bbjerseygirl

Hi Skinny, me too. I have had 2 fills and can eat a cow if I allowed myself. Hungry at night still. I have the large 14cc band and they say it takes several fills. The thing is I am too eating less, not snacking or anything so I don't see how more restriction is the answer. I go to the gym 3x a week too. My nutritionist said to boosts metabolism, add 3 servings of dairy a day. This worked once for me and I lost 3 lbs, now I am at a stand still again. I see doctor on 2/5 and will ask what else is there to do, eating right and exercising? So why no weight loss. If I get answers, I'll let you know. Some are saying too little calories can be the answer too. I eat between 1,000 to 1,200 a day. I was thinking of upping it to 1,400 and see what happens, but afraid I will gain. Others who have had surgery same time as me, have lost 35-40 lbs, me 26 in almost 4 months. Try the dairy thing, see if it helps. Hope things go on a downward slide for you soon too.

Someone told me South Beach Protein Bars - 20 g of protein - If you are getting 70-80 g you are doing good anyway. Your doc has a high requirement. There are many brands of protein bars you can try and aren't expensive. If not that, add more meat proteins like chicken, tuna, fish. Each on average has 7 or more g of protein per ounce - so an extra few ounces you'll meet your requirements. Good luck

There are several reasons you may not be losing weight but your doctor should be looking into each of them. Have you lost anything at all? Obviously more fills arent the answer unless you have the large band. i have the large band with little restriction so far with 2 fills but I am still losing. I follow the low carb, low fat, high protein diet with about 1,000 cals a day and i am too losing slowly. 28 lbs so far in 3 1/2 months. My nutritionist said to add dairy to my diet (3 servings a day) and that really helped. If you are following a strict diet routine such as I listed, proper portions, drinking water, exercising, etc. then your doc needs to look at the band and make sure there is not slippage, leaks etc. Try for one week to be really good at your eating habits, write everything down, calories and amounts - at the end of the week see where you may be making mistakes. You may not realize that eating something each day for an extra 100 calories add up to 700 calories a week, possibly a pound that you could have lost. Little things add up unfortunately. Plus you said you eat alot of soups - are they the creamy soups which are higher in fat. Really pay attention and see what happens. I wish you luck. I know how you feel. Like I said, I eat about 1,000 cals a week and i can go several weeks without losing anything and then a drop. If you have to, talk to your nutritionist to go over your journal. Good luck

Aetna approves WLS and it sounds like you meet all the criteria. So that is hopeful. As far as your PCP goes, tell him he works for you, not the other way around. He does not have to agree with your choices but he does have to provide you with a referral. My doc did the same thing and I thanked him for his opinion but told him I wanted a referral anyway. He gave me a real hard time and I flat out told him that it was not his choice or his body and if he refused I would report him to my insurance company for refusal of service and I would switch PCP's anyway. Which by the way, I did after I got the referral. If you were a 102 lbs, I could see him refusing, but you do however meet all the necessary requirements. Sometimes you have to take a stand for what you believe in and push forward. Sometimes you can't be nice to get what you need (not want). He will just have to give in and work with you. Good luck.

Hi Everyone. I haven't posted in here much but I too had surgery in October. I have lost 26 lbs and have had two fills in the my 14cc band. Now at 8 ccs. The first fill was basically useless and so far the second one isn't proven effective yet either. One thing I can say though is that I dont' have cravings and i am able to stop eating without feeling neglected or starving. But if I wanted to eat everything on my plate, I easily could. I go for another fill next month. Doc said to be patient with restriction with the large band. I also have no food issues and can eat all foods which is okay with me. Don't want pb'ing or sliming thing either. I am losing very slowly and there are times that I dont' lose for weeks. I don't know if more restriction is the answer though because I eat 1,000 cals a day and the weight still really doesn't come off. I am now going to the gym and still no big drops that you would think. But, I will be patient. I am happy with the fact I can stop eating as soon as I feel satisfied, not full, and not have the cravings I use to. So if it takes longer, so be it. I can't figure it out so I am not going to stress about it either. Glad you are all doing better and finding peace with the band. It is a constant adjustment - no pun intended. Good luck to everyone.

