A New New Dawn

I went back and read some of your earlier posts to try to see what you may be experiencing better right now. I really feel that you are struggling w/ the learning how to work with your band. (I don't mean that in a derragatory way, just it is a huge learning process). I notice you posted about having trouble with Breakfast. Have you tried doing the Protein shakes for breakfast instead of eating? Many of us have "tight bands" in the morning. I can do oatmeal, shakes, or eggs over easy (scrambled eggs get stuck for me). If I am going to try to eat something more than that, I will often start w/ a hot cup of tea or coffee first to help loosen things up a bit. Also, and this is key, if you have had a stuck moment you should really stick to liquids for 24 hours, then soft foods, then back to solids. When food gets stuck it irritates the stoma and causes some swelling so trying to eat solid foods will cause another stuck or uncomfortable moment, from my experience. I am not telling you this from reading a book but from my own personal challenges of learning how to work with my band. Yes, I did a lot of research, talked to a lot of people, and learned a lot about it by trial and error of what works and doesn't work for me. You are so newly banded and it is frustrating in the early stages until we figure it all out. I have seen many people post that they didn't "get it" until around 6 months. Perhaps, "starting over" by having a Protein shake for breakfast, then regular food later in the day. Taking tiny bites, chewing very well (20-25x till it's mush), pausing, then next bite, etc. Not only is this a physical journey but it is a huge emotional journey as we have to learn all new habits and change our lifestyle of what we have done for so many years. Please be patient and please work with your doctor and nutritionist to help figure out what will work for you.

I think you really should have a heart to heart with your doctor and nutritionist. You shouldn't have such difficulty.

Feel better soon Ms Rhonda and make sure if the meds aren't chewable you ask your doctor/pharmacist if they can be crushed. Not all meds are supposed to be crushed.

I will be very happy when I get under 200!! Haven't seen that in many years!!!

I had mine at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. I have (I think) 4.5cc in a 10 or 11 cc band. I am well-restricted. However, I see many others that have much more in theirs. It's all different for each of us.

Me too (the western suburbs). Thanks for sharing your story. It is very encouraging!

Wow, your efforts are really paying off! Congrats on your success and continued success!

I agree that most cereals probably aren't a good idea (nutrition wise) but I have seen a lot of high fiber/high Protein ones out now. Personally, cereal and I do not like one another now (and I used to love it). I don't know if it swells up like bread or what but I am very uncomfortable eating cereal. I can do granola w/ my yogurt in small quantities though. I do better w/ the crunchy varieties.

First, is it typical they only cover this procedure at 50% or is it that they are only covering you (for whatever reason) at 50%? If you don't know, please contact your insurance to get clear answers. Also, do you have a medical flex spending account at work? If you are having the surgery this year, it's probably too late to set it up but if you have it next year, you could designate the amount for the surgery to be taken out so you get the tax break (which could make a big difference). It is quite normal to be nervous... I think most of us go through it. Let's face it, we have all succeeded and failed at dieting and don't want this to be a major failure. Furthermore, this is a HUGE life-altering experience. It isn't just about food but about a whole lifestyle change and a change in our relationship with food. Many of us have to face our emotions head on since we cannot comfort ourselves w/ food any longer and will be eating for our health. I have had my ups and downs and days where I really wanted to cry because I missed my relationship with food. Now, 6 months out, it is soooo much easier. I don't miss/crave foods like I used to. My blood pressure has gone down, my sleep apnea improved, my stamina and mobility much improved... I don't regret it for one minute. It isn't easy and we still have to do the work and put forth the effort but it is something I couldn't do on my own before. Hang in there!!! Come here for support. You will find a lot of great people here to help you through it.

Sounds like you have a great attitude going into this. Best wishes to you!

Have you had a "stuck" moment recently? I have had that after a "stuck" moment (first, the throwing up, then the acid reflux). I agree you should reach out to your dr though.

Try to find (if you haven't already) healthy alternatives of the foods you enjoyed before may help too. I found a low cal/low fat lasagna, healthy pasta recipes, baked chicken instead of fried, etc.... It may help to meet w/ a nutritionist too to have meal plans or meal/snack ideas to make sure you are supporting yourself in everyway possible.

Exactly, bandster "hell" will pass and it gets easier. I rarely have cravings anymore or I find what I thought I was craving isn't as good as I was thinking it would be. I used to LOVE pasta. I rarely eat it now (unless in a soup or something). I made some today and after 1/2 cup I was satisfied and it wasn't as good as I remember. I find I am actually craving healthier foods as I have weened other foods out of my diet (for the most part).

If it's any consolation, it will get better. Hang in there.

So exciting... We'll be waiting for the update!

Everyone is different. I have BCBS IL but my dr's office submitted it for approval so I had an estimate of the charges/coverage ahead. I believe I paid (still paying) a couple thousand for the hospital/surgery and a few hundred for the surgeon. Also, just so you aren't surprised... Ask your surgeon's office if you have to prepay. Mine never told me and a few days before surgery they called asking for my credit card # to pay his bill (the few hundred) before the surgery. I had no problem, just hadn't expected it. Also, confirm w/ your surgeon's office if the surgery includes any of the follow up visits or how those will be billed after. Do they include any of the follow up visits and will you be billed separately for fills, etc. I didn't think to ask that. Best wishes to you on your journey.

I agree w/ Chez, a protein shake should be easy on the tummy and keep you fueled. Make sure you are at least getting liquids in and if it doesn't improve, I would suggest you call your dr.

That is very sad. Count your blessings every day!

Definitely worth celebrating!

Having fills is not meant to cause pain when you eat. Truly, it is just for you to be able to go 3-5 hours without feeling hungry but you shouldn't have pain. Most people will likely not feel much restriction or feel like the band is "there" until after 2-3 fills (give or take). Some people never need a fill; however, most require a few fills before they start feeling it. Until then, it's very important to make good food choices even though the band isn't fully optimized yet. You can do this!!

Other flavors of soup broth (chicken, veggie, etc.), teas, sf popsicles... congrats on being banded!!!

Looks like you recently had surgery. It is normal for site to be sore/tender for first 4-6 weeks. That site takes the longest to heal. I think it's perfectly normal. However, if you are concerned, doesn't hurt to check w/ the medical professionals.

The drinks are good to help get in extra protein but they aren't going to fill you up. You should be taking in solid protein, if you can. To really feel satiated between meals solid food/protein is what will work. For breakfast, better choices would be eggs, oatmeal (after I cook mine I add a couple egg whites and cook for 2 minutes.. sounds gross but is yummy, then add a couple pecans or walnuts and fruit pieces), there are high protein cereals, Greek yogurt (Dannon Light & Fit is good).... I think that is what your dr. is suggesting, not another drink but an actual meal.

I think you may be chancing it so soon. Many of us don't do too well w/ Pasta. Just make sure to sauce it up and have very tiny bites. I don't think it will make a difference what kind you have. Also, bread may cause an issue if you are thinking of having any of their bread sticks. Baked ziti really isn't the healthiest choice though... why not go for the minestrone Soup (yum) and/or salad? Also, they have a new lighter fare menu. Whatever it is, remember your portions and focus on your bites and pausing between them. It is easy to get caught up in conversation or enjoying the food and forget the guidelines which could make for a miserable evening. Have fun!