jennigan

Has anyone used Dr. Cussatti in New York? Any feedback would be appreciated.

I had gallbladder problems within the first 2 months. I had sharp pains in my chest...I thought I was having a heart attack. At the time I didn't realize it was my gallbladder, because I didn't think that is where I would have symptoms, but apparently, that's what happens when you have a gallbladder attack. It turns out I don't have gallstones, but my gallbladder is not functioning as well as it should. Thankfully, I have not had an attack in a while, but if I have another one, I will have to have my gallbladder removed. I'm not sure if what you are experiencing is a gallbladder problem, but mine was sharp, excruciating pain that lasted for an hour or so. Good luck, and feel good!

I was banded in August, but have not had a fill yet...my doctor says that since I have been losing steadily, I don't need one, but I do have times when I really feel hungry. I am going for a visit on Tuesday. I am going to insist on a fill. It will be too hard to get through the holidays feeling hungry. I don't want to undo all that I have accomplished.

I am 5'6", weigh 215, and am moving into a size 16, or 1x. My 18's are getting too big! :clap2:

I was looking forward to my first fill when I went to the doctor 6 weeks post-op, and he would not give me a fill! I had lost about 28 lbs. at that point, and he said that as long as I am losing well without a fill, he didn't plan on giving me one. The problem is that I am getting really hungry! I have been trying to be good and stick to the guidelines, but I am almost afraid that if I keep losing weight, I won't get a fill next time either. I don't want to sabatoge what I have already done and gain weight, but I really feel like a need a fill the next time I go (not until November 14th). Do I give in to my hunger and put on a few pounds in hopes that I will get a fill,or do I try to stick to the rules, and possibly be denied again when I go back? Help!!!

Redgirl, I hear what you are saying. I am surprised that you didn't get more of a fill...even though it was only a pound, you gained rather than lost. Maybe you should do what some of the others suggested and talk more assertively to your doctor about your need for more restriction. I know it is hard...I am not a very assertive person, but like Sipgel posted, we did not go through all of this to gain weight. We have to tough it out and advocate for ourselves.

Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement. I am going to call the doctor as suggested and hopefully convince him to reconsider giving me a fill. I know that I will really regret it if I don't stick to the diet, so I am going to try and keep at it either way. Hopefully, I will be filled and feeling some restriction soon!

Hi Kagoscuba- I too, absolutely hated the Isopure for a while, but I tried to stick it out because I wanted to get all my protein in. I started with Grape, but then moved on to Icy Orange, and I have to say that I don't mind the taste of it anymore. I must have gotten used to it. With the exception of the occassional blob of something that looks like snot floating in it, I actually like it because I can kill two birds with one stone...liquids and protein. Good luck!

Hey all! I was banded on 8/27, and as many of you said, I lost a ton during the liquid phase...18 pounds in 2 weeks. My weight loss slowed down a lot after that, and I had about a week and a half where I lost absolutely nothing. It is discouraging, but I really think it is because our bodies are just taking time to adjust to all the changes they are going through. I was worried that I would gain when I started solids, but so far, so good...I have actually started losing again. Has anyone gotten the "golf ball" feeling yet? I did twice this week...once after eating whole wheat pasta, and once after chicken and rice. I'm not sure if it was because of what I ate, or how I ate (too fast, not chewing enough). I can tell you it was not fun! I go to the doctor on Thursday to discuss whether or not I will be getting a fill. I have mixed feelings...part of me wants one, and another part of me is scared. Well, you all seem to be doing great! Thanks for letting me rant! ~jen

My doctor also told me that I could pick up my 10 month old the day after surgery...it wouldn't mess anything up inside, but it would probably hurt. I was able to wait a few days thanks to family, but I picked my little guy up about 4 days after surgery, and was fine.

Thank you, Wendell. I love reading your posts. I always get excited when I see one of them because you are so informative and are often the voice of reason. I know that I have to stop weighing myself everyday...it's going to be hard but I am going to try!

I also seem to be stuck in a plateau...I was banded 2 weeks ago, and I lost 19 lbs. in the first two weeks I was on liquids (one week before and one week after surgery). This past week, I have only lost a pound, and that fluctuates from day to day. It is hard to understand how I could not be losing weight when I am sticking to my liquid diet...I am having sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast in the morning, a protein shake for lunch, and blended soup for dinner. I know that I should be happy with my weight loss so far, but it is discouraging to get on the scale after being on only liquids for 3 weeks, and it seems to be stuck. I start my mushies tomorrow, and I really hope I don't start gaining anything back...I have been so good about sticking to my prescribed diet!

