Sojourner

Everyone has shared some excellent and valid advice with you. For me, this weight loss journey has allowed me to develop the life skill of patience, which had eluded me for years. My weight loss has been slow, and I've had some weight loss related complications, but nothing caused directly by my band. My health is improving...much better mobility to walk short distances and lower blood pressure. Try to be compliant with your diet everyday...don't expect perfect compliance because you are human. Tomorrow does come with a "restart" button...don't use it too much, just get back on track and avoid the guilt feelings. Success requires staying compliant with your diet, and keeping your eyes focused on your goals while you take a day at a time! Don't become obsessed with your scale...it's normal for minor fluctuations in weight to occur. I try not to weigh myself every day. Yes, it can be difficult to resist, but sometimes the reading can contribute to unnecessary discouragement. This forum is an excellent place to get emotional support, and has many knowledgeable members who willingly share their insights and solutions to issues which are encountered by bandsters. Congratulations on your band and the beginning of your journey!

It may have been too dry for you...it would help if you mashed it and added some broth for moisture. Small bites and chewing every bite to paste helps to avoid stuck episodes. Be careful with the carbs you choose. White potatoes, like other "white" foods are lacking in nutrition value and their carbs are quickly converted to sugar by the body.

Happy belated Birthday!! You've done an awesome job with your weight loss, and your will power is nothing short of amazing... Have another healthy and happy year!

You are awesome...and a true inspiration for me! I can so relate to your challenges with exercise and trying to recover from injuries sustained in a car accident. I had to delay my band surgery for over a year due to unexpected medical complications...and recovery from a near fatal car accident with multiple pelvic fractures was one of those unanticipated medical events. That accident has left me with impaired ability to walk the long miles which I used to do and enjoy...and without meloxicam to assist with keeping the joint pain tolerable I have to get my exercise in the pool with Water aerobics classes. I admire you to be able to tough it out through the pain. I've tried, and just can't do it; it's still painful for me to drive. I hope to someday reach my goal weight...I know it will take more than a year for me, but I'm encouraged that I'm a bit more than half way there. Best Wishes...

I chose the band because it is minimally invasive, and did not like the concept of having my GI tract permanently rearranged. The rate of complications is less, mortality rates lower. I don't mind loosing weight slower, and the required diet has not been difficult for me to follow. I never liked carbonated drinks, and the only real changes in my diet are the major reduction in the type and number of carb grams every day. I still struggle with getting enough exercise in; without meloxicam my arthritis has limited my abilities to walk the miles I used to. I ride my recumbent exercise bike on the days I don't attend a Water aerobics class at the "Y". I have experienced weight loss related complications, but the band is not a factor for those. As with all WLS, there are some risks. You have to work at weight loss...the band is only a tool. If you learn how it works, you can be successful with your weight loss. I believe many of the complications and issues with the band are induced by the patients themselves as they are not compliant with the rules needed to avoid stuck episodes, are not following their diet and are eating the wrong type of foods, or their amount of restriction is too much. Good luck as you weigh your options...I don't regret my decision to have the lapband, and see it as an opportunity to reclaim some of my health that weight was taking from me.

I predict that you will be changing your assessment of pain when you are older...that it will no longer be "welcomed". Pain is your body's way of telling you to back off, or stop what you are doing to stress it. I hope you never have the unfortunate experience of coping with chronic pain, you will choose other words to write about pain when you do. Your goal to let nothing stop you is admirable, but can easily be derailed by torn ligaments in your knee. "Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage"...as per International Association for the Study of Pain: Pain Definitions Best wishes...

You can have anything you want...just be prepared to accept the consequences for your choices. It's not a sin to have alcohol...it's just not advisable. And when you had your band placed, you should have been aware of the need to stop having carbonated beverages. There are medical reasons for these rules. Carbonated beverages have gas in them...the gas in your pouch has the potential to distend it, thus creating pain, and the possibility of causing harm to the placement of your band. I believe I have also read that over time carbonation can also be a factor for erosion around your band. Can't you enjoy the beach without the drink? An additional consideration is that once you give yourself permission to break the diet rules, it can become progressively easier for you to do that in the future. Some people have the willpower to avoid that scenario...if you believe that choosing to have the drink will place you at risk to begin a new pattern of risky behaviors, just say no.

