proshooperLinda

While I can't offer much more info I agree with the more protein and more water for you....until you've had your first fill it's not uncommon for this to happen! You did NOT do anything wrong so quit worrying...greek yogurt is good since it's such a higher amount of protein than normal yogurt. Getting back to work will help but be prepared to be tired...that's common also. Good luck and happy losing... Linda

While I can't talk about the cost I can talk about the bipolar aspect...I've been treated for depression for many years but was told last year by a new psych he thought it was bipolar instead. I've had the band for 14 months and it has not affected what meds I take or the doseage - yet. It was not ruled out as the doctor knows of my lapband. I do know when I exercise more I feel better and with less weight I do exercise more so that helps my mood stabilize. The psych did give me another pill (Abilify) and that seems to have made the difference added to my other med for depression. As far as the cost I'd check with the doctors you want to use and see what they charge and make sure you tell them cash pay because you frequently get a lower price! Good luck as it can be the best investment you make with that money - your health... Linda

While I know you're looking in to lapband surgery actually the sleeve might be more apprioratate for the diabetes...I didn't have diabetes so having the lapband was OK for me. Check out all your options though - I probably would have selected the sleeve if it had been an option at the time. Good luck though no matter what you choose...part of the weight loss before surgery is to lessen the fat in the liver - not just to show you can follow the weight loss program. Now I realize the program was set up longer for a reason - it's not something you want to look back and say I wish I'd have done ....(something else) ior worse yet - not done it. I realize your frustration at the waiting time but it was put in there for a reason... I worked the program for almost a year before I was ready - so 6 months might have been too short for me. You have your whole life ahead of you - what's 6 months in the whole scheme of things? Good luck - Linda (PS - I'm 57 now and I had it done 14 months ago and I've been obese for 20 years...I didn't want you to think I was being smart...when I talk about age and time!)

As far as the Do's list...the first thing I'd have put is - Protein First...and 2nd is drink water at all times...I like your hydrate yourself...As far as your Don'ts list I bought a plaque that says " I will not let the scale steal my happiness..." That way I remember it's only a number and it should never dictate my mood...Good idea of yours - I enjoyed reading it! Happy losing...and here's to our better health! Linda

I understand your feeling that isn't enough or fast enough. Honestly, have you been drinking enough Water and also writing down everything you eat or drink with calories? I was under estimating the amount I ate so I was really surprised to see the difference that made...Also drinking enough water is very important! Also, making sure you are consuming enough Protein. I eat or drink protein within 1 hour of getting up as that restarts your furnace burning...remember it's a journey and you need to take it one day at a time and one step at a time... Good Luck!!!

Different stores carry different things - we have smaller stores here so there is not a lot of any one line...GNC. As far as the Profect - they are usually strong flavored so I mix them with Water to dilute them...I even mixed them with juice and water and froze them during the summer - as ice pops...loved them! Tried one straight and thought I'd die from the overwhelming flavor and sweetness...good luck.

Before you panic - call the doctors office...the program fee may be extended to when you can qualify. The insurance people in the office usually know what they have to do to "work" around the system. You can postpone surgery and at this time of year it would be easy to gain enough weight to qualify...(tongue in cheek)...but the doctor can also challenge their refusal to cover the operation. NEVER accept the decision! I was on the benefits comittee at work and found out you could usually get decisions reversed when challenged! Good luck.... PS - depending on your results from the endoscopy it might not need to be redone at a later time....plus your coverage could change for the better at any time as rarely is a health care contract unchanged year after year!

I have taken coffee...added Bariactric Advantage chocolate powder along with sugar free vanilla syrup - Mix it with my hand blender...Ohhhh - it tastes so good! BTW - I do this with cold coffee...it's breakfast!

Personally I like the Isopure...I found you can add Water to them and that improves the flavor plus it ups your liquids...Sometimes the smell when I opened them would bother me but since my nasal surgery that's no longer an issue...Sorry you had that reaction...it's a decent product. Good luck... Linda

I know what you mean...but I hope you have a local support group you can go to for that pat on the back we all need while we're going thru this learning process... I've had good surgeons who are not good "people" persons - if you know what I mean! Take pictures as you go on your journey because that really brings the changes front and center! Don't argue you don't like to get photographed...(I didn't so I don't have a "good" starting picture)...but I know understand looking at the body changes and sizes would be more concrete with those pictures now! It's a journey and we're in it for the long haul! Thank heavens for these support groups online....Good luck... Linda

You need to remind the doctor - you are their patient -and I would be looking around to see if there were any other practices around you! They don't sound very helpful or supportive. I'm taking everything you're saying as truth as they sound like idiots....and I'm being nice! First of all you should know your fill amount! Realize has a little card so you can keep the info in your wallet in case of an emergency! Fills though should go by what you are feeling with eating...and feelings of hunger etc. The idea of SUPER low calories is all wrong though unless you have a super low metabolism - even then I'd be more inclined to eat smaller "meals" every couple of hours though and making sure you get all your Protein and Water in. Good luck and don't be afraid to speak up for yourself! They should be working with you !!! If not we're here for you...don't be afraid to share any concerns you have ...OK????? I think you should have a friend go with you for your next appoinment - especially if they are also a lapband or gastric patient...I go with a friend of mine and she with me...and we ask questions of the doctor when things get said "Like why? this or that..." That might help with their attitude...I'd drop a doctor if they talked to me like that and I'm a big wuss...was a big wuss! You're not a big baby...and I don't think that would even apply! You got my thoughts - what you do with them is up to you!

Not all doctors do that - mine uses ultrasound....we're not talking about everyday exposure through - just once amonth for a while then less often! That's also why I prefer using the doctors group that put it in - if you have that choice...even with the drive I have I'll stick with this group! Good luck... Linda

I felt that way and I was scared about the hunger pains! Everyone else was saying they weren't feeling any hunger at all! They were gastric - not lapband ! The stomach has a lot of swelling from the surgery so don't get that upset - just remember Protein FIRST...and drink all your water/ liquids...and that does help. I do Isopure so that way I'm getting both at the same time! Just try to stay away from those "easy" foods that got us heavy in the first place...crackers, chips, etc. You can do it...I had the Realize band and that is put in EMPTY...so I know your pain...with lapband you lose slower - don't worry about how fast or how much...it's one day at a time! Good luck... Linda

Your insurance coverage is a big factor as far as where you can go for fills...I had my surgery at Geisinger last year under Aetna but after Jan. 1, 2011 I had a new insurance company that Geisinger doesn't participate with so I had to search for another provider. MOST places would not take me because they hadn't done the surgery...I finally found a place that's about 60 miles away...and also when you're talking to the insurance company GET IT IN WRITING! I'd check around to find other people going there and see what they think about it. If money was no object I'd be back at Geisinger in a heartbeat! Good luck... Linda

Don't feel quilty because of what you've done. I think you already paid for that ...getting sick and feeling sick. Just remember your body is trying to tell you to listen to it and behave....better next time. Like you I find I can pretty much eat almost anything...but since I got fat that way maybe that's NOT what I should be doing....so I try to use the tool I have been given the Lapband and lose weight and keep it off... Good luck.