Wow, Claramae! You have really been through the wringer lately! I am sorry to hear of all the troubles you are having! I was banded the same day as you, and have been super cranky today. I went back to my teaching job this week after being off most of last year on maternity leave. I was feeling sorry for myself and stressed about work, and leaving the baby with a sitter, and this liquid diet on top if it all. Your post made me feel better about my situation, and I guess it is a good reminder that there are always people who have it a lot worse than we do. We should just count our blessings, and remember that this feeling will pass soon enough. Hope you are feeling better soon! ~Jen

sbramell- I, like you, have had absolutely no problems at all with getting down food, and haven't even been very gassy. I was banded on 8/27, and see my doc for my follow-up tomorrow. I am hoping he tells me I can eat something more substantial...I find myself more and more hungry as I heal. I am also drinking Isopure. I initially got it at GNC for $3.99 per bottle, but Vitamin Shoppe also has it for about $35 for a case of 12, which is a bit better. Unfortunately, I can't help you out on the caesar salad thing...my boss at work bought everyone salad for lunch today...I never thought I would be so jealous of someone eating salad! Keep your chin up...we will get through this! ~Jen

Hi guys- I know that when we move to "real" foods, we can't drink anything for a while before and after we eat, but does that apply now? If I have soup for dinner, do I have to wait to drink before and after? Shelli- I am jealous of your asparagus soup...sounds yummy! ~Jen

I hear that lots of people have the same bathroom problem you are having...I am having the exact opposite problem. I am not uncomfortable or anything, but I have barely gone in the past 2 weeks. I figured that it was because I have not really been eating. Sorry for TMI! Back to work tomorrow!

Hi everybody- I was also banded on 8/27. I was off my pain meds after 2 days and was able to sleep relatively comfortably since about the 3rd day...I surprised myself when I woke up last night and found myself on my stomach, and wasn't uncomfortable. I have been on sugar free clear liquids plus one protein shake a day for a week. My doc did not give me specific calorie, protein or fluid intake amounts, just a list of acceptable foods. I was finally able to switch to full fluids today, thank goodness. I have found that I might get a little gassy following a meal, but nothing too bad...usually a couple of good burps, and I'm a-ok. I have managed to lose 19 lbs. in the 2 weeks I have been on liquids. Yipee! Congrats to all of you...everyone seems to be doing pretty well.

Gas X makes a thin strip that you place on your tongue and it dissolves, so you don't have to swallow anything. I was banded on 8/27 and am not currently having any gas issues, but I am still on all liquids.

Hi all! I am also finally able to sleep on my stomach-1 week post-op, and have advanced to the sugar free full liquid diet, thank goodness. I was on only clear liquids plus one protein shake a dayfor the first week, and it was rough by the end of the week. I had a carnation instant breakfast today, and plan to have some cream of potato soup, blended, for dinner. Yum! I've never been so excited to eat soup! Elaine- I wondered the same thing as you-whether you can eat as much of the foods on your list, or if your portions are limited. My doc did not specify. I am trying not to overdo it. Do you have any specific guidelines about how much you can drink at a time...ex. 1 oz. every 15 minutes? I was not told anything like that, but I can drink my shake fairly quickly, although I try to go slow. I was wondering if I could stretch my pouch or do other damage by drinking too quickly. I haven't experiences excess gas or any other problems after drinking. Thanks! ~Jen

Congratulations on embarking on this exciting journey! Good luck!

Hey Elaine- I know you don't really like your protein shakes, but you may want to try having them in the morning rather that at night, so you have a little more energy during the day. I have been drinking isopure first thing in the morning, and I definitely feel more energized afterwards. For the first hour or two I am up before I can get it all down, I feel like a slug. Maybe that can help you get through your work day a little easier. ~Jen

Hi Elaine! I am sorry to hear that you had a rough start back and work (and a funeral too!). It is good that you don't have to stress too much about work . I am a teacher and have no choice but to return to work on Tuesday...2 days of conferences and then 2 days with kids. I feel pretty good now, and have been out of the house and doing things already but I am nervous about my energy levels once I get back to work. I am surprised that you are still having shoulder pain...mine was gone after 2 days. Well, take it easy and enjoy your weekend! Keep those before and after pics on hand for those tough times!

Thanks Pmmegm! I am glad you are feeling well! I am feeling almost human myself. I was able to go out and do some shopping, and today is the first day I have been able to take care of my little one on my own. The protein definitely helps...thanks to the isopure clear protein drink, I have been taking protein since right after the surgery. Good luck with the rest of your recovery!

I was just banded on 8/27. My surgery was at 7:30 and I was home by 1:00 the same day. I felt it was a little rushed...I was pretty uncomfortable and did not feel ready to go yet. I don't think it was outpatient because of my insurance, though. My doctor says that he does all of them outpatient now.

Thanks Patty! I am 3 days post-op, and I feel great! I was able to pick up the baby today, and although the isopure still tastes a little nasty, I have been drinking it first thing in the morning for energy. My swelling is going down, and I am not very gassy today. I think I may even venture out to the store. It's funny that you mentioned Christmas...I was just telling my husband that Santa might need to bring me a whole new wardrobe by then. He gives me a little grief about the idea of me on a shopping spree, but I know he is really happy for me! How are you doing?