MrsCabes

Thankfully - I go to an awesome center and they have insurance specialists there that dealt with my insurance company for me! All of my forms were submitted at the end of October and about 6 weeks later, I got a call from my surgery center, saying that my surgery was approved and they had a date for me! I'm glad that I got the call from my support team versus having to hunt my own info down from the crappy insurance companies!

I was outpatient - had surgery at 8:30 and I was home 2 hours later! They get you up and walking, as soon as you can and I was able to rest at HOME.

Well - I had to stick with medifast products for my pre-op, so the shakes were out (I would have KILLED for a shake, however...LOL). Post-op, I did a couple shakes a week and I continue to do a couple, replacing Breakfast, a week. Not sure at the whey verus soy - my husband and I always went to this shake shop and my NUT said that they were a good source of Protein. And, with things harder to "go down" in the morning, shakes are perfect.

Not sure what kind of info you're looking for? They are very low in calories and you can add extra Protein to the shakes. You can use Water or soy milk, too. I have a shake shop that I go to and she uses herbalife. My husband also became a "distributor" so that he could buy the products at price. (so we can make shakes at home)

I told my husband and kids (of course) and my family and close friends - no one else. I just figure it's none of their business. If they notice that I'm losing weight, I will simply say "thank you" and I'm working hard doing it. The end. Keep in mind, you don't "owe" anyone an explanation for your choice or your surgery - this is your personal, private journey. Just as you wouldn't feel the need to tell everyone if you had a tubal ligation...you don't have to tell anyone about THIS surgery either.

I agree with everyone above! I'd rather a couple of tiny scars versus fat rolls!

I have 5 incisions - 4 are TINY, like less than 1/2 inch. I just had surgery in Feb and I can already tell that they won't be much, by the time they're fully healed. Then, the bigger one (where my port is) is maybe 1 1/2 inch...that one might show later but it doesn't matter to me. 1. I'm never getting in a bikini again (no matter how thin I get!) 2. My husband doesn't care about a simple scar (nor do I) 3. Having a couple blemishes is a very small payment for a lifetime of healthiness and thinness.

chris - how many fills have you had?

Spartan - WHY are you on this website? All you talk about is gastric bypass.

Honestly, after my surgery (Feb 8th), I had to step away from these boards for a while because I was starting to believe that I made the wrong choice. However - after getting information from my surgeon's office and their team, plus going to actual support groups...this IS going to work. Most of the people on here, are just a couple months out from surgery and are asking questions and looking for answers. There are less "successful" lapband patients posting - above poster is right...they are out losing weight and living their lives. My advice is to get surgery, stay away from here for a little bit and talk to your support team at your surgery center. Good luck!

This is absolutely normal! Most surgeons do not fill your band when they place it on you, during surgery. Most of the "restriction" you get, is because the band has irritated your stomach and it's swollen. As the puffiness goes down, guess what? NO restriction - meaning, food is just dropping through, as normal. Welcome to Bandster Hell - (I'm in it right now too) This is the time period that we must be patient. It typically takes 3-4+ fills to get to the perfect restriction. I'm on fill #2 (had surgery in Feb) and am no where near my "sweet spot". It's all about will power for a few months - my NUT told me that most people remain the same (weight wise) or even gain during this time period. :thumbup: It's frustrating and disappointing but the important thing is to be patient and know that your band WILL work - it may just not be today or tomorrow. Stay strong and know that thousands of people are going through the exact same thing you are right now!!!! Good luck!

Hi - 24 day pre-op diet here! I did medifast - packets of shitty food. oatmeal and Soup, totaling 500-600 calories a day. When I'd go out to eat with people, I'd order Water or iced tea - no food. I'd go home after and eat 1 cup of soup. It was hell. It sucked. But, I lost 25 pounds and my liver was in prime position for surgery! You'll get through it - and in a year from now, you'll barely remember how horrible it was because you'll be too busy enjoying your new body!

Oh, it was HORRIBLE. I was never so happy to start the puree stage after surgery! I think we need a "puke" smiley. They told me I could eat the leftover packets after surgery - HELL NO! I threw that crap away!

I did medifast for 24 days (500-600 calories a day) and lost 25 pounds before surgery. I did not cheat ONCE.

I was only on liquids for 1 day - then puree for 2 weeks, then soft foods for 2 weeks. I notice too that when I'm hungry - I'm more aware. I think sometimes we "feed" ourselves to the point that we don't even recognize true hunger anymore. I've never been more "clear" than I was during my pre-op diet. (not that I want to return to that! LOL)

Believe me - I'm right there with ya! We're going on vacation in August - that will be 6 months post surgery and I'll be excited to have a margarita and a diet coke!

Are you sitting down? My surgeon wants us to wait 6 months before drinking anything carbonated or alcoholic. I'm dying for a diet coke right now - just one...but I just keep Water and ice tea-ing it.

I have Anthem and it took about 6 weeks! Granted, it was toward the end of the year and EVERYONE was trying to get surgeries in!

It's really not that bad...as long as you're sane. :thumbup: Seriously, I was handed a booklet, with about 250 questions in it - ranging from "Do you love your mother?" to "Do you talk to people that aren't there?" LOL The actually one on one with the psych was easy - he asked simple questions...they mostly want to know that you've thought about your decision and that you'll have a support system in place. I'm also assuming that if you have any food issues, they'll probably want to know about that and deal with those before surgery.

I felt pretty good the day after surgery - did I want to dance? No, but I could have handled sitting at a dance recital (as long as my pants were loose). However - I wasn't able to drive for 2 days after surgery...so that might be a bigger concern for you.

Actually, my doctor was just the opposite. She would NOT recommend GB but she was 100% supportive of LapBand. (which made me even more confident with my choice)

I felt awesome a week out - I think 4-6 weeks is overkill.

LOL - I know! The pre-op diet SUCKS but...you won't remember it next year, when you're living a healthy, skinnier life!

I was on medifast for 24 days - it sucked! Mostly Soup, some oatmeal - but it all tasted like CRAP. Different surgeons have different rules - I lost 23 pounds on the pre-op diet, so I know it worked and surgery was finished in 19 minutes and I felt awesome after.

That is so awesome!!!! Congratulations!!!!