jennifernc88

I was banded in 2008 and have decided to have a tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast lift and lipo. I live in Raleigh, NC and I'm having trouble finding a plastic surgeon with experience doing tummy tucks on lapband patients. Any recommendations??

I did not tell my DH or parents until recently (surgery scheduled for November 5). I was worried how they would react and wanted to be sure I had all the facts and hurdles crossed before telling them. Now that my family knows, they have been so very supportive and proud that I'm taking steps to improve my health and quality of life. I have NO intention of telling my pompous boss or judgemental co-workers.

Surgery Date: November 5 Highest weight: 262 Current weight: 252 Surgery weight: Will let you know Goal weight: 130

The surgeon's office called to move-up my surgery from the 12th to the 5th. Now I only have 12 days to prepare....guess I better get busy. Best wishes to all!

or... anyone have insurance that does not cover fills? I have BCBS of CA (Anthem).

...I purchased a new Health-O-Meter scale 2 months ago and, quite frankly, its a piece of crap. There was a 6 lb. difference in a period of 30 minutes this morning when I got on and last week my son "lost" 17 lbs. in 3 days. Does anyone know what kind of scales the doctors use or recommened one that is accurate?

I've been tyring out various brands and flavors of Protein powder and have some questions... 1. What is the difference between whey and soy protein? Is one better for bandsters? 2. Which matters more when choosing a protein, grams of carbs or sugar? 3. How do you know which is "bad" (concentrate) and "good" (isolate) protein? What is the difference between the two?

I went to GNC to buy Isopure but changed my mind after I discovered they only sell it in a 3lb. container. I will have to check out Vitamin Shoppe. This may sound stupid but what is the difference between Designer Whey and Whey Isolate?

.....'cause I'm headed to the loosers bench....APPROVED and SCHEDULED to be banded on November 12th by Dr. Aurora Pryor. I'm at a loss for words. I'm nervous and excited at the same time! p.s. Sorry to all who will have that cheesy reference to the 80's in their head. :regular_smile: Jennifer

I'm scheduled for November 12th :wink2:. Like most of you I'm excited and nervous. I don't meet with the nutritionist until the 7th which has me a little worried. If I need to loose some weight that only gives me 5 days to do it.

I started this journey back in January, had my first visit with the surgeons office April 23 and was told Anthem BCBS required 6-month supervised diet. I was not a happy camper. The NP told me that insurance companies just want to see you've tried a medically supervised diet and it really didn't matter if I lost any weight. I visited with my PCP for 6 months. At each visit I was weighed and discussed my caloric intake, food choices and exercise regime for the month. My weight flucated a few pounds over the six months and I had gained 2 pounds at my last weigh in but I was approved. Its been a long road and I'm thrilled the game is over.

I'm scheduled to be banded on 11/12 and chew gum all day between protein drinks and meals. It really helps keep my mind from thinking about food. Guess I'll need to find another way to deal with head hunger after surgery.

Seems like everyone has a some sort of pre-op diet. I do not meet with the nutritionist until November 7th and my surgery is on the 12th. That only gives me 5 days to shed loose some weight.

DrWatkins posted some great info on this forum about the AP and Realize bands. I found the info to be helpful. Good luck.

Hi! I'm Jennifer from Apex, NC. Looking for anyone who was banded by Duke WLSC (Dr. DeMaria or Dr. Pryor).

The wait is very frustrating. I attended the info seminar on 1/18, delivered my application on 1/28 and my first appointment is 4/23!!! I had the barium swallow, EKG and blood work done the first week of March to help speed up the process. I've been calling to see if I they have a cancellation but no luck yet. Hang in there and good luck! Jennifer

This may be a silly question, and I'm sorry if it is....What happens when you reach a point where your band is filled to capacity and no longer offers restriction? Is this even possible?

I went to the mandatory information seminar on 1/18, delivered the application and fee on 1/28 and my first appointment is not until 4/23. To speed up the process, I scheduled an appointment with PCP on 3/4 for the bloodwork, barrium swallow and EKG. I don't know if other tests will be required until I go to my first appointment. I would say plan on 6 months. I wish I could fast forward to surgery day, it's all I can think about. Good luck!

Pam, thanks for letting me know about the time frame....I'm overly anxious and want to fast forward to surgery day. Has your file been through medical/surgical review yet? I agree with Kathy, I think Duke needs more office staff. Good luck and stay positive. Jennifer

I have a silly question....What is the difference between soy, casein and whey protein powder? Any recommendations? Thanks...Jennifer

WOW...thanks everyone! I've been mixing my soy protein with ice and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple) for breakfast, and I read somewhere that it was better to use whey. ~Jennifer

Thanks everyone for your responses! After researching, talking with my family and PCP, I decided to go to Duke. I've heard from a few that the bariatric program at Duke is taking a turn for the better since Dr. DeMaria arrived. My first appointment is 4/23/08. I decided to have all the testing done through my PCP prior to my appointment in hopes of speading up the proceses.

Thanks everyone for your responses! After researching, talking with my family and PCP, I decided to go to Duke. I've heard from a few that the bariatric program at Duke is taking a turn for the better since Dr. DeMaria arrived. My first appointment is 4/23/08. I decided to have all the testing done through my PCP prior to my appointment in hopes of speading up the proceses. ~Jennifer