gottobeme

I also question a doctor that says this. Ask him more about it. I had my surgery 4/13 and may have my first fill on 6/7. At this time I don't think I need a fill but I also know I am still healing from surgery so by June things may change. I have been wondering if maybe I am an exception to the rule at this time. Also from what I have read on here people's bodies go through changes all the time and you may from time to time need a fill or unfill just because your body decides it needs one.

My nutritionist had not heard of them so I took one to her today. I did find the bars at Wal-Mart today (singles only). They were higher in calories that I usually allow for a Protein bar so I passed on them. I may try them later.

I did ask before I considered surgery and was assured it was okay! I can't wait!

Unfortunately I think it varies greatly. You said after they get all your information. Does that mean your insurance has approved surgery? Or are you still having appointments required by your doctor such as Psych, Nutrition etc. and that is the information they have received? Every office is different and has a different size of case load. I think it is best just to call the office and ask how long it generally takes them.

So I have to admit that this post is a chance for me to whine a little, but I would like some advice too. I work in an elementary school and was so proud of myself because I had not had a cold this school year. Well we have about 4 weeks left of school and BAM, I now have a cold. I was banded April 13th so this is my first "banded cold". Earlier today I had a little bit of an upset stomach, my thinking is that it was from things in my head draining down to my stomach. I've never really had issues with this before but was wondering if having a band may make me more susceptible issues like this. I can never remember if you are supposed to "feed a cold and starve a fever or feed a fever and starve a cold" so basically I've always just ate. Now I think I'm hungry but wondering if it is just a response for comfort. Any ideas? I'm on mushies right now and thinking some refried Beans sound good... Thanks for any advice!

Maybe. I know that's not the answer you want but check with a doctor and your insurance. My BMI was under 33 when I had surgery but I had started the process with a BMI over 46 and a few co morbidities. More insurance companies are starting to cover it for lower BMI's if there are other factors involved such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and others.

Those crushed meds are a problem. I actually stopped taking one of mine because it was so horrible. I would NOT recommend doing that though. I know I am taking a risk doing it and have considered several times in the past trying to quit this particular med. Try mixing it with SF chocolate pudding. I learned this from my sister who is a PA and has a 6 year old son who has to take crushed tablets. She told me it has such a strong taste it helps cover up the taste of the meds. I also tried the applesauce first but it was just horrid!! Hope this tip helps!

When I wasn't embarrassed to have my picture taken with my daughter at her prom!

I hope this link works http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/800-getthin-fire-lap-band-surgery-deaths/story?id=16324523#.T63CxOhul2A I just watched the clip and it is all about 1-800 get thin. In fact in reading the article underneath it states "Done right, the Lap-Band procedure is a safe technique." I actually liked watching it. The doctors that run this clinic are playboys who have both lost their medical license, one has since gotten it back. I feel it really is just a warning to make sure you are dealing with a doctor/team that is concerned for your health, not just making the all mighty buck off of you!

I forgot to mention something! I used my CPAP twice in two weeks after surgery then packed it up! I was actually able to sleep better without it!

April 13th. Enjoying eating my fat free refried beans, mild taco sauce and melted reduced fat cheese with my baby spoon! I know I shouldn't be on the computer while I'm eating but I am. I am on mushies right now and have my next nutritionist appointment Monday, then I get to move to soft foods! I had my post op with my surgeon on May 1st. He was running behind so they sent me to see the nutritionist first. They are all at the same clinic, just different floors and sections. Originally my appointment with the nutritionist was 20 min after my appointment with the surgeon. When I got back up to his office they took me back right away. The nurse I saw was not only new to the surgeon but a new nurse so she wasn't much help answering any questions I had. One hour and forty minutes after my scheduled appointment time I spent less than 5 minutes with the surgeon. I know this sounds like I'm complaining but I really wasn't upset, I did get the few questions I had answered. I would much rather see a doctor who is running late and will spend time with you if you need it than one that is on time because he is in and out as fast as possible. He is a general surgeon not strictly a bariatric surgeon. I have an appointment to see the surgeons PA on June 7th so I'm guessing I may get a fill at that time. Right now I'm not really sure I need one so it's probably a good thing I don't see him for another 3 1/2 weeks, it gives me time to figure it out. If you have read any of my other posts you may know that I started my journey in August at 270 (I'm 5'4"). The doctors and I chose a Modified Very Low Calorie diet for me while I was waiting to fulfill my insurance/clinic's pre-op requirements. I did not always stick strictly to the diet but I did make a few lifestyle changes along the way and by the time I had surgery I was down to 199.5. Today I was hovering a little over 184 when I weighed myself this afternoon. Of course I like to think since I weighed myself in the afternoon instead of in the morning before having anything to eat or drink I am a pound or two lower than that! One of the reasons I'm mentioning this is to let others know if you are as large as I was (BMI 46+) it may be a while before many people start to notice your weight loss, or at least feel comfortable enough to say something to you about it. I have been very open with people at work about working with the clinic and that my goal was to have surgery. There are a few others that I work with (but in a different building) that are working with the same Weight Management Team although they are not necessarily considering surgery. A few people that I am close to have said encouraging things to me along the way but most people really didn't seem to notice until I was down about 50 lbs or more. Maybe it was because they saw me everyday so it really wasn't that obvious. Don't be discouraged if people aren't noticing or saying anything. They may not be sure and don't want to embarrass themselves by saying anything. Now a lot of people are starting to notice. I'm down about 86lbs. The goal I have set for myself is 130. I have been wondering a lot lately how "tied" to that number I should be. I chose it because it will put me at a normal BMI. I have gone from Morbidly Obese to Obese and am getting close to that Overweight BMI. My current BMI is about 31.5. It feels weird but good to be looking forward to being "overweight"! This post may be more appropriate under "My Story" but I think it will reach more people here and I hope others find it encouraging. Besides I am still in the very early stages of my journey. Thanks for sticking with my rambling post! Teri

My clinic has us taking Bariatric advantage multivitamins and calcium supplements the first 90 days. They say after that they help you find more affordable alternatives.

Thanks for the heads up!

LOL! Love your choice of words! I have had problems with constipation. Now I'm in the mushy stage and have found that adding Beans to my diet has helped keep things moving.

My clinic also say no straws and no gum. At my pre op nutrition appt she told us about a patient complaining about some of her problems while she was chewing gum (she also used a straw). Once she stopped the gum and the straw her problems went away. My nutritionist also said since there is no real "standard of care" for lap band patients at this time we will hear and read a lot of different recommendations. My thoughts are follow your doctors orders, then they can't blame you if something isn't going as expected. lol If your doctors directions don't seem to be working for you, look around on here. I would say go with what seems to be the most conservative advice and see if that works better for you.

MMmmm...Coke Zero! I haven't had one since March 30th! That was my drink of choice also. I never thought I would be able to go this long without soda. I'm hoping not to want it anymore, so far it's been easier than I expected...but then again it has only been 6 weeks so far.

Wow, it's so cool to see how everyone has had different experiences! For me Lap Band was easiest. I have to wonder if weight and age make a difference also. I had my gall bladder out when I was 23 and probably around 180. I had a full open surgery with it and they did not get all the stones so I had to go back a week or so later for an ERCP. After that experience my C-section (at 26 and around 220) was a breeze, although I was upset that none of the nurses had me up and walking before I left the hospital. When I think back on this I can't believe they did not make me walk! I was up walking a few steps the same night I had my gall bladder out even though I was in extreme pain!...Okay time to get back to the topic... My highest weight last summer was 270. I was down to 199.5 (and 43) the day of my lap band surgery. Maybe it was the knowledge of how to move with incisions from my previous abdominal surgeries that helped but for me the lap band was the easiest. I was also lucky not to have any shoulder pain from the gas they use.

That would be tough living in a dorm! If you have a fridge keep cottage cheese on hand. I am also allowed soft low fat cheese. I keep some farmers cheese and reduced fat string cheese on hand at home and in the fridge at work. Living in Wisconsin I have many cheeses to choose from. I am also allowed low fat or vegetarian refried Beans. If you have a microwave they would be easy to have. It is recommended to add a little broth if they are too dry. These are all excellent sources of Protein for you. Instant mashed potato's might be easier for you also, although not high in protein.

Thanks - I'll have to stock up!

I prefer the chocolate over the vanilla. The vanilla seems a too sweet to me. I am not allowed to have fruits yet but I have a feeling blending them like n2animals suggested would taste better.

I have heard a lot of people having chili. I'm not allowed red meat for approx 6 months. Anyone else have this restriction?

Don't be scared about it! Just consider it PMS for your band! I can't say that I didn't have any ups and downs but it wasn't really that bad.

I was banded on 4/13 and have not taken communion since. I plan to eventually but not for a while. We use a gluten free bread due to gluten allergies in our congregation. My pastor knows that I am not able to have communion but I do go forward for a blessing. Since I am a member of our worship "team" (I run our projector) I receive communion at the beginning of the meal. This puts me in front of everyone and they see that I am not receiving communion. I have been open with everyone about my surgery so I don't have a problem with this. It is also something to consider for yourself. Today we had a guest pastor and I simply said I am not able to take communion at this time, no problem, he gave me a wonderful blessing.

I have heard of people adding unflavored protein like unjury to it so there is protein there.

I have been on 50 mg of zoloft for many, many years. Be sure you continue to take it your meds after surgery. As long as it's not a time release you can crush it up and take it. If it is a time release talk to your doctor and pharmacist about an alternative. I recommend mixing crushed tablets in a little bit of SF chocolate pudding. Crushed meds taste horrible and the choc pudding has a strong taste that helps cover it up. I learned this from my sister who has to give her son meds this way.