starting a new journey

Hi everyone, this is the first time I have submitted anything. I am some what a newbie. I will be having my appt with Dr. H in sedalia on wednesday regarding the lap band surgery. I hope everything goes fine. I'm anxious about this & I hope everything goes pretty smooth. I have Blue Cross in KC which I know they do not cover, & my secondary insurance is medicare. I have read alot of good positive things on this site. I do have one question, everyone keeps talking about a protein drink, is this drink for lap band patients also are just for people who has have rny surgery. I hope to be on the loser bench soon. My Blessing & Prayers to all who have had surgery & to those who are going to have surgery. Many Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

Toni, hi! I am a fellow newbie to this board, and let me tell you these folks are wonderful...an amazing source of info and support! As far as your question about protein, I can't answer that, I am not far enough along in my journey...but there is someone here who knows that answer! I just wanted to say welcome!! Amy

Toni hi and so glad to have you here on the Missouri Board. I cant tell you what lap bander have to have but im pretty sure that a protien drink helps you get in your amount of protein too. HEY Lapbanders out there can you answer this one for Toni? If you dont get your answer please let me know and i will research it for you ok? Please come here as often as you want to and post as much as you want. Jan

Welcome Amy, You are in the right place for all the support and information. I am new here also and everyone has been wonderful in helping me with all the questions I have. I am sure very very soon you will get the answers you are needing to feel more at ease. Shawn

Hi Toni & Amy! I'm new on the block as well. This is a great support group, they made me feel welcome since day 1. I'm jumping through the hoops required by my insurance company. I talked with my support nurse I was assigned 7 years ago and she has been so supportive. My first session with my Healthyroads "coach" is Thursday. Most employers require a 6 month course, but thankfully, my husban'd's employer only requires 8 sessions. So hopefully, things will be ready to go after our first granddaughter is born (we have 4 grandsons, and this is the last grandchild). Have y'all been to any of the KC support groups? I haven't yet but hope to do so real soon. I love this place! Trudy

Hi toni and welcome, I am thinking the protrin drink would be good for anyone...in case I have not said welcome to you too Amy...great place to be. you are in my prayers.....vesta

Hi there Toni and welcome!!!! It sure is nice to see some new people here!! Now-I am not a lap bander BUT...I did email one of my pen pals I met here on OH, Karen-and she said that her surgeon had her doing about one shake a day to get in at least that amount. I am not sure where our banders are-so dont take it personally, they will be back on and answer more efficiently than me, I am sure. I know that I have my daughters (have a few #s to shed) and my MIL and FIL all have been doing one to two shakes per day and ALL are losing weight and feeling better. I do not think that it could hurt one bit-I know for myself-I had about 9 days were I was very sick and couldnt get my protein shakes in-or anything for that matter-and I didnt lose one pound in that time frame-it wasnt until I got back into and found my groove-that it started coming off-so now I am FAITHFUL about it-as faithful as kissing my hubby and kids when they leave the house-LOL!!! Its just a part of life for me. One of our bandsters-Deb M, I know she does protein shakes-because Mel sent her some samples of the stuff we all love so much...Another bandster, Deb D I believe-she is a new post op-and I am not sure if she has to do them or not. Every surgeon is different, but if you have Dr. H-he is good and he will lead you in the right direction and then when you are ready for the shakes-get on here and we will tell you what works the best so you dont spend a million figuring it out - Like I did-LOL...until I got upset and posted one day-and I went and got the stuff and love what has been recommended!! Take care, good luck and if you need ANYTHING-let us know. Love, Janet

Toni, Just wanted to welcome you to the board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not a lap bander so can't help you there. Brenda

The answer is yes. Protein shakes will help you get in much needed protein right after surgery. There's a lot of differeing opinions about if lap banders should continue with the shakes. While solid protein is a better choice, there are many times where our band may feel too tight and it's not possible to get down solid protein. I always have a shake in the morning because of this. Always refer to your surgeon's instructions since they all differ on this. I just don't see where the protein shakes can hurt. Good luck! Janet (I posted above)

Hi Toni, I just now realized who you are.!!!! Welcome to the board. I know you are excited. We are just as excited for you. You will do great. It won't be long after you see Dr H. that you will have your date.Take care. Julia