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I thought this would be a good place for all of us to start posting some band friendly recipes for our group. I pm'd one out this morning in celebration of St. Paddy's Day. So let's share and see how creative we can be to remain focused and reach our goals. My theory is variety in food keeps you from craving the old life style. Edamame Dumplings serves 2 adapted from the Sprouted Kitchen cookbook INGREDIENTS: filling: 1 cup edamame, shelled, cooked, drained a big handful of basil leaves (about 10 big leaves) 3 scallions, white and green parts, coarsely chopped 1/2 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced 1 teaspoon miso paste 1 teaspoon tahini squeeze of lemon splash of sriracha (or to taste) salt, pepper, to taste other ingredients: 18 wonton wrappers (plus a few extra to allow for mess-ups) 1-2 cups pre-made veggie broth, for steaming toasted sesame oil, for drizzling sprouts and sesame seeds, for garnish METHOD: In a food processor, pulse together all of the filling ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings. Don’t over blend, the filling needs to be somewhat chunky. If yours is more watery, add some more edamame or more basil until you get a thicker consistency. Lay half of the wonton wrappers out on your work surface. Set the rest in a pile next to you, along with a small bowl of water for dabbing your fingers in. Spoon about a tablespoon of filling in each. Use your finger to wipe a bit of water on all 4 edges. Place a new wrapper on top and gently press down, adhering each edge. Simmer broth in a medium skillet. Add enough broth so that it covers the bottom of the pan at least an inch deep. Drop wontons in the pan in a single later (you can do this in multiple batches if they don’t all fit. Cover and steam for about 2 minutes or until the wontons are cooked through but still al dente (like pasta). Divide steamed wontons among plates, pour the broth from the pan on top. Drizzle with some toasted sesame oil and garnish with sprouts and sesame seeds. Home made Dumpling Wrappers Ingredients for making dough and wrappers: All purpose flour, 4cups Water, 1.8 cup Salt, 1/3 teaspoon 1. Mix 4 cups of flour, 1/3 teaspoon of salt, and 1.8 cups of water in a large bowl. Mix until you get a smooth dough. 2. Cover the bowl with a cling film and let the dough rest for at least 10 minutes. 3.Remove the dough to a clean flat surface. Cut it into 20 equal pieces. 4. Use your hand to gently pound a piece of dough into a small circular disc, then use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a circular wrapper about 3 inches in diameter. 5. The wrappers can be used to wrap the filling immediately. For storage, they should be coated with flour so that they don’t stick together. They can be stored in the fridge for several days, or frozen for long-term storage. How to wrap Chinese dumplings 1. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. 2. Smear a little water on the edges of the wrapper, then fold the wrapper over filling and pinch the two edges together, forming a half-circle. 3. Place the wrapped dumplings on a plate coated with a little flour so that they don’t stick. How to cook Chinese dumplings 1. Add a dash of salt to a pot of water, and bring to boil. Slightly salty water will give the dumplings more flavor, and help prevent the dumplings from sticking to the pot. 2. When the water has begun boiling, add the dumplings to the water. Wait 5 minutes for the water to come back to a boil, and then turn down the heat and continue to simmer for 10 minutes. 3. Drain the water from the dumplings and serve with your favorite dipping sauces. My first attempt at these dumplings I used wonton wrappers and did not like the outcome, so home made is how I am going with the recipe because I can not find dumpling wrappers in South Carolina. Plug the ingredients into MFP recipes and it will break it down into serving size. I usually only eat 2-3 dumplings so the amount of servings is more for me. ENJOY and Oh, Happy St. Paddy's Day Friends!

I am with you! I was in the same boat. I thought I was able to get financing and I also considered getting health insurance to persue the surgery but I could not afford it b/c my payments would be so high considering my weight. I decided that I was making my mind up to do whatever it took. That was in Oct. I am a waitress, not lots of extra cash and thought I nothing. I started with a garage sale. I sold everything. If I did not use it it went. Life is much better and my house is cleaner. I made $400. 00 in one weekend. I put things on craigs list, baby clothes, camaras , ect. I started putting away every cent. I used to like to go play Bingo, stopped that. I do not go buy fast food. $10-20 there a week. Soda.... that stuff.... My husband pitched in $500.00 from our business (which we really do not have) and as of today I am 1/2 way there. I have $2500.00 saved. This is from not having ANYTHING. I thought I had NOTHING to sell. If you really want to be sleeved you will see where you waste your money. For me I had to start a savings account with NO ATM card, otherwise I would spend it. I do not know if I will get the other half up as soon but I will give all I got till I get there. Also I am trying to repair my credit slowly in the event for my tummy tuck in 2 years...lol If you want it real bad it will come!!!!!!

