whaletail

I'm still new to the band world, but today my friends told me about IDS Liquid Protein. It's got 42grams of protein per 3oz, which I thought was great!!!!! Small amount, and a great amount of protein. It has the consistency of liquid jello, but was very fruity. Some people mix it with water, which makes it taste like kool-aid. I decided to just drink it and it was pretty good. It's a little pricey at 2.75 a tube or 25-30 dollars per 12 tube case. I drink it on those days when I am not that hungry, but need to fit in the protein. But well worth it for me, not to have hair loss or a protein deficiency. It can be found at any vitamin store, I even found it a smoothie king!!! Just an FYI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbup:

I have Aetna HMO. They required a 3 month pre diet and letter from my primary doctor, and my surgery was covered 100%. I had a $100 copay. It mostly depends on your place of employment, which tells the insurance company what they want covered. When all my paperwork was submitted, I was approved in 6 days. It was a really smooth process. I would call Aetna and ask them about it, they are really friendly and helpful. I have never had a problem with Aetna, I've been with them for over 10 years. Good Luck!!!!

I am about 2.5 weeks out. I don't get my first fill until May 15th. So I got 2 more weeks. But I feel your frustration, I am eating soft foods, which is everything if I chew it to death. I have lost about 8 lbs since surgery. So, You're doing well. I think we all want it off fast, but losing weight really fast isn't healthy. Keep your head up!!!! And take it easy with the full foods!!!!! Congrats!!!!!! You're not ALONE!!!!!

Congratulations!!!! I am 3 weeks post op and I do remember the calf pain after surgery, especially at night. It went away in about 2-3 days. Walking seemed to help. Your body has got to get rid of all the meds inside. Taking a deep breath and coughing will hurt for awhile, remember the doctor was moving around inside and the port was sutured to a muscle in your abdominal cavity. Holding a pillow when I cough helped alot!!!!!! Hang in there, I am just getting completely pain free now. It will get better!!!!!!! Congrats once again!!!!!!

MY doctor scheduled me for a fill 4 weeks after surgery, I was banded April 16th. And I am glad to know that I am not alone. I could eat a horse, and those Red Lobster commercials are killing me too. How funny!!!! I was told to have 2-3 oz every hour the first week after surgery. But I am eating much more now ( soft foods). I can't wait til May 15th for my first fill.

I was also banded on April 16th. Trust me!!! Leave the strips alone. I had skin glue after surgery, which didn't hold, and I had to get sutures the next day. I'm still dealing with bleeding wounds 1 week later. The strips will fall off in due time. Congrats to everyone!!!!

Guess it appears that everyone is different!!!! I'm post op 4 days and still pretty sore in my port area. It's not completely unbearable, but it will make you stop and slow down a second every now and then, but hopefully you're one of those people who will be at walmart shopping the next day, wish I could have!!!!!!

Thanks IRC!!!! It's getting better!!!! Able to sleep on my side now too, but the bumps in the road are still killing me. (literally). I'm keeping my head up for now, just waiting to be pain free and skinnier!!!!

Rebecca, How you are doing better!!! I am not as sore, but my port area is still pretty tender!!! Just think in a few weeks, we won't remember this pain, we'll be bragging about our weight loss!!! Keep us posted!!!

Had my banding April 16th. Things went well!!! My doctor uses skin glue for closing wounds ( less scarring), and the next morning to my surprise, one incision didn't hold!!! So, Ended up with 6 sutures today!!!! All is well though!!! Alittle sore, but glad it's done. Next step!!!!! Getting to the pureed foods tomorrow!!!!!! :tt1::thumbup::tt2::thumbup:. Best of luck to everyone this April!!!!! Keep us posted!!!!!!

I had outpatient surgery, so I was at home when I saw my wound open, but I called the doctor and wemnt in to have it sutrured closed. Still feeling sore, but doing well.

It was banded on the 16th too. The pain is much more than I thought also. I even had to get sutures the next day because my skin glue didn't hold.I've been moving slow too. You have to remember that they moved alot of things around in there,( moving the liver, putting in the port and the pouch), so things may take alittle while to heal. But don't get discouraged, just think next week, we should be better. Glad to know I'm not the only one. I thought I was going to bounce back right away. But I'm dealing with gas pain on the left, and soreness on the right, and trying to decide if I feel hunger pain. Keep your head up!!! Keep me posted!!!! And congratulations, we have the same new" birthday".

Had surgery yesterday!!!! I do experience some calf pain at night when I sleep. Blood circulation is the key here. Walk as much as you can during the day to prevent that pain. The sore throat is normal, the tube used for intubation does make it sore. Not having any fluid problems. But it will all pass, can't wait for the soreness to go away!!!! Good Luck!!!

Thanks, amsderb!!! Time will go by fast for all of us!!!! The beginning of a new world!!!!! Thanks for the support!!!!! I'll keep you all posted!!!!!!! 3 DAYS TO GO FOR ME!!!!!

Congratulations!!!! I can share your excitement!!!!! My big day is April 16th. Going thru my 2 week liquid diet now!!!! If you have to do it, it's not that bad!!! But it is a challenge!!!! Keep us posted!!!!!

I am on Day 3 of my pre op liquid diet!!! Got 11 more days to go according to my doctor. I am drinking Optifast, and its not bad, but I feel it's not enough. I am glad to hear that it gets better and you feel full later. I've been trying to throw in alot of water right after the shake. And it helps. I've already apologize to all my family and friends, cause the bad attitude is coming soon. I feel it!!!:tongue:. My Big Day is April 16. Glad to know I'm not the only one!!!! Stay Strong!!!!!!!

Hello, Having surgery in 2 weeks!!!! Gotta do a 2 week liquid plan. Starting tomorrow. Anyone got any tips to make it thru??

Great!!!! Dr. Garth Davis is my doctor too!!!!! He's GREAT!!!! The process went really fast. I had to do a 3 month pre diet for insurance purposes, but all in all it was smooth. April 16th is the big day!!!! Hope everything goes quick for you too!!