dolphin_dreams

I'm so glad that you are home and safe. I'm praying for a quick recovery for you. Kendra

I agree with DonnaB. It must be a Conspiracy! Thanks Pat for putting a smile on my face as you often do.

Source of Life by Nature's Plus is a wonderful liquid vitamin. I started taking it before surgery while I did my Optifast. I feel like it really makes a difference in my energy level. I get mine at a health food/vitamin shop at our Drug Emporium. You can also get it at the Vitamin Shoppe or On-line.

Welcome to the board. The band is a wonderful tool and this is a great place to find information.

I wore home a pair of loose knit capri pants with a draw string waist that I bought at Walmart and a big t-shirt. I choose to skip the panties and bra for a few days.The pants didn't bother me atall. I would, however, stay away from anything that doesn't have a comfy stretch waist for awhile. It took me about two weeks before I was ready to wear jeans. Good luck.

According to my nutritionist, if you don't want shots then B12 needs to be taken in lingual form in order to be effective. She said that pills don't give us what we need. I picked up a bottle of B Complex from GNC that doesn't taste bad at all. You take one dropper full each day. I also highly recommend a liquid vitamin called Source of Life by Natures Plus. I heard about it here on the board. It really makes a difference in my energy level. In fact, my Mom who is 66 takes it as well and swears by it. You can get it at The Vitame Shoppe or online. Good luck and I'm glad to hear that your blood work came by normal.

Just checking on you??

WOOHOOOOOOOO. NSV's truly come in all shapes and places. Congratulations. :clap2:

Here are some things that helped me. *V8 juice with beef broth mixed in with it * Protein shakes mixed with Tropicana light orange juice instead of milk and some ice. I think it tastes like and Orange Julias. In fact the rest of my family likes these also. * cream of chicken soup * Isopure clear Protein drinks from GNC * Egg drop soup Remember you can have several Protein Shakes throughout the day and they help curb your hunger. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Get some Aveeno. It is a lifesaver. My doctor recommended this. Aveeno has natural colloidal oatmeal in it and it really helped me. I got the packets that you put in your bath water as well as the lotion. I'm sending soothing thoughts your way.

I like the Atkins Advantage Shakes. Creamy Vanilla is really good and they have 18 grams of protein. I also use Body Fortress Whey powder from Walmart. Mix it with Tropicana Light Orange juice and it tastes like and Orange Julias. Good luck and congratulations on getting banded!

Welcome to the board. We're glad to have you even if you are an Aggie. Just Kidding, I'm a Red Raider so I couldn't resist. This is a wonderful place and there are plenty of Texans around. I'm right there with you on the back pain. My ankles and back hurt all the time. I only lost 42 pounds but I can tell a HUGE difference. Good luck on your journey. :welcome:

I just wanted to say hello and welcome to the board. This is a wonderful place for support, information, and the occasional well meant kick in the fanny when needed. Glad you are here!

I'm sending a big HUG your way and I'm so sorry that you've had such a rough time but you seem to have a good attitude. Good luck and be sure to stick around!

I think that it would depend on your insurance carrier. I have BCBS and they cover my aftercare. Most people that I know are covered but again you would need to check with your doctor and your insurance. Good luck and congratulations on setting a date!

I use Body Fortress Whey protein from Walmart aslo. I mix it with Tropicana Light Orange Juice and it tastes like an Orange Julias.

1. How long did it take to get approval? Here is a timeline of how things went for me. July 28- Met with surgeon, August 22-received a letter requesting a psych evauation which I had already completed on Aug. 9th. I'm not sure what was up with that as my Doctor's office confirmed that BCBS had received a copy. The letter stated that "a thorough review would be completed upon receipt of the information." October 4 - Saw a nutritionist and the doctor set a date for surgery. October 5- I received a call from Doctor's office that I had been approved. I also got a letter from the insurace company the following week confirming this. 2. Did they require a psyche eval? yes Nutritionist consult? yes sleep Study? no I did not have to do a sleep test since I had already been through two. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in November 2004. 3. How many months supervised weight loss did you have before approval? I had over two years from my OBGYN 4. Did you have to call them constantly? No, I never called them 5. Were you denied the first time? I was approved the first time 6. Any recommendations for people trying to get approved? I've heard from others that politely calling once a week is helpful. 7. What plan are you on (1, 2, or 3) and what was your total out of pocket? I'm TRS plan 2. I was banded on November 8, 2005. My total cost including nutritionist, psych copay, surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist etc.. has been about $2500. Good Luck and please keep us posted on how things go. Kendra

Sounds good to me. Hang in there and good luck!!:confused:

You've done a great job! Congratulations.

Hi Luci. I was banded by Dr. Veninga as well. I'm not sure what names you were given for Psychologist. I used Dr. Michele Steigleder. Barbara gave me the card and the appointment was quick and painless. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. I have been very happy with Dr. Veninga and his entire staff and I hope everything goes smoothly for you as well.

I'm so glad that the doctor was able to diagnose what is wrong and that he doesn't think that they look cancerous. We will continue to pray that the test on the biopsies come back negative. Please keep us updated! Kendra

I'm so happy for you. What a wonderful feeling. Keep up the great work!

Dinner sounds great to me. How about Uncle Julio's, Pappadeaux, or PF Changs off of the Toll Road? Kendra

Little Elm here. Just in case you're wondering, I'm right next to Frisco. Kendra

What a wonderful celebration. Congratulations on your precious new gift. You are truly blessed! Let us know how everything is going with you and the baby.