justmel1957

I don't see a link for this..............am I missing it?

I have had this problem since banding May 7th. I know one of the causes for me is all the iron/vitamins I take now. Both my family practitoner and LB surgeon recommended MiraLax. I take it every other day and no more issues. (it took me a while to figure out the perfect dosage for me). They both assure me it is not "addictive" and its completely tastless. I just add it to my morning drink. My dietician approves as well.

The carbonation is the main factor, but "they" say that the artificial sweeteners increase appetite as well. If you do crave the taste and want to avoid the carbonation, just put your diet coke in the blender and whirl away......it flattens the coke and is fast. I learned that trick when working with pediatric patients......flat coke and crackers was what one of the pediatricians ordered for upset tummies.

Its very hard for me. I always used to have at least 3 glasses of water/tea whatever when eating, but I do have a few sips before I begin to eat and maybe 1 tiny sip during the meal and after. My doc approves and nothing has ever come back up. I miss my liquids, but love how my band is working. You can do it.......its just takes making a habit of it and gettn your mind around it.

My doctor requires clear liquids for 24hrs then full for 24 hrs. I imagine every practitioner is different. Just clarify with yours during your appointment.

I asked my surgeon this on my last visit since I figured I'd be getting the flu at some point. He said it usually isn't that big of a deal. Anit-emtics can be given if needed, but he said since there won't be that much in your stomach to begin with, you won't have that much to vomit up. Guess it makes sense. It would be interesting to hear from someone who has experienced this.

Check your plans website for more info. I have FEDERAL BCBS Basic option and pay a $30 co-pay for specialists and $20 for family practitioners. My LB surgeon is $30

Sounds yummy! I'm definately gonna try these.....thanks so much!

Call you doctor.............probably just a tiny unfil will do the trick. I had HORRIBLE aspirations/reflux pre banding and it is nothing to play around with. Acid will cause irritation to your esophogus which can lead to esophageal cancers on down the road. I know exactly what you mean with waking up choking. My episodes were very intense and painful......you feel like you can't get air and are literally dying. I think you just need a small amount of unfill in your band. Let me know how you're doing......I can sooo relate!

I always count soup of any kind as my meal-especially is there is a meat involved with veggies. But if you are using a no calorie broth just to sip on thru the day, I would say that would be liqiud.

Its super easy..............I was groggy afterwards, but other than that it is fine.

Sounds good. I sent you my personal contact info in a provate message.

Sure.....I would love to meet you......if you can stick around that would be great. Or we can do coffee sometime.

I don't know anything about the military issues, and hope someone can assist you on that. My doc did an EGD as one of my pre op tests. Which is a long scope inserted thru your mouth down the throat, but I too was terrified I would not be "out" enough when he did it. I just told my nurse anesthetist of my fears and she made sure I was medicated enough to not know a thing when they did it. And it was a piece of cake! (LOL, ok bad comparision for us) but it was so easy. The intubation tube won't be inserted until you are out, so don't fear that. Your throat may be a little sore when you wake up, but its not bad. As far as the bleeding issue, you need the anti-coag agents to keep you from getting clots post operatively. Your doc can test your blood to see how thin your blood is now, and throughout your course of thinners to monitor them if necessary. Just keep your doc and surgical team imformed of your concerns and there should be no worries for you. Good luck!

I did not have to blend mine. And I used low fat cheese with my scrambled egg and scrambled it soft.

My appt is Feb 5th also at 3:25pm. Maybe I'll see you there.

I'm from Marion, had the LB May 7th with Dr. Argotte. Looking forward to him now being in Herrin!

I only pay $30 for my fills...............that is my BCBS co-pay

I can do thin pizza crust, but most thicker breads are difficult. I dont try those in public. If you CANT do the thin pizza I think you would be sorry trying the muffin

Yes!!!! A thousand times yes, I would do it again. Only wish I had done it sooner!!

Hope it works out for you!

I always have some of those individual serving apple-sauces. I like the pear flavor, but there are many different flavors for a variety. I keep the tiny individual serving dinty moore beef stews, raviolois, single serving soups etc on hand when I travel for work, etc. Small cans of tuna or salmon. SF puddings, jellos are a staple.

Monkey is right...........if there is a documented exclusion in the policy, then I'd say your only route would be self-pay. Check into financed options. And comparison shop as you would any other high cost item. Keeping in mind physician credentials. etc..........cost isn't everything.

You will be fine, but it probably does need to come out. Your insurance will approve it I'm sure. Its a common occurance after a large weight loss. Thinking back to my former surgical nurse days, I doubt your doc would have even considered taking out your GB at the same time as a LB. He would most likely do it either before or after.....it's just too big of a surgery (even tho most are done laproscopically now) to do it in conjuction with a LB. You'll be fine..............just take a deep breath and relax. I've had the surgery myself, and went thru it just fine. Recovery time (if done laproscopically) is about a week. (same as the LB) Rarely does a stone block a duct, or do something "funky". Most of the time the stones just cause indigestion, pain, etc........ So, hang on, get that surgical consultation, insurance approval and "get er done". You'll feel much better afterwards. Good luck!

Depends on your insurance company. Find out their criteria and go from there. I am 5' 7" also with a starting weight of 222. Just about like you. I have FEDERAL employee BCBS and was approved in very little time. My only comorbidity was severe reflux causing multiple aspirations pneumonias yearly.