Becky Lou

Yep, I had second thoughts too. But I was banded 2/11/2010 and I love it. It gives me the control on portions I couldn't do myself. I'm very lucky I can eat almost everything but steak. I wouldn't change a thing. I just picture what I would look like in 9 months and that was so exciting. Good Luck

I'm so sorry for your frustration. I too was banded on Feb 11th. I have been having a different experience then you are but perhaps thats because of the instruction you were given. They sound vague and confusing. My dietican told me to concentrate on chewing my food well, taking 20-30 minutes to eat a meal and only consuming between 800-1200 calories per day. It's also a must that within my meals I must intake 60-70 grams of Protein either by shakes or food and at least 6 glasses of Water. I too lost a far amount at first but now I'm at about 1-2 pounds a week with my second fill in 2 weeks. WW is probably a great idea until you get some restriction and may give you different ideas on things to eat. I thought I would share what I ate yesterday to do a comparison and maybe give you some ideas. Here you go..... Breakfast- 1/4 c sliced strawberries, one fried egg and one piece of toast. Snack- Lemon yougart lowfat Lunch-1/2c Fake crab salad-Surmi, celery, red onion and yellow pepper and a little mayo and ff sour cream. 6 Whole wheat crackers and a bunch of grapes. Snack-small Protein Bar Dinner- 1 cup chicken fajata's w/o the wrap. 1/2 baked potato, 5 grilled aparagus. I wait about 20 minutes and have a small glass of milk. Then I close the kitchen no more food just water or coffee the rest of the night. It did take me some time to get used to it but found that mixing it up with food choices really helps. Just take your time and success will come with time.

I was banded on Feb 11th. How is your weight loss going. I too have the Realize band and have had my first fill and scheduled for my second on the 20th. Right now I have no restriction and can eat anything w/o any problems. I do limit myself when it comes to portion size.

I met with my NUT and she said some people have hair loss from the anestetic and others have hair loss starting at 3 months post op. She said this usually happens because people fall away from a good diet and are not eating properly. Hope this helps.

It took me about 2 weeks before I had an appetite. then everything tasted good. I am 5 weeks post op with no fill and don't feel restriction but I can't eat alot. Example before I could eat a whole turkey sandwich chips a pickle and then some. Today I can eat 1/2 sandwich no chips but a few strawberries sliced up and a piece of string cheese. It takes me about 1/2 hour and I am very satisfied. I hope this helps

Just curious how did your fill feel after you had it done. Did you feel tight? Did you Doctor give you more of a fill under fluro? I get mine next Monday and I wasn't sure if they give you a little more of a fill under fluro. I have to leave town about 5 hour after so I'm hoping I'll do o.k.

Well I'm sorry she shared that negative information she must not be educated in the post op diet and life after. I can tell you I'm post op 5 weeks and have some restriction and I have yet come across anything I can not eat. I had strawberries this morning for breakfast and toast with laughing cow cheese with slices of tomato and a little salt and pepper nothing mashed. Althought everyone is different. The most important part is to chew, chew, chew. Please remember this journey is a new start and a good start. I love having the band and only wish I would of done it years ago.

I worked for a surgeon for years and we normally had them on a week. However as long as there is no other covering on them they will slowly curl up on the ends. When you wash and dry them in the shower that will move the process along. My doc told me to take mine off at 7-10 days. Mine were off in 7 days because I showered daily and washed each one with a washcloth.

I have been banded since Feb 11th and have been loving it so far. I am down around 28 pounds and feeling really good. This morning I woke up and have this pain on my right side centered just below my ribs. I have been on pureed foods and have been doing pretty well. I just can't figure out what this is. Ouch! Yes it hurts when I press on it.(I know don't press on it.) It almost feels like it goes to my back. I'm not sure if it's my band or a muscle, I did start exercising the other day but nothing that would cause this pain. I took Iburprophen this morning and it hasn't made a change. Any suggestions??

that wouldn't be good I told everyone that was what I had done...LOL hmmm 2 gallbladders.

I started my preop diet which I have to say is pretty easy except for the dreaded Protein drinks. I am using the EAS vanilla and thought that with a few blueberries, milk and blended with ice would make something wonderful. OMG it was awful!! It tasted like Blueberry muffin mix. Yuck. Please does anyone have some ideas that are not so sweet. I am lucky I only have 14 left to drink. My preop diet is only a week long and the last 2 days are Clear liquids. But i have to make it through these first five days with liquids and 3 shakes a day. any suggestions would be helpful even if I have to go and buy another type of Protein powder.

ok this went really fast...I talked to the office yesterday to see if they submitted my information to BC/BS and it was around 2pm. She told me she was just gathering everything and was going to fax it over. First thing this morning BANG!!!! a call your approved and your scheduled for Feb 11th @ 1:30.Liquid diet starts on the 4th.:smile2: So all of a sudden I'm scared and excited at the same time. I know I will be fine but god I've been working on this through 2 different insurance companies. So wish me luck..

My date is the 11th too. I'm so excited as well as nervous. As I read your post we are very close to the same. I'm 45, 230 and 5'7. I don't start my prep until the 4th. I'm not sure what it is yet I will find out on Tuesday. I think it's liquids for 5 days then clear liquid for 2 days. Well I hope we can keep in touch through this process. We never can have too much support.

savedbygrace posted this website and it may give you some really good options for Protein shakes. Good Luck, I start my preop diet on the 4th. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f82/200-protein-shake-recipes-49774/

Hi Hmarko, I have Bc/Bs Empire too. I am sending in all the paperwork for approval next week sometime. All the tests have been completed. Now my insurance doesn't have alot of requirements. Physc eval and a letter from the Md stating it's medically necessary.Can you let me know how your process went. I'm so nervous for the approval.

Have you been approved yet? I have Empire PPO and am sending my stuff in this week. Then I will be doing the waiting game. If you have been approved how long did it take? I'm just so nervous. It sounds like we have the same policy. They only thing I need is a Physc eval and the Dr. saying I have been dieting in the past and it needs to be medically Necessary.

My husband and I have always had a fantastic relationship until the discussion of the lapband came up. Now just a little history, we have been together for 17 years and when we met I was a lean 130 pounds. Over the years pounds have been creeping on and on and on. LOL Our hobbies has been going out to dinner and enjoying cocktails on the lake in the summer. Now that I have almost completed all the testing and will be turning everything into the insurance company he seems non supportive and irritated with my decision. He is afraid of any side effects from the surgery sedation, blood clots. He made mention that I'm going to leave once I get skinny. I told him he had no chance of freedom from me, I'm here forever like it or not! I guess my question is. Has anyone else had this reaction? And if so did they become supportive after the surgery. I love my husband very much but I think he's afraid of everything in his life changing overnight. Any thoughts...

Southwestern chicken or Turkey Soup 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked turkey or Chicken 4 cups vegetable broth low sodium 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers 1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed ½ cup frozen corn 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon lime juice 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cumin salt and pepper to taste 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced for topping (can be omitted to reduce fat) 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro or fresh 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (Optional) Directions 1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine turkey, broth, canned tomatoes, green chiles, Beans, fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lime juice. Season with cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning to your liking, more cumin?? More Cayenne?? 2. Spoon into serving bowls, and (optional) top with shredded cheese. Top with in avocado and cilantro This has about 16grams Protein per serving and it yummy.

Sure just get the policy number and group number along with the phone number for per determination for BC/BS. You should be able to get the ball rolling.

I am just finishing up all my preop tests. My Dr. is sending in all the results to the insurance by mid January. Is there a preop diet that I would benefit from. I know there will be a preop liquid for one week prior, but is there something I can do to make myself healthier before surgery? Should I start taking vitamins, low fat to shrink my liver or something so I won't have alot of hair loss? I'm just trying to be prepared. Any advice would be great.

Thanks so much you are a wealth of information. I think I'm so excited to move forward I can't stand it. I will let you know when other questions arise.

Southwestern chicken or Turkey Soup 8 servings 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked turkey or Chicken 4 cups vegetable broth low sodium 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers 1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed ½ cup frozen corn 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon lime juice 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cumin salt and pepper to taste 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced for topping can be omitted 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro or fresh 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional) Directions 1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine turkey, broth, canned tomatoes, green chiles, Beans, fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lime juice. Season with cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning to your liking, more cumin?? More Cayenne?? 2. Spoon into serving bowls, and top with shredded cheese. Top with in avocado and cilantro Approx 16 grams of Protein per serving.

I will have BC/BS of WI starting Jan 1st. Does anyone know the approval process time frame. I'm hoping on having my band in early feb. I have completed the Physc eval, MD consult, and have lab planned for Jan 4th, along with Physical Therapy consult, ekg and resp. care clearence. God wish me luck I was denied earlier this year from United Health.

Smoking also contirbutes to slow recovery and could cause resp issues. Most surgeons will not perform surgery if a patient is smoking. My husband works for a wound clinic and said very often they get patients in for surg. sites that won't heal due to vascular constriction and 99% of them are smokers. If your last smoke was 3 weeks ago I would expect you"ll be fine. Keep up the good work, I know it's hard I quit 5 years ago. No matter how many times you quit it"s better then smoking all the time. Good Luck.

Perfect, you said it all!! Someone needs to cut up Swangal's soapbox and throw it in the trash. We all have opinions, but we are not here to pass judgement. What's good for one isn't always good for all.