MissBS

Good luck to you Debbie!!! I hope it all works out for you. I completed day 14 of my 23 day pre-op diet today and I do drink 2 protein shakes a day. It has not been nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I think it has helped to get me away from some of my bad habits and ready for the post-op diet that I will be on. I'm not saying it has been easy, or that there were not times that I've been hungry, but I've done it and I feel positive that I can do the post-op liquid diet and then eat what I am supposed to in order to become the healthy person that I want to be. I've also found some foods and strategies that I know work for me and will have these tools ready to use after my surgery. Good luck to you all!!!!! Hang in there Debbie. Keep us posted. Becky

Don't even get me started on insurance companies. A few people on here have had a pretty easy time getting approved and banded in a reasonable amount of time, but MOST have to fight and go through what I consider rediculous LONG pre-op diets, testing, etc. They just want to make it so hard that people will either say "forget it" or fail. It makes me sick!!! If your doctor says you need surgery, then you should have it..... not in a year, not in 6 months, and not when some insurance company decides that you are ready for it. I know some people will argue and say that doing the insurance hoop dance is one way to find out if people are really ready and committed to having this procedure done, but I think it is outrageous!!!! Many people have no choice but to do what their insurance provider says, and I do understand that. It just makes me sick what those companies do to the people who keep them in business. Just another way overweight people are discriminated against. If anyone does switch insurance providers because Lap Band surgery is not covered, PLEASE let them know this is why you are leaving - maybe it will help others in the future. YIKES. Maybe I need to take a Midol... just kidding. (it's the pre-op diet.. hehehehe) Just wanted to say what I've been thinking as I read people's posts. Good luck to you all!!!!!!!!!

Hi Becky. I'm Becky too. I just completed day 13 of my 23 day pre-op diet. I am drinking a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, and then 6 to 8 oz. of protein (chicken, fish), unlimited green vegetables, and 1 cup of fruit for dinner.... doctor's orders. I drink Atkins Advantage shakes. I think they are good. I like the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. I tried the chocolate mocha and it was OK, but I like the chocolate better. I ordered chocolate caramel mocha but they haven't come yet. They are not quite as easy to find as Slim Fast and they don't seem to go on sale as often, if ever.... but I've been drinking them for almost 2 weeks now and still like them. You might not, but you could try them. Good luck to you!!!!!

NanaDi. Where did you have your surgery done? Just curious. It sounds like you are doing great!!! It is always nice to read a post from someone who is not having problems and seeing great results. It helps those of us who haven't been banded yet to feel better... well it does me anyway!!! Congratulations on the meds.... a goal for many of us!!

Hi. We know where you are coming from. I am on day 13 of my 23 day pre-op diet. It is hard when I am home - like 3 day weekends. I do have to keep busy. When I feel like eating, I come on here and read people's comments, questions, and words of support. I also will clean a cupboard, a closet, etc. Leaving home is a good idea too. Anything to get your mind off of food. Hang in there.

Just wanted to say that I too am going to True Results in Houston. Dr Hollis will be doing my surgery. Thanks Andrew for all of your help. Texas here I come!!!!

Hi Andrew. Welcome. My name is Becky and I am scheduled to have my surgery done in Houston on September 12th. Where did you have yours done and who was your doctor? Thank you for sharing your story - it is inspirational!!

Hi Donna. I'm Sept. 12th too.... in Houston. Maybe we can keep in touch and compare notes.... and cheer each other on!!! Good luck to you!!

I have been moody too. I think before I used food to comfort me when I got stressed, lonely, bored, etc. Now I am having to deal with these feelings without my buddy food. I am on day 12 of my 3 week pre-op diet and I have screamed and cried at things that seem so silly when it is all over. I'm sure I will be better once I'm banded and down the road a little way. I've noticed my family all have their fingers crossed... hehehehe.

Hi Hickman. Welcome to LBT. I am kinda new here and have my surgery scheduled for Sept. 12th. This site is the perfect place to have your questions answered, get pre and post op suggestions, and make friends. It is so nice to talk to people who know exactly what you are feeling. Don't ever feel that a question is silly - ask them all!!!! People are so friendly and willing to help!! Good luck with the insurance part of your journey.

Thank you. I LOVE this site. I did a lot of research before making my decision, but this site has answered SOOOOOO many of my questions. A lot of the fear of the unknown has been taken away and I am more prepared for my upcoming surgery, my recovery, and life with a band. Again... thank you all for your support and replies!!!!!! Becky

Thank you for your replies. I think I am going to get someone to watch her on Tuesday too. My mom can go with me on Wednesday and as long as I need her. She is 80 (although no one ever believes it - she drives, lives alone, and has a better social life than I do.. hehehehehe). I think with a tag team, we can make it. Restless... yes I am getting excited. It is still a ways away but I can't wait. I'm not nervous or scared... just ready!!!! Thanks for your info on the gas.

Not long to wait now!!! Good luck to you. I am on day 12 of my pre-op diet.... lucky you... 3 day I will keep you in my thoughts - let me know how everything goes. How exciting!!!!

