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It's a way to jump start ur weight loss. Two days of liquids , one day of soft foods, one day firm proteins and one day of dense proteins... It's a back to basics test to reset ur sleeve

OK, this one is gonna be a bit long...I have been so depressed and discouraged that I have not logged on to the site since Wednesday evening. I had my appt. with the surgeon Thurs. and everything was going wrong. There was a bad accident on the freeway, so I was running late. To make matters worse, after hustling to be on time for my appt., I finally get there and they tell me that the doctor is away visiting his father (who happens to be VERY ill), so, of course, I feel terrible about being upset that he's not available. In walks his 'assistant' who was about 4'9 and weighed about 98 pounds. I had a feeling that she was not going to 'understand' my 'situation', and, boy, didn't she!!!! She was the most negative and discouraging person I have ever met. For starters, she had ABSOLUTELY nothing positive to say about the band. She praised the RNY and went on and on about how its better because you lose weight 3 different ways opposed to only losing 1 way with the band; she demonstrated this by drawing 2 different diagrams on the white butcher paper that is on the little beds. Isn't that soooo sweet of her? She stressed (over and over again) that I would have to wait 6 whole months before surgery. I asked what would happen if I lost about 60 pounds by then since I would no longer qualify? Would I have to wait until I regained all my wait back (and then some) and start the whole process over again? She was not happy with my sarcasm, so I explained to her that I have lost that much weight several times before and regained it. She told me to look on the bright side- at least I would be thinner and healthier. I guess my question just went right over her pretty little head, because she had NO CLUE!!!!! Furthermore, she was not able to answer most of my questions (that you all provided for me, thank goodness). And the ones that she DID answer were not really answered. She also answered those questions as if I would be getting an RNY. I was SO offended and frustrated, and I am sure that she could sense it. Believe it or not, the appt. actually lasted for close to an hour. I needed answers, so I kept trying to get them. I asked her when the papers would be turned in to my insurance co., and she could not help but tell me that it would be "a really long way down the road, seeing as how you just started the whole process in the beginning of August". I'm not DUMB! I know that they are not going to be turned in now, but I wanted to know if I could get an approximation, to encourage me to keep goin' strong. What a waste of MY time. I finally told her that I would just make another appt. with the ORIGINAL surgeon, and, hopefully, he could answer my questions better than she had. She told me to make the appt. for a month from our meeting. Of, course, I ignored her and asked for the receptionist to make the appt. for 2 weeks from that meeting. So, if all is well with the surgeon and his father, I will be seeing the surgeon on the 6th of next month. I've actually spoken with the surgeon, and he seemed really positive about the band. I left the office feeling dissatisfied and sooooooo let down. All I wanted to do was cry and throw in the towel. My therapist tried explaining that the teams' job is to try to 'hand pick' the people that 'they' feel will really succeed with weight loss surgery. I can understand that, but I cannot understand her being soooo negative. Thanx to every one for allowing me a vent session. I actually feel a whole lot better

Kat, I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience, I hope your next visit is 110% better. I have to tell you that when I went for my meeting with the Dr.'s team they, too, pushed the RNY more than the band. I asked why the RNY was talked about more than the band through out the day, we were told it was preferred by the doctors (maybe the Dr's get paid more to do them). At the same time, we were told that it was OUR choice and we would be respected for it. The only time the Dr's team would try to convince you to get the RNY over the band is when they feel, medically, that it is the best choice for you. The team meets and discusses your BMI, medical history and everything else that is done in the day long appts. and then figures out what is best for you. BUT you still make the final decision. Believe it or not there are many medical issues that could make you an unlikely candidate for the band, so you would have to have the RNY. I'd have to look them up again, but I was shocked to see so many things listed. I also asked the Dr. the same question you did. What if I lost a lot of weight, will the insurance company still approve it? The answer is yes. What happens is the doctor submits the paper work with your old weight and BMI on it and then notes that you need to lose 15 pounds before surgery (in my case) to help shrink the liver. I hope this helps you relax a little bit and not worry so much before you next appt. Good luck and Take Care

I'm coming to realise that may be the MAIN purpose of the preband Optifast, lol. By the time you have your surgery you're half dead with hunger and your system has virtually shut down, your metabolism slowed to a standstill. Seriously though, my surgeon has impressed upon me the importance of not striving for that super uber fast weight loss but rather slow and steady so taking in liquids many times a day in small amounts - ie. dont let yourself be starving, eat/drink often if you need to and the weight will come off eventually.

