Irishbookworm

Thanks Astramom! I'm SO excited! It's been a long fight and I am SO ready to get the band so I can start moving forward with the rest of my life and start LIVING again!

Ha ha, the sugar free syrups are something I kind of stumbled on and I asked my doctor's RN about if it was Ok to use them and she said that they were. I KNOW I will need more variety in my protein shakes than what's out there. These are syrups like what I always see to add to coffee for flavor. The sugar free ones are REALLY good and they have no carbs or ANYTHING. I think the only thing that they have is about 10 mg of sodium per tablespoon. I use caramel in with my vanilla shakes and my chocolate shakes. I also have chocolate that's really good for some of the shakes that I have that leave a weird aftertaste. Yesterday I ordered 3 more flavors: pineapple, lime and cookie dough (to get me through the holidays, ha ha). They're not TOO bad in price. I found the chocolate one at Walmart if anyone wants to try them. Here's the link to their website. They have something like 50 flavors (I just counted...) Anyway, if you're interested, here's their link and I'll let you know how that other 3 flavors I ordered turn out! DaVinci Gourmet Sugar Free Flavored Syrups

That is the first time that I've heard of anything like that. It seems a little crazy to me. Maybe the doctor just plays one on T.V., you know? Everything that I've heard from my doctor and his office so far, NOTHING like that. I've heard about the same that kiz said they've heard. Seems odd to me. Eat until there's pain and then stop? Yeah, I don't think so!

Illuminationlady: Congrats on 6 days smoke free! I promise it gets easier. I quit cold turkey 3 years ago and I've never regretted it. Each day is easier! Alilash: I was told my my doctor that we had to use a bariatric vitamin of some kind because we won't be getting as many nutrients from our food. I ordered a sample pack from Bariatric Advantage and gave them a try. I wasn't impressed. The best thing was the chocolate calcium chews. I did get free samples from Celebrate Bariatrics and they're REALLY good, and less expensive. I went with those. Multi-vitamin, iron + vit C, calcium + vit D and sublingual B-12. As for what I'm doing to get ready? I'm stocked up on protein powders, I bought a couple of sugar free flavored syrups online (haven't come yet, they're from DaVinci), and I have my immersion blender, all for protein shakes. Also, I have almost all of my first 3 months of vitamins ready to go. I still need my multi, but, I'm going to buy those this weekend when I get paid. I bought some infant spoons at Walmart last night. My niece is 8 months old, so, I was seeing what she had and went and bought my own, ha ha. I also have some small plates to eat off of and little bowls that hold 4 oz each. I'm thinking I'm about ready to go! Anything I'm missing?

Hi Yvette! I'm just wrapping up with the Aetna program and just got my surgery date this past Wednesday. I had contacted them initially to make sure that the surgery was covered and they put me through to a case worker that deals specifically with bariatric cases. She kept in touch with me throughout the whole 90 day program and made sure things were moving along. I would say to call Aetna and see if you can talk to a case worker there to discuss everything. I met with the psychologist 3 times, the dietician and the doctor 4 times. The dietician will help you set up some basic goals for exercise. They'll also get you looking at how things will be for your eating habits after the band (mine did at least) With the first meeting, she set some nutrition goals and some walking goals and then we followed up afterwards. I will say this, you may want to make sure to keep a food journal or something to take with you. It may help once your paperwork is submitted for approval if they can see some of what you're doing (I'm on sparkpeople.com and I track everything there and then print it and take it with me). Hope this helps and good luck! Hopefully Aetna can get you set up with a case worker. They were really helpful in explaining everything.

Hey everyone! I just got my surgery date today and I'm scheduled for December 9th! I am SO excited! I have been working on this since June. I had to do an ALL day pre-op class and then I had my surgery consult and the doctor watns me on a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery, so, the plan is to start the Friday after Turkey Day! YAY! I had to do a pulminary function test, chest x-ray and a TON of blood work! So, I now have my surgery date, FINALLY! As for the pre-op diet, I asked my doctor's nurse about it and the dietician and they said that they don't require a specific brand, but, that the Protein has to be twice as much as the carbs. They weren't too specific about calories, but, I'm trying to keep them under 200-220 calories. My 30th birthday is Nov. 28th.... I think I'll get the cake batter flavored Muscle Milk Light :biggrin: For Vitamins, I was told that they HAD to be specifically for bariatric surgery patients. I tried the Bariatric Advantage brand and REALLY didn't care for them. I tried Celebrate Bariatric Vitamins and they were a LOT better and they're a little cheaper. They gave us info today about Optisource vitamins with a sample and they're good too, so, I'll look into them. Anyway, I've rambled enough! I'm looking forward to bonding with everyone! Talk to you soon!

