Flutterby2b

Oh how sad. I haven't had that problem. But I do know that I sip on the 12 oz can (180 cal, I think) all morning. Or if I use it as a snack at 10 am, it's gone by lunch. I really like the Boost-(8 oz w/ 15 gm. protein) but it's so high in calories (240) that I hesitate to get those unless it's that time of the month and I'm really tight. (I know TMI) :thumbup:

I've used the Slim Fast Low Carb chocolate drink since I had surgery in 2005. I get them at Sam's Club. 2 carbs and 20 protein. It works for me when I need a quick breakfast or extra protein. I happen to like them better than any other protein drink, plus it's already a liquid and I don't have to fuss with mixing it up.

I was Banded June 2, 2005. Wow - time does fly when you're having fun Would I do this again- ABSOLUTELY! I need to go get a fill, because I have hit a plateau forever and I'm not loosing anymore. Guess I should be on the ball and try again. I'm just enjoying the wgt I've lost and being able to eat what ever I want within reason.

I was banded 6/2/05. I had the same symptoms initially post op for at least 6 mos, they do go away. I now have a good size bump (the port), under my left lower ribs, that sticks out because of the wgt loss. Dr says that he can reposistion, but I don't wear biniki's (don't plan to either), so why go thru the discomfort and surgery to replace it. I've learned to live with it. To this day, the port site will still get tender if I over do abdominal exercises. I have pair of pants that I wear that hits me right at the port site, they are irritating, even now almost 3 yrs post op. I find when I wear them, that I'm constantly repositioning the pants or pushing on the port to get it out of the way of the pants band. I now know when I buy new pants to try them on first and see whether they have a high waist.

Date Banded: June 2. 2005 Country: USAA Doctor: Dr. Hamn Erodoed: NO If Eroded Date Removed: n/a

I'm fine with wine. I loved Wheat Beer before banding (HD makes it), but I'm too uncomfortable after 1-2 sips to go much further. So, I've nixed the beer. I have a vivid picture of what my surgeon said about beer. He said the foam has to have someplace to go and the first time it comes out your nose will be the last time you have a drink of beer. I had a friend say to me that she thought drinks were out for me. I told her that if I choose to consume my calories in a liquid form, then I can do it. But I have to pay the consequence with a slower wgt loss P.S- the Mai Tai's went down really well when I was in Hawaii last week. :success1: I haven't done it very often in 12 mos- so thought "what the hey, I'm on vacation"

Congratulations. WOO WOO :clap2: Way to go. Being persistent pays off. This last 7 mos you have been retraining you mind body to a new way of life and eating. IT'S WORKED:whoo: You'll always have a reminder when you eat something wrong. Your attitude is great. You have the right frame of mind that the band is a tool to help you out. Keep up the good work and keep motivate by coming here.

CONGRATS Jill! It was the same way with me. Actually, I sent my paperwork to the Doctors ofc on Wedesday nite, over the internet thru his website portal and was approved the next day, Thursday. I ended up using a different surgeon and hospital. (another story) If your policy covers MOS (Morbid Obesity Surgeries), they usually approve these surgeries toot sweet after they look up the Employer policies. If your policy does not cover MOS, then your out of luck. (I worked for UHC for quite while, I'm sure that helped me also. I knew who to get in touch with.) Each Employer has a different policy. They are not all the same. Way to go for you. Happy Dance! Best Wishes.

I bought my Magic Bullet at our JC Penney's outlet for $20.00. It works great for all smoothies. My kids love it and make smoothies daily. It also makes great mushie food. The chicken/tuna salad recipes are actually mush, but good. I also have a Oster blender, mixer, breader maker, meat grinder etc... that's 20 yrs old and going strong. But I recommend the Magic Bullet.

