Cherishthepast

Received approval today and have a date - August 10th. YIPPEE!:thumbdown:

HELLO!!! I received approval today. Surgery is scheduled for August 10th. Thanks so very much for your words of advice.

Currently waiting insurance approval; shooting for mid-August.

THANKS!!!! That's great to hear.

unfortunately, patience isn't one of my virtues :thumbup:

I'm hanging in there. The person that handles insurance submissions at the surgeons office told me earlier this week that they're really fast (BCBSMA), she expects to have an answer this week - keeping fingers, toes and eyes crossed... I'll keep you posted and would love for you to do the same.

I enjoy gardening, reading and cooking. After an afternoon of gardening there's nothing I enjoy more than relaxing with a good book (murder mystery, historic/paranormal (vampire, fae, highlander) romance...). In lieu of days and days of working out at the gym, I've decided to take belly dance and salsa lessons (salsa w/hubby). As my surgeon strongly suggests that the key is to keep active. Find something you enjoy (swimming, hiking, badmitton, dance....) and go for it. He says that most people stop working out due to bordom - his words, "spice it up". Can't get much spicier than belly dancing - can't wait. Yep, I've signed up and am ready to shake my "BIG" soon to be smaller belly.:eek:

Hello, You may find the following recipe worth trying. You can substitute the chicken for ground lean beef, lean pork loin, turkey.... Chicken Lettuce Wraps 1 head of iceburg lettuce 1 cup mushrooms sliced 1 1/2 to 2 LBs thin cut chicken breast 3 garlic cloves chopped 1 red bell pepper diced 1 can bamboo shoots drained 3 scallions chopped 3 TBSP Hoisin sauce (in the grocery isle with asian noodles) This is what makes it have the great flavor, it is also the highest carb count 1 TBSP low sodium soy sauce( you could use only soy but I love the flavor of Hoisin sauce, just use it sparingly) Cut Chilled lettuce head into 4 wedges. Take one wedge and seperate the leaves in a neat stack of wedges. Preheat a large skillet to high and add the oil to the pan ( I used seaseme oil but olive oil or veg will work too). Add chicken to the pan and cook until the pink is mostly gone. Add the garlic and scallions. Cook for one minute. Add the chopped pepper, bamboo, and mushrooms. Cook for another minute. (If you want to add any bean sprouts now is the time) Add the hoisin and soy sauce, tossing to coat the mixture evenly. Transfer the hot chicken to a platter next to the lettuce. To eat place the mixture in a piece of the lettuce and wrap loosely. AND ENJOY- you'll have plenty for leftovers. By the way, 2000 calories defeats your goal. Please check w/your doctor.

Welcome and Congratulations! I'm also new to the site, you'll find lots of useful information and this is the perfect forum for asking questions you may have. The folks on the site have answered a few of my questions with very helpful suggestions. Again, welcome aboard.

Hello! I had my sleep study last night (6/28/09); the worry of doing it was far greater than the experience itself. I didn't get the best sleep, but who does when you're in a strange bed. I found out I have sleep apnea - this helps to explain the reason I'm tired every morning and also has something to do w/memory loss. Go for it!

I have tried GNC Pro Performance - vanilla and Isopure - punch. The after taste is killing me. I actually feel sick to my stomach after drinking these. I'm trying different liquid Protein sources so that I know what will work prior to the preop/postop diets. With all this said, does anyone know of a protein source that can be added to normal drinks? Perhaps something I could add to a glass of unsweetened tea or Lemonade sweetened w/equal... Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

You guys are wonderful. I really appreciate the advice and suggestions. I needed to find a solution to this issue as the Dr insists that we have at least 100g of Protein during the pre-surgery diet. Post op: Stage 1 = 60g and stage 2 on is 80-100g. Again thanks!!!!

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into it. Yes, he gave me a list that outlined the grams of Protein, carbs and calories of the various Protein Drink options. They didn't suggest a particular brand over another. The list was provided so that could make the wisest choices in choosing between the vast number of drinks out there based on the protein/carb ratio. It's great to see that Isopur as 40g of protein w/ no carbs per serving but if you can't stomach the stuff it's useless.

I was informed that I need to stop smoking before the Dr will perform the procedure. Has anyone else had to quit? If so, how in the heck did you manage? Thanks for any and all thoughts, suggestions...

Thanks for all your suggestions and words of encouragement. I also stopped for 12 years, when I was pregnant with my now 15 yr old son. I've been smoking this time around for 2 yrs. I plan to go on vacation live it up and leave smoking behind. I've never smoked in my home. So, before I leave for vacation I plan to toss the ash trays and rid the patio and garage of my nasty habit - returning to a totally smoke free environment... Again, thanks!

Please let me know if anyone has used him. My co-worker used him and seems to be doing very well. I believe I'm beginning to question everything as I'm getting closer to finishing all pre-approval requirements. Thanks in advance for your response.