I'm currently in a holding pattern, waiting for my insurance to give my doc the approval to do my lap band surgery. I started this leg of my journey in April an so far (knock on wood) it's gone fine. I've had my pre-surgery clearance from my internist and my blood work is complete. Now if Cigna will just move their coolies I can get myself scheduled.

This is my 2nd procedure. I had my first band done 3 years ago. It was in for 3 weeks and then removed. No physical complications, just mental problems with accepting the band, poor doctor support and general overall bad experience. In a much better state of mind this go around. New doctor, much more down to earth. Not a fancy office, but a real hands on doc. Does all of his own band adjustments, not like the factory that I was first working with.

Questions for those who have already had the band:

1. Has anyone had experience with Dr. Pucci (and if so, which office, he has 3 or 4 locations)

2. Has anyone had experience with Englewood hospital in NJ

3. What is the best Protein powder? I heard powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury was popular and tastes good.

4. What is the best multi Vitamin?

5. How important is the no drinking a 1/2 hour before meal and a 1/2 hour after meal...is there any wiggle room? I drink non-stop during the day...I can't imagine stopping.

6. How do you get through holiday meals, weddings, etc. without everyone noticing how you have to eat?

Wish me luck and cross your fingers for a quick insurance approval.

Best of luck to you! Wishing you the best. I personally drink a little with meals. Not a lot but enough to help swallow. Hasn't been a problem for me. In fact there are studies that say it's OK. Of course always ask your Dr.

I was told to take 2 chewable Flintstones vitamins a day.. Haven't had to deal with a big Holiday yet.

Good luck ((: I'm also waiting on insurance! ! It's killing me to wait

WAITING!

I think I am personally sick of Protein drinks and was ok with the ones from GNC. For Vitamins I take prenatal ones and I take Biotin also to help with my hair loss. Since I was banded in March the only holiday I had was July 4th, and I was able to eat. I just eat less and I stay away from where the food is located. Everyone of my family and friends know I was banded so no one asks any questions.

Good luck to you and your journey. I hope this information helped.

I buy my protein shake mix at Kroger..I love the chocolate.

Centrum Adult Chewables are good only one a day. The drinking before and after meals is important, especially after meals you want the new small pouch to stay full as long as possible. If you drink with meals the food is pushed through to stomach on other side of band so you won't get that full feeling. Good Luck.

The waiting before and after meals is extremely important! Keeps you from over eating. I use Matrix protein powder and Bariatric Advantage chewable multi vitamin. I also take biotin for hair loss. Was banded May 22,2014. Lost 35 pounds so far!

Edited August 26, 201411 yr by Teresah18

So, still waiting. It's been a month and I still don't have the insurance approval. All my pre-surgical clearances have now expired. I'm going on vaca in 2 weeks, and have 3 biz trips between now and Nov, so if approval happens soon, it's going to be quite a challenge.

Thanks for everyone's feedback on the Vitamins, Protein powder and beverages.

I've decided to start a nutrition program while I'm in a holding pattern, so i can jump start the weight loss and prep my body for what's to come.