kmb67

My port is on my left side about 3 inches from my belly button. I'm 8 days out and still feel pain and can't sleep on my left side, though it does seem to be getting a little better every day.

I'm able to do full liquids for the first 2 weeks. I've been eating Progresso Light Soups, I blend them and then cook a cup, they are very filling and delicious too. They are usually very chunky so I've been putting them in the Nutribullet and they are hitting the spot. I'm also able to eat Greek yogurt with no chunks, and so far haven't had any issues with anything going down. I'm one week out today!

I don't know about 6 weeks, but my Dr told me no exercise until after my 2 week appt. I don't know what he'll say when I go next week.

I am on day 6, finally started feeling better at day 4, but the spot where my port is still hurts when I bend and twist. I was out all weekend (my DD is an Irish dancer and had shows!) so I ended up having Soup from Panera a few times. I ate maybe 1/3 of the container and brought the rest home for dinner. My Dr put me on full liquids right away, but that's hard to find when you're dining out! I haven't really had any problem eating anything though, so I'm not sure what to expect at this point.

Banded 2 days ago, not really in pain, but feel very stiff and sore. Just taking Tylenol and Gas X, but kind of bummed that this surgery kicked my butt. Hoping to feel better for the weekend, and ready to get this show on the road!

I was just banded a few days ago and still feel like I got hit by a bus! Thought I would also bounce back quickly, but that hasn't been the case. The gas has gotten a little better, but I get so stiff from laying and sitting. I'm taking regular Tylenol and Gas X strips. I keep thinking of the end results, but am bummed I'm not bouncing back as fast as I had thought.

Yeah--I got to be a March bandster. I was supposed to be a December bandster, but my insurance was all messed up. But I have the approval in writing and got my surgery date of March 12, which means my pre-diet starts in 2 days. Looking forward to hearing about everyone's experiences!

lleepers--I find it so funny that every Dr says something different. I just went for my pre-surgical exam today and the dietician said that Atkins are fine, though I noticed they are 9 grams of fat. But I guess if that's all the fat I'm having, they probably figure it's OK. I'm also supposed to have 2 cups of veggies--I think I'm going to have a salad with some chicken on it tonight. I made an omelet with some veggies for dinner last night and it didn't fill me up at all. I also forgot to have my "carb"--maybe that's why I was starting last night--ha. I can have broth, but would die for Tomato soup! Again--so odd that every Dr has different rules.

My date is Dec 18th and I'm just starting my pre-op diet today. My Drs office told me I can use Atkins Advantage shakes, they come in quite a few flavors and are pretty good. I'm in the Chicago suburbs, and am very excited to just get this done! I'll be able to have Soup for Christmas dinner, but that's fine with me!

I finally got my approval and will be a Dec bandster! The approval process was a fiasco, but it's done. Getting banded Dec 18th. The dietician was freaking out today because I just got approved last night and haven't started my pre-op diet yet. I'm sure a few days won't matter. Haven't had time to get nervous as I'm having to get into the mindset of going on the pre-op diet right away. But happy to be starting the new year in a good spot.

Hope all you November bandsters are doing well!

Thanks for the words of encouragement 2muchfun.

Your post brings up an interesting point--I wonder if I'm better off going through the appeal process of changing insurance carriers? We are going through open enrollment now, so I can switch from UHC to BCBS as of Jan. 1st.

Does anyone have any advice one way or the other?

I'm running IE10 Version, and all it does is cycle for me and freezes up whatever else I have open. I'm able to use it on a lower IE version on a different computer and it's OK.

Heard from the Drs office today that my insurance denied my surgery and then denied me after the peer to peer review. I cant' get to the bottom of the issue. The Drs office is saying that they have done everything the insurance has asked. However, the insurance called and requested information from the Drs office 3 times. The "only" person that handles bariatric surgery was out of the office for 6 days, and no one else could send it in apparently, so that was the first reason I was denied (lack of paperwork). Last Friday they were supposed to have the peer to peer review, but the Drs office said the insurance medical director called early and he wasn't available, so it didn't happen. The insurance company is claiming they talked to the Dr and he had no new information to submit, so it was denied again. I have no idea WHO to believe!