There is a huge difference between pushing yourself to your "full potential", and pushing yourself to the point of injury. Of course the trainer was "nice" after the fact...they have some "CYA" issues such as liability to be concerned about, and a business reputation and income to protect. The trainer acted in their own best interests...not in those of their client...IMHO. Knee injuries are not to be taken lightly...one injury can lead to a lifetime of pain and impairments with mobility. The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body, and the impact which we place on our knees just with the activities of daily living is immense. It's much easier to avoid a potential injury than to recover fully from one. I guess people vary in the way they are programmed ...I am goal oriented, and don't need anyone else to "push me". Most importantly, I believe everyone should know their limits, so they don't get injured. If I thought I needed to be pushed like that, I would have joined the Marines and attended boot camp at Parris Island...just saying. Your mileage varies...best wishes.

Thank you for sharing your experiences...quite difficult for me to read. These must have been difficult and rough lessons for you to learn. I sincerely hope that you have not permanently scarred your esophagus...there are many medical complications which can result. From what you wrote, it seems to me that these issues went beyond the reflux and speed with which you would eat your meals. It does seem that through all of your success, your thinking about food and changing your relationship with it did not really transition to healthier eating patterns, save for what the band was able to control. Your journey has been difficult, I'm certain, and you have shared valuable insights gained. I hope that your health will continue to improve. You have an opportunity to catch up with your learning now...put those lessons learned the difficult way to work for you. Good luck and best wishes...

Encountering a weight loss plateau is frustrating...and breaking through a weight loss plateau is doable. I've read that some have done it by changing up the number of calories they have (usually raising the number) for a day, then going back to the number they had been having before. Also, change the type and rate of exercise helps to get your body out of it's predictable routines. Best wishes...been there, done that!

Water should not be causing you any stomach issues...are you drinking bottled water or tap water? I keep a bottle of water with me most all of the time, and sip from it frequently. The only issue I had with water was getting on a schedule to make certain I drank enough of it.

If you are intentionally purging after eating, you are exhibiting symptoms of a serious eating disorder, not to mention the possible harm you may do to your stomach and band. It would be in your best interests to let your surgeon know what you have been doing, and seek professional help from a counselor who specializes in eating disorders.

I have such a difficult time understanding how and why so many people are banded without the nutrition education needed to be successful with their weight loss journey...Thank you Center of Excellence for my pre op education! It's excellent that you have been able to loose weight without the guidance from your surgeon. Keep up the good job! There are many variations to the post op diet recommendations, and they do vary by surgeon...and I do recommend you begin with a call to their office and ask for contact information for the dietitian or nutritionist to schedule a consultation with them for guidelines to follow. That said, my surgeon's guide lines are to measure portions by volume, not weight for every meal...you are allowed 3 oz of lean Protein, and 2 oz of a Fiber carb (fresh fruit or veggies - can be cooked or raw). He recommends 3 meals and 2 Snacks (1% milk or FF yogurt) daily. My surgeon requires a very low carb, high lean protein diet. Your surgeon my have different guidelines...so check with their office to get their recommendations. Best wishes...

I had my surgery approved through Aetna, and there were long stretches during the required 3 years of medical documentation where there was no weight recorded for me. What is his BMI, and what, if any comorbidities does he have? These numbers figure substantially with insurance companies and the decisions they make. I was asked to write a letter to Aetna to explain why there were substantial gaps in my weight records, which I did, and did not have any problems with having my insurance approve my request for surgery with the first request. What also helped was that in his letter of medical necessity, my PCP did include the length of time he had been my doctor, that I had been obese for the entire time he had been my doctor (9 years), past failed attempts to achieve permanent weight loss, and listed my weight related comorbidities (I have 4, BMI at time of approval was 38). This is one reason why it is vital to have a professional relationship with a physician. They can substantiate your medical history, and help with filling in any "gaps". Don't give up...but begin the process to provide the required medical documentation while you request Aetna to reconsider their decision. Good luck...

