Irishbookworm

Hey everyone! I just got my surgery date today and I'm scheduled for December 9th! I am SO excited! I have been working on this since June. I had to do an ALL day pre-op class and then I had my surgery consult and the doctor watns me on a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery, so, the plan is to start the Friday after Turkey Day! YAY! I had to do a pulminary function test, chest x-ray and a TON of blood work! So, I now have my surgery date, FINALLY! As for the pre-op diet, I asked my doctor's nurse about it and the dietician and they said that they don't require a specific brand, but, that the Protein has to be twice as much as the carbs. They weren't too specific about calories, but, I'm trying to keep them under 200-220 calories. My 30th birthday is Nov. 28th.... I think I'll get the cake batter flavored Muscle Milk Light :biggrin: For Vitamins, I was told that they HAD to be specifically for bariatric surgery patients. I tried the Bariatric Advantage brand and REALLY didn't care for them. I tried Celebrate Bariatric Vitamins and they were a LOT better and they're a little cheaper. They gave us info today about Optisource vitamins with a sample and they're good too, so, I'll look into them. Anyway, I've rambled enough! I'm looking forward to bonding with everyone! Talk to you soon!

Hey Lisa, Ok, so, there were a few things going on at home and I didn't make it to the support group. I am planning on going to the group for bariatric surgery next week though. I went last month and it was really something. I think that having a group that knows me will help to keep me accountable. I have my pre-op class on Wednesday. I've been really working on my liquid diet ahead of time. I had been thinking about buying a Magic Bullet since my little Hamilton Beach blender went kaput, but, my room mate talked me into a Cuisinart Stick blender instead and it's GREAT! I would recommend it highly. It really helps to make shakes more like shakes and it was only about $25. I started freezing some bananas too, but, I haven't tried them yet. Also, I picked up a bottle of sugar free flavored syrup, like what you use in coffee, this weekend and it's no sugar and no carbs. They had a few flavors, but, I went with caramel and I am NOT disappointed! Sorry, that's all the things I'm doing to try to keep things low carb and low cal but keep my protein up. If you ever get to Trader Joes, they have a thing called Better Than Peanut Butter and it's a LOT healthier than PB and tastes just like it. Oh, and I picked up some sugar free pie filling this weekend, but, I haven't experimented with it yet. Which calcium crystals did you get? I know Bariatric Advantage makes them, but, to be honest, the stuff I've had from them hasn't tasted all that great. I got some samples of stuff from Celebrate and it was pretty good, if you want to try something different. They included a pack of multi-vitamin drink mix, but, I haven't tried it yet, I'll let you know how it goes! So, I'm 2 days away from my class. Is there anything I should know, other than to get there super early? I was going to try to get there at about 7 am on the nose!

Hey Lisa, I need to get to Walmart and pick up the Body Fortress. I've heard a few things about them and it seems like it's a good price. That's the problem that I have with a lot of them is that the ones I like a lot are the expensive ones! I do have a BMI over 50. I was debating starting the liquid diet on Thursday so that by time next week rolls around, I'll be into it for a week already. I plan on asking Nancy about that tomorrow night at the support group. It's the first banders group I've been to, so, I can scope it out for you! I am hoping that they'll be able to get me in either in late November or early December, that's what Patsy led me to believe, but, there's Thanksgiving in there at the end, so who knows what Dr. D's surgery schedule looks like. I know that they do have a second surgeon there now, not Dr. Scott, he went to St. Clair's. The hope is that I'll have it not TOO long after the class, but, then, who knows? I thought I may as well get a head start and if I can add fruit to the shakes, that makes it easier! I've been trying to keep them at 200 calories or less and carbs under what the HMR800 shakes have which are 17 per shake. I'm trying to not have any expectations as to how much I'll initially lose, I know it's all a process! I'm the same way, if it's in the house, I'll eat it. I really have to learn to stay away from the sweets too as I have an incredibly unhealthy sweet tooth! I was doing REALLY well with Halloween until yesterday when people brought in their candy leftovers and my body told me if I didn't have chocolate I would die.... :-) I have been sticking to the whey protein. I went to a GNC and was looking around and the guy there said that he's heard that whey isolate is what he typically sees people buying that have had bariatric surgery. I plan on asking them about that too. I've tried so many protein powders that my fiancee is sick of it, but, he likes the one's that I don't like so at least he has plenty to put in his coffee..... Anyway, sorry, I've written a small novel. Talk to you soon and I will let you know how the group goes tomorrow night!

