Sojourner

That's great news...and you're correct that this forum is an excellent resource for information with people on the same journey. There is nothing like first hand experience to provide the insights for both problem solving and success. Best wishes for your continued progress...

I agree with what all of the others have written...and would just like to add that it may be helpful to you to avoid getting down and discouraged if you become less obsessed with your scale. Try to avoid the temptation of weighing yourself every day. You end up causing unnecessary negative thoughts about your progress or lack of... Weight loss is not a straight narrow path...small weight fluctuations are normal; if you continue to be compliant with your diet and exercise you have nothing to worry about. Take a day at a time and be patient...the loss will come.

The only difference with a fill done with fluoroscopic imaging is that you have to drink a small amount of contrast, while you are under the intensified x-ray screen while the surgeon watches the screen. They can see the Fluid as it passes through the band, and also can verify that your port is properly working. My surgeon had me watch the screen with him...it was pretty interesting to see the actual process of swallowing and fluids going through the band. Nothing to be concerned about...

I like to have a small bowl full of plain popcorn occasionally. I am aware of needing to chew it well, and as with everything else, eat it slowly. Popcorn is really just carbs, so go lightly with it.

I am also a counselor, with certification in addictions counseling. I understand that when one is too close to the center, in other words the "IP", insights and the ability to apply what you know can become obscured. Use what you already know about the psychology of addiction, and identify what defense mechanisms you are using to justify giving in to your addiction. Why have you not yet identified an alternative skill set of coping mechanisms to get you through the post op adjustments to manage your beliefs about smoking? And why are you seemingly not sufficiently motivated to quit using your chemical (nicotine) crutch? There are valid medical reasons for you to be smoke free. Among many other reasons, at the top of the list for those recovering from surgery is that smoking interferes with the healing process, and at this stage post op, that's what you should be focused on. I understand that nicotine is a highly addictive substance...and it should make you angry that the cigarette manufacturers intentionally increased the nicotine content of cigarettes to make them even more addictive, and people like you more dependent on them. I don't want to seem unduly harsh with my words, but you are the only one who will be able to change your nicotine dependence into the past tense. It would seem from what you wrote that you are not sufficiently motivated to quit smoking to make it happen, and remain smoke free. Both of my parents died way too young (50 and 66 years). Cause of death for both was lung cancer. It's not an easy way to die. Watching the slow process while I was a child, as cancer claimed my father made me never want to smoke. A generation later, my sons witnessed the same deterioration towards death when it was my mother's time. None of my sons smoke; seeing is believing what nicotine can do. My mother stopped smoking 36 years before her lung cancer was diagnosed. I hope you will be honest with your surgeon. If you don't quit smoking now, what else will you give yourself permission to do with non-compliance and your band diet? Everyday we need to comply with the rules for the bandster diet, our success for weight loss and general well being depends on it. At present, I see you poised on the "slippery slope"... Chantix is just another drug crutch...just like methadone to an opiate addict. For lasting success, you already know you have to change your beliefs about smoking. For success with the band, your relationship with food needs to change also. Neither nicotine or food are your friends...and seeking counseling from another qualified professional who specializes in addictions should help. Best wishes...I'd like you to be one of the forum's success stories.

Thanks for sharing your experiences and your pictures. You are an inspiration and a success! Congratulations on a job well done!

Best wishes as you move forward on your journey to a happier and healthier you!

PKB: An excellent thread...because the more we understand about ourselves and identify the core issues behind the self loathing and anger directed inward the more opportunity to change one's thinking to a healthier and more accurate perspective. We cannot change our history...but we can accept that those events, however hurtful or harmful did happen. And then we can begin the process of revising our automatic thoughts and beliefs into a healthier and more accurate perspective. We can move beyond the negative and become successful with getting our minds and bodies into a healthier condition. I'm excited that you took the initiative to realize that you wanted and/or needed to change the direction of your life...kudos to you for taking the steps to become your catalyst for positive change! Best wishes...