That depends...what type of salad are you referring to? Moist meat salads, which include tuna, egg, dark meat chicken or turkey mixed with mayonnaise were on my allowed foods for the soft foods stage, Weeks 4 and 5 of my post op diet.. Raw salad veggies were not on my approved list of foods until I was 6 weeks post op. I was advised to have only dark leafy greens, so I began returning to raw vegetables with raw spinach. I have since transitioned to romaine lettuce for my daily salad. Every surgeon seems to have some variation of their approved list of foods; it's always the best idea to consult with your surgeon about your diet.

You should not be swallowing pills at this stage of post op recovery...to be safe, you would need to crush the pills and then mix with a very small amount of liquid or applesauce. I would definitely check with my surgeon before taking any medication that they did not prescribe for you.

The gym is not necessarily the only place to get exercise. I'd be livid at the trainer. Potential injuries are not to be taken lightly...I would definitely find a different "trainer"...and be gentle on your knee until the pain and any swelling are gone. You know your limitations best, so listen to your body. It might be a good move to have your physician evaluate this injury if the pain is not gone in a few days. My exercise options are limited to the pool for now...I'm still recovering from a car accident. You can still get a good workout with Water resistance. I attend a water aerobics class at least 3 times a week...very low impact, just what the doctor ordered. Best wishes...hope your knee heals fast.

Though it is still being debated as to whether "soy" is a complete Protein...it may be worth investigating. There are many soy based products which also provide a good source of protein. I'm just not certain that it is considered to be the complete protein that whey is... Best Wishes...

Thanks for the link!

I got cravings for salt a couple of times...Swanson's chicken broth is 99% FF and saved the day for me. I'd be careful about adding any carbs to broth; yes it would make it more filling, but you are also adding carbs, and while you are trying to shrink your liver, that's just counterproductive. IMHO... Your mileage may vary...and it does get easier as the days pass. Stay busy; I've never had such well organized closets, cabinets and drawers. Best wishes...

What are the carb grams per serving? Are they made with whole grain? Inquiring minds want to know...

Band sized portions are a must...I have to measure my portions to remain diet compliant. You know the old saying "my eyes were bigger than my stomach"...in this case me eyes tend to believe that my portions should be larger. It will also help to stay properly hydrated between your meals to help with managing your hunger. This is a process, and not an event. Band patients do loose weight at a slower rate than other WLS procedures, which is totally alright with me! Best wishes...

Suck it up...you realize your mistakes and there is no better time than now to begin the process of correcting them. You have the self empowerment to regain control over the areas of your life that you state are now not in control. Only you have the ability to fix them... That said, it may be difficult to find another surgeon to take over your medical care and fill schedule. Would it be possible to go back to square 1 and begin again? From what I have read, yes you should be able to do it. Fear about facing your doctor is legitimate, but you will not know if you could return to their practice if you don't inquire. This is definitely one mistake to learn from. Usually, if you show a good faith effort to clear your debt with a payment plan it goes a great distance to helping you get the medical care you need. To be successful though, you would need to regain control over your will power and determination to be successful. Your writing does sound like you have some depressed feelings...which can only have a negative impact on your thinking and feelings about ever being successful with regaining your focus on weight loss. You did not mention your current financial situation...if it is possible, I would work towards getting the judgement cleared and starting to eat properly again. This could not be worse than bandster hell...and most of us have survived that. Drinking free fluids (FF/SF) between meals and distraction of ones thinking by getting involved with projects, exercise, etc are helpful ways to manage your hunger. Best wishes...believe in yourself to be successful.