NewStart95987

My tummy sounds like it is FURIOUS sometimes. It's embarrassing when it sounds like it's noises coming from my rear when it's my tummy.

I have had such a problem with loud tummy rumbling and constipation. Will be trying more benefiber. Good luck to all and thank you for the post :-)

I had a friend who had to take a 200 question personality type test. My experience was my psych (I did not care for) started digging into my past. I was in tears several times. End result was that she "from her professional experience" discovered that people make a life changing choice such as this after a big event in their life. She associated mine with my parents divorce. I am 23, married, have my own life and am GLAD my parents separated. She was totally off by this but it's what she needed to hear to allow me to pass so whatever floats her boat!

I didn't know that I would end up naked on surgery day but did a quick shave anyway and I'm glad I did! Just remember, YOU won't be the first or last! 1 minute after they see whatever you decided to do with your landscaping, they will have forgot.

I found this interesting and thought I would share, it was from Yahoo Health: http://health.yahoo.net/articles/weight-loss/best-weight-loss-diets By U.S. News Staff Tue, Jun 07, 2011 The best diet to lose weight on is Weight Watchers, according to weight-loss experts who rated the diets below for U.S. News. The Jenny Craig diet program and the Raw food Diet come in close behind. Some other diets outperform these for fast weight loss, but long-term weight loss is more important for your health. #1. Weight Watchers Diet (3.8 out of 5.0) This popular points-counting diet helps dieters drop pounds—and keep them off. In experts' ratings, Weight Watchers bested all other ranked diets for both short-term and long-term weight loss. But that doesn't guarantee it will work for everyone. Its average rating of "moderately effective" for long-term weight loss reflects the difficulty dieters have staying on the wagon, even when using the best weight-loss diet available. #2. (tie) Jenny Craig Diet (3.5 out of 5.0) As a weight-loss diet, Jenny Craig outranked nearly all of its competitors. Experts appreciated, among other aspects of the program, the value of the emotional support provided by its weekly one-on-one counseling sessions. A few experts, however, questioned whether dieters can expect to keep the weight off once they're weaned from the diet's prepackaged, portion-controlled foods. Though not factored into its ranking, Jenny Craig's cost is relatively high. #2. (tie) Raw Food Diet (3.5 out of 5.0) The raw food diet can deliver both short- and long-term weight loss, experts concluded, since raw foodists typically eat fewer calories than other people. But the restrictive and labor-intensive diet certainly isn't for everyone. #4. Volumetrics Diet (3.4 out of 5.0) Volumetrics helps dieters drop pounds—and keep them off. It scored well in both the short- and long-term weight loss categories, comparable to or better than many other diets. Because it focuses on satiety, or the satisfied feeling that you’ve had enough, it’s “more likely to be successful” than other diets. #5. (tie) Slim-Fast Diet (3.3 out of 5.0) Slim-Fast claims dieters will drop one to two pounds a week. Experts awarded the program relatively high scores for short-term and long-term weight loss, indicating their optimism the pounds will stay off, too. #5. (tie) Vegan Diet (3.3 out of 5.0) Going vegan gives you good odds of losing weight and keeping it off, according to experts. Veganism is also an effective weight-control method. But vegans must be “very committed,” as one expert put it, because forgoing all animal products can be challenging. #7. Atkins Diet (3.2 out of 5.0) In keeping with its emphasis on helping dieters shed pounds fast, the Atkins program rated well for short-term weight loss but was judged by experts as less impressive over the long haul. On