Hey Lisa, Ok, so, there were a few things going on at home and I didn't make it to the support group. I am planning on going to the group for bariatric surgery next week though. I went last month and it was really something. I think that having a group that knows me will help to keep me accountable. I have my pre-op class on Wednesday. I've been really working on my liquid diet ahead of time. I had been thinking about buying a Magic Bullet since my little Hamilton Beach blender went kaput, but, my room mate talked me into a Cuisinart Stick blender instead and it's GREAT! I would recommend it highly. It really helps to make shakes more like shakes and it was only about $25. I started freezing some bananas too, but, I haven't tried them yet. Also, I picked up a bottle of sugar free flavored syrup, like what you use in coffee, this weekend and it's no sugar and no carbs. They had a few flavors, but, I went with caramel and I am NOT disappointed! Sorry, that's all the things I'm doing to try to keep things low carb and low cal but keep my protein up. If you ever get to Trader Joes, they have a thing called Better Than Peanut Butter and it's a LOT healthier than PB and tastes just like it. Oh, and I picked up some sugar free pie filling this weekend, but, I haven't experimented with it yet. Which calcium crystals did you get? I know Bariatric Advantage makes them, but, to be honest, the stuff I've had from them hasn't tasted all that great. I got some samples of stuff from Celebrate and it was pretty good, if you want to try something different. They included a pack of multi-vitamin drink mix, but, I haven't tried it yet, I'll let you know how it goes! So, I'm 2 days away from my class. Is there anything I should know, other than to get there super early? I was going to try to get there at about 7 am on the nose!

Hey Lisa, I need to get to Walmart and pick up the Body Fortress. I've heard a few things about them and it seems like it's a good price. That's the problem that I have with a lot of them is that the ones I like a lot are the expensive ones! I do have a BMI over 50. I was debating starting the liquid diet on Thursday so that by time next week rolls around, I'll be into it for a week already. I plan on asking Nancy about that tomorrow night at the support group. It's the first banders group I've been to, so, I can scope it out for you! I am hoping that they'll be able to get me in either in late November or early December, that's what Patsy led me to believe, but, there's Thanksgiving in there at the end, so who knows what Dr. D's surgery schedule looks like. I know that they do have a second surgeon there now, not Dr. Scott, he went to St. Clair's. The hope is that I'll have it not TOO long after the class, but, then, who knows? I thought I may as well get a head start and if I can add fruit to the shakes, that makes it easier! I've been trying to keep them at 200 calories or less and carbs under what the HMR800 shakes have which are 17 per shake. I'm trying to not have any expectations as to how much I'll initially lose, I know it's all a process! I'm the same way, if it's in the house, I'll eat it. I really have to learn to stay away from the sweets too as I have an incredibly unhealthy sweet tooth! I was doing REALLY well with Halloween until yesterday when people brought in their candy leftovers and my body told me if I didn't have chocolate I would die.... :-) I have been sticking to the whey protein. I went to a GNC and was looking around and the guy there said that he's heard that whey isolate is what he typically sees people buying that have had bariatric surgery. I plan on asking them about that too. I've tried so many protein powders that my fiancee is sick of it, but, he likes the one's that I don't like so at least he has plenty to put in his coffee..... Anyway, sorry, I've written a small novel. Talk to you soon and I will let you know how the group goes tomorrow night!

Sorry I'm a bit behind here, but, try Sparkpeople for mobile. You log in online and then you can log in to their mobile site from your phone. You can track calories, fat, protein, carbs and it has menus and food search and you can create lists of favorites too. I've been on it for over a year. Great tool!

That's all good info. I really appreciate it. I was debating calling Nancy to ask her about the liquid diet because I was thinking of starting that next week so that when I have my class I'll already be on the liquid diet for a week. I've asked Dr. D about the liquid diet and he said to talk to Nancy, so, I have a feeling that he's going to put me on one. I was also wondering about if we HAD to use the protein shakes that were on the list or if we could use something that we liked better. I haven't tried the one from Walmart yet, but, I have a couple others, plus, I REALLY like the Muscle Milk Light. The ones I was planning on using are better than the HMR 800 shakes that were recommended....less carbs and a lot less sugar. I had a feeling that they went on a first come, first served basis for the class. I was going to plan on getting there RIGHT at about 7. If I have to wait, that's fine, I just want to make sure that I'm one of the first ones called to schedule surgery. How long did you have to wait from your class to your surgery? I'm hoping to get in in late November, but, I'm not sure if that's realistic or not. Oh, and I guess it's ok to spruce up the protein shakes? I throw frozen fruit in mine. I'll be at the support group next week. I went to the general bariatric group last wednesday and it was REALLY cool, but, there were no banders there, only gastric. So, when did you have your surgery? If you don't mind me asking, how much have you lost so far? Oh, and, right now I religiously count my calories everyday. Will I need to do that after the band? I know, so many questions, I'm sorry. I've written a small novel. Talk to you soon. Thanks again!

