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I used Kevin Smith downtown. Its kind of BS. They basically make you fill out a questionare of like 200 questions that ask the same question in 200 different ways. The questions consist of like have you ever thought about suicide, would you ever kill yourself etc... Hell if we thought that we wouldn't want the band. We wanna live!

I don't know where you heard that you "shouldn't" be hungry but that is BS for most of us. SOME patients don't have much of an appetite for a few days post op due to swelling etc because of abdominal surgery. For many of us, that is fleeting if it happens at all. That's why they call the first weeks post op "Bandster hell"...you can't eat (you might damage your band placement etc) but you are HUNGRY. All I can tell you is to tough it out, it will pass. It's important to follow your doctor's orders to set you up for success. So call your doc if you are miserable, see what you maybe can add in, but know that you aren't alone. Most of us suffered and struggled but you get through it somehow and it's worth it afterward. Follow your doc's advice, though, not just what you read here. Bands are different, surgeons are different, and post op requirement are totally different, so you need to follow your physician's rules. Hopefully he'll let you add in something to help. Mine didn't even allow Protein shakes for that first week post op! :w00t:

I'VE BEEN ON ORAL BC BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY. MY DOC TOLD ME TO STOP FOR 2 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF BLOOD CLOTS.

Wow.. interesting. We're covered by BCBS Fed. I was also told I needed the 3 months of supervised weight loss. I would much rather not do that if I don't have to.

I am new as well just ran across this forum. Had surgery on Tuesday and still wondering what I'm doing wrong, what I need to do? If I am doing anything right. The night after surgery I was throwing up something awful and crying in pain. Nurse decided to over Medicate me thinking just for me to rest well Bp shot up and I was turning into a red tomato on my face. All I could see was the huge mistake I just took and my kiddos face asking me why I did this? After the third day I'm feeling somewhat better bp is still getting the best of me ( not as bad) and my face has the occasional flush look . Still think I need to stay of the meds and sticking to Tylenol hoping that will do the trick. My biggest fear am I pushing to get get to much Protein in already. I have a timer set to try to drink 1oz every 15 or 2oz every 30? Today I added all my meds back in plus my Vitamins that's been tuff. Ugh feel like I'm already failing bc I'm so full I have no desire to eat. But I know drinking is very important. Any suggestions or any answers would be great.

Hello everyone! Getting my band on Dec. 2nd in Vancouver, BC. The Band is becoming more popular in Canada as more surgeons become trained and more facilities offer the procedure. Many bandsters from the west coast were travelling over the border to Washington state or Mexico, or heading east to Toronto to get their bands but a facility has finally begun to offer it hear in Vancouver. Hooray!

you will get turned away at the boarding gate. And how do I know this? It happened to me this am. argh! Tears shed, more money spent getting in later tonight. Signed, Could I be any stupider?

I have UHC with the Optum Bariatric Resources Program. So my physician/hospital choices are extremely limited. There are approximately ten hospitals in my area, but I can only use one of them per the plan and I'm not going to Tampa General. I can do better for a $3000 deductible. Other than that, my requirements aren't bad: 6 months of nutritional counseling and a psych eval. I go for my third visit on Thursday. So I'm projecting a July surgery date. Nutritional counseling of course isn't covered by the plan, so I opted to use the RD sessions offered at Florida Hospital's Wellness Center -- 6 sessions for $250. Next, I have to go see my Hema/Onc to develop a strategy for surgery bc of my bleeding disorder and then take care of the psych eval. I'm scheduled to go back to my surgeon for the pre-op right after my last NUT visit late June. I'm anticipating a three business day turn-around for the approval. Ally

I only lost the first 26 bc i wasnt eating anything but broth. I will eat scrambled eggs, chopped chicken, tomato soup, clam chowder. But not all in day. And def 32oz water daily.. one pro. Shake a day. I really dont think im going to lose any more weight.. not unless im doin some extreme exercise program.. my etarting weight was 262 pre surgery.. i have been stalled fr 2 weeks

So I am 4 days post op(surgery date on wed 9/19) and feeling better. I still can't sleep in the bed so stuck to the couch. Still having issues wih fluids and food feeling "stuck" when trying to go down but not as bad. Just waiting to get this drain out bc I think that will help some. Hopefully I can sleep in the bed tonight:)

My BMI is 33 and I am self pay. My weight has been yo-yo'ing up and down now for about 20 years. Every time I gain weight I weigh more than the last starting weight. I'm just fed up with it all and need something that I will stick with. I figure once I get banded then I'm banded for life and I have to stick with it. I don't have a delusions of this being a magic bullet but I'm thinking of it as my own little enforcer...one that I can't get rid of! I am being banded by Dr. Curry in Cincinnati on Feb 1st. Good luck to you.

