DRB1

Look at this website for great recipe ideas: theworldaccordingtoeggface.com

She has some great casserole and dessert ideas.

Hi, November bandsters! Tomorrow is the beginning of November, which means our 1 year anniversary is coming up soon! Personally, I am NOT at the weight loss I thought I would be at this point, but I am happy to say that I am satisfied with my weight loss. I had hit a stand still for about 3-4 months hangin' out at around 200 lbs, which is about 50 pound weight loss for me. I went to see my doctor for a regular check up and he assured me that what I was experiencing was absolutely normal. He also asked me why. My response was that I was naughty. LOL...I had gotten burned out with constantly watching what I was eating, exercising, etc. Again, he said that was normal. His next response was, "how did you get to this point? You didn't start this journey by doing everything all at once. You made changes one at a time. What is ONE thing you can focus on?" I chose to focus on exercising. So, I set my focus on exercising for the month and will go back to see him on my anniversary date of November 8. Of course I never threw my diet completely out of the window while I was at a stand still. I never gained weight, I've been holding steady. 2 weeks ago, I started the C25K. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is the "couch to 5K." It gets you to be able to run for 3 miles (5K) by slowly building up your endurance. It is an 8 week program and so far it's working great. I've always wanted to run for exercise, but usually get discouraged. The c25k is actually fun! I just started week 3 today and have noticed my weight down a couple more pounds since I've started and my legs feel like they want to run when I haven't done it for a couple of days. Also, they say that it takes 6 weeks to develop a habit. SO, if we can keep up with the exercise for 6 weeks, maybe exercise can be my addiction instead of something harmful to me.

Hi, November bandsters! Tomorrow is the beginning of November, which means our 1 year anniversary is coming up soon! Personally, I am NOT at the weight loss I thought I would be at this point, but I am happy to say that I am satisfied with my weight loss. I had hit a stand still for about 3-4 months hangin' out at around 200 lbs, which is about 50 pound weight loss for me. I went to see my doctor for a regular check up and he assured me that what I was experiencing was absolutely normal. He also asked me why. My response was that I was naughty. LOL...I had gotten burned out with constantly watching what I was eating, exercising, etc. Again, he said that was normal. His next response was, "how did you get to this point? You didn't start this journey by doing everything all at once. You made changes one at a time. What is ONE thing you can focus on?" I chose to focus on exercising. So, I set my focus on exercising for the month and will go back to see him on my anniversary date of November 8. Of course I never threw my diet completely out of the window while I was at a stand still. I never gained weight, I've been holding steady. 2 weeks ago, I started the C25K. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is the "couch to 5K." It gets you to be able to run for 3 miles (5K) by slowly building up your endurance. It is an 8 week program and so far it's working great. I've always wanted to run for exercise, but usually get discouraged. The c25k is actually fun! I just started week 3 today and have noticed my weight down a couple more pounds since I've started and my legs feel like they want to run when I haven't done it for a couple of days. Also, they say that it takes 6 weeks to develop a habit. SO, if we can keep up with the exercise for 6 weeks, maybe exercise can be my addiction instead of something harmful to me.

I am struggling getting in my daily Protein. What kinds of foods are you eating that are high in Protein that are helping you achieve your daily protein goals?

I agree that Protein powder for smoothies is a great way to add protein to your diet. I use Max Protein by SEI. It's a little spendy but tastes great. I add it to Greek yogurt for a great protein adder. The yogurt has 15 grams of protein and the powder has 22 grams. It's a great way to start the day. It's also good in oatmeal. I use the plain Greek yogurt as a base for dips and dressings for added protein as well. I would also recommend the following blog which is full of high protein recipes -- www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com

I have CIGNA as my insurance carrier, so I have the 6 month requirement to go to weight loss classes under a physician's supervision. While this is a bummer because I really want to get going with the lap band surgery and not wait 6 months, I have an additional concern. I am exactly at a BMI of 40. If I lose so much as 10lbs, I won't qualify for the lap band. I am sure I could go to a 6 month supervised clinic and lose 15lbs - and then regain it as soon as I stopped. Or keep it off and continue to struggle being 85lbs overweight instead of 100. Sure, I would love to go to a 6 month thing and lose 50#s and not have to have the lap band, but I've lost 50lbs before only to regain it. It wasn't physician supervised, though so I don't think it counts for CIGNA.

