A New New Dawn

I didn't have that issue at all with pureed/mushie food. My dietician also allowed me to have cottage cheese or scrambled eggs in small pieces (without being pureed). Just remember to chew, chew, chew and chew some more. I had my first "stuck" episode yesterday but it was MY FAULT and I was able to remedy it (will spare you the details). I was overdoing it by having some meat that was too dry from our cafeteria. I got it without the gravy they were serving and foolishly thought I haven't had a fill and don't have any restriction in foods I can eat yet. I found out the band is definitely there and I must have some restriction. Lesson learned!! You should be ok during the pureed stage though. Just eat slow and make sure the food is liquidy (adding broth, or some liquid to your food). It is a bit scary. I was a bit scared too that by going back to eating I may regress to bad habits, so far so good though as my conscience has kicked in!! Good luck to you on this amazing journey.

Congrats! I, too, have BCBS IL and they made a lot of changes in their approval process from last year to this year so mine was approved pretty quickly. Congrats. I was so excited when I got the approval and then at the same time a sense of panic of what did I just do ~ LOL. But it has been a great decision. Best of luck to you!!!

Are you scared that it will get stuck or scared that you may fall into bad eating habits and afraid to eat?

The videos were very interesting. Also a very different concept then what I have been told. It was my understanding that you stay full from the food sitting above the band; whereas, this is saying after a minute it passes right through. I was also told not to drink with meals as it flushes the food through rather than letting it stay above the band to keep me satiated. Hmmm, very interesting. I did get many helpful pointers and, of course, love the wine idea - but don't think my conscience would let me have it. Back to the original discussion, I am very glad you are going back to your doctor. It sounds like a fill would do a lot to help you feel some restriction and get back on track. Keep in mind one fill may not do it and you may need more (not sure how much restriction you may already have). Good luck on your journey. In recent years, I couldn't get myself to even think about restricting my diet. The first week after surgery was very challenging but it is getting much easier to be and stay on track!! Take care and make yourself a priority from today and forward.

I am very excited for you. I am 4 weeks post-op and already feeling a world of difference. I can relate on many levels and wish I would have done this years ago. (I hear that a lot from others too). I, too, have felt I couldn't speak up in my marriage (now 13 years divorced), because he "tolerated" my weight. Even having my first "stuck" episode with some (too) dry food today, was reassuring knowing that the band is there with me and working (even without any fills yet). I have often heard people say, "when I lose weight, I will still be the same person". I agree; however, I believe I will be an enhanced version of me - one that is not worried about others looking at her, not worried about embarrassing my kids (though they have never acted that way), one that doesn't worry about where we are going and if I will comfortably be able to sit there, one that isn't a "closet eater" as to avoid teaching her kids bad eating habits, one that has more energy, is healthier, and one that feels better looking at herself in the mirror, is not afraid to speak up and stand for who I am. It's inspiring to hear you are now encouraged, not destroyed, by the past experiences and you are excited about the future. Please keep us posted on your progress. I would love to read about this new chapter you are beginning!! Best wishes to you!

Congrats to you!!! Everyone recovers differently and it passes quickly. Just make sure to follow the instructions of the post-op diet and exercise and it should be fine. Thankfully, I have a very high tolerance for pain and the recovery went pretty smooth (no gas pain, and able to get around right after). I am 4 weeks post op and feeling great. I have lost 21 lbs since surgery (and 10 before) so that alone is very encouraging and motivating. Good luck to you ~ let us know how you are doing and reach out if you need anything.

Keep a food diary and activity log (or use Fitness Pal to log). I think often people feel they are active or eating appropriately and in "denial" of the truth or don't realize the reality of the situation. Logging it, will help you assess where you are really at and where you should focus on improvements. Don't beat yourself up for a "bad day", build a bridge, get over it and back on the right path. Also, reach out to others for support. We have all gone through a lot of similar struggles and triumphs. Getting support, encouragement or a needed kick in the a$$ can do wonders!! Find what works for you. We all enjoy different activities and foods. Make yourself a priority. I remember always putting myself last to make sure my kids or others were taken care of until I learned that by making myself the priority we all "win" and benefit. I am a better mom and fiance when I am happy and feeling good about myself, when I have the energy to keep up with my family and am excited about doing things and enjoying life. This LB lifestyle isn't a punishment! It is a gift!!

I am about one month post op and still have this issue. From others on this forum, I have seen that it improves after the first couple months. The other thing is making sure you are eating slowly and not gulping food and definitely not using a straw or you swallow a lot of air which makes it worse.

Definitely do your homework. I would also take to heart what your doctor recommended as it sounds like he is wanting what's best for you. Personally, I know many people that have been successful with the sleeve. I get very concerned with the bypass due to the malabsorption issues. My mom has had many struggles and health issues as a result; even with getting injections and being on very high doses of Vitamins. That's just her story and I know it has worked well for many others. Good luck in whichever decision you choose.

Best of luck to you for a speedy recovery and the first day of a "new you".

I agree with above comments. In the support group at my hospital, this was brought up. It wasn't a "no-no" persay but many said they had difficulty digesting it. I would suggest trying it in a small dose and see how it works for you. I would hate to give up asparagus!

Also, be careful not to get discouraged if others are doing "better" than you. Everyone heals differently, has different circumstances, etc. Personally, I have a very high tolerance for pain and didn't feel that bad post surgery. However, I did feel that day 3/4 were the worst for me. I was sipping too much/too fast I think and not feeling well. Plus, I was starting to feel better and food around me smelled good and was making me wonder about what I had just done to my body. I am now almost 4 weeks post op and it has gotten easier, physically and emotionally. Let yourself heal, first and foremost. This is a physical process and, for many, a grieving process. It will get better and you will be thankful you made the sacrifice when you start feeling your clothes getting looser and the scale reading lighter. Good luck to you!

I was told no makeup or lotions of any kind. They should give you pre-surgery instructions a few days before.

If possible, I would go back to original doctor since you are happy with the doctor him/herself. I have had conversations with doctors or people about their office staff. I would urge you to talk to the doctor about the office staff/person the issue pertains to. I am sure you are not the only "victim" and the doctor could be unknowingly losing many patients. It has worked for me in the past. Good luck and hope all is well.

It's my understanding that most people are told not to exceed 1 cup in volume of food total per meal. Plus, I agree with the comments above about the healthiness of the child's meal. Unfortunately, they are often fat or carb heavy (fried or pasta).

Definitely, tell your doctor. If it is infected, it is typically an "easy fix" with some antibiotics. However, not treating it is very dangerous and could lead to not getting a fill for a long time if it progresses. Your immediate health (potential) infection is the most critical right now. I thought I had an infection in my port site incision but it turned out to be part of the stitches that weren't dissolving so he had to remove the remaining ones. I am guessing since this was one of your smaller incisions, there weren't any stitches? Good luck - safety first.

I am 3 weeks post op and slept on my belly (unintentionally) last night for the first time. It felt SO good! You will get there. I hope you are moving around (walking, etc) to help with the gas pain. Otherwise, you may want to try GasX. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I am so sorry to hear you are going through that. While it may not be intentional, it is very hurtful and frankly, abusive to you. If you have been very direct with her that what she says is very hurtful and makes you feel worse about yourself, not motivating, then I am not sure she will ever get it. It is hard now, but as you get older, you may find you need to distance yourself from toxic relationships even from a mother. Is it possible that you could get some counseling to help you deal with this? It sounds like you understand it isn't you or a reflection of you but those are still pretty hurtful and damaging things that are being said and done. It may be part of why you have issues with your weight. Some people feel that by saying these things it will motivate you to change and it has quite the opposite effect and can make you feel worse and soothe yourself with food. I am glad you realize it isn't right and that you are taking steps to feel better about yourself for your own reasons. I do hope you have other people in your life that are supportive of you. You deserve that. Stay strong and one of my favorite quotes is (Eleanor Roosevelt) - "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent". I truly believe that!! Best of luck in your endeavor and to continue to heal ~ emotionally and physically.

As for how long the band lasts, I, too, heard 10-15 years. I broached that with my surgeon (who has been doing this surgery for many years) and he explained to me that the band is made of the same materials that they make other "implantable devices" for the body. So while the band is still somewhat new in the U.S. the materials used are used in joint replacements, breast implants, etc. so they know the materials are "safe". He told me they could essentially last indefinitely. Of course, everyone is different and will react differently. My mom had a very bad experience with GB a few years ago and we almost lost her. After several months in the hospital (in and out), home nurses, 2 more surgeries, she is ok but still struggling w/ many health issues from the surgery and the malabsorption issues. That is the experience I know so I chose LB because I wanted a minimally invasive tool to help me in my Quest to be healthier and thinner. GB has worked well for others I know but my immediate experience shyed my away. I also felt this, being the least invasive of the surgeries, was where I wanted to start and then, if there were problems or it wasn't working, I would consider a more invasive method. It is unfortunate that the surgeon was trying to direct people, rather than present all the options and let people decide what would be best for them. I would question his motivation for that. I have BCBS insurance and my insurance requirements from last year to this year were drastically lessened to be approved for the surgery. Personally, I don't think the insurance would make it easier to get approved if the success rates were declining... I would suggest taking your time to continue to do the research, if there are support groups for the different WLS go to them and talk to people that are going through it and ask questions. Continue with this site (and the other respective sites for GB, etc) to feel comfortable with the decision you feel is best for you. If you do decide to go with the Lapband and this surgeon is not supportive of it, I would find a different surgeon as you want someone that believes in it to perform the surgery. Good luck in your journey and kudos to you for questioning what you hear and doing the research.

No sugar added is definitely better than sugar added but there is often still carbs and some sort of sugar in the product. For example, I am drinking Carnation Instant Breakfast - no sugar added. It is much less calories than the regular but still has carbs and 70 calories per packet (I believe). It is a good alternative just have to know there are still calories and carbs in it.

I would urge you to keep a food diary and activity log or use fitnesspal (phone app) to log those. Sometimes we think we are taking in much less than we are. Are you measuring your portions? Also, are you drinking juice or high sugar drinks? A lot of people don't realize the liquid calories they are intaking. While you may feel you are taking in <1000 calories, the food diary may help to ensure you are (and measuring your food and activities). Good luck to you. I know we all will have those plateaus and they do pass but definitely frustrating in the interim.

Can you sit while working? That will help alleviate it. Or if you did the surgery late in the week so you have your few days plus the weekend? It is really a personal challenge whether you can do it. People react very differently after the surgery. I felt really good a few days out but I also know I have a very high pain tolerance. Good luck to you and congrats!

@Allison, wow you have done really well with your band!! I started at almost the same weight and would LOVE to be at your current weight this time next year!! Congrats.

Actually, it doesn't sound normal that you cannot eat until so late in the day. You may want to call your dr. and get his/her opinion. Perhaps there is an issue with the band - especially since you mentioned having heartburn and reflux. I have read that can be a sign of a slipped band.

That is awesome on both accounts - the weight loss and that it hasn't slipped!!! You must be so proud!!!