It's important to frequently assess how you feel, and to continue your dialogue with your surgeon. He's the medical expert, and you are paying for his expertise. I'm hoping that your surgeon is correct with his assessment of your situation...and that given time the band position will correct itself. Best wishes...

I've noticed a pattern in my thinking over the past few months...that my "head", and my perceptions of self have not kept pace with the reality of my weight loss. Though this is common treatment issue in dealing with individuals with eating disorders (i.e. anorexia nervosa, who believe that they are physically much larger in size than they really are), I never thought it would also be an issue with people in the process of going through significant weight loss. I've had some difficulties with my thoughts regarding my weight; my automatic thoughts have not always been up to date with the actual number...I've become aware of myself thinking about my weight, and reverting back to the pre op weight I was at. Instead of a "onederland" number, I catch myself thinking of a number which begins with a "2". I've had an extremely difficult time with purchasing clothing in smaller sizes...recently I needed to go shopping for some capri pants which were the correct size to fit me well, and I had shrunk out of everything which I owned. I was shopping with my sister...who encouraged me to look at misses sizes, and she humored me with allowing me to take in the identical capri's but in a plus size. The misses size was obviously a better fit and my correct size, and so that's the size I ended up purchasing...but it took every ounce of willpower for me to not also purchase the plus size also. The same debate with myself is ongoing as I shrink into a smaller sizes...as I automatically look for a larger size, and if I don't find it I resist choosing to try on a size smaller just to see if it will fit. I've been pleasantly surprised several times when the smaller size was actually the one to fit. I can "see" the evidence that physically I am smaller; I no longer have to adjust the seat in my car to get in, I fit comfortably into restaurant booths, my mobility has increased, and the size on the clothing tag is a smaller number. But I continue to be challenged with the automatic thinking which places me back at the beginning of my weight loss journey. Eventually I know my "head" will catch up with the rest of me...just another part of my journey.

I also eat only 3 meals a day, and discovered that I was often not meeting my daily Protein goals because of portion sizes. I do get the majority of my protein from foods...but found that having a Protein shake in the evening also prevented me from getting hungry prior to going to bed. If I was counting calories, which I do not as I was advised by my surgeon that it was not necessary if I only had the band sized portions, my protein shake, made with 1% milk would add about 200 calories, virtually no carbs, and 37gr of protein to my daily diet.

Vomiting was never a favorite pastime, but like other life events, sometimes it just happened, especially during my 3 pregnancies and episodes of migraine headaches. I also had concerns about this pre op, and did ask my PCP about it. He said that adhering to the rules as set by my surgeon would keep me from being at increased risk of vomiting, and keeping anti-nausea meds on hand would be a good idea. Since being banded 5.5 months ago, I have not vomited, had any incidents of "pb-ing", or stuck incidents. I have experienced episodes of extreme nausea, though these were attributed to severe dehydration and pancreatitis. I will admit that I have become more aware of expiration dates on things like deli meats and dairy products. I try to use fresh everything and wash fruits and veggies well so that I minimize my risks for food poisoning...the one time I experienced that was enough to last a lifetime. If you practice "mindful eating", avoid distractions while eating, take small bites, and chew everything very well, you will be fine. Best wishes for your success...

First of all...if you learn nothing else through your recent experiences with your original bariatric surgeon, it's the patient's responsibility to ask questions, and understand any medical procedure to be done on them before the procedure is done. We each need to become our own advocates in the areas of medical and health care. If you don't understand what the physician is saying or wanting to do, you need to become appropriately assertive to take an active role in any and all decisions as they relate to your specific medical conditions. That said, my surgeon and I would need to agree with Jean's assessment of the "green zone". I discussed this issue with him during my last appointment, as I wanted to better understand why he was reluctant to place any additional fluid in my band. He shared that very few patients will actually get to a "perfect restriction" where they rarely experience hunger, and there is always a risk that the restriction will be too much, which then necessitates unfilling the band. He would rather avoid a situation which a band is too tight, and I have to agree. It's important to me to be able to swallow a medium sized pill, as I hated crushing them like I had to do just after having my band placed. This transfers the majority of the responsibility for my success or failure to loose weight to me for compliance with my diet using my better judgement and will power to resist eating the wrong foods, control the size of my portions, and manage my hunger using water and distraction. If I want to be successful with my weight loss journey, that's the responsibility I readily accept. I guess that there is more than one way to approach using the tool which is your band...my band does provide me with some degree of restriction and assistance with portion control, but it will never be too tight, and I will not worry about waking up in distress as so many others have reported. I know that my band is tight enough that food could get stuck fairly easily, and I have adverted several near-stuck incidents with mindful eating. If reaching my goal weight takes me a bit longer than others, I will prefer peace of mind to speed and risk during my journey. I know that others mileage will vary on this...but it's important for me to stay in my comfort zone when it comes to my health. Best wishes to all of us for success...