I also am unsure of what I have to do to have it count as 6 months supervised. The university hospital has a 6 month program (in the same division as the bariatric surgery program), but it costs $1,000. And of course, CIGNA doesn't cover it. I feel so stuck. I really thought the Lap Band was going to be an option for me, but now I feel like more roadblocks are up in my way. I am not trying to be a size 4, just to be "normal." I want to wear clothes from normal stores, to be able to spend the day at the zoo or shopping mall without having my feet and knees hurt for days afterwards, to sit on the bleachers and watch my daughters' games and not have my back kill me because I don't really fit on it, and on and on.

Does anyone have any advice?

I had Cigna too. They count the weight and BMI at the start of the process -- not after 6 months of weight loss. It is true that they don't pay for visits with the nutritionist for weight loss purposes. But they will pay once your surgery is approved. My doctor had me pay one invoice and held the rest until I was approved. Insurance paid for all of it and I got the money back from the initial invoice. Be patient. The 6 month waiting period is a great time for getting your head together about the lifelong changes that will occur once you become a "bandster". Good luck with your journey!

Hi everybody!!! I need some new mushie meal suggestions. I am getting a little tired of eating the same thing every day. Please give me your favorite recipe!!!

I would highly recommend going to this website: www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com She has some really great recipes for all stages. I wish I would have known about her from the beginning. I've tried a bunch of recipes and they are really great! Good luck in your journey.

I'm having surgery next week (June 1st) and my husband is going to get the (4) kids out in the morning and then come to the hospital. Is there any reason why I can't drive myself to the hospital and get started on my own? My hospital (NYU) didn't say otherwise but on the lap band site it says someone needs to come with you . Are they not going to let me do the surgery without a person there? I realllllly can't have anyone come (until later).

Also, this is probably unrealistic, but is there any way I can go to my 7 year old son's school play the day after my surgery? I had my appendix and gall bladder out (separately) and did pretty well after those surgeries. Am I being unrealistic?

Please let me know what you think about these two issues!

My husband was out of town when I had surgery. My sister-in-law dropped me off at the hospital and then was there to drive me home. They really care that you aren't planning on driving. As far as going somewhere the next night, I couldn't have done it --- but everyone is different. Good luck!

I'm getting banded on June 21st and was wondering if there are any others who are over 50 and have had the Lap Band process. My doctor said I didn't need to be on any special diet before my surgery, but I have been eating healthier anyway due to husbands heart problems. I know my road will be different from most due to leg nerve damage and back problems. Any tips anyone could pass on to me? I would love to hear from you. I'm excited and scared.

Shirley:

I'm over 50 too and was banded 6 months ago. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself! I lost about 12 pounds before surgery and about 44 since. Some days are easier than others and the first 6 weeks are tough! Hang in there and you will see the rewards! I would highly recommend the following website for great food ideas: www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com

Good luck with your journey!

I'm planning to make a breakfast casserole for mother's day. I had planned to substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage, but will it turn out the same if I use egg beaters instead of regular eggs? Anyone tried it or have recipes for healthier breakfast casseroles? Thank you!

I had a fill 2 days before I left for vacation. It was my 3rd so I was a little nervous. I talked to my doctor and we decided to do a smaller fill to make sure I didnt' have any complications. They also suggested that I stay on liquids the day of my flight since flying can aggrevate the situation. I ended up having no problems while I was gone. I didn't stick to liquids the day we left either. I lost 1.5# while on vacation and still enjoyed myself!

Have a great trip!

I drink Crystal Light every day too. It really helps get the Water down which is the most important thing right now. I enjoy the sweet flavor which does help with the sweet tooth too. Crystal Light makes a different product that has no artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives. If you're really concerned, try that. It's called Pure Fitness and comes in Grape, Lemon Lime and strawberry Kiwi. It's got a few more calories (30 per bottle), but it might be worth it to you.

I am 57 too. I had my surgery in November and I'm so pleased with the results so far. Good luck in your journey!

I have been thinking about Lap Band for some time but have decided to get serious about it. I am in Canada and I know there are differant criteria up here. So, I am 57 years old and have struggled with weight most of my life. I had a hysterectomy,quit smoking and am up to 238 pounds now. Looking forward to learning all I can

They told me that the first 4-6 weeks after surgery are the hardest. Once the swelling goes down and before your first fill you will be hungry. Hang in there. It does get better! Good luck!

