Bandette08

Restless M, I was told healing time is 6 weeks, so don't worry about WL or WG. I am very ready for the band and know it will be a big challenge. I will be sure to listen to my doctor and nutritionist. I have plenty of boxed mashed potatoes and I probably will get tired of mushies,too. After you get your fill, don't you have to go on a 2 days liquid diet everytime? I was told we do. Sweet

I have to agree with Lisamarie. All seminars should be FREE FREE FREE!!! *lol* Hey Restless Monkey, how are you doing since you got banded? Looks like you have lost a lot of weight, congrats. Are you have any trouble swallowing certain foods? Sweet G

Wow, If I was you, I would go to another place for a seminar. In MD, I didn't have to pay for a seminar. I had to pay for a Nutrition and Psych. consultations which was required ahead of time for insurance purpose and surgeon itself. Don't give up girl, keep on searching. I wish I could help. Sweet Gothic

I LOVE Slim Fast, but I can't have that period. My surgeon and Nutritiionist said NO NO to Slim Fast. It has way too much sugar, not good..I just got some Atkins Advantage and EAS...Will find out this week what I think of those protein drinks!!! Come on Oct. 6th, I can't wait to get banded. Sweet

JWRN, I am hoping they will do that for me. I have pierced nipples for about 2.5 yrs now. SInce I won't be laying on my belly, I don't see why not put in plastic rings or tape with surgical tape. I will ask about that at Pre Op class this Monday. It's not really that close to belly,huh?! I wasn't going to say anything about it, then again I like to be 100% open. SweetGothic

No, I don't know. I have in here somewhere that a few had to have thier gall bladder removed sometimes after being banded due to stopped eating fats.

I have acrylic nails. I'm sure most surgeons will tell you to remove all nail polishes. I had knee surgery, so it was not a problem leaving them on w/o polish. I have a 3 weeks old one ear peircing for third time. Wonder if I have to using fishing line or plastic ear rings? I hope my surgeon will accept plastic rings in ears. LOL What if any of you bandsters have body peircings? Can you replace with plastic rings from nipples, belly button, face and more?

Hello Shelia, I will get banded on Oct. 6th as well in MD!! I am freaking excited. LOL Monday, I start my 2 weeks pre op liquid diet. How about you? Sweet Gothic

Today, I found out my 2 weeks pre op diet consists of "Liquids" only..2 - 3 protein shakes ( Atkins Advantage or EAS Atkins from Walmart Pharmacy), sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles and sugar free pudding. Drink non-carbonated water, flavored water, tea, green tea, diet soda, coffee and diluted fruit juice ( 1/2 juice and 1/2 water). Sounds like it's easy. I can handle this. I will start Monday, 22nd!!! Congrats and welcome October Bandsters, Sweet Gothic

Sim78, I will start my 2 weeks pre-op diet on Monday, too!! Will get banded on Oct. 6th. * High Five* Good luck!

I'm an OCTOBER BANDETTE!!! I'm set for Oct. 6, Monday morning. My Insurance approve last week. Now, that means I have to start Pre-opt diet this coming Monday..I will look for Atkins Advantage Protein drinks. I'm not sure what all I can have, but liquids only. I'm getting banded in MD. Let's all stay in touch. I have to go for Pre-opt testing and take pre-op class for 2 hrs. and Post-op food/juice shopping. teeeheeee October Bandette!!

I was told no Slim Fast at all, too much sugar. Atkins Advantage from Walmart is popuar. Good for Pre Op and Post Op. I will find out myself. LOL

I finally got the surgery date set for 10-6-2008. That was fast. Looks like I will have to get some of Atkins Advantage protien drinks to start Monday for 2 weeks pre-op liquid diet.

Atkins Advantage protien drinks from Walmart was recommended by my surgeonn. Also EAS Advance drinks as well..NO Slim Fast period, too much sugar. I hope to get banded this fall. Still waiting on insurance...

I am still waiting to hear back from my insurance on how much coverage they will cover for me, so I hope to be banded this fall. My nutritionist told me NO Slim Fast at all. It has way too much sugar. Go for Atkins Advantage from Walmart. Less carbs.. Very good tasting and is popular. I am going to try that stuff soon.

Hi Slim, Good luck on your surgery!! According to lapbanders, they say they are not as hungry after being banded. I guess it depends on your fill. Unlike Gastric or sleeve, I figured with lap band, we can adjust the fill to lose more weight once it slows down!!! I doubt this would work for everyone. I hope to be banded this year, no hurry. I will need time off from work probably, so have to save up vacation days. I"m a solid person and people don't believe how much I weigh..That's good news for me tho!! LOL But I would feel better getting under 200lbs!!! hehehe I am soo ready for the change..Doo

Char, I go to Dr Averbach in Catonsville, MD. I've already had my consultant appt. with him and the Dietician,too at his office today. Now, I'm going back to same office to see a Pysch. It is required. I'm very excited and looking fwd to my surgery date sometimes IF my ins approves. I don't know if you're in that area, but thought I'll share this information. I've heard many good things about this place. I am 46 and married. My husband may want to give it a try as well. Good luck. Doodie

I am a custodian and have an appt with surgeon;Dr. Andrew Averbach in Catonsville, MD Tues. Wish me luck.:biggrin: My Primary doctor gave them a referral, so I can take advantage of any co-pay from my ins. I already had blood lab work done ahead of time. I have no medical problem, except varicose viens and arthritis in my knees. I am on my feet all day at work, walk a lot. :mad: I'm glad I don't have a desk job. LOL I am curious if there are any custodians who may have went back to work in less than 3 weeks...I do lift a lot during school year as well as summer which I don't have to with other supportive co-workers as long as they don't get mad. D

I think you can find one in the Baltimore area. Hope you found someone, sorry to hear that. I hope to get banded..D