I can't do bread or tortillas. They are really the only things that don't go down. Actually I haven't done bread since surg on 06/02/05. It's not worth the chance of getting a dough ball stuck. The couple times that I've tried tortillas, I've gotten into big trouble-- so these are both out for me. I can't do ritz crackers, but have no problems with gold fish crackers. I have problems with pretzels- so I stay away. (shouldn't have them anyway. ) I miss subway sandwiches- now I just eat the guts (meat and cheese w/ salad fixin's) when the family goes to subway. I had problems with salad's for while, but now I'm back to eating them without problems. I can eat moist chicken, tender steak and fish. I have problems with artichokes when I fix chicken and artichokes. I normally can eat Pasta and rice in small quanities. One day I'll have problems with hard boiled eggs, the next I won't. Go figure? I can probably eat most anything, if I remember to eat slow and chew, chew, chew. Just depending on the time of day and if there is a blue moon or not. Sometimes I really wonder if it's not all in my head. The band has worked GREAT for me. Now that I've had my 3rd fill, we'll see how things go. Hopefully I'll continue to progress with a little faster weight loss. I've put the fill off for 2 months because we went to a Family Reunion/WestPoint Graduation over Memorial Day to see a newphew graduate and I wanted to be able to eat. (The family hasn't seen me in 2 yrs- so I got lots of compliments.) Then last week we went to Hawaii with my DS's High School Band. They were invited to perform at Pearl Harbor Point, over looking the USS Arizona Memorial. We had an AWSOME time there. I actually did the climb to the top of Diamond Head. let me tell you, the climb up Diamond Head was a B--ch! But it was worth it once we got to the top. BEAUTIFUL! I work out and do 3 miles daily on the treadmill as will as strength training. And I didn't think I would make it. Anyway- I had my 3rd fill the day we returned to Hawaii. (Jet Lag and all) I'm now on liquids/mushies. So the process continues. Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Weight Loss Continuing to Go. No time to stay, It's Weight to go. Hi Ho Hi Ho. Hang Loose,

My kids and DH think I'm crazy. But I've always eaten salt on my watermelon and sugar on my tomatoes.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one this is happening to. I've waited 7 months for my 3rd fill. I'm always tight in the am. I drink lots of hot herbal teas. Something I can tolerate Progresso veggie Soup at noon and sometime not until 2pm. And then, sometimes I sip and pick at it all afternoon at my desk. Then on other days, I can try anything and not have problems. Go Figure. I thought I was going crazy or that it was all in my head. Well, I had my 3rd fill this past tuesday 6/20/06. Just 0.5cc to make a total of 3.0cc. My Dr told me 2 days on liquids. Well I've tried Cottage cheese and it's making me really tight and miserable. Even lentil soup which is real soft is causing tightness that I've never had....I guess it's more liquid stuff for me for awhile. Glad to hear I'm not the only one. I was starting to think I was a head case:p

Hi everyone- I've yet to attend any of the dinners. But I really want to. Unfortunately, I was in Hawaii for this last one (shucks ) We (DH) went with our HS Band. They were invited to play at Pearl Harbor Point. It was an awsome experience for the young adults, and it was a great time for the adults. I actually went parasailing- something I would have never done 70# ago. So-- when is the next get together planned? I haven't seen anything posted.

Hi Susan- I've been a RN since 1982. I had lots of 2nd thoughts about this surgery, but after all the wgt lose and gains... I felt this would be the best for me. I have the surg last June '05. To date, I've lost 70Ibs. It's been slow and steady. I've had 2 fills and I'm at 2.5cc. My last fill was 11/05. This has held me until about 2 wks ago. I need another fill, but have a trip to take next week and another in June, and both trips are during the week the Dr's does his fills. So-- I have to wait until July.... I researched and read many boards, visited over 12 Dr's and made many seminars, for 9 mos before making a decision. Like everyone else, I have lost wgt before but never kept it off. Over the last 20 yrs- I've lost over 150Ibs, but just to put it back on.... plus more. So, for me... I can say that this decision was definately the correct one. Would I do it over again? ..... In a heart beat. It's teaching me the correct way to eat. It's helping my family learn the correct way to eat.

