pongomp

Vodka & Red Bull. Gives me energy & doesn't sound girlie.

I hear ya. I used to order 2 jr. cheeseburger deluxes, a biggie fry, a large frosty, and a biggie coke. ** now... I order the 5 piece nugget, a side salad, and a jr. frosty. I eat 2 nuggets, throw the other 3 away. Then about an hour later, eat the side salad. About an hour after that I enjoy the frosty..

Hey John, I'm in Elkton, Md. Is that close to you?

Hang in there, I completely understand what you are saying. Making the decision to have the surgery is a tough one, and once you make it, it's easy to have second thoughts. My family/friends were supportive in the beginning, but as the surgery got closer they became more negative. The common saying I heard was, "you're not that fat, isn't this just a lazy way out? You can just exercise more and be more strict with your diet". They just don't understand. You just have to explain that it was a difficult decision to make, but you have made it and you know that it is going to both save & change your life. Deciding to have surgery is never a lazy route, any surgery is hard and with risks. I'm sure your family/friends are trying to be helpful, but you just need to be firm in your decision and tell them it is the right thing for you. If they don't listen or argue, you need to walk away. Trust me, it will all be worth it in the end when you are feeling healthier, more energetic, happier.

Good Luck knotchy! The liquid diet is not fun, but you get through it. I tried a bunch of different things to maximize my protein intake, but a lot of stuff really tastes like crap, or is very expensive. The thing that worked best for me is called, New Whey Liquid Protein. It comes in a test-tube like container that is 3.1 ounces. I only liked the fruit punch flavor. It tasted like a melted popsicle. I'm not saying the taste is great, but not bad. The good part is that it is only 3.1 ounces, but has 42 grams of protein. So, even though the taste wasn't the best, it was only a little amount to get down. I was able to find it a GNC and online. It is about $2.50 a tube.

Hi everyone! I was banded in April and have since lost 81 pounds. My insurance will cover a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery if 80 pounds or more is lost and the tummy tuck is deemed to be medically necessary. I am meeting with a plastic surgeon on Friday. Can anyone explain what constitutes, "medically necessary"? I don't think that I have any problems other than the sagging is annoying..but I don't know if it is medically causing any problems? Unfortunately my insurance is changing in Janaury and the new company does not cover any plastic surgery....so if I can get the procedure done now and paid for...all the better. But I am worried about the "medically necessary" part.

Congrats! I have my consultation tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes.

My insurance is Cigna. Congrats on your 85 pounds dude!

Hi everyone! I have been banded since April 08 and just found this site. I think I could spend all day on here reading the posts. I have the Realize Band, and have been happy with the results. So far I have lost 81 pounds and have 40 more to go till my goal weight. No regrets on the surgery, one of the best decisions I have made for myself. My surgeon was great and I feel very lucky! Best wishes to everyone out there considering this surgery!