I'm on soft foods and I have had tons of things that fall outside the category of the things you listed so hang in there. I've had a ton of grilled fish (salmon, tilapia, catfish, shrimp) and I have also eaten filet mignon, chili, meatloaf (moist), pork loin, bbq ribs, chicken enchilada, chicken quesidilla, ham and cheese wrap (made at home), broccoli and cheese, and I can't even remember what else I've made. I can only eat 3-5 bites, but it is heaven compared to pureed and it has all been really healthy. When I did the quesidillas and the wrap I cut a small normal sized meal in half and was only able to eat half of that. I also used low fat, wholewheat, and very thin tortillas because I didn't want it to swell and take up too much space in my tiny tummy. Just wanted to say you have a wide range of food you can eat in soft and it is almost like not being on restriction bc most everything I'm eating now is what I would have eaten before. The only difference is that everything I'm adding to anything is low or non-fat and I am not eating any bread or Pasta which was a huge problem for me. I was so addicted to bread and pasta so I am steering clear of those things of course because they helped me get to the point that I needed surgery. Good luck!

cdunn, I used Dr. Fernando Garcia and was/am very pleased with the care I received from him and his team. My surgery was at florence Oasis Hospital which is full service and paid $4700. Two nights in the hospital and 2 nights at the Marriott (which was lovely and made it feel like a mini-vacation). I am also very happy with the coordinating company Ready4Achange. I hear your concerns about complications and after-care in the US when you get home. There is no easy answer for this. My insurance, Wellmark BC/BS considers self-pay weight loss surgery elective and will not cover complications; the same with plastic surgery (I asked) . It doesn't matter where the surgery takes place. So I got all the tests I could in the months before going to MX: EKG, blood panel, pap smear, chest x-ray, the works. No underlying issues surfaced and that made me feel better. But it was still a leap of faith, I won't lie.

I had the mini bypass with Dr. Illan on Nov. 17 (almost 2 wks ago) He is a fantastic surgeon with a fabulous team. I only wish I had done it sooner!! You will do great! The valets are also amazing- tell them that 'Aimee from Utah' said hi! I told almost no one before surgery (only my boss and immediate family) bc I didn't want to hear other ppl's horror stories. Now that I'm back, I don't care who knows or talks about it. That choice is completely up to you!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Dr. Kim did my and my husband's surgery on 03/24/09. I truly felt at ease with Dr. Kim. He made us feel totally comfortable. The surgery I was confused bc we were told we would be on liquid only for one week, puree for the next and then we can go on to solids. The book they give you at the university - obviously says something else. We actually have our full appetites back and we can eat solids with no problem. It doesn't get stuck and we don't get full like we did the first week. I was really concerned and talked to Pam and she said that the swelling in our stomachs had to have gone down and it was perfectly normal. But I'm scared to gain back weight that I lost during the liquid only time. :thumbdown: I have my post - op tomorrow and we'll see how we're progressing....

I would first like to say I am not sure how I found this forum but I am soooo glad I did. My wls journey began about less than a month ago. I have been obese for about 8 years and was overweight for about 3 yrs prior making mg total time struggling with weight 11 yrs. I am only 28 have 4 young children and have developed a laundry list of health issues I have been in denial about for the last 2-3 yrs. I noticed a friend at work began looking slimmer and then about 3 weeks later looked absolutely stunning. Probably because of my amazement and then me worrying that she might have been stressing, she told me she had the sleeve. The what??? I had never heard of it. I looked it up she told me about the surgery and I knew this could change my life. I called the same surgeon, we have the same insurance so I knew it was covered. I had my first appt with fhe surgeon on 3/8/12 and did all my labs, chest xrays and ekg in that same day. My appointment with the nutritonist, nutrition class and barrium swallow are scheduled for tbis wednesday and thursday and I will be scheduling my psych eval in the morn. I anticipate and would like a surgery date of April 5, but I was just blowing smoke I thought this was a long process and that fhe earliest I would see surgery would be May and I wojld have postponed bc of my family vacation in May. I am by no means complaining as I read post where ppl started this journey last yr. I am just trying to wrap my head around the fact this is really happening and I just dedcided to have this done like 2 weeks ago. My husband is supportive although he chooses the old fashioned method, and my sister in law has considered wls for over a yr and they are tired of hearing me go on and on about my new found info so I am zo thankful for you guys. But I am at a cross roads and dont know what to expect once I complete these last few appointments. If my surgeons office offers an earlier.date shojld I take it? Or stick with my original plan and give myself a little more time to truly grasp what is happening? Only my closest co-workers know I am phrsuing this and out of the 4 of them only 1 has been extremely judgemental and even mean about it, but I understand his reasoning why so I overlook that venom! Ahhhhhhh idk. Excited and nervous, worried about church members questioning me. But before i started this I told the Lord, if this is a way he is allowing me to get healthy I would encounter no problems and I have asked him to direct my path. I am comfortable and confident in my decision i just dont want ppl hounding me like the plauge about how I am losing the weight. Thanks for listening.......

