Sojourner

SHHHH!!! I'm really very compliant with my diet and all medical instructions...but when raspberry infused rum is mixed with raspberry Jello...just couldn't say "no"! We won't mention this...what's written in the forum stays in the forum...

You will not be able to swallow pills without crushing them for the first few weeks post op. My surgeon prescribed a liquid form of hydrocodone prior to my surgery. I had all of my prescriptions that came in a different form changed to either liquid or chewable form. The rest had to be crushed...and no matter what I did, I was unsuccessful with disguising the horrible bitter taste of the pills.

I was pleased to read that your surgeon is providing you with so much informative and helpful nutrition education both for the pre op and post op phases of your diet. It will make a major positive difference in your level of confidence and understanding as you move through the phases of your new life with your band! Best wishes as your journey continues...

As others have said, make certain to achieve your protein goal every day, and take Biotin.

Learning the psychology behind the reasons for your loss of control with food will be helpful and add to the success of your weight loss journey. Your journey will present challenges every day...and emotionally if you are strong enough to meet them it will enhance your success with weight loss. Best wishes as you begin your journey...

My surgeon said no alcohol of any type for a full year post op...but that's difficult to follow when there are so many family celebrations. The major concerns are the empty calories you have in the wine or other alcohol...and definitely less tolerance for the amount of alcohol you consume. Last month I attended a party and had 2 Jello shots over a 2 hour span of time. I'm glad I did not need to drive...before the band this would not have affected me...post band, I was not safe to drive. Definitely avoid any carbonation...your band does not like carbonation...

The hospital you are having your surgery done at may have an active support group that meets there, so check into it. Pre op is the best time to have any residual issues you may have with PTSD addressed...and also to be certain that your mood disorder is stable with counseling and/or medications. Post op there will be numerous chemical and physiological changes that you will be coping with, so you want to be in the best possible emotional health prior to surgery. It's always sad to read that individuals have unsupportive family members...ideally they should be the "go to" people for emotional support. There may be other options...the hospital support group, and even this forum. There are many participants here who are very knowledgeable and willing to share their insights and best practices with others who are on similar weight loss journeys. You are doing something positive for yourself...best wishes as your journey begins...

Much smaller meals of a cup by volume is not a myth or an exaggeration...that's what a bandster meal consists of. If you are in your "zone" that amount should keep you from getting hungry for at least 4 hours between meals.

Your concerns are normal...but as others have mentioned eating with smart food choices and in the right sized portions will be the keys to your weight loss success. If you follow the rules, you will loose weight. The band is very self empowering, as your perseverance and complying with your diet will determine your weight loss. You should be aware of your daily Protein goal, and strive to meet it every day. If you have too little protein, you will slow your weight loss. If you have too few calories, then you will also stall your weight loss. You will need to do some experimenting to identify what types of exercise, and understand the proper food choices that will work for you, and be compliant with the portion sizes recommended by your surgeon to be successful with your weight loss. I've been advised to never count calories, only to make wise food choices and to measure my portions. Every surgeon will have slightly different diet requirements, so it's always a good idea to begin with understanding and following your surgeon's recommendations. Best wishes...

As tmf wrote, insurance policies have many variations in their requirements and coverage...and the surgeons do have variations in their treatment protocol for their patients. You will need to find out specifics with your surgeon for their treatment protocol after you have chosen which one you want to do your surgery. As for the psych eval, if your mood disorder is stable with the medication you are taking, it should not interfere with the approval process. The psych evaluation is looking for realistic expectations on the part of the patient, tendencies towards eating disorders, and history of substance abuse/dependence. All of these conditions can negatively impact your treatment outcome with bariatric surgery. Having any of these conditions does not necessarily mean that you would not be approved for the surgery, however you might need to be treated for it, and have a qualified professional sign off on their approval for you to proceed with your weight loss surgery. Though my surgeon wanted me to stay in the hospital overnight, I was able to have the surgery and leave the same day. Best wishes...

I'm pretty certain that the psych eval provider who conducted your evaluation was speaking outside of the scope of their practice. Your choice as to the type of weight loss surgery you ultimately have done should be a decision you make with your bariatric surgeon. ALL WLS require the patient to revise their relationship with food and make an effort to control what and how much they eat, and to make a commitment to get some regular exercise. As for the statistics, they don't hold much relevance for me. I believe that you can be successful with your weight loss no matter the path you take if you are sufficiently motivated to achieve that success. I know of several by pass patients who have been less successful that I have been to date because they were not compliant with the diet they are supposed to follow. My weight loss goal total is 106 pounds. I understand that this will take me over a year to achieve...but this journey has taught me the virtue of patience and perseverance. I could not see the need to reconstruct my GI tract...and both my PCP and bariatric surgeon agreed. Whatever WLS procedure you choose will come with risks; and the band in general has less of them. I have experienced some medical complications since having my band placed, but these were not caused by the band. I would self assess your level of motivation for success, and discuss these, along with your weight loss goal with your bariatric surgeon and PCP. Believe in yourself...and don't allow opinions of those who are not qualified to render them to impact your thinking. Best wishes as you consider your options...

I can relate to your disappointment...it took 14 weeks for me to have my first fill due to medical complications. The time will pass quickly...

