fredanna

My response of last month (December 2014) makes no sense. I think auto correct took over.

Jean McMillan's cookbook is great! Only problem is that many of the recipes make 8 servings. Too much for folks like us, but we can modify. I also like the Bariatric Foodie' s website and love her cookbook of bariatric protein shakes.

I've had very good luck with the band, having lost 100 pounds. Had a revision 18 months ago. Band slipped. I think the PA over filled it. This band has given more trouble than first, nausea, vomiting. Never heartburn, though. Nevertheless, tests indicate Barretts esophagus. Doctor prescribed a proton pump inhibitor, which helps a lot. Have learned that I have a structure l(auto correct won't let me type s t r I c t u r e, insisting that it is structure) at bottom of esophagus. Won't know more until G I guy returns from vacation in Feb. Fear he'll say band must come out and I'll gain 110 pounds.

Have you seen Bariatric Foodie' s book of protein shake recipes? Some are darned good! I've started making some of it into popsicles. Yum, especially the Orange cream. I like the shakes for breakfast, even though I m six years out.

A year and a half ago my surgeon replaced my band with a Realize band. At the same time he repaired a hiatal hernia. Eighteen months and much acid reflux later the hernia has returned. I know that the preliminary results of my G I work indicate Barretts esophagus and a stricture at the bottom. I have one more test before I see my G I. A few days later I see my bariatric guy. I have no idea what either will recommend. Meanwhile,I am thankful that the G I has prescribed a proton pump inhibitor. It really helps--I'm hardly barfing at all and I can eat solid food in small quantity.

I've lost about 100 pounds. I'm healthier, bit quite wrinkled so I guess I look my age. Better to look my age than to be morbidly obese.

I think I read that GERD can cause that sort of pain. I may be wrong.

How has it gone?

I was banded six years ago. Lost 70 pounds. Two years ago I began vomiting, etc. Saw the G I guy who has done all my colonoscopies. After all those barium tests he said my band had slipped and I should call my bariatric guy. When I did, he informed me that his bands do not slip and he made me take the tests all over again. His conclusion was that the band had "repositioned itself". I chose not to ask how that is different from slippage. At any rate, he replaced the band. I lost another 30 pounds but have had a lot of nausea. More G I tests. Apparently they show Barrets and a structure at bottom of esophagus. I am terrified that I'll have to have the band removed and I'll gain 100 pounds or maybe even more. I have one more test, then see both doctors in early February. Meanwhile, the proton pump inhibitor that the G I prescribed last month really helps. I guess I had GERD, but didn't know it because no pain. Also, I've given up bedtime snacks. I've eaten them all my 70+ years and I miss them, but no more.

After a esophageal barium test, a cookie swallow, and endoscopy, I've learned that I have Barretts and s structure at 5e bottom of my esophagus. I'm scheduled for an upper G I on Wed, then will see my gastroenterologist in early February. I guess I'll learn his recommendations then. Meanwhile I'm eating several small meals, not eating 3 hours before bed, and taking a proton pump inhibitor. I feel much better and hardly barf at all. YIPPEE! Six years ago I chose my bariatric surgeon because he was the only guy in town qualified for Medicare at that time. He doesn't practice at my hospital of choice. I kinda hope I can switch to the surgeon at my preferred hospital because communication among my medical team will be improved. The current bariatric guy is a skilled surgeon and a pleasant person, nut he isn't a team player. What has happened with your problem? Good luck!

What would we do without Goodwill, Salvation Army, and outlet stores. I spent $18 yesterday and got 1 pr jeans, 1 pr nice slacks, 5 sweaters--one from Bergdorf Goodman. I notice that whenever I clothes shop I automatically go to the larger sizes, then discover that nothing fits. Cool!

Have you seen Bariatric Foodie's book about protein shakes? WOW! Cinabon, eggnog, apple pie, and other yums. Jean McMillan's cookbook for banders also has some yummy stuff, and I think that most of her stuff is suitable no matter which type of surgery we have. OK, both books take a little kitchen time, but you don't have to worry about all those chemical additives that you don't know what they are.

Does anyone else out there have an AeroGarden? I have two now, and am growing cherry tomatoes in one (they are only about an inch high) and salad in the other. I planted them about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I am already eating lettuce wraps and will soon start to harvest enough lettuce for a small salad. I hate storebought lettuce, It can be difficult to buy a small enough amount (I live alone) and it doesn't stay fresh enough to suit me. I've never grown the tomatoes before, but I refuse to buy storebought tomatoes from Florida and so I'm doing them instead of herbs this year. Maybe next year I'll get a third garden. If you are interested, go to Aerogarden,.com. Am I allowed to say that? They are pricey, but sales are fairly frequent. Well, it is almost lunch time. Lettuce wrapped chicken salad.

I would like a bariatric potion plate and bowl, but I am too cheap to pay the shipping.

In childhood I spent summers on a farm.I. I would come in from work in the Hatfield and gulp cold water from the spring. Got to where I gulped all other liquids. I've been banded for almost 6 years and lost 100 pounds. Finally I realize I must sip because I think that gulping adds to my GERD. OH, how I would love a nice cold drink from that spring. I'd sip and sip and sip.