Mommy202

WASabubblebutt, Thank-you for your words of wisdom. They are in line with my friends suggestion that I go back on atkins for a while to get things kick started again. As I am sure you are aware, on Atkins there is not quantity restrictions only carb restriction (and of course NO SUGAR) I have to go grocery shopping today anyways and think I will pick up some stuff to help me get back on atkins. I lost almost 70lbs last time I went on it - and have actually managed to to keep 40 of those off. Maybe the combination of Atkins/band will do the trick.

Well, I have all of you beat on the "slowest loser" train. I am only down 5 lbs since I was banded in March. I have better restriction now that I got filled for the second time on June 24th. But I am only down 1 lb since that fill date. Unfortunately I have absolutely no one to blame but myself. I haven't been exercising and I know that I am eating around the band and taking in too many calories via foods that "slide past it" IE) choc chip Cookies dipped in milk. I know that it is a mental thing for me right now and and I need to get my head back on straight and smarten up. I have arranged for a buddy to start working out with me tomorrow and I am going to start writing down what I eat in fit day. I will never hear the end of it from my husband if I can't make this work for me after spending $18,000 on it..... The part that really pisses me off is that I know the band will work if I will give it half a chance instead of sabotauging it. ARRRRGGH - back into therapy I go!.

I wanted to start a thread for those of us who are waiting "with bated breath" for our surgeries in March. I am supposed to start Optifast on February 26th. I am currently waiting for the shipment, including my surgical package to be delivered. Once I get my package I am supposed to call the clinic. Ever since committing to this surgery (which I am paying for myself via a personal loan) I have been obsessed with reading everything I can about it and about people who have had it. I am still kind of hoping for some kind of "divine word" about whether or not it is the right thing for me to do. I am "only" 75 lbs over my ideal weight but am type II diabetic. I am trying to figure out if my reason for doing this is my health or my vanity or a combination of both. The diabetes needs to be gone (when I am 20 lbs lighter it is gone) but I am sure looking forward to losing the weight and actually keeping it off for more than 20 minutes...

I know that many people talk about being frustrated after banding and before restriction because they are hungry but can't eat. I would like to know if anyone else has just not been hungry after their surgery. I am on day 8 and need to force myself my to "drink" enough calories to keep my metabolism boosted. As of 3:31 pm I have had 1 boost and am looking at a cup of creamed Soup (blended to death) which I know I should eat because it is good for me. The soup is actually quite tasty so it's not that I don't like the taste. I am praying that the non hunger stays 'cause I like it but am wondering how many other people experienced this and if they did - how long did it last?

"phase", "PHASE!" I don't want to hear this is a "phase" :welldoneclap: When might I expect this "phase" to end?!?!?!?!

I am with you Hazelbunny - 8 days out and 5 lbs lost - and my appetite no where to be found. Do you find that you are struggling at all with making sure you eat enough?

Thanks, It is good to here that the wonderful freedom from hunger can last!

I am like Kelsey. I was banded on March 12th and have yet to feel a hunger pang in spite of drinking less than 1000 calories a day via boost/soup. Kelsey, I am encouraged to hear that my lack of hunger may be somewhat long lasting!

I was banded on March 12. I am on liquids and doing fine. Pain is mostly gone, only discomfort and pulling at this point. Have not been hungry since I got the surgery. Lost 10 lbs on liquid diet for 2 weeks and 5 lbs since surgery. LOVING no appetite.

I just got banded at the surgercal weightloss center in Mississauga Ontario. Cost $16,00 Wait list was less than 2 months. Dr. Mumford did my surgery and I have no complaints to date. They have people in various cities doing fills for them. I am from Estevan, SK and will have to drive 2 hours to Regina as it is the closes large center. I will have to pay for the fills up to $150

Well, I did it. Banded on the 12th. Everything went as planned with the exception that I had a little hernia that they fixed for me. So far I have had ZERO and I mean ZERO hunger. I am still on liquids so am doing boost/optifast and "milked down" cream soups occasionally. I am finding it difficult to get enough calories in because I am NOT HUNGRY! I am finally eating to live not living to eat. I am praying that this feeling continues forever! (or at least until I can get a fill). Even last night when my family was eating delicious smelling pizza and I had to cut some up for my son to eat I did not feel the urge to eat any. I am looking forward to someday being able to have a small bite of at least the toppings but the knowledge that at some time I would be able to was enough for me. I didn't feel deprived or missing out at all the yummy smells didn't even make me hungry. I had a few issues at the place I stayed in Missiaugo, ON "heritage house" and while I would recommend it to other I would suggest that anyone going there be very clear about what they expect will happen regarding transportion and medication dispensing as well as the costs. At the end of the day I was glad I went there but it was not seamless. I am to stay on liquids for one more week and then graduate to mushies. I am not seeing a "band doctor" until it is time for my 6 week check up because there is not one close to me. I am on my own to moniter my ability to graduate to different foods. I am going to err on the side of caution however because it sounds like PB ing is AWFUL and I am deparately afraid of slipping my band. I LOVE NOT BEING HUNGRY and am not going to do anything to jeopardize that.

