Dream4tc

I have researched and tried some of the samples of the Bariatric Vitamin formulas like Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate. They both offer specific formulations of the Vitamins for people with bands. I have tried the samples specific for people with bands from Celebrate and so far the blackberry tasted pretty good but had an aftertaste, I have not yet tried the Cherry flavor but I am assuming they might have the same aftertaste. I tried the Calcet Creamy Bites which are the Calcium citrate chews. The lemon was ok, but the chocolate fudge was so yummy! From Bariatric Advantage, I have tried the grape flavor Multivitamin which was awesome!!, but it was not specific for people with bands, only for those with bypass and sleeves. I am waiting for some samples from them of the Vitaband. I have heard mixed reviews. I am currently taking the One a Day Adult gummy multivitamin pre-op and so far i have been very compliant with taking them because they taste so good. I also take 1500 of calcium citrate gummies by Caltrate however I might be switching to the Calcium Citrate chews by Bariatric Advantage, they offer chocolate, caramel, raspberry, and lemon flavor chews. Vitamin D tropical flavor liquid, tastes great! I will add Thiamine post op FYI: Important!! Most calcium chews that are chocolate are NOT calcium citrate. Those chews are actually calcium carbonate which is not recommended because it doesn't absorb well and it causes gas. Check the ingredients on the back of the bag, most will say calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate absorbs and breaks down very quickly in your body which is why it is recommended so keep an eye out for this. What does everyone else take?

Thank you that is very helpful. I wonder if the burping will eventually get better for you. I am a nurse and I would be completely embarrassed when I go to assess my patients and I am burping when I can't really control that LOL. I am looking forward to brushing my teeth and showering after surgery, and of course sleeping which I haven't had much of that due to 2 new puppies lol Silly huh? lol I am planning on taking almost 3 weeks off due to the physical part of my job, my boss wasn't happy about that and had some issues trying to get the time off but I got it worked out through HR. Most of the patients I have taken care of post-op Lap-cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal laparoscopically), has the same gas pains and we make them get up and walk to help expel the gas. Most of the time they don't want to get out of bed due to the pain, but I tell them that they will feel much better if they just get up and walk. My husband is going to make thanksgiving dinner tomorrow since I won't get to eat it for Thanksgiving this year because I will be on full liquids and mushies around that time. He is so sweet. I wonder if you are feeling the stuck feeling due to the band still healing and maybe there is still some swelling? When do you go see your surgeon again? What kind of reaction did you get to the glue? Was it Dermabond? I was really worried about the Fluid thing mainly because I am a big Water drinker and my mouth gets so dry especially when I am working and in the winter time when the heat is on in the house, the dry air makes it worse. I am a bit worried though about coughing alot post op. I have asthma and usually anesthesia wreaks havoc on my lungs. I am planning on taking my inhaler and ask them for a breathing treatment in PACU. My pillow will be right with me too to help with splinting my incision when I cough. I go tomorrow to get my labs drawn. Where did they put your port? I asked my surgeon where he was going to place mine and he said he is going to place it 2 inches left of my belly button and 2 inches up from there. I just hope it isn't on my panty line or where the top of my jeans sit because that could be uncomfortable. I hear of some people getting them placed really high which some have complained about it sticking out after they lose alot of weight. If that does happen, surgeons can switch it out with a low-profile port. I am going to start lifting weights and do strength training as soon as my surgeon says its ok. I want to try and tone up my muscles the best I can in my arms, legs and lower abs so I can reduce the loose skin that I will have. What kind of Protein shake are you using? Sorry with all the questions, I keep thinking of things as I am typing LOL Hopefully your band will relax so that you can slowly advance your diet to real food. I am so excited for you!

One of the nurses I work with had a tummy tuck done because she was getting yeast infections underneath the flap of her excess skin due to rubbing. They paid for it, for that reason.

Check with your pharmacist to see if the pills can be cut or crushed. Some pills can't be crushed or cut due to enteric coating or time release. Check with your Dr. to see if they can change your order to a liquid or alternative route method for a little while or permanently. FYI: pills can taste bitter when crushed.

