NWgirl

I will also be flying the week after banding, so this is a good topic. The NP assured me that I wouldn't be beeping through TSA security, so that's good. Can I carry protein shakes in a carry on?

Have only told people really, really close to me (mother, stepmom, dad, boyfriend, and Boss, who is like a third mother to me). I don't really plan on telling anyone either. It's a very personal decision on my part.

good luck, I'm sure you'll be okay!

you will have to be submitted for approval, which could take up to 30 days. Then, depending on how booked the surgeon is, that could be another 30 days. I was given approval in late February, but was only able to schedule for the end of March. When I called, all of the slots on the usual day they do bands were booked, so they put me in on a Tuesday before any of the surgeon's other surgery. don't worry about the time, it really does fly by.

Very nice to hear! I know I've seen a lot of posts lately from people bummed about less than expected weight loss the first year, so hopefully they will read your story and realize that you CAN lose the weight over more time And, I know that if I don't lose what I want in the first year, your story will be in the back of my mind.

What an awesome accomplishment! I can't wait to see a 1 again either... The last weight I remember as a high schooler was when I was 16 and between 185-190... My normal BMI range is supposedly 120-150, but I cannot remember when I weighed that. I have been watching some youtube lapband journey's and it's amazing how great everyone looks when they get around 200. I cannot wait to be there! I know we can all do this if we keep our heads in the game.

My surgeon said loss for a person of my size would be 40-60 lbs. I know I can lose more than that, since I've been able to lose 40lb in the past without help. I think the surgeon's like to say the average expected because therefore they are not liable for false advertising if you don't lose the weight. You must remember that the statistics encompass ALL people who have been banded- from those who never lose any weight due to poor choices or not going back for followup care, to those who far exceed "normal" BMI.

My surgeon requires being smoke free for 6 months prior to surgery.

Good to hear!

Great news! Hope it all goes well and that you find a new surgeon/center soon!

Costco premier nutrition chocolate shake. Ready to drink shake with 30g pro and low fat/carbs. I tried the premier nutrition vanilla shake and did not like it.

I think it's exciting to see every ounce melt away. But, on the flip side, my Dr has recommended only weighing once a week because at some point the scale will not be so giving and it may hurt motivation, or there are those days that the weight fluctuates a couple pounds. I have heard of some people giving their scales away and only weighing at Dr appointments because they become so stuck on numbers, they forget about all the other amazing changes going on. I personally weigh myself in the morning every day and plan on continuing until it becomes harmful. The scale shows me immediately if I have not had a good food day, so it keeps me in check.

Did you order the Bariatric Advantage vitaband chewables? I think I will be ordering them this weekend. What flavor did you get?

I was told a chewable multi-vitamin and a calcium chew. I think I will take biotin as well, just in case hair loss is in my future.

You raise a lot of interesting points. I would definitely talk to a professional about the food issue, being that most say they could eat vast amounts of candies/chips. You need to be prepared to follow the eating guidelines and will probably need to exercise too. Have you tried to portion out your sweets? Maybe if you did that, then you could do fine. I know ziploc makes tiny 100 calorie bags (although candy can have a lot of calories in a little amount). I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

That wasn't the point. The point was this is the third or fourth self-promotion I've seen for someone selling them.

PS: I had fallen below the 40BMI when I was submitted for approval, but it did not matter. I have now been working on getting as much weight off before surgery because I can.

For my surgeon's office, they only use the initial weigh-in. I was lucky and was not required to do a 3 or 6 month supervised diet, but even if I had, the original weight would have been used. Depending what kind of diet the physician puts you on (i.e. medifast, etc), you are more than likely to lose weight during the time period. For insurance, the diet period shows commitment to the procedure and wanting to make a like style change. If you are still unsure, speak with whoever handles the pre-certifications at your surgeon's office. They will be able to tell you a definitive yes or no on which weight is used.

I would probably continue with the supervised dieting while you still have insurance, as well as getting any necessary tests done before your coverage ends. This way you can learn some good tips and also keep your out of pocket to a minimum.

I have definitely noticed an increase in "These are so great!" and then opening the topic to find someone has posted their personal selling site so they can make money.

I am 23 as well, and I don't think it's drastic in the least. My pediatrician from birth to 20 gave me a recommendation letter along with a copy of my growth chart showing obesity at a young age. It would be drastic if we waited another 10 or 15 years and packed on another 50+!!

I will be banded later this month, but find that I also cannot have trigger foods in the house. No sweet cereals, candies, or chips. If I buy them, I try to find a single serve packet because I will overeat if it's from a larger bag.

FINALLY! What was the holdup on your other appeals- was it the Dr's office or the insurance?! I am so happy for you!

Congratulations to you! I have heard that cash pay is usually much faster. Hoping all goes well for you.

I personally was around 38 when I started to consider the surgery. I knew I either needed to gain weight or have health problems (which are minimal). I ended up purposefully gaining about 10lb prior to my consult just so I was sure I qualified. Some may not think this is a good idea, but I have been overweight since I was 7 and have tried formal weight loss programs to no success.