AmySays

I'm using Syntrax Nectar. It's really good. It has 23g of protein, 0 fat, 0 carbs per scoop. I'm using the Fuzzy Navel flavor right now, but I've heard the Cappuccino is good too. The Fuzzy Navel has very little protein powdery taste to it, which is a plus for me. I've just been mixing it with water, but I imagine if it were mixed with 100% fruit juice, it would be even better (although that would up the sugar content). It's around $30 for a 2 pound tub (about 32 servings). *edited to add: The protein powdery "taste" is actually a smell. I focused on it earlier and I'm not really tasting it at all, I can just smell a hint of it. It helps if I mix it (in a blender cup) and stick it in the refrigerator for about 30 min before I drink it.

I found a social group in the support group category on here for Katy area banders. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/groups/show/115-katy-area-banders/ There isn't any talk of meetings yet, but it's a new group.

Hi, I'm in the Katy area. A friend of mine was just banded & started a group on here (Katy area banders) http://www.lapbandtalk.com/groups/show/115-katy-area-banders/ I think she wants to do local support group meetings/ hang out & visit with other banders on this side of Houston, if anyone is interested. She just started the group a couple of days ago.

I can honestly say, I think this is the best thread I've read on here! So many inspirational stories, fantastic questions, and complete transparency. A HUGE thank you to the OP. You asked the "we all wanna know" questions, lol! I'm hoping to be banded before the end of the year and this thread was filled with nothing but encouragement. :wub:

Thanks, I'm thinking mine will be around the same (hiatal hernia, as well). If my deductible was met and insurance had approved already, it would be $1360ish. Knowing that i'll have to meet the deductible again, beginning in January, I think it will be well over $5500... ugh, such a dilemma. The biggest benefit of self-pay is not having to wait. 2 wk pre-op diet & surgery done. However, do you think we need that extended period of time to mentally prepare for this? Just talking out loud a little, lol.

For those of you who were self-pay with True Results... do you mind sharing how much you paid? I'm in a situation where I've met my deductible for 2012, but waiting for insurance approval will give me a surgery date of February - facing my 2013 deductible. Now I'm having to decide whether to self-pay or wait it out & possibly end up paying more.

I've been there only a few times as well. Initial visit, a support group meeting then my EGD on Wednesday. I will say that everyone I have come into contact with has been so helpful. I was very impressed that Dr. Hollis was going to the waiting area to speak with the patients' families himself. When they put my IV in, it was the easiest, most painless IV I've ever had and the surgical staff was friendly & funny (before I was put out, LOL). The NP who led the support group meeting was so kind & easy to talk to. Seriously, I don't think I've ever been to any doctor's office where every. single. person I came in contact with was a pleasant experience. I haven't even been banded yet & I would have no hesitancy in recommending this office to anyone!

Yes, they have a nutritionist. If you're going through insurance, you have to meet with her twice, I think. I think you could probably schedule your own appointment with her, even if it wasn't required by insurance.

Hi, I'm Amy & I'm in the Houston area. I'm just starting the process. I went for a consultation and they said they could consider that my first weight loss appointment (Aetna requires 4 prior to surgery). I didn't really think to ask because everything moved so quickly at that point, but how much weight do they expect you to lose? They didn't give me a diet to follow or anything. I'm a little confused. I'm already watching what I eat & exercising, I guess I'll find out more at my 2nd appt in November. Anyway, I'm happy to find a place where I can get more information & hear success stories.

Thanks!

I was told that you can attend the support group meetings prior to being banded. I'm going to go to the one next week, I think (IS it next week?). Yes, it's on the 8th floor.

Hi, I'm new here. I just went for my first consultation and found out my insurance will cover the surgery. I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to chime in. I've been vaping for almost a year now, so when the P.A. asked if I smoked, I said no. The paperwork does not ask about nicotine usage (although I'm on the lowest nic possible at this point). I'm wondering if they *do* check labwork for nicotine, would you still be disqualified, even if it's through an electronic cig (i.e. Personal Vaporizer/PV)? I do NOT consider myself a smoker. I was a smoker for 17 years and I QUIT. Oh, and for those who were asking, you can find out more info about vaping on e-cigarette-forum.com if you want.