jackieva

I don't know if my advice would help or not, but I was in the same boat. My employer is changing to Blue Cross HMO Jan 1, 2009. They do not cover the Band, only bypass. When I learned this in November, I had less than one month to complete the approval process. I quickly scheduled the psych. eval and begged the dr. for the results immediately, (she did, had the results sent to my insurance by the next day...try to find an independent therapist, one who works out a small office or their home...they will work for you versus a big medical group), then my psp wrote his recommendation. I will have the upper GI right before the Band while I am under. Finally, because I did not have 6 months of diet with dr., I wrote a letter detailing my years of obesity from birth and the diets attempted over my life. They accepted that, and I will be banded on the 31st. Its worth a shot.

Regarding carbonated drinks, I don't think my dr. mentionned erosion, but he did tell the group in the seminar that anything with carbonation or yeast causes swelling and gas bubbles, which in turn can be very, very uncomfortable once the band is on. I am eliminating all carbonation and bread after my band. God willing!

What's the recovery? Are you in pain? Or is it the inconveinece of the liquid diet? It seems as it is a case by case basis. Some will recuperate more than others faster and your line of work. If I can sit all day, or walk if I need to, work might not be too bad?

I can drink the Adkins shakes or Optifast. I can't have Boost/Ensure or anything with high carbs.

How are we doing today everyone?? I did pretty good yesterday on the liquid diet. Drank two shakes, sugar free Jello, diet soda, chicken broth, and my only "cheat" was a hotdog :biggrin: I know, I know, but I did not have bread with it (of course) and I tried to find a food with the lowest carbs and sugars. A hot dog had only 1 carb and no sugar. (I don't know about the other stuff in it!). 8 days left and counting...... ~Jackie~ Banding- Dec 31st, 2008

Yikes! Maybe I underestimated the procedure. I will be banded (hopefully) on the 31st. (I say hopefully because the liquid pre-op is killing me. Its all I can not to take a bite of something. I hope my liver does not give me problems). Anyway, because of the holiday, and the fools on the road here in Florida on New Years, I convinced my dr. to admit me for the night, I check out on the 1st. then I planned to go back to work by the 2nd. Is that an unrealistic goal? I'm not worried about the eating, I can drink all day..but will I be in pain? discomfort? I work at a school district office and most employees will be out until the 5th. It will just be my secretary and myself at my desk all day. I was hoping to sit in my office at my desk with the door closed. Is that a possibility? ~jackie~

It is really hard around the holidays and I get alot of support from home and co-workers etc. But I think it is a little more difficult in this month due to celebrations and festivities. My husband is supportive, but I do not think it is fair for me to change their diet and cook "differently" for them. Its hard enough that I am not as festive as usual and choose not to travel. So I just carry on as usual and when its mealtime, I go in my room with my shake and a diet soda:rolleyes2: I tell my husband to throw away all leftovers down the disposal when they are finished eating so I am less tempted to take a bite of the leftovers. What is everyone's pre-op diet? Mine seems extreme (shakes, yogurt, and clear liquids). ~Jackie~

I am so with you Poodles...My kids are home now for two weeks, and they want and eat everything in sight without issue, of course prepared by me. I had jello for a snack earlier and I searched the market high and low for sugar free/carb free/low sodium food because I am petrified that they will cancel my surgery if my liver is too large. If its cancelled, forget it, I can't pay out of pocket and my insurance changes to a HMO Jan 1 (Hence why I am just under the gun for 2008). I brought a pouch of tuna with lemon flavor. Not bad and subsided me a little bit. When I get stir crazy, I search the discussion board and read!

I am a December 31st. Bandster to be! I am Jackie from Florida. It stinks to be on the 2 week pre-op diet through the holidays and still keep everything "normal" for my sons and husband. Its torture with the cookies, gingerbread house, candies, etc. (of course they can and will eat everything in sight without gaining an ounce.) I think I will order in this Christmas, seriuosly, like Boston Market or Honey-Baked Ham. There is no way I can cook a Christmas dinner without snacking on it. We also decided not to travel so I can control what I eat. :tounge_smile: