Forestcat5

Longhorn - Thank you so much for your post. My parents and all my siblings are obese. My SIL, who is adopted, is obese, and in the last few years found 2 biological sisters and a brother - and they are all obese. There is so much more research that needs to be done! Thanks again!

Hi terrisch! Oh my gosh - your last stuck episode sounds awful! I keep reading that it takes a lot of trial and error to know what/when you can eat....and I'm thinking it sounds better to just throw up than be "stuck". I'm a bit claustrophobic, and the thought of having difficulty breathing is really scary. But I've never heard of anyone choking to death, so hopefully I won't panick too much! :nervous I've decided that I will concentrate on eating mostly Protein this week, along with some vegetables. I did the Atkins diet for my 6 month insurance requirement, then the Protein drinks 2 weeks pre-op, and mostly protein drinks 2 week post-op, and now that I'm on mushies I'm eating some carbs - I'm having dizziness and shakiness. So probably the Soup, crackers, cream of wheat, applesauce, etc, are affecting me in a bad way. Carbs are what helped me become morbidly obese, and I CRAVE them like crazy - so it's time to kick them to the curb again. I have my follow-up appt with the surgeon this Tues, plus have to see the nutritionist - so I will ask their opinion. Do you think you will want another fill in a month or so? Or is it too early to tell?

NO WAY do I go shopping on Black Friday!!! And what is worse than shopping on Black Friday?? WORKING at a retail store on Black Friday!!!!! I used to work at Best Buy (YIKES!), and every year we would have to call the police because of customers threatening employees or other shoppers, and a few times there were actual fist fights in the store! Granted - it never seemed like we were prepared for the huge crowds that would come surging in, but we would have every single employee we had working every shift, and it never was enough. The things I saw people say and do were disgusting! But then there were also the wonderful, happy people who would be kind and patient, and try to calm down the idiots who were getting furious because the lines were so long, or something they wanted was sold out. And I won't even get into the shoplifting that went on!!! I know there are stories about grumpy and rude retail workers too - believe me we had to fire quite a few during this time of year, but I will never forget the look of greed and hatefulness on shoppers faces.....but also will never forget the funny, helpful shoppers who made me not lose my faith in the human race. I vow to NEVER work in retail again!!

Hi! I'm glad that Thanksgiving is over and people won't be pushing food at me for a few weeks - until Christmas. We went to my parents house for dessert last night, and I did have a teeny slice of my sisters unbelievably delicious apple pie, and 2 bites of a cookie.....but this was due to me not telling any of them that I had band surgery. Of course I enjoyed eating them, but I really could have declined, but didn't want to raise suspicion. I feel so conflicted when I'm around my family - and have come to the point of almost telling them, but I'm pretty sure what would happen, and I don't want to ruin my good feelings about what I have done. I'll take it day by day...... Terrisch - how scary about the salmon getting stuck! Did you feel like you couldn't breathe?? Or was it basically only the stuck feeling? (well I don't mean ONLY the stuck feeling, like it was nothing!) I'm wondering what it feels like, but I guess it's like child birth - you can describe it to somebody, but until they go through it themselves - they will never REALLY know! sbee - how are you doing with your fills? Have you had any PB's or stuck feelings? How are you feeling in general? Now we're painting our living room - so I'd better get back to work. Break time is over!

Welcome Twilight! I felt exactly as you have described before surgery - I think a lot of the people on this board have. But I knew I needed the band to use as a tool to not gain the weight back. I've been successful losing the weight in the past - but never successful at keeping it off. This was a big decision for me, but as my health continued to worsen, and my weight was still rising - I KNEW I had to do something different. I was banded on Nov 1st and have worked my way through 2 weeks of liquids and am now enjoying mushies. Reading through the threads on this board (old and new) helps me immensely - during research, pre-op and now post-op. There are some bandsters here that I "clicked" with (even though they don't know it! ) and I look for their postings and get lots of help and encouragement from them. What you are feeling is natural for anyone going to have surgery - but try to think about working with the band and being successful, and improving your health and quality of life. Best of luck to you!!