Hi Lisa, I'm sorry that I JUST saw this! But, I have Dr. De La Torre and I just had my last insurance required appointment with him this afternoon. I have my pre-op testing class on November 11. So, I hope you don't mind, but, with the class, what was it like? How do they determine who gets scheduled when? I know Nancy was reading off a list of names that were to see her in that order and that's when she scheduled the surgery. I guess I'm just a little confused. Also, do you go to the lap band support groups on the first Wednesdays? I was going to go to the one next week and talk to a few people too. I guess I'm just wanting to know what to expect and heo to be prepared. Sorry. Thanks though! How did your surgery go? Is it hard to do ALL that liquid protein???

OK, so, I'm not banded yet (I'll know my surgery date on November 11), but, I want to know.... What do you attribute to your success? I want to make sure that I use the band to my BEST advantage and I want to know what works for everyone else? What do you think makes a difference as far as how much weight you've lost? Walking? Lots of liquid protein? Support groups? I want to use this as a very effective tool for the most success. What works for you? What do you attribute to your weight loss????

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely take some before shots and take measurements. I mean, on my own, I've lost 65 pounds already, but, that has been over the course of the past year and 4 months. I'm hoping that the band helps me keep going at a moderate pace. I am a little worried about how I will do with it and I'm also worried about what kind of support I'll get at home. I'll be sure to stock up on Gas-X. What about Tums? Do those help at all? What else should I know?

So, the weight loss institute that I'm part of has Bariatric Support groupd that meet on various Wednesdays of the month. I decided to go to the general group meeting tonight for the first time and I have to say...WOW! What a bunch of WARM and friendly and FUNNY people! I was SO nervous about going, but, that went away FAST! I really recommend to anyone that if you have one available to you, use it! I can see how it will help to keep me motivated and accountable. I was the only one there getting banded,everyone else was older than me and they had either had rouen-y gastric bypass or were getting ready to. There was a guy there that was originally 570 pounds! Lost 130 on his own and then after bypass, another 125! I can't even imagine losing 255 pounds! WOW! So, it was really inspiring to me, even though it was gastric and not banding. There's a banded support group two weeks from now and you bet I'll be there! Seriously, if anyone has access to one, think about going if you haven't already!

So, I FINALLY got my insurance pre-cert letter in the mail on Monday! I RAN to Office Depot to fax it in to the weight loss institute! YAY! So, they called yesterday afternoon and they have me in the November 11th class! YAY! This means that when I have my class on the 11th, I'll know that day when my surgery will be! So, my next doctor appointment is next Wednesday and I'm going to talk to the doctor then to see when I should start the 14 day pre-op liquid diet. I'm HOPING that I'll be able to start the diet a little early so that they can schedule my surgery sooner as opposed to later. That's the hope anyway. I'm just so excited! This means that I'll be banded either late November or early December. I want it done sooner, but, it would be nice to have just one last Thanksgiving LOL!

I had never heard of the Ninja Blender, but, I love my little, cheap Hamilton Beach single serving blender. I googled the Ninja Blender and now I want one! I found a decent review too, if anyone is interested..... food and Product Reviews - Ninja Master Prep - Food Blog | Bite of the Best

Thanks! That saves me having to compare the two! I JUST bought some of the MM light in Strawberries and Creme and it's REALLY good, so long as it stays COLD! P.S. Another good one is WonderSlim. It's 100 calories, 7 carbs and 1.5 grams of fat with 15 grams of Protein.

Today, after a long fight (although not as long as others), I received my pre-cert letter of approval today in the mail! I faxed it in to the Weight Loss Institute late this afternoon and called them to let them know it was sent. I'm so excited. Now, PLEASE keep your fingers crossed that they are able to fit me into one of the required pre-op all day classes in November! THAT is when they'll schedule my surgery and just last week, they said they had a few more openings left. I'm REALLY hoping for late November/early December for surgery! Wish me luck! I need to have this done before mid-December as I MIGHT be facing another kidney surgery!

Thanks! I actually got the call today that I'm in the November 11th class! YAY! So, with any luck, I'll have my surgery either in late November or Early December! I'm so excited! I'm SO ready for this!

