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I did a lot of research on what I should be drinking for my 2 weeks pre op liquid diet. Last week I finally found something I really like. It's 20 grams of Protein per serving and also has no sugar as well as chromium to regulate my blood sugar (which regulates mood). Also (a little TMI) I am not getting "backed up" using this because it has digestive enzymes (which is a great thing :tongue2:) Same company also does a super greens drink so that I am getting my fruits and veggies servings so I am not missing out on any Vitamins or minerals while I'm doing the pre op liquid diet. My surgery is scheduled for 10/6/09. I know I can do it! If any one is interested in what I am using send me a message and I'll send you some info on it.

Well 17 days into 3 week pre-op I am down 26 pounds. Surgery Tuesday, I met with put me to sleep Dr. today and weighed in. It feels so good. I even had one bad day and still did well. For all that struggle with pre-op diet, you can do it!

I am planning to see him either the first week in Feb or the first week in March...please be sure to post your opinions and as much of your experience as you wanna share. I would be very grateful!

Hi everyone, I am set to have surgery in one week, and I am TERRIFIED. I have been going through this process for over a year and was rejected by my insurance 4 different times. I finally decided I would make sacrifices and pay out of pocket. I am starting to doubt myself, did I make the right decision? Could I have tried harder to lose weight other ways? I know in my heart this is right but I am still nervous. :thumbup:

Hi Rhonda, We share a BIRTHDAY!!!! I too had my surgery on the 11th. It is a new beginning for us all that is for sure!!! I am surprised how much better I feel only one week from surgery. It is NOT the easy way out that some people think it is for sure but it is so going to be worth it!!!

My doctor also expects you to quit 2 months before surgery and I gave it one hell of a try. I would be fine for days at a time (watching hubby smoke) then I would break down and smoke for a day and then be fine for a week. Needless to say during my 3 weeks of post op liquids I picked it right back up. I agree that fighting one battle at a time is hard enough but I do want to quit in the future. I spoke with the anesthesiologist when I had my Gallbladder out on 8/18/05 and he said smoking does not affect the anesthesia but it can slow your rate of healing (I was fine) At the very least try to cut down or quit for a week before surgery and no smoking the day before according to what I have read. Good luck,

Medicare did not have any prerequirements. My secondary is BC/BS Federal Employee Program. They required the usual but did not require the 3 or 6 month diet documentation . I had to see a pulmonologist, a psychiatrist, a cardiologist and my PCP. I sailed through all the tests and BC/BC sent approval in less that a week from when the paperwork was presented to them. I have been on a doctor's supervised diet on my own. I have been doing the Optifast program because I needed to lose weight before they would do the surgery. My BMI had to be below 60. This was a requirement when I was thinking of pursuing surgery at another hospital. But I changed when I found out the first one was not a Medicare approved center. They are in the process of getting approval. I am thankful for that though. It made me go to another consultaion meeting at the second hospital and I liked their doctor's so much better. I am very pleased with whom I have chosen.

Hi Christy and welcome! First, let me reassure you everything you're going through is totally normal. It's extremely emotional to be banded and have to wrap your brain around all the changes occurring in your body and laugh. I know a couple days after my surgery, I woke up and went "Oh my gosh, what the heck have done to myself?" I also cried more than a couple times too. The fact my post op diet consisted of only liquids for the first four weeks definitely didn't help any, either. The good news is, it gets TONS easier! My surgery was 7 months ago and I'd do it again in a heart beat. I love my band and I honestly believe being banded was the best decision I've ever made for myself. Stay strong and we're here for support and encouragement if you need us

I went to my 1st support group at Dr. Spivak's office last Tuesday. About 16 people showed up. We talked about all kinds of things. Next week a banded psychologist is giving a talk. It is very informal. Please try to come next week.

Hi I am 4 weeks post op and am able to eat as much as I want although I am trying to be careful. My first fill is in 3 weeks, and I am wondering what I will be feeling like after the fill. I know some experience restriction after first fill, but some dont. Was wondering what different peoples experiences were with their first fill.

Hi Rhonda! Congrats on your weightloss so far! I'm new to the journey myself, and awaiting approval from my INS. How has the healing been, a week out from surgery? My surgery will be on a Tues and I plan on returning to my desk job on Monday. Is it possible?? Congrats again!

I'm same with wasbubblebutt.. I was told my insurance might cover it, but I'd have to jump through hoops. I was able to get the means to self-pay so I was not wanting to go through the long drawn out process. I just had my last back shots a week and a half ago, hoping they would last long enough for me to have my surgery and lose some weight and have less pain.. unfortunately for me, the back shots did not work AT ALL this time, so I'm in chronic pain and counting the days! I guess it depends on your situation. I don't think I can wait any longer, and I had the means. After the fact, I found out my insurance coverage would only cover GB.

They are good reheated, I think. I usually make them on a Sunday, a breakfast batch and a lunch batch, and then take them to work for the week. I like the lasagna cupcakes the best so far. And, the hashbrown, egg and sausage ones too. You can get the recipes at Emilybites.com I haven't tried them all yet, but eventually I am sure I'll try most.