balance, it came out slightly ahead of the middle of the pack. #8. (tie) DASH Diet (3.1 out of 5.0) With an emphasis on healthful, filling foods that don’t pack lots of calories, the government-developed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) drew reasonably good ratings from experts, despite not having been designed as a weight-loss diet. They judged it to be about as good for short-term weight loss as for long-term weight loss. #8. (tie) Eco-Atkins Diet (3.1 out of 5.0) Experts regarded Eco-Atkins as much more effective for short-term weight loss than for long-term weight loss. It “may be difficult to consistently adhere to,” one expert said, because it is largely a “do-it-yourself diet.” #8. (tie) Mayo Clinic Diet (3.1 out of 5.0) Among weight-loss plans, the Mayo Clinic Diet tied with DASH and Eco-Atkins. While needed evidence is lacking, experts' ratings reflect their believe that Mayo, if followed, could deliver modest weight loss, both short- and long-term. #11. (tie) Mediterranean Diet (3.0 out of 5.0) As a weight-loss plan, the Mediterranean diet didn't overwhelm the experts, but it’s not built to be one. It is up to the individual to keep watch over the scale. #11. (tie) Ornish Diet (3.0 out of 5.0) Experts deemed the Ornish Spectrum plan to be OK, but not great, for people searching specifically for a weight-loss diet. Its greatest strengths lie elsewhere. #11 (tie) South Beach Diet (3.0 out of 5.0) South Beach helps dieters drop pounds—fast. But our experts felt it’s less likely that they’ll actually keep the weight off long-term. We found little research indicating that the diet is sustainable or that it helps dieters maintain weight loss over the long haul. #11. (tie) TLC Diet (3.0 out of 5.0) Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) isn't designed to be a weight-loss diet. But if sensibly followed, it can produce weight loss, experts said, because it's a fundamentally sound approach to eating. One plus: It requires no extreme measures such as shunning carbs or meat. #15. Vegetarian Diet (2.9 out of 5.0) For weight loss, the vegetarian diet is slower off the starting line than most alternatives. But it gains back some ground over the long haul, beating out about half the field on long-term weight loss. Although vegetarianism isn’t designed to be a weight-loss plan, building in a calorie restriction and filling the menu with healthful foods could help dieters shed some pounds. #16. (tie) Medifast Diet (2.7 out of 5.0) Medifast landed near the bottom of the pack for overall weight loss. While dieters will likely drop pounds quickly on Medifast, most experts felt they’d regain the weight. The diet's relatively low ratings for long-term weight loss pulled it down in the ranking. #16. (tie) Nutrisystem Diet (2.7 out of 5.0) Nutrisystem also earned better ratings for short-term weight loss than for long-term weight loss. Experts were doubtful dieters could keep off the weight once they graduate from prepackaged meals and transition to cooking on their own again. #18. Zone Diet (2.6 out of 5.0) Experts weren’t convinced that the Zone diet helps keep weight off over the short or long term. While it “provides a dose of dietary discipline,” one said, portions are small, and the diet requires a lot of work, which can make adhering to it difficult. #19. Glycemic-Index Diet (2.5 out of 5.0) The glycemic-index diet doesn’t have much potential as a weight-loss diet, according to experts. It premise of favoring "good" carbs over "bad" hasn’t been scientifically validated, and dieters won’t have enough guidance to drop the pounds and keep them off, they concluded. #20. Paleo Diet (1.9 out of 5.0) If weight loss is the goal, the Paleo diet will likely disappoint, in the judgment of our panel of experts. While they gave it slightly higher scores for short-term weight loss than for long-term, on the whole it was the least effective for weight loss of all 20 diets they reviewed.

