lisa0522

Hi, has anyone had experience with Dr. Duckett or Dr. Oweis in Maumee/Toledo Ohio? They are doing surgeries at St. Luke's Hospital. Thanks!!

Can anyone tell me what are the signs of a stretched pouch? I'm assuming you CAN stretch it without having any PB'ing or sliming? I've had one fill of 3cc's last month, banded may '07. I've never had anything stuck or pb'd, but I am finding myself returning to old eating habits and eating carbs till I'm a little uncomfortable. I now feel bloated even when I wake up in the a.m.

Hi, I just had my first fill today. He gave me 3 cc's under flouro. I felt nothing, and was able to drink Water right away. But on the way home, I started feeling a little bloated and some tightness in my chest. I also have some pain when I burp (or try to) up in my chest area. Is this normal? Maybe just a reaction to an irritated stomach for the fill? I'd appreciate any info! Thanks!!

Hi AnnaMC, Did the thought of bread make you sick ever since your surgery, or just since your fill? Did you get "tighter" after the fill? Thanks, Lisa

Hi Sunshinesonya! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! After I was banded, I was on full liquids for 2 wks, then pureed for 2 wks, then soft for 2 wks before going to a regular diet. Yogurt and pudding counts as a full liquid. I enjoyed lots of juices with Protein powder (Any Whey), and also added Protein Powder to Jello and pudding. You can add protein powder to broth and Soup (strained) but it's best to add the powder AFTER heating the liquid, it mixes better. I was SO happy to get to pureed stage, feeling really hungry for food by then! Spaghetti w/meat sauce, chicken pureed w/milk, salt & pepper, pureed sloppy joe, even roast beef w/broth was delicious! I didn't have a lot of room for anything but the protein, it was helpful to drink milk in between meals to keep your protein count up. By the time I got to the soft diet, I was eating anything (without hard/crispy pieces) but very slowly until I knew what I could tolerate. (which has been anything!) I'm doing great with exercise, but my breakfast/lunch this morning was 2 scrambled eggs and 2 pcs toast. This is WAY more than you should be able to eat with the band, and I worry a little bit that I could be stretching out my pouch. But I have NO discomfort after eating, I will just have to cut way back and eat much more slowly after the fill. The nurse and the dietitian told me that eggs can be a problem for people with the band, I guess because they just get mushed down and not really chewed to pieces? So far I haven't had any trouble, but this could change after the fill. Also, they said to watch out for grapes because of the skins, and of course breads. The one item that I did notice feeling some fullness with was chicken breast or beef. So when you do eat, just take small bites, maybe even with a baby spoon/fork, and chew, chew, chew. Your meals should last no less than 20 minutes. Also, after your surgery your stomach/pouch will be swollen so you need to take it easy with liquids, too. I was told 1/2 cup liquids should take me a half hour to drink. In the beginning, I was lucky to get a 1/4 in 15 minutes. For healing and to keep blood sugars stable, be sure you're mixing protein in with your juices/broths. Do you have a protein source and lots of soups/liquids stocked up? Good luck on Monday! Let me know how you're doing! Take care, Lisa

Hi Jackie! How are things going for you and your husband? I am due to have my first fill Monday 7/16. I'm a little nervous because I've read stories about people getting tighter after they leave the doc's office . . . I definitely need the fill, though, because I'm able to eat anything and too much without any discomfort. I'm doing well exercising but my food choices are slipping back to the old way. I am happy that I've lost around 30 lbs. now, but since my appetite & food volume have gone up I am at a standstill. Take care, Lisa

Hi Hoosierpoms, How did your first fill go? I'm scheduled for my first on Monday 7/16, and I'm a little nervous. Right now I can eat anything & too much without any discomfort. But I've heard stories about not being able to even drink after a fill, that some people get tighter after they leave the dr. office. Thanks for any info!

Hi, I was banded 5/14/07. I have DEFINITELY noticed myself burping a lot more than before the band. Even when I was following the rules very carefully.

