blondiefroggy

I went to Dr. Kim for both my Band and my Sleeve. I paid cash for my Band because at the time my insurance did not cover it. I did not have any testing except blood work for the Band. Since insurance now covers the Sleeve for me, I used insurance for my revision. I had my consultation in July 2012. I had 3 months of programming required for the insurance before it could be submitted. So at the end of September Dr. Kim's office submitted for approval. Surgery was January 14, 2013. Total process was 6 months for me. I did have to do the sleep study et.al. for the revision. The sleep study place and the hospital for the EGD both called me right away when Dr. Kim's office said they would. I also was asked if I was coming back next week when I went for my EGD. I think the reason they think we are coming right back is that other doctors do things in a different order. I've read other postings where surgery dates are planned prior to receiving approval. I suspect that it depends on the practice, and perhaps Dr. Kim's office is in the minority for doing the EGD further ahead of the actual surgery. I know for mine he needed to see if the band had caused damage due to the fact I was throwing up blood by the time he unfilled it. Dr. Kim is very conservative in his practices and this, I feel, contributes to why his has such a low complication rate. I chose him based on reputation as a top notch surgeon and because his is a "Center of Excellence". I've been very happy with his skills as a surgeon and with the service of his staff. I don't blame you for feeling frustrated with the experience you have had. I hope it improves.

Surprisedtobesleeved, here's to us breaking our stall soon!

Facing50 that sounds so yummy! And I've been wondering if we can eat chia seeds. I'm going to try that, thanks!

Uh, Frumpynomore, I got your name wrong! LOL. Looked at your category and not your name! Cute name, I love it!

Thank you Junior Guru! Your encouragement really helps! And congrats on your loss! Your ticker says 5 lbs to go - well done!

Facing50, yes, I was so exhausted at less than 800 calories too! Upping it really made a difference in my energy level. I am thinking that if more of my liquid is Water this would help as well (being that I'm on full liquids now some of it is soup and sf popsicles and sf Jello and such). Once I go to purees next week, I wonder if I can get the 64oz of water in if I will start losing better?

Ttammara, thanks, I'm so glad we are at the same stage, and you experienced this too. Sounds like we are also on similar plans. I am hopeful that I'm on the right path. I ordered unflavored Protein powder from the unjury website. I put that in my Soup every day (about half a scoop, since half of cup of soup at a time is not much liquid) and that adds 10 g of protein which helps. I also got a sample kit from them at the same time and did not like their other flavors except the chicken soup one. But I did find that the chicken soup one is best with just Water. If you add it to actual low fat cream of chicken soup, not only is it too much sodium, it doesn't taste that great. Too strong. But the unflavored is how I have managed to get my protein over 40. Two Protein shakes is about all I can handle in a day. I also found I like the Premier Protein shakes from Sams and costco. They are 11 oz., have 30 g of protein, are premade, and taste good. Not too sweet. So many of the shakes taste way too sweet to me.

Thanks Lander. I do feel better that a stall at this point is normal. I had heard of a 2 month stall, but not one the one at 2 weeks. I just know that too few calories can send your body into starvation mode, too. It looks like you have been very successful with 300 calories - good job! My NUT's guidance is to stay under 800 calories, but she didn't say how many is too few. My Protein goal is supposed to be 40-50 grams until next week when it goes up to 60 when I start my 4th week. It sure doesn't help that every doctor has different rules and guidelines does it? I just want to do this right!

So, I had my revision from band to sleeve on January 14th. Surgery went well, went home the next day. Normal recovery. From the start of my pre-op diet until now I have lost about 20 pounds. But for the last week and a half, I have lost NOTHING. This seems so early for a stall. About a week ago after a few days of no loss I started logging my food on My Fitness Pal. At first I was only getting between 500-600 calories. So I figured maybe I was getting too few calories, and made an effort to get to 800. So I've been at 800 calories for about a week. I should mention I am still on full liquids. I don't start purees until this coming Monday. My sodium, carbs, fat, and sugar are all nice and low. I'm getting enough Water. I walk 30 minutes a day. Has anyone else had this? Do I just wait it out? I guess that's all I can do. Any advice besides be patient?

O.M.G. I am so amazed! It's been 6 weeks since my doc's office submitted to insurance. I was certain, after reading so many posts, that it taking this long meant it was going to be denied. I'M APPROVED! My surgery date is January 14th, with Dr. David Kim. He did my band, too. He is a wonderful surgeon. His office is the best. And I am thrilled to finally be moving forward. I was banded in March of 2010. I was in love with my band for 6 months. I lost 65 lbs. Started at 282. Onederland was in sight. Then the rollercoaster began. I got too tight. Got several small unfills. Gained some back. Started filling again. And every time I started filling again, the amount it took to get "too tight" got smaller. When it was too tight I could not even get Water down. Too loose and I gained. I played with the same 20 lbs, back and forth, until June of this year. Then the big one hit. I started throwing up "coffee ground" stuff. Guess that's blood they say. So they did a total unfil and suggested a revision. I agreed. I was done. I was so frustrated. I felt like a failure at the band. My PA was great. He told me it was the band that failed, not me. The fact that I lost 65 lbs shows I was successful. The band just turned out to not be what everyone hoped. I've read so many people that swear the sleeve is what we always hoped the band was going to be. Well, here I go! I'm determined to get this right. I've now gained back every pound I lost on the band. I'm ready to do this. I paid cash for my band, due to different insurance that didn't cover. I'm so thrilled I will be getting some help from insurance this time. I'm scared to death of having part of my stomach removed! But I'm MORE scared of staying obese the rest of my life. Already my joints are in constant compaint and I am so uncomfortable. I have so few things to wear because I refuse to spend money on clothes I don't feel good in anyway. I can't wait! My insurance is Samba through Cigna. For those of you looking for success stories about Cigna. Mine went well. Took forever, but I'm approved! Woo hoo! Ready to take back my life! BlondieFroggy