Dulci

Doctors, like lawyers and clergy, deal with confidentiality issues daily. Simply tell them that you are undergoing surgery and that you expect to be out of work for approximately one week.

http://www.ismp.org/Tools/DoNotCrush.pdf Someone here posted the above link. It contains a detailed list of medications that should not be crushed.

*hug*

I've tried the Realize site, Sparkpeople, Fit Day, Weight Watchers online and My Fitness Pal. I prefer MFP above the others. I very rarely have to actually type in the nutrition information for an item, it is usually already in the database. I love the ability to scan bar codes with my phone. I also like the supportive bandsters on MFP. I'm Dulcislim on that site. If you choose to start using it, add me as a friend.

When I first started thinking about getting banded, I thought that the band would just force me to eat less and I would lose weight (similar to how Phenterimine worked, but without the side effects). Once I learned that I may have difficulty eating certain foods, I paused and really thought about whether the band was for me. Only after I weighed the positives and negatives and after I discussed the changes with my husband, did I decide to move forward with the band. I think that a lot of people that aren't happy with the band did not research well or didn't have their surgery at comprehensive bariatric program.

I looked over my MFP food diaries and I seem to get the best protein to calories value from seafood, any kind, other than fried.

BCBS Fed will cover BMI 40 + with no co-morbidities and 35+ with 2 co-morbidities.

Try another brand. There is one brand that reacts like that with me. I use 100% whey from costco (made by Muscle Milk) and Jay Robb brands. Neither of them sends me running to the bathroom. Vitamin Shoppe and Whole Foods both sell several of the Jay Robb varieties in single serve packs, so you can try one before committing. Good luck.

I would switch, regardless of how close you are to surgery. You deserve to feel supported and encouraged by your entire surgical team. Don't worry about anything being awkward, you are one of many patients in the practice, but they are YOUR only bariatric team.

I was told to take the following: 1) Multi with Iron 2) Calcium 3) Iron 4) Vitamin C (taken with the Iron) 5) Vitamin B I also take Vitamin D (my levels were low prior to surgery) and GNC Hair and Nails (biotin and other stuff). I am going to add Zinc to help with hair loss. (The biotin slowed it but it didn't stop completely.)

My first fill is scheduled for 1/4/12. The doctor told me to go back to protein shakes for the day of the fill and the day after. If they are tolerated, go to mushies for a day, then back to my regular diet. After you have recovered and get your fill back, try liquids for at least the day of the fill to allow your tummy to adjust to the tighter band.

My nutritionist recommended that, in addition to the biotin, I add zinc to help with the hair loss. Specifically, 15 mg of Zinc to be taken with the biotin. I haven't started it yet, so I can't say if it helped or not.

Definitely have the procedure at least a month apart. For the first few days, I needed my husband's help because I kept experiencing "turtle syndrome" (as he called it). I'd get stuck on my back and I couldn't get out of bed. It was hilarious and laughing hurt!

Unfortunately, the band doesn't do anything for head hunger. If someone invents a band for head hunger, I'll be first in line!

My port is near my belly button. Some waist bands annoy me, but not my bras.

Enjoy getting to know your band. Be careful and follow your doctor's instructions. I think every doctor has a slightly different dietary protocol.

I was leaning toward the band at the beginning. At the WLS seminar, my surgeon very bluntly stated that there is no going back once 80% of your stomach is tossed "in the bucket" (the trash in the OR).

If you are coughing, sneezing, laughing or dry heaving,gently press a pillow or a soft stuffed animal to your tummy. It will help keep you from stressing your incisions and bouncing around your tender abdominal muscles. I hope of all you feel better and heal quickly.

Welcome and good luck in your journey!

My port is on the left side of my belly button.

There is no need to be nervous. When I met my surgeon for the first time, he was the first doctor that wasn't patronizing about my weight. I had already attended the informational seminar, so we discussed the surgical options. I had already decided on the band and he agreed that it was the best choice for me. Good luck on your journey!

Good luck. I hope everything goes smoothly.

I hope everything goes smoothly. Check in after your surgery.

If you fail to sleep enough for the techs to have enough data to evaluate, they say you "failed" the study. If you don't sleep, they cannot give you a diagnosis nor can they rule out any kind of disorder.

Even though I am not hungry in the mornings, I have learned that if I don't have something for breakfast, the day eating is a struggle. Costco sells "Pure Protein" bars that are 180 to 200 calories and 20 grams of protein. I keep one in my purse and one in my desk at work. We all indulge at this time of the year. Just get back on track.