Try one ounce at a time. Sipped over 10 mins. This is how I'm to take all liquids during my liquid diet Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had surgery 8/19 Dr James Ray also, I was understanding clear liquids only day and day after surgery then liquids skim milk broth coffee sugar free koolaid and Jello, yogurt drinks ensure juice instant breakfast drink tea crystal light popicicles and v8 juice that has helped me, I had got chinese soup just the broth and had froze it up. I do like that but may not after all of this. My problem is my shoulder is hurting really bad wish that would quit. I have not been able to go to the bathroom think I should have a bm soon take care

Oh sweetie I know it is a pain in the ass. I just got my date, 10/4/12 and I first met with my surgeon last December. Use this time wisely. Try things like, only eating a small portion while your family and friends eat normally, taste the proteins, not necessarily for taste but for texture. Your tastes will change after surgery. Start walking if you haven't already. Go to support groups. I thankful for my time bc I have made Frieda through support group who I would have never met.

I was banded in Mexicali, Mexico on May 19, 2006. I am looking to schedule with someone to do my first fill. I live neer Stanwood, Wash. Morsaille & brittu --- did you get Kitty Carmichael to do your fills? How was she? How many fills has she done? Has she ever punctured a fill line? Thank You BillieBeth

I have BC of Tn. Basically to me it was a game I had to play with them. Thier first requirement is that you have lost 10% of your weight under doctors care within the past 2 yrs. If you have a BMI over 40 you don't have to have any co-morbidities. If your BMI is under 40 then you have to have 3 co-morbidities...like High B/P, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, etc. For me my BMI was over 40 with no co-morbidities. I had to go on the 10% diet. Lost the weight then my BMI was less then 40. The Dr's. office submitted it and I got denied because I don't have any co-morbidities. I gained some of that weight back within a couple of months...they resubmitted it and I got approved. Go figure!! I love my band!! Good luck. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I've lost over 200 pounds and I feel incredible. I'm so happy I decided to have this life changing Operation done. For many years I felt that I gave up and I was passed the point of no return finally after having the surgery it gave me my life back now I work out every day I eat right and I am so excited that I can go into regular department stores and get the clothes that I want, exercise the way I want, it truly is amazing. whenever you feel that you can't do it anymore you can't give up. One thing that I really regret is that I gave up and lost 10 years of my life feeling that I wasn't good enough for anything. I can't get those years back but from this point on I look at it as a new chapter in my life to where I can move on and really enjoy the things that I've always

I too feel hungry (I'm 10 days post op) but I don't think its hunger rather than the acid or something. Every time I feel hungry I eat Jello.

I felt the same way after I went to the support group meeting 10/23/10. I think everyone should attend at least one.

So I had my first weigh in since my surgery on the 18th of November and I'm 10 lbs down. I feel good about it. If it had been less I would be discouranged. If it had been more I would be worried. What do u think? Pre-op: 274 2 wk post-op: 264 Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

Hi Everyone, I have been reading posts and doing lots and lots of research. My journey started in March when my lung specialist suggested I have bariatric surgery done. I am a state employee and just this year, the legislature voted to allow 100 bariatric surgeries to be paid for by insurance. When I booked the appt and saw the doctor, there were still openings in my area. I didn't have to go through all of the other required procedures because I had already had them. So getting to the actual appt day was very fast. Once all paperwork was submitted to insurance co. I get a call from the BCBS nurse telling me I was qualified to have the surgery, but I wasn't qualified for the state program because of a small glitch. (15 year state employee, switched for 2 years to Blue Choice and I just switched back to state standard 18 months ago. The requirement is two years as state standard policy holder.) She also said had I been qualified, I was number 18 on the waiting list for my area and that is would probably be at least another year. The one good thing that came out of my visit with the Dr. was the fact that I was leaning toward the lap band and he mentioned the sleeve and I didn't really know much about it, so hadn't considered it. He told me, that if they had to choose just one surgery to perform for bariatric patients, it would be the gastric sleeve. He said it is the one that has the least amount of complications and if most successful. THAT 10 minute conversation cost me $485! We are still fighting to get back part of that money because they should have prequalified me before scheduling me for an appt. Finding this information out, set me on the path for other options. Unfortunately, when I checked into cash pay with that doctor, I was told the cash pay price was 20,000. I also have to have a hiatal hernia repaired, which insurance does cover. The BCBS nurse, suggested I talked to him to see about doing the hiatal hernia surgery with the sleeve surgery on the side to reduce the cash pay amount since insurance would be paying for everything else. So, I called to find that out and was told it would still be 20,000 for the sleeve surgery and they would bill my insurance company for the additional hernia surgery and I would still be responsibly any additional costs with that like my 20% that insurance does not pay. Lets talk greedy! My research led me to Mexico. I have done a lot of research and I decided to go with Dr. Ortiz with Obesity Control Center. I must say, I am having my doubts after seeing so much being said about Dr. Aceves. (not that there is anything bad about Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Aceves just has a big following.) I even called them after I booked with Dr. Ortiz, but something keeps telling me to stay with Dr. Ortiz. There doesn't seem to be too many patients on here that have had Dr. Ortiz ao I think that is where my doubts are coming in to play with my mind. I have been on the pre-op diet of liquid Protein shakes and a lean cuisine meal a day. I have lost 9 pounds in spite of having to attend a family reunion and 2 birthday parties without cheating, so that is pretty exciting but I must say it isn't how I want to eat the rest of my life. My surgery is the 27th, and we will be flying out of SC on the 25th so we will have a couple of days to do other things before the surgery. I think I am starting to get a little anxious, but I am hoping that is normal no matter where you have it done.