Hi, I was banded 5/14/07. I have lost about 30 lbs. so far, but I now can eat anything and too much of it! So I am going in for my first fill Monday (7/16) and I'm a little scared about what it will be like afterwards. How do you know if you are over-filled? Thanks, Lisa

Hi, I was banded 5/14/07. I have not had any fills. I have lost about 30 lbs. and I'm feeling great and exercising. Until last week, I had been doing well staying under 1200 calories. BUT, I have been often eating too quickly, and even if I eat slowly, I really can't tell if I'm full. During this past holiday week, I have been definitely overeating (beyond 1.5 cups) and at times drinking with meals. I never get anything stuck nor do I have any discomfort. Today I'm feeling bloated and some pressure, although my portions have been very small today. Any advice/info would be appreciated!! Thanks, Lisa

Hi, Congrats on your weight loss! It sounds like you are doing GREAT with your protein, and eating only good quality foods. I agree with GayleTX that the stuff she suggested are poor quality carbs! I was banded 5/14/07, and the dietitian I saw told me to do just as you are doing- eating the protein first, then veggies, then fruit/carbs. She said if you don't have enough room for anything but protein, that's NO PROBLEM!! Also, I asked about including snacks, and she felt as long as it was a quality food choice (protein or fruit/veg), then it's OK if you're really hungry. I worried a little bit myself that I'm not getting a balanced diet, but I do have carbs (oatmeal w/protein) for breakfast and drink milk a couple times a day. So far, the scale has been a positive experience!! Keep up the great work! -Lisa

Hi Jackie! I'm glad you're home and banded! I think the worst of your gas pain should be over, if you're like me. After the third day it was better. Today is day 3, right? I hope since your husband is feeling good he's able to take good care of you. I wonder if that has anything to do with men typically being larger than us, and having more space for that gas to move around?? I could still feel some mild discomfort into the 2nd week. I'm sorry I didn't reply right away, but again I didn't get the notice from e-mail that you had posted . . . I was just thinking about you so I decided to check the website and found your post. I really think the worst is behind you!! This is my 4th week, and I started doing abdomen crunches last week, with no pain at all! You'll be amazed at how quickly the pain goes away. I did feel a little extra tired during those 1st few weeks. Hang in there!! -Lisa

Hi Jackie! It's 10:30 pm Sunday, you're probably in bed already dreaming about your big day tomorrow. I'm sorry you had the problematic dreams . . . I did alot of dreaming prior to my surgery too. Most of them were about being late, going to the wrong place, and having to be rescheduled or refused. Nothing like that happened to me (in real life)! I'm sure it is just our anxiety/ fear of unknown coming through in our dreams. Everything has to be OK for both of you. I've heard of so very FEW complications with this surgery. I recently talked to a dr. in Fremont who has a patient of D&O who had the lap band a few years ago. The woman has lost between 100 and 200 pounds and has been very happy with the surgery. She was one of the early patients and had to have some type of correction with a blockage, but she still is extremely happy with her experience, it sounds like. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as you're feeling up to e-mailing again! Best wishes, Lisa

Hi again Jackie! I just noticed that you have lost almost 16 lbs. That's WONDERFUL!!!! I'm kind of stuck at 20-22 lbs, but I'm hoping that has to do with the exercise and muscle vs. fat thing. I know I'm doing ok with calories and Protein. Oh, I found that Ambien helped me after the first couple of nights so I could get a full 8 hrs sleep, this was hard for me because I'm used to rolling around all night. You won't be able to do that for a little while. I think the Ambien also overrides the gas discomfort while sleeping. OK, I'm really done this time! Hope you're "enjoying" your liquids . . . don't forget ice cream is a liquid, too!

Hi Jackie! Sorry I haven't replied sooner, but I think I haven't been getting alerts via email when there's a post. I've been thinking about you and I bet you can hardly believe your surgery is in 2 DAYS! It has to be a big help having your husband go through the same thing. I'm doing great, some days I'm really tired after work, but that's not really any different than I was before the surgery! I've been doing pretty well on my treadmill, and today I did the Richard Simmons disco aerobics tape. So, I'm definitely increasing my exercise tolerance. What time are you and your husband's surgeries? Do you have someone who will stay with you two for the first couple days or at least check in on you? Remember, if you're feeling really crappy in the beginning, it should only last for the first 2-3 days. It was like someone flipped a switch that third day. Unbelievable. Also, some people have said that Gas-X did help them, so I think you two should at least give it a try! Do you have some Protein powder lined up? I'd be curious as to which brand you chose and how you like it. I'll be thinking & praying for you on Monday. Take care, it will be over soon! -Lisa