Ok I am 18 days post op and I feel absolutely normal. I have ZERO restriction and I am wondering what people are eating at about this time. No really what you are eating but how much. If I keep my food to a cup or less I am hungry still when I leave the table. So I have just been trying to focus on eating Protein and if I am over indulging it is on Protein and mainly dinner cause I go all day white nuckling through and when it comes to dinner I am starving. I really hope it gets better. Otherwise what did I do this for? Should I be measuring my food and only eating a cup or less and just be hungry. I go for my first fill on the 25th, but is one fill really going to do that much when right now I feel like I do not even have a band in me?

Also I am having pain or a soreness at my port site. Is that normal?

I am a MESS!

Your weight and BMI from the start of the process is what will be submitted to your insurance. I worried about the same thing and it was no problem. I lost 12 pounds prior to surgery and it was still approved. My starting BMI was 37 and I was at 35 when my surgeon submitted to my insurance company. You'll do fine. As far as talking to your doctor -- mine actually suggested the surgery option to me and supported my effort to get the surgery. Good luck and don't lose hope. Use the 6 months to get your head together to prepare for what the surgery and life afterwards will be like.

Hello!

I am Amber i am 24, and 236 at the doctors office. (depends on the day) my Bmi is 38. When i talked to blue cross they said i had to have the 6 month or be 50 bmi. So question i have is what happens if you lose a bunch of weight on your doctors diet, will you be disqualified from the surgery? That would break my heart. 5 months in and have them be like well sorry Amber you did so good you don't need it now! (i know it sounds twisted) What sort of questions should i ask my doctor, how should i bring it up to her? She is like a size 0. I see her on Monday. How did u all talk to your doctors? Also note i am on blood thinners, though i read that won't be an issue. Anything else i am missing to ask? Help me out?

Thank you all in advance. I can't wait to help someone else out in the future.

I am in exactly the same place -- surgery 11/4/10 -- have had 3 fills -- none of them felt much different although with the last one I actually have gotten stuck a couple of times. I'm getting fill #4 on 3/21. I hope this one is where I feel some restriction. I've lost 33 since surgery and am really okay with that, but want to feel the restriction I haven't had yet. Good luck next week with your fill!

I had my Lap-band surgery on November 18, 2011 and I really feel so much better. My problem is when I get a fill (I've had 3 now). I don't feel any different and really only feel a slight restriction for about a week. I'm thinking that should be different. I don't know if I'm not telling my doctor something right so I'm not getting enough. I really don't know how I'm supposed to feel while he is giving me the fill. Are there any signs that I should feel to make me know what to tell the doctor so I'm sure I'm getting a good fill. I'm scheduled for an appointment on 3/21/2011 and know that I will be getting a fill as I have no restrictions now and can pretty much eat what I want - when I want.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks - jeanne

I am flying -- so thanks for the heads up! I will check on this when I go in for the fill.

Congratulations on your weight loss so far. Keep it up!

If you're planning on flying somewhere for your vacation, you should mention this to your doctor before your fill. It's my understanding that the high altitude and pressurized cabin can affect band tightness, especially right after a fill. Just a head's up.

Dave

I also had a 6 month waiting period. I didn't like it at first because I was ready to go and didn't want to wait. What I discovered, though, was that the waiting time really helped to prepare me emotionally and physically for the surgery that I had 4 months ago. Embrace this time -- it really is a good thing!

So I had my initial consultation this morning, and it confirmed the beliefs that I already had about Lap Band. I have gone back and forth for 7 years about having this procedure done, and now I just know that it will help me lose the weight that I need to feel good and healthy. I wish I didnt have to wait the 6 months to schedule the surgery, but my insurance (blue cross) requires a 6 month history and my BMI is 39!

I hope I can remain as positive an hopeful in the next 6 months, because I'll be honest, it make me a bit jealous to see all these other members having their initial consultation and surgery scheduled in the same month! Lucky ducks! Anyone else in a waiting period?

I was banded a few months ago. Am loving the weight loss -- 33 pounds post surgery! I still am not "restricted" after 3 fills, but I think its getting closer. Have gotten "stuck" a few times though. Next fill is next week -- right before vacation! I hope that's a good move!!!