And that was my day.... Any other people wake up crying their hearts out? Yeah. I NEVER want to have surgery again I didn't cry, but wanted to! The wouldn't let me sleep Then I remember coming too and moaning because I was in so much pain. The nurses came over and within a few minutes, pushed some meds in my IV which decided to stop working and made me drink some horrible pain med. I too, wish to NEVER have surgery again. The gas pain was so intense for the first couple of days and the hernia was a pain in the butt. I still have to be careful and am refusing to lift anything. I asked the nurse for my husband and she told me that SHE wasn't ready for me to have visitors. Well guess what, I was ready and wanted my hubby! After another nurse came over, put my clothes on since I was sweating to death and we shared in my first bathroom trip together, once back in my curtained room, I believe she is the one who got my hubby for me I live over an hour from home to the hospital and I didn't sleep, I felt every bump, lane change, pothole and the works. I'm beginning to think that the arm I didn't have my IV in originally was taped and VERY nicely bruised (even still) is because the IV stopped working and they had to start another and push more anesthesia since they found the hernia and wasn't anticipating it. OR maybe it was something else and I wasn't getting everything I should? I dunno, just glad I'm finally banded!

I have always been irregular and have gone up to 10 months without Aunt Flow. A couple days after surgery I started spotting and had a light period but not a real one. Doctor said the surgery does play with your hormones. That was the first I had heard about that, lol. Anywho, I had a hietal hernia repaired and I won't lie, it was causing me trouble after surgery. A pain was in my throat from laying down and everything being pulled. A couple days later, the pain went into the left side of my face whenever I laid down. I asked the doctor who said to sleep sitting up. I did and it helped a little but was still intense for a couple days. Before I knew it, it was gone. She said it's common because your pulling. My problem now is the constant feeling of my belly area being sore. I also had to inject Lovenox on the outside of my belly for two weeks after surgery but inside and out is just sore. I was told this could last for a month or longer. Just part of it. Take the good and the bad for lasting results. That's what I keep telling myself.

I posted before that I was tossing around the idea of writing a letter to loved ones just in case something happened. I'm being banded next Thursday and finally started a letter today. You never know what COULD happen and if you knew me, you would know I like to prepare for everything and plan ahead. I'm no control freak but like to view my possible options before doing anything major and use that as a starting point. I thought I could take a break from work and start this letter. I had to stop. I was an emotional wreck and couldn't stop crying. I didn't even really get into my letter and will have to finish at home where I can blubber like an idiot to myself. I feel so stupid and hope, like I wrote in my letter, that no one besides myself will ever read the letter. I just can't help but wonder IF something happened, how my family, my husband and workplace would be effected. I still want to write the letter but had no idea how emotional I would be. Maybe I'm just being stupid. I have so much anxiety and I know it won't go away until I wake up from surgery. Anyone else think I'm crazy? I am such a strong person, always have been but I really surprised myself. I know I am only doing this to myself but again, would really like to be prepared and thought this would help ease my mind. I believe I'm just working myself up even more. Help!

I was banded June 9th! Same thing, it's almost like I have to burp and I feel it coming then it stops in my chest and is so painful. It also stops me in my tracks and then it's gone! My chest is very sore and when I lay down, I feel as it something is blocking me from taking full breaths, it's painful. I see my surgeon on Thursday for my post-op appointment. Can't wait to ask about this!

I was banded on Thursday, I'm 4 days out and am so glad I did it. I had so much anxiety before surgery that I was freaking myself out. It didn't matter what anyone said, I was a wreck! I was actually pretty calm while they were prepping me and was ready to get going. Before I knew it, my husband left my side, I was dizzy (meds started), had a short bed ride to the OR and moved over to another bed. I was out before I knew it and awoke to a mans voice. It was that quick! I won't lie, the gas pain has been the worst! BUT lots of walking, heating pad, massages and taking it easy helps. Day 3, I felt like a person again, had all my color back and was finally able to understand what I had been through and how happy I am going to be. There isn't anything anyone can say to stop you from worrying or to take the anxiety away. Just know that so many others have been through it and know exactly how you feel. You're not the first or the last and it's normal to be anxious. Good luck! You'll do fine. Follow your drs. rules and read the forums which can offer a lot of insight and advice. Keep us updated :-)

I am 4 days post op and was told the same. They said with fatty livers, they like to test for the early stages of a couple diseases. I find out on Thursday, my week check up, my results. They said it's fairly common to have a fatty liver but it's another positive reason that we had it done.

