Katy517

My surgeon told me that I could never drink anything carbonated again - ever.

I'm using the Ultimate Nutrition ProStar 100% Whey Protein. I like the Natural flavor, but they have lots of other varieties too. 25 grams protein, 120 calories, 30 mg sodium, 20 mg cholesterol and 2 grams total carbs in each serving. It mixes very well with everything I've tried so far.

I lost 12 pounds on my five day pre-op clear liquid diet with two Protein drinks each day. I didn't cheat, but then gained four pounds back after surgery. Didn't expect that at all. My post-op diet is full liquids for six weeks, which is basically the clear liquid plus cream Soup and yogurt.

My pre-op diet was five days clear liquids and I didn't cheat on it at all. Am very glad that I didn't too as my surgeon has been known to refuse to do surgery if he believes differently based on stomach contents and liver size.

It really depends on the insurance company. I have PHCS managed by PBA and it was six plus months for me to get the approval. I was required to have a 40+ BMI. I also had to get a psych eval, GI series, sleep study & ultrasound. My insurance also required six monthly visits with a nutritionist and the recommendation of my primary car physician.

Great idea for a thread Hal. My goals are similar to yours and more health related. I want to feel good again primarily and I know that is really vague, but it encompasses so much. I want to be free of the aches and pains so that I actually feel good enough to take part in physical activity. I want to be able to take long walks with my golden retrievers without shortness of breath. I want to learn to eat to live rather than the other way around. I'm a miserly sort and have been a chronic saver all my life. I want to live to enjoy old age. I just don't see too many active senior citizens that are obese.

I began the journey in Sept. '09. Got approvals and finished the six months of nutritional counseling in March '09. Started my 5-day liquid pre-op diet today. Will have the final PCP doctor's complete check-up plus EKG and chest xrays on Tuesday 4/13 (my birthday) and am scheduled for banding on Thursday 4/15. I think this is the greatest birthday present I could possibly give myself. Katy