Sorry I'm a bit behind here, but, try Sparkpeople for mobile. You log in online and then you can log in to their mobile site from your phone. You can track calories, fat, protein, carbs and it has menus and food search and you can create lists of favorites too. I've been on it for over a year. Great tool!

That's all good info. I really appreciate it. I was debating calling Nancy to ask her about the liquid diet because I was thinking of starting that next week so that when I have my class I'll already be on the liquid diet for a week. I've asked Dr. D about the liquid diet and he said to talk to Nancy, so, I have a feeling that he's going to put me on one. I was also wondering about if we HAD to use the protein shakes that were on the list or if we could use something that we liked better. I haven't tried the one from Walmart yet, but, I have a couple others, plus, I REALLY like the Muscle Milk Light. The ones I was planning on using are better than the HMR 800 shakes that were recommended....less carbs and a lot less sugar. I had a feeling that they went on a first come, first served basis for the class. I was going to plan on getting there RIGHT at about 7. If I have to wait, that's fine, I just want to make sure that I'm one of the first ones called to schedule surgery. How long did you have to wait from your class to your surgery? I'm hoping to get in in late November, but, I'm not sure if that's realistic or not. Oh, and I guess it's ok to spruce up the protein shakes? I throw frozen fruit in mine. I'll be at the support group next week. I went to the general bariatric group last wednesday and it was REALLY cool, but, there were no banders there, only gastric. So, when did you have your surgery? If you don't mind me asking, how much have you lost so far? Oh, and, right now I religiously count my calories everyday. Will I need to do that after the band? I know, so many questions, I'm sorry. I've written a small novel. Talk to you soon. Thanks again!

Hi Lisa, I'm sorry that I JUST saw this! But, I have Dr. De La Torre and I just had my last insurance required appointment with him this afternoon. I have my pre-op testing class on November 11. So, I hope you don't mind, but, with the class, what was it like? How do they determine who gets scheduled when? I know Nancy was reading off a list of names that were to see her in that order and that's when she scheduled the surgery. I guess I'm just a little confused. Also, do you go to the lap band support groups on the first Wednesdays? I was going to go to the one next week and talk to a few people too. I guess I'm just wanting to know what to expect and heo to be prepared. Sorry. Thanks though! How did your surgery go? Is it hard to do ALL that liquid protein???

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely take some before shots and take measurements. I mean, on my own, I've lost 65 pounds already, but, that has been over the course of the past year and 4 months. I'm hoping that the band helps me keep going at a moderate pace. I am a little worried about how I will do with it and I'm also worried about what kind of support I'll get at home. I'll be sure to stock up on Gas-X. What about Tums? Do those help at all? What else should I know?

OK, so, I'm not banded yet (I'll know my surgery date on November 11), but, I want to know.... What do you attribute to your success? I want to make sure that I use the band to my BEST advantage and I want to know what works for everyone else? What do you think makes a difference as far as how much weight you've lost? Walking? Lots of liquid protein? Support groups? I want to use this as a very effective tool for the most success. What works for you? What do you attribute to your weight loss????

So, the weight loss institute that I'm part of has Bariatric Support groupd that meet on various Wednesdays of the month. I decided to go to the general group meeting tonight for the first time and I have to say...WOW! What a bunch of WARM and friendly and FUNNY people! I was SO nervous about going, but, that went away FAST! I really recommend to anyone that if you have one available to you, use it! I can see how it will help to keep me motivated and accountable. I was the only one there getting banded,everyone else was older than me and they had either had rouen-y gastric bypass or were getting ready to. There was a guy there that was originally 570 pounds! Lost 130 on his own and then after bypass, another 125! I can't even imagine losing 255 pounds! WOW! So, it was really inspiring to me, even though it was gastric and not banding. There's a banded support group two weeks from now and you bet I'll be there! Seriously, if anyone has access to one, think about going if you haven't already!