I am very surprised at how most had such horrible pain experience, I had none and took no pain meds after I got home. I told doc to stop giving to me at the hospital. Everyone is different, just follow your docs instructions. As far as seclusion goes, I think it would be hard with kids. I would say rest the best you can with your mom's help. I rested on the couch and my husband took care of the kids and dinner and stuff, but they stayed with me and watched TV and helped me out too. It won't hurt to stay in bed and rest, you'll know when you get home what type of care and rest you will need. But it is very important you get up and move around to help move around the gas so you don't have much gas pain. If you get gas pain, I had none, it is even more important to move around. Follow your docs diet plan, most are clear liquids and sip slowly at first. You will do fine and rely on your mom for help. Take care and get rest.

Everyone who has had the surgery or mostly everyone wants to move forward before they are suppose to. I know I did, but I didn't because the doctor stressed how important this stage was to the healing of the stomach and possibility of the stomach coming thru the band. Moving from clears to a full liquid a day or too early may not do too much. But you have to be careful you don't fall into bad habits to test the band. I was on clear liquids for a week, full liquids for a week and then pureed foods. It was hard and I wanted to eat other things just so I can chew something. The one thing I did that could be considered cheating is that I didn't puree in a blender. I followed the meal plan, portions and foods on it, but I didn't puree, I chewed extremely well to almost gone. The first two weeks are the hardest, once you move up it gets easier. You didn't do all this to hurt yourself or the band. The first six weeks are all about the healing so it is important that you follow your doctors instructions. Don't worry about what he is going to say, worry about what could go wrong. A little here and there adds up to bad habits and weight gain. You got to break them now so when you get the fill, they are gone. Plus you said your doc has you on pureed, there are so many things you can have during that stage. He actually has you on pureed very early according to most docs. But, you can have pureed chicken salad, tuna salad and egg salad. I wasn't able to have those until week 3 but your doc has you on them sooner. I know it is hard, you aren't alone, but please stick with the plan. You may be lucky and nothing happens or you may not. I don't think at this point you have done harm, but if you continue it can. Plus, as the weeks go on, you will find yourself a lot more hungry than you are today. So you have to learn self-control now. I wish you luck and hope it goes easier for you. It is a hard process to get use to, but you will. Just listen and trust your doctor, they wouldn't have you do this if it was for no reason. Good Luck.

I had surgery 10/11 and I thought the same thing. Did I really have to do all this to get healthy? Even right before surgery, I doubted a little - not enough not to get the surgery though. After surgery too, you are not all back together with anesthesia and discomfort, plus you're alone today with no medical or personal assistance - so you're scared and it is completely normal. Once you get on the scale in a week and see just what you can do in one week and start feeling like your old self you'll be thrilled. It won't be about surgery any more. It's done and over with, now this time is about healing and then it will be time for you to learn how to eat right and get healthy with the aid of the band. You are not alone, we probably all had some kind of doubt or question. Take the time now to get back on your feet and see what waits ahead for you - good health and a new, improved life. You did the right thing. Good luck.

Try not to worry yourself to much about the small things. Surgery is not that bad and you will probably do well. I was lucky and needed no pain meds, not even Tylenol after surgery. I had no gas either. Can't complain really. In addition to the above, get all your clear liquid foods for the first week if that's what your doc requires. I had a clear liquid phase for an entire week. I got sugar free popsicles - the best, sugar free jello, broth, crystal light and a liquid protein drink - not the powder. I bought off line but it is terrible tasting. GNC sells the protein bullet and it is a liquid too. Mix it with strong flavored sf juice and it is okay and you only drink 1 oz 4x a day. Soda and beer are off the list pretty much permanently because it bloats the stomach and could cause your pouch to stretch over time. They say no to alcohol too but it is okay to a have a few on occassion but remember stomach is smaller so you won't need as much to feel good. Get comfy clothes to lounge in. I rested for a week with light activities and outings. Got tired fast from walking but no pain. Went back to work in a week. I would taste test some protein drinks now too to see which you will be able to drink. Also, you would want to get a chewable or liquid vitamin and calcium supplement. I got the chewable Viatic onces - they taste like chocolate. I am sure your doc will give you a list. All about made my life so much easier the first week and by the second, you feel okay to get around and get all else needed. You will only be able to walk for the first few weeks and no lifting until 6 weeks. Swimming would be nice. As far as excess skin goes, you are young and yours will probably go back rather nice. If you have a real lot to lose you may have some excess though. My take on that is this, I don't look good now and have looked this way for a while. If I have excess skin and it doesn't look great, and can't look worse than it does now. Again, you are young and you may later have the ability to have it removed. I don't believe there are any exercises you can do to tone alot of excess skin, but I could be wrong. That comes later - now is about your health. I wish you well and you made a god decision for yourself and took control earlier on. Good for you!

