A New New Dawn

Please let me know if you do start a new group. I would be glad to join and don't want to miss the post. Wish I would have known of the "plication" before I had mine. I think I may have opted for that too!

I would talk to your doctor as I never found OTC ones helpful myself. I am on BP meds and it has a dieuretic in it now so that covers me. Also, are you watching your salt intake? That makes a huge difference for me.

Do you know what carrier? I have BCBS of IL and the approval process was a breeze. However, for me, my BMI and 2 comorbities "helped" me get approved very easily. Definitely ask if they cover weight loss surgery and what are the requirements to get approved. When I called they also sent me all the information they provided over the phone by mail so I could look at in greater detail. The form they sent actually was a bit more detailed and said I had to document my diet, etc. Do you have a surgeon or practice you are working with? They typically are very familiar with the actual requirements of the various insurance carriers and give you direction too. They will say you still need to call insurance to be sure but they should know for the most part since they are doing hundreds of these. Good luck.

Hi Venessa, I am in Hanover Park, IL (south of Schaumburg, IL). Where are you at so far with WLS? I was banded on 7/25. So far it's been good. I haven't had any real issues to speak of yet but of course the weight cannot come off quick enough for me. It's been a challenge adjusting to the new lifestyle and I imagine even more so once I start getting fills. Hope you are well.

It is very difficult to readjust to new portion sizes, etc when we have had these behaviors for so long. One thing that is helping me is to measure out 3/4-1 c of food, put it on my plate (ideal to use a salad plate so it looks full or a bowl) and I eat what I serve. I find if I just randomly serve myself I, too, was eating too big of a portion. This keeps me "honest" with myself. Good luck!!

Definitely call your doctor! It could be a slipped band or something else. I had horrible pain in my back when my appendix ruptured (and no pain in the normal place you would for that). I walked around like that for a few days thinking it was just a really lower backache. In your instance, I have read if your band slips deep breaths can be painful.

Definitely track your calories and activities. It is easy to feel that you are on track not realizing what you may be drinking or eating. Also, Water weight can fluctuate a lot. I forgot to take my bp meds for a day or two and that threw me off since it has a diuretic in it too. Just a bump in the road, you will get past this.

It is likely still the gas trying to work its way through your body. It's very important to move around and take pain meds, as needed. Try to walk every couple hours to help it work its way out. Also, forget about your manners for now and if you need to burp, etc. let it go. It should pass in the next day or two. Good luck.

I agree it is a very personal decision. I told my coworkers and it has been fine but others have had bad experiences and people that weren't supportive. My coworkers inquired how I am doing here and there but, they have their own weight issues, so they don't seem to be "monitoring me" or being nosey about it. One thing I have noticed is coworkers come and go and you don't really "owe" them any explanation. I have left jobs over the years to move onto another or friends have left and we will say we are going to keep in touch and never do. So I consider most of them, just that, coworkers. I am friendly and sociable but know that they are not my "inner circle". For me, it has been family (parents, etc) that seems to be more nosey and feel like they have the right to watch over me and want to tell me what I should be doing and how to lose weight. Good luck w/ your decision.

It will happen. I have been stuck at the same weight for a week. Also, I am struggling w/ family asking have I lost weight, etc. They do not understand it doesn't just "fall" off like for bypass surgery and I have educated them on the fact that I have essentially no restriction now and won't for a couple months (or so) until I have had the appropriate amount of fills. They didn't understand that either. It's hard when you know your family is watching you, but in some regards, it helps keep you on track. My kids and fiance are fine but parents, and friends think it is just supposed to melt off in a few weeks. Good luck to you! I am constantly reading all the success stories on here and believe it does work just requires some patience (which can be a challenge).

Also, if you don't know this, make sure your meals consist of high protein (between 50-60 grams per day). The most important aspect is getting in your protein. When you do have a dinner, eat the protein first - that is what will keep you full too for several hours.

It is normal to have days where you don't lose. I have had the past week like that even though I am not exceeding about 800 calories per day. It sounds like you weren't really given instructions post-op. My surgeon had me on liquids for 2 weeks post op and then pureed/mush foods (which would also include scrambled eggs and cottage cheese) for 4 weeks. Definitely no chips and meals not to exceed about 3/4 of a cup each. No liquids with meals from now till infinity (must be 1/2-1 hour before of after). They told me the port site is what may bother you more than the other incisions because it is the largest one. When you can get to regular foods, I found at costco by me, a jalapeno greek yogurt dip that is lo cal and delicious (reminds me of the dips they make with salsa and sour cream mixed). It also has Protein. I cut up veggies for my kids to have with the dip. They also have a low fat tzatski (sorry spelling) dip like the sauce they put on gyros that is great with veggies. If you must have a salty snack, there is "skinny pop" popcorn (pre-popped in a bag) that is 39 calories for a cup and tastes good. As mentioned above, most surgeons wait until 4-6 weeks post-op to get a fill. Have you coordinated with a local surgeon that will do this for you? If not, you should start getting that set up. As for exercise, I was told to do what I could tolerate (walking, biking, etc) - nothing too strenuous right away but to get you moving at least. Good luck to you!

As suggested earlier, try out the protein drinks now so you can figure out which ones you like. You can even ask on here to poll the popular ones or I asked people at my support group meeting. Also, shop for the food items you will need after surgery (broth, cream soups, shakes, etc.) so you have all that on hand. If you can, you may want to have some family meals prepared in the freezer too or perhaps the older kids can assist with meal preparation. Lastly, accept help if available. Some of us are used to be independent and don't want to inconvenience others... Now it is time for you to be your priority and put yourself before others while you are recovering. Good luck and best wishes.