Warning - this may become a bit graphic. Oh my. That was certainly no fun. I hope it was on the "bad" side, as PBs go, because I certainly can't see going through that as casually as some of you guys seem to go through yours. So I was banded Wednesday, and I'm still on liquids, watery cream Soups, and yogurt. DH was home from work and DYING to do something to help me out, so I told him there was some cream of broccoli Soup in the counter, and he could make it for me... I told him to "make it the way I like it" (a.k.a. bandster style - strained to remove pieces, and watered down to regular soup consistency). I've learned not to assume DH knows what I mean in this new eating lifestyle. He brings me my soup, I start eating 'cause I was starving. I've had (or so I thought) no restriction, and have been using regular spoons to eat - no prob. About 4 bites in a take a spoonful and feel weird chunks in it, but before I can catch or cough them up, they slip on down my throat. Almost immediately I had what I can best describe as tummy cramps, but that's not an accurate description. Within a half a minute I had pain on my sides (like where I would put my hands if placing my hands on my hips), and an INTENSE pain in my back/spine, between my shoulder blades. Thanks to you all here I had a really good idea of what was happening, so I did all the things I've read about for months and months... walked around, put my arms up in the air, tried taking a few jumps, tiny sip of Water, etc. Nothing helped. So the PAIN goes on, for five... ten... fifteen... twenty minutes. I have a high pain tolerance, but we're talking "Great googley moogley, make this spine-wrenching pain END and I will sacrifice my first born to the great god of PB!" kind of pain. I'm pacing the kitchen and nothing is helping, and at this point I'd do anything that would stop the pain. I start - not sliming - but excessive salivating, so I used paper towels to "soak" it up. Which in and of itself makes me gap. I had to burp a few times, but it couldn't get out. Then... PB. My husband was upstairs and came running down, he swore I was puking b/c, well... that's exactly what it sounded like, but it was just saliva & a chunk of CHEDDAR cheese. Remember when I said not to assume DH knows my new eating lifestyle, and that my strained cream soup had some kind of weird chunks in it? This is what I mean. Normally I like my cream of broccoli with melty chunks of sharp cheddar in it. He meant well... He came down on turned on the water at the sink and rubbed my back. When he saw the cheese he started tearing, b/c he knew he had put it in the soup, but meant well. Poor guy. Well, so PBd, then dry heaved three or four times, felt some instant relief in the pain, so I went to sit down but as soon as I sat the pain started back up. Less intense, but still there. I tried sitting down, reclining, sitting down... reclining... D is rubbing my shoulder blades where the "spine" pain is, and was fretting because he knew I was hurting... I tried walking a bit, but again nothing helped... Another 10 minutes in and the salivating starts, then like the pain wasn't enough - I get struck with hiccups (keep in mind my ncisions are still sensitive and hiccups are living agony). I cried out a few times, and my poor DH was out of his mind with worry and a feeling of helplessness... so I'm in pain just waiting to PB again, my spine feels like someone is trying to pull it out, my hips feel like they're going out of socket, and my DH is on my tail asking what he can do, is there anything that will help, do I need him to call 911... I'm trying to deal with the pain and get him to understand there's nothing he can do, and the best thing is just stay out of my way while I pace and wait for it to come up... he's tearing up again, flipping out because he can't help, and because he put the cheese in the soup, I'm pacing... and PB strikes again. Much less this time. Once productive, one dry heave, and yep! There's that second chunk of cheese that slid down my throat. DH is standing right behind me, rubbing my back, telling me he's so sorry, he should have known better than to put the cheese in, how could I everforgive him for causing this much pain, etc. The poor guy. So, my first PB. MUCH sooner than I would have ever expected it. I know one food I'm never eating again... I guess I'm back to broth for a few days, but I do have to ask... is this "average" for a PB, or does it sound like a bad episode?

How i built up was on the treadmill. I started with brisk walking for 60 minutes at 3mph. Thats 3 miles a day. Then, I added to the speed slowley every couple of weeks. You will be running 5 miles a day in no time.

Nayray, I am 2 weeks out and take 15 pills a day. We should always listen to our docs, but it is hard when there are so many different patient management theories out there. Mimi

A year too late in my reply ... but I have the opposite. I had a band put in a few years and ended up with a colostomy in June 2009. Just had it reversed 5 weeks ago. If you wish more info, just let me know. Marie

Angie, Yes I think traditionally the 6 mini meals is regarded as a good way to safely diet, but lap-band does have it's own rules for a reason. Although after surgery before you get restriction (bandster hell) my surgeon did recommend mini meals if needed. I'm at a point that I have good restriction and eat about 1/2 cup to cup of food per meal (not a 1/4 cup). Typically most people eat between 1000-1300 calories a day with the band. There all times when we all reach plateaus, but I've been banded for almost 7 months and have had consistent weight loss (about 2.5 pounds a week). Right now I can't really give you a lot of drawbacks. I've had great weight loss yet I'm still able to eat most foods. For me this has been great because I don't feel deprived like I would on a diet. Do your research and ask you Dr. all those questions - they are good ones. Good luck with your decision!