I finally did it! I was banded Thursday, June 9th. Showed up to the surgical center, checked in, signed paperwork and was taken into prep. I had to get into a gown and was told to get naked. They checked my vitals, started my IV, went over my history and called in my husband. The anesthesiologist introduced himself, explained his role and about the tube that would be down my throat. My surgeon came by, asked how I was doing and left to get ready. Before I knew it, my husband was leaving and as soon as he stepped out, they started some kind of meds and I became instantly dizzy. A short bed ride later and I was in the operating room. I remember scooting to the other bed. Then remember getting a lot of air (from the mask but don't remember the mask) and was out. I woke up to the anesthesiologist saying my name and talking about a small hernia that was repaired but he said I did great. I remember a lot of tugging at my legs, arms and such but I was also moaning in pain. The nurse made me sip on Water and gave me liquid pain meds and another helped me get dressed since I was hot and sweaty from sitting on the plastic bed they put me on. Once she helped me, boy was I still out of it, I had to urinate and she took me to the bathroom. I was over the whole naked factor and she had no shame as well. She wheeled me back to the area I was at and my husband came in shortly after. Nothing more was said besides wanting me to keep sippling water and was told to start walking. The nurse said I could walk around and come back to be wheeled out or walking to my car would count as my walk. I headed for the hall to where my husband brought the car around. I could have counted every pot-hole, uneven pavement spots, lane changes and all. Each bump caused me great discomfort. Just over an hour long car ride and I was home. Day one and two were the worst. The gas pain is so intense and to go from an upright position to laying flat on my back was horrible. The gas would move around and settle elsewhere. I walked those first two days for an hour at a time and did this 5 times. I think it helped and finally started using a heating pad on my shoulders and neck and began getting a message on occasion which also helped. Not much sleep, just cat naps. My surgeons assistant called day two and asked how I was doing. I asked about the hernia which she confirmed I had and I also asked about my liver. She said it was fatty and that they took a biopsy and should have results when I go back for my one week check. This surprised me since I thought my diet would have avoided this and she said not to worry, it was common and it's just another reason I know I did the right thing. They are checking for some early disease and wanted to be safe. I have been very fortunate that everything is staying down and my Mom who is staying with us to help care for me, is forcing me and always offering broth, water and Protein. I made my husband the past three days get in the shower with me to be safe. I started thinking I could be a bit more independent and have not rested like I should. I'm slowly starting to get more rest. By day three, I was sleeping longer than an hour or two which really helps. I finally started feeling like myself and I gained all my color back since my Mom & hubby said I had been very pale. Its day four and I'm still getting help getting out of bed, mainly the laying flat to upright position, it just pulls and tugs in ways I know I should be avoiding. I do get this sensation as if I'm going to burp but cannot and it causes pain for a couple seconds. The gas pain is much better but the gas is still not gone. My chest is sore and belly still swollen but much better than it was. With each passing day, I feel better! I'm glad it's finally over and here. It's now when the real journey begins! P.S. I also because of my medical history, have to give myself injections of Lovenox. I have never injected anything and can tell you it was a piece of cake! Couldn't feel a thing and was very simple. The needles are very small and goes right into fat in my belly area. I was so worried for nothing! Lots of Love to my fellow and soon to be bandsters!

I had surgery this morning. Banded an they found a hernia. They fixed it no problem while I was under. Will post my experience in the coming days.

No problem! Just check your labels, your bar may be ok! I know my Mom's 2 different kinds of "healthy" bars she bought were high in carbs! Of course they only advertised the 7 grams of Protein and 4 grams of fiber on the front. My husband wasn't into my style of eating but I found it easy for the most part to make beef and pull mine out before making his hamburger helper, spaghetti or whatever meal I was making. It's hard making two dinners but is do-able. Salads are always an alternative but I refused to live off of them! I also was given an "air cooker", I can steam, roast, BBQ and bake with it. It's kind of bulky but it ensures I'm not cooking whatever meat I choose in a bunch of fat. This was also a big help on some nights! My husband LOVES beddar cheddar brats! They are 3 carbs each if I recall. If I was feeling crazy, I would have two with no bun and some veggies and be STUFFED! As long as you can avoid the high carb foods, Pasta, rice, potatoes (I LOVE anything potatoe!), you should see a big difference once your body realizes, WOW! I can start burning fat instead of putting it on! Check your labels, you may be surprised like I with simple things like BBQ sauce. Weigh your options: 1) 4 carbs and 3 grams of sugar in a tablespoon or two of sauce OR 2) A beddar cheddar brat? Brat please! I have seen MANY recipes using Beans or squash as a substitute for mashed potatoes and have been told they taste like the real deal. I haven't tried it yet but could be an alternative for you :-)

Hi there! I have a high BMI and am getting banded tomorrow morning. I didn't have a liquid diet, I had a goal. I was told to lose 20 lbs. They would THEN schedule surgery. I did this with a high Protein, low carb diet. It's very possible to do and I am a picky eater and did NOT want to live on salad. I ended up losing 23 lbs and was able to get my date. Guess what, I did VERY little exercise so adding that will speed up the process. Here's some foods I ate and some ideas: cheese sliced from a chunk (This is usually lower in fat than the string cheese but the string cheese was an alternative to convenience) * String Cheese * Cottage cheese (I would add garlic salt and some pepper, you can add fruit but keep in mind that fruit can have a high sugar content, especially if it's not fresh and has been sitting in syrup or juice * Cream Cheese (I would smear some on a piece of lunch meat and wrap it up. Make lettuce wraps with lunch meat and cheese!) You can even have sour cream! *eggs, I usually made an omelet with ham and cheese or had them scrambled. Meat- for dinner if I wasn't into a salad I would do the following: * Bake or BBQ chicken breast. My favorite was adding just a little virgin oil or spraying some Pam in a skillet and adding the breast with some Mrs. Dash. If your feeling crazy, I would mix a little mayo with some hot sauce and lightly spread that on, it was AWESOME! Stay away from BBQ sauce! Even Ketchup was something I avoided all together. * Bacon, Not the leanest but it was a treat and I enjoyed it with my eggs on occasion! * Beef, I would make a roast in my crock pot and add carrots, onion, garlic and celery. It's great by itself. * Ground beef, I would throw some in a skillet with garlic and drain the grease. You can also make a meatloaf and add veggies to it. * Ground Turkey, Bariatriceating.com has an amazing recipe for turkey strognoff meatballs. I made them on Easter and they were a hit! You can also just throw this in a skillet and get creative as well. Make a lettuce taco, add tomato, sour cream, onion! drinks *Crystal light became my best friend! You can even freeze some and make Popsicles. Refrain from using juice because of the carbs and sugar content. These come out more like ice cubes and are hard to bite BUT it keep the hand to mouth going and lasted longer so I felt like I had more going into my body. *Protein Drinks were a big help and my Breakfast on the go! I use Hydro whey from GNC in chocolate. It's 30 grams of protein, 2 carbs and no sugar. It tastes REALLY good in milk. I would even add some instant coffee crystals and it would taste just like a cold mocha! Let it sit in the fridge for a couple minutes to let the coffee crystals dissolve. You can buy some through GNC and if you don't like it, take it back for a FULL refund. Can't beat that! Work I work in an office with no break room or kitchen so the fridge and microwave was my friend. I also cut up summer sausage and would eat that with my cheese slices or my lunch meat wraps. An extra Protein Drink is essential for when you get a hunger kick. I always keep a variety of Crystal Light flavors in my desk. Raw Almonds or nuts would help with a crunch as well as pork rinds. Yep, pork rinds! I didn't want to kill everything I had been doing because I wanted chips, I wanted the crunch! They sell plain, BBQ, spicy and a variety of other flavors! No carbs in pork rinds and they have protein. Not something that will fill you up but will satisfy your need for a crunch! I DID NOT eat any of the Fiber bars, Protein Bars or anything like that. I was VERY strict with my carb intake and kept it a minimum! A lot of those still have a nice chunk of carbs. My Mom thought she was doing well with watching her intake until I pointed out the 20 something carbs per bar she was eating. I was having less than 20 carbs a day, let alone in one bar! Everyone is different and it's all a matter of getting creative! If you throw in some exercise, you will be in GREAT shape. Don't get frustrated with the scale. I would hit a plateau and get so upset, only to drop a couple pounds more the next week. You can do it! P.S. I was NEVER hungry and always allowed myself something to eat if I was. You do not have to starve. I am in fact glad things were done this way and I didn't have to deal with the liquid diet before. I will be on enough liquids after and since I'm working, even today, day before banding, I was afraid of being weak. Not the case and am glad things worked out the way they did!

