments (not 6 months supervised), but it still took me 6 months to complete them. I completed all the other requirements by the end of August. My date is tentative because my surgeon has to consult with my neurologist to get final clearance, but I've already talked to her and she's on board since my last MRI and EEG didn't show any new strokes or seizure activity. So I should be all set. How many appointment do you have left with the nutritionist?

Thanks! Congrats to you too! This is a big step we're taking. Like my doctor says, 2013 is our year!

Ooh I hope you do get a January date! Where are you located?

I posted here back in May when I made the decision to get banded. My insurance, Oxford, required 6 appointments with a nutritionist (not 6 months), but I only just got around to completing my appointments today. I would have been done and approved sooner, but I had got assigned to 2 trials, the latter of which is ending next month. My surgery date is now set for January 23rd! I'm both excited and terrified. I've wanted to stop this process so many times, but I know that I owe it to myself to be the best me I can be, inside and out...so onwards I go. Stats - May 2012 5' 11" - 341 lbs November 2012 5' 11" - 328.8 lbs I've made some good progress considering the fact that I've been eating nothing but takeout and room service since August, but I know I need to do much better after I get banded. Any advice from banded business travelers will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I loooooove Crystal Light! I can't drink alcohol so I buy the margarita and martini flavored packets. They are so good.

I am in the preapproval stage right now, but since yesterday I've had this flash of fear and uncertainty come over me. I've heard so many success stories, what if I'm not successful? What if I give up on it like I've given up on every diet I've ever been on? What if the band makes me sick? The more time that I have to think about this, the more time I have to doubt my decision. Have any of you felt like this? How did you get over your fears?

Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress!

Welcome LBWannabe! I too am in the early stages. I decided on the Lap Band versus the bypass or sleeve because I too have a neurological disorder and the LB has the shortest recovery time and is fully reversible on the off chance that my body rejects the band, my neuro symptoms get worse or if I just change my mind. Turns out that my surgeon says he wouldn't even consider the other procedures for me because of the neuro condition. That was confirmation enough for me that the LB is it! Good luck with your journey hun!

So, I feel a little better today. I finally told my mom and my sister about my plans (I didn't tell my sister, but she asked me because she saw the LBT app on my iPad, so I didn't lie). They are both really supportive and I was able to talk about some of my fears with my mom who's a nurse and a good candidate for the surgery herself. It really helped to talk about it and mom reassured me that I'm making the right decision. She's seen how unhappy I've been the last 3 years and knows that I must make a change. Who knows, my decision may inspire her to do something too. Eyewonder, your light shines through the Internet. Don't ever feel the need to explain your belief in God. It is a beautiful part of who you are you you should continue to share it with others....