I had a hernia which they fixed. Doc said it might be a little more sore and may take a tiny bit longer to feel better. Having said that, I was banded Monday the 12th and am currently at work doing quite fine. I'm a little sore, walking a little carefully and resting while at home but otherwise good.

Oh yeah, you can prevent or at least help with the yeast from antibiotic problem by getting some good acidopholis (live yogurt culture0 (sp?) I would go to a health store and get them to reccommend something. I am currently taking some that is just like the yogurt drink "yop". I believe that it will go down pretty good after surgery as well.

Just a little thought for those of you coming up for surgery. If your doctor is recommending no coffee post-op you should cut out the caffeine a week ahead. I cut out caffeine just to be a little healthier and had a headache for three days. I am glad that I experienced that BEFORE I was also in pain or uncomfortable from surgery! I am enjoying reading how everyone is doing and it is really helpful hearing from everyone as they get banded. I am coming up on Monday and am very excited! Take care all!

I have been on liquids since last Monday and expected weight to fall off. Not happening - I have not been exercising very much and maybe that's it. Did 20 min today and will keep doing 20- 30 minutes a day from now on so maybe that will help. Doddie, how did weigh in go?

Hey all! I plagiarized this list from NancyRN on another thread so that I could make sure you all got a look at it. It is REALLY good: PREOPERATIVE SHOPPING LIST This list contains items that some patients wish they had before their surgeries but didn't think of til later. It is compiled from suggestions by Mandy, Photonut, Archermom, NancySmiles and her LBSG support group (including Nancy, Del, Cindy, and Toni), Gadgetlady, and NancyRN. Feel free to post your suggestions to add to our list. Hope these suggestions are helpful. food For Fluid stage: • Bottled Water – plain or flavored, some like Propel or Fruit 2-0 • Popsicles (sugar-free as needed) • Crystal Light • Crystal Light “On the GO” in different flavors - add to bottled water • Jello (sugar-free) • Gatorade • Bouillon or chicken/beef/veggie broths (low sodium as needed)* • Ensure, Boost, Glucerna - or whatever Protein drink the Dietitian asked you to drink based on your history* • Protein powder for shakes* • Frozen fruits for Protein shakes • Clear Soups • Decaf tea • Hot cocoa mix (sugar-free) For creamy stage: • Cream of Wheat • Creamy soups • Applesauce • Yogurt - Dannon Lite N' Fit • "Imagine" Soups - in cartons (Potato Leek, Butternut, Squash, Corn, Creamy Tomato....and more. They are considerably lower in sodium than Campbell’s soups.) • Soup-at-Hand soups • Small pudding cups (sugar- and fat-free) - Take a spoonful to get meds to slide down easier •Sugar-free gum (ask your doctor) •Sugar-free breath mints (Ask your doctor) *Make sure to taste each item before you buy them in bulk DRUGSTORE • liquid medications Tylenol (adult strength) Pain medications Gas-X or Phazyme You will want these meds right away when you come home. It can be very difficult to find them in a liquid form. Check with the pharmacy beforehand to see if they stock them or how far in advance you will need to order them. At your preop visit (or earlier if needed), ask the doctor for prescriptions so that you will have them ready when you return home. • Chewable Vitamins • Stool softener • Antihistamine cream, if you tend to get irritated by tape or bandages Do not put directly on incision. • Heating pad • Flexible ice pack • Pill cutter • Gauze pads 4x4 • Non-irritating tape, such as paper tape • Kitchen timer – for 15 minute sip intervals for the first few days • Blender • Wet Wipes or “adult baby wipes” like Cottonelle • Toilet tongs (long barbeque tongs) – Use if you are just too sore after the surgery to reach around and wipe your “behind”. Just wrap the wipes around the end to get an additional few inches so you don’t have to contort yourself.:funnypost: OTHER THINGS TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE • A few books or movies • Comfy clothes, such as loose-waisted shorts • Slip-on shoes • Squishy pillow for car ride -to cushion seatbuilt • For women, a sports bra – “doc said no underwire for a few days” THINGS TO DO BEFORE SURGERY • Prepare your advance health care directive form, so key people can carry out healthcare decisions important to you if you are unable to so. Discuss your decisions with these key people, including family and doctors. One excellent way is to fill out your “Five Wishes” booklet. Obtain several weeks in advance from “Aging With Dignity”, 1-888-5-WISHES (1-888-594-7437). You can obtain other formats from your hospital or online. • Cook some chicken before surgery. Save the broth and freeze it in very small containers (ice cube trays work well). This broth has less sodium than store brands, if you have a salt problem. • Check if your medications are “crushable” (able to be crushed without causing problem with effectiveness). • Get rid of all the foods in the house you are not to eat, before you go to the hospital. • Buy all the groceries you will need for at least 2 weeks after surgery. • Catch up on your laundry and housecleaning. • Make arrangements for someone else to prepare family meals – You may not feel like cooking for some time. • Get a manicure or pedicure.<!-- / message --><!-- edit note -->

