vayiayia

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to me! Three weeks from today I'll be banded. I'll be on the liquid fast during the Easter holiday. I went to Golden Corral last night. It wasn't my idea. Family wanted to go. All you can eat buffets and super sizing; it's no wonder we are a nation of obese children and adults, and that heart diseae is one of the top three causes of early death. So, how does one succeed in this weight loss journey, even with a lap band? I guess that's my biggest concern in an environment of all the food you can eat. So much socialization revolves around FOOD; having friends and family over for meals; going out for lunch/dinner with friends. I guess that's where the support group comes in. I'm still filled with mixed feelings, questions, concerns, doubts and hopes. I'd appreciate any support and insights that the experienced banders can offer!

The best and most absorbable Protein is whey PROTEIN ISOLATE. It comes in an unflavored/unsweetened powder, so you don’t have to worry about sugar and it can be added to ANYTHING solid or liquid. I keep a 2-5 pounder in my fringe at all times (Remember, you will need 60 grams of protein daily post-op for the rest of your life!). It’s a great way to get a dose of protein whenever you need it, especially when you get tired of eating the same protein sources day after day. Here are a few places to purchase WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE. http://www.vitacost.com/JarrowFormulas100NaturalWheyProtein http://nutrabio.com/Products/whey_protein_concentrate.htm http://search.store.yahoo.net/cgi-bin/nsearch?catalog=americasvitaminstore&query=Whey%20protein%20isolate&.autodone=nsearch.html Best wishes!

A few more suggestions: Soy milk. It's pretty good! I use it in my tea. It comes in flavors, and I think splenda sweetened. You can probably have hot/cold herb teas. Try some of the Celestial Seasonings teas.They have a whole bunch of non-caf. types. One of my favorites is Rostaroma Mocha Spice. Also have non caf. reg tea & green tea. I make a 2-3 qt batch of iced tea with 8 green tea bags, 1/3-1/2 cup splenda, juice from two lemon or limes, or even the juice from an orange. or just add a cup of your favorite fruit juice. Also 50/50 juice & Water. I hope this helps!

Some canned beef or chicken broth suggestions! You can cook carrots, onions, potatoes, etc. individually or together and cook until tender, then put it all in a blender/processer. How about juices? Make a banana and juice smoothie. Use whatever fruits you like, You can also freeze the smoothie for a yummy treat. It's just for a season, you can do it! I wish you the best for tomorrow!!! My date is April 16th.

Hello, I will be banded on April 16th. I'm doing it for the same reasons you mentioned. Lose weight, gain it back plus some. I'll bet that next to the secondary medical and health issues associated with obesity, most people have been banded because they too have struggled with the yo-yo diets and frustration of losing weight and then regaining with added pounds. Check with your insurance to see if the surgery is covered and what the criteria is. Straight up; what it all boils down to is Banding is forced portion control for those of us who are unable to reach and maintain a healthy weight on our own. I confess, I fit into that category and I know the consequences of my current weight, so I'm happy to have this surgical option. Best wishes!

Hi, I'm confused about why some of you use several weight loss tickers. Thanks!

Here is a link you can go to: Official Site: the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System for weight loss surgery Click on "find a surgeon" and type in your zip code. Calling your insurance company is a good idea too. They will tell you if the procedure is covered, and you can also find out the insurance company criteria for lapband approval.

Each therapist will perform the evaluation differently. Some will talk with you, asking questions to be sure you are of sound mind. They'll discuss your reasons for having the surgery and what your expectations are. Others will have you take a written personality test. Another may do both. I was the lucky one! I had a 90 minute therapy session and I returned a few days later for a personality test, which took about an hour. The personality test is a series of questions with multiple choice answers. Questions like: Do you love your father Have you ever thought about suicide If you were an artist, what would you paint Do you like fixing door hinges Have you ever heard voices Most of the questions will make you think, huh? what? are they kidding? Whatever you do, don't tell the coulselor that you binge eat, or eat when you're anxious or depressed, as they will see emotional eating as an issue that will not be resolved by having a lapband. Assure counselor that you see the lapband as a tool to assist you in acheiving your goal of becoming a healthier person, and not an end-all cure. You'll do fine! Use common sense and just answer the questions to the best of your ability.

I think that since there is limited room in the new pouch, some docs don't want patients to fill up on coffee and empty calories. Most lapbanders I've spoken to still drink coffee, just less of it.

Hello! How about cottage cheese, scrambled egg with cottage cheese instead of milk (very yummy!). Try stewing some chicken in chicken broth, add some diced carrots, garlic and onion, like a stew. Brown some ground beef and add broth. Lentel Soup, split pea soup. Stoneyfield vanilla yogurt with fresh pureed fruit. Baked apples or pears. Vegetable soup with slices of tofu. Eggdrop soup. Crockpot some meat and veggies until tender. Does this help at all?

Congratulations! You've done great. I hope I will be as successful as you have been. Spring is around the corner. You'll be more active and the last of the weight will come off.

Wow! Do you mean called today for surgery tomorrow?