I've noticed a pattern in my thinking over the past few months...that my "head", and my perceptions of self have not kept pace with the reality of my weight loss. Though this is common treatment issue in dealing with individuals with eating disorders (i.e. anorexia nervosa, who believe that they are physically much larger in size than they really are), I never thought it would also be an issue with people in the process of going through significant weight loss. I've had some difficulties with my thoughts regarding my weight; my automatic thoughts have not always been up to date with the actual number...I've become aware of myself thinking about my weight, and reverting back to the pre op weight I was at. Instead of a "onederland" number, I catch myself thinking of a number which begins with a "2". I've had an extremely difficult time with purchasing clothing in smaller sizes...recently I needed to go shopping for some capri pants which were the correct size to fit me well, and I had shrunk out of everything which I owned. I was shopping with my sister...who encouraged me to look at misses sizes, and she humored me with allowing me to take in the identical capri's but in a plus size. The misses size was obviously a better fit and my correct size, and so that's the size I ended up purchasing...but it took every ounce of willpower for me to not also purchase the plus size. The same debate with myself is ongoing as I shrink into a smaller sizes...as I automatically look for a larger size, and if I don't find it I resist choosing to try on a size smaller just to see if it will fit. I've been pleasantly surprised several times when the smaller size was actually the one to fit. I can "see" the evidence that physically I am smaller; I no longer have to adjust the seat in my car to get in, I fit comfortably into restaurant booths, my mobility has increased, and the size on the clothing tag is a smaller number. But I continue to be challenged with the automatic thinking which places me back at the beginning of my weight loss journey. Eventually I know my "head" will catch up with the rest of me...just another part of my journey.

If your surgeon has not provided you with detailed pre and post op diet guidelines, then you should consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist who works with bariatric patient populations. My surgeon's office provided me with an entire manual which takes me in detail through every stage of my diet requirements from 2 weeks pre op through getting to maintenance. I have referred to it often through the months since my surgery. From experience, you will likely be most challenged to remain compliant with your diet when you are at family gatherings. You just have to remain aware of your rules...and do your best to maintain compliance. Don't expect to be perfect in this, you are human, and honest best effort is going to be what you likely can do. If you listen to the naysayers who predict your imminent failure, then likely you will become what I always referred to as the "self fulfilling prophecy". You need to believe in your abilities to be successful...and you will be successful if you are motivated to be successful. And, as others have said...carbonation is a definite NO...you may risk harming your band long term. Nothing can taste that good to place yourself at risk for medical complications. There are many alternatives to carbonated beverages to choose from...I prefer flavored Water which has no carbs or carbonation. go exploring at the grocery store to identify potential substitutes and begin to try some of them now so that post op you will stay properly hydrated. Best wishes for your successful journey...

Get in touch with the site moderators/administrators...they will want to know where the messages are coming from.

Remember the Serenity Prayer...none of us are able to change what other people may think, do, or say. If what they say does bother you, then you are allowing them to have power over you. I've learned to tell others I respect their right to their opinion, however we will agree to disagree. Then tune them out and increase your level of serenity...a wonderful gift only you can give yourself. Best wishes for your success...

As a retired counseling professional, I can share with you that it is essential for you to deal with the issues which are contributing to your depressed mood. Though you may feel it punitive to delay your surgery, there are valid reasons for you to be in a better place emotionally prior to your surgery. From your writing, it seems that you feel, as is one of the hallmarks of depressed mood, that you feel helpless and hopeless to regain a sense of self determination, and instead believe that others hold the power to control the direction of your life and the choices you are able to make. Those beliefs alone can create a depressed mood in some individuals. It's a difficult situation, but if you empower yourself to begin the process of increased self determination it will help immensely with your mood. There are simple ways to begin this process...first, structure your time to increase your amount of exercise. This helps your mood by creating endorphins in your brain, which are natural mood enhancers. They energize you, and then you begin to build on your initially small successes. Identify ways for you to increase your level of self determination, i.e. enforce better eating habits for yourself. Get in your exercise, as many days of the week that you are able. Create some realistic goals for yourself; all 3 types: short term (within a month), mid-range (1 month to 6 months out), and long term (6 months out to whenever). This should be Fluid...in other words, you should be adjusting the goals as you achieve them; the short term are completed, the mid range become short range, and so on. This will help to shift your focus to one of self determination. There may be chemical reasons for your depression; some medications have a side effect of depressed mood. It would be helpful to discuss this with your primary care physician to rule out any medication caused mood issues. It would be helpful for you to attend some counseling to assist you to identify your core issues with your depression...and they go well beyond your weight. There is a psychology behind maladaptive eating patterns. If you are able to understand it, than you will be able to modify your beliefs and learn strategies to counteract your negative thinking. Your relationship with food needs to change; understand that food is not your friend, you must learn different coping skills in dealing with your emotions if you are eating from boredom, anger or other emotional self sabotage reasons. You will likely not be able to make these essential adjustments to your beliefs until you are able to address your core issues, and psychotherapy with a qualified professional does help. You can do this and be successful...but it will require you to become proactive to make it happen...and that's a major piece to the solution and resolving your depressed mood. This is a process and not an event...take a day at a time. Best wishes for your success...

I will be having surgery to remove my gallbladder under general anesthesia in a couple of weeks. I have already asked both my bariatric surgeon and the general surgeon who will do the procedure if I will need to have my band unfilled, and both surgeons said no... There are differing opinions between physicians on just about everything...this is apparently another example.

I am scheduled to have my gallbladder removed in 2 weeks, also as a result of my wight loss. I specifically asked both my bariatric surgeon and the general surgeon if I would need to have my band unfilled for the procedure, and they both said no. Just another difference in physicians... Best wishes...I hope the surgery will resolve your symptoms.

You've had quite a journey...and it's quite understandable for you to be feeling a sense of disconnect in life with your current situation. This is a time for both physical healing and emotional adjustment...no easy task. I hope that some of the lifestyle change which you learned during your time with your band will remain with you as you adjust to this phase of your life...

You have an excellent idea to create additional accountability for the lifestyle changes necessary for life with the band. There are many supportive and knowledgeable members on this forum who will look forward to being part of your "cyber" support system. Best wishes for your success...

As others have said...alcoholic beverages are empty calories. The other information which you need to be aware of is that less alcohol is needed now to feel the effects of it. I was also strongly advised by my surgeon to wait an entire year before having even a glass of wine. True confessions...when I was not quite 5 months out since surgery I attended a party and the hostess makes the best Jello shots. I could not resist, and ended up having 2...and was thankful that I did not have to drive. No harm done...

Do your best to stay properly hydrated...nausea is a sign of severe dehydration which I did not recognize for what it was. I ended up in the hospital because of it shortly after I was banded. Hope you feel better fast...every day should be better.

Constipation is an ongoing problem for many with the band...and the only things I have found to help are increasing the amount of Fiber I can eat (lettuce, Benefiber), increasing my Fluid intake, and taking a stool softener. I will be fine, have a fill, then be on only liquids for 2 days, and my system gets totally messed up again. This is not a problem to ignore, as there can be additional medical complications if you ignore the issue. You should have been given some instructions from your surgeon about how to manage this issue...if following them does not help, get in touch with their office for additional instructions.