Nooshie

I'm starting the liquid diet on October 1, so went to Costco to buy the Premiere protein shakes that are recommended at our support group meetings at St. Joseph's. 30 grms protein per shake. Next weekend is my aunt's 70th bday party, and i'll be doing the liquid thing...so that's going to be a little tough, but it'll be okay. I'm excited. Can't wait for the 15th. I'm ready.

Hey, me too! October 15!:scared2:

My surgery date is 10/15...and I got my "packet" yesterday on what I need to do, etc. So my liquid diet will start on October 1....but it's not terrible: skim milk or soy milk; low fat cream soups (i.e. healthy choice); fruit juice without pulp, V9, sugar free pudding, dannon lit & fit, sugar free popsicles and protine supplement (any flavor 170 calories with 30+ grams of protein).....staying within 1000 calories and minimum 70 grams of protein.

Just a quick note to say thanks for doing this...very cool to see who's doing what, when. Okay, so my date is October 15. I haven't received my packet from the doctor's office that tells me about the two week liquid diet or what I need for the pre-op exam with my primary care...that's on the 8th, so I've got to call them tomorrow. I can't wait.

Just got my date! October 15!! I'm so excited. It'll be here before we know it!

I totally hear you! That's what I was told through my life of dieting...and in fact, Dr. Quilici, my surgeon-to-be said the same thing. But I'm not banded yet. The idea was this....I had been listening to a weight loss podcast...somewhat of a hypnotherapy thing, wherein the hypnotist said that we should only eat when we're hungry. That hunger was a good thing because it was about hearing our body saying we needed fuel. So I started trying that. And I realized that I wasn't hungry. So here i'd pack my yogurt or oatmeal to eat when I got to work...and i'd stop and think, "it's here, but am i hungry?" I wasn't...so I wouldn't eat. and i'd wait and soon it would become lunchtime...and i'd have food to eat, but i still wasn't hungry. OKAY...now you have to know, just because I wasn't hungry doesn't mean I didn't want to eat. Big difference...I totally wanted to eat...and could eat. Just was trying to figure out what was going on with the body. And that's when I made my Air Fern observation...that maybe I didn't NEED food. But that's not the case. So the nutritionist said that everyone has the mechanism of listening to the body for hunger cues, but very few will actually listen to it...and it's been desensitized. So we started talking about early man, hunters and gatherers...and how way back then you'd eat a little bit...and move on to the next site to find a little more you would get to eat...etc. That was the theory behind the mini meals. Small amounts throughout the day. :::Shrug:: who knows. But let me ask you this. I read about the Protein shakes/drinks that people have after being banded. Are those taking the place of your meal? or is it in between. If it's in between, then it's somewhat like a snack, right? Since it's calorie/vitamin dense?

Hi Everyone, I'm on month 2 of my 6-month supervised pre-op diet (required by Aetna HMO). My insurance required that I see a nutritionist which I did a week or so ago. She went through my food journals, asked lifestyle questions. So we started talking about lapband...since she understood that I was there to fulfill the pre-op requirement. I was telling her that I had done everything to lose weight without long term success. My biggest fear, I shared, was that I might be kind of like an Air Fern....where I didn't require food or Water...and that even after I got banded I would not lose weight. So she suggested metabolic testing to find out what was going on. My insurance didn't cover the $85 test, but after years of wondering I wanted to go find out. The test is done by breathing into a tube for ten minutes. You fast for 3 hours, no caffeine...and breathe. And good news! I found out that just without exerting any energy, my body would burn 1800 daily just to survive. I was totally shocked because I was expecting it to be about 800 calories since the scale never moves down. Anyways, that was the good news, and the nutritionist that was doing the test made some suggestions. She said to eat 6 mini meals a day, rather than the three adding a little Protein in there every couple of hours to keep the metabolism up. AND...she suggested two 5-minute bursts of cardio a day...once in the morning and one in the evening. Five minutes. Even I can squeeze that in. I can't do the sprinting, jumping or stairs that she suggested (because of my knees) but I can dance around waiving my arms. So I checked out the exercise channel on On Demand and found a "Back 2 Bollywood" workout. (I just love those bollywood movies). So it's been a few days and I'm dancing around....packing my mini meals, and saving 1/2 my dinner for the next day's lunch. My next appointment with my PCP is next week.

Thank you to both of you for posting and answering my question. Y'know how it is? I've tried so many things with no success and I know my metabolism has slowed wayyyy down....so I'm fearing failure even with the lapband. I know everyone is different. I just really hope and pray that "I" can use this as a tool and make it work!!! You're both an inspiration to me!

