janeinnc

I was banded on 3/31 and have done fairly well sticking to the program, lost 30 lbs., etc. I did have to have a port revision several weeks ago due to my port flipped. But, what I am really discouraged about is I went through the usual routine of testing, pre-authorization, etc. and thought everything was ok until Monday, when I received a notice that my claim was denied with BCBS. AUGHHH! How can they do this? I have a pre-authorization approval, but, they are saying that obesity surgery is not part of my plan. I have asked that they reconsider the additional diagnosis that was submitted by my physician (GERD, Hypertension, etc.) that the surgery was to also correct (and seems to be doing so). Anyone else have this issue?:thumbup:

Oh my - I do understand your frustration so well! When I went to have my first fill, they tried numerous times and finally determined that the port had indeed flipped. The next week I had to make another trip to the operating room to have the port flipped into the correct position and resecured. My doctor told me that the Allergan reps had given them a "new & Improved" procedure just before I went in for the original surgery to have the lap band installed. They have since gone back to the "tried and true" procedure (what my doctor referred to as "belt and suspenders") to secure the port. I go back next week for the next attempt at the first fill.

I bake mine in parchment paper (take a large piece of parchment- fold in half - cut out in a half heart shape), open up, place fish, vegies, fresh thyme, lemon on one side, fold back over- seal around the edge by folding over edges several times so the edges are sealed, bake at 375 for about 15 mins. YUM

I seem to be doing okay on the hunger. When I do get hungry - I go for water, my protein drinks, hot tea, jello or just go find something to do. I've been working my way through cleaning out & organizing the closets and drawers - my house will be completely organized in another couple of weeks! Hang in there!

Oh - I meant to mention, I have not had my first fill yet - I have an appt on 5/4 for that...

Hi - I was also banded on 3/31. I have just started eating soft food....made some seabass baked in parchment w/fresh thyme & lemon on Saturday - have been eating 2 to 3 ozs of that each evening with either 1/2 of a very small baked potato or sweet potato. For Breakfast, pretty much sticking to greek yogurt, had a soft boiled egg one morning. For lunch, I just had some portabello mushroom Soup (Whole foods has this (and other soup flavors) in cartons - packaged similar to chicken Broth). I've also been sure to get in one Isopure Protein drink per day (40 grams protein) - you can get those from GNC. When I went for my checkup last week, my doctor mentioned eating a little something every 3 to 4 hours so mid-morning and mid afternoon - I've been having a little more soup or some hummus - something like that (this is to keep the metabolism burning at a higher rate). He also mentioned to never eat after 9pm. That's about it - hope that helps you!

Hi - I got my band two weeks ago and have been drinking Isopure. Personally I like it - I've tried the Alpine Punch (fruit punch / strawberry taste) and the pineapple Orange banana. I alternate between the two (Alpine Punch one day, the other the next). Usually takes me 4 to 5 hours, sipping during the workday. I got a case of each from GNC to get me through the first month or so... Good Luck to you!

Hi - I too just was banded on Mar 31st. I have been using a Protein drink that I got from GNC - called Isopure - comes in several flavors - 20 oz = 40 grams protein. I've been getting one of those in per day, along with Water, broth and crysal light popsicles. So far, so good. I seem to be getting better each day - still mighty sore, but, the gas is much better (I attibute walking and Gas X strips) - had to have a large hiatal hernia repair as well..planning on going back to work tomorrow (I have a desk job). Anyway, I highly recommend Isopure (not the powder just yet but the liquid beverage) - see link below... Isopure - Sports Nutrition - GNC

Hi - I have been reading a lot on this forum since January and today, I was scheduled for surgery on March 31st. I think I am ready...but, will definitely need a buddy to reach out to from time to time. Anyone got advice that you could share? I've quit caffiene & alcohol, ditched the sodas, loaded up the pantry with jello, crystal light, broth, light soups, kellog special K protein drinks (seem to taste better to me than Atkins), got the chewable vitamins, melting B12s, under the tongue Gas-X and probably a few other things I can't think of now. I've started using Wii to add to the physical activity and actually dusted off (and used!) my treadmill. What else should I be doing in these two weeks prior to surgery? :cursing: