A New New Dawn

I can only imagine how hurtful that was as you had told a trusted friend. Sorry you had to experience that. That was very insensitive and rude how he behaved. I am glad you will be having a conversation with him today. I hope that goes well.

Well said! I notice your surgery is just around the corner ~ congrats and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Try to focus on why you had the surgery. The trials and tribulations you go through now will all be worthwhile as you recover and the weight starts coming off.

I can empathize with you and have felt this way before. However, I felt if he wasn't embarrassed, why should I be. Just think how impressed they will be the next time they see you and you have lost a lot of weight.

Glad it wasn't too eventful. Nice that you're able to get fills more rapidly too. I only had one minor one. I LOVE my surgeon and all but he isn't hung up on the "cc" of how much fluid he put in so he didn't tell me. I am sure if I would have asked he would but he said it's really irrelevant as everyone is different and it doesn't mean the same thing from one person to the next. I have no idea if I have 1 cc or 10. Nonetheless, I definitely need a 2nd fill as I feel I can eat anything lately. I am trying to stay good and am but it's a struggle not to overeat. Best of luck to you!

I am so sorry to hear of the difficulties and pain you have been enduring. Thank you so much for sharing your story too as it could be very helpful to others. You have an admiral amount of courage and strength as you work through this. I hope the doctors you do have trust in can get to the bottom of this very soon. I wish you the best and lots of strength and courage to continue on your recovery.

Congrats and best of luck to you through this process. I believe you will be successful as you seem very commited to the process and what it takes. I truly hope it helps you become healthier and minimize some of your back pain (if I recall correctly you mentioned back troubles). Best wishes!

You know, not to encourage anyone to go to McDonalds but if you find yourself there a hamburger kids' meal is 365 calories. I am not encouraging it, but it would be the lesser of many evils there.

I WAS having an issue with it until I dramatically upped my water/fluids. I would urge you to make sure you are drinking a lot during the day as it will help tremendously. I still don't have a daily bm; however, they are "normal" now. It was very painful and that has gone away. My doctor told me it is ok not to have one every day as we are not eating a lot of fiber (since we are focused on protein and only eating small portions of fiber).

I am not sure about fat but you should be taking in about 1000-1200 calories per day and 50-60 grams of protein.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-report-obesity-rising-dramatically-in-illinois-nation-20120918,0,3401712.story

I agree. I didn't agree with everything in the article - however the current and projected obesity rates were very alarming to me! I'm going to do my part to lower that #!!

Well, you have been eating poorly... but today is a new day and you can start anew. Don't throw in the towel - YOU CAN DO THIS. The best thing to do is not to have the chips in the house. You have come too far to throw it away. Today is a new day and you can choose to eat healthier starting right now. If you don't keep the chips in the house, you won't have them at your disposal. Also, if you "must" have them, find healthier alternatives. Allow yourself 2 corn tortillas (they are 50 calories each), cut them in 4's spray a small amount of olive oil and salt and bake them to make your own lowfat chips. Only allow yourself that once a week or something. Also, it may help if you plan your meals so you are not grabbing what is easy and have thoughtfully planned out a tasty and healthy meal...... You deserve to be healthy and happy and YOU can do that!!

Patriceaa - you have done a great job! When was your surgery?

Also, as for popcorn... aside from airpopping your own. You can get bags of skinnypop popcorn (already popped) at the store. It is 39 calories per cup and YUMMY! Many people at the hospital's support group recommend it too.

Lindabug - were you trying to eat brocolli and salmon before or after the fill? If it was after your fill today, that was likely the problem. Most doctors advise you to be on liquids, then mushies after a fill as you are a bit "inflamed" from them messing w/ your band.

great news!!!

Please report back after you do.

Here's the other thing, I know this isn't easy. However, you can make all the excuses but it is only hurting yourself. It took me many years to learn but by making YOURSELF a priority, you will be a better wife and mom. I neglected myself for years thinking my kids came first. Well, when Mom is taking care of herself she is healthier and happier. You need to put your needs first. The situation with your husband is unfortunate but there are going to be many other challenges in life and we need to learn to keep trudging forward and not let it set us back. YOU CAN DO THIS - IF YOU WANT TO. Eating healthy doesn't have to be tasteless, cardboard foods. I am amazed at some recipes and how tasty they are. Someone posted in another blog about mixing low fat ricotta cheese with splenda and cocoa powder ... sounds yummy to me. When I am craving a sweet, I have sugar free jello brand chocolate mousse on hand (60 calories). There are options. Stock your house with those "options" or your desk at work so you have low calorie alternatives. If you don't have the "junk" available, you cannot eat it. Whether your family is overweight or not, everyone benefits from eating healthy.

I am going to try some of the recipes. I finally figured out where the wonton wrappers are at the grocery store to make them.

Do you know how many calories the extreme whey drinks have? I would love to find something I could "stomach".

It gets better when you get back on "regular" food. I had this after surgery and no matter how much I brushed, mouthwash, etc. I had a horrible taste in my mouth, etc. Since I have been back on regular food, it went away.

I have only had the (mis)fortune of being "stuck" one time. At that time, it was completely my fault as I was "testing" my band in a way I shouldn't have by eating meat that was too dry. After excruciating pain and panicking when I felt like I couldn't breathe, after several minutes, and a visit to the ladies room - it passed. Phew. I have noticed many people have had their own experiences with being "stuck" and wondered how they handled it or if anyone has suggestions. Certainly, chewing slowly, small bites, avoiding foods that are likely to cause it are first and foremost; however, (in case it does happen) what did you do and what worked for you? After reading several blogs and articles, I wondered if my trip to the ladies room was the wrong thing to do. I have read that you should lie down, drink liquids, etc. and avoid vomiting (which may cause a band slippage). Thanks everyone!

What stage are you in? When did you have the surgery?

I, too, have BCBSIL and I was going through this process last year. Last year, they had several requirements, which they dropped as of this year. It is much easier and I had no problem getting approved when I applied this year.