jlblove

Sounds good ~ can't wait to try it! Do you have a Protein count for 1 serving? 71 lbs lost Lapband is the BEST thing I've ever done!!!

Yes ~ Medicare HAS paid for my surgery and ALL of my fills!!! I had my surgery 24 May 2010, lost 71 lbs (by 17 Mar 2011) and have been doing GREAT with keeping it off! I am very blessed that Medicare has paid for everything, too (couldn't have done this otherwise). You WILL have to make absolutely sure that the clinic/doctor you're going to accepts Medicare and what (if any) restrictions they may have on it. I live in Keller, TX (by Ft. Worth) & the reason I chose my clinic (Ft. Worth LapBand) was because they took Medicare (only clinic in area, at that time, that did). I am completely happy with my clinic and the whole staff there. So, do your research to make sure the clinic takes Medicare (including exactly what's covered), what's required by Medicare to qualify, call Medicare to confirm what you're told and be sure to follow all the rules! GOOD LUCK!!!!!

When I started eating, my surgeon's office told me to stay between 60-80grams of Protein daily. They also stress that 1 protein drink a day is okay but you mostly want to have "chew-chew foods" (solids), However, sometimes I have a day of just protein drinks (maybe once a month) ~ mostly EAS powder, can mix with SO much ~ and my body does better like that. My only real question right now is: if I'm supposed to do 60-80grams at least, how much is the most I should have in a day? :Dancing_biggrin:

Hi Turtlewoman! I had my surgery (Dr. Ferrara) 24 May 2010. I reached my goal ~ a new, slightly lower # (65 lbs lost) ~ after 10 months (24 Mar 2011)!!! :Banane53: I feel and look GREAT!!! It's amazing to actually wear size 8! We got back Fri from a 10-day vacation to AZ and I only gained 1/2 lb (which, I hope, will be gone by Mon). I go back to Ft. Worth LapBand later this month for my 1-year visit. I love everyone there, they are all so friendly and encouraging! It sounds like you're doing better than good so, keep it going! I know it's not easy and can be frustrating but, you're bound to be feeling (& looking) good. It just keeps getting better ~ promise!!! jlblove :success1:

I've been at a plateau for about a month. I just passed my 9 month "bandiversary" (that sounds so cute) and just have 14 lbs to go to my goal (have lost 59 lbs). I'm feeling, and looking, great! But I'm impatient to get these last 14 lbs gone!!! I may follow the suggestion from Manu and try "to do something different since the body gets used to just about anything". Makes sense to me (sorta). Saying a prayer won't hurt, either. Maybe putting this here will let me get some frustration out of my system (hope so). jlblove

From previous scar experience (serious cuts on left forehead and around left bicep from major car accident 6-26-81) I've learned that aloe vera cream works very well at fading scars. It won't make them disappear but, they will be WAY less noticeable. Right now I'm using aloe fresh hydrating body lotion with aloe and cucumber extracts by Vaseline. Be sure to use it faithfully, several times, during the day & night (use pretty much whenever you think of it). Your scars won't just "disappear" but, they will slowly fade. The lotion's moisture helps alot with how they feel, too. I just started using the aloe vera cream because I wanted my scars to heal pretty well first. I was banded 05/24/10. My first fill will be 06/14 and I'm looking forward to it. Good Luck! jlblove :tongue2: "You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it. It's called perseverance." Lee Iacocca

I start my pre-op diet May 10, get surgery May 24th & I'm SO EXCITED!!! This is such a new and exciting part of my life!!!!! jlblove

I'm SO excited! Got my surgery date ~ May 24, 2010!!! I'm a Medicare patient with Ft. Worth LAP-BAND® (everyone there is great!) and this 6 month pre-op has seemed like forever. WOW!!! I can't wait!!! It's a good thing my husband & I are taking a trip for 10 days so I'll have something else to think about (if I can). jlblove :thumbup:

Hi Turtlewoman! Yes, I'm going to the Ft. Worth office (didn't know they were opening one in Albuquerque but, that's great). Everybody who works there is very nice, really knows what they're talking about and doesn't mind answering lots of questions (even silly ones). I'm sure the Albuquerque staff will be like that, too. I know what "since I started talking and thinking about the LAP-BAND® I feel like I have gained a thousand pounds" means. I feel like that, too (shows where our attention is focused). Because Medicare/Tricare are paying for mine and have their own wierd requirements, it'll be 6 months before my surgery. But I know I will learn a bunch in that time and be SO ready!!!! :thumbup: If you haven't found them, the site for Fort Worth LapBand is: Fort Worth LAP-BAND® - Fort Worth, TX. Maybe that will help you know what you're doing and who you're dealing with. :confused: (we both can!) I wasn't going to register here until I had a surgery date but, I saw your message and knew I could answer it. Now that I think about it, I'm glad I'm doing this because I think it'll help me while I'm waiting. jlblove :thumbup: If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.

I went to Dr. Adam Smith's seminar for Fort Worth LAP-BAND® in September. It was interesting and I learned alot. Dr. Smith had patients there to tell about their LAP-BAND® experiences and he was quite willing to answer any/all questions (so don't be afraid to ask anything~pretty sure no one will laugh). Hope you learn alot! I just got officially accepted for the LAP-BAND® program on 10-16-2009. Medicare and Tricare will be paying for my surgery and I'm seeing Dr. Craig Ferrara (partner in Ft. Worth Lapband). I'm so excited!!! :confused: Everything is possible, but nothing is easy.