Sojourner

Well, I feel it's important to "chime in" and express the other side of the issue. I regard this forum as a supportive environment where a diverse population can come for shared experiences, helpful ideas to improve health, self care, and emotional support. The key word is diverse...no one deserves to be put down, even those who have less weight to loose. What I failed to read in the previous posts of this thread was any mention that there are many individuals who have to loose less than 100 pounds who are motivated to have their band surgery due to medical reasons, and not vanity. As for me, my weight loss goals are for just over 100 pounds, and my decision to have the band surgery was motivated entirely by medical issues. I had already crossed over the A1C level to be given a diagnosis of Type II diabetes, but managed to lower it below the diabetic threshold through diet and exercise. I was so close to being diabetic that my primary care physician was concerned that during my 6 month medically supervised required diet for insurance purposes, I would become officially diabetic, and have to be diagnosed as such, which carries many repercussions from a medical and insurance standpoint. So, my surgery was motivated by a race against the ticking "diabetes clock", which I believe was a valid reason to opt for the surgery. My physicians and the insurance company did also. I believe that I can have empathy for the forum members who have a further distance to travel on their weight loss journey...I also have had many complications to contend with, including and not limited to multiple hospitalizations for band related issues and a limited ability to exercise due to still trying to recover from multiple fractures sustained in a near fatal car accident. No one can possibility have all the details of another person's perspective and motivations. As the saying goes, you must walk in my shoes to understand where I am coming from. There is too much we don't know about others to render any thing which approaches accurate judgement of others and their motivations to have the surgery. I hope this forum can continue to be a place of mutual respect, support and understanding for ALL who are on their individual weight loss journeys. Your mileage may vary...best wishes for continuing success to all of us as our journey continues...

What you have shared is not unusual...it's just like being given a list of "in network providers" by your insurance company. It can be a PITA, but should not be too difficult to manage. My only experience with the hospital choice has been with a "Center of Excellence" designated bariatric program. And IMHO, you will be better off for having your surgery at such a designated center. I write that because from reading what so many other participants on this forum have written, they have the surgery and then are fending for themselves to understand and discover what they need to do for proper self care and nutrition. The Center of Excellence I had my surgery at required nutrition education though out the pre and post op journey. There is a surgery specific manual I was given at the pre op class, and it has been referred to many times. The manual takes you through every stage pre op through attaining and maintaining your goal weight. They prescribed the post op medications I needed prior to the surgery, so I would have them at the house, and there was no need to become anxious. Through their education and pre op preparation, I knew what to expect, had the means to manage my condition, and had the phone numbers for 24/7 coverage should there be concerns. Again, IMHO, that is the difference in hospitals. I may be a bit prejudiced about the experience I have had with my surgeon and hospital, but that comes only from the positive experience I have had. And I strongly believe that it is the education and preparation which has made such a positive difference for me. Your mileage may vary...in any case, best wishes as you continue your preparations for your weight loss journey!

It's very important that the Protein powder or shake you choose have "100% whey isolate protein"...that form tends to be more expensive, but is the best choice nutritionally for the bariatric patient. I have found several good options at GNC, and there are others which have been written about on the forum. You may have to try several before you find 1 or 2 that you like. You are looking for the biggest number of protein grams, with the fewest carb grams. I was advised to look for 20-40 g per shake. Also, I was advised that protein bars are not a good choice for bariatric patients, as they usually fall short on the nutrition for the number of calories they have. Both Calcium and multi vitamin supplements are essential for health post op. Your surgeon should have some advice about this area. I purchase my chewable Vitamins from the surgeon's office (they actually taste good in a wild berry flavor), and they are specially formulated for bariatric patients. Some people can get their required calcium from 2-3 servings of either 1 cup of skim or 1% milk OR 6oz of low fat, or FF, no sugar added yogurt. I cannot seem to get that much milk into me, and dislike the yogurt choices I have found, so I have to take the calcium supplement daily. If you are advised to take a calcium supplement, it is supposed to be in the form of calcium citrate, a more effective form of supplement. I am unable to tolerate that form of supplement, and so was advised that I could continue with calcium carbonate which is usually found the calcium chewable form. The other major diet element is the need to drink fluids...60-80 oz a day. I know that number may look overwhelming. It did for me...until I structured my Fluid intake so I know that before breakfast I have so many oz, then an hour after breakfast I have another 16 oz before lunch, and so on. That way, by bedtime I usually have about 90 oz daily. It's very important to remind yourself to drink the necessary fluids...I ended up in the hospital due to severe dehydration which I then did not recognize the symptoms for. Hope that this information helps...keep asking the questions. It's the best way to learn! Best wishes as your weight loss journey continues!