Yes, I did the same thing up until surgery day. I had to remind myself that I didn't do it on my own. When you go thru the process and loss some weight and follow a diet you think you can do it. I reminded myself that I could probably lose the weight if I tried - which I had done in the past over and over - but I had to redo it over and over. I would always regain - now I have a built in maintenance plan. The surgery itself isn't bad, so don't worry yourself about that. It isn't the easiet thing to do but it is so much easier than before. I rarely feel hungry and when I eat, I am satisfied. I am only 4 weeks out and without a fill so I am impressed so far with the band and my ability to follow the strict diet. Good luck! I think we all been there. Stay focus on the goal and the reason you initially decided to do it in the first place.

I just want to clarify something about my surgeon that i have recommended early, he is certified in bariatrics and he is certified as a Lap Band Surgeon. You cannot perform Lap Band without being certified first. He is an excellent surgeon and he has been one for over 30 years. He has an excellent surgical background. My surgery went without complications and pain. My incisions are small and healed nicely. He may not have performed 700 surgeries, but he has performed enough for me to have confidence in recommending him. I did not pick him because he was close by, I picked him because of credentials and recommendations as well. The other doctors I have recommended are by the same standards but because this is what they do, they do have the "glitzy" programs. My doc offers the same, but not with all the bells and whistles because he is a small office and not in some fancy center. Not that I have a problem with that either, but it isn't necessary for a successful surgery. I also had my surgery done at our Lady of Lourdes hospital which is rated high for general surgery. All this information about docs and hospital ratings can be found on the internet in the State of NJ. He is Board Certified and has continuous education with a thousand initials after his name. My point - is find a doctor you are comfortable with, the ones that are recommended are excellent choices and I don't believe you would go wrong with any of them. But dont judge another's doctor if you have not used them and do not have the credentials or history to judge. Give an opinion about your doc or another you may have heard of. Good Luck with your decision. This has been a great experience for me and I wish you all well and hope that yours is as good as mine has been.

I didn't use Dr. Goldstein because I had already chosen a doctor, who actually was very good but he is a general surgeon and doesn't have all the support stuff afterwards. I hear great things about Dr. Goldstein. His office is in Voorhees, but does surgery in Virtua, Marlton - not too far from you. Also a Dr. Patel in AC has a great reputation. I know a few from him and they all love him. My doc is Dr. Manigat in Voorhees and he did an excellent job, but like I said, he doesn't just do bariatric surgerys so if you want all the glitz and glam from a center, I wouldn't use him. But he did great for me. Good Luck

My doc only uses the larger AP band. He said it saves alot of complications with the small bands. Some people have too much restriction with the smaller bands even without fills, his opinion. It is his personal preference, so I went by what he recommended. I think some people may need smaller or larger depending on anatomy as well. The larger bands have more flexibility as far as fills go because you have more ability to continue filling, but I think you will need more fills to get to the "sweet" spot everyone talks about. Either way, small or large, I think the band itself is effective and docs know how to work with what they chose to benefit you. Good Luck.

Hi. I am concerned that you are having immense pain. i had surgery 10/11 and I can't even say I had actual pain. The first few days it was uncomfortable to roll over in bed or to get up from sitting position, but it was more uncomfortable than pain. It felt tight and I had to stretch out before I could get moving. Even the incision sites didn't hurt. After a few days I could move more and more. I am back to work now and I get tired easily but that's it. I think if you are experiencing a lot of pain in all those areas, I would call doc and see. My doc said pain should be minimal to none and he was right. I know people say some ppl tolerate pain more than others, but really - it wasn't painful. Everyone's experience is different too and you may have other issues that I didn't. A friend of mine had scar tissue that had to be removed so her port area was very tender to touch. Check in with doc and see what he says to be on the safe side. Never hurts to ask - no pun intended. Do know though that every day is so much easier than the day before. Take meds if you have to and rest. Take the time to do it now and heal properly. Take care and I wish you all the best

