NormaRae

For pre-op, I am to have 2 protein shakes a day and 4oz of protein and 1/2 cup of non starchy veggies for the 3rd meal. Post surgery is the shakes and pureed meals for 10 days. It sounds like not all doctors have the same menu plan.

Yes, I am to be banded on 10/14. I start my restricted pre-op diet tomorrow. I had "Butterfinger" for my last supper! Really, my appetite has been less than normal. Maybe it (my mind and appetite) have already prepared for the next couple of months. I went to a support group meeting tonight. Everyone seemed so glad they had done this. Some were up to 2.5 years past surgery. One had last 205 pounds. I suppose those who don't do well don't come to the support group so it is probably a biased group. Still, it did give me a feeling of confidence.

I went to my first support group meeting tonight. I will be banded on 10/14. I have been feeling excited but also a bit nervous. The support group really helped answer my concerns. I am glad I went.

I am so proud of you. I am 63 and have not been banded yet. I hope to be before the summer is over. You are an inspiration to me.

Wow! This discussion has been very helpful to me. Thanks to all that wrote in. I have about 2 months to go in the 6 month monitored period. I was given a pre-op diet and thought that it was insurance that required that rather than the doctor. My BMI is less than 36 (35.2 last visit) so I don't think I should lose weight now or my BMI will not be within the approved range. Another possible issue for me, the lapband doctors office measured my heigth at 5' 3" - a recent annual checkup with my GP measured me at 5' 2". Has anyone every had the lapband people change the heigth they originally recorded? Some where in between the 2 measurements may make a lot of difference in my BMI.

Hi... Thanks for the note. I see that you are doing very well with your weight lose. Congratulations! Do you have any regrets at all? Yes, I do have other considerations like HBP, high cholestrol, sleep disorders and some heart burn/acid reflux. The counselor in my doctor's office is very supportive and actually told me not to lose any weight during this period. I have been up and down a little but in total have gained a half pound. She said it is really difficult to predict if BCBS will approve me. I do have a history of weighing about 20 pounds more than I do right now. Is that good or bad as far as getting approved goes? It seems that the benefits of Lap Band have been well established and that insurers would really help their clients. In addition, it may actually save the insurers money by relieving other payouts related to obesity. :grouphug:

Hi all, I am in my 4th month of the 6 month supervised monitoring. I am at 35.2 BMI. After years (I am 63) of fighting up and down, I know I need to do something that is more likely to work. My doctors office wants everyone to lose up to 20 lbs in this 6 month period. If I lose that, my BMI will fall below the required 35. I know I may not be in the same situation as many but it is still a big problem. I have not been able to maintain weight lose for any period of time on my own. I need this surgery. Has anyone been in my situation and been able to qualify with BCBS? Any tips will be greatly appreciated.