Well, even though the surgical center has YET to call me, last I heard, I was to be in at 6 a.m. They are supposed to call today with a list of what I will need, when to be there and whatever else they need to complete. I am working most of the day today and live in a small town. It's a 40 minute drive to a large store sooooo..... What do you think I'll need or recommend me bringing? My surgeon is over an hour from home and I certainly hope I can sleep on the way home. My Mother and Husband are going towards civilazation this morning and I wanted to give them a list of whatever I may need. I have waited so long and am so emotional! What a ride and really, my journey is just starting. I'm scared to death! I wish they could do it this instant so I could have it over with, lol.

Can't wait to see you there!! Good Luck, keep in touch!

I'm being banded on Thursday but became obsessed with the scale during my pre-op diet. I NEVER in my life weighed myself with the exception of doctors visits. Now, every morning, I'm weighing. When i first started it was so bad that I would weigh myself throughout the day but then realized I was throwing on many lbs during the day with liquids alone, so I started only weighing in the mornings. I know I will be asking my husband to hide mine once I'm banded and I am prepared for it, lol. For me, I wanted to make sure I was on the right track but of course would become stressed and upset when the scale didn't budge for days at a time. Ever seen Office Space? The scene with the Copier machine? Some days, I would love to treat my scale the same way

I was put on a high protein, low carb pre-op diet. I didn't have a time frame, I was given a goal. My surgeon made me lose 20 lbs. I also have a high BMI. They would NOT schedule surgery until then but I also found this to be better. I was still eating food! I stuck to meats and daily, high in protein and lost my weight this way. No liquid diet for me at any point before and in fact I go in for banding on Thursday and was told that tomorrow, I could still eat light foods and no meat but can still have food. This way I wasn't losing much energy since I am working all the way up until the afternoon tomorrow. My meals tomorrow will be cottage cheese, a cheese stick, protein drinks, Crystal light and eggs. I don't think I could have done a liquid diet like many people had to do. What is the OptiFast diet consist of?

These forums can be so helpful and encouraging. You have a whole support system/family, right here at your finger tips! It's an amazing thing! WLS is not for everyone but if your like me, someone who has struggled and finally got to a point where you KNEW something had to be done, then this may just be right up your alley. Good luck on your journey and if you do or don't decide to get WLS, we're always here to answer any questions you may have Go to your seminar and see how you feel after. Sending LOTS of good vibes your way!

I have Anthem BC and they pay 80%, my 20% is almost $3,000 and does NOT include the anesthesiologist. If you have a surgeon already, ask them where they have the procedure done. Call the surgical center or hospital and speak to the business office, they can tell you how much you will be paying based on the type of insurance you have. Keep in mind or ASK about anesthesia. I did not ask and assumed it was included. I was wrong. I will be paying 20% of that as well and they run $1500 an hour. Good Luck!

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto! I have told my clients I would be out and told them why. Only one client asked me why I was getting it done and not losing the weight on my own because I had already lost 20 lbs on my own. I explained my reasons and that it wasn't meant for everyone. She was very slender so she never experienced the weight battle herself. When we were done talking, she understood. People may not agree but it's not their choice to make, they can be understanding though. I think surgery gets such a bad reputation and people think that WLS patients take the "easy" way out when it is not the case at all. Like you, I love being able to educated others and hopefully inspire others to better themselves. Weight, Drugs, alcohol, etc, whatever you feel you need help with, you should do. You should never be ashamed to better yourself and this is what I have to do to become a more healthy individual. This is the road I took, it's NOT for everyone but this is what I wanted to do to better myself. I have recieved so much support from family, friends and my clients that it just confirms that I am making the right decision.

I had a blood clot a couple years ago, because of this I will actually have to give myself Lovenox for 10-14 days after surgery which I will have on Thursday. Shouldn't be a problem my dear :-) Your surgeon will monitor you and adjust doses if necessary.

Angelina, I'm having my surgery on the 9th! I'm 23 and am ready to start my new, healthier life. Good luck and keep up posted! My nerves come and go, you wouldn't be normal if you weren't nervous