lisae

"Well, this is the USA and if I feel that someone is not a good DR I can say so. It is my right and I fill that DR s is not a good dr." Isabella, If you "fill" (I "feel" things), that this Dr. is not a good one, why don't you share your experience and let us know WHY. If you don't back up your claim, it just sounds like a slam.

refried beans!! You can get them out or buy a can. Add some salsa and it's a great meal. If there's whole Beans, just mush them with your fork or chew. I also blended turkey chili when I was in the mushy stage and it went down fine. I wasn't too concerned, because my Protein shake has 30 grams in one can, so that's about my daily need. Good luck!

I haven't had a 3rd party talk to me yet, but I'll be interested to see if it happens. EVERY person I told about my surgery, I told them FIRST that I expected them to keep in confidential and not tell anyone. I also explained that it's nobody elses business....I will tell who I want when I'm ready. SO you see, I'm waiting to see who "leaks" the information first! I've come to decide that others don't think of this as such a shame/big deal as I do. I think it's just my perception that everyone will think of me as a failure, when they really don't think that at all. Everyone I've told has been so excited for me (or at least they act that way). We'll see when I go back to work if the gossip mill starts......ugh!

Hi Peeks and Dawn, I have no idea about this, but does anyone know how that would work? I would think the stomach would be too small to have a pouch around it. hmmmmmmmmmmm.........

Raj, I'm a scardey cat, too..........I started crying as soon as I got in the pre op bed. I have the same advice everyone else said....just let them know you're scared and ask the doc for a "happy pill" when you get there. Alexandra is right about the anesthesia....you blink your eyes and you're in recovery. I was extremely nauseated when I woke up and for the rest of the night dry heaved....that was pretty painful...they finally realized it was the morphine they gave me, took me off of it, and I was fine. As for the liquid eating stage.......I loved tomato soup. yum, yum!! Maybe it was part of it's soothing nature that took me back to childhood, but it sure did taste good with a little cheese melted on top. I also had cream of chicken (spit out the chicken chunks), blended chili (yummy), and cream of asparagus. I also made boxed mashed potatoes that were extra runny (extra milk) about 1 week after surgery....they were a different, welcome taste after all that soup. From one worry wart to another......you'll be amazed at how simple it is. I was fine after I woke up......it was just the pre op stuff that scared me sh*tless, too!!

2 weeks pre-op liquids sounds like torture to me! I didn't have any pre op diet. If you could last for 2 weeks on liquids without the aid of a band, why would you need it?? Good luck...I wouldn't do it!

Hi again Jennifer, I have a 9cm band with a 5cc balloon. I'm going to tell the doc to "fill 'er up!" We'll see what he does. I'll post when I get back next Wednesday!

Marsha, From what I've heard, if you're planning on follow up in the US, don't go with the swedish band. It isn't FDA approved and it's even harder to find docs who will follow up.

Yes, I understand the shame part, too. I am ashamed of myself because I have let myself get into this state. It's the shame of "I was too weak to do it myself." At first, I didn't tell anybody. I told my parents the week before I went. My dad tried to pull the old "you just need to watch what you eat" routine and I shut him up immediately. Point blank, I told him that if he wasn't going to be supportive then I have nothing to say to him and will not discuss it with him. After a couple of seconds of uncomfortable silence, he asked about the procedure and I shared. He still doesn't know the cost, but I told him he'll find out when he does my taxes this year!! I told my close friends the week before I went. I have not and will not tell my co-workers. In my opinion, that's what they are.....co-workers. They are not a part of my life and do not need to know this information. I work in a school and the gossip with the adults is worse than that with the students. I don't want to be under the looking glass and have everyone analyze what/when/how much I'm eating. As far as "lying" to them.....I'm not. When they ask how I'm losing weight, my answer will be: "I'm eating less than I used to and I'm exercising. Eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full." Simple as that......it's the whole truth, too! Peace to all!

Jennifer and Tanna, I'm a counselor, too! I'm an elementary school counselor, how about you two? Where am I emotionally: I haven't had a fill, so I'm not really restricted. Some days, however, I am and I get the golf ball in my chest. I have, on more than one occassion, waited for the feeling to pass and finish what I was eating. I feel like I deserve to eat. When I can't I get mad at my little band. What does this do to me? It scares the HECK out of me!! It makes me think....will I continue to do this? But I know that I am slowly learning and slowly letting go of the food. I know that I DON'T deserve to eat and I have get over the obsession. I continue to tell myself that I can finish my (whatever) next time I'm hungry or choose something else, but right now I don't need to eat.....and it's painful!!! I haven't earned the right to eat.....I've done that for 30 years and look where it's got me. I'm trying something new this time! On a positive note: today for lunch I felt the pain and immediately threw my food away. Yippee for me!!! I guess it's just going to be a daily learning experience. I'm getting filled on Tuesday, so hopefully this will help!

Hi Jennifer, I was banded on July 8 and am going for a fill next Tuesday. I can't wait for it!!! I feel like I have NO restriction now whatsoever. Right after surgery I couldn't eat a lot. Now is a different story! I'm hoping that after next week I'll be full and satisfied!!

Hi Jenna, The doctor will use a flouroscopy machine, which is basically a "live" x-ray. They just scan the machine over you to find where the port is. I haven't had a fill yet (next week), but my assumption is that the dr. will check and fill it appropriately. I believe you have to drink some barium, which will show up on the x-ray or fluoro. But by using the barium, the doc can see how big the stoma is and if the liquids can get through. Then he/she will make the fill so that liquids can get through fine. Again, I haven't had a fill yet, so maybe others who have had a fill can answer better. Good luck!

Hi all, Here's a question for everyone. I've read many people say that they only eat when the stomach growls. I abide by that rule, also. Well, I try to! My question is this: What do you do when you're going out to dinner and the dang tummy doesn't want to growl???? Do you not eat or get something small? I know "don't eat a couple of hours before" will be a common response. But what to do if you haven't and you're still not making noise?? Thanks for your input!

It sounds to me like your doctor isn't quite sure of the differences between the lap band and the gastric bypass. That sure sounds like a bypass patient's menu to me. I'd go with Dr. Rumbaut's menu. After all, he's one of the best surgeons out there and one of the most experienced as well. Don't forget, he also has a band. I'm following his rules!

Hi all, my port is (I think) in the center of my chest, just below the sternum. If it means anything: on the day of my surgery, there were 4 women and 1 man. All the women had sternum placements and the man had abdomen...on the left side around waistline. I "think" it has to do with fatty areas/differences between women/men....... Lisa (Las Vegas, NV) Rumbaut 7-8-03

Hi Amberose, This hasn't happened to me, but if I were you I'd definitely call my doctor. You are risking becoming extremely dehydrated and may need some IV fluids. Dehydrations is a dangerous thing....talk to your doc before it gets worse! Good luck Lisa (Las Vegas, NV) Rumbaut 7-8-03