Wisdom2KnowTheDifference

I talked to my case manager today and she says she will get the results back from my Upper GI and Ultrasound tomorrow. I am kind of nervous because as I mentioned in a previous post, the ultrasound revealed a cyst on my kidney, and I might need additional tests. I just hope they are able to tell me something definitive about the nature of the cyst so I can relax.. or start worrying . I am also eager to go ahead and schedule my surgery if I can, so there is that, too! I want to start preparing, I have already kind of started. I have quit smoking, quit soda, cut back on caffeine. I bought some shakers at Sam's to make protein drinks in. I am also trying to be more mindful of my eating, though I am still overeating. I started off well this morning, but by lunch I was starving and went out for Mexican food with a coworker. Definitely ate too much, of course! I am so ready for this band and this lifestyle change.

Hello everyone, just got a call from my PCP about my labs. They said everything looks good except I have elevated cortisol levels. So now I'm being referred to an endocrinologist. They said it might just be weight-related but I'm wondering if this could be related to the cyst they think they found on my kidney during my ultrasound last week. I should know more about that soon. I'm really starting to worry...going into this I thought I was pretty healthy (other than being obese). So I am pretty shocked to find out there might be something really wrong with me. Any advice/support would be appreciated. Thanks!

I just ordered Bandwagon 2nd edition

i like your screen name!

i have recently quit (not easy!) and strongly recommend electronic cigs. its the only thing that has EVER worked for me! you can find them online (volcano is a good brand) or at the gas station. You can start off with a good amount of nicotine and taper down to no nicotine as quickly as you want (or can). I am still several weeks pre-op though, don't know anything about smoking so close to your surgery date. Once I decided to have the surgery, I figured I would quit as soon as I could because I didn't want to deal with nicotine withdrawal AND post op recovery! Plus you have to quit anyway for the band of course. a small price to pay to the lap band gods haha

Anyone have any recommendations for FDA tested/approved Protein supplements? Bariatric Advantage has a statement on their website " These statements have not been evaluated by the food and Drug Administration." Not sure if that means the products haven't been evaluated or just the statements? I sent them an email. I couldn't find a similar statement on the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury website. Wow, I have too much time on my hands.

THANKS!

I can TOTALLY relate. I have been able to do this only a few times but it is an AMAZING feeling! Good for you!

how are you getting in all your protein? shakes, mix-ins? and what brand are you using?

So I found out today that my insurance does not cover WLS, but I was told my doctor could submit a preauthorization letter which would be reviewed. Has anyone had any experience with this? Specifically trying to get Lap Band covered by an insurance company that is expressly saying they don't cover it?

I don't really have anyone to talk to about band-related stuff, so I figured I would share here. Yesterday, I had my RUQ ultrasound and they found a kidney cyst, or what they think is a kidney cyst. Anyway, while they were trying to get a better look at it, they really hurt me with the ultrasound (or the little wand-thingy). I just needed to whine a bit. I have bruises! Did this happen to anyone else?

As the title suggests, got my bloodwork and EKG done today. I think they took about 8 vials of blood!!! But the good news is, they found a vein, and only had to prick me once! That is a true miracle, considering I usually get pricked about 3 times before they finally decide to take blood out of my hand (and with a baby needle!) In other news, I FINALLY scheduled my psych testing!! What that means is, I finally found someone to call me back. The cost is going to be $250, which is very reasonable compared to the $450-700 I have been getting quoted. I was a little disappointed that I won't be seen until 7/19, but my sleep study isn't until 7/17, so its no big deal. Anyway, once I finish the sleep study and psych, then I will be ALL DONE with pre-op testing go, me!

UPDATE: I have BRUISES from the ultrasound! after how hard they were pressing, I am not one bit surprised!!! I would post pics but.. a little too revealing but seriously, GRR!

Today I went to the hospital for my big testing (upper GI, RUQ and gallbladder ultrasound, chest x-ray). Call me crazy, but I was kind of excited because its one more step towards getting banded?! But anyway. They did the ultrasound first, which started out fine, I've had those before. But then she started pressing REALLY hard in the same areas over and over... and about by the 45 minute mark, I was like, what on earth is going on?? Does this person know what they are doing? So then she tells me she needs to go get the radiologist. He comes in, and they spend about 5 minutes looking at the screen, then the radiologist takes a go at me himself. By this time I'm really in pain because they just keep bearing down on one spot. They're looking at the screen, and I hear the woman say, "Is that real?" At this point I have to say something, so I say... Um, what are you guys talking about? They looked at me like they I had forgotten I was in the room! Then they told me that I "might" have a cyst on my kidney and I "may" need a CT scan or MRI. How vague is that? They said that they would make a note on the test results to send back to my surgeon and that he would follow up with me. I was just like, okay, breathe, lets get the rest of this done. So then they take me to the Upper GI test. Let me tell you...I am glad I didn't know what I was in for. Ya'll that have been through this know what I am talking about. First I had to take the crystals, then I chugged the solution (almost puked - by FAR the nastiest thing I have ever drank), then they have me on this contraption shouting orders at me... mostly "don't burp!!" Then I had to drink another solution while on my belly, through a straw. All the while this bastard radiologist is literally yelling at me, "faster! faster!" But I just did what he said because good lord, I didn't want to go through it all again. Side note: One thing the radiologist kept saying during the test, which I thought very odd, was "just think of something really good to eat." I was just like, the LAST thing I am thinking of right now is eating!!!! (for once). So that was my experience. Tomorrow I have bloodwork and EKG, hopefully it will be less eventful. And I am trying not to get too worried about this kidney cyst issue, until I have more information. But all in all, I feel good because I am one step closer