Another key point that I read while doing some research is that those who actually measure their portion sizes rather than "eyeball" the portion for accuracy are more successful with weight loss. Another example of the eyes being larger than the stomach (or pouch)!

Yes, my bra size is down (40D to 36C), and husband is lamenting the change. I've reminded him that I'm still larger than I was when we were married...and he had no complaints back then... :wub: . I'm so happy with my smaller sizes that it just doesn't matter to me! Wishing continuing success to all...

It was great to read your message...your level of motivation to be successful is the key to your success! The band is such an empowering weight loss tool...and we self determine our level of success with the journey. As you already know, this forum has so many knowledgeable participants who share their insights and best practices. Most all are here to be a support system to our fellow bandsters...others on the same journey will be able to understand your perspective and be supportive. Best wishes for your success...

Don't forget to bring a Chapstick to the hospital with you...my lips were so dry. I was thankful I remembered to bring it! My surgeon gave comprehensive instructions to me for the post op time, which I took great care to follow. I would advise you to get your post op prescriptions filled prior to your surgery if the surgeon has given them to you. I had everything at the house, and was prepared to manage my pain. I also stocked up on all of the post op groceries I would need...ingredients for Protein shakes, SF popsicles, SF Jello and especially important for me (due to salt cravings) plain chicken broth. I also found that using a heating pad on low setting periodically was soothing to my abdomen, and using it did not interfere with my post op healing. Make certain to walk around your house for at least a few minutes every hour you are awake...it helps to resolve post op gas issues and lowers risks for development of DVT. Best wishes as you begin your journey...

There is a time for healing and a time for loosing...and your primary purpose at this time is to continue to heal. I believe it helps to not become obsessed with your scale...minor fluctuations in weight from day to day are normal, and as tmf shared can be influenced by many different reasons. If you remain compliant with your surgeon's instructions for your diet, the weight will come off. It always helps to empower yourself during times like this when there are concerns about a lack of progress...do what you can to enhance your success...like don't forget to get your exercise in as often as is tolerated within reason following your surgeon's instructions.

I have to agree with others who have written that the issues causing conflict don't really have to do with the WLS. You should be realistic about this...a support system is what you want it to be. Likely there would be a support group in the area you would be moving to. You can't blame anyone or any life event for your weight gain; that's something you need to be able to accept the responsibility for. There is a psychology behind maladaptive eating patterns, and seeking counseling as either a couple or by yourself would help to identify the reasons why these unhealthy relationship dynamics developed. Your information regarding the time line for qualifying for insurance coverage are accurate for some, not all insurance plans. The requirements vary by policy and insurance company. As for surgeons not wanting to accept another's surgeon's patients, this is primarily based on wanting to limit their professional liability risks. Sad but true, the bottom line there is the dollar... One consideration I want to share with you is that having a band is not always limited to just regular follow up appointments. Sometimes one can have unanticipated negative consequences...I was hospitalized for weight loss related issues, not band related medical issues. Twice since being banded I attended a regular scheduled appointment with my bariatric surgeon, and he sent me directly from his office to the ER. Imagine the logistical nightmare this situation has the potential to create... I know that many others who participate on this forum have opted to travel great distances to their surgeon...even to a foreign country. They usually have positive outcomes. I'm just not comfortable with that idea, and am better off for having my surgeon based locally. Other's mileage may vary...best wishes as you consider your options.

My surgeon advised that Imodium was not recommended. He advised me to get probiotic supplements, which to be truthful do not seem to help.

For me, hiccoughs are a "soft signal" that I have had enough to eat. When they appear, mealtime is over, no matter what may be left on my plate. Our dogs just love my diet...they get all the leftovers!

It's never too late to improve the quality of your life...and I'm an older bandster with 2 wonderful grandchildren. My primary motivation to have my surgery was to avoid several additional medical conditions...but there are many benefits which I was not focused on. How nice to not need to adjust the seat in my car to comfortable get in, get out , and fit in it while driving...not to mention the feeling of a degree of increased agility after loosing 60+ pounds. Definitely do your research, attend a seminar for additional information...and decide if it is the right choice for you. Though I have experienced a couple of weight loss related medical complications since having my band placed, they are mild compared to what my weight loss is sparing me from. Best wishes to you as you "weigh" your options...

Yes...the restriction in my band does fluctuate, though not to the degree that you mention. My observations are that the amount of stress I feel (such as while driving) and the hot summer temperatures we are experiencing seem to make my band tighter...to a degree that I have had to relearn how to eat yet again.

I'm and older person, though all things are relative...at least older by most of the age cohort on this forum. I am a grandmother X2... I also have many of the issues you write about...lumbar spine arthritis and chronic inflammation in my hips. As per my orthopedist, the only "safe place" for me to get any exercise is in the pool...so I make the effort to get over to the "Y" for Water aerobics classes 3X a week. You mention that you don't eat much...I don't know if you ever consulted with a registered dietitian for good advice about a healthy bandster diet. Sometimes you need to consume enough calories and meet your daily Protein goal to continue to loose weight. I'm still very motivated to get back to a normal BMI...and understand that my journey is challenged by my limited ability to exercise. It can be done, but it does require patience and perseverance. Best wishes...