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My file will be submitted to Carefirst BCBS (DC Plan) tomorrow (5/26) morning. Here are my vitals: Age 30 Female Height: 5'3" Type II Diabetes (diagnosed 5/10/2011) Hiatal Hernia Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease = Metabolic Disorder Weight at surgical consult: 205 Current Weight: 198 Goal Weight: 127 Carefirst BCBS through DC. Only insurance concern is that I have had two three month diet plans that went like this: My weight doctor: Visit 1/3/2011, visit 1/17/2011, 2/1/2011, 2.16.2011, 3/1/2011, and 3/17/2011, with a primary care visit in early April - should be OK for this one. My other weight program was a visit on I think 1/20/2010 and another visit on 4/9/2011 with a primary care visit on 1/21, blood work on 2/16 and a neurologist visit on 3/17/2010. I have good documentation of visits, receipts, medical notes, etc. but there could be an issue with the fact that I did not go to the weight specialist between 1/20/2010 and 4/9/2010.The insurance coordinator at Bluepoint Surgical group seems to think that we can get approval because my documentation is good and it shows that I have lost weight but can't keep it off.

Okay the actual "comment" was really not that awful or harming, but it was just a reminder for me. A man who has children at the same school my girls go to was walking by a few weeks ago and I hadn't seen him for a while. Just out of the blue he says "wow, looks like you have lost a lot of weight" and I mumbled a thank you and ended the conversation. Most people would just consider this a compliment and move on. But the part that was a reminder to me, the slap in the face, that I took away from the comment was just the general fact that we cannot hide our obesity. I happen to know that this man is struggling with alcoholism right now, to the point that his wife asked him to move out and get treatment. I heard this from a 3rd party as I am not super close friends with this family. So his comment to ME, was akin to me walking by him and saying "looks like you been laying off the bottle!" Of course I would NEVER say that to anyone, even if I did know that they were struggling with a problem. So why do people feel the need to comment on our weight loss, our body shape, etc. It's all visible, no hiding, you can't mask obesity like you can with other addictions, behaviors, or problems. Most of the issues that people have in their lives can be behind closed doors, where obesity is just screaming from your body everywhere you go, everything you do, etc. I hope this makes sense.

I agree that it works for some people, and some people want to be able to eat a more varied diet. But for me, I literally didn't have room for carbs(even an apple) if I wanted to get in my Protein grams in 4 meals per day which is what was prescribed by my surgeon. As for carbs on labels, it's hard to screw up carbs on fresh or frozen (no preservatives, no salt, nothing added) on green Beans, broccoli, pinto/black beans(which I made from raw form) and romaine lettuce which is pretty much the veggies I ate through my losing stage. I even skipped using mayo/miracle whip and subbed in greek yogurt for a lot of my meals for chicken/tuna/egg salad, with a little mustard, or dry ranch dressing. I also relied on the glycemic index for veggies/fruits intake for counts. If it was over 55 points on the glycemic index, I never ate it in my losing stage. My goal was to lose as quick as possible. I won't deny that at all. For me, my goal was to hit goal, and worry about maintenance when I got there. I should add that because eating carbs even the "good ones" didn't work for me in the past. I was diligent with weight watchers, and my body fought to lose with eating little portions of "good foods". I did the points system and the "whole foods" program numerous times, and both had minimal results. I didn't see it as a diet, I never felt deprived so that could be why I was so stringent on my intake. I think people just have to find what works for them, and how they want to lose weight, change their relationship with food, and really change their habits. My losing stage taught me a lot about what I was able to tolerate, what I could eat without feeling deprived, and I learned tricks to make food more "sleeve-friendly" while not losing flavor. I live an extreme life of moderation in maintenance because it's what works for me. I drink soda, I eat bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes, all veggies, alcoholic beverages are weekly indulgences (before the pregnancy) so by no means do I live a life of dieting or monitoring all my intake like I did during my losing stage. For me moderation in maintenance is what works for me, also that moderation can easily get out of hand, and luckily, I can go back to "better choices" cutting carbs to an extent, and still lose weight. I should add that I had another driving force to losing quickly. My husband was deployed during my revision. After my complications, and a slow start with weight loss (I was fed 1800 calories a day for almost 2 weeks via a TPN bag/picc line so I didn't lose a ton of weight), a 2nd hospitalization that resulted in weight gain again, I had a goal to lose 60lbs before his return in 4 months from the day of my revision. Because I was so stringent on my intake, I had dropped about 80lbs by the time he came home and he walked right by me at the airport. So, there were some other driving forces to me losing quickly, getting healthy, and making a full recovery after extensive complications. I had to "get better" before he came home. He wasn't allowed to come home during my complications, he was in a shithole of Afghanistan, dealing with the the mental issues of deployment on top of his wife nearly dying due to complications, he was worried that I was going to be "sickly" and not myself. Sorry for the ramble, I just thought I should clarify some of my reasoning and what all went into my decision-making process during my losing stage.

