JustFluffy

Does anyone out there post-op have a Medical ID Bracelet? During my pre-op the Bariatric Coordinator thought getting an ID bracelet would be a good idea. She said it can be particarly dangerous if you go to be intubated, lets say if you were in an automobile accident), the emergency responder could go straight through your pouch (putting a hole). She said she has seen it done while working in the ER - a lady's spleen was cut and a hole was put through the pouch. This scared me and actually never dawned on me to have one. She said hers states she is an RNY patient, not to intubate and no Aspirin, No NSAIDS. I'm looking into getting one...I think it is very important. Do you recommend a particular brand (that doesn't cost an arm and a leg)?

I thought we could start thread for progress pictures. Please upload and share your successes! Pre-Op and Two Months Post-Op

My doctor is putting me on the following supplements? Any brands or types to those who have had the surgery do you like? B-12 (I will be on a monthly shot) Multi-Vitamin Calcium Citrate

I was banded in April 2008. I lost close to 70 pounds with my band within the first year. I have some some complications (which I will go through on introducing myself) in the past two years. In a nutshell, my band has to come out due to port and esophogus issues. A few questions on Band to RNY Revision for those who have gone through it? 1. Were you able to do it in one surgery? 2. Did your insurance require any further 'pre-requisites' or did your band-pre work qualify? (I know all/most insurances will be different - just looking for examples) 3. What was the recovery like in regard to the band? 4. Was there a difference in the diet? 5. The Good and Bad of RNY for you? I have been reseraching as much as I can and have decided to have the RNY, but there isn't a lot of research out there on Band to RNY revisions. Thank you for your feedback!

Once you move to a regular foods diet this is a great recipe, I like to prepare in the crockpot: 1 lb extra-lean ground beef 3 Tb butter 1 cup diced onion 3/4 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup minced celery (MINCED) 1 1/2 cup 1% milk 1/4 cup diced carrots 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack-cheese (I also like 2% Sharp Cheddar) 1 tsp minced garlic 1/4 cup ketchup 3 cups low-sodium beef broth 2 TB yellow mustard 1 LG russet potato, peeled and diced 1/2 cup chopped dill pickle 1. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef, when beef starts to brown add onions, celery, carrot & garlic, sate' about 10 minutes 2. Add to crockpot hamburger mixture along with beef and potaotes 3. Make Roue with flour, butter and milk, add to crockpot 4. Add ketchup, mustard, and cheese Cook on high for a couple hours or low for 4-5. (You can also add cheese at the end) Don't forget to add the chopped dill pickle when you serve - it really makes a difference in the taste Makes 8 servings (1 cup each) Per Serving: Calories 240, Fat 12g, Cholesterol 55, Sodium 410mg, Carbs 15, Fiber 1g, Protein 19g, Sugar 6g

Wonderful Italian Meal - WLS Friendly 1/4 cup all-purpose flour One 14.5 ounce low sodium diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt 8 ounces sliced mushrooms 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup sliced black olives 3 pounds bonless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into cubes) 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cupped chopped celery (I like minced) 1 large red onion (sliced thin) 1/4 cup red wine One 8 ounce can low-sodium tomato sauce 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablesppon italian dried herbs 1. Season chicken (uncooked) with salt and pepper mixture 2. heat olive oil in heavy skillet over medium-high heat, brown the chicken on all sides 3. place the onions on bottom of crockpot, add browned chicken thighes, combined the rest of the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir, pour on top of the chicken/onions 4. cook on low heat 7 to 9 hours (or high 3 to 4 hours), serve over whole wheat Pasta or a side of steamed veggies. Yield: 12 Servings (1 cup each) Per serving: Calories 210, Fat 8g, Cholesterol 95mg, Sodium 350mg, Carbohydrages 10g, Fiber 1g, Protein 24g, sugar 3g

I have to say I have been very impressed with Baptist Hospital in Penscola on their pre-op care and thoroughness. I was originally banded at Palmyra Hopsital in Albany GA. Preop was showing up for the surgery and bathing with dial soap. I didn't meet or talk with anyone - just showed up. I was so excited about the surgery at the time it didn't seem odd to me. Monday I went to Baptist to meet with pretty much my surgery team and doctor (John David Nye). Not only did I make all my appointments on or before time - they didn't rush me or make me feel like a number. Here was my pre-op day: 10:00 a.m. - Radiology. They did my ultra-sound on my liver, stomach, abdominal area - I got there early (about 9:30) and I was done by 10:00 12:30 p.m. - Registration, Anesthesia, Bloodwork, Radiology and EKG. I ended up early for my registration appointment (after getting to finally eat - nothing to eat after midnight). They got me registered in 10 minutes and sent me talk to the Anesthesiologist. I ended up talking to a nurse - who measured my legs for my support hose and explained in detail what would be happening the day of surgery and gave me Aplicare, Ahtiseptic Solution to bath with the night before and day of surgery. From there they drew my blood for bloodwork and performed the EKG. Afterward the girl that did my bloodwork and EKG took me down to radiology. I waited about 20 minutes (due to a gentleman before me that had a lot of xrays to do). I put on a lovely hospital gown and robe (which was too small) and they did my chest x-rays. by 1:30 I was done. 2:30 p.m. - Met with my doctor. I ended up heading to him early as everything went smoothly. We discussed the surgery, he marked the incisions he would be making and checked my port. His nurse came in (which is also his wife) and we discussed the surgery as well. He told me all in all with the removal and revision he should be done in less than an hour. We discussed my liquid diet and Vitamin as well as after care and what I would be doing in the weeks post-surgery. What to expect as well as my follow-up appointments. 3:30 p.m. - me and another RNY patient met with the nutritionist (along with our spouces). I was expecting to meet with just the nutritionist, but I also spoke to the Bariatric Coordinator (which also had RNY), she went over the surgery again and then we met with the nutritioninst. We were done at 5:00. My surgery will be at 7:30 a.m. on August 1st. I have to be there two hours in advance. I have a 48 hour liquid diet my doctor has place me on prior to surgery. I'm also taking potassium supplements (my bloodwork came back showing I had a deficiency). What was your experience? Any positives or Negatives? I know all doctors and hospitals are different - just wondering if anyone had a different experience than I. I think the more prepared we are, the better off we are...

I've been there and it is scary. I ended up having a bariam swallow with the x-ray (Upper GI) and found my esphagous had erroded from my band. They were not able to determine if it was the placement of the band or if it had been too tight for too long. Either way, it had to come out. My esphagous had all but stopped working. I was in pain when I ate and food would come up for no reason, no foamies, just wouldn't go down. I hope they will be able to determine where your pains are coming from with the X-Ray. Are they considering an Uper GI as well? May be a good idea...I waited several months taking antiacids and cutting back on my acidic content, even going back to liquids, before getting mine checked. Too late, too long. I wish you well and hope it is minor and something that can be repaired or treated quickly.

Opposite...Band April 2008, Bypass August 2011...due to band complications...down 75 lbs since revision and still slowly losing at a healthy rate. Gained all my weight lost (50 pounds) plus 30 pounds in two years after being banded. Regret neither surgery - banding isn't for everyone but neither is lapband. It is a personal choice and everyone is different. I wish you the best :-)

Okay - I will be honest. The biggest thing that scares the hell out of me for surgery is the thought of liquid hell. I will have two days pre-op liquid-hell then weeks post op. I guess this is more of a gripe than anything, mainly because I loathed it when I banded. I'm planning on doing broths, sugar-free Jello, sugar-free popcicles...anyone have any suggestions? I know how serious this stage is for healing...I mentally am trying to prepare myself and keep from getting bored as well.