Hello terrisch and sbee - I'm still enjoying the mushies. But I still feel like they pass through my band very quickly because I get hungry soon after I eat. Did either of you feel this way? I'm pretty sure it's not head hunger because my stomach is growling. Yesterday I started shaking when I was feeling hungry - which has happened to me pre-band due to low blood sugar. So I'm going to be extra aware of getting more Protein, and mention it to the Dr if it keeps happening. Plus yesterday I was the most active since my surgery - we were painting our dining room, so maybe I was using up my fuel quickly. How are your fills feeling? On a scale of 1-10, how much restriction do you feel you have? I have to go to my PCP on Tues for a BP check, then on the 27th I see the surgeon for an incision check. terrisch - I know I have to see the nutritionist at this appt too...how long will I be there? And am I supposed to take anything with me, like a food diary? Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

The XR stands for Extended Release and my surgeon says these meds can NOT be taken, so we'd need to get the tablets that can be crushed. The Extended Release meds are not good with the pouch.

hi mayreee - I had my surgery on Thurs Nov 1st, and was hungry by Sun, and I wondered too if something was wrong. When the surgeon's nurse called to see how I was doing I told her how hungry I was, and she wasn't concerned about it, she just said that my swelling must have gone down fast. So each time I felt hungry I would drink something from the approved list of liquids, plus drank 3-4 Protein drinks a day. I was a little worried that I was consuming too much, but to my surprise - lost 6 lbs during the 2 weeks. So you are not alone - I believe there are a lot of us newly banded people who are honestly hungry!

terrisch & sbee - I officially started mushies today. I've had mashed potaotes, "smooshed" green Beans, and applesauce - along with a few Protein drinks. It was great to eat and I didn't feel over full or like I needed to stop eating - but I made sure not to eat more than a cup. Were you guys able to eat as much as you wanted, or did you keep your portions very small? Were you able to eat any pureed meat? terrisch - how wonderful that your sister said you looked younger AND thinner!!!! What more can we ask for?? I haven't set any mini goals or passed any milestones yet, but now that I think about it - getting off my BP meds and getting under 200 lbs would be the 2 things I'd pick. Do either of you have any issues with Thanksgiving? Like family urging you to eat more, or being food police? Most of my family is going out to eat for T'giving dinner this year - which has NEVER happened before. There is just so much going on in my family - illness, divorce, high risk pregnancy - to name a few, and no one has the energy or time to do the whole big meal thing. So I think I'll be able to politely decline the invite to go out to eat, and then just get together with them afterwards. Now I think I'll try some Cream of Wheat......:hungry:

Hi All - I went back to work today. Other than being tired, it went well. I haven't been watching my calories, and I have to start because I don't think I'm getting enough. I'm out of Optifast so I started drinking Atkins Advantage, and I'm having cream soups or pureed soups, SF hot chocolate and decaf coffee. Oh yeah - and water! terrisch and sbee - how are you doing? How many fills have you had? Has there been any foods that you can't eat at all? My first fill won't be until the middle of December. terrisch, you mentioned having an issue with scheduling your fills - does the Dr's office only do them on certain days or certain times of the day? I'm counting the days until I can feast on mashed potatoes and cream of wheat!

Hi poodlecamper! I have cigna ins also. It took about a month to get an approval/denial letter from them. I was denied on my first attempt, but it was due to not enough info being submitted. My PCP immediately got in touch with them and faxed what they wanted, and I was approved within a week. I also had to do the 6 month diet. I lost 20 lbs, but cigna didn't seem interested in how much I lost - just that I had followed their requirement of a 6 month Dr supervised diet. CONGRATULATIONS!! on being a 3 year survivor of ovarian and peritoneal cancer!