I'm six weeks post surgery, I have had red wine on occasion, and more recently found 100 calorie margaritas ( Cuervo and Margaritaville) There is definately a trade off because of calories, and do watch the quantity that you drink. Your body has changed or in the process of changing, you are eating much less so you will (you will) be effected by the alcohol ! I learned by experience... really ice down your drink or pour a half glass of wine instead of a full one.

I call total bullshit on that one. Alcohol can be irritating, it can be too harsh on the stomach depending on what you choose to drink and how far out from surgery you are. BUT I have never, ever heard of anyone getting a leak mystically, magically after drinking alcohol. Afer 6-8 weeks, scar tissue has healed over the staples, and the risk for a leak decrease significantly. NOW, if there was pinhole leak that went undetected by medical professionals, then the patient continued to eat/drink I could see how that could happen. Most leaks are detected within 2 weeks, if not sooner of the original surgery. I've been on WLS boards for nearly 4 years, and every type of WLS patient from band to RNY talk about drinking vodka/cranberry juice or other non-carbonated alcoholic beverages. The skinny girl margaritas are pretty phenomenal. I waited until I was over 6 months out only because I wasn't willing to take in the extra calories during my losing stage.

This is all such a relief to hear...I am on my pre-op diet but last night the girls wanted to get a drink after work and I had to sit with my cranberry juice and watch them drink sangria and have appetizers. And I had that moment of "oh God, this can't be my life from now on!" I'm not a big drinker but I do really enjoy occasions where I drink socially. Someone recently posted something about alcohol being a stomach irritant though and people having leaks 6 or 9 months out from having it Is that true? How many months did you wait?

I do eat anything I want just small portions. There is nothing that gives me trouble. I don't drink alcohol by choice, but I have had it. I get drunk pretty quickly if I have a drink. Alcohol gets into the blood stream quicker from our stomachs being so small.

In my social group, I'm the "afternoon cocktail girl". Seriously, moderation is key for me. There is no reason to not indulge in alcohol unless you are worried about transfer addiction issues. Plus, I didn't drink during my losing stage because our livers are working double time and throwing alcohol on top of everything else it's processing is pretty unfair to task my liver even more. I'm a party girl at heart. I love the bar/club scene, and refused to give it up just because I had my guts altered. Plus, dancing on tabletops is much safer at 130lbs than it is at 270lbs LOL ! ! !

Thanks. I hesitated to ask the alcohol question as it seems to be a big no-no post surgery, and while Im not a boozer, I do enjoy my social drinking and would hate to give it up forever.

Sorry, I'm being lazy so I'm just copy/pasting this reply from another post: 1. What is a daily meal like? This answer has changed based on how far out I am, and what my goals were. During losing, I ate Protein, protein, protein, protein and more protein. Pretty much atkins diet, no more than 30-40gr of carbs until I hit goal, and was getting into maintenance. At almost 2 years out, I eat fairly normal. Last night for dinner, my almost 13 yr old son, and I shared a fajita for one dinner at a local Mexican place. I ate 6 tortilla chips with salsa, 1 small flour tortilla with about 1Tbsp of refried Beans, a smear of sour cream, 3 strips of fajita steak meat, and about 6 jalapenos. I tear off the rounded part of the tortilla once I folded it over, and I was perfectly content with my intake. I can eat 1 slice of medium thin crust pizza with toppings and cheese. Rice, bread, Pasta are now all slider foods for me so I do watch that intake, but there are not any foods that I can not eat. Pork settles heavy in my sleeve so I don't eat it. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything at all. Saturday night my husband and I went to a local steakhouse for dinner. I ordered a 6oz sirloin (teriyaki marinade and dipping sauce) a loaded sweet potato (marshmallows and caramel topping), and mac-n-cheese. I ate 1/4 of a dinner roll before my meal arrived. Proceeded to eat 1/2 of the steak with extra dipping sauce (food lube condiments makes meat easier to consume), half of the inside of the sweet potato, and 3 bites of mac-n-cheese. This meal experience lasted 1.5hours allowing me to eat a bit more without being "stuffed". 2. Is there anything you can't eat? Nopers 3. How much can you eat? It totally varies on the consistency of the food, the time I allow myself to eat. There are ways to cheat every weight loss surgery, and I know every single one of them. But, just because I know them doesn't mean I use them all the time. It's typically in social settings when I use those cheating skills. Grazing, eating super slow, stretching out my meal, sipping in between bites, allows me to eat a bit more, and not draw attention to myself. I attend A LOT of social functions, and no one ever questions my eating or lack thereof. 4. Can you drink diet soda? I've drank regular soda since being around 6.5-7 months out without issue. No change in my sleeve capacity, and without any effect on my weight. It's all about moderation for me. As for alcohol consumption, it's wasted calories and I didn't indulge until I was at goal. The first glass of wine hit me hard and fast. I was drunk, numb lips, tingly face, and then sobered up about 20-30 minutes later. I am a major social drinker (well before pregnancy), and I drink all types of mixed drinks and wine. Not a beer drinker, but I indulge when I can. The only time it had any effect on my weight was last holiday season. From Halloween to New Years, we partied a few times a month. I drank and ate without care, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Over those 3 months or so, I gained 7lbs. Went back to my normal eating, and drinking , dropped those 7lbs in a little over a week. My alcohol tolerance is just like it was pre-op.

I am still in the approval process so Im a long way off from being pre-op, but I am trying to find out as much information as I can so Im prepared. I know that in the first few months after getting the sleeve you have the liquid then soft food phases, but does it ever go back to really average things, just in small sizes? What about drinking alcohol?

Ya, I learned the "alcohol now hits us harder" rule the WRONG way. Last week, I was on a cruise and had maybe 4 drinks....and 2 shots. For me, this is normally not enough alcohol to have much effect, especially with dinner and over the course of an 8 hour evening out. Well, boy was I wrong. I was feeling ok, and then suddenly, I wasn't ok at all. I then vomited for 15 hours. Which was painful. I was pretty sure I would die. So I can say, wholeheartedly, that we can NOT consume alcohol the same way anymore. Not to mention we are eating a lot less so there is nothing to absorb it. And my doctor was adamant that there can never again be carbonation or beer. This all happened as a result of cranberry and vodka.

You'll also want to remember that alcohol might hit you harder/faster than before, so don't expect to have your normal amount. Just drink and pay attention to how you're feeling.

Drink in moderation and remember to include the calories. Also be aware that alcohol often gives people the munchies which could sabotage your diet efforts. A glass of wine is probably one of the better options.

Alcohol really isn't a problem for the band. I've tried beer, but the carbonation doesn't sit well for me. I've had no problem with wine or mixed drinks. You just need to be aware that alcohol, in all it's forms, is just empty calories. If you drink regularly, it will slow down your weight loss.... but we all need to have some fun, too! Cindy

This question is for all you seasoned bandsters...So I know we're not supposed to drink after we've had the band placed...I wasn't much of a drinker to begin with so it hasn't bothered me in the least bit...however as many of you know there are times when a drink is almost impossible to refrain from (wedding toasts, etc) So my question is this...in the event that we decide to partake in a drink, what's the best choice for us to make? I know fizzy/bubbly drinks or beer is not an option (I've heard it stretches the pouch!! . I'm only a couple of weeks out so haven't encountered this obsticle yet....any suggestions?