Yes, I had the same issue with the bandages post op, along with the anti nausea patch I had to wear for the 72 hours post op. It means that you have a sensitivity to something in the adhesive. I would ask your surgeon what they recommend to use topically to soothe the skin. I just continued to take the Zyrtec like I have for years, which minimized the reaction. Another good resource to consult with is your pharmacist... The steri strips will be off soon...all a part of the journey!

Definitely call your surgeon's office ASAP...I was advised that any vomiting incident needs to be reported and discussed with the nursing staff at the office, and then they will follow up with appropriate measures. Give your system a rest, but do your best to stay properly hydrated. I also got sick during my immediate post op period, and ended up in the hospital with severe dehydration. Hope you feel better fast!

As others have mentioned, yes you can "cheat" on the pre op diet, but you need to consider what message this sends to you...that you are giving yourself permission to not follow the rules for your diet compliance post op. The mindset of giving yourself that permission places you on a "slippery slope" to maintain some of the negative eating patterns which caused your weight gain. I relate it back to a classic affirmation which AA members use to help with maintaining their sobriety: "One drink is one too many, and a hundred is not enough." Flawed thinking gets many of us into trouble! For our purposes, the first time you give yourself permission to "cheat", the next thought likely will be, oh, it's only a small food item...I'll only have one bite"...And then the automatic thoughts take over...and more permission is granted to "cheat". There will not likely be anyone to constantly watch over your shoulder every day to motivate you to comply with the diet, so that motivation needs to come from within. If you want to be successful with this weight loss journey, than your thinking needs to change. Establish some rules to encourage diet compliance, and enforce them with yourself. There are very specific reasons why your surgeon advises you to follow their recommended diet. I think everyone who participates on this forum has experienced hunger, and have shared their "best practices" to manage it. For me, it is to drink the free fluids I am supposed to have every day, and to distract myself with a project. There are many closets and drawers in my house, and everyone of them is in order! The more determined you are to be successful with your weight loss, you will increase the probability that you will be successful! Best wishes as you continue on your journey!

No, I've not had any difficulties with accessing the site... Best of luck with your surgery! Be sure to post and let us know how you are doing!

It's important to follow your doctor's instructions, both for the UTI and the pre op diet. I did not read any mention of exercise. My pre op diet was liquid, 4 Protein shakes a day, plus 1 cup of raw salad veggies daily. I lost weight. I definitely would incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routines, if you have not already done so. Recommendations vary, but 30 minutes 5 days a week is fairly common. Good luck...try to stay focused and positive.

I've never used the card, and do enjoy the leftovers. I just look for menu items which meet my needs, substitute a steamed veggie or a small salad with dressing on the side for a starch. Chick fil-a has a kid's meal with grilled chicken nuggets and a fruit cup side order. Perfect for me, and my grandsons enjoy getting the toys and books that come with the meals. As previously written by others, if someone on the restaurant staff has an attitude, it's their issue and not yours...

Hi Polly, I agree with your perspective, and you are correct. For a doctor to know about an issue, understand the relationship of the psychological issues with eating patterns, and then make the connection of your presenting issues with empathy and understanding in their treatment plan for you does not always happen. I am a licensed therapist, though retired from my profession. I am a strong advocate of each of us being a proactive advocate to take an active role in the care and treatment planning we receive from our doctors. That advocacy and doctor-patient relationship does not happen with out effective and honest communication from both the patient and the doctor. I encourage you to be honest with your physician, as that is the way they can offer you the most effective and highest level of quality care. Remember also that you have rights as a patient; the doctor is not donating their services to you. You should be pleasant, but be appropriately assertive to have your questions answered and your concerns addressed. If the doctor does not agree with the need to effectively communicate with you, for me, it would be time to find a new doctor... Best wishes on your resumed journey...I sincerely hope all goes well!

I don't know how to help with your "ticker" issue, but I do want you to realize that medical professionals are able to understand much more about the impact a patient's food addiction and co-occurring psychological issues may have on the individual's treatment outcome. The shame that you write about is common, though not accurate thinking about your current emotional state. It is a positive move to become proactive to address your health issues, and have a sense of self empowerment to become the person you want to be. Best wishes for you as your weight loss journey resumes!

