i am in the process of waiting for the insurence to approve ..the dr's office says united should cover so im in the waiting game... i have been thinking this band was going to be easy..i mean im ready for the pain from the surgury and healing..but i think i set myself up for this to be "i cant fail" i am hoping to come out of surgury feeling not hungry and then every once in a while making myself eat just to get the nutrients i need. i also have to have a back surgury and im afraid the back surgen will tell me to wait on the band...i need both surguries the pain from my back will allways hurt if i am 100pounds overweight..also im a stay at home mom and when i come back from the band will i have to rest or be in bed for a few days?oh ya and my dr wants me to do atkins for 2 weeks before the surgury to shrink my liver and i am finding i get so shaking when i dont eat and all the meat is making me sick...is there another way to shrink the liver?thanks for any and all advice!!

Hi Erika, You can still get plenty of Protein without eating a lot of meat. Many of the bandsters have suggested various brands of Protein powder, which aren't that bad when mixed with low-fat milk. I have always required a lot of protein; if I have too many carbs get terrible headaches. Wal-Mart has soy and whey protein powders; GNC has Isopure, and there are many websites where you can order protein supplements. For the next week I'm on Clear liquids (post surgery) and was afraid I wouldn't get any protein, so I asked the dietician at the hospital what she would suggest. They have a brand called Nubasics which comes in a 5.5 oz can; has 134 calories and 6.5 grams of protein. She arranged for me to purchase enough to carry me through this clear liquid stage. After the week is up, I can move to yogurt, Protein shakes once again, and tofu (don't gag - it's not bad when blended with sugar-free jello). That's a very high form of protein.

I've become an avid label reader! Your pharmacist can also help you to "get smart" out of which products would be beneficial for you. Keep us posted on your progress!