Anyone here self-pay (because insurance doesn't cover WLS) and have difficulty having insurance pay for pre-op testing? I'm worried i'm going to get some crazy bill...

CongratS!!! I am in the process of pre-op testing right now. I have blood work and EKG tomorrow. Good luck to you!

I have so many, but one of the main ones (that I experienced today) is not getting a painful rash on my inner thighs from them rubbing against each other when I walk. Especially in the heat, when I am wearing a skirt with no stockings! Ugh!! What are you looking forward to?

I was just reviewing the post-op diet specifics (I am pre-op) and I am getting worried about not getting enough protein/vitamins post op. It just seems so complicated and detailed... I have no idea where to start with trying/buying supplements/stir ins/shakes, etc. There is a bariatric product store in the same building in my surgeon's office... I went there today to buy a Multivitamin and I was completely overwhelmed! Also, I have such a hectic/unpredictable work schedule I just worry about getting in all the proper nutrition in those crucial first few weeks. In fact, I attribute much of my weight problem with the structure of my work day (or lack of). I am actually trying to find a less stressful job to facilitate this lifestyle change. But in the meantime, I am worried. How did you make the diet work with your work schedule? Any product recommendations?

how about benefiber? Also there is this tea they sell at World Market (they probably sell it other places) called "Dieter's Green Tea" that works miracles. good luck!

i am a newbie, but in the short amount of time I have spent researching bariatric surgery/message boards/etc, I have been AMAZED at all the DRAMA out there between sleeve, bypass, and band patients!!! I mean come on people, we all have the same GOAL... to lose weight and get healthy?! yeesh.

So today has been a busy (but productive) one! I had my nutritionist consult this morning and got a lot of good info, and then I stopped downstairs at a bariatric products shop and got some chewable vitamins. I admit, I didn't quite know what I was doing when looking at the vitamins (SO many choices) but I tried to choose a good multi vitamin that had a high dose of folic acid (for about 20 bucks). I then spent a good portion of the day (while at work, lol) making my other appointments. I was successful in setting up my labwork and EKG at my primary care provider for Friday, and my case manager scheduled my sleep study (7/17) and all the hospital tests (Upper GI, Right Upper Quandrant Ultrasound with Gallbladder, and Chest X-Ray) are on Thursday. Whew! However, after doing some research, I'm going to cancel that sleep study and reschedule with another provider that is in-network with my insurance. So one of the last pieces of the puzzle is scheduling this darn psychological. I am having a TIME with this! My surgeon's office gave me a list of local providers that they typically work with, but it turns out that NONE of them take my insurance. I have been quoted anything from $450-$700! So today I went on my insurance website and looked up in-network providers that do bariatric psychological evals (I was pleasantly surprised that I could specify that service in the search option) and I called and left a message for a provider right down the street. Of course, I am irked that they didn't call me right back, lol. Hopefully they will call me back soon and I can get something scheduled. Side note, while I was on my insurance website, I found out that they offer a $30 discount per order on Nutrisystem. I have been doing Nutrisystem for about 3 months, wish I had known that!!! I called Nutrisystem and they said they can't apply the discount retroactively, but they can apply it to future orders. Well, considering I am probably cancelling Nutrisystem before my next order is shipped as I am getting ready to have surgery, that doesn't help me out that much. Doh! Oh well...

Today will be my first day back at the gym in months. I hope to walk for 30-45 minutes. I am trying to get into a good pre-op workout routine that I will be able to maintain post-op. Also, the heat here in NC is insane today and to get a work out in, I will NEED to be indoors. Side note: This morning I went to Buy Buy Baby to get a gift for a friend, normally a trip that would make me depressed for several reasons. But today, I was upbeat and excited to be there, because I now have hope that someday I will have the opportunity to have a healthy pregnancy. It makes me smile Hope everyone is staying cool and having a relaxing Saturday!

Anyone get a low profile port? Any advice, info to share about low profile vs. "regular" ports? THanks!

Hey bandsters, Anyone here have experience with the single incision procedure vs. traditional? Which did you have and were you happy with it?

Dora, any concerns about the incision/port location being at your pants line? or any concerns for how it might be affected by future pregnancy?