Different doctors and dietitians have their individual approaches to instructing their patients...and for my surgeon, avoidance of all foods which have any added sugars is necessary for success with your weight loss. Also, I was advised to never count calories, only to measure portions carefully, and make healthy food choices with unprocessed foods. This surgery requires developing healthier eating habits, and breaking the ones which contributed to our weight gain to be successful on the weight loss journey. Continuing to give in to your craving for sweets does not break the cycle of carb cravings, only sustains it. While our brains need carbs to function, there are naturally occurring carbs in many healthy and unprocessed foods. Your choices and mileage may vary... Best wishes to you as you continue your weight loss journey!

One additional note...be aware of the carbs in your "mushies". I was advised not to have mashed potatoes, as they are mostly carbs, and can generate that carb craving. Sweet potatoes are a better choice for a complex carb, though even now have one rarely, and it takes about 3 days to eat a single potato. During the mushies stage, I was not allowed to have any type of potato... Your choices may vary, and many others have posted that they survived mushies on mashed potatoes during that stage. I would be reading the labels of any processed foods very carefully...and looking for the carb value. Best wishes as you continue on your journey!

That's not a stupid question...the only stupid questions are the ones we want answers to and don't ask! My understanding is that a sugar alcohol is a hydrogenated form of sugar, and to varying degrees, it may or may not be absorbed by the intestines. They may to be used to mask the aftertaste of some artificial sweeteners, and depending on which sugar alcohol it is, it may have some caloric value. The sugar alcohol is not absorbed by the body, and tends to ferment in the small intestine, thus may cause digestive upset. For my purposes, I would be counting them in with the grams of carbs listed on a food product, if they contain any caloric value. Carbs which occur naturally I allow myself to have (fruit, some veggies). I limit my carbs which occur in condiments, such as ketchup. I try to avoid the over processed foods which may contain artificial sugars/sweeteners, which would be including the sugar alcohols. Your choices may be different, but generally I would count the ones with calories as carb grams, and avoid them, as they would be found in the over processed foods that are chemically engineered. One easy rule which I follow is to shop only on the periphery of the grocery store, in the produce, meat, and dairy sections. Of course, the bakery is also on the periphery, but I avoid going there! I don't know if I answered your question or not...please let me know if you would like a clarification of my response!

I also have noticed that eating carbs seems to generate a craving for more carbs, another reason we ended up being obese. The only remedy I have found effective is to avoid the foods which have excessive sugar added to them, or are highly processed. There are carbs in many foods, but those foods which have carbs which occur naturally are generally alright to have. Years ago, I learned to find the "hidden carbs" in many foods. Label reading is a favorite pastime!

Such inspirational posts...thanks for sharing your journeys and success. Many others, including myself will be inspired to write our own success stories some day!

I don't recall having a sensation of "tightness" post op...but I do understand how important it is to continue to move around during this most important post op time. The tightness does not sound normal to me, especially if your pain control medications are not helping lower your level of pain. I would consult with the surgeon immediately. It does take a few days to begin to feel better; and I know you will get there. I do feel you should let your doctor know your condition asap! Hope you feel better soon...

I was advised to stop all caffeinated drinks, and switch to decaf coffee and tea. This was one instruction which I made the "executive decision" not to comply with, and returned to enjoying my once a day morning glass of iced coffee when I returned to being able to eat regular meals. Though caffeine has a well earned reputation as a stomach irritant, I also take a stomach protector medication daily, and have not experienced any negative effects. I believe that does help me to avoid any irritation. I have never read or heard of coffee being harmful to the liver, especially in moderation. Your mileage may vary!

So many great replies to this thread...I hope you feel the positive support being sent your way! It's quite normal to experience some anxiety at this point on your journey; because you are aware of the changes in your life which will come with the band. I looked at the pre op diet as a "test run" for the compliance that I would need to have post op. I had to be on the liquid diet 2 weeks pre op and an additional 2 weeks post op. Pre op I was allowed a total of 4 Protein shakes a day, and only 3 8-oz cups of skim milk...plus 1 cup of raw salad veggies. It does help to get in touch with your goals for why you are choosing to have this surgery; we all have our unique reasons in addition to the universal ones which I believe most of us share. When you have your goals in focus, then keep your "eye on the prize", and keep it there. Take a day at a time, and resolve to do your best everyday to follow your diet and exercise routine.