Hi, I was also banded 5/14. I'm on the 2 week full liquid diet, its very difficult as I'm now feeling better and feel hungry. My husband made spaghetti last night for kids . . . I strained the ragu, added a bit of sugar and parmesan powder and slowly spooned about 1/4 cup. It helped me feel like I was eating again . . . but that's also likely high in sodium. I am allowed yogurt (without fruit pieces or seeds), puddings (you can add Protein powder and a little cool whip). Butterball chicken broth really is delicious, but again, probably high in sodium. Is anyone newly banded having trouble keeping liquids to 1/2 cup in 1/2 hour consumption rate?? I sure am! I hope that as long as I'm still trying to take it slow & tolerating it well, I'll be fine. Monday is puree day for those of us done on 5/14. Start planning your menus, maybe you'll feel like you're getting closer!! -Lisa

MBoulis, Please disregard my questions about fill costs! I just re-read one of your earlier posts where you already answered the question. Sorry! :-) -Lisa

That's interesting about the Gas-X. It just shows that everyone's body is different, and reminds me to keep an open mind about everything! Do you remember how long you felt bloated after the surgery? It's day 10 for me, and it's much better, but the top part of my belly still looks pregnant! Also, MBoulis, do you remember how long you had to drink so slowly after surgery? Every day I'm having a harder time making myself do the 1/2 cup in a half hour. I tried to call Jolynn this morning, but she won't be back in the office till next week. I've been thinking about your $$ from the dr. office . . . Maybe you could just give a quick call and ask them to check their records, that you think you never rec'd the refund check. If you could get the money you have coming to you from that office, you might be able to get your fill sooner? Also, I wondered if the fills from Dr. C are close to the same cost as the fills from D&O. Jolynn said they are around $150. Does that seem about right to you? Apparantly, my insurance company (Medical Mutual) is a real pain to get fills approved. This shouldn't be a surprise to me since I've waited almost 2 years for the band! Thanks again for all your info! Have a nice Memorial Day weekend, Lisa

Hi Jackie, I'm glad everything is OK with your husband! They told me during me pre-surgery visit that a slight hiatal hernia showed up in the upper GI. He said if it was anything bigger than the xray showed, they would just stitch it up when the went in for the lap-band. I never asked if they had to & no one ever said. Oh, and about the doc in Mansfield . . . My primary care nurse practitioner just called to check on me today & she told me that Dr. Myers has moved to Columbus! That's not too far for me, but would be quite a distance for you. I bet you could find some other choices up in Michigan, but hopefully there will be no need. Especially if you and your husband are doing this together, you'll probably get all your appointments done together. These guys (D & O) sound definitely business oriented, so I would hope they wouldn't want to alienate two patients at once!! Again I'm sorry for going on & on about the gas "pain" . . . Honestly after the first 3 days, it was just uncomfortable, and not constantly. It seemed to come & go for no reason. I think today is day 10 for me and I've felt very good since the 1 wk mark, just more easily tired than usual. I hope you have a great memorial day weekend!! (I know I will because I'll be starting the pureed diet then!) -Lisa