CTgirl - How HORRIBLE!!!! I can't imagine waking up to a fire in my house! But like you said - thank goodness everyone got out ok. Having to handle everything by yourself has to be so overwhelming, but it sounds like you are a strong person, and you HAVE handled it! So now you need to take some time, even if it's only a few minutes, grab a Protein drink or a bottle of Water, sit down and try to slow your mind, and start taking very small sips. Reflect on how fortunate you are that your loved ones are alive, and that YOU are alive. The last thing you want to do right now is get dehydrated. So if you need to make some phone calls - take a sip before you dial, then take a sip after you hang up. If you have to drive somewhere - take a sip before you start your car, take a sip at every red light, and take a sip after you turn you car off. This may sound a bit elementary, but it helps when a person is under stress to set small "doable" goals. Your kids are with their dad, your SO is in the best place possible to be taken care of, you took care of the cleaners, insurance, contractors....now it's time to take care of YOU! Please let us know how things are going.

Hi Carson_Mommy, I had my surgery Nov 1st and have had to give myself a shot of blood thinner every day since then. Today was the last day. When I had my pre-op consultation with the surgeon he asked if anyone in my family had ever had a blood clot and I said yes, and he said he was sending me to a specialist to be evaluated. So just to be extra safe, and given my family history of heart disease, they decided I should have a week of blood thinners after my surgery. I had never given myself a shot before, but I had a very kind nurse who explained everything to me and sat with me while I gave myself a shot before I left the hospital. There is another bandster I talk with here who also had to do the shots after she got home. It's another one of those things - like the sleep apnea test, or stress test, that the surgeon requests so we have the best recovery possible. So I did it, took a few seconds to be proud of myself for doing it :clap2:, and now onward I go! Best of Luck to you!!

Hi Josette! I have worn Spanx shapewear and another brand called Lipo in a Box, and I thought they both worked really well. I don't know about losing 2 inches in my waist, but my clothing instantly fit better and smoother. And when I was losing weight,(I've been up and down the scale MANY times!) they always helped when I was between sizes - 1X pants looked dumpy and baggy, and XL was a bit too tight and uncomfortable, I would put on the Lipo in a Box and usually could then wear the XL. I was banded on Nov 1st and plan to use shapewear as I lose weight to make my clothes look better, help with sagging skin and keep the jiggles under control. I buy both brands from QVC ( a home shopping network) but I would think they have Web sites you can go to to read more about them.

hi terrisch! I'll return to work next Mon, the 12th. The 30lb weightloss is all pre-op. 20 lbs during the 6 month diet that cigna said I had to do, and 10lbs on the 2 week pre-op Optifast diet. My parents came by this evening, and my dad said as soon as I feel up to it they want us to go out to dinner with them....so I have to think about how to handle that. (I have only told them I've had hernia surgery) I hope I can put it off until I'm off mushies and on to soft foods. At least then I can get a baked potato and cooked veggies or something. Is salad allowed on soft foods? I hope you can get an earlier fill. I would think the Dr would say ok - it's been a month since your last one, right? I'm venturing out tomorrow to do some errands - even though I've enjoyed staying inside all snuggled up with my cats!

Hi flashkatt! I also live in Ohio and just had my surgery on Nov 1st in Cleveland. The meeting you are going to will probably have basic information, but it will be what you need to get started. Once you decide what you want to do, the most important thing you'll need to do (unless you are self-pay) is contact your insurance company to see if they cover the surgery, AND what they require from you to qualify. I hope you have time to read as much as you can on this site, it is full of great information. You can look at the Ohio thread and see if anyone there went to the same clinic you are going to for the meeting. Best of luck to you!!! I wish I could have done this at 32 instead of 52!!!!

Hi traveler! I had surgery on Thurs Nov 1st and started feeling hungry on Sunday - my 3rd day post op. Just like you I wondered if my band had slipped or something. But I don't have any pain or vomiting, which I think I would have if my band had slipped. Today the nurse from my surgeons office called to see how I was doing and I told her that I was hungry and she didn't seem concerned. She said the swelling in my stomach must have gone down fast. So you might call your surgeons office, just for some reassurance that being hungry this fast is ok. Besides all the water everyday - I'm drinking 3-4 protein drinks, plus 2-3 cups of broth or soup, and 2 cups of SF hot chocolate. I'm hoping when I go on mushies in 8 days 10 hrs and 42 min :biggrin1: I won't be so hungry! So I plan on drinking everything on the approved list from my surgeon and try to be happy I'm such a fast healer!