They now want me to go through the Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy to submit an appeal. I've seen a few good things about them, but still can't help to think if the Drs office had been on the ball, none of this would have happened. I did check with my insurance company (UHC) who initially told me they cover LapBand for a BMI over 40, and no co-morbidities were needed. My BMI is around 44. so I fit into the range.

I was hoping to be a Nov Bandster since this was started on 10/3, now I don't know if I'll ever be a bandster :-(

LadyJ and Icy One, I'm right there with you--was hoping to be a Nov. bandster but my Drs office screwed up the paperwork. They are doing a peer to peer review with the insurance company today at 4:30 (if they don't screw that up too!) so I'm hoping to know something by the end of the day. If I get approved, I'll be a Dec. bandster. You're not alone, we can start a new group for us Dec. bandsters.

I know exactly how you feel. I was in the middle of my last test, when the Drs office called to tell me I had a stomach infection. I had to take 2 weeks of antibiotics then wait 2 weeks before I could be retested. And now my Drs office has screwed up things with my insurance, so I have to wait for them to do a peer to peer review. They won't even schedule me until the insurance approves. I've been so mad, at this point I'm hoping to get in by the end of the year.

So frustrating--wish I had words of advice, but know you're not alone!

Lasal--at least they gave you a surgery date! I called yesterday and the insurance company "lost" my paperwork had to re-fax it, this is after I've been waiting 3 weeks for approval. Unfortunately they won't even give me a surgery date until the insurance company approves. I've called them and they said it's covered, but the Drs office doesn't care what I have to say. So frustrating!!!!

Dying, dying, dying for a date! The insurance person at my Drs office has been out sick so while I may be approved, I don't know it yet. Fingers crossed I'll find out something soon, I'm not a patient person. Good luck to all of you that have started your liquid diets!!

I've joined the group, but still hoping to be a November bandster--waiting for my insurance approval, hopefully it will come through soon!

I hope to be banded in November. My paper work went to the insurance company this week, hoping it will be fast. I live in the Chicago western 'burbs.

Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

I did go to the support meeting this past Mon night. It was very interesting. I also found out this week that I have a stomach bacteria, which pushes me out at least a month now for s surgery date as I have to do 2 weeks of antibiotics and then wait 2 weeks to be retested :-( I have a sleep wrist band to use tonight and then have to take that back to the pulmonologist tomorrow and that will determine if I need a full-fledged sleep study. Kind of bummed to have to wait longer now.

I bought for a combination of pre and post-op. Our pre-op diet is 5 Protein shakes a day' date=' plus a cup of broth and a sugar free Jello if we feel like having a treat. We have to provide our own supplies.

The dietician recommended Bariatric Advantage shakes (conveniently available for purchase on our doctor's website...) but we compared the nutrition stats and found the Premier Protein shakes from costco to be comparable and more convenient. We wound up getting enough of those for half of our shakes, and we'll use Bariatric Advantage powder (ordered cheaper from Amazon) for the rest.

I guess every doctor has their own way of doing things. Ours has only made vague allusions to some kind of support program. We weren't required to go to one but it sounds nice![/quote']

If you are interested I can send you the info--it's at CDH, the last Mon of the month. I didn't get the sense that it was a limited group. I'll be going for sure as I don't want to be delayed on a surgery date.

I've been drinking the Atkins shakes for Breakfast lately, and really like them--not sure if they are sold in bulk anywhere.

Oswego is less than 10 mins from me, that would be ideal, I'm jealous. I thought my dietician said they give me what I need for the pre-op diet--is that what you bought for, or is this for your post-op? I have to go to a support meeting on Mon night as one of my requirements, so I guess I will find out more then.

Who is your dr? I'm seeing Dr Klem at CDH. I did see he originally had an address in Oswego, but when I called the place they said they were no longer seeing patients there and I'd have to go to the city. Dr Klem was listed as one of the Drs, but it looks like he changed groups. How long did the process take you? I will be done with my testing on Tues (I hope) and am not sure how long the process takes after that is all completed.

MookNana--where are you having your surgery done in Oswego? I'm on the Aurora/Oswego border, and the closest Dr I could find is at Central DuPage.