I enjoy the click protien powder...all flavors...
But preop I like the HMR shakes...I did them for quite a while....3 months
Good luck...take time to absorb the process...as this is a pivotal point in your life...it WILL change forever....remeber how you feel...journal...take advantage of the support groups in your area....I love the gals from Bridgewater/quincy...This process would be so much harder without them!!!
And if you are not now...start exercising....it is crucial....
Anyhow I hope ti bump into you along the way at one of our meetings!!! Go preop...people all have great advise.
Good luck
Julie

Hi, sorry to hear you have so much going on. I was without insurance for a few months but really needed to see my surgeon due to issues with my lapband. The office was wonderful. I was able to see him and they were very generous with allowing me to pay for the visit when I could afford it. The visit cost $150. I could've paid $10 a month, they didn't care as long as I paid something. Call the office and see if they can work with you. You just might be surprised!

Good luck! I hope things start getting better for you soon!

Jenn

HEY MAMMA IM IN WEYMOUTH AND THERE GREAT SUPPORT GROUPS IN THIS AREA QUINCY AND BRIDGEWATER TONS TONS OF SUPPORT... WELCOME HUNNY

Good evening Cate:

Your surgery date is close. Granted it is coming up quickly. You will have time to reflect on what it means to you.
 
You have made successful choices this fall, I see.


My protein shakes are more like smoothies because I add frozen fruit or ice. I like many varieties. I chose to add Synthra 6 to my greens smoothie that I made for tonight's protein drink.
It is a way to get my vegetables in and my protein.

My favorite Nectar protein powders in the summer are the Roadside Lemonade and the Lemon Tea. I also like Fuzzy Navel. You can get protein powder at Walmart. Just be sure to decide whether it will be a meal replacement drink or snack. Check the calories!

I sometimes buy a RTD at the grocery store that says it has 51 g of protein. I am a RNY patient so I know that I will not be able to absorb all of the protein no matter what the claims.

I lost 81 pounds prior to surgery using protein drinks with fruit as a breakfast. Before deciding to do that I skipped breakfast as my morning was often too hectic. I was a letter carrier for the post office and delivered Express Mail in the mornings. It was easy to drink a protein drink and thus not feel famished by the time lunch rolled around. I think you may have to pick and chose what you may like.
 
I love the individual Jay Robb packages of protein powder that I have been able to carry with me when I travel. It was these same packages that sustained me while I was away in Europe for five weeks. There are many flavors. I love the orange dreamscicle and may add a sugar free package of the orange burst Walmart powder drink for our water bottles to that to spark it up. I lost 9 pounds while on vacation!

Linda

Hey Suz - I've had BCBS of New England for about 15+ years now and they've been great thru all sorts of situations.  In 2007 they approved my insurance request for coverage for a LapBand within days!    7 months after I got my band it slipped and was removed immediately.   

-There are "Abdominal Surgeons" at Brigham&Womens and Tufts NEMEC that perform the Sleeve Gastrectomy but NOT for bariatric measure. The only instances I've heard of(that BCBS has covered) are treatment for stomach cancer and trauma situations.... they're not specifically performed for weight loss.

I'm pre-op for revision to RNY but the Tufts surgeon I've been working with says she'd really like to attempt to work with BCBS for VSG coverage so I'm NOT giving up just yet!!!!

They stick to their policy #379 which lists procedures that are not covered including the following:  "Sleeve gastrectomy, either as stand alone procedure or as one step in a staged procedure, since it is considered investigational as a treatment for morbid obesity"  I received the denial letter in days but they did say they'd approve the gold standard RNY.

I've been promised my surgery date by the end of next week (for January 2011) I'll letcha know how I make out with coverage!