bpenney

The bottom line here folks, is there's no exact science to it. Every Dr has different methods and post-op diet requirements. I had one day of Clear liquids pre-op, and post op was full liquids from day one. My good friend had a 2 week liquid pre-op, and 2 week post-op. Every Doctor has their own method. Listen to your body, and be extremely cautious with what you do. You may or may not pay for it. But for anyone on here to presume they know what's best for anyone else, is foolish. We're all different, we all heal differently based on age, race, gender, genetics, etc... And just because someone is "new" to this forum doesn't mean they're new to the information regarding this lifestyle change. I've been on this journey for over 30 months now. I trust my doctors way before I trust a web forum.

From what I've been told by my doctors, this isn't true. Digestion takes place through digestive fluids in the stomach pouch, not by movement. When the digestive fluids break down the food particles, they become small enough to slip into and through the stoma, where small fiberous hairs in your intestine move them along the intestinal tract. The band is tightly placed around the stomach, it's not going anywhere unless some sort of violent activity takes place, like continual vomiting etc... I wouldn't worry about it, minimeemz. Just be careful in moving too fast, because you could slow your healing progression. I'm one week post-op, and I've cheated a tiny bit, by not straining my cream Soups. I seem to be doing ok, and I really want to move on to mushies but... I think I'll wait a few more days.

I'm excited, it's been a 2 year + journey for me to get my surgery. I just want it over with, so I can start living my new life. Manchester is west of Ann Arbor approx 25 miles. Right between Ann Arbor and Jackson.

I was just coming on here to ask this same question. I called my surgeons office and they told me to call my gp and get on something. My surgery is Tuesday, and if they have to postpone it, it will be months before I can get in. I don't want that. I have severe allergies, and have a sinus infection because of them. I'm going to get something today to take care of this by Monday.

Seems to me, if you cut one fishy up into dime-size portions, you could easily chew, swallow, and not worry about them. Of course, eating a whole one is probably going to get stuck.

Bob, I lived in Coldwater for two years. I was not happy there... lol... BBK, Grass Lake would work for me. How about you Kirajh? Grass Lake is about a 20-25 minute drive for me. Where in Grass Lake would you suggest, BBK? I'm not too familiar with the area.

I'm just wondering how much this varies from person to person. I've read some people are eating full meals, with healthy portion sizes of course. But I've also heard of people who can't eat more than a 4oz of solids before they're full. Is it a standard 4oz pouch for everyone? I thought it was, but maybe I'm wrong? What is a typical meal for you in size? 2oz of chicken, 2 oz of veggies, and something else? Thanks.

These were all great responses, folks. Everyone is truly different it seems. Makes you wonder how the exact same procedure can be the perfect answer for so many people. Thanks everyone.

Well, two years and three months after my initial consult... I finally have a surgery date! Tuesday, June 10th 2008. I will be banded by Dr. Poplowski in Ypsilanti, MI. :thumbs_down: I'm so excited. It's like Christmas coming early.

I've only been sick enough to vomit once in the last 12 years. It was about 8 years ago when that happened. So I'm not overly concerned about it. However, from what I've read... if you're sick enough to vomit, you should probably go get unfilled for safety purposes.

Those of you in Jackson, near Jackson, etc... There's a support group in Brooklyn, MI but it's not specific to Bandsters. It's for all Bariatric patients I believe. We could certainly start one though. I'm about 30 miles from Jackson. I'm about 10 miles south of Chelsea, in a town called Manchester. Where would a central location for all of us be?

Another Michigander here! Surgery is June 10th at Barix Clinics in Ypsilanti.

I'm going through Dr. Poplawski in Ypsi. Personally I think there's really very little difference between the Realize band and the Lap-Band. They both serve the same purpose, which is to be a tool thhat we have to utilize for maximum weight loss and sustaining a lifestyle change. Barix is great about responding to my calls. Their insurance group was great in communicating what I needed to do and helped me do it. The staff is highly knowledgeable, and I can't find a bad word about Dr. Poplawski anywhere online. I'm excited to get my surgery in a few short weeks. Good luck in your decision.

Refried Beans have carbs, but unlike white rice or potatoes, it's not a refined starch carb. It's a healthy carb, and not one that should be avoided. Coupled with the Protein in the beans, it's a fantastic energy source, and they'll stay with you for quite some time so you shouldn't get hungry too quickly. If you're going to buy canned beans, buy fat free. However, I suggest making your own refried beans. A 1lb bag of pintos, cooked per bag instructions, then mashed and fried with chopped onions and garlic is amazing. Tastes fantastic.

shorty, stay strong and be encouraged. Over 2 years ago my pcp did similar to yours. She sabotaged my attempt at surgery during my weight loss trial for insurance. 3 months in, I had lost 22lbs (most of it water weight, from cutting out soda etc...) and she decided if I stuck to the diet I could lose the weight, no surgery needed. She told me she wouldn't recommend the surgery, and blew my hopes out of the water. I got depressed, gain back all the weight I'd lost plus some more, and figured I was screwed. Then I changed pcp's, and my surgery is now in June. Don't waste time on depression or feeling sorry or upset. Simply switch pcp's. Get all your documentation sent over to your new pcp, and have them write the letter. The letter from the new pcp and included documentation will prove you've done the weight loss trial period, and completed all you need to do. The insurance should still accept it, mine did. Good luck! -Brian

I'm not required to be on one either. My BMI is 41. But I'm already down 20 lbs from my initial appt, so they aren't concerned with my liver size. However, I'm planning on a few days of liquid diet before my surgery for the psychological aspect of it.

I wasn't aware of the Men's Room way down here at the bottom of the forums. So, hello all! I've just received insurance approval this week, and hope to schedule my surgery before the end of May. I'm going to go read up on some of your stories for inspiration. -Brian

It only matters if she needs insurance approval, and losing weight now reduces the BMI to a point that she no longer qualifies for the surgery per her insurance's qualifications. Yes, everyone should prepare for surgery. But if losing weight sabotages your insurance coverage of the procedure, wait until you've received the approval. For me, 20lbs would negate my insurance approval. But now that my approval has arrived, I can prepare for the lifestyle change.

It depends on your approval. Are you a self-pay or insurance coverage? Once you obtain your insurance approval (if that's your method of payment) I would say, start eating better, and prepare yourself for the life change about to commence. If you're a self-pa, no need to worry about it. Good luck.

Hello all. My name is Brian, and I'm in the final prep stages before my surgery. I was approved by my insurance last week, and I'm now waiting to schedule my surgery. Likely within the next 4 to 6 weeks. I'm excited, somewhat scared/nervous, but mostly excited. Ready to start my new life. Both my parents were diabetics, as well as my grandparents. All overweight. My grandma and father both died of pancreatic cancer, my dad was only 54. He was morbidly obese as well, and I was most certainly on the path he lived. Which is why I've now taken the steps to improve the remainder of my life. Who knows, I may get hit by a bus in 2 years, but I can guarantee I won't be dying due to my obesity. :confused: I know a couple of close friends who've undergone the surgery, both in November of 07. One has lost 80+ lbs and her start weight was well over 400. She's doing awesome, and I'm very proud of her. My other friend has lost almost 50 lbs, and she's had a rough go of it, due to the psychological issues she has with food. I'm looking forward to what's ahead for my future. A bit about me: I'm 29 & married, going on 9 years. I have a son named Caleb who is 3. I'm a Marketing Manager for a software company, we're a compliance partner of IBM. I'm also an Audio Engineer, and a Recording artist signed to a small record label in California. I've always been overweight, but since I've been married and soon after took a desk job, the additional weight piled on. I've yo-yo dieted for the last 9 years to no avail. WLS was my last option. It's been a 2 year process getting to my surgery, and I thank God I've finally gotten here. I can't wait to begin my new life. Thanks for reading, and I hope to gain new friends here, and find the additional support I'll need. -Brian

Hello fellow Michigan folks! I'm in the Ann Arbor area, and my Band procedure is being done by Dr. Poplowski at Barrix Clinics in Ypsilanti. I'm excited as weel. It's funny how different Dr's work. My Dr wanted insurance approval etc.. before they set my surgery date. I just got my approval last week, and still no date for surgery. I'm hoping to hear from them soon.

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Hi Victoria! I'm new here as well, but I'm in a similar boat as you. Just got my approval last week, and soon to schedule my surgery. However, I'm so excited to start the rest of my life, and be able to live it as a normal human being. Be encouraged! This is the first day of the rest of your life. -Brian