I had to see the nut for insurance approval.  The office gave me a name to call and have my consult.  I don't think they have anyone in office.  I think having one would be great for anyone.  Of course the surgery prevents you from making bad choices but not completly.  I understand the need to get some guidence.  It would be nice.  What works for me since I don't have a nut is reading everything.  Set your limits on what you know you need and can't have.  I have cut sugar, bread and anything with white flour out completly.  I read all labels and know how much or how little I need.  My cousin had bypass yrs ago and she knows she can eat up to 30 grams or sugar before she dumps.  I don't want to know this.  I assume any amount of refined sugar will make me ill.  If your insurance will cover it or you can simply afford to have a nut do it.  Otherwise it is all a learning experience.  You have to know your limits and guidelines. 

Congrats and your progress.  I used Atkinson and had my RNY on 10/13/08.  I did 2 seminars also.  But that is just the beginning.  Once you have met all insurance requirements and all paperwork has been sent to Atkinsons office they will look it over and let you know if you are missing anything or simply submit to insurance.  I have Cigna and I was approved in 3 days.  Once they have the approval they will schedule a surgery date.  You will then have a group pre op meeting.  There you may meet with Brian dr. Atkinsons assistant.  He will go over the procedure and answer ALL your questions.  You will recieve a packet of info including pre op info and post op food choices.  How long to stay on clear liquids, full liquids, soft foods and so on.   You will also get the info on how much you are responsible for.  I did not have to do a preop liquid diet.  I had pizza at 10pm the night before.  In the hospital after surgery they will again give you a list of foods or liquids.  The lists are not complete.  It is bascially a guideline.  You will have a post op appointment 1 week later then another 1 month later.  At those appointments you can ask any additional questions.  I think your best bet is this website and any research you can do on your own.  Post op I now feel like an alien.  I love this site.  I can come here and see I am not alone and get an idea of what everyone else is feeling and how they are getting through it.  So this is just my experience.  Hope it helps.  Good Luck and you can pm me with any questions along the way.

I already have had my surgery but I heard on the radio today about these centers in Los Angeles and Las Vegas which are offering free lapband surgeries for community minded people.   I didn't read the full scoop but I did notice that the doctors affiliated with the centers are reputable surgeons.

If you are interested, the link is http://obandcenters.com/

Lisa from Los Angeles County, CA

From one Michelle to another............thank you so much! I'm taking in all the info i can from people. What made you move to Nevada?

Episode 11 is up for this week.

In episode 11, We talk about the need to change your lifestyle during the “WLS Honeymoon Period", spend some time avoiding cross addtions, and introduce you to a site from one of the first BTV fans.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Weight Loss Surgery Honeymoon Period.
• The first year to 18 months the weight just comes off.
• You have to change your habits during the Honeymoon Period.
• Are you at risk of a cross addiction?
• Cross addictions like shopping, drinking, gambling etc…
• How to avoid cross addictions.
• A blog site from one of BTV’s first fan.

LINKS

• Smaller by the Day Blog

Come join the fun!

www.bariatrictv.com