I went to see a nutritionist yesterday for the first time, she is available at my primary Dr's office. I met her and she was awesome. Now the thing I need insight on is, she is not covered by my insurance because she isn't a licensed nutritionist, only certified. I have to choose a plan to see her, and they are a bit expensive, at least to me they are. I have no idea what the out of pocket costs are normally. She said that a licensed nutritionist doesn't usually know what it's like to be overweight and feel if one eats healthy the weight should just fall off, and she know's that's not always true. She on the other hand has lost over 100lbs and has helped many do the same.

Now the plan she wants me to go on because she really thinks it will work well for me is the HCG plan. Which is 374.00 for that first month seeing her 4 times in the month and covers all the supplies needed. After that, it is 100.00 a month to continue to see her, being 4 visits in the month. I just don't want to get taken advantaged of if that is to high... and should be looking for somoene who is cheaper. or covered with my insurance. ( This includes the HCG ). Would realy like to hear any opinions on the matter and if any bandsters have done the HCG. She has had a few banders be successful on it. I want to know what you all think. Is it worth it?

Thanks all again for always helping and giving your honest insight. It is ALWAYS appreciated beyond words. <3

Destynee, can you go back to your surgeon's office and ask for more info, see if they have some guidelines for you to follow, see if they can help you. I was given a manual the size of a university text book, that I didn't put down for 6 weeks, referenced everything. We can certainly help you here, but as you have probably seen, every dr is different and had different rules. It seems like you are about 5 weeks out and probably due for a post op visit, or fill. I would quite frankly demand some more information and answers. And you don't need to see a NUT 4x a month. I had a pre op appt and will have another one at 3 months and again at 6 months, however, I have access to her whenever I feel necessary.

Good luck to you.

Thank you dee and wildrose.!. I just had my first fill this past weds.. after getting nothing from the nut unless i paid for it, I did ask at my fill appt how many cals I should eat, carbs etc.. she said 600-1200 and less than 50 carbs a day preferable 40. So that did help.. I am one that has to have guildlines. lol ><

Glad you got a fill....

I seem my nut yesterday ...she logs into myfitness pal and looks at all I eat and we go over it...One thing she told me was....She wants me to eat something anything even a few bites of yougurt with in a hour of getting up....she says waiting till I feel hungry around 9 or 10 is keeping my motabilizum low.....I told her I read someplace ( lol) we were not to eat unless we were hungry...she says true....after I eat something in the first hr...

Good Luck hun

Unless you are slipping or failing talking with your doctor during fills is the way I'm going. This cuts costs way down and usually they both agree on the same foods. My doctor freely talks during my fills and asks how I feeling. This is when I steer him off medical issues to food types.

Destynee, I would recommend not seeing that NUT again. My coworker has done that HCG, a few times even and each time spent a lot of money going through the cycle and ended up putting it all back on and then some. We went with the band to stop the yo-yo dieting and the fads. Sure any of these crazy diets will make us lose weight (and $$ in this case) but they aren't sustainable and you stop and the weight is back. You are so newly banded the thought of starting a fad diet seems incomprehensible to me. I would personally be upset that your primary would even sic this person on you. Of course she sounded so compassionate and told you she could help you and understand you better than anyone because she wants your $$. Your insurance doesn't cover her or the diet for a reason.

Also, 600-1200 calories your surgeon's office recommended is a big range. Most people I have heard 1000-1200. I am not a dr. but 600 seems way too low to where you could stall your metabolism. I didn't see you mention Protein so please make sure you are getting in 50+ gram of protein per day (solid protein is best to keep you full). It is disheartening they didn't give you more information. Eat your 3-4 ounces of solid protein first, then veggies. Do not eat more than a cup of food per meal either (don't want to stretch the pouch). My NUT says it's ok to have a planned healthy snack between meals too.

Good luck to you!

I am going to go out on a limb here and tell you what I would do..........keep in mind that your Dr may have a different plan, but it doesn't seem that you are getting stong advice on that end either.

Create an account in myfitnesspal, and customize your daily calories to 1200. Log everything you put in your mouth. Although MFP will tell you that your Protein goal should be around 50- aim for 70. Eat 3 meals a day each with approx 3-4 oz protein, with veggies. Eat your protein first. Only eat 1 cup/8oz of food per meal. Buy a scale and measuring cups. If you cannot go 4-5hrs between meals have a healthy snack - fruit, nuts, protein, yogart etc. Try to get in at least 30 min of exercise a day and see how that works for you. If you plan out your meals today for tomorrow and log them, you will see exactly where you are at, what you have to add or take away and you can plan. A smoothie for bfast or a snack is okay, but try to eat your protein not drink it. Stay hydrated.

Some people don't like to track or need to track but it is a good starting point. Maybe play around with that for the weekend and see how you feel.

There is lots of support here if you need help with different meals, foods and recipes so pls ask.