RestlessMonkey

You know, it amazes me that people think this is the "easy way" out of obesity. ???

TriCare "standard" For years Tricare didn't cover lap band. I'd called them again this year in Jan and again in April and was told "NO". Then my doc told me to have the surgery and my husband and I decided we'd just pay for it when I found out that now, Tricare DOES cover it! YAY Since he's retired Army, I guess they are more aggressive about paying for this type of thing because the odds of us "changing" insurance is slim. They are going to have us for a long time, so the healthier we are, the cheaper it is on them long run.

I can do the "no gum" but not "no straw"...I have gum disease and just almost can't drink without one! We'll have to see how that goes, I guess.

I'm glad you got it all worked out!

Jennifer, he didn't give me an amount. I've lost, so far (since 7/25) from 405 to 378. I have 10 more days to go before my 8/29 surgery and expect I'll probably lose another 5-6. This diet is SO low calorie (500-700 a day) that you lose pretty fast. I'd lost 15 before my original 8/11 surgery and that wasn't enough.... I'm lucky my insurance doesn't require a lot of hoops...this has been fast for me. 7/3 my internist told me "Get the lap band" (Yay I've wanted it since it came out!) 7/10 the seminar, 7/25 the first meet with surgeon, and then psych eval, diet consult, pre-op tests, and BOOM surgery 8/11. It's been a whirlwind courtship except for the fatty liver thing! But that sucker is BOUND to be shrinking now.

Yes thanks! and, um, ewwww! LOL I have to remember to chew chew chew...eat slow slow slow, pay attention... and I know this will still happen to me. I hope I have a really quick learning curve, it sounds painful and actually a little scary!

Thanks! I rarely chew gum; that's one reason, I guess, that we have any on hand. I guess they don't want you to chew gum in case you swallow it? I just have to do this through the 28th and will make it but tonight for some reason just was starved. It's funny, for past diets I would "hang tough" at night by telling my self I could have breakfast the next morning. Now...NOT! I will ask if there is anything I can add to expand the menu a little; I think most of his patients do NOT have to do it as long as I. Thanks again for your answers!

Coolcrystal, I would ALMOST kill someone for string cheese and some nuts! LOL BUT...I learned my shameful lesson. How sad that at age 53 I find myself alone at 11:42 PM on a Monday, Jonesing for a piece of sugar free gum! LOL I think I'll go w/Long2befree and just chew it. One piece won't make my liver fatty; it's fat free......

You should ask your surgeon about this. Ours told us most people even out but if necessary to let him know and he'd tell us what to use. Using enemas isn't a good option long term. You can become reliant on them. Call your docs office tomorrow and ask. You don't need to be embarassed; that's a basic function and you won't be the first to ask.

I read it. I also took most of it with a grain of salt, just like I do the ads on TV touting WLS as an easy fix. I've done my own research and that's enough for me.

No of course I don't know that. I do know, living on the border, people who have died of poor care in Mexico.

Wow I know people have surgery in Mexico but I'm one of those who prefers US Docs, so I can't help you there. I agree with your friends. Wait and save enough (or get a loan) so you can have it done locally. It's no more than the cost of a small car. If he's worth a trip to Mexico to have it done, he's worth a few more thousand.

ok, but why "PB"? I'm sure that stands for something.....

I agree with Delo...call the doctor and get a different antibiotic!

HI! I'm in San Antonio too...I had surgery 8/11 and my doctor couldn't place the band because my liver was still too fatty (that's on me because I didn't follow his pre-op diet like I was supposed to!) SO I'm getting banded 8/29 ... you'd better believe this time I'm doing the pre-op thing to the letter! I'm excited and ready, too!

Sorry you're having trouble. I'm tricare standard and have way more leeway; in fact they approved my surgery in 48 hours!

I would think it totally depends on your surgeon's office (call and ask) I didn't have to follow the procedure you are following...each office is different! Good luck!

Just be honest. I answered about 300 questions on a personality quiz, and had an interview. Each is a little different, but telling the truth is always the best way. You don't know what your surgeon is looking for in terms of refusing the surgery so tell it like it is and you should be fine.

Call your surgeon's office. Each office is different!

Wow I don't want to sound holier than thou....I'm morbidly obese and definitely have eaten too much for years. But why on earth would you eat pizza so close to your surgery? If your surgeon didn't tell you what to eat, then you need to find a good support group. If you were told to follow a post-op diet, why try to circumvent it? You may need a little therapy work so the band will work for you. I know our surgeon requires people to have an appt with a therapist 4-6 weeks post op. Maybe something like that would help you. It is miserable to be hungry, but worse to damage yourself internally!

Shelbymooy...I can't help you with a surgeon etc but may I ask you to reconsider taking your insulin? You are putting yourself at great risk by NOT taking it and your little kiddos need you around. I live in San Antonio and am a nursing student. We have epidemic Diabetes type II here and I've seen so many amputated limbs or dialysis patients because they didn't manage their disease.... It's your life and body and I don't mean to be presumptuous. Just think of who you are risking by NOT taking care of the disease...it isn't just you it will hurt.

I'm curious...what could be stuck? I'm guessing you had liquids and then MAYBE mushies... Have you called your doc?

I think your best bet is to ask your surgeon. I'm one who has recovered VERY quickly but the other poster is right; that's just anecdotal. Your surgeon will know best what his patients can/can't do. Your surgeon may prefer that you remain in town and close in case of post op complications. Mine requires that we remain in the city for a week post op....

Lifted directly off of the "NIH" (National Instutites of Health) web site: Most cerebral aneurysms are congenital, resulting from an inborn abnormality in an artery wall. Cerebral aneurysms are also more common in people with certain genetic diseases, such as connective tissue disorders and polycystic kidney disease, and certain circulatory disorders, such as arteriovenous malformations In other words, when your number is up, it's up. Those people had an unknown pre-existing condition that would've probably caught up with them eventually any way. You shouldn't have the surgery if you are petrified of it. All surgery carries risks and this one is elective. But your surgeon should be able to give you hard data to help you make your decision; not anecdotal evidence and rumor! Obesity carries risks, too. We each have to weigh this for ourselves....

My surgeon performs both surgeries, and had a seminar with the pros and cons of both. I think your surgeon may not be as great as you think if he is pushing one type of surgery. We're all different and have different needs etc. I'd suggest finding a local surgeon who does both and attending a lap band seminar. For every "lap band horror story" there is a "Roux-en-Y" horror story....in other words, they are both big steps. You need more research!