I feel amazing today! I am 3 weeks postop today and am down 35 lbs. from my highest weight (287), 21 since surgery day (273). I had a stall of sorts for almost a week but the scale is moving again now (252). My incisions are completely healed and really feel like I never had surgery, except for the lack of hunger and the tiny amounts I can eat I am still on purees for another week and am doing great - everything has really gone down quite well, I just get full really fast. I am getting in liquids just fine and still struggling to get enough calories and Protein, but working on it every day. I've been hitting the gym since last week and doing just cardio for now - elliptical and treadmill. I am still able to wear most of the same clothes I started in (mostly size 20) but they are getting really baggy and feel way different and TODAY I put on a top (size 14/16!!) I bought quite a while back to "shrink into" and it fits! It is just a stretchy knit top and isn't super loose but with my shapewear (ha!) I feel comfortable and confident in it and that hasn't happened to me for AGES! I am by no means in a 14/16 in pants (I think I am solidly in an 18 now) but I will take what I can get, considering I am only a fraction of the way to my goal weight I think this is just one of many wonderful days to come and I just cannot say how happy I am that I took this huge step for myself and my family - I would recommend the sleeve to anyone contemplating WLS!

All I can add to what the others have said is that about half the people I met and still meet in the bariatric center are either having the band removed or revised to sleeve. I am almost 4 weeks post-op with no problems and no regrets, and no, my gall bladder was not removed.

Hello, Saw that you were from St. Louis thought I would chime in because I am a St. Louisian too! I live in Union just west of St Louis. I am a beginner as well. My first appointment is at Des Peres Hospital in two weeks. I'm hoping that I meet the requirments for my insurance to cover it otherwise I will be out of the picture. So far after looking at what is required I think I will fit the bill! The only downsde is I have to wait 6 months but that is fine by me, plenty of time to get healthier for surgery! Good luck and keep in touch local friend! P.S. I gotta get a pic up here!

So far so good. I wasn't ready for all of the pain in the shoulder and the back that comes from the drugs of surgery. That is what hurt the most for me. The surgery part was the easy part. The only other problem that I had was with the tape they used around the incisions. I was allergic I guess and had hives around them. Finally went to my PC doc and had to get steriod shot as well as oral and cream to take care of the issue. Dr. Carter had never seen anything like that. People at the hospital were great. I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was back at work on Monday. I could have gone on Friday, but decided to stay home.:nervous I look forward to hearing from you and maybe seeing you at the support meetings. I do wish that they would change it to a different time of the month. The last week is always so busy for me. Take care and GOOD LUCK:clap2:

Carlos welcome!!! It's really nice to see how supportive you are! I have been banded about 3 months and I think my advice to you would be...be very gentle with him as he goes through this journey. I was very skinny when I met my husband and then got sick and because of the medicine gained 70 lbs in 8 weeks. Then I had two children and couldn't loose that 70 lbs. My husband has never understood this because he has never had an issue with weight. Since being banded I have lost 22 lbs but I don't see it. Other people are asking have i lost weight but even my husband can't see the difference. I'm assuming it's because we're around each other all the time. What I appreciate most about my husband is he doesn't play the food police with me. The band isn't a solution just part of the journey. And there are days (and sometimes multiple days in a row) where I fall off the wagon and say screw it I'm eating whatever I want. The first time this happened and my husband said "are you supposed to be eating that" I got so pissed and ran into the kitchen and started eating more. This is a life journey and he's going to have good days and bad. Just be there and encourage him through both. The best advice I can give him I got from this site. This journey should be taken 1 meal at a time. When I started out it was easy to say oh well i blew it at lunch so I'll just eat whatever and start over tomorrow. But the better approach which I take now is...ok I didn't do great at this meal so I'll work on the next one. Hope things go well for the two of you!

Thank you Pattygirl and Vanessa for the enouragement and advice! I will take all I can get as this is a crazy new journey. I have my 1 week post op visit next week and see what they have to say about my healing since I am still clueless what to expect Vanessa, hope your surgery goes well! Its nice you and your husband are doing this together and can be supportive of eachother through it all! My husband had gastric bypass 8 years ago- so he was a big help with me the last few days making sure I have everything I need. Sure makes a world of difference with people there that understand!

I found this great step aerobics class and I was so excited to start. I used to do step a few days a week for years and I love it! I was elated to find one in my area. I went Saturday and it was great. I went this morning and it was a different instructor. She was nice and bubbly, even my age... early 40's. All was going well until.....She was commenting to the class about one of the womens accomplishments in weightloss and said, "Lorraine here has lost 12 pounds!!! Wooohooo! "and she did it the right way!" I was slightly taken aback. I know they dont know I had surgery, and I may be sensitive right now, but I cant think what else she would be referring to as the wrong way except wls. I remained silent and just felt odd, I guess. I shook it off and gave her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe thats not what she meant. I can see why people dont want it known... It still has a stigma about it. I am just saying it left me with an odd feeling.. I didnt know what to feel.