imaginegirl

I've talked to the ins co three times about the requirements and they said I'll be qualified as long as the psych exam goes ok. I do meet the min BMI. I just wondered about which qualifications are the doctor's vs the ins co. I'll know more soon because I finally got my drs appt.

i talked to a third person at the insurance company who gave me more precise info. She said sometimes the surgeon is strict about their own requirements because they want the patient to be successful. But as far as ins goes, I do meet the requirements of 40 or higher BMI.

Hi, I'm preop. One surgeon I saw insisted that I follow a high protein, low carb, low fat diet after the op. Nothing "squishy", which wouldn't fill me up (low fat yogurt, low fat cottage cheese, protein drinks), no beans (the staple of a veg diet). These foods are one of the main ways for a veg (not vegan) to get protein! It doesn't seem that an Atkins-like diet is realistic for a veg. I do eat a little fish but don't want to eat it three times a day. What do you think? Didn't a nutritionist work with you to find the best diet for you, not mandate a particular eating plan? I think the surgeon is completely unrealistic.

I feel more hopeful now!

Good idea. And if I meet with the nutritionist at this surgeon's office and she/he insists on an Atkins-like diet, then I know they won't be doing my surgery.

Does anyone drink wine after WLS? I know it's empty calories, but I'd like to be able to have a glass periodically.

That's how I look at it. Now's the opportunity to "clean house" and get my mind right.

I'm glad to hear that you no longer want alcohol. That gives me hope. I actually haven't had a drink for three days and I don't miss it. Keeping my fingers crossed.

That's a relief. I plan to talk to the nutritionist before I make a decision just so we're on the same page.

The maintenance plan looks very doable. Whew!

This is the best thread! I love seeing what you all eat. I'm still in the research phase. My mom and sister had the band. I've seen how they could eventually eat more than a few forks' full. Is that how it works....you eat very little at first, and then your stomach stretches a little so that you can eat a little more? I know I'll never go back to normal portions.

Those cucumbers look delicious. Did you put Trader Joe's Everything Bagel seasoning on them?

You all are so helpful. You've made me realize that now is not the right time for surgery. I'm going to focus on my recovery for now. If I do have the surgery, I want to go into it with a clear mind and ability to set new goals to help myself.

Good news! I'm trying to find an AA group I like.

That's how I look at surgery...as a reset, a tool to help me get on the right track.

My nurse practitioner suggested I cut back to 1 or 2 glasses a night, however I haven't been able to do that. Tonight I'm sober because I'm so tired of being overweight.

So it would take two years to lose 100 lbs? I just can't see that happening. Thanks for suggestion about the sugar free hard candy!

Hi, the bariatric surgeon I have an appointment with requires that my primary care doctor fill out a form letter about my condition. The doctor included some "misinformation" in the letter. He said I'd tried three things to lose weight that I haven't. I know he didn't misunderstand because I never mentioned them. Does this mean that he wanted to "pad" the letter to prove that I need surgery? Is he afraid that the surgeon won't approve me? I hope the surgeon doesn't read the letter too carefully because I don't want any questions about these untruths.

I think you're right. It was an honest mistake. I think I'll talk to him about it when I go in next.

I'm curious about those of you who've had Lap Band surgery or the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty. From what I've read, the band surgeries have a lower excess weight loss than something like gastric bypass. I hesitate to cause my body to avoid absorbing nutrients, which is what gastric bypass does, and the sleeve is bad for people with GERD, so I've been thinking about the band. Do you have any regrets? Any side effects like GERD? Problems with eating certain foods? How much weight have you lost? You're viewpoint is appreciated!

I take five pills in the morning now, and after surgery I'll be taking several multivitamins and supplements, as you know. These are not among pills that people sometimes don't need after surgery -- blood pressure medicine, cholesterol med, etc. I've read that you split up the meds over the day. Still, doesn't your stomach fill up so you can't eat?

Wow, that gives me hope -- that you were able to take 2 fairly large tablets the next day.

That's what I wanted to know! Thanks.

That's good to hear about your other meds.

I would definitely give up drinking for the surgery.