Hey, I'm from Virginia Beach. I will be having my surgery on April 16th. Just have some pre-op procedures to complete (labs, physical & history). Got it all on the scheduled and on the calendar today, so yeah, I'm going through the mixed feelings syndrome. I wish you all the best! vayiayia

I received a call from my Surgical Weight Loss (SWL) doctor's office two weeks ago. My insurance, Tricare Standard, has approved my LapBand surgery. I have a surgery date of April 16th (not soon enough for me!). My process began in mid-November 2008, with nine mandatory pre-op orders that had to be completed before the surgeon's office would request surgical approval from my insurance company. Initial surgical weight loss seminar Office visit with my surgeon Blood labs Chest x-ray Upper GI testing Psychological evaluation Support group meeting Pre-op wellness and exercise class White light scan I worked through these within seven weeks. Getting an appointment for the psych eval was the most difficult. All the psych doctors had full schedules three - six months out. I was blessed to be find and be placed in a cancellation slot. All in all, my journey thus far seems to have been pretty painless compared to many people. I received approval from my insurance within a week of completing all of my surgical prerequisites. So, now I find myself giving considerable thought to the surgery. Will I be happy when I’m finally banded? Will I discover that food was my drug of choice? Will I regret my decision after banding? Will I be able to live with eating several mini-meals for the rest of my life? Will I be faithful in all I have to do to insure that I get the proper amounts of protein, nutrition and hydration? How will the Lap-Band affect my quality of life and ability to get necessary nutrition when I am elderly? I’m excited about the surgery, but I am not without “what if’s”. Am I the only woman that has these pre-surgery questions going through her head?:thumbup: Are there any other Virginia Beach/Tidewater bandsters out there?

Thanks for responding! How has your surgery and progress been? I live 10 minutes from Sandbridge.

I received a call from my Surgical Weight Loss (SWL) doctor's office two weeks ago. My insurance, Tricare Standard, has approved my LapBand surgery. I have a surgery date of April 16th (not soon enough for me!). My process began in mid-November 2008, with nine mandatory pre-op orders that had to be completed before the surgeon's office would request surgical approval from my insurance company. Initial surgical weight loss seminar Office visit with my surgeon Blood labs Chest x-ray Upper GI testing Psychological evaluation Support group meeting Pre-op wellness and exercise class White light scan I worked through these within seven weeks. Getting an appointment for the psych eval was the most difficult. All the psych doctors had full schedules three - six months out. I was blessed to be find and be placed in a cancellation slot. All in all, my journey thus far seems to have been pretty painless compared to many people. I received approval from my insurance within a week of completing all of my surgical prerequisites. So, now I find myself giving considerable thought to the surgery. Will I be happy when I’m finally banded? Will I discover that food was my drug of choice? Will I regret my decision after banding? Will I be able to live with eating several mini-meals for the rest of my life? Will I be faithful in all I have to do to insure that I get the proper amounts of protein, nutrition and hydration? How will the Lap-Band affect my quality of life and ability to get necessary nutrition when I am elderly? I’m excited about the surgery, but I am not without “what if’s”. Am I the only woman that has these pre-surgery questions going through her head? Are there any other Virginia Beach/Tidewater bandsters out there?

I received a call from my SWL doctor's office two weeks ago. My insurance, Tricare Standard, has approved my LapBand surgery. I have a surgery date of April 16th (not soon enough for me!). My process began in mid-November 2008 with eight pre-op orders that had to be completed before the surgeon's office would request surgical approval from my insurance company. Initial Blood labs Chest x-ray Upper GI testing Psych evaluation Support group meeting Pre-op wellness and exercise class White light scan

I received a call from my SWL doctor's office two weeks ago. My insurance, Tricare Standard, has approved my LapBand surgery. I have a surgery date of April 16th (not soon enough for me!). My process began in mid-November 2008 with eight pre-op orders that had to be completed before the surgeon's office would request surgical approval from my insurance company. Initial Blood labs Chest x-ray Upper GI testing Psych evaluation Support group meeting Pre-op wellness and exercise class White light scan

Hello, I haven't been banded yet, but I have has issues with leg and calf cramping. It is uaually do to dehydration and/or low potassium. For the next few days, eat a banana and 8oz of Water 3 x daily. The banana is mashable and a good food and Vitamin source. I, personally, have resigned myself to eating a banana daily and taking a potassium and Calcium suppliment for the rest of my life. I also keep a one gallon drink dispenser (the glass/plactic type with spouts that are sold summer drinks) in my kitchen and bedroom filled with water. You can easily flavor the water if needed with one of the many powdered energy packets on the market these days. And, yess, bring this to the attention of your doctor. Blessings, vayiayia

Would love to chat. Considering Lap Band in Virginia Beach. Tricare standard. Only a few docs with good recs on the Lap Band list for my area. Thanks!

Hi, I'm using Norfolk Surgical Group and Dr Wolgemuth. He was highly recommended by my Gastro doctor, as his surgeon. I live in the Dam Neck/General Booth area. Blessings, Joanna

Hello, Can someone who has been banded by WLSC in Newport News tell me if there are any out of pocket expenses not covered by insurance? I went to a Lap Band seminar with the Norfolk Surgical group. I have full insurance coverage. The entire group of seminar attendees were told there is a one time out of pocket fee for services ($500) that is not covered by insurances. The fee has to be paid at the initial office visit to proceed with pre-op care and surgical schedualing. Is this common with other Tidewater weight loss surgeons? Thanks!!!

Hello, Can someone who has been banded by WLSC in Newport News tell me if there are any out of pocket expenses not covered by insurance? I went to a Lapband seminar with the Norfolk Surgical group. I have full insurance coverage. The entire group of seminar attendees were told there is a ne time out of pocket fee for services ($500)that is not covered by insurances. The fee has to be paid at the initial office visit to proceed with pre-op care and surgical schedualing. Is this common with other Tidewater weight loss surgeons? Thanks!!!

Hello, Obama is not black. He is Blite. He's as much white as he is black. It's his associations that I'm concerned about.

I'm not banded yet, but I have been giving myself inter-muscular B-12 shots for 5 years. Actually, my husband gives me the shot in my deltoid muscle. My doctor gives me a 1 year refillable script plus needles. It's covered by most insurances. I take two shots weekly. Ask your gastro or primary care doc to write you a script. Considering that you are B-12 deficient, your doc shouldn't have issue with the request.