We are a sign that it may take a while to loss the weight. Just don't give up

My insurance covers revision as long as it's medically necessary. So like the other gal said if you can prove that it's medically necessary to cure your GERD it won't matter what your BMI is because they'll look at it as a procedure not a weight loss surgery. I'm getting a revision to the bypass because of complications from my sleeve. They approved it in less than a day. And I'm only 167 pounds Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Any reason not to get another band, since it seemed to be successful the first time? I am surprised that they would sign off on a drastic surgery like the sleeve for a 23 pound gain. Seems like taking a bazooka to a knife fight. That said, I think you would be hard pressed to lose 50 pounds, even with the sleeve. You would only lose what excess your body didn't need around. You may go under 150 temporarily until you recover from the first 2 months and start working out, but I can't see you losing 50 pounds and maintaining that kind of loss at 173lbs.

I totally agree. Or people saying that they are throwing up, cant keep anything down, not losing weight, or in a lot of pain and they are 3 weeks or more past their operation date. So it makes me think is there another side to this story? Maybe they are wanting validation for something the doctor has told them is a no-no.

My time period was 8 months. I had to pay deductibles over two years because there are costs spread out over the two years. The initial cost were primarily for meeting the 6 month medically supervised weight loss program where I met with a physician every month for 6 months. There was also the cost of the psychologist visit, which was not covered by the insurance. The later costs which included an extensive array of pre-op tests, a second round of pre-op tests with specialist in their fields, hospital and surgeon costs, post-op medicine were the greatest.

Hi. According to BMI charts, for your height, your weight should be 115-155lbs... Again according to bmi.. But realy go to where you feel confortable and feel healthy...listen to your body.

PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrom (PCOS) counted as one for me, as well as being borderline diabetic (another symptom of PCOS). If you have ANY family history of weight-related health problems, make sure your Dr puts it down in the paperwork he sends to insurance. Mine put down my dad's diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which helped form my "case" for surgery.

Hello I started the process in December of 2007, and will meeting with the Surgeon for the first time on 2/28/08. I have completed the process in six weeks. I just loved the overnight sleep test!!!!!!!????!!! I will find out on 2/28/08 my surgery date, but each hospital works differently I work 10 minutes from the hospital so I was able to get all my appointment quickly and at lunch time. Others are not as fortunate because of the hospital location. Good luck and this is a good year to lose all the weight - like you I am so excited also 140 pounds to go. We can do it!

I had mine with Dr Ortiz at mi doctor hospital. I believe it was previously a military hospital. It is not fancy by any stretch. But I was checked every 30 min or so after my surgery, my husband was provided a bed beside me and didn't leave my side other than when in the OR. English was not a barrier whatsoever, and they were very kind and compassionate. They are more attentive than they are here In Canada. You will be in good hands. Sleeved Sept 10/2016 HW 267 SW 252 current weight 232

I had my lapband surgery in November 2006. I lost seventeen pounds pre-surgery and then another fifteen pounds by January. I had a total of two fills. Things were going okay, but not perfect. I had regained a few pounds over the holidays and was struggling to get back on track. In February 2007, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I ended up with a total hysterectomy. Recovery, both physical and emotional was brutal. Several months later I lost my job along with my health insurance. I was unable to continue with visits with my bariatric surgeon. The band has since been "unfilled" and I have re-gained every single pound I lost. I am scared, depressed, and most of all ANGRY. How did this happen? Is there any hope for me with the lap band at this point? HELPPPP!!