If you are struggling meeting your nutrition demands, they wouldn't be a bad idea. The B-12 injections are a supplement and nothing more. They help keep your energy up. I now HAVE to take them now. I took B12 pills when I was banded and for me there is a big difference between the injections and the pills. I actually do my own injections (with a prescription from my doctor). The prescription only costs $5 a month. I can definately tell if I'm late or don't take mine when I should...my energy and mood drop (big time). My husband says I get "hormonal" - lol

I am posting this for your information so you know my history and what can happen if reflux is left without treatment. I ended up having my band removed due to my reflux developing into GERD, which ultimately resulted in esphagous erosion. After three years (banded on 2008), my esphagous all but stopped working. I had minor reflux prior to banding and I was told by my original surgeon that the band would fix it. In the next few years I relocated and changed surgeons (lost my insurance, went through a nasty divorce; took MONTHS to find a surgeon that would take me). I ended up going for almost a year without any follow-up (although the first two years I kept every appointment and followed my doctor's instructions to the T). I started having reflux after about a year and was told at times I was "too tight" and would have Fluid removed to help treat it. Was on and off nexium as well. My year without a doctor didn't help my situation. I'm sure the stress didn't either. The upper GI test my new surgeon ran found the esophagous erosion and also that my band had eroded into my stomach. I was in constant pain, couldn't eat and could barely drink. I would wake up at night coughing uncontrollably and at times couldn't breathe (waking gasping for air). My new doctor told me that in my case the band actually aggrevated my reflux (albeit mild). My band has been removed now for a year and I opted to revise to RNY. I am writing this to let you know the worst case scenario; not to scare you. Banding isn't for everyone. I have seen so many people that have been successful. Some that have had reflux that the band all but cured (my husband is actually one of them). I loved my band for two years and thought it was the best decision I'd ever made - I was the biggest band cheerleeder in the world. Now, my advice to those who are having problems or those who are looking into surgery is that it isn't for everyone. If you are having problems, it may not be your fault...don't get discouraged and don't let ANYONE tell you that you are a failure. There is not an easy fix to this disease (and yes I call it a disease), obeisity...it is hard work. Living being banded was hard work, but so is living with bypass. For now, watch what you eat, (keep the acidic foods/drinks to a minimum), if you drink carboninated drinks - stop now! and take your medications as your doctor directs. I hope you feel better soon! I'll get off the soap box now :-)

Lisa, I have BCBS and my revision was covered due to complications I had with the band. I am not sure what Tricare's requirements are for revision, that is something though that your doctor's office should be able to help you with. You may also want to post this in the LapBand Complications/Living After LapBand Removal or Insurance section of the forum. It may get better visibility for you there. I wish you the best...

I was asking about the protein and water because I've found in that (banded or bypass) if I don't get in my water and protein in I don't lose weight, no matter what I do. I've been told we need to get in half our body weight in ounces for water. It really sounds like to me you are at a plateau. Your body is adjusting to your new regimine and eventually it will catch up. You may want to change up what you are doing as well - your muscles have "memory" and if you do the same thing every day your body gets used to it and doesn't respond as well...throw in another workout or add an incline to your walk (if you use treadmill). Change your freeweights to kettleweights (if you have that option)... I was banded for over three years (removed due to complications) and have had bypass now for a little over a year. I do know how you feel. It gets depressing when you've gone through surgery and believe you are doing everything right and the weight loss slows to a crawl. You become depressed and just don't want to put in the effort. I'm there right now myself and should take my own advice. I've been stuck between 211-215 for four months - all my own fault. I'm also comfortable where I am. My body doesn't hurt any more, I'm out of plus clothes (huge goal for me) and have honestly become lazy. Got to put on my big girl panties and deal with it...and get moving..

Were you able to get in touch with your surgeon? If you have graduated from mushies to soft foods it may have been too soon and food could be "stuck". Different surgeons progress this patients at different rates. Your band may also be too full. I know this sounds funny to those post-surgery without having a first fill. However, some surgeons put in fluid at the time of surgery. It may be too much for you. There could be other contributing factors as well, however, only your doctor can tell you for sure what is going on. If you haven't already contacted him/her, please do so immediately.