You have come a long way for a long time. You have to jump start your program. You are feeling a little better about yourself even though not completely happy with being the weight you are now, you are dropping as fast as you did in the beginning and it is real hard work now. Write down your downfalls honestly like a check list. Read it each morning and decide I will not do this or that. If you don't do atleast 50% of whats on that list, stick with it. The following week check off some more. Write out a meal plan, one that worked for you before. Go back to when losing was a little easier. Remove all junk from house and do not go to where there is temptation, even if it is for a week or two. Stay in if you have to. Also, the motivation of being thinner than your sister isn't a good motivation because you have to like you for you. Don't make it a competition because in a competition there is aways a loser. The stress of that alone can make you feels exhausted. Yes, that will be a nice reward in the end, but that can't be your focus now. Revisit your nutritionist and discuss what you are doing. Are you properly restricted? Go back to the source, your docs, nutritionist and basically start over. But also, stop beating yourself up. You have done fantastic! You just have to pick up where you left off and continue your journey. Get in the chat rooms here and talk to people. They help me out alot. Find new motivations, you are healthier but are you are the healthiest you can be? You are smaller but are you where you want to be? Playing with DD is better but is it at the best? If everything is 100% where you wanted it to be, then you are successful for your original goals - set new ones. If not, get them to the 100% mark and still add new ones. Take small steps, not everything at one time. It is obviously in you to do it, because you have, now you just have to refind it. Good luck!

There are liquid proteins also which are more concentrated. There are horrible tasty - believe me. But, if you drink one oz every 3 - 4 hours you will get in 60 g of protein in, in a day. GNC has the bullet and it comes in flavors and they are 3.1 oz and have 42 g, 0 carbs 0 fat. You can mix an ounce with a drink like crystal light or grape juice to help mask the taste. It is fast absorb and is a whey baste as well. If you hold you nose and don't smell it, it goes down a whole lot smoother. I find it hard to believe that I would even recommend it because I am 5 days post op and could not drink the one my doctor prescribed but today I gave in an I am able to finally do it. The one my doctor insists on us using is a medical protein, the ones in GNC will tell you they are not for medical use. It has 60 cal, 15 g per oz 0 carbs, 0 fat and all that it is called Pro-Stat 64 and you can only order online at CVS and a medical supplier CWI. He says it the one and only best protein source but if I can't use it, then switch but he really encouraged me because of the absorptions and combination of the proteins. Its what they use for diabetics, cancer patients etc. The plus side is that you only have to drink an ounce 4 x per day rather than an entire shake, which i have yet to try. There are also recipes to mix with jello. If you search for it by name it will come up to that website, I think CWI Medical Supply. I know how you feel, I hate the thought of every sip but they convinced me today how important it is. Review the threads too because so many people have come up with some great recipes to mask flavor. Good Luck!

Hi Jamie. I had surgery 10/11 and stayed overnight but they were going to keep me a second night because my bp dropped into the 50's or something. I also had chest pain but not from gas. It was right in the center, doc said that it is common with the lap for a few days. They did EKG to be sure but when BP dropped they got worried and were going ot keep second night. But I was really drugged up so on Friday after they gave me my 7:00 am shot and my bp dropped, I asked them not to give anymore to see. I wasn't even able to get out of bed I was so lightheaded. By afternoon I was ok. I was lucky and didn't have any of the gas pain problems. Since then, I do continue to feel week but I am not drinking my protein drink because it is really disgusting and he wants us on this clear kind and not the powder because of the milk in it. So after the one week of clear liquids, I can go to the powder and I hope that gives me a little more energy. But my doc recommends a minimum of 2 oz of some kind of liquid every hour you are awake. I have jello, broth, ss popsicles which have been my savor really, crystal light and I repeat that to stay hydrated. If you dehydrate it will cause chest pain, body aches and not feeling well. If you continue to feel really bad, call doc. Other than the hunger thing, I feel fine and actually could function pretty well, even though I am a little sluggish. I hope you are feeling better soon. Let us know. Drink your liquids and if you can get that protein (60g) in. Wish I could. Oh, and your multivitamins too.

I know how you feel. I was 10/2, 10/9 and now 10/11. The hospital bumps elective surgery by priority surgeries. I am okay with it, once I got approved I am so much more relaxed about it. Now, if they continue postponing then that may be a different story because I don't want it done near any holidays. It's bad enough that is now a week before my vacation. But this comes first so I'll just have to relax more on vaca than planned. Good Luck and hopefully this will be your last change!

Sorry to hear about your frustration. Be patient it will come off. I am wondering what your doctor meant by until you felt full. You are only 4 weeks out of surgery and should still be on pureed or moving up to the next stage. My nutritionist said you want to until you feel satisfied but don't get to the full stage because you can overdue especially without restriction. My diet rules are 3 meals a day, 2-4 oz, lasting up to 45 minutes - eat slow it helps you feel fuller, and do not drink with each meal until at least an hour after or before you. These were my guidelines but all are different. Hopefully it could help. I wish you a lot of luck and i know you will do well.

