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I tried the Unjury chicken broth and it is really very good! I added the unflavored Protein Powder to some vegetable broth and it was just as good. No aftertaste, no funny flavor. Just really good. I highly recommend it. I can't wait to try the cheese sauce they sell.

Yesterday my husband and I attended a get-together we have in our community every Friday night. At only 3 days post-op I sit carefully, don't laugh fully (omg does THAT hurt!), and I had not told anyone in the group about my surgery. When it came out last night there were varying degrees of acceptance and two very verbal comments that I could have done this on my own, that surgery was "silly." Both were from women who are more than 100 lbs overweight. I do not take their criticisms to heart. I know I am doing something wonderful for my health and for ME. I also know they are both just jealous that one of the 'fatties' is doing something about her weight and that makes them uncomfortable in their own skin. Oh well! I don't preach this as the answer for everyone, I simply stated this is the solution for me. I know they will watch me closely, hoping I will fail. Not gonna happen, that is not an option. Success is the best revenge.

I agree, I would still do it all over again. I figure it's like labor pain - we'll forget this part soon enough. I'm still on Clear liquids for two weeks. I don't think I could force down a Protein shake. Just not hungry yet.

Well, that was nice of him!! Wish mine had done that. BAD day today, three days post op. Glad you're doing well.

Had my first cup since Monday, too. Nursed it till it was cold but it was good!

I'm getting my liquids in but that's all I'm allowed to have anyway. 2 weeks of clear liquid. I think the swelling from the surgery makes it a little difficult right now. Yes, my tummy grumbles too. Definitely not hungry! Gas bouncing around trying to find an outlet. Have you tried Gas-X strips? I think it helps a little.

As I recall, from your profile page you have an option to place a ticker. There are many to choose from. You can get to your profile by clicking on your user name upper right corner.

So happy for you - and us - and all of us! I'm glad this part is over - the anticipation and wondering. Now on to the rest of our lives. We're gonna make it after all - Mary Tyler Moore!

I was surprised by the pain in the incision area, notably where the port is located. I didn't anticipate that. Stay ahead of it with whatever pain medicine they recommend. They gave me demerol in the hospital, I'm using regular liquid Tylenol at home. Really helps. And rest, walk, rest, walk, rest, walk. Really helps. Good luck!

Thank you everyone! This is the best 'club' I've belonged to. I had to stay overnight but came home yesterday. I really did too much, didn't stay ahead of the pain with the Tylenol, and had a pretty miserable evening. Heating pad, Tylenol, and sleep did wonders. Feel better this <early> morning. Starting to toot - damn that feels good! LOL

I am in my room drinking some warm tea. I have taken a walk around the floor once already and feeling pretty good. Sore, but not painful. I am Thrilled to be among the banded!

Good luck today. I'm leaving in an hour - will be among the banded at 2 pm! Yay! for all of us!

Thank you for the suggestions. As others have said here, protein intake is really important to healing. Hard to obtain on a clear liquid diet. Yes, this doc seems ultra conservative. 2 weeks clear, 2 weeks full liquid, 2 weeks pureed, 2 weeks soft - 8 weeks before solid food. Yes, that should drop a few pounds.

Went for my final pre-op with the surgeon this morning. Everything is a go - 2 pm tomorrow afternoon. I had a chance to ask all the final questions I had, especially the ones I have from reading on this and other sites. I was a little disturbed to learn that the first two weeks post-op are Clear liquids only. I thought it was two more weeks of Protein drinks. So here's my question: I don't like Gatorade or Powerade or any other 'ade' so what caloric clear drinks do you think I can sip on for two weeks. Obviously I will be enjoying gourmet chicken broth, delectable beef broth, and even some exotic seafood broth. But beyond that, Water, and iced tea, any suggestions? I'm think I see the road to bandster hell in front of me. . . . .

Mine, too! Can't wait. A little unnerved by some new details today but I'm good to go. Good luck to you, too!

I just ordered some of the unjury shakes and soup based on several recommendations here. I use Body Fortress, too, but only like the chocolate. I'm not into artificial fruity flavors of ANYthing. My surgeon recommended a particular post-op Vitamin and Calcium citrate he wanted me to take. I discovered this is just another income revenue stream for him and - defiantly - purchased similar products elsewhere with great reviews and half the cost. I guess I will know in the future if I'm deficient in any areas but I don't see there's a difference if the values are the same.