Day 5 after surgery and feeling better every day. The only issue I'm having, and it isn't too bad, is my crushed meds making me nauseous and a little woozy in the head. I'm on 6 different meds, some I have to take 3times a day because I used to take time released. I've tried mixing the meds with different things, and found that the Optifast is pretty good, and so far SF hot chocolate is the best. I've made my 3 week checkup appt, plus I have to see my PCP before that for a BP check. So things are going well, and I'm using this time to heal and rest, and plan for the next step on my journey.

I was just banded on Nov 1st, so I haven't changed clothing size yet - but in the past, during my MANY years of dieting, I found something that helped me alot. It's a "shaping" garmet from a company called Lipo in a Box. It's also a lot like the shaping garments you can get from Spanx, but I just personally prefer the Lipo in a Box. The garments come in all different types - targeting different "trouble" spots. They are a huge help in fitting into the next size down clothing, plus they smooth out any bumps or bulges we may have, and hold down any "jiggles". They are soft garments, nothing like the old fashioned "girdles"!! I buy mine from QVC (a home shopping network), but imagine you could find their website online. But since these types of undergarments are becoming more popular, I would think you could find different brands at regular dept stores. Even when I would get close to goal weight, I'd still like to wear these just because I felt they made my clothes look better. Just an idea for those who are in "Clothing Hell" aka - Between Sizes!

Hello! I'm home and doing pretty good! The surgery went fine, the Dr's and nurses were ALL great. I had a large hiatal hernia that was a surprise (it didn't show up on any of the xrays) so the surgeon fixed that also. I'm doing all the walking and sipping and coughing - along with the pain meds, and feel like I'm right on track. The only thing out of the ordinary I have to do is give myself a shot of blood thinners for 7 days. This is because my sister had a blood clot once, and they feel they run in families. They had me do the shot before I came home yesterday. I've never had to do such a thing before - but I'll do what I gotta do!! It sounds like you both are doing well and working with your bands until you hit your "sweet spots". My pain med is kicking in, so I think it's time for a nap! Talk to you soon!

Hi fellow November-ites!! I had my surgery on Thurs Nov 1, and came home yesterday. I'm feeling pretty good, no major pain or problems. I'm doing eveything we're supposed to do - taking liquid pain meds, walking, sipping liquids, doing deep breathing and coughing, and resting. I had a large hiatal hernia that was a surprise (it didn't show up on any of my xrays) the surgeon repaired it along with putting in the band. Good luck to everyone who has surgery coming up!!!

Hello everyone! My surgery is tomorrow also, and I'm scheduled at 8:30am. I'm a bit nervous, but I know tomorrow I'll be VERY nervous! I have all the supplies ready for when I get home, and after these 2 weeks on Optifast I'm really looking forward to some warm, pureed, strained soup! Best of Luck to all of you!!!!

hi sbee and terrisch - Just a quick check-in to see how you are doing. terrisch-how is the fill feeling? And sbee - are you looking forward to your fill? I'm getting things ready for Thurs. Still doesn't feel like it's real. But the liquid diet feels VERY REAL! What time were your surgeries, and what time did you both get to go home the next day? 3 more days!

hi lookingtolose84! I also have cigna. Have you called the Customer Service number on your cigna insurance card? Once you get through to a representative they will be able to tell you if you have lapband surgery coverage, and how much you will have to pay "out of pocket". I strongly suggest you call them before you schedule any more Dr appointments or tests. If you do have coverage, ask cigna about paying for the bill you received from the surgeon. Good Luck!!!

Hi terrisch and sbee! How are you both doing? terrisch - how was your fill? I wanted to let you know my good news - my surgery has been moved to Nov 1st! The surgeons office called me at work today and asked if I would be able to do it, and I immediately said YES! I'm so glad now that I've managed to stay on the liquid diet - although today I forgot to take an Optifast bar to work and I was starving and I starting thinking maybe there was something I could eat from one of the vending machines.....but after the phone call I gave up that idea! So that's my news! I hope you both are doing great!