So, I FINALLY got my insurance pre-cert letter in the mail on Monday! I RAN to Office Depot to fax it in to the weight loss institute! YAY! So, they called yesterday afternoon and they have me in the November 11th class! YAY! This means that when I have my class on the 11th, I'll know that day when my surgery will be! So, my next doctor appointment is next Wednesday and I'm going to talk to the doctor then to see when I should start the 14 day pre-op liquid diet. I'm HOPING that I'll be able to start the diet a little early so that they can schedule my surgery sooner as opposed to later. That's the hope anyway. I'm just so excited! This means that I'll be banded either late November or early December. I want it done sooner, but, it would be nice to have just one last Thanksgiving LOL!

I had never heard of the Ninja Blender, but, I love my little, cheap Hamilton Beach single serving blender. I googled the Ninja Blender and now I want one! I found a decent review too, if anyone is interested..... food and Product Reviews - Ninja Master Prep - Food Blog | Bite of the Best

Thanks! That saves me having to compare the two! I JUST bought some of the MM light in Strawberries and Creme and it's REALLY good, so long as it stays COLD! P.S. Another good one is WonderSlim. It's 100 calories, 7 carbs and 1.5 grams of fat with 15 grams of Protein.

Thanks! I actually got the call today that I'm in the November 11th class! YAY! So, with any luck, I'll have my surgery either in late November or Early December! I'm so excited! I'm SO ready for this!

Thanks Plain! I really appreciate it! I'm hoping to have the green light for the November class first thing tomorrow morning and if I don't hear from them by 8:30 in the morning, I'm calling them!!!!! :cursing:

Today, after a long fight (although not as long as others), I received my pre-cert letter of approval today in the mail! I faxed it in to the Weight Loss Institute late this afternoon and called them to let them know it was sent. I'm so excited. Now, PLEASE keep your fingers crossed that they are able to fit me into one of the required pre-op all day classes in November! THAT is when they'll schedule my surgery and just last week, they said they had a few more openings left. I'm REALLY hoping for late November/early December for surgery! Wish me luck! I need to have this done before mid-December as I MIGHT be facing another kidney surgery!

Looks like I have some things to check out! I stopped in at a GNC this afternoon to see what they had. I bought a few different things to try. The guy there recommended an isolate protein since it's not being used for bodybuilding. He pointed me to the GNC brand Wheybolic Extreme 60. 1 serving is 3 scoops and it's 310 calories, but, I had one scoop in 8 oz of skim milk and it was REALLY good. The only problem is that it's still a little on the pricey side, but, not too bad. They guy said that they've re-designed the packing and so for 3 lbs, which is 48 servings (if you use one scoop), it was $34.99 (regular price is $59.99 for 3 pounds). I also picked up two bottles of Isopure in Alpine Punch and Pineapple Orange. I don't know how I'll like them just yet. Two more things I picked up today were Muscle Milk Light in the 100 calorie packs in Strawberry (haven't tried them yet) and EAS Myoplex Carb Control in French Vanilla. The EAS RTD? YUCK! I'm going to try to freeze it and see if it's any better. So, that's where I stand on the Great Protein Quest! I have plans to "play" with what Walmart has sometime this next weekend. I am determined to find something that I really like that won't break my bank. I had NO idea it was going to be THIS damn hard!!!

Well, no, there have been quite a few hoops. I had been TRYING to get around the 90 days that my insurance requires and it's been a LONG fight JUST to get to this point. They approved it before my last appointment and I'm hoping that I can get into the required November Pre-op class where they'll schedule my surgery at that time. So, I'm looking at December if I'm lucky. I have a couple co-morbitities, but, I have another condition with my kidneys and I'm facing potential kidney surgery in January. Having the band done ASAP would mean that the surgery would be MUCH smoother. I had my Urologist send in a LOT of paperwork to my insurance company and they wouldn't accept anything. So, that's some of the hoops I've had to go through. I started this whole process in June. I know that there could have been MANY more hoops and what I had to go through wasn't as involved as what others, but, it's still had me highly irritated lately. Finding out that the insurance company sent the pre-cert letter last week was just AWESOME!