Almost 6 years ago, I had to undergo a total hysterectomy - tubes, ovaries, the works! Since then, my already slow metabolism has come to a crawl. I wanted to ask if there are any of you out there who have been banded, post hysterectomy, and are losing well with the band? If so, how's it working for you? Comparitively, are there any weight loss differences? I have such a hard time getting any diet to work -- was wondering how it's going for you all. Nooshie

I've got Aetna HMO. At first I thought they wouldn't approve it, but all I had to do was ask my primary care doc. She had her office person contact my insurance...and they got a referal for me to see the surgeon. Went to do that. As it turns out I do have to document 6 months on a supervised weight loss program. Checked in this month as "month 1". Still haven't gotten the referral for the nutritionist which is supposed to be part of it, but doc's office says it was approved and is still pending. There's got to be someone else you can talk to.

Thank you Restless for writing me. You are absolutely right and I really needed to read your post. What was I expecting! Exactly. I do need to take charge...and I will. Do I have uncertainty about the lapband? Well, sure. I've gotten so much info off this site, from my surgeon's office, etc. I really do want to get my life in control. And I think the lapband will be the tool I need to help me with this. I think I've got the emotion tho...for how I felt at the Dr.'s office. I just felt like she looked at me and the chart and just determined that there was no point in telling me anything...that I was like a "lost cause", y'know? But whatever. Onward upward!! Thank you again for responding. I really needed that. Have a great day!

Well, today was may first month of the six month supervised weight loss period. I am really disappointed. I guess I was hoping that my doctor would take it seriously and try to help me prepare for this. She basically came in, asked how I was. Said, "Okay, basically you have to come in once a month. I'll ask you how you are and if you're trying to lose weight. We document it and we're done." I asked about the nutritionist. She said we'd find out if my insurance covered it. If not, I'll have to pay out of pocket -- and we're going to find out if I need to meet with the nutritionist monthly or will one time do. That was pretty much it. I asked her..."Do you have a diet for me to follow?" (I mean I waited 45 minutes for her to come in). Her reply.."Well, most of my patients do something like weight watchers. Have you done weight watchers?" When I said yes, many times. She said, "okay, then you know it." That was it. :::shrug::: It was disappointing. And it's not like I was expecting my doctor to even give me anything new as far as diets go. I don't know what I was expecting. Is it that they view WLS as a last resort, so they think it doesn't matter? I left there feeling really down. I really want to make the most of these six months. Learn the most I can, try as hard as I can to get myself ready. Anyways...I felt like venting. Thanks for listening.

I agree with you. Those that have taken time to get to know me, are fine with me. But the other day, I was standing on a corner in downtown L.A. waiting for the light to turn, and some guy just came up to me and said, "You're really not doing anything to help the obesity epidemic!" Now what was that about? I was so taken aback by his comment....I just said, "excuse me?" because he caught me off guard. And he just walked away. The light changed and my bus came and that was that. But it made me really think about it. To me, I'm so much more than my body, but I guess to those that don't know me...they see only that. But so what? What gives him the right to be mean? Nothing. There was nothing I could do but to pray for him...that God give him compassion and have mercy on him. ::Shrug::

By day I'm a commercial property insurance broker. By night/weekends: I make jewelry for my online shop and boutiques: www.pomgranateandeye.etsy.com Before that, I was a teacher.

I agree that it's not the best situation. I agree that she's whack for doing this...but I am disturbed by all the rage people have about it. Not here, per se, but all over. Yesterday I was listening to the radio at work and they were talking about how we should "tune in on monday and we'll give you the dirt about the mother..." We really don't need to know the dirt...how, what, when.. I emailed the DJ ad he wrote back saying that it's not malicious, but that people are "curious". She's had the babies...whatever is done is done. Thankfully, all survived. God be with them. Whether they get a house built for them, or continue as they are...whether there is a father or not...or whether they get a TV show....I mean, it's not going to be easy. And I feel sorry for the kids. Just my opinion.

I have Aetna HMO and have to go through the 6 month diet. I will meet with my pcp tomorrow and will ask if the 6month visits are covered. Thank you for posting because I didn't even think to ask. I'll let you know what I find out.