I had surgery 6 weeks ago. I'm frustrated that the weight isn't coming off as fast as I thought. I'm down 30lbs. Am I over thinking? Sent from my LG-H901 using the BariatricPal App

Mary, I think you have done very well losing as much as you have lost. I wouldn't be too hard on yourself. Are you still following all of the band rules most of the time? Have you had many fills? Overall I think you should be really pleased with your success. I think as you get closer to goal the weight loss might be a little slower. I have heard that before. Best wishes, Teresa

Happy sleeve day! I had mine on 8/9/12. I'm very excited to see the surgeon tomorrow to find out how much more weight i've lost. How are you doing, what things are you eating and how is your weightloss coming along?

152 totally effing rocks (my last weight too! ) So good too see you gamer girl

I too have never been able to reach my goal weight, sigh ..... I've been within 5 lbs but then gained back 5 and have been fighting to maintain with many ups and downs ever since. It seems to be the way it is for many of us. I think it's difficult on multiple levels. First we lose like crazy and then it suddenly seems to come to a screeching halt. The honeymoon is over!! At least we have a fighting chance now. But none of us are used to success with weight loss so we're hyper critical of ourselves for not attaining a goal that may be unrealistic for our bodies. I also struggle with so much anxiety about regaining my weight and stress over it which only makes me want to eat more! Lastly, our body and our body image may not be in agreement. I still feel so damn fat! WTF?????

I am 35 years old, and I had the sleeve done on March 5th. When I went in to the program (October 31, 2014), my weight was 529lbs. When I started the four week pre-op diet (Feb. 5, 2015), I was 517. On surgery day I was 480 and today, a week and a half later I am 467. An astonishing loss in a relatively short period of time, and is (according to my surgeon) not the norm. I am thrilled, though. I have had zero complications. No nausea, no vomiting, no cramping and most of all, no pain. I was completely off of the narcotic pain killers within 36 hours of surgery, and have been able to take in every last bit of liquids and Protein that my surgeon requests. I consider myself very fortunate that I have had no difficulty compared to others. I firmly believe that recovery is 20% physical and 80% mental, or at least it has been for me. If you get in to the mindset that VSG is a tool that you will be able to use to get healthy and to lead a much longer, fuller life, then you will not only be able to do it, but to succeed. VSG has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good luck to you.

