Instyle98

Uh - no! Have you let your doctor know all of this? You need to contact him now!

As of late, I have been drinking the ready to drink chocolate Premier Protein Shakes. They have 160 calories, 30 grams protein, 1 gram of sugar and 5 grams of carbohydrates. You can get them at Sam's Club or Costco. My Sam's Club has been selling them for $18.88 per case of 12. They are really convenient, taste good and if put them in the freezer for a bit, you get a nice thick frosty shake!

Hallelujah! I had my second fill on Tuesday and I think I'm finally feeling restriction! Could it be I've hit the green zone? I hope so. Last night after I finished my dinner I remarked to my husband how I felt weird because I wanted to eat more (I make a mean cauliflower mash) but I couldn't. I really try not to drink with my meals but when I take my vitamins and pills I have to drink something afterwards. I then sat down to eat my yogurt with fruit and barely got a few bites in when I just couldn't eat anymore. I'm stuffed! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this continues and now I know I will really have to stick to not drinking right before, during or after meals. I'll have to sneak in my vitamins since sometimes they seem like a meal in themselves. Yeah me!

I didn't really feel stuffed - just satisfied, something I have been struggling with. I wanted to eat more because it tasted good - old habits die hard! I really didn't feel hungry for the rest of the night and I ate dinner early so I hope this is it and continues for me. Now I'm going to have to focus on eating when my body tell me to and not because my brain wants to!

Did they send you anything in writing? If not I would ask for something so you can see what the reasons are behind the denial. Get someone who is very experienced and has been successful with appeals. Many years ago I worked for a psychiatric practice and my department manager was really good at that. Our practice never lost an appeal that we took on for our patients and when she went to get Bariatric surgery (I don't know what kind it was since it was way before lap band and stuff) she was denied, took on her own appeal and won! Do some research and then go at them with guns blazing! Good luck. Sometimes I think approval/denial depends upon who is in charge of that department in that region and you may have to go above them. I had Aetna POS (in TX) at the time of my surgery and didn't have any problems. I had a 4 month waiting period in which I was supposed to lose weight and I actually gained Once I was approved a nurse calls me every so often to check on my progress, offer suggestions and to make sure the surgery center was treating me well. I'm actually disappointed that since then we had to change insurance companies. Good luck!

I find it easiest just to drink a bottle of the ready to drink Premier Protein that you can get at Sam's Club ($18.88 for 12). It has 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar, 5 grams of carbs at 160 calories, plus it tastes pretty good. Sometimes I put it in the freezer for a bit and then it gets nice and thick. It's quick, portable and really convenient. You could probably get the vanilla and add flavoring or a little fruit to it for variety.

Scamp You look amazing! If I looked like that I would walk around in my underwear all of the time - LOL!

FutureSkinnyKathy You might want to change your user ID! Get too much skinnier and we won't be able to see you! Wow! You have done fabulous! Good luck on your upcoming surgery and keep us posted. You have given me inspiration!

Congratulations! Time to focus on healing, the weight loss will come later.

Line-dancer, Those are things that have saved me too. I really don't have any "bad" food in the house and on days when I am really hungry or just need something I reach for fruit, yogurt, Protein, Protein shake etc. A treat for me is a high Fiber whole grain cracker (WASA Light Rye - 30 calories) with some Laughing Cow cheese or extra fruit in my yogurt! A splurge is if I am making cauliflower mash and I add a spoonful of low fat sour cream and/or a little grated Parmesan cheese or a Weight Watchers Fudge Bar. Oh yeah, that's livin' large for me! No more chips and dip, ice cream sundaes, sub sandwiches, etc. At least now I know I'm not doing any major damage. The funny thing is now when I think something sounds really good and I take a taste - it doesn't taste as good as I remember so it's just not worth the calories to me. I keep wondering if they did something to my taste buds when they put me under for surgery!

Interesting! Yesterday when I went for my second fill, I mentioned this forum to the person who did my fill. She told me that she had been banded for 5 years and in the beginning had come here to check it out and she didn't stay because she said it seemed as if there were a lot of angry people here. Sometimes it certainly seems like that, but I have found a lot of very friendly helpful folks who seem to have their heads in the right place. I think some people are naysayers regardless of what the subject matter is or just like to think they no better than everyone else. The band is not for some people, just like gastric bypass or the sleeve is not for everyone. I think it also depends on where you are at emotionally in your life. I know someone (she's gone from a very close friend to frienemy) who had gastric bypass several years ago and any time an overweight person is having issues in their life (not necessarily weight) or not her response is always, "Why don't you go get weight loss surgery?" She likes to think she knows everything about everything and if everyone listened to her they wouldn't have any problems. Her first question to me after my surgery (I wasn't even a week out) was, "So...have you thrown up yet?" When I asked her why would I do that she responded with some explanation of how she just has to push the limit if she is told she shouldn't do something. Crazy huh? I didn't even bother to explain the differences in her surgery compared to mine. It seemed like a waste of my energy. I'm sure you're wondering how she did with her weight loss - she did good for awhile, but has never been thin and is still considerably overweight. She considers her surgery a success. She's one of the biggest reasons why I decided to try the Lap Band since it was done as an outpatient, is reversible, less costly and doesn't involve re-routing my innards. While the recovery was easier in many ways, the daily living part is a little more difficult since she seems to be less restricted when it comes to what she can eat and of course the weight loss is slower. I don't even know why I posted this! LOL! But I don't really talk to anyone else about my WLS. I have not made it public - except here. I asked her not to tell anyone, but knowing her, someone else out there knows.