I researched them all quite extensively before I decided to make my choice. I am a nurse and have taken care of many patients with bypass and sleeve procedures and have taken care of them when they had complications arising from the surgeries mainly from non-compliance with the dietary restrictions and electrolyte imbalances causing other problems based on nutrition. I have also taken care of banded patients as well who have their own complications from being too tight. Bypass and Duodenal switch procedures are restrictive and malabsorptive meaning that it will give you portion control but the malabsorptive part of it means that you don't absorb the nutrients that you need which can cause nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances. Hence, therefore its a must that you take Vitamin supplements for life. With bypass, the stomach is not removed but rerouted. With D/S, there is rerouting but the difference is that it limits absorption of fat The risks with either of these surgeries run significantly higher than other WLS procedures which include readmission due to complications causing long hospital stays. Weight loss with both are rapid. They both carry lists of risks and they are not reversible. One of the nurses I work with had gastric bypass and is having extreme difficulty retaining Calcium and Vitamin D levels. She has had many problems and 3 additional surgeries just this year from bowel obstructions and ileus.Our best man of our wedding also had bypass 6 years ago and has stretched his stomach out from overeating that now he has gained all of his weight back. The risk of all WLS is that if you overeat, you will stretch your pouches and the potential for gaining weight will happen if you don't change your dietary habits. Gastric Sleeve- this procedure will remove a large portion of your stomach (removed out of your body) that secretes an appetite stimulating hormone called Ghrelin. The stomach turns into a banana like bag and is a restrictive procedure. The risks are less than the bypass or D/S. This is not reversible. Lap-Band or AGB- is the lowest risk and safest WLS available. It is a restrictive procedure. It is reversible and safe for those who are pregnant, or who may want additional children. There are lists of risks associated with each WLS procedure that I will not list here. I encourage you to research each one and write down the list for each. With any WLS, if you don't change your dietary habits you will stretch your pouches causing weight gain and complications. For any person who is considering WLS, I recommend to educate yourself, make a list of questions to ask, and ask your surgeon. It is a personal choice. Just make sure you arm yourself with all of the information that you need to make the best possible decision for yourself because no one can make that choice for you, not even your surgeon. A list of pros and cons for each surgery may help you make the best decision. Ask "what if" questions for everything, remember this is your weight loss journey. Knowledge is power. I personally have chosen the Lap Band due to its reversibility, low risk of complications and safety for pregnancy if I choose to later have additional children. I will be banded 11/1611. Before I made my decision, I researched risks, complications, read blogs and forums such as this one, watched youtube videos of people who have had the band and what problems or positive outcomes they have experienced, I researched studies, and questioned my surgeon on numerous occasions to arm myself with the knowledge to make the choice for me. I am and have been addressing the behavioral part of dietary changes by seeing a behavioral therapist since the beginning of this year. If your mind is not in the right place, then you need to get it there before starting WLS or you will continue to make the same poor choices. I also have an excellent supportive husband who is completely on board with my decision. Best of luck to you

I have heard great things about the Vitafusion. I think Target carries those. I may end up trying those when I finish this bottle. Fiber gummies is an idea. I did buy some Benefiber powder and some colace just in case. I normally always have been very regular but I have heard that once you are banded, the BM's are maybe every 3 days. I guess that would be something to get used to. They told me not to use Tums either due to the carbonate. I have been using the Pepcid complete chewables for acid but those have calcium carbonate in those too. Having gas makes you feel incredibly uncomfortable. I don't have my book at the moment, but I can't remember what they did recommend for quick relief of heartburn/reflux. I will have to look and get back to you.

Yes, my surgery is very soon and I am starting to get a bit nervous but its an excited nervousness. I have noticed lately that my reflux has really flared up, maybe its because of the new stress of the surgery. It started the day after I found out I was approved by my insurance. How weird is that? lol My husband says its stress related. Are you back to work yet or are you still on your medical leave? Think of it this way, you will save tons of money in grocery bills but you will spend lots of money on new clothes hahaha! I guess it evens itself out LOL. Have you experienced any problems so far? I am more worried about the first few days with being able to get enough rest. I was told that you need to drink 1-2 ounces hourly, how am I going to get adequate sleep if I have to wake myself hourly to drink? I have 2 new puppies at home so sleep is pretty minimal anyway. Are you able to drink more than 1-2 ounces hourly? I am a big Water drinker and worried about me being thirsty from the soreness of my throat from anesthesia. I will probably eat tons of Popsicles the first few days anyways. Any advice on what your experience has been would be very helpful

Congratulations!! 19 pounds is fantastic!!! I have heard that many people use the Flintstones chewables but take 2 a day instead of just 1. Are you taking 2 or 1? I am currently taking the One a day adult gummy Vitamins and I have been debating on if I can continue to take those post band. They are relatively very small and I take small bites of the vitamins to get into practice so that they will go down easy past the band. They taste great and so far I have been very compliant taking them because they taste so good! Best of luck to you! Congrats! Soon you will be shopping for new clothes, How fun!!!

My wonderful husband of 7 years recently voiced his concern and insecurity to me. He told me he was worried that when I lost all of my weight that I would leave him and find someone else. I reassured him that I love him with all of my heart and I am and have been happily married to him for 7 years and nothing is going to change except that things would get even better. I told him that this was about me and the desire to grow old with him still holding hands like we do now. I am reassuring him every day and constantly keeping the communication open and extra affection given. I think if the marriage is not going so well before the band, then it probably still won't go well after the band, and if the marriage is great before the band, then it will just get even greater! I wrote down a list of things that many people take for granted and shared with him such as being able to be confident that I will be able to fit in an amusement park ride comfortably, being able to buy smaller size clothes that are cute and stylish, being able to go up and down stairs without being so winded that I can't catch my breath...and so on. I shared this long list (there were tons more reasons) with him and I think he had a greater understanding, plus that is also opening yourself up to a vulnerability by sharing those personal things that probably you wouldn't share with anyone except your dog because those things for me are extremely personal. Try sitting down with him and asking him some open ended questions to get more specific answers from him to help understand what he is going to be going through too since it will be a change for him as well. It is somewhat of a challenge with preparing meals, dining out, purchasing groceries. He needs to be completely on board with you and your diet changes and truly be your supportive partner in this journey. Hopefully you have found this post helpful. Best of luck to you. I would also encourage counseling if you are unable to get the communication lines open on your own. Sometimes having a mediator is very helpful. Continue to reassure him daily, keep communication open and eventually he will realize you will be stuck to him like glue

Thank you Lisa. I am a nurse and work for a large hospital. I definatey supercede the requirements. I believe I worked more than 1700 hours. I actually spoke with HR today and they handled it thank goodness! They really had my back and I am grateful. They asked for me to obtain a letter from my surgeons office stating that it was medically necessary and then they would email my manager telling her that she needed to sign my paperwork. The one thing I noticed was that HR wanted my surgeons office to state what specifically that I was having done. I didn't think they could ask that due to HIPAA? I called my surgeons office and they wrote a vague letter to protect my health information by stating (This laparoscopic procedure was approved and deemed medically necessary due to health reasons, Approximate time off of work would be from such and such date to such and such date). I honestly believe nobody needs to know what I am doing except for my surgeon, and my family. I was worried that HR wouldn't back me up, but I was very surprised at the help I have received. I have never taken FMLA ever so this was a whole new process for me. Thank you so much for the advice.

I work full time as a night nurse 3 days a week, homeschool my teenage son 4 days a week., I have adopted 2 brand new puppies, a 3 yr old dog who desires more attention than my puppies because she is jealous of the new ones, running my son to and from his basketball practices and games, and a husband who works full time and goes to college full time. Needless to say our house is quite hectic and honestly I have no idea why we all haven't just collapsed of fatigue. In order for me to have my energy, I try and make sure when I do sleep, that it is quality sleep with no noisy interruptions. I take my Vitamins and a supplemental B12 which really helps. As far as exercise goes, I get the best workout by using my Kinect which is similar to Wii. I enjoy dancing and the Kinect has a great dancing game called Dance Central which I thoroughly enjoy and also Kinect adventures. The first time I played those games, I was having so much fun that 5 hours had past. Needless to say, I couldn't move the next day because I was so incredibly sore. It does not feel like exercise at all when you are playing it, but I guarantee you will learn about muscles you didn't know you had. Other ideas for exercise is squats when you put your clothes from your washer into your dryer, toss in some music and try dancing while folding clothes, leg lunges when vacuuming, you can do some stretching, arm curls, and you can use a weight resistance band for your legs. Try to get up and walk instead of sitting down. The more you stand, the likeliness that you will walk. Before getting out of bed, try doing some abdominal crunches, leg lifts, and stretching. Every little bit will burn calories and the best time to get your metabolism running is start your exercise in the morning even if it is only 10 minutes. You can break up a 30 minute workout by doing it in 10 minute increments throughout the day. There is a great website called sparkpeople.com which is free, and actually gives you motivational articles and short how to video clips and ideas for exercise which is fantastic. I have used that site for many years now and find it so incredibly helpful when I need motivation. :thumbup: Are you taking your vitamins? Are you getting enough Protein? Are you drinking enough Water? Best of luck to you, keep us updated on your progress :seeya:

I plan on having sugar free Jello, sugar free popsicles, Fruit ice, which can be made with crystal light or sugar Free Kool-aid. chicken and beef bouillon, no sugar added apple, cranberry, or grape juice. You can also dilute the juice as 1 part juice 1 part Water. Amplify Protein powder (grey container from GNC) which is low carb, low sugar and 1 scoop is 20 grams of protein. I currently have the chocolate and have been using it since the beginning of the year. It tastes just like Nestle Quick. They also offer Cookies & Cream, and vanilla. I plan on purchasing the other flavors this week so that I am prepared. Some other ideas are: Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) made with 1 cup of skim milk and 1/3 cup of dry non-fat milk powder Low carb slim-fast shakes Carb Solution shakes Isopure EAS Advantage Atkins Advantage Shakes Optisource High Protein drinks ( I have heard these taste very very good, grape apparently is the best)

My surgeon said I only needed to do a 3 day pre-op liquid diet. Thank goodness! I have read on some posts where people were doing up to 2 weeks liquid diet! omg! I think I would die lol

Cheri, Thank you so much for the wonderful encouragement and advice. It was wonderful to read. Congratulations on your success. I will not allow the holidays to defeat me because I am in control! I refuse to allow myself to start bad habits. This is a fresh start for me and I am ready. Thank you for the prayers! You are welcome to stop by any time on this forum and leave encouraging notes because we all need that

My surgery is scheduled for November 16th , however my manager is having a fit that I am wanting to take FMLA because they are having trouble trying to cover my shifts because they don't have enough staffing. She is completely stressing me out about this. I had notified her on October 15th that I was going to be taking medical leave but I didn't have a date yet set because I was waiting to hear back from my insurance company and my surgeon's office. I even have an email to her as proof! I called her on Nov 2nd after the surgeons office called me to confirm my surgery date and she said "ok, just place your leave of absence form under my door and ill sign it" Well, 2 days later she calls and tells me she isn't sure I would be able to take my FMLA due to inadequate staffing!!!!! I already had my pre-op testing and insurance approval, the block of time for my surgeon was set at the hospital, child care arrangements, and my husband already took time off of work. I doubt my insurance company is going to pay for repeat testing again since I only have a short window of time to get this surgery done before I have to repeat all of these tests. I have never taken FMLA ever on any job before. She then threw policy at me and said that she needed a 30 day notice. Well, I actually did provide her with that when I spoke to her on 10/15. I have surgery scheduled in 10 days, what do I do if she tells me that she won't sign off on my request for medical leave? I have a feeling I may have to go to Human Resources about this. I was super excited because I was approved so quickly with my insurance and now I am feeling stressed out after her call to me. Well, regardless I am having my surgery, even if they have to write me up over it. I kinda doubt they will fire me because I am having surgery. If they do, I think that would be grounds for a lawsuit. Help! Any suggestions as to how to handle this? I feel backed into a corner right now. Sorry just needed to vent

I have exclusive choice and my approval was a piece of cake. They will pay for the surgery 100% if you have a BMI over 40 or if your BMI is 35-39 with 2 comorbidities, I believe. I am not sure if it goes lower than 35 with approval or not. My BMI is over 40 so it was an immediate yes. They also require you to do a 3 month medically supervised diet. HMR which is extremely expensive but it works, or Weight watchers and be seen by your physician regularly with medically managed documentation. I submitted my paperwork on a Thursday, 5 days later I was approved! They are extremely fast with approval.