I haven't had any Subway bread since surg, last June 2, 2005. I will get a Tuna Subway with all the trimming and just eat the guts. I just haven't been able to do bread at all. I've tried tortilla's a couple time, with bad results- so I stay away...

I used to work for UHC. I was an Inpatient Care Coordinator and also worked on a Dedicated account. I learned that all the different employers that contract with UHC for medical coverage can choose different plans and what will be cover and not covered. Alot of employers will select a contract that covers the surgery- but you have to jump thru hoops..ie , prove 5 yrs of being over wgt, 2 yr of Dr supervised dieting, at least 2 other high risk factors ... ie diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems psyc evaluations, and diet consults only a few of the things that may be required. Just recently, employers have been given the option of covering Gastric bypass and not lapband (BOO Hiss).:frusty: Then you have employers that will choose contracts that say either surgery will be covered if the pt meets that National guidelines: BMI above 40 or BMI above 35 if other high risks. Over wgt fdocumented for 5 years etc... Please be aware- it's not just UHC.. it's also your employer that makes that decision when they make a contract with UHC. By the way- UHC does not cover their own employee for any type of wgt loss surgery: gastric bypass or lapband. I was luck that I had coverage thru my DH's insurance with UHC. They happend to be an employer that said you only had to meet national guidelines. After 9 mos of research, lerking on this board and others, going to 8 different Doc's to see if I likes any of them. I decided on the lapband. I wouldn't change a thing. I would do it over again in a heart beat. I no longer work for UHC. I'm now on the other end doing Clinical Appeals for surgeries/procedures/hospital days deemed not medically necessary. Boy have my eyes been opened, I've learned that what is actually "authorized" may not actually be covered if you employer has it excluded from your plan. I spent 12 years doing precertification for Cigna and UHC - and we ALWAYS gave the disclaimer "This is not a guarentee of coverageor benefits, please check with your benefits to make sure this is covered" Now I really know that that means. This means READ THE FINE PRINT when you sign up for your health insurance annually. If you don't have the actually contract, ask your HR depart for that contract to review.

Hi everyone- I've been looking for a support group in the area. Have been away from LBT for awhile. Would love to join you. I voted on 5/6. I've got Lions Club District Convention on 5/13 and DH told me about somehting on 5/20 (I just can't remember right now-- it's too late my brain is shutting down :eek: ) It sounds like ya'll have been having fun. JanetC- I sent you a PM to order some Achievone. Let me know the specifics. Look forward to meeting, TTFN,

I haven't had a sandwich since surgery. I've tried cheese fish, wheat thins, but have problems sometimes with those. I did try a little quarter size of crust off some french bread and got real tight with that little piece. So, for now I'll stay away from bread.

LOVE this website. :clap2: I've been ordering my Protein from them since before surg. The nectar cappucino is GREAT. The AchieveOne Latte is out of this world. I add the Nectar Roadside Lemonaid to my Crystal Light drinks. It's been the best way for me to get protein in. I have NEVER had any problems ordering over the web and everything is delivered timely. You can't go wrong by ordering. Her book is great too! Wonderful recipes. Can you tell I'm a fan

Congrats Jay. Slow and easy- that's that way to take it. I wasn't able to do a full 2 oz at first. It took me 15 - 30 mins just sipping it. But daily it gets better. Welcome to Band Land.