Great topic this! I am 8 weeks out from VSG and 60 lbs lighter. For some years my blood pressure meds have caused impotence. I have used Viagra with some success but now use Cialis as it lasts for 3 days (the medication that is, not the erection) and alcohol doesn't interfere with performance. My experience is that I have been transformed into a teenager (in terms of performance not that I have lost half a brain). My wife is pleased with the results. Another side effect is that I believe that the erection is bigger for the simple reason it is maintained at full strength for longer. I have come off one of 2 fairly strong BP meds and am hoping to reduce this further. It should be interesting to see what happens impotence wise. There seems to be some improvement already but Cialis gives you such, how shall I put it, confidence, that I may not want to stop using it. This lack of confidence also happens to men as they age, so Cialis is a bit of a wonder drug in my experience, tho' fairly expensive and needs a prescription (at least in Australia). This seems like a great topic for a clinical trial.

It's finally official- I've lost 100 lbs since November (60 before VSG and 40 after)! Buh-Bye don't care to see you ever again!!! Now I still have a long way to go but got to Celebrate big milestones like this! Woo Hoo! I want to reward myself with little things so I bought a nice watch to signify my 100lbs. Don't want to celebrate with anything food or alcohol related as I would've before and I don't want to buy clothes right now so a watch it is! What do you reward yourself with when you hit a milestone or once at goal?

Hi my wife had the surgery done three years ago she lost weight but now alcohol has replaced the food she was never a big drinker before it has gotten so bad that when i come home from work at 600 she is allready drunk i try talking to her about now she snneks it and lies about it so i called her lap band nurse and nothin changed she kind of blew me off so now when she is not drinking she is real unhappy she yells at the kids the more i look around the house the more bottles i find it killing our marriage i dont know where to go next for help

Hey Emmster! I just started mushies as well this week and found that sweet potatoes don't work for me, I think since my liquid diet I've become very sensitive to sugars and a lot of the "sugar free" items that contain sugar alcohol can also cause upset stomachs... a lot of them say so on the product so I would avoid them aswell... I think this is pretty normal though as we just came off of a liquid fast and are now re- introducing foods back to our body... any how congrats on the loss so far

Hello: I have my first appointment with my surgeon and dietitian on June 2nd. I am self-pay but they are going to submit it to insurance too I think. I have documented high cholesterol and had gestational diabetes with a BMI of 40. I am nervous, but happy, and trying not to listen to all the naysayers! They are every where! I feel like let's get the show on the road! I am scared about giving up beer though, not like I drink all the time but it is the only alcohol I like. So I guess I can't drink anymore when we go camping, or out with friends, ect.. : (

