Candle

Oh Carol! I am so sorry to hear things didn't work out. I hope you continue to post here. Please keep your options open and most importantly, do what is best for YOU!!

No. I haven't been to any of the Support Groups. I'm not sure why, I just don't feel like going -lol. That sounds so bad but it's honest. _______________ I'm not familiar with that insurance, sorry. Your BMI is 34.8 It all depends on your specific policy. Do you have any co-morbities? I think most want to see at least 2 for a low BMI. Call your insurance co.

UPDATE: Candle................238....................231 .............223..................8

I didn't know that about the J & J Band. Thanks

I retract my question. In thinking more about it, DRY MOUTH can be a side effect of a lot of meds actually.

Bwhahaha!! That's funny! I've never heard this theory before but it makes sense I guess. <O:p</O:p I wonder how they figured it out and what kind of medication would make you have less saliva? Any type of cold or allergy medication would just dry up your sinuses.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p Interesting ... <!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Me too!! We used to be the opposite.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I had my surgery in Aug and the weather turned chilly here at the end of Oct. I've been uncharacteristically and unbearably cold ever since!! I've even thought about getting some of those gloves with no fingers for work. - lol! (on the PC all day) I have a little space heater under my desk for my legs and feet. ($20 from Walmart)

Thanks for the update - sounds like she's doing better. I hope she decides to keep the band and its smooth sailing from here on out. Was she required to see a therapist pre-op? If so (or even if not - I'm sure the hospital has someone on staff) it might be worth while to have her talk to someone before making the choice to remove the band. I'm sure she did a lot of research and had to jump threw a lot of hoops to get to the operating table. I'd hate to see her regret her choice.

For the first 2 weeks I was told not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk and then for the next 2 weeks, nothing heavier than 20lbs. You don't want to strain your abdomen muscles. Could make your port very sore and/or pop the stitches that are holding it in place. Do you have enough people to help you? You might want to hire movers.

I agree. VSG. You obviously did well with the band ... why not go with the other purely restrictive procedure? I think I'd do the DS over RNY too. IMO - if you're going to go all the way, do it right the first time!<O:p</O:p

I don't think you'd be able to tell anything by this poll any way. It seems every doctor gives a different post op diet. Some say liquids for 2 weeks. Some say liquids for 2 days. Some don't even give one at all!!

I'm in the same boat. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. My next appointment is on 12/17 and I'm trying to decide if I want fill# 2. My weight loss has far exceeded my expectations so far! It's mostly been behavior modification for me. So far I haven't experienced any restriction, even with a small fill. I feel like I'd like the band to be "helping" me a little more but some times I'm not sure if it’s just head hunger. Working out has helped a lot too. I had to really convince my doctor to give me a fill at all. I was feeling a little anxiety about the fill process so I think I wanted to get one out of the way. And also hoped maybe I'd get some sensation there's actually a band in there - lol! Be sure to post an update on your decision.

Maybe the band is too small? There are different size bands ... do you know which one she got? Have they done an xray and barium swallow? To make sure the band isn't too tight and that it's in the right place. Has she actually been throwing up or just nauseous? Please keep us posted. I'm sending her good vibes!

I'm with Wheetsin - I don't like the attention. People are just starting to really notice and it makes me uncomfortable. Luckily I haven't gotten the dreaded question yet "How are you doing it?" I've told a few family members and the girls at work about my band but that's it. I guess by telling a few people I decided to be open about it but I haven't been put on the spot yet.

I'm not a coffee drinker so I'm not sure about that. You can't put it into anything too hot though - it will clump up. Did you get the booklet they send? There should be a bunch of recipes in there. I like the choc. I mix it with a little banana or a few frozen strawberries. I also like it with PB2 (powdered peanut butter) I always add a little Splenda too. Cinnamon or vanilla extract are good options as well.

I've never been a smoker so I'm not sure about those Patches. I did want to say - stick to the liquid diet if you can. I had a hard time with it the first few days and hated every minute of it but I lost 14lbs in 2 weeks. (My doc only required 1 week but I did 2 because I'd had too many "last suppers") It really made the post-op diet a lot less of a change and shock to my system. I think it's beneficial beyond just shrinking your liver. Although that is a good motivation. I also watched a band surgery (or-live.com) and it freaked me out watching them move that big slimy liver - lol. Optifast - if you don't like it, look for something else. There are many Protein Drink options. Find something you like, you're going to be on it for awhile! (2 weeks pre and 2 weeks post op?) Good luck!!<O:p</O:p<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Just a silly note - I always read your name as PIZZAcat :pound:

The way I understand first bite syndrome. After the first bite or two, some people experience pain, almost like the sensation when you are about to PB. Some feel this pain has something to do with spasms of the esophagus or it could be a mental thing. The suggestions I've read to over come this are: Have a glass of wine or hot liquid before eating to relax everything. Take one or two tiny tiny bites, chewed to nothing and then wait about 3-5 minutes before proceeding with the meal. I guess once you get past that initial discomfort you can eat normally. Am I correct?<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I thought Star Jones recently admitted to having WLS? I don't think she said which one. (I think it was the DS.)

Good luck LadyBugRed. I haven't been to any of my surgeon's hosted Support Groups either. Every month I come up with an excuse to not go ... :phanvan

Tell us exactly what you are doing. I'm sure we can figure this out!

Do it Melissa!! I didn't want to spend the money on new clothes but it was sooo worth it!! I don't think I really realized how big my clothes were getting. Over the weekend, I got compliments from 3 people that don't know about my surgery. (I consider those "real" compliments - lol) My boyfriend said it was not only because my weight loss is significant but because I was actually wearing clothes that fit - lol!

I'm right there with you guys ... almost the same weight and trying for 225 by X-Mas. We can do it!! We're kickin' ass so far!! If you'd told me back in August I would be where I am already ... I would have never believed you! I have no restriction yet, so I've really been thinking a lot about if the band is actually helping me or not. It's got to be in some way, even if it's just mental. I've never stuck to a "diet" for this long or lost this much. :whoo:

9 more lbs to go!!

I was also going to suggest just a glass of milk to start. Maybe even blend in a little fruit.