OK, so, it looks like I need to get to Walmart and take a look at what they have. I really need to find something that tastes good and is lower in calories than what I've been drinking. Body Fortress and Slim Fast. I'll look at those too. I'm also going to try to hit a GNC this weekend to see if I can find a couple of Muscle Milk Lights in single servings so I can try them. I just ordered some Wonder Slim stuff last night, but, not sure if I'll like them or not. I think the price is about right for them, cheaper than the HMR 800 shakes anyway!

I had looked at Muscle Milk Light at Sam's Club. They are a little pricey, but, I didn't even THINK to look on eBay! I'll check that out!

Protein shakes? (Sorry if this is long) I am HOPEFULLY fast approaching my surgery and I REALLY need to find ONE thing and stick with it. I have tried SO many different Protein Shakes and brands and so far, the ones I like best are the HMR800 from the doctor's office, but, I have 2 problems with them. #1. They only come in chocolate and vanilla and #2. They're EXPENSIVE. So, I need ideas. I've tried the

OK, so, I have been desperately trying to get in to have surgery ASAP. I'm facing kidney surgery in January and the sooner I get the band in place, the better. I'm required by the doctor's office to attend an all day pre-op seminar before they can schedule surgery. Well, they sent the notice to the insurance company and they APPROVED it! I'm just ANXIOUSLY awaiting the letter in the mail so that I can get my class scheduled for November and then surgery in December! I'm so excited! I've been badgering the insurance case worker and the doctor's office, but, it may pay off! Keeo your fingers crossed for me! A December or even LATE November date would be AWESOME! :scared2:

If you're wanting to add some variety in flavors, try adding sugar free jello mix to a vanilla protein shake. I tried adding lemon jello mix to my vanilla protein shake and it was pretty good. I'll try a few other flavors this weekend. One serving only adds 10 calories and an extra gram of protein.

I've tried quite a few. My doctor recommended the HMR 800 shakes, but, they're pretty expensive. If you can afford them, they've been my favorites. EAS Whey Protein is OK, but, 2 scoops is the recommended serving and that adds up to 240 calores. I've tried Bariatric Advantage and they're kind of thin and tasteless (That was with about 6oz of Water and a few ice cubes). I just bought Member's Mark 100% Whey protein at Sam's Club today and the chocolate is OK. I added a spoonful of sugar free fat free pudding mix to thicken it a little. Oh and I tried Spiru-Tein and it was kind of gross. They make it with algae and the vanilla flavor was a light green...... What does anyone do for variety though? Anything other than chocolate and vanilla? I was going to blend up some frozen fruit with it and try that and I was thinking of getting different flavored extracts (peppermint, lemon....) and try those in with them.

So, I haven't had a regular PCP in years and in getting all my ducks in a row for getting banded, I figured it was time. I went through the referral service with the hospital my other docs are through and got one. I saw her today for the first time and I WILL NOT be going back! There are SEVERAL reasons I won't go back to her, but, one thing was that she wanted me to do a sleep study, stress test and a lung capacuty test before she'd do the paperwork to send to the weight loss institute! WHAT!? Has anyone else had to do this?? I don't mind doing the tests, I probably should have them done, but, to hold my paperwork hostage? Not to mention that I'm trying to get my Urologist to push my insurance company to let me have the surgery done now and not have to wait 4 months, but, this will delay things! I'm so mad! GGGRRR!!!!

Thanks for the replies! I called Aetna today and turns out that they have a standard 4 month wait time, but, with my company, it's only 3. Also, I scheduled my psych eval for next week as opposed to middle of August. If they can get me in to see the doctor SOME time this month, that puts me at 3 months and then the 4th month I'd have the surgery, which is October. I can do October! That and I was told that a case manager will call me back to see about the medical necessity thing. The rep on the phone wasn't sure, but, said I could have them submit my case for review and see what they say. So, the ball really IS rolling! Now we wait and see!