My feet get very swollen and puffy, and no diuretics help. The doctor said it is from the excess weight. It's hard to find shoes that fit well...or fit at all. And those first few steps in the morning when getting up out of bed are painful in the heel. Then everything sort of adjusts....save for the puffiness which is every present. Any ideas on swollen feet that don't respond to de-puffing? :w00t:

I totally know what you mean. Before I went to visit Dr. Quilici, I had to go to my GI doctor for another issue. So at the end of the appointment I asked him what he thought of lapband..and immediately he said, "why don't you just get a bypass?" In my head I had already talked myself into getting the lapband and researched it and everything. I left his office feeling so ...what's the word...like, maybe I'm not making the right decision for me. Conflicted. So I went home and logged onto this site and read more about both. Then when I had my appointment at Dr. Q's office, y'know the meeting with Julie? Well, she was explaining the whole procedure...both bypass and lapband. After having the bypass procedure explained....I knew I didn't want to go there. It's just too much cutting for me. Cutting, disconnecting, connecting. And this is not to say it's not right for someone else...it just isn't for me. And the explanation that bypass people lose 90-100% of their excess weight...which banders are at 70-80%....I can live with that. If I lost 70% of my excess weight....even 60%...need I say more? (I haven't been at 60% of my excess weight in many years) But looking at what some of the members on here are doing....sounds like something I could do. I too am afraid of failure. I had some success with WW years ago...but after having to have to total hysterectomy 5 years ago, nothing that used to work before is working now. I have the metabolism of a bar of soap. So yep, I too am afraid that I'm going to go through this and not make it. But all that is negativity....and I'm going to vow with this to be positive. YES WE CAN. :w00t: Right? I'm going for the bypass.

This post is so encouraging. I am just starting this journey and I have Fred Flintstone feet!! They're puffy and wide :w00t:. Maybe someday.... there may be hope for my feet as well!

Yeah, I had heard that. So when I went in and was talking to Dr. McVay, I told her right out, "I've heard that Dr. Quilici pushes bypass." She laughed and said, "We don't "push" anything, though he does suggest." Then she continued on saying that there were studies done that showed bypass patients lose 90-100% of their excess weight but banders were 70-80%. But, she did say that the success is entirely up to the patient. And that if lapband felt right for me, then that's what I should have. I thought she was pretty nice. I did get the bypass push "vibe" from Rosalie though.

Ah, that's the difference. I have HMO, so I have to do the six-month thing. It's okay though...I'll get there soon. :::shrug::: Let me know a couple days before the next meeting. I can meet up with you. I live in Sunland. You? I'm curious about the meetings. I've heard there are a lot more bypass people than lap banders.

Hey Lil Miss, Thanks for letting me know about keeping on top of things. Feb 19 is just around the corner for you (eeps!)... how exciting and scary , no? Do you have Aetna HMO or PPO? And did you have to go through the six-month supervised weight loss thing? Have you gone to any of the support group meetings? I hope you don't mind all the questions. Keep in touch and let me know how it all goes! Good luck to you. - Noosh

Hi, I was looking around for others that have Aetna and found your blog. Did you end up having your surgery? I have Aetna HMO. My BMI is 45 and I have about 80 pounds to lose. I was told that I need to show that I have been on a supervised weight loss program with my primary care physician and a dietician, and then they'll approve. I'm just starting this 6 month journey, but I did go to the surgeon's office and met with the staff there. Let me know how it goes with you. Good luck with it all. Noosh

Went to my appointment on Monday at Dr. Quilici's office. First had a consult with another patient-to-be with the nutritionist, Julie, who went over both bypass and lapband surgeries, showed us the quantities of food we'd be able to consume after surgery, went over the rules, etc. Then we had a short consult with the patient liaison, Rosalie, who has lost 135 pounds with bypass. She was a huge help with questions regarding insurance and timelines. I have Aetna HMO. I found out that my insurance will cover the surgery but I will have to go through a 6 month supervised weight loss program with my primary care physician and a dietician/nutritionist. ::shrug:: y'know, I'm kind of bummed that I have to wait, but on the other hand, it's not like they're denying me so I'm feeling blessed. Oh, also found out that everyone has to go through a psyche evaluation. After that meeting had BP and BMI and weight done. :::thumbup::: my BMI IS 45!!!! That's pretty scary when you think about it. :biggrin: Needless to say, it was pretty sobering and I'm trying to take things seriously since i've gotten home. Met with Dr. McVay after that. She does the fills. She was very kind and not-rushed which I really really appreciated. She took the history and physical and answered any questions. Told me about support group meetings the 1st and 3rd wednesdays. Then, for about 2 minutes met Dr. Quilici. He, also, was very nice, but by then, I had discussed and found out everything I needed to ask. Sooooo....I've made my appointment with my PCP to start my 6 month course. Called Aetna to make sure they were all cool with it. They said yes. The nutritionist will be contacted by my PCP. So if all goes well, I'm thinking surgery sometime around August?? We'll see. But I've started the journey to a new me.

hi! i've been thinking about it as well. I have determined that bypass is just too risky for me. i'm not comfortable with it. and seeing all the success with lapband here on the site, it's much more encouraging. i'm getting excited about my meeting with the doctor, and nervous/anxious as well. I really want it all to work out...with the doctor, with the insurance...with the whole thing. keep in touch and let me know how it's all going for you. like you said, maybe we'll meet at the support group meetings! all the best!