I've been reading through this forum's posts and I don't see anything current about ChampVA. Since I wasted four months going through the hoops my surgeon's office put me through because they didn't understand what ChampVA wanted, I'd like to post the information that may help others. This is directly from a current letter (February 2013) from ChampVA. In most cases WLS does not require preauthorization. Coverage is provided for lapband (Lapband brand, btw), vertical banded gastroplasty, gastroplasty (stomach stapling), Roux-en-Y, and revision of gastric restrictive procedure. "Surgical correction of morbid obesity benefits may be extended only when one of the following conditions is met: 1) Patient's BMI is over 40 or, 2) BMI over 35 with serious medical conditions exacerbated or caused by obesity or, 3) Second surgery (takedown) due to complications of previous surgical correction." Billing for surgical treatment of morbid obesity must be accompanied by medical documentation, which includes: At least 18 years old Documented attempts (at least 2) of failed non-surgical medical treatment for obesity (Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, or similar plans are acceptable as long as you have at least monthly clinical encounters with you physician that documents weight loss efforts). BMI greater than or equal to 40 or, BMI 35 - 39.9 with one clinically significant comorbidity (cardiovascuar disease, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, etc.) Bottom line: You do NOT have to wait for approval for surgery provided you have at least two documented attempts at physician monitored weight loss and a BMI >40 or <40 with co-morbidities. When I spoke with ChampVA directly (which I should have done four months earlier than I did), I was told the surgeon must submit this documentation with the first billing. There is no approval process. If you submit the proof they will pay according to their benefits (currently 25% of allowed amount). If the surgeon's office submits documentation asking for approval, they will get the same letter I (and the surgeon's office) received stating pre-authorization is not required nor will it be granted or presumed from the documentation the surgeon's office provides. ChampVA will only review the information when it is submitted with the first bill. I'd also like to say that some surgeons require the nutritionist, psych eval, and other medical tests for their own edification in deciding if you are a good candidate for surgery but that is not the requirement of ChampVA. Always, always, always, check with your insurance company yourself and first (wish I had). Document what you were told, request written clarification and keep that documentation safe in the event there is a problem later down the road. It is not uncommon for two different insurance reps to provide different information from the same question. If need be, ask until you get a consensus and there is written documentation to support what you've been told. Then, before you make a date for surgery, make sure you absolutely know, with documented proof in your own hands that you give to the insurance coordinator at your surgeon's office, that you have complied with the three simple rules above. Hope this helps.

No, the vertical band is not the same as the sleeve. See this site on vertical banding: It's kind of a cross between banding and stapling. I'm on ChampVA and they don't cover sleeve, either, even though Medicare does - takes time for Congress to make any changes to the plans (go figure!!). Lapband and bypass and VGB are the only options. I don't think they do the band with plication, either but I'm not sure.

Welcome Amine! I haven't been here too long but you'll find everyone here so helpful and friendly. I couldn't have stumbled onto a better site! Good luck!

Yes, I have a living will, health advocate, and DPA for health care. I think my husband was more freaked out by all that paperwork than me actually having surgery! LOL Thanks for the support from everyone.

Good to know. I didn't know about the breathing tube. Glad I'll be asleep for that!

“We become numb to how mean we’re being to ourselves.” Boy, did that hit home. A very insightful article and something to keep in the forefront of my mind as I go on this journey.

That's encouraging information - thanks for sharing. And welcome. I'm relatively new here, too, but find the support here incredible. Great group of people and lots of good information. I'm glad I wandered in here. . .

Maybe you could ask the band support group that is so far away if they will help you organize one closer to your location. I'd be willing to bet you're not the only one so far from a group and you may find a good group of people willing to help keep a small support group going. It's worth a try.

I LOVE THIS!!! A couple of years ago my husband and I decided to move to the west coast of Florida. We'd live on the east coast for 25 years and wanted a change. The last of 6 children was still in the house - he was 20 years old at the time. We thought he'd live with us forever. We tried making it less comfortable for him. He cooked for himself, did his own laundry, came and went as he wished. We just wished he would want to be in his own place with a friend or two. Not happening. So we decided to move. We left him there. With the utility bills to pay and the lawn to keep up. We have never regretted that decision. He moved within two months, we packed up the house and sold it a month later. We all are living happily ever after. Enjoy your new exercise room - you deserve it!