Several observations...first, and most importantly...Are you measuring your portions for every meal?? People who measure their meals by volume generally do better post op... Are you drinking and eating at the same time? There has been some recent discussion about this topic on the forum, but my doctor has told me that you will stave off hunger longer if you wait the hour post eating before resuming drinking fluids. Different surgeons have instructions about diet and nutrition which we may find confusing. I would just like to share that I was advised that Protein Bars are never a good choice for a bandster; they lack the nutrition you need, and have way too many calories. Almonds sound a bit harsh on the digestion; I wonder if there is a connection between the time of day you are eating them and then not tolerating your next meal?? The only other information I believe may be helpful is that I was told that every meal should have 3 oz of lean protein and 2 oz of a Fiber carb. I was given an entire book pre op to advise me through every stage of the first year post op. The book does give numerous examples of foods which meet the nutritional needs of a bandster. Bread is only acceptable if it contains at least 3g of protein per slice. I find that carbs do seem to stimulate my appetite. The most effective way to manage hunger that I have found to date is to drink the free fluids which we need to have daily. I hope you will feel better real soon!

Someone else also posted about "Fruit 2 O"...about 50% of the Water I drink every day is that brand. I like the grape and peach flavors the best. My dietitian looked over the label and said it was a good choice for post op hydration. It is day 2 of post fill...managing hunger by drinking ~90 oz of fluids a day. Returning to mushies tomorrow!

I have stayed away from bread, drier meats (barbecue) and all beef. The only thing post op that I am newly intolerant of is anything which contains mayonnaise; quite a surprise, as I used to have it often with tuna salad before.

Another thought to consider as you modify your diet and adjust your Fluid choices away from carbonated soda for favorite drink...consider the realities of the risks to your health if you do not make these adjustments, and return to a healthier weight. I was on the verge of being diagnosed with Type II diabetes. I had the distinction of being the only one on either side of my family to get to this point of health risks. I knew I would never be a compliant diabetic, so it became a bit easier to reason my way through the decision process for moving forward to have the surgery. Look at the equation of what you loose (soda, unhealthy foods), and what you stand to gain (health, improved overall quality of life). No rocket scientist needed to see what one should be choosing to do...and I do understand that those changes are easier for some people than others. It's just how much do you want to improve the quality of your life...

Finding a Protein shake that you actually like is a trial and error process... I wanted to share that, per instructions from my surgeon, "100% whey isolate protein" is the best choice for bariatric patients. Be certain to read the label. I found "Extreme Wheybolic" Protein powder at GNC which I can tolerate well. I use 1.5 scoops powder per shake, when mixed with skim milk it has 37 g of protein per shake. I stay with the chocolate and Cookies 'n cream flavors. The Atkins shakes are a good alternative if I am traveling, and don't taste too much like chemicals, but they fall way short on the protein content per serving. The same for Muscle Milk Lite: too much of a chemical taste and too little protein for my needs. You may have to try several different brands to find one you like...it's important to like your choice of shake, as we will periodically need to rely on them as part of a liquid diet after fills. Best wishes as your journey continues!

Another thread which has multiple opinions about how to approach mushies...I pureed everything I ate during that stage, with the exception of scrambled eggs and cottage cheese. To me, pureed cantaloupe was divine...followed by pureed strawberries. (Not in the same meal, just in order of preference!) I have to disagree with the statement that pureeing foods may lead you to believe that you can eat anything, and that you will not change the foods you eat. I was advised to focus on the nutritional value of everything I ate. Cottage cheese and apple sauce are slider foods, and not necessarily the best nutritional choices we can make. My surgeon does not count any cheese towards daily Calcium needs. I was advised that the less processed the food was, the better the nutritional value. I still try to keep all meals as simple as I can. I try to stay with fresh fruit and veggies, roasted chicken, turkey and baked fish. In the early stages, post mushies, it's important to keep your Proteins as moist as possible...so eat the dark meat chicken to begin with. During the mushie stage, I pureed roasted dark meat chicken with a little low sodium broth included to add moisture. I steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots in the microwave, and then mashed them, and did the same with yams. A simple rule to follow is to only shop in the perimeter of the grocery store, where you will find the meats, produce and dairy products. Basically, I was advised to avoid anything which came from a can (only exception was tuna). This is a great time to become a "label reader", if you have not already been doing it. Get to know which proteins and complex carbs give you the most good nutrition for a small portion size. That usually means the most Protein with the lowest carbs, or sometimes just to know what foods have "hidden carbs" in them. I try to avoid anything which has added sugar in it, but there are some carbs which occur naturally and they are alright to have in moderation. Re-fried Beans tend to lack on the nutrition side, and if they came from a can, then they probably have fat added to them. Ick! Continue to ask questions, and then find which foods and approaches work best for you...you're off to a great beginning!