Hi guys,

We have been stationed in Arizona for 21 years (Luke AFB 7 year and Davis-Month AFB 14 years)! Yes, 21 years...that is partly why I found myself eating chocolate every chance I get. My family is in Alabama and in the begining feeling out of place and sick for home was overwhelming.

Anyway, my banding date is set for 1/12/09 and I feel unprepared. What are some ideas on diet and Protein shakes when I get home from the hospital. Should I make a grocery list of broth and protein? (I have no understanding of what time of day to drink the protein or what type of protein to buy). Please help I am feeling all alone in Az:embaressed_smile:

Tri-west is has truly been on top of things, the only hodl up I had was my Dr. was over booked for 5 weeks. Tri-care also assigned a patient care nurse to me that will be following my progress after surgery. In fact, he called me the day I was approved and reassured me that all would be well and if not he will be on top things to make sure the medical staff met all of my needs.

I would have to say a combo of all of them. You have to work with the band, which means chosing healthy, filling foods when possible and not drinking too soon after eating. You need to excercise because it helps burn thos calories that you take in causing faster weightloss. Also you need that support group for the times you need a kick in the butt or kind words to get you back into gear. For me I set a lot of little goals because I feel proud and accomplished with everyone I meet; walk to the mail without getting tired, fit a regular BP cuff, lose 5 pounds/10/15 :thumbup: