Hello!

[celticdreamer 0]

Hello,

I'm new to this board. I am preparing to have lap band surgery within the next couple of months. I have done my first consultation, and have seen a nutritionist and therapist one time each.

The nutritionist is having me do the Protein-Sparing Modified Fast diet this week. Today is my 2nd day and I'm absolutely starving. It's limited to 9oz of meat per day for 5 days. I hope I can make it until Saturday because they will do a urine test to check for diet compliance. Every hour I get through feels like a miracle. Oh, the 9 oz must be divided up equally between 3 distinct meals. Otherwise, I'd just have a nice steak at dinner.

I see the nutritionist and therapist again on Saturday. If all goes well, I believe that is when they submit this to my insurance (Empire BCBS) for approval. I hear Empire's not too bad. I used to work at CIGNA but I heard that they're terrible about approving any kind of WLS. I feel fortunate to have BCBS now.

Anyway, I'm a 41 year old female. My BMI is around 52. I lost a LOT of weight on Weight Watchers a few years ago, only to put it all back on and more. By a lot, I mean 114 lbs.

I guess that's my entire lap band story so far. I'm happy to have found this website! Will keep you all updated as to my progress, and it's great reading about yours!

-Theresa

[*susan* 1,709]

Hi Theresa,

Welcome to LBT! The diets they put one on are tough, but you just have to keep in mind the prize, which will be a band.

I hear you about the weight watchers. I lost a bunch of weight with them, a bunch of times. And, each and every time I gained it all back plus some.:thumbup: The band is the first time I have ever lost weight and kept it off, it is a wonderful tool.

Keep us posted as to how things are going for you. And, if you have any questions, let us know.

[celticdreamer 0]

Hi Susan,

Thanks for responding!

I should have probably mentioned that the surgeon I'm using is Dr. Elmer Valin in New Haven, CT. I am encouraged because I have read nothing but GREAT things about him and his office, all OVER the internet. I haven't stumbled across a negative comment yet.

Would love feedback from anyone who has had a lap band done by Dr. Valin.

-Theresa