I did the 6 months diet and lost only 10 pounds. The Dr told me that if you fail the 6 month diet will not affect you because that what they are going to show insurance company that we failed doing the diet. I am rigth now on the pre op liquid diet. My surgery date is 9/7. Wish you guys luck!

Congrats on your great success TSB! I am just starting the process, but my stats are very close to yours. Same height and same goal weight but I am about 10 lbs over your starting weight. I am more "compact" on the bottom and currently wear a 16 or 18 in jeans and dress pants but am "well endowed" on top and usually a 2x or 3x in shirts and jackets. Hope you don't mind if I follow your progress! kagead

Hey my July peeps! I had my 2 week post op visit today. I was sleeved on July 21. My starting weight in Jan was 274, surgery weight 263 and today,,,,,,,,,, (drum roll) 253!!!!! Its 10 lbs in 10 days, yeah i will take that. Gosh i cant stop smiling!! 21lbs gone. Thank you Jesus. Woo woo i am so excited!!!! I have no problems eating or drinking water and protein requirements are at 30 for this week. My Doc goes slowly upward to a total only of 45. I have been drinking at least 60oz of water a day. I was always a water drinker only. I feel good except for pain that I am having because I had a lot of scar tissue due to my previous surgeries. He even had to do 6 insicions instead of three. But i am walking and all my incisions are healed. I will be in my pool tomorrow starting slow. I have lymphedema in my legs and the pool helps with the swelling. Another wonderful thing is that i am off all diabetic meds !!!!!!!!! Oh yeah!! Can you tell i am busting???? (Seinfeld: George: I am busting Jerry, busting!!!!) God Bless my woderful surgeon and his team. It does feel as great as everyone says. Hang in there July peeps.....we gonna do great!!!!!

I just had RNY on September 26th, and all went great but it is so hard to get all liquids and Protein in this first week. I literally wake up at 6am to start and it takes me till 10 or 11pm and is extremely exhausting. I'm sure it will get easier but I just want to take a nap and that screws my whole schedule. But I am happy I had the surgery. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

I sure do hope you are right! I have been stalled for several weeks and just can't seem to budge the scale no matter what I do. I am exercising at the gym 5 days a week and have lost 10 pounds of body fat in 2 months but no weight. At least I'm not gaining! Have worried that my pouch has stretched but I do still feel the restriction. I am able to eat more than I expected before I feel the restriction.