So worth it and keep up with the walking as able. That will aid in a speedy recovery.

I was banded on 7/25 and had to stay overnight because of severe sleep apnea. Either I was way out of it and don't remember or was left alone but I don't think I was bothered at night at all. They had the inflatable booties on me to massage my calves so I wouldn't get blood clots. They brought me juice and broth as I wanted and I went home later the next morning. It was pretty uneventful. I had very little pain so I wanted to get up. The nurses were wanting to hold me and help me around and I felt fine (yes, I have a high tolerance for pain and once walked around for days w/ a ruptured appendix unknowingly - being overweight actually saved me in that instance). Nonetheless, my stay was uneventful. They gave me oral medicine (liquid Tylenol III) for the pain and that was sufficient. Good luck - no worries. Also, when they put the IV cathetor (sp) in the back of your hand, make sure it isn't too high up near your wrist. Mine was and I could hardly bend my wrist and over 2 weeks later it is still sensitive if I bump it. You will do great.

Awesome! What a great feeling.

If it is any consolation, it does get easier each day. Yes, food still smells great but as you start to see the scale going down that will release some of those endorphins to get you feeling good about what you are doing. If there is anyway for you to go for a walk or leave during their mealtime so it doesn't bother you as much, perhaps you could do that. Good luck!

That is very devastating news. For such a permanent and life-altering decision like that, could you get a 2nd opinion? I am noticing from this site that many surgeons approach things a bit different. Also, someone else mentioned they had to have theirs removed due to adhesions and were going to get the bypass. If you are able to get a 2nd opinion and it has to be removed, could you consider getting the "sleeve" (which is very similar to having the band)? I know no one wants another surgery but just thinking of options. Best of luck to you!

I, too, had my surgery 7/25. Same thing. I have lost 14 lbs since sugery all in the first week and nothing this past week. I am excited about the weight I have lost but going a week without when I know I am eating minimal calories is frustrating. I know it will happen so I am trucking along. They were celebrating our CFO's birthday at work with two delicious looking bakery cakes.... I wished her happy birthday and went back to my desk. Sure wish I could have had a piece but my conscience is keeping me on track. Sent my daughter back to college yesterday and managed to go out to lunch and felt complete with my cup of soup. We can do this!!!

What symptoms were you having that caused them to check for this? If you don't mind sharing, how much were you eating? I worry about this and just want to learn from your experience so hopefully I can prevent this too. Good luck to you!

Also, unless you are in the buff around your dog, and no bandages over the incisions I don't see where they would bother it (other than potentially jumping on you). I have 2 dogs that were my couch companions for the week I was home and recovering. For the first week I had a clear (fully sealed) bandage around each incision and under that guaze and steristrips covering them, plus my clothes. They are all healing nicely. My dogs both were sniffing my shirt though as they knew something was amiss.

My dietician said it can cause dehydration and increased appetite; however, isn't caffeine in most diet pills? Just sayin.... I think small doses here and there are harmless. Also, tea typically has much less caffeine than coffee and even decaf coffee has caffeine.

I suggest you try not to harbor the anger and sit down and have an open and honest discussion about how you need his support and the things he is doing to sabbotage it. Perhaps some reassurance that you love him, etc. and your love will grow stronger by him being supportive and encouraging. If you aren't able to have that conversation, perhaps some couples' counseling? Not to sound extreme but you deserve that. When I was married, my husband did similar things. He would want me to lose weight but sabbotage my efforts by foods he would buy or prepare, etc. If he was serving my plate, he would pile it high. It eventually became evident to me that, yah, he would love to have a "thin" me but was very insecure in himself and felt I would become more attractive to others. It was actually very subtle and controlling behavior in my situation. When I went for my pre-op appts, this also came up with the pyschologist. He said some men will get jealous as the woman loses weight (or vice versa) and as the other gets more attention, feels better about themself, etc. It sounds like your husband's comments, food purchases, etc. now are a subtle way of him trying to sabbotage this new lifestyle again. I hope you are able to stay strong, stay focused and not let his insecurities get the best of you. This isn't just for appearance, it is your health at stake. I hope you have a strong support system around you if he cannot be that for you, such as close family, friends, local support group, etc. Sorry you are going through this and perhaps you continuing to persevere and avoid those "muffins and icecream" too will help you feel good inside about what a strong person you have become! You deserve this - and yes, 2 lbs. a week is a great goal! Best of luck to you.

Also, can you drink regular (skim) milk? There were times I couldn't get the drinks down and my dietician said at least you get some Protein drinking milk (and you need the protein for your energy). I loathe protein drinks; however, I was able to tolerate the alternate "recipe" my doc gave of 1 packet of the (no sugar added) carnation instant breakfast (comes in blue box), mixed w/ a cup of skim milk and 2 1/2 T of powdered milk added (for extra protein). It was similar to chocolate milk. Or if you could get slimfast down, that has a lot of nutrients too. Everyone heals differently as I was up and about the next day and driving a couple days later, going to store, etc. You will be feeling good again soon and the regret will be a thing of the past. Lastly, I would talk to your doctor. I know I get severe nausea from anesthesia so they put a patch behind my ear that helped tremendously. Maybe something like that would help you get through this to eat and get your strength back. You have to get some nutients and Water in you though. Please keep up posted and good luck.

If you cut them, put water in your mouth and then drop them in while you still have water in your mouth. Everything (just about) makes me gag but that way I don't feel, nor taste them as they go right down with the water.