celticdreamer

Thanks so much for the reply, and congratulations on your incredible and wonderful weight loss. I'm presently around 335, bigger than most of the people on this site who have mentioned their starting weights. You are an inspiration to me, and I can't wait for the day when I hit my goal of 180. Thanks again! -Theresa

Hi everyone, Has anyone here been required to do the Protein-Sparing Modified Fast diet by their nutritionist? This diet consists of the simply 9oz of meat per day, divided equally in 3 oz portions. One portion is consumed in each of 3 distinct meals. They are able to test whether you've been successful on this diet by checking for ketones in the urine. I have been on the diet since Monday and every single minute is a struggle. I am so damned hungry I want to cry. This is a very trying time for me. I am determined to do it, though. The sole purpose for this diet, though, is to prove to the office that a patient can follow instructions and has the willpower to stick with the food requirements after surgery. I'm starving so much that I'm shaking and I am also mentally foggy. This is a problem since I work in IT and need to be very focused. Here's my question though: Is the diet following surgery this torturous? Will I be starving after surgery? Am I setting myself up to feel this miserable for the rest of my life? I've been reading that people can eat pretty much anything once they've healed, only in very small portions. Do you who have had the lap band done honestly feel satisfied after eating? These are all important questions and I'm turning to you, the experts, who have had the surgery and live with the band daily. I really want this to be a positive experience and I would appreicate any feedback at all. Thank you, Theresa

Hi Susan, Thanks for responding! I should have probably mentioned that the surgeon I'm using is Dr. Elmer Valin in New Haven, CT. I am encouraged because I have read nothing but GREAT things about him and his office, all OVER the internet. I haven't stumbled across a negative comment yet. Would love feedback from anyone who has had a lap band done by Dr. Valin. -Theresa

Hello, I'm new to this board. I am preparing to have lap band surgery within the next couple of months. I have done my first consultation, and have seen a nutritionist and therapist one time each. The nutritionist is having me do the Protein-Sparing Modified Fast diet this week. Today is my 2nd day and I'm absolutely starving. It's limited to 9oz of meat per day for 5 days. I hope I can make it until Saturday because they will do a urine test to check for diet compliance. Every hour I get through feels like a miracle. Oh, the 9 oz must be divided up equally between 3 distinct meals. Otherwise, I'd just have a nice steak at dinner. I see the nutritionist and therapist again on Saturday. If all goes well, I believe that is when they submit this to my insurance (Empire BCBS) for approval. I hear Empire's not too bad. I used to work at CIGNA but I heard that they're terrible about approving any kind of WLS. I feel fortunate to have BCBS now. Anyway, I'm a 41 year old female. My BMI is around 52. I lost a LOT of weight on Weight Watchers a few years ago, only to put it all back on and more. By a lot, I mean 114 lbs. I guess that's my entire lap band story so far. I'm happy to have found this website! Will keep you all updated as to my progress, and it's great reading about yours! -Theresa