Hi. New to this...hence the title of this thread.

I am in the pre-surgery phase at the Tri-State Surgical Weight Loss Center in Northern KY. So far I've:

Had a consult with the surgeon (Dr. Tom Sonnanstine)

Had an upper GI

Had a sleep study

Met with the Psy

Met with the Nutritionist

Still have group sessions to go but then I think we'll be ready to go.

The major "unknown" is my insurance. Current coverage (Anthem PPO) has a weight loss surgery exclusion. However, my company renews our policies on Oct. 1 and there is a very good chance we will end up with a new company. And, because we are such a small group, I've been able to put a bug in our Benefit Manager's ear that having the surgery covered would be a GREAT thing. They (mu company) are working to find a solution. I'm glad to see there is a whole section dedicated to Insurance. I may need the help!

I met with the Nutritionist yesterday. Boy, if anything was going to scare you out of this surgery, that would do it. I'll never eat popcorn again?? EVER??? For the rest of my life??? Wow.

Anyway, I'm glad I found this site. Looking forward to reading and posting questions as they come up. I'm really excited about the adventure ahead.

Thanks to all of you who have posted and are so open about your personal stories.

Nice to meet you also. What is wrong with popcorn? I still eat it quite easily. I had my surgery in Mexico and was a self pay. I had to meet with a nutricianist there but she mainly emphasized no soda, and the horrors of PB'ing. I sure hope everything works out with your insurance and the surgery becomes available for you. My insurance had it as an exclusion also and I just didn't have the energy to fight it. Best wishes to you, Teresa

Yeah... what's wrong w/ popcorn. I have had a couple of times and didn't have any problems. I was careful to chew it to mush.

Good luck.

My physician's pre op paperwork did say no eating popcorn due to it's fibrous nature and the chance of it getting stuck in your stoma. I really think, further on, with tight restriction, this could become a problem. Being the rebel that I am, I have, however, eaten popcorn on several occasions when I go to the movies.

Again, I think most of the literature and diets these folks pick come straight from the gastric bypass experience. While not encouraging large amounts of buttered popcorn, I do think it would have to be an individual call. Either way, go especially slow if you don't know how your band might react to it.

Welcome Max's Mom!!! Glad to have you on the boards. Feel free to spend time searching the archives. Lots of great info and experience to be found!

Leatha

Hi, Max's Mom, hope you have smooth sailing w/ the ins. co., the surgery, and the recovery! You'll do great! Best of luck to you!

Popcorn was on the list with others (the skin of a potato?!) that could get lodged an cause major proplems. She also said gum chewing is out!

I'm SURE they make the case for "as bad as it could be". In my mind, though, that is the situation I need to be comfortable with. If my personal experience ends up better, great. But, if not, at least I know what I'm getting in to.

Welcome Max's Mom!

Good luck... it sounds like you are well on your way! I hope everything works out as far as your insurance!

In regards to popcorn... I was never told to avoid it and have eaten it without difficulty. I probably wouldn't attempt it if I was really restricted after a fill... but it wnet down just fine for me. THe only thing I have had some trouble with is soft bread... other than that... I eat the foods I ate before banding... just less. I also crave protein now... not carbs as before... this is a great thing for me!

Darcy

Welcome, Max's Mom! I am in the waiting stage too. Hope your insurance issues work out!

Geez! I chew gum too! I figured that if something couldn't pass through it would come up in the form of a PB... popcorn, potatoe skins and gum included. I personally don't think that I have been restricted enough to stop these types of things from passing through, but maybe as I reach my sweet spot and understand what 'real' restriction feels like, I will need to avoid these food types. I think everyone is different and I agree with you, they could be making the case for as bad as it can be...

Take Care,