Good luck Mike! I was still questioning whether or not I was doing the right thing as I sat in the waiting room the morning of my surgery. Yesterday at my second fill, the PA asked if I was happy with my decision. I gave her a resounding yes! Even though I've only lost a small amount of weight, I'm better off than I was before and the biggest surprise was the feeling of being back in control. We'll see you on the other side - you got this!

I'm not sure you fell off - maybe just had a little bumpy ride! You sound as if you're back on the smooth part of the road now! Now that I've been banded a short time, I think we're a little too hard on ourselves when we have a moment. For most of us, it's going to happen and probably not once, not twice but more times than we want to think about. Everyone no matter what their situation, whether trying to eat better, lose weight, are diabetic or whatever will eat something that is consider not a part of their diet or good for them. It's the nature of the beast and also why some food are considered treats. The problem becomes when treats turn in to regular habits and result in harm. Thin people eat chips, crackers, candy, fried food. Exercise fanatics take a day off. Diabetics eat sweets. It's all about learning control and developing good habits and behaviors. A piece of cake, a burger, a slice of pizza won't kill you. You can always get in some additional exercise, make your next meal a little lighter, etc. Eating the whole cake, burgers every day, an entire pizza is a different story. I'm remind myself over and over that those foods that are so appealing are okay to sample sometimes or even eat, but I don't have to eat as if I will never have the opportunity to eat them again. They will always be there tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. Except of course for Twinkies, SuzyQ's, Cupcakes - who knew that was going to happen?!

Haha! I bet his day got really bad when he got back to the office and found out he was fired! I'm guessing that's the result of his little temper tantrum! Can you imagine being the person whose mail and mailbox he threw away? How do you explain that when you get notices about bills not getting paid? You could be in deep doo doo if there was a jury summons in that mailbox! I know - I have quite the imagination. I've go more time to think about stuff since I'm not thinking about food as much!

I got my second fill yesterday. It was much easier than the first. The first fill was a little painful and I was in pain the rest of the day, but this time I barely felt it. I was on liquids yesterday and soft food today. I'm wondering how many fills I'm going to need to feel restriction. They give you 1 cc at a fill and only allow fills every 4 weeks, so I'll just have to wait and see. Just when I thought I was adjusting really well to my new way of eating and food selections, I'm starting to struggle even more. It seems like I'm hungry a lot and nothing is satisfying. I'm not talking about feeling full, necessarily, just that I enjoyed my meal. They tell me I'm doing good at the center, but I don't feel as if I am. Just another day in my battle of the bulge!

Did he look deep into your eyes??? Do you think he would have given a man his change back the same way?? He was doin' somethin'! LOL! ssssss.... (burning sound) you hot mama you!

Welcome and congratulations for caring enough about yourself to take the first step! If you haven't heard from the doctor's office, call and ask them what's the hold up! Sometimes paperwork gets lost or they just fail to realize how urgent something is to you. Best advice I can give you is don't be nervous and don't anticipate anything. Go in with an open mind and see what they have to say. If you don't like what they say, there's always someone else to check with. There's no need to tell anyone if you don't want to because there are a whole bunch here just waiting to put their two cents worth in!

You've lost 30 lbs during the 6 month wait? Well done! Now you've got 3 weeks to go and you are on all liquids? Wow, that's really tough! When my diet was restricted (not as much as yours is though) I went through jello and no sugar added fruit and juice bars like crazy. I don't know what kind of broth you're eating (if you call that eating LOL), but I made my own because I just can't stand the canned stuff. It's okay for cooking but not for eating. That helped a little since it had a lot more flavor. You could also try adding unflavored protein powder to the jello if you're making it yourself. Get in as much protein as you can and that should help your hunger. Can you add pureed fruit to your shakes? Hang in there you can do this! Just remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Betsy I was not trying to be unsympathetic or mean, I was just trying to point out the reality of the situation. I know you don't know me as I don't know you, but I sometimes try to be a little humorous in order to lighten the situation, but in this case, I obviously failed. Sometimes if we don't laugh, we will cry. I understand your frustration - I'm really frustrated right now and I was banded 1/31, but it's all part of the journey. You have a lot on your plate and I would not want to be in your shoes, but there are many of us that either are going through difficult and trying times or have been through there. Sometimes it's all about acceptance of the situation you are in and what you are going to do to get through it. That's why I suggested a support group or therapist. Being supportive to someone does not always mean patting them on the back and telling them how unfair life has been to them. I've had meltdowns and my moments, and while I appreciate understanding, comfort and even sympathy, too much of it only makes things worse and makes me feel as if the world truly is against me. Hearing things like "you poor thing", "wow, your life really sucks", "how do you do it", etc. makes me forget that I can be strong, I will get through this, and I will survive. Too much of a good thing, even sympathy, is not beneficial as we have all unfortunately learned when it comes to food. It's very evident you have a very generous and loving heart by the way you write about your daughter and everything she means to you. How about giving some of that love and concern to yourself? I don't come on here to beat up on people. I try to offer what I hope is encouragement, support and help and hope when I need it, I get the same in return. I guess I could have said that you're absolutely right, this band thing sucks, doesn't work and you should definitely get it out. Whoever told you that this procedure could help must have lied to you. Whatever you decide to do, I hope things work out and you do well. I never meant to offend you.

