NWgirl

I have Anthem BCBS. Approval took two weeks, after which point I was able to schedule my surgery. Due to a busy schedule for my surgeon, I got my surgery about a month later.

I found the Kay Natural's website and ordered two of their sample packs (different variety) and then one each of their protein cookies. It looks like the sample packs come with protein cereals, the protein chips,protein puffs, and pretzels. This could be a very good find, thanks for the post!

hi everyone! How is everyone doing? I got my first fill on Monday (2cc) but do not feel any more restriction. I am scheduled to go back in for another 2cc on May 11. I am definitely getting fuller faster, so that's nice I bought the new Fitbit Aria WiFi smart scale, and am a little sad to say that it shows a 2lb higher weight that my older scale. I guess on a good note the scale is right about the same as the Dr's office...

I don't know of Dr's in your area, but wanted to give you some encouragement on this renewing journey also, I would love the 4cc, just for the simple fact that you get restriction so much sooner. I'm looking at probably another 3 months til I am at good restriction.

www.bootband.com

I saw in a post a while back that even when the band has been removed, it's possible that there is scar tissue and adhesions that are still in the band shape around the stomach. I would imagine your stomach would naturally stretch over time.

I've never tried them, buti know they make a thing you can zip into the normal size boots to widen the calf area.

A massage therapist is not a medical Dr- in fact, the only thing they know medically is muscle/bone anatomy. The gas will slowly dissolve over the period of a couple weeks. Some suggest using gas X strips. I have also heard drinking peppermint tea helps.

Unfortunately, protein powders are a personal taste thing. I would say start with buying cheaper versions (Walmart sells the Body Fortress 2lb for $15) and taste testing to find a preference. Something I love, you might hate.

I found that Jay Robb Tropical Dreamsicle is pretty good. I did not care for the strawberry or chocolate Jay Robb though... My other go to shake is the premier nutrition chocolate from costco. I don't particularly like it, but I can tolerate it and it works for after fills. You can also take a shake and add sugar free syrups to change the taste. If you have an open to the public warehouse distribution type store (think Cash & Carry), they sell the Torini sugar free syrups.

The only time I feel mine is when I drink a very cold beverage and I can feel it funneling through... I have read that some people are just more aware of the band within their body though.

MFP= My fitness Pal. It's a tracking program.

The point of WLS is to reduce the amount of food you can eat, regardless of whether you get the band, bypass, or sleeve. You lost more weight in the start because that's what happens on diets. Your body adjusts to the foods you eat and the exercises you do and over time learns to do those same things with less energy expenditure. This is why it's important to vary activities. I have been told not to go below 1200 calories, as the metabolism gets slower if you do. Based on your activity level, some people need more calories and some need less. My basal metabolic rate is 1850 (approx). I eat between 1200-1400 calories a day. The 1850 is what my body needs to function to maintain my current weight. If I eat less, then I will lose weight. You should talk to a bariatric nutritionist if you are not sure why you are supposed to be eating the lower calories. The nutritionist will be able to look at your activity and current calorie consumption and tell you what calorie goal you should be striving for. Personally, I wouldn't be taking advice from a program or from other non-medical dieters because they do not know your specific situation and the fact that you've had WLS.

MFP does not take WLS into consideration. Because you have had WLS, your body doesn't require as much food as before. This means you eat less and make sure that you are getting all necessary vitamins, protein, etc.

I've missed one meeting since starting the process, and will continue to go the them. My hospital does the meetings for surgery specific groups, so mine is only Lapband patients. I like the fact that there is a group of people going through the same thing as me that I can sit down and talk to face to face. Sometimes online just doesn't cut it, but it's still better than nothing at all.

awesome! I will be super excited to hit below 200, but I don't foresee it happening for another 3 months at least.

I stand behind finding a body image group or a psychologist to discuss this part of the journey with. You have gone from morbidly obese to unhealthily skinny- you need to find a middle ground and be satisfied with yourself.

You may want to try a complete unfill and then start the process of fills again.

I had a real hard time eating jello post-op, but was able to eat SF pudding. Something with the jello texture did not jive for me that first week. I even felt nauesous with the jello, and nothing else has made me feel that way.

Have you gone back to your surgeon to get help now with the band? Maybe you could use a fill or some nutritional advice.

What is a healthy weight range for you? Maybe you should look into talking to someone about body image. I know my surgeon's office is now offering a seven week class about body image due to some concerns about these types of things.

I might look into this... I am currently taking two of the 27mg plus I know my multi has iron too.

Usually you can see the most current benefit book online and it should have the bariatrics policy in writing. I recommend looking into that to see what you need to do.

I wouldn't give you flack for that. It's one of those things we've all experienced. I know that I am a month out, but still play the head game with myself about wanting to eat more because I want to but not actually being hungry. My smarter side usually wins, but there have been a couple times where I feel as if I just had Thanksgiving dinner too... As for the diet, I was allowed full liquids for two weeks post-op, then to purees for one week, mushies for one week, and then soft foods with slow reintroduction of normal foods for last two weeks. On my one month post-op meeting, I was cleared to eat all foods. Full liquids for me included yogurt with no seeds/chunks, soups with no lumps/chunks, Protein shakes, SF puddings and Jello. Sounds like you are doing good so far! Keep your head up and start working on the emotional connection with food. That has really been the hardest for me so far.

Ask your Dr if you could try a chewable iron. I found one at a supplement store and it has 27mg iron, 150% of daily value.