Hi Dino... Two questions...how much protein are you getting in daily? and how much water do you get in? Oh sorry - one more...how long have you struggling to get below 218?

Chatty, Good luck tomorrow! Let me know if you have any questions...I too had my band removed and revised to RNY (Bypass). For me, to no longer be in pain and to be able to keep food down again was so worth it.

Sorry, I've been in Weight Loss Surgery Lingo for too long ...RNY is Roux-en-y and involves reducting the size of your stomache and rerouting to a shorter section of the intestines, in shour gastric bypass. I wish there were an easy answer too...My advice it to find a good baratric surgeon and go to a couple seminars maybe even schedule an appointment. Then, go to another surgeon and get another opinion. Get on the boards, read all you can, and attend a local support group....don't be scared to ask questions and be ready to get your feelings hurt. The uneducated world truly can be cruel...please let me know if you have any questions as well as those on this site. It is a great place to start.

You could have an infection around your port site. I know it sounds strange but it can show up weeks and even months post op. I had to have port revision after my "first fill", they couldn't access my port. However, it wasn't due to infection, my port had flipped. However, a friend of mine had port issues that sound very similar to yours and her doctor put her on antibiotics and it healed without issue. That COULD be your issue. You could also have a leak around your port area. There are other things it could be as well. Only your doctor can know for sure. I'd call your doctor's office and voice your concerns, again, prior to your appointment. I hope it gets better soon...

Ice Chips, Popcicles, Sugar-Free Italian Ice, Ice Chips...They really do help with the "chewing urge" and will help you stay hydrated.

Oh I also wanted to note that from my research I wouldn't recommend RNY for anyone who is planning on having children. It is harder to get the required nutrients that you need; neverless supporting another life. However, I did want to share my side of two different weight loss surgeries.

For a person that was banded for three years and have had RNY (conversion from LapBand) for over a year now; I may can give you a perspective from someone that has had both surgeries. For a year I loved my lapband. I honestly thought it was the best decision I had ever made. I'd lost about 60 pounds in the first six months and other than port revision (flipped right after surgery) I had zero issues. That changed for me after I was divorced. I lost my insurance, moved back to my hometown and lost my doctor. It took me months to find another doctor in the area, and the one I found was 100 miles away). By then I had to get an emergency unfill - I got to the point I couldn't eat or drink anything...and ended up gaining back all the 60 pounds I'd lost plus another 15 pounds. My new doctor ran an upper GI and discovered that my esophagus had quit working and my band had actually started growing into my stomach. Due to the damage and health risks we discussed removal and / or revision to another surgery. I had reflux prior to banding and the band aggrevated it and my band had to come out. I knew I had a food addiction and needed a tool to help me control it. I opted for RNY. I'm now down almost 80 pounds and am still slowly losing. It is not an easy fix...and for me has been much harder than the band. There are many more rules and life changes you have no choice but to follow. The recovery is truly hell on earth..and contrary to some beliefs there is follow-up that MUST be adhered to as well. I can honestly tell you I wish my band had worked for me. My husband is also banded and has not had any issues. I am not anti-band nor am I judgemental of others for their decisions. This has not been an easy journey for me, but I have learned a lot about myself and forced to face my food demons (both banded and post RNY). Everyone truly is different. Some people are successful with the Band, others with the Sleeve and some still with RNY. Please do your research; listen to the good and the bad and make an educated decision. After all, it is your decision and your decision alone...I wish you the best...

Do me a favor...if there is one single thing you should never do, it is to pick up another "soda" - ever! Diet or not...no you will not make your pouch "explode", however it can sabotadge all you have worked for. It expands your pouch and "opens you up"...essentially killing your restriction. Trust me, it is NOT WORTH IT!