I have Anthem BC of California. I live in L.A. Originally I was giving the doc's office my co pay but when he moved his office to Beverly Hills he no longer requires the co pay. He says that the fills are part of the surgery. I don't get it, but I ain't knocking it! Good luck!

My RNY is this Thursday (HOW is it even possible that it is almost here???!!!), and my brain is fried. I can't think straight. I start one task then stop halfway through and do something else. I walk upstairs to get something then forget why I am there. I'll have a conversation with someone and nod politely, but inside my head I am not listening to a word they are saying, just thinking "A week from right now I will be 2 days post-op!" I have no second thoughts, I am excited to get to the other side, but ..... I am just amazed it's really happening. I have so much to get done, I only really have 2 days to prep BC I am going on a short trip to move my daughter into college right before surgery (literally the day before, but I won't be doing any lifting at all since I'll be on Clear liquids that day...there for moral support only). So much to do and I can't even get my mind calmed down enough to write a list. Normal? Please say it is? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have BC/BS AZ and I have a problem. Here it is: BC/BS of AZ: Current history and physical, psychological evaluation, nutritional consultation with licensed nutritionist, 5 years medical records, letter of recommendation from PCP, and continuous participation in a weight loss program for 6 months or longer within the past 12 months. Weight loss program includes: · A structured program that includes documentation of diet and dates of participation (a minimum of one face to face visit per week attendance for dietary counseling/education is required. And · A structured exercise program (unless medically contraindicated) designed and supervised by a certified or qualified professional with documentation of attendance (a minimum of three sessions per week of participation in an exercise program is required) and, · Demonstration of a commitment to results by documenting weight loss, maintenance, or no more than a 5 pound weight gain over a minimum six month period. I have everything except for the exercise program. Weight Watchers(2004-6months)Do I have a chance of getting this approved? Has anyone ever got approved with some of these requirements? I guess I am holding on to a little faith that I have left...at this point I have given up and just have to realize that I will be obese for the rest of my life.

Honestly Ibuprofen is my BFF! I can't live without it during my period!!!! I even ended up taking 600 mg of ibuprofen 3 days post op bc no narcotic could help with the pain I was experiencing. My surgeon gave me 3 diff kinds of pain killers and it helped for 45 min only. So I told him I can't take it anymore and took ibuprofen! He said ok but be careful. I was pain free in a matter of 20 min! Saved me! And I 7 months post op and still take it 3 times a days with food for cramps and headaches.

I'm afraid of a drain getting pulled out by accident if I'm sent home with one bc I have 3 dogs!!

Getting sleeved this afternoon. Suddenly super scared. Have been waiting to do this for over a year. Any advice? Will keep you posted on how everything goes. Husband and best friend are very supportive but haven't told my kids or anyone else because don't want my daughters to think this is an easy way out. I want them to believe in exercise and diet. And I really don't want anyone who doesn't know how it feels to be overweight and suffering with being overweight to give me BS advice. I love doing sports and have always been active. But after fourth kid can't seem to lose more than 5 kilos and keep regaining them. My husband and kids have always been a priority. Doing this step for ME. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My favorite so far has been Lowfat White Chicken Chili bc it was packed full of flavor and protein and only took about 40 minutes total to prepare: 4 cans great northern beans, 1 lb. chicken, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup diced onion, 2 t. Oregano, 2 cans lowfat cream of chicken, 3 cups lowfat chicken broth, 1 can diced green chiles,6 oz low fat/fat free sour cream, and 2 cups low fat monterey jack shredded cheese. Cover your skillet with olive oil, add the diced onion, crushed garlic cloves, chicken (I added whole pieces and cut up later, but you can cut up beforehand if you want), and canned chilies. I set the stove top on about 4-5 and covered with a lid and let all of this cook together. I went ahead and got my larger pot ready and added the beans, cream of chicken, broth, and oregano and let this start heating up on low to medium heat. After about 10-15 minutes (when my chicken was cooked through) I added the skillet ingredients (I cut my chicken up at this time) into the pot so that everything could cook together. I cooked on medium heat for about 30 minutes. At the very end, we added the 6oz of sour cream and the cheese and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes and then it was ready to go. I added about a tsp of sour cream on top of soup right before I ate it and I loved it. I will probably have this again for lunch tomorrow. You could also add unflavored protein powder to this mix and I doubt you'd notice it was there. Good luck!

I'm not banded yet so I don't know this from experience. My doctor said that with PCOS that after weight loss, your hormones that haven't been being produced the way that they should be can start with a vengence. Since you are taking BC and have lost weight, your body may actually have too much estrogen due to increased production with the weight loss. Your doctor can, of course, be able to tell for sure. I would definitely ask for a hormone level check. I hope this helps.

Stuffing myself like a Christmas goose, Loretta! How long did it take for BC/BS to approve you?