Hi Jackie! Yes, I'm doing WELL. Thank you for asking. Surgery went well, I have to say my greatest suffering was the day of surgery & two days following. After that, I don't feel I need any pain meds EXCEPT from the fluctuating gas pain (from the inflation during surgery). Today is day 7 post op, and for an hour or so had very bad shoulder pain . . . when my mom saw me, she showed my a huge (almost baseball size) lump between my shoulder & neck. This is still the gas!!!! I can't believe it . . . we took a 45 minute walk, with no immediate results, but I think it started things moving around and I'm feeling very good, just extremely bloated. I started worrying about the excessive bloating (would it cause my band to slip just as if I had drank pop??) so I called Jolynn on Friday. She wasn't there, so I called the dr. office. They actually put Dr. Oweis on the phone, and he was fine, but told me to take Gas-X. He said as long as liquid is going down & I wasn't vomiting, not to worry. Jolynn called me back later that day and also said not to worry & keep walking. She also said Gas-X won't help!! I have to go tomorrow for my 1 wk follow-up, and since I'm just seeing the doc, I imagine it will be a very quick deal from which I won't learn anything new. I guess at this point all I want to know is "just how long will this d*** gas stay bottled up inside me?" About all these gas-pain complaints, keep in mind I have a LOW pain tolerance. I'm not really in pain at all, just bloated/uncomfortable. I do find that a heating pad can really help at times. Also, After the first few days, I think I'm having trouble sleeping because I can't change positions 100 times during the night. Friday & Saturday nights I took Ambien 5 mg and I pretty much slept through the night. (first night I crushed the small pill & mixed with applesause, it was horrid. 2nd night, I just split the very small pill into 4 pieces and swallowed fine with Water.) Oh, I couldn't stand the taste of even regular liquid Tylenol, so I sent my husband out to get tylenol suppositories. They did help take the edge off, especially nice for night time. I had seen my family Nurse practitioner the week before my surgery and told her my fear of pain. She said to call her if I needed anything. So the night I came home from the hospital and was feeling pretty rough, I went to their office and she had ordered a shot of Nubane and Phenergan. It helped me get a few hours of sleep. I have a very hard time consuming enough liquids . . . when trying to follow the 1/2 cup in a half hour rule. I'm anxiously awaiting next week and I'm planning out my pureed diet. I add my 100% ANY whey Protein diet to my juices, Jello, pudding, and soup/broth. If you can ignore the smell, it's not too bad. It does mix best at room temperatures. Sorry for my rambling!! I guess I should close by saying I'm pretty impressed that my actual belly/incision pain didn't last very long. I really loved the nurses on 3 West, and the anesthesiologist I had was wonderful. I think his last name began with an "O". The lady dr. that I had the consult with before surgery was also great. Are you getting close to being finished with your school? Good luck if you're nearing exams. Type later, -Lisa

If you're on clear liquids, you can add protein powder to juice, jello or clear broth. (Try Butterball chicken broth- I buy it at Drug Mart in Ohio) I use the "Any Whey" protein powder found at Rite Aid. You can hardly taste it (you can notice the smell after awhile, but not really the taste.) Good Luck on your band- I just got mine 5/14. -Lisa

Hi Jackie, I had the same positive experience at the hospital. I can't remember where you live . . . I live in Norwalk which is about 45 minutes away from Mansfield and there's a dr. who has a good bariatric reputation who just started doing the lap band. He might also be an option for after-care if we aren't happy with D & O. Thanks for your messages, I'll tell you how it is in just a few days!! -Lisa

Dear mboulis, Thanks again for your info. It's nice to know there are other options for after-care if I'm not happy in Maumee. I'm also glad to know about the insurance . . . Jolynn from Duckett & Oweis said the first fill is included. I guess I'll find out soon enough! Take care, Lisa

<p>Hi, Thank you for the info.</p> <p>It is a bit scary . . . I had my pre-surgery visit with Dr. Oweis, and it's obvious he's not a guy with a very good bedside manner. He wasn't rude, just short & hurried. I have to say I'm naturally a bit intimidated by docs in general, though. I was glad to see you feel they are good surgeons . . . although I've heard some talk through this site that there were questions as to Dr. Duckett's abilities (messing up surgeries?) When I brought this up to the dietitian, she didn't deny anything. She just said they both do the surgery together and they have had good results during their 5+ years of doing them. </p> <p>It concerns me that if there's a problem, I won't be able to count on them(duckett & oweis) to figure it out because they only want to blame the patient, rather than discover the source in case it might have something to do with them not being 'perfect'. </p> <p>Through this site, I've heard alot of good things about Dr. C, I think he even answered a question for me. I'm scheduled for surgery Monday 5/14 at st. lukes. My insurance is covering this. I don't know how the payment with fills, etc. works. Do you think I could switch to a more patient friendly doc later if I have difficulties?</p> <p>I'd appreciate ANY thoughts/suggestions you might have!</p> <p>Thank you,</p> <p>Lisa F.</p>

Hi Jackie, I'm now on my 2nd day of liquids . . . the doctor told me very little. I'm just following the instructions of the dietitian, and adding Protein powder to my Jello, pudding, and vanilla-milk. I only tried one powder and I think it's fine. I got the "any whey" Protein Powder from Rite Aid. It was 17.99 for a 1.35 pound jar, which has 30 servings. Also, Butterball chicken broth is absolutely delicious!! I have found it only at DrugMart so far. I'm a little concerned with the message about Duckett/Oweis that just came through. If my surgery wasn't coming up so soon (monday 5/14 !!!) I would probably change doctors. I hope you have a great time with your granddaughter, and I'll type back as soon as I can after surgery. -Lisa