Thanks Plain! I really appreciate it! I'm hoping to have the green light for the November class first thing tomorrow morning and if I don't hear from them by 8:30 in the morning, I'm calling them!!!!! :cursing:

Looks like I have some things to check out! I stopped in at a GNC this afternoon to see what they had. I bought a few different things to try. The guy there recommended an isolate protein since it's not being used for bodybuilding. He pointed me to the GNC brand Wheybolic Extreme 60. 1 serving is 3 scoops and it's 310 calories, but, I had one scoop in 8 oz of skim milk and it was REALLY good. The only problem is that it's still a little on the pricey side, but, not too bad. They guy said that they've re-designed the packing and so for 3 lbs, which is 48 servings (if you use one scoop), it was $34.99 (regular price is $59.99 for 3 pounds). I also picked up two bottles of Isopure in Alpine Punch and Pineapple Orange. I don't know how I'll like them just yet. Two more things I picked up today were Muscle Milk Light in the 100 calorie packs in Strawberry (haven't tried them yet) and EAS Myoplex Carb Control in French Vanilla. The EAS RTD? YUCK! I'm going to try to freeze it and see if it's any better. So, that's where I stand on the Great Protein Quest! I have plans to "play" with what Walmart has sometime this next weekend. I am determined to find something that I really like that won't break my bank. I had NO idea it was going to be THIS damn hard!!!

Protein shakes? (Sorry if this is long) I am HOPEFULLY fast approaching my surgery and I REALLY need to find ONE thing and stick with it. I have tried SO many different Protein Shakes and brands and so far, the ones I like best are the HMR800 from the doctor's office, but, I have 2 problems with them. #1. They only come in chocolate and vanilla and #2. They're EXPENSIVE. So, I need ideas. I've tried the unjury brand and I do like them and they have a few different flavors. Also, I had been mixing my own shakes. 1 scoop of Member's Mark (Sam's Club) whey protein with 2 spoons of dry milk and 2 spoons of sugar free pudding mix. Problem with them? They calories are a little high.... Right at about 200 for both the vanilla and the chocolate and if I want to add fruit to them to vary the flavor, the calories go up even more. I need to find SOMETHING that's affordable, easy to find, comes in more than chocolate and vanilla and under about 190 calories and low carb...IS THERE SUCH A THING?? I was thinking of trying Wonder Slim next, has anyone tried them? Here is what I've tried so far...... HMR800--Good but expensive Spiru-tein--Lots of flavors, but, I can taste the algae EAS Whey Protein--Only one scoop with Water and tastes weak (two scoops is 240 calories) Bariatric Advantage--Lots of flavors, but, NO flavor in them. Unjury--Liked these. I can add milk to them and they're OK, but, still, a little thin So, my NEXT plan was to try the WonderSlim pudding/shake mixes. They have a few flavors. What works and tastes like a shake, kind of thick, that I can shake up in a Blender Bottle? Or, what liquid Protein have you all tried out there that has worked and is somewhat palatable?HELP!!!! :scared2:

OK, so, I have been desperately trying to get in to have surgery ASAP. I'm facing kidney surgery in January and the sooner I get the band in place, the better. I'm required by the doctor's office to attend an all day pre-op seminar before they can schedule surgery. Well, they sent the notice to the insurance company and they APPROVED it! I'm just ANXIOUSLY awaiting the letter in the mail so that I can get my class scheduled for November and then surgery in December! I'm so excited! I've been badgering the insurance case worker and the doctor's office, but, it may pay off! Keeo your fingers crossed for me! A December or even LATE November date would be AWESOME! :scared2:

Well, no, there have been quite a few hoops. I had been TRYING to get around the 90 days that my insurance requires and it's been a LONG fight JUST to get to this point. They approved it before my last appointment and I'm hoping that I can get into the required November Pre-op class where they'll schedule my surgery at that time. So, I'm looking at December if I'm lucky. I have a couple co-morbitities, but, I have another condition with my kidneys and I'm facing potential kidney surgery in January. Having the band done ASAP would mean that the surgery would be MUCH smoother. I had my Urologist send in a LOT of paperwork to my insurance company and they wouldn't accept anything. So, that's some of the hoops I've had to go through. I started this whole process in June. I know that there could have been MANY more hoops and what I had to go through wasn't as involved as what others, but, it's still had me highly irritated lately. Finding out that the insurance company sent the pre-cert letter last week was just AWESOME!

OK, so, it looks like I need to get to Walmart and take a look at what they have. I really need to find something that tastes good and is lower in calories than what I've been drinking. Body Fortress and Slim Fast. I'll look at those too. I'm also going to try to hit a GNC this weekend to see if I can find a couple of Muscle Milk Lights in single servings so I can try them. I just ordered some Wonder Slim stuff last night, but, not sure if I'll like them or not. I think the price is about right for them, cheaper than the HMR 800 shakes anyway!