Wow! I empathize with your frustration, but perhaps you should just wait until you calm down and think this through. Your reaction sounds a bit childish. You sound like Veruca in "Willy Wonka and The chocolate Factory". "I want it Daddy! I want it now!" Did you gain all your weight in a month? I doubt it. Sometimes it seems like weight gain came on really fast, but losing it takes even longer. It's not like the band goes in and wham - the weight falls off. Your body hasn't even had a chance to finish healing, so even though it may not feel like it, you probably still have some swelling. You also have to work with your body (and your mind) to kick it into weight loss mode. Whether you like it or not, the human body comes equipped with a strong survival instinct and will automatically kick into gear, slow it's metabolism if threatened with what it perceives to be starvation and/or injury. Your job is to give your metabolism a kick in the pants to get it going, eat healthy but fewer calories than you burn so you lose fat instead of muscle after you heal. You're not even far enough along to start a proper exercise regimen. Right now your body has been injured (surgery), or so it thinks and you've changed what it was used to consuming. Be patient, this takes work! I hope for your sake that your insurance and doctor do not give in and remove your band this early in the game. I don't think you have had it long enough to know whether or not this will work for you. Perhaps you need to find a support person or group and take a look around on this forum so you can see what it takes to make this work for you. You may be right that this is not for you, but since you've come this far, what have you got to lose (no pun intended) by sticking it out a little longer?

The charges sent to my insurance company surprised me. Initially when I went on line to look at what they were being billed for the charges looked about what they had told me they would be. Then I went back a little later and saw a $45,000 charge! It was being held because my insurance company was waiting for more information from the surgery center. I called to make sure they were sending the requested info and asked what that $45,000 charge was about. I was told it was for the actual surgery that was done at the True Results Surgery Center! Dang! I wasn't even there for half a day! I was lucky - I was the first case and I was home in my bed by noon and I live an hour away! Talk about drive by surgery - LOL! They did reassure me though that I was only responsible for the amount that I had been quoted and already paid the day of surgery even if my insurance did not pay. In the meantime, I now have a different insurance and I have no idea if they will cover my after care. My original insurance covered one year's worth of fills. Even if my current insurance covers I have an out of pocket that has to be met first so I will have to pay for whatever I need until I hit that amount. Unlike my last insurance there are no co-pays, I have to pay the bills myself until I reach the deductible. Fortunately they told me that fills are $75 each or if I pay $240 in advance or authorize checking account withdrawals ($40) they reduce the price to $40 per fill. They will only do a fill every 30 days so that will cover 6 months. That's very do-able for me.

I'm early on in my journey, but yes, I would do it again. I'll admit even though I've had surgery before, this was the first elective surgery I've ever had and on about the third night when I was having difficulty and couldn't sleep I was wondering why I did this to myself, but that feeling goes away quickly. Now when I think about not doing what I'm supposed to, I just remind myself that I didn't undergo surgery for nothing - I need to hang in there. With just the small amount of weight I've lost I already can say it was worth it!

I know I should know this, but somehow I don't - would someone please explain to me why you should not drink with your meals?

Thanks ladies!

Where do you live? I think that in addition to the initial cost for the surgery, you have to factor in all of the pre-op appointments and your after care. Pretty much all of my pre-op stuff was done at the True Results Center (except for my cardiac clearance because I have my own cardiologist) plus where are you going to go for post op appointments and fills? There are many on here having difficulty finding someone to do their fills if they had surgery done somewhere else. There is a lot of back and forth involved especially in the beginning or if you have problems. It's not like buying a car and then going to any dealership for maintenance or repairs. What if there are additional costs for stuff you didn't plan on. BTW, look at my surgical costs on my profile. I think it's interesting what they told me it would cost out of pocket for self pay, what my cost was (They treated me as if I was in network and the amount listed does not include co-pays or charges for what was not covered on my sleep study or for my sleep apnea equipment. My insurance covered part of that but I still had $400 out of pocket for the test and $300 + out of pocket for the equipment. Because I now have a Bi-pap I do have recurring costs for stuff that has to be continually replaced on that.) Some of the tests required for surgery have to be done by other providers outside of the surgery centers and they have to be paid too. I was fortunate that things have gone smoothly for me so far and I have to drive across the city (approximately an hour depending on traffic) to get to the center where I go. I'm not so sure how excited I would be if I had to drive hours to get there and had to go more frequently than I do.