Katy517

It doesn't sound selfish to me, it just sounds impatient. Hang in there. This isn't something that does or even should happen overnight. The pre-surgery time can be put to really advantageous use by getting you used to what you'll face post-op and also additional time for education and getting your head in the right place. In any event, you might be worried for nothing, it could be that you'll only have a single visit with the nutritionist and be on your way to getting banded. Good luck and please keep us posted.

I had to see my nutritionist six times over a six month period. This was an insurance requirement though and not that of my surgeon. The nutritionist counselled me a great deal as to what to expect from the surgery and the various diet stages. It was a series of invaluable experiences. Good luck.

That amount doesn't even include the surgeon's fees. That said, I'm glad that I have insurance and will find it very interesting to see how much the billed amounts will be adjusted once submitted to my insurer. I have a feeling that those of us who use insurance are billed higher just for such padding.

I'm fairly sure the reason we're not supposed to use straws after surgery is because doing so can create too much air in the stomach.

I didn't consider Mexico for my surgery so can't speak to surgeons there. There is a wealth of information on this site about surgeons in Mexico though that you should be able to find pretty readily. My own experience was that my primary care physician actually recommended lap band to me and also recommended my surgeon who he had many referrals to in the past so is very familar with. There was definitely a comfort level in going with somebody that my long-term PCP was familar and comfortable with.

I shudder to think what my total will be. My hospital bill came in yesterday for $21,000 including the overnight stay. I haven't yet seen the surgeon and anaesthesiology bills. My surgery was at Westlake Hospital in ChicagoLand.

Those items along with applesauce, diluted no sugar added clear juices, skim milk and yogurt are allowed during my post-op full liquid phase.

I drank Crystal Light during my clear liquid phase.

Hang in there Sue, I know what you're going through and empathize. I was banded 4/15 and am not quite three weeks into my six week full liquid diet phase. I'm also bored with the nutrition choices and just keep reminding myself that this is good training for learning to eat to live rather than the other way around. It's a constant reminder to me of just how much a part of my life food has been for a very long time.

Strike that, just realized it's only 15 grams per serving.

1. Surf to Graphical Tickers and Trackers: Weight Loss, Trying To Conceive, Pregnancy.... 2. Click on Weightloss. 3. Choose a ruler. You can view available rulers by clicking through the page numbers. Once you have selected a ruler, click Next. 4. Choose a slider. You can view available sliders by clicking through the page numbers. Once you have selected a slider, click Next. 5. Enter a password/pin combination and select either public or private data. 6. If you want the ticker to display your current weight and count down to your goal weight, select Weight. 7. If you want the ticker to show only the amount of weight you want to lose and how much you've lost so far, select Weight Change. 8. Choose the unit of measure. 9. Enter your starting, current, and goal weights. 10. Enter your measurements if you want to track them. 11. Enter your height in the BMI section, and then click Next. 12. You are now at the final page. Select the size and background you want the ticker to be. 13. Scroll down on that page, click on the text that is inside the bbCode box and copy it all. 14. Surf back here to lapbandtalk.com. 15. Open your user control panel (User CP). 16. Click 'Edit Signature'. 17. Paste the code from the bbCode box that you copied in step 13 into the signature box.

PB stands for productive burping where undigested food comes back up.

I use Ultimate Nutrition ProStar natural flavor Protein. It has 25 grams of protein per serving. You can get it here Ultimate Nutrition or via Amazon too. I've not cooked with it, but am told (here in a post) that it's not a good idea because it turns into a gooey mess.

They're not really shakes, but I mix unflavored protein with Crystal Light, no sugar added fruit juices diluted with 1/2 water, broth and cream soups. I find that very little if any taste is added and they go down great.

Have you considered the protein bullet drinks? They pack a large amount of protein - typically more than 40 grams - into a very small drink. How about a moist piece of grilled chicken? Also wondering about beans and soy products like tofu? Yogurt, low fat cheese and even skim milk might be good additions too. Good luck.

I'm in a definite minority and am 2+ weeks and still not back, but had surgical complications that account for the extended time. My understanding is that most go back within a few days.

I was allowed no sugar added clear juices like apple, white grape and cranberry diluted with 1/2 water during my clear liquid diet. Sugar-free jello can be very satisfying too.

I was told by surgeon and nutritionist to ingest no alcohol (or caffeine) for at least six weeks while healing post-surgery. Beer is also in the carbonated beverages category and my doc and nutritionist both said I may never be able to drink a beer again without problems due to the carbonation. Good luck.

I'm a YMCA member and have been for the past 10 years. The equipment is plentiful and in good shape. There are lots of program options as well as pretty convenient hours. The pool is a great benefit too.

No mushy period at all for me - I'm on full liquids for six weeks post-op.

Thanks. I was aware of the risk while healing, but both nutritionist and surgeon have suggested that it's allowed in moderation after three months post-surgery.

Is it like a hard and bruised lump near your port incision? I had surgery on 4/15 and have the same thing. My surgeon says it is a hematoma from internal bleeding. Mine is very painful too.

I was also one of those people who thought WLS (and diet pills) were easy ways out. I am curious though about your comment regarding caffeine. My understanding was that once the stomach is healed post surgery that caffeine can be reintroduced to the diet.

What is allowed on your pre-diet? Is it a clear liquid diet or some other variation? As for being 'satisfied' during the pre-op diet phase, I never was. Sugar free popcicles helped some, but not much. It's short-term though so you can get through it. Just keep on thinking of the goal you're after and good luck.

It strikes me as odd that your opening post is all about your concern for lack of knowledge about banding and yet a few responses that disagree with your premise and you're ready to leave arguably the best source of lap band information on the web. I'm all about personal responsibility and feel that I can only hold myself responsible for what I don't know. I am fortunate to have a PCP who is familiar with the lap band procedure and that has been of tremendous value to me. He's the same doc though who didn't know what an Oophorectomy was when taking my medical history for the first time. My excellent lap band surgeon on the other hand is really pretty weak in the area of lap band nutrition and I've had to educate myself in those areas that my common sense tells me he's incorrect in his recommendations. Personal responsibility for our own health and a thick skin when it comes to criticism are necessary not only when we're obese and contemplating this life-changing surgery, but also while that change is ongoing. Good luck to you on your journey to good health.