I am glad to hear you are feeling a little better in second post. My surgery is the 9th and hopefully I am posting on the same day. One thing I did notice and was wondering, you drank Boost - doesn't your doc required clear liquids for at least 3 days? Our protein drinks are liquid like cough syrup. Just an interesting observation for me, there are so many differences in the pre-op and post op diets. I hope you sleep well tonight and we will keep you in our prayers. Wish you continue success in your road to better health!

You made a brave decision to get this surgery, do not look to others for your decision. Getting the band process rolling and approved is a long and hard process and getting support from every one is difficult. It can be a lonely journey but it is a journey you must take to better your health and life. As far as the medical prof and insurance companies, they are overwhelmed with the popularity of this surgery and they aren't properly staffed to do it all. Call them and recall them, don't just sit and wait for them. Be your own advocate, researcher, and supporter if you have to be, but stand by your decision, you made that alone. You can do this with help or without. Insurance companies really aren't allowed to give information because then it is considered directing your care, meaning telling you how to fraud the system. They aren't even suppose to tell you the guidelines, you have to read your policy. As far as the patient advocate, she/he isn't obviously doing their job so they wouldn't be a great support person anyway. There are plenty of people on this site who are willing to email, private message and call you to help you with questions, support, or just to chat. Keep it up and don't give up now. Think of all the new people you will be able to meet once you are out and about doing more things with your new healthier bod! Good Luck

I am going 10/9/07 as well as some others. Was suppose to be 10/2 but it got changed. No biggy. Just waiting like the rest of you. Good luck to all having surgery. Keep Us Posted! Thanks Holly for the site:)

I had the exact same issue. My BMI is 37 and they said if I wanted to ensure an approval I should gain weight but I told them that I wouldn't do that. I do have high cholesteral though. They said if I wanted I could go through the program and follow the diet but do not lose weight because it would put me under. I could have made it easier and gain the extra weight but I was afraid I would and then they still tell me no. The docs didn't set guidelines though insurance did. If you are under 40 BMI they want to see the health risks first. If there are none, you still have time to lose it on your own. When thre is a health risk, then it could potentially cost them money later, so they will consider surgery. Every 5 lbs equals a BMI point. You'll have to make the final decision for you and you will make the right one. Unfortunately, you have to want to play the game if you want this surgery and it is not a fun game! Who ever invented should be "shot" LOL. Good Luck

Everything was going smooth and quick. Got approved in 2 mos, didn't even finish program yet and have a lower BMI. The doc I have has a great reputation for surgery but not for being organized and keeping appts. I did check other docs but had to wait to get an appt. Which is actually tomorrow. I stayed with this doc to see how things would go. I found out the rumors to be true. i called off 2 weeks, no call back, I get told one person handles something only to find someone else does and no call back. But, okay. Can deal with it. I had pre-op surgery visit today to get info on what has to be done for surgery 10/2 which is 2 weeks away. Doc cancels. He doesn't have office hours again till next Tuesday. Week b/4 surgery. So I don't think 10/2 is possible now because I am sure there are test that will have to be done. They didn't reschedule, so I called and no call back. If I switch docs now, I don't know what will happen to my approval. I did call other docs and they all said I would have to start all over. Ins said they didn't care, I just have to go by docs. So if ins doesn't care if I start all over, why can't docs accept what I have done and just do surgery with whatever tests need to be done. Why do nutrition and psych eval all over? So I don't know what to do. Stick with this doc and have to deal with cancellations which would be fills too or switch and wait for surgery (which is ok) but will I get another approval. I think I might have lucked out the first time. I feel like I am playing Russian Roulette. :faint:So frustrating. I don't mind waiting if I had too, i am just afraid of the approval from insurance getting messed up with another doc. I feel like jumping off this roller coaster. Thanks for allowing me to vent. Maybe it will all work out. I'll let you know.

Your feelings are normal. Of course you are going to worry. There are so many unknowns about any surgery. Stay focused on all the positive. Everyone else learned how to do it and are doing fine. So will you. I thought the same thing about the food and slippage and all that. I figured I would just take it extra slow and see how it all works and go day by day. You can't worry about the what ifs because there are what if's in every minute of every day. Anything can happen to anyone at any moment. This surgery is a good thing for you and your long term health. Just think of all the what ifs you got rid of with the surgery. Good Luck. Don't cancel that check at all costs!