The last thing I needed to get my surgery date was a CPAP machine. I decided to go through the VA for this, because they appeared to be pricy. They scheduled me an appointment after I sent my primary physician the results of my at home sleep study conducted through SNAP diagnostic. I paid $375 for the sleep study test which was done over the course of three nights. The VA scheduled me an appointment date that I thought was fairly far out, when I asked about getting an appointment sooner, they advised I had to have a physician appointment in order to receive the equipment. So, I am excited about getting this last little bit done, but I can wait. I get to my appointment and the guy in front of me is asleep, in a wheel chair, and on oxygen. I go to the counter and make sure he is checked in before I check in. As I am waiting in the lobby I witness every other person checking in do the same thing I did. I am feeling good about people and my fellow vets taking care of each other. The nurse (LVN) calls me back for vitals and the standard questions start. I interrupt her and ask, do you really have to ask the same questions for every single visit? She said they have to because so many vets commit suicide. So I answer all her questions without her asking them. No, I am not depressed, suicidal, having trouble at home, in an abusive relationship, or homeless. Next stop Doctor right? Nope, it is another nurse (I think nurse practitioner, but the fine print was too small to read). He spends 10 minutes advising me why SNAP Diagnostics isn't really very good and that their algorithm for determining pressure is outdated. Why they are going to go ahead and provide a VA CPAP even though the VA in-house sleep study is so much better. He then tells me how dangerous it was for my oxygen to go down to 77% for 20 minutes and how I stopped breathing 22 times. I am thinking, I read the report before I gave it to you, I want the machine, you don't have to talk me into it. He then describes how the new machines works and it is pretty cool, they calibrate automatically based on your breathing. Then I am thinking why did you spend all that time telling me about the math problem SNAP uses to calibrate pressure if the machine is going to do it automatically anyway. Then he says, we will see you back in a month or so to get you fitted for your CPAP. Wait, what about my dangerously low oxygen? I really wanted to go off, but instead stated, I thought the reason I had to wait so long was for a physician appointment in order to receive a CPAP. He then advised that this is my physician appointment. I really don't care if they count a nurse practitioner appointment as a physician appointment, but I am thinking to myself I can read and your badge and it does not say Doctor, so someone is lying to me. But alas, I know if I don't stay calm I will not achieve my objectives. So, I explain to him that I will have to pay out of pocket again to re-do labs if I do not receive this CPAP machine. I also tell him that I know I can buy one on amazon or go through the medical supply store that SNAP recommended. He starts telling me why those are both bad ideas and I tell him I have to do what I have to do. He then says he will see if he can get them to double book so I can see the Doctor today. Then he has the gall to say that my appointment will cause other 100% disabled and service connected vets to have to wait longer. So, I sit back out in the lobby feeling a little guilty, when I get called back sooner than expected by a tech who fits me for the machine and goes over all the instructions in less than ten minutes. She was super nice and wished me luck on my surgery. I thanked her for squeezing me in and told her how much money she saved me. So, I will have my surgery date by next week. Since I am not officially on a pre-op diet I am going to have a 97 calorie shot of vodka later to celebrate not losing my sh** at the VA.

Had my revision surgery on 10/18/16 from LapBand to sleeve due to esophagus issues from the band. I was banded in 2010. If I can answer any questions, just ask away. Recovery wasn't easy, but it wasn't terrible either. I haven't had any problems with drinking or getting my Protein in. Still off work but that's only because I want to make sure I've got a good handle on food before I return to my job. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My insurance did not have a six month diet period; but due to a health issue I had to postpone my surgery. This meant that my first consult was 12/28/09 and my surgery is now scheduled for 8/12/10. My understanding is that the doctor's office sends in your original weigh in from your first consult. While I still would qualify today my insurance reapproved me (had to be done when my surgery was postponed) no problem even though I have lost 54 pounds since my first consult. As mentioned by a previous poster; many doctors want you to loose 5-10% of your body weight before they do the surgery. Sooooo as my doctor said this is all about the end game. The more you loose before the surgery hopefully the more you will lose in the end. While I am impatient and a horrible waiter you will be putting the six months into good use. Realistically how long will it take you to loose 10% of your body weight?

Hi, i've been researching WLS for quite sometime. I attended a seminar on july 15. Initial consult was yesterday August 03; Psych. evaluation scheduled for tuesday August 10. Started Weight watchers on my own on July 17. Appointment with Nutritionist on Friday August 6. Anybody out there going through these stages? I need some friends for mutual support. My Insurance, Care first Blue Choice requires 6 months of medical weight management. Can my Insurance deny coverage if I loose too much weight during the six months? My Doctor said no but I just want a second opinion. I enjoy reading and talking to folks on this forum. I've learned a lot and found tons of inspiration here. Anyone interested in sharing the ups and downs of this journey? I know I won't be banded for another 5 to 6 months.:tongue2: I'm sooo impatient and afraid I could get discouraged along the way. Congatulations on your decision to live a healthier and happier life.

I keep saying I'm going to get serious & set up my nut & psych appts but I still have not. I want to but then feel guilty because dh is still not working (he's not laid off either- it's a weird vortex of manipulation really c/o his co.) Dh has said he doesn't mind me going in for the nut & psych but the conversation always ends up with him asking why we wouldn't tell his family about me getting LB. He's close to his family & as much as I love them too, I have come to the conclusion its better to keep it private, especially since its not happening for sure right now. As I was getting ready for bed, I decided I'm calling to set up the appts for sure tomorrow. Then I started thinking about the actual surgery. If dh's job situation works out, & I get surgery, we're gonna have to tell his family. I have a toddler who I don't want hanging around the hospital (swine flu anyone?) I don't have any of my family close either. I'd be ok on my own a night or two in the hospital but the day of & day leaving we'd need help w/ dd. They will want to know why since we never ask. I don't know if I can give them the hernia excuse. Originally that was my plan but now what if I have a complication & they have to watch dd again? If I claim its hernia surgery I would have to stick to the story or come out a liar. Ughhhh. Its really just two members of dh's family who have big mouths (both men oddly.) I just don't know but I gotta figure it out.:smile2: