Sojourner

As information, this is a WLS forum; the term "obese" is a medical term relating to the percentage of fat a person has within their anatomy which is beyond what would considered to be healthy for that individual. If you are offended by the term "obese" used on this forum, perhaps you are also in denial of your own obesity, yet you opted for WLS. So, you and me, and other participants were/are OBESE. I believe that all participants on this forum would have at some point been obese, otherwise they and you included would not have opted for WLS. Who are you to tell others to apologize to someone? Just because someone who has a medical background (aka Cheryl) used correct medical terminology in responding to a post...you get offended?? It is transparent and obvious to me that you do have some personality issues with Cheryl...however it is inappropriate to allow them to affect the content of a post. j/s Our mission on this forum, as I understand it to be, is both weight loss and improving health, and also sharing emotional support and best practices along the way. Not everyone, myself included, believe that it is the correct approach to "sugar coat" and "coddle" others to get the results they desire. Cheryl IS a class act...an educated individual who tells it like it is...if you don't like her style, so be it... Telling another to apologize for speaking in honest medical terms is simply immature and inappropriate. IMHO...your mileage obviously does vary...

I've been a member of this forum for just about a year now...and have definitely found that reading about the experiences of others and discussing topics related to best practices about adjusting to the new way life with your band to be beyond helpful. They have saved me many a phone call to my surgeon's office. My concern is that there are some forum members who seem to have taken it upon themselves to venture beyond the spirit of the forum and write in terms of "this is the way you do that". My perspective, which I realize is tempered by my professional training and experience, is that each of us has the right to read what we choose, and can either accept/try the "advice" of others, or ignore it and move on. When it comes to the area of the "bandster diet", there are many variations, and the best approach will be to follow the instructions you were given by your surgeon. You can choose to modify them, however I feel it is important to discuss your concerns with the physician or nutritionist, and only proceed with major changes with their knowledge. My concern is that the "low carb" or "doesn't matter carb" or "cheat day" regimen has the risk of confusing newer members of this community as to what guidelines they should follow. This is a good topic to discuss with your own nutritionist. I have great concerns when someone posts definitively that "your doctor does not care"...or "all insurance companies follow the same practices", is just simply inaccurate. Stating broad generalizations about the guidelines each insurance company follows is way off the mark of reality. I know that much definitively...as I have dealt with them for years as both the consumer and the provider of services. Most concerning to me though is crossing the line to give medical advice in response to some of the questions posted on the forum. I believe that we have paid for the medical expertise of our medical team, so we should utilize their knowledge. I understand that some of the members of this forum have received different levels of pre op and post op education, however it is important to understand that we are not physicians here, and all medical questions are best discussed with your surgeon or medical team. Your well being and health are far too important to be entrusted to other forum members. Peace of mind is a priceless commodity...so call your medical team for your answer! In the medical field, and other allied professions, we are educated to understand that we must remain within the scope of our specialty. To go outside those boundaries and advise patients in an area beyond your expertise is considered to be unethical. Such actions are considered to be serious violations, and one could possibly jeopardize their professional license to engage in such practices. The bottom line? Unless you have the proper credentials issued by your state's medical oversight board, it is advisable to not give medical advice to others, even if offered in the spirit of well meaning and only wanting to help others... IMHO...others mileage may vary...

As per my surgeon, after a recent encounter with a stomach virus, if you are ill and going to vomit, then that is what is going to happen. No, it's not the healthiest event for someone with a band, but single incidents should have no long term complications with your band. I got my virus from my grandsons when I had been banded around 9 months...I had to have a small unfill to give my stomach an opportunity to calm after the irritation. Post illness and prior to the unfill, I stayed on liquids, and could not eat any solid food after 2 days, so I realized that intervention from my surgeon would be required. I recently had the same amount of Fluid replaced and thankfully there was no significant aftereffects from vomiting. It does happen, just do your best to minimize the incidents is what I learned through my experiences.

Nausea can be a symptom of dehydration; I ended up in the ER as a result of not recognizing this. It's positive that you spoke to your PA regarding this and they are aware of your situation...perhaps sipping some Water would help? I hope you feel better fast...

I actually know that the quote was from the Jedi master "Yoda"...who is a fictional character, and I felt many others might not know what/who a Yoda was...however most remember the "Star Wars" trilogy. What type individual posts something of that nature to "verify the accuracy of information? It was not necessary to comment about me "being right"...that was not the spirit of the topic. I just believe it is healthier for people to be their own advocate and think for themselves... Others mileage may vary...

As B-52 mentioned, if you have restriction, you will not be able to chug Water and have it stay down. Another lesson I have learned, is that your band can feel tighter at different times of the day...for me it is when I get stressed (like while driving in traffic) or first thing in the morning. Sometimes I can only sip water, other times I can drink faster...it depends on the mood my band is in. Because there is so much to learn with life with your band, they want you to sip water and develop the habit of doing it so that you don't forget sometime in the future and exceed the limit of how much water can pass through your band. I used to take all of my prescription pills at once with a big gulp of water. One morning I was rushing to get out of the house...forgot and took my pills the "old way". It wasn't pretty...not going to do that again. Now it is rote memory to take them 1 at a time, and wait a minute between each pill. Life lesson learned at last...

We all experience being on a "learning curve" as we adjust to our new way of life with our bands. Another life lesson learned...

It does read that your band may be too tight...but you should definitely get in contact with your surgeon ASAP and let them know what is happening. Let your physician make these medical decisions...their expertise is what you are paying them for.

I was prescribed hydrocodone in liquid form for post op.

I could not even begin to guess as to the carb grams and calories I have during the course of a day, as I was advised to never count calories, and make healthy food choices. I make an effort to limit carbs to a minimum, and stay with fresh/steamed vegetables and fresh fruit only, and focus on lean Proteins. Regarding carbs, I have a perspective grounded in my professional experience in addictions counseling. This may be regarded by some on this forum to be a bit unconventional, however addictions to food and carbs are real and are significant contributors to the obesity problems our population faces. To achieve recovery from one's addictions, you must avoid those things which may trigger your unhealthy eating patterns, which for many of the obese population are unhealthy carb choices. That said, I would encourage you to follow the diet recommended to you by your medical team. I've shared only what works for me. Best wishes for your successful journey...

Most of us find that when we are motivated for success with achieving our goals, we can and will be successful to overcome all of the obstacles in our path... This event is an indication of your determination and motivation for your success...and you have every right to shout it out! There will be many such challenges in the future...and you are creating the solid foundation to meet each of those challenges in stride. Best wishes for a successful journey...you are off to a fantastic start!

It's always best to follow your surgeon's instructions, and ask about what he can allow within reason. Caffeine is a known stomach irritant, and as such we need to be aware of that. There are similar reasons as to why we are advised to not use any NASIDS once banded. I was told that this was the reason to avoid caffeine. I take Nexium daily, and have not had any ill effects from drinking my limited amount of coffee. I continue to drink caffeinated coffee every day, but only allow myself one cup or glass of it. I flavor it with Stevia and add a splash of milk, so though there are some liquid calories involved, it's not to the degree it would be going to Starbucks. Bottom line: Ask your surgeon what they advise...

Why are you spending the money for the surgery, then ignoring the sound instructions your surgeon provided for your post op healing? Through the initial stages of your journey you will likely have to rely on willpower, to me the same as "want power", to be successful to loose weight. You will be able to eat just about anything you want, and in quantities which exceed medically recommended standards. Just because you can eat that way does not mean that you should. That mindset is what it will take for you to learn how to work with your band, and be successful with weight loss. If you are already ignoring instructions given by your surgeon, it does not bode well minimizing the importance of these instructions. Not for your health and well being, or for your weight loss. Another essential thing to remember is that your medical team will always be the best and most important source for answering your medical and diet compliance questions. You are paying for their expertise, utilize it. Best wishes for your successful journey...

What you are describing are definite signs that your band is too tight. My surgeon would not have allowed me to leave the exam room before chugging a small cup of Water to make certain that I did not have those type of indications for the band being too tight. I also wait in the waiting area for around 30 minutes post fill and continue to sip water to make certain that I'm going to be able to keep fluids down. I hope you get this resolved asap...dehydration could make you end up in the ER.

Though others may disagree...I've found that I physically cannot eat more than that 1 cup. I know this because when my husband brings me a plate for a meal, like he did when I recently was initially recovering from foot surgery, the smaller plate was overloaded with the healthy menu items I asked for. He has no idea what a proper portion looks like, though I have attempted to explain this to him repeatedly. His response to me is to just eat what I want. By the time I approach the 1 cup amount, I am already receiving the subtle signals that I am full, and I listen to those signals. No matter the philosophy one subscribes to, we still need to accept responsibility for every bit of food we allow ourselves to have. I know that I would feel miserable if I went beyond the amount I'm allowed to have. You have to be self aware to catch those initial subtle signals from your brain telling you that you've eaten enough. By eating at a slower pace, you should be able to identify those signals, and heed them. IMHO...other's mileage may vary...

My surgeon advised no nutrition or "protein bars". When I'm out and wanting any sort of snack, I always have some almonds with me. Almonds and bottles of water are my constant companions...I never leave home without them...

I wish you the best with your decision...in reality though, not everyone will ever find their "green zone". Hope you have a fast and complete recovery...

When I had my "unfill", the area around my band was still inflamed, so I was advised liquid diet only for 48 hours.

Cheryl is correct with her opinion about the boxed foods. You can still make healthier choices for your diet with a small amount of planning ahead, and it really does not require much time to do. Rate of weight loss will fluctuate, accept that as being normal. Don't automatically assume that you are doing something wrong or become discouraged because your weight loss has slowed. Stay the course, and focus on your goals every day. You will see the results you want.

I guess the majority of others on the forum have asked the same question of themselves...and the reality seems to be that we can loose the weight, but keeping it off is the major challenge. Your band will assist you with this on the long haul if you remain compliant with your diet, and continue to live a healthier lifestyle with exercise and portion control. Best wishes for a successful journey...

Yes, I believe we all understand that we had issues with eating and poor choices in that area...but the process of change does need to begin at some point. No one can be perfect, however if we don't make a commitment early on during this journey, then it does become more difficult to loose the bad habits. Certainly the pre and post op times are the most difficult...diet compliance does come with a "restart button"...we just have to try not to use it too often. Just my opinion...others mileage may vary...

I am surprised that you were not provided with adequate information about the procedure and the follow up care which is necessary for your health and success, even if you were paying the bill yourself. I can only share what my surgeon's instructions were to me; I am able to eat as normal prior to the fill, though nothing within 30 minutes of the fill. Post fill I am required to be on a totally liquid diet for 48 hours, then on soft foods only for the next 24 hours. I had to wait 14 weeks post op for my first fill. Don't expect the first fill to provide much restriction; this is a journey and not an event. I opted for having my band filled slowly and have no regrets. As others have said, you are still healing, and as such you are still retaining fluids. Follow your surgeon's instructions and the weight will come off. Patience is a virtue my band has taught me... Best wishes for your success...

Though a bit tardy with my comment...I want to say that there are so many people who take for granted having the ability to have children, that they are thoughtless when they speak with others. It's a heartbreaking situation...but perhaps you and your wife should look into alternative paths towards parenthood. When you take steps to realize fruition of a goal, it is much more of an emotionally healthy place to be in, than stuck and feeling helpless. {{{Hugs to you}}}