I am not sure if the Doctor was personally trained. I have been told that the fee would be 100 - 150 dollars plus I have to drive 2 hours there and 2 hours back. I am going to inquire into having my famiy doctor do it. Even if I have to pay her the same or a little more in order for her to get the necessary equipment it would be worth it to me. I hate driving.

Argon, I am told that there is someone in Regina who can do the fills but that I will have to pay for them. I had thought about arguing over that (I'm a lawyer - arguing is what I do) and then I decided that getting a dispute over a couple of hundred dollars with the people who are going to literally have my life in their hands would be a little foolish! Doddie, keep in mind that even with overeating the tuna you likely still only consumed a small portion of the calories you normally would have.

I have just been on this sit but over in the general discussion area. I will check out the sight you mentioned. I must confess I did not really research my surgeon or my clinic. However, what I am now learning all seems to be positive. What type of band do you have?

I am actually living in/near Estevan now (Farm near Macoun). I am originally from Lumsden (near Regina). I have been posting in another forum and find it very good. It was nice to find a sight with people from Canada as our experience here is sometimes a little different.

Hey! I am a Saskatchewan girl too. I am set to be banded on March 12. I am from Estevan, SK and am being banded by Dr. Mumford who is in the clinic with Dr. Cobourn. Doddie, my DH is from Yorkton area - Bredenbury. His family is still there. Anybody getting fills in Regina?

Hi all, Long time no post. I am now into day 2 of my liquid diet. So far not so good as last night I ate a big bowl of noodles and then upchucked. The weird thing was that I wasn't even really hungry, I just WANTED noodles. Other than that the day was actually good though. So far today I am not yet hungry. A long time ago I posted on the issue of bulimia and can now report that I told my doctor about it and he said it would not stop me from being banded but that I had to fully and truly understand that once I am banded I can't purge anymore or I will seriously injure myself. In a weird sort of way I am scared of giving up that option because it has sort of been my "get out of calories free" card even though I know it is not good for me. I can relate to immediate "slip the band" threatneing complications and believe that will motivate me to stop. However, the "screw up your body long term and die" sort of complications seem less real. Anyways, I am glad to see that the thread I started is going strong. I tried to look up the thread referred to earlier on religion but couldn't find it. Could someone please advise or "bump" it for me? Thanks

So Tracey, does this mean you are abandoning us? Can't you still be a "marcher" in spirit?

I have not yet been banded so can only tell you what my surgeon told me. This is not from first hand experience. He said the "pouch" can stretch but that the band can be loosened (unfilled) to allow the pouch to regain its tone. It is crucial for you to remember that the band needs to "be worked". You have to watch what you eat and eat properly and be careful of PB's and vomitting (especially vomitting). Hope that helps

Good Morning everyone! TracyinKS, thanks for keeping up the list. I started this thread and then kind of disappeared. I have been hemming and hawing about surgery and having some things go on at home (my nanny/housekeeper quit with 0 notice). I brought my credit card to work today and am thinking I am going to book my flights.... That is the last step in my commitment to doing this. Up until I do that I can still back out. I will lose about $1,000 which I already paid to the clinic but that is not insurmountable. I am still just not quite sure.... Joelle