Hello, I live in Kansasville Wi. and went to a seminar on gastric bypass operations, by Dr. Chua, in Racine. I will probably be traveling up to Milwaukee for some appointments and such if I go thru with this. I wish you much luck and peace thru-out this process. Take Care, Janet Hi Lap Band People, I am just trying to get into this site because I believe I will need some support and information on my journey. This seems to be a huge and active discussion group. I am also hoping to find a local support group in Milwaukee. I got my band on Thursday, May 12, 2011, from Dr. Thomas Chua, Wisconsin Bariatric Clinic, on Loomis, in Milwaukee. My insurance excluded coverage so I bit the bullet and paid for it myself. It certainly cut the paperwork and got me on the fast track. Now I'm healing. Still sipping vicodin, but starting to get free of it. I changed my dressings. I got a food processor and little 4 oz cups to freeze stuff in. I have a kitchen scale (for foods). A couple of weeks ago I was 313 lovable pounds. Now I am 297, sore, disoriented, but no less lovable, I hope. I was crabby this morning with a person who works for me, who is also obese. I told her I didn't appreciate her assumption that every new idea would be a bad thing. My goal is 200 pounds, but maybe it should be 175, as I am 6', 61 years old. I am divorced since a couple of years ago. I have 6 children, 3 of which are in their 20's. One is 9. I wanted to stick around awhile to see how they do. I have a good primary physician in Milwaukee. He has watched my weight increase despite stringent efforts to overcome the problem. He watches over my asthma, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, heart risks, etc. He mentioned the lap band surgery. I resisted by trying one last-ditch effort with a psychiatrist, who gave me prozac for 6 months. At first it helped. I stopped drinking alcohol too. But eventually the appetite reduction effect subsided, and I quit prozac and psychiatric visits and started drinking again, which certainly doesn't help anything. I don't think of myself as an alcoholic, but there is no question that alcohol lowers my resistance to sensible eating. I eat too much. It's a vicious circle. But I hope I am done with all that. I am doing well with the lap band. I have no desire to start drinking again. I am looking forward to feeling well enough to exercise. So that's me. I introduced myself. I will appreciate any support and try to be supportive in turn.

Hi Lap Band People, I am just trying to get into this site because I believe I will need some support and information on my journey. This seems to be a huge and active discussion group. I am also hoping to find a local support group in Milwaukee. I got my band on Thursday, May 12, 2011, from Dr. Thomas Chua, Wisconsin Bariatric Clinic, on Loomis, in Milwaukee. My insurance excluded coverage so I bit the bullet and paid for it myself. It certainly cut the paperwork and got me on the fast track. Now I'm healing. Still sipping vicodin, but starting to get free of it. I changed my dressings. I got a food processor and little 4 oz cups to freeze stuff in. I have a kitchen scale (for foods). A couple of weeks ago I was 313 lovable pounds. Now I am 297, sore, disoriented, but no less lovable, I hope. I was crabby this morning with a person who works for me, who is also obese. I told her I didn't appreciate her assumption that every new idea would be a bad thing. My goal is 200 pounds, but maybe it should be 175, as I am 6', 61 years old. I am divorced since a couple of years ago. I have 6 children, 3 of which are in their 20's. One is 9. I wanted to stick around awhile to see how they do. I have a good primary physician in Milwaukee. He has watched my weight increase despite stringent efforts to overcome the problem. He watches over my asthma, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, heart risks, etc. He mentioned the lap band surgery. I resisted by trying one last-ditch effort with a psychiatrist, who gave me prozac for 6 months. At first it helped. I stopped drinking alcohol too. But eventually the appetite reduction effect subsided, and I quit prozac and psychiatric visits and started drinking again, which certainly doesn't help anything. I don't think of myself as an alcoholic, but there is no question that alcohol lowers my resistance to sensible eating. I eat too much. It's a vicious circle. But I hope I am done with all that. I am doing well with the lap band. I have no desire to start drinking again. I am looking forward to feeling well enough to exercise. So that's me. I introduced myself. I will appreciate any support and try to be supportive in turn.

I got chafed around my belly button last month, first time that has happened. I dried it out with alcohol, yeah it burned like hell, but I find it works really well. Before I discovered body glide for my thighs, I used to always chafe there and I always used alcohol to clear it up. Oh btw I mean rubbing alcohol, not the kind you drink, lol

I am sad that everyone seems to think the reason for the shower soap smelling bad relates to money. In truth, and speaking as a Surgical Technologist with 17 years of experience scrubbing on procedures from Hysterectomies to Craniectomies to Tonsillectomies to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms to Face Lifts to Cataracts, the reason they have you shower with a specific soap is it's antiseptic abilities. The reason it smells bad? In order to kill bacteria and the like, it takes chemicals. Safe chemicals. Some of the soaps have simple chemicals like rubbing alcohol in them. There is nothing that will harm the skin, if it did, we wouldn't be using them in the OR. Cleanliness may be next to Godliness, but nobody said it had to smell like Heaven!