:drool:Hi All: These have been posted before and I think it is a great way to try a great-tasting Protein drink. It has a high protein to weight ratio. That means that the 26g serving size will yield you 23 grams of protein. Other Protein drinks I have tried have a 30g serving sixe and 15 grams of protein. The rest of the 15 g is sweetener or filler or whatever else they put in those protein supplements. YOU CAN ONLY ORDER THESE BY PHONE. THEY ARE LIMITING ONE PER PERSON. IF YOU HAVE NUMEROUS PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, YOU CAN PUT IN AN ORDER UNDER THEIR NAME AND CREDIT CARD. SYNTRAX'S PHONE NUMBER IS 1-866-333-7403. ASK FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE (THEY CLOSE AT 5P.M. CENTRAL TIME, I THINK) and place your order for 10 samples for $9.99 UPS GROUND shipping. Bodybuilding.com has all the flavors available. Search "Syntrax nectrar" 2.2 pounds 36 servings is around $28 and their grabngo packs are $24 for 21 individually-wrapped servings of one flavor. Bodybuilding.com has a good price on click coffee protein but melting mama is the best one to contact for all the click protein promotions! Question: the max protein the eggface uses in her recipes is quite expensive at GNC. does anyone know a website that carries this protein for a reasonable price? what flavors do you all like of the max protein?i know even if i don't like the protein, i can always make protein ice cream. i am soo sick of sugar free popsicles and crystal light pops. i wish grocery stores carried healthy protein ice cream. I like the herbalife unflavored Protein powder and their shakes. i go through reputable sellers t hrough ebay (always fresh products--great service) because i don't want to go through a local distributor that wants to recruit me into the herbalife organization. Herbalife chai latte ranks up there along with click and my syntrax nectars. i buy the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury once a year. i like all the flavors but i prefer the syntrax. The unjury Soup is okay. If i had to do preop again, i would do unjury for two weeks instead of the expensive and bleh tasting medifast and Optifast for 2 or more weeks. UNJURY HAS SAMPLES--ABOUT TWO BUCKS FOR EACH FLAVOR. you have to check with your doc, of course. for those that are mandated to do the optifast/medifast "hell" you might be able to find affordable products at dietdirect.com--they have a lot of protein-enriched liquids that are less than a buck a serving. when i go on a roadtrip vacation., i like the smartforlife.com. Yup, those are the gimmicky cookie diet folks! Their Cookies are okay and prevent my convenience store snacking that i do mostly on weekends (choc chip is the best IMO) but what i love are the shakes--the powder is premixed in a little bottle. you have to add Water voila! i love their shakes--it's cheaper to go through costco.com and search "smart for life" or through their website. The SMARTFORLIFE.COM company sometimes lower the price of items if you ask. Here are my favorite Syntrax Nectars: fuzzy navel, twisted cheffy, chocolate truffle and capuccino. They mix well in a shaker bottle and not in a magic bullet. As people have mentioned. they have a "foam" bot a not-so-heavy protein taste. i mix them with skim milk, soy milk, filtered water, g4 gatorade, Vitamin water zero, Powerade zero, crystal light, coffee, orange juice (i love the tropicana 50--coupon on tropicana.com--it has 50 perecent less sugar than regular oj). I HOPE EVERYONE GETS TO TRY THE SYNTRAX nectar SAMPLES! Please post where you get your wls samples, what you paid and what you got in the sample pack! Cheers, Angel in Phoenix

Do as much research as you can.. the lapband is only a tool and requires a life long commitment... Getting started - well call for a consultation - again this site provides many great doctors/clinics. My insurance denied my request because I did not meet the qualifications. My insurance has also become more strict in their requirements.. they want a year long doctor monitored diet, 5 year weight fluctuation, 100 lbs over weight and a BMI of 40.. needless to say I was a selfpay - so depending on whether or not you are paying yourself will also determine your next step... I would suggest research, call for a consult, start the insurance process and go from there... You could always call your insurance first to see what they require...good luck

HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE U LOST

Well, I was banded in August (3rd to be exact), and it's now 7 months later and I'm down 40 pounds to 225#. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to now have my life back! A couple of things have happened to me since banding...my horse died (Feb 3rd), my aunt died (march 14th), and i bought a new horse (march 15th). The band has helped me in MANY ways, the most important was to get back into the saddle and showing again...I have a horse show this weekend in Tacoma, WA! I feel great; however, there are some frustrating parts...since loosing 40#, I haven't had the want to get a fill...but, I'm finding that I'm throwing up daily, no matter how little or much I eat. I know that my band hasn't slipped, I feel no discomfort but I'm wondering if it adjusted to a smaller size since I've lost a good amount of weight.... Here are some pictures of me now......

Well, I was banded in August (3rd to be exact), and it's now 7 months later and I'm down 40 pounds to 225#. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to now have my life back! A couple of things have happened to me since banding...my horse died (Feb 3rd), my aunt died (march 14th), and i bought a new horse (march 15th). The band has helped me in MANY ways, the most important was to get back into the saddle and showing again...I have a horse show this weekend in Tacoma, WA! I feel great; however, there are some frustrating parts...since loosing 40#, I haven't had the want to get a fill...but, I'm finding that I'm throwing up daily, no matter how little or much I eat. I know that my band hasn't slipped, I feel no discomfort but I'm wondering if it adjusted to a smaller size since I've lost a good amount of weight.... Here are some pictures of me now......