Enchilada Casserole 1 Lb. ground beef 1 sm. onion 2 tsp. garlic chopped 28 oz. can enchilada sauce 4 oz can chopped or sliced olived 1 C. shreded cheese or as desired. (your preference of cheese) 8 corn tortillas 1. Brown ground beef, onions,and garlic. 2. Add can of enchilada sauce. Heat to boil 3. Spray w/ pam a 9 x 9 pyrex casserole dish 4. Spread 3/4 C. sauce over bottom of casserole dish 5. Layer with 1 round tortilla in middle. Break 2 tortillas in half and place 1 along side of casserole dish. Break 1 tortilla in fourths and place in each corner. 6. Spread 3/4 C. sauce over tortilla. Layer w/ some cheese. (I use a mexican cheese, which is a combination of cheddar, montery jack and another.) 7. Layer with 1 round tortilla in middle. Break 2 tortillas in half and place 1 along side of casserole dish. Break 1 tortilla in fourths and place in each corner. 8. Spread the rest of the sauce over the tortilla's w/ cheese. 9. Spread cheese and olives on top 10. Bake in oven for 25 mins @ 350 degrees. This is quick simple dinner that is soft and easy to make and eat. My teenagers love it- which is a plus.

Hi Jaygerlo5- My Surgeon is Dr. Hamn. I had surg on 6-2-05. I had lost 33# by 7/10 (actually only 25# because I lost 8# before surg) I was at a plateau, and was told Dr. Hamn doesn't do the 1st fill until 10 wks post op. He was on vacation my 10th week, so I have my first fill 8/19. Before my fill, I could eat whatever I wanted. Just not as much as before the band. Now that I've has my first fill (1.5cc), I'm definately tighter. I was on liquids 3 days and then soft diet for about 1 wks. I just tried a cheese stick wrapped w/ turkey and although I chewed real good, it still feels tight, but the 1 cheese stick w/ turkey has filled me up for now. Before the Fill, I could even do a handfull of popcorn. (my favorite food.) and just about anything else. Now I hesitate because I know it's tighter. I did try popcorn yesterday and got maybe 15 pieces down and was satisfied. (they're empty calories- so I didn't fill up.) I won't lie to you. After surg- the first thing I thought was, "oh GOD, what have I done." I've never had any type of abdominal surgery before... so the abdominal pain was intense. But by the next morning, with the help of a pillow across my abdomin whenever I walked, I was doing okay. I had surg on Thursday and by Sat I was walking 1/4 mile. Daily the pain got better. I went back to work on Wednesday. (could have gone back monday- but glad I took the extra time.) The worst part was the pain at the port site incision. It felt like everytime I sat down, the port was poking under my rib. I didn't notice that after about 3-4 wks. I originally bought 2 bottles of liquid Adult strength tylenol. I still have 1/4th of the 1st bottle left. Yes- I was apprehensive. We've all been there. I kept thinking- I've lost wgt in the past I can do it again. But I knew that I needed that help of the lap-band to control my portons. I can now eat approx 1/4th of a chicken breast or about 2 oz Protein w/ veggies and possible salad or some rice and I'm full. Would I do it again...... IN A HEART BEAT!! Keep your chin up and good luck. We may run into each other in Dr. Hamn's Ofc.

Hi Everyone - Banded June 2<SUP>nd</SUP> My Dr. doesn't do fills until 10wks post op. (and of course he was on vacation in my 10th week. ) I'd been at a plateau for 3-4 wks. Had lost 30#. Finally had my 1st Fill 8/19 and I'm down 9# is 2 wks. So- the fill is working. <O:p I know before my fill- I could eat whatever I wanted, but it was in much more moderation the pre-band. This had me worried, because I didn’t think I should be able to eat everything. I thought maybe my band had slipped. But my fill was under fluoroscopy and no slippage. (YEAH!) Since the fill- I’m finally back to normal food, and I’m staying full longer and back to loosing. <O:p Congrats to all you loosers out there. Keep up the great work. <O:p

I'm an RN working as a Case Manager for an Insurance Company you either Love or Hate. UnitedHealthcare.

I was going to use The Surgery Center of Richardson, they told me they would accept what insurance paid and only bill me the 20% as was my in network rate. But they could not tell me if the 20% was of billed charges or of the reasonal and customary charges... There's a big difference in 20% of $27,000 and 20% of $7612.08. (actual allowed charges for surg.) I found another Dr who would do surg at an in network facility. Loving my band and losing.