Hi. I understand where you are coming from. All surgeries have risks. While reading posts here at LBT I have read some where people have had complications.... but in almost every one, they say if they had it to do over again, they would. The risks of carrying all this weight around scares the s--- out of me. I want to be healthier and live longer. So in my case, the risks involved in NOT getting the band far outweighed (no pun intended) the risks of getting it. It is a big decesion and if you do not feel it is the right thing for you, then you should not do it. Maybe a list of pros and cons would help. Good luck to you.

Hi Kesha. My name is Becky. My surgery is scheduled for September 12th and I feel like you do. I flew down to Houston (750 miles) on August 13th for my initial consultation, but haven't met the doctor doing my procedure yet. I will go back to Houston on Tuesday Sept. 9, have my pre-op meeting with the doctor on Wed. and then my surgery will be on Friday. I just keep reading information on this site and I have an ongoing list of questions to ask him when I get there. (many have been answered here, but some are questions that he needs to answer for me). Today was day 11 of my 3 week pre-op diet. I have 2 Atkins Advantage shakes a day and then 6 to 8 oz. of protein, unlimited green vegetables and 1 cup of fruit for dinner. It hasn't been bad. All doctors are different and the pre-op diets are all different too. Some people have no pre-op diet, some have ALL liquids..... just depends on what your doctor tells you. I don't have my band yet so I don't feel like I should answer your question about fills. Since I am so far from my doctor and I already have 5 post op check ups that I think I have to fly down to Houston for, I'm hoping that I can get my fills somewhere closer to home... we'll see. I'm getting a lot of frequent flyer miles and when this is all over I am going to treat myself to a vacation!! Good luck to you!!! I'll be looking for progress reports and hope all goes well for you!! p.s. - I may be old... ok I am old, but that turquoise writing is very hard to read

Pete. Congratulations!! My family is helping me too and boy do I feel lucky. You will find that without insurance, you can get the surgery done soon. I had my initial consultation on Aug. 13th and my Sept. 12th surgery was set up that same day. I wish you all the luck in the world.

I LOVE pickles... no.... I'm a grandma... I'm not pregnant. Can you eat them after surgery when you get to solids??

Just wondering - what is on the menu.. hehehehe... for the day before and morning of surgery?? Just finished day 10 of 3 week pre-op diet, so go ahead and tell me... I can take it :biggrin: Good luck to you all!!!!

Atkins Advantage shakes - about 150 calories for 11 oz., 2g carbs, 1g sugars, and 15g protein. I really like them. I like the chocolate, vanilla, strawberry,..... didn't LOVE the chocolate mocha (but not BAD). I ordered some chocolate caramel mocha but they haven't come yet. No trouble getting them down. A little harder to find and do not go on sale often. Good luck to all of you shake drinkers. Just finished day 10 of 23 day pre-op

I love the kosher dills -they have always helped me with sweet cravings at night. I eat a spear and no longer want sweets. I have heard that the skin on fruits and vegetables give lots of people problems - not everyone of course. I am ADDICTED to red seedless grapes and I keep reading "no grapes". Maybe I will be able to eat them down the road - if not.... that's ok too. Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels... right? Thank you all for answering my strange question!!!!

Hi. I just completed day 9 of my 3 week pre-op diet. My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 12th. My pre-op diet is a shake for breakfast and lunch and 6 to 8 oz. of protein, unlimited green vegetables, and a cup of fruit for dinner. They said I could add sf Jello or pudding to my shakes but I really like the Atkins Advantage shakes. They don't taste bad to me and they keep me from getting really hungry. I was told no potatoes, carrots, and bananas. (of course no fatty foods, high sugar foods, pasta, etc.) Be careful when you buy shakes - my doctor said I could have Slim Fast Low Carb and I bough Slim Fast Optima - I had to take them back. Read the labels - some are better than others. Good luck!!!

Just finished day 9 of my 3 week pre-op diet... not bad for me. But.... if all I got was liquids for 3 weeks + after my surgery, I woudn't be able to refer to the paperwork because I would eat it. I would check with your doctor just to make sure. That is a long time to be on liquids only!!! Good luck to you!!

Hi. You've gotten lots of replies... which I might add, helped me too. I think you are very brave for being so honest in your post. Not many of us can read your letter and find things that didn't, or don't, describe us as well. It sounds like you are making your way to a decision. It is a big decision - take your time. I wish you all the luck in the world and this site sure is a good place to learn all there is to know about the lapband!!

Hi Dene. Welcome!! How lucky your husband is to have a wife/family who are so supportive. Seeing someone you love in pain is just as bad as being in pain yourself. I am scheduled for surgery on September 12th. I live in Albuquerque New Mexico and I am having the procedure done in Houston Texas. I am not using the insurance route so I don't know a lot about that, but if there are any questions I might be able to help you with, please feel free to ask. I pretty new, and certainly not an expert, but I'd love to be here for you if you need me. Good luck to you and your husband.

I think you should be giving us the tips!!!! Way to go!!!