socaldixiegal

I would also share your story over on the section of this site that talks about doctors (you may have already done so). Whatever you feel it should be anger - not humiliation. The nurses and staff should be humuliated by their actions - not you. You did nothing wrong. Best of luck to you - hope it all works out.

Liquids for 2 weeks - which included 3 Optifast or slimfast shakes daily. So, it wasn't clear liquids. Week 3 intro mushy - but my dr does no simple carbs (e.g. no mashed potatoes). However, something like soft chicken and gravy would be considered mushy. Flaky tuna would be mushy. If you do well with mushy then you can begin introducing solid foods toward end of week 3. My week 4 was spent going to Asia really wasn't anything food wise I couldnt' eat - portions were small, but could eat it (did include rice which I talked to my dr about extensively before traveling)

My surgery was a Friday afternoon. I did outpatient. It wasn't as bad as expected, but still think of it in terms that you've been stabbed 4 - 5 times. I was planning on starting to work from home on Tuesday. Had to take my friend to the airport Tue morning - which was difficult. Getting in/out of cars was TOUGH. Started going into the office on Wed but didn't work full days. You are prevented from carrying over around 10lbs for about 6-8 weeks. On day about 14 I had a business trip which was exhausting. Didn't realize how difficult walking through airports would be. You'll continue to feel twinges and pain around your port for a couple of months. Don't panic. I would say that I felt really back to 'normal' around week 4.

I make meatloaf a lot and do better when I use ground turkey instead of ground beef. With a regular hamburger patty I can eat about 1/2. I do not eat bread with the exception of an occassional (very rare) slice of well toasted thin rye or wheat bread. A whole slice is unusual. I don't try for pizza crust, but have eaten the topping off. Steak, porkchops, etc. Those have been fine. However, VERY small bites and lots of chewing are essential.

I travel a LOT so I keep Protein powders for when I'm on the go and just can't find something (aka airports). I really like the Syntax nectar ones. My favorite is the Roadside Lemonade. I like them because I got totally burned out on the whole vanilla and chocolate thing originally after surgery. syntax does I believe now have van/choc, but I really like that lemonade. I want to try their peach one next. You do have to drink them really cold however. I buy mine from drugstore.com

I've known and know of bypass patients who have regained all their weight. But, I've also known of lap band patients that don't lose, or gain back their weight. One of the biggest reasons I went w/ lap band was that it would always be there for me. It wouldn't stretch out. But with either we still have to make good choices (something I'm slowing coming to terms with). I think overall there's an impression that bypass is easier b/c you don't during the weight loss phase have to leave choices up to willpower. And, it can take us so long to get the right fill level. Best of luck to you both!

I am SO right there with you guys. When I went into this I was foolishly thought it would be easy - even though I did TONS of research. There was still a thought in the back of my head that the band would do all the work. Months later it's really sinking in that I have to do the work too! I'm still not really at that sweet spot in that even eating something healthy I can eat too much and I'm getting hungry too often, but I have to make sure that my choices are the best ones. Yes, I've realized it's my choices that matter.

I also recommend having: straws can coozy - it takes a long time to drink your protein shakes. Having a can cozy will help keep it chilled longer flavored drink packs - i use the single serve Crystal Lite type

Think I need to get a slight unfill. Getting stuck all the time. PB is becoming a way of life. I was actually shocked that I could eat Breakfast this morning and then this afternoon tried to eat some chili (very small bites, chewed lots) and ended up PBing. And of course afterwards the day is shot as then anything and everything causes problems. Makes getting enough Water very difficult! Despite barely being able to eat, I'm also not losing weight. The challenge I'm having is getting to sweet spot versus too tight. Not fun. Hopefully I can get a slight unfill Monday.

I've also been told about 1/4 the size of your thumbnail. When you start eating regular food again, you may not feel much restriction and will find you don't have any bad effects by eating larger bites. As you become more restricted (with fills) it is so important to take VERY small bites, chew lots and PAUSE between bites. The pause is just as important. Dont' forget to also not take another bite until everything has been swallowed. biggest advice I can give is to get lots of small plates and bowls. I went and purchased more side plates (bread/salad plates) to use as my main dinner plate. Little bowls will also help.

don't panic. I suffer from very sensitive skin and develop hive type rashes from all sorts of things. Especially if it doesn't itch don't worry. Our skin is a complex organism and can react to all different things. I've developed reactions from things i use all the time just out of the blue. food, lotions, cosmetics, soaps, detergents - combinations of the above. You can always pick up a hydrocortison cream at the drugstore, but that's more of an itch relief. Most often doctors aren't able to determine what causes rashes I doubt it's band related.

I've noticed something now that I've got good restriction - if I eat and lie down I sometimes get sick. Especially if i've recently PB'd. Last weekend I had a bad Saturday where I got sick after Breakfast (learned that can't eat eggs). The rest of the day was horrid. Had trouble keeping Water down. Was exhausted and would lie down which only made things worse. For me, I've learned that if I feel the slightest bit of chest pressure (i.e. borderline stuck or too full) and I lie down - big misstake. Easiest way to end up with a PB. Anyone else?

I have the 14 cc band and for me to get to good restriction I'm almost at 10 cc. Around 5cc and I could eat whatever. The tighter you become the more work the band will do. Right now you probably feel that your doing 95% of the work and the band only 5%. Now that I'm in the sweet spot, the band is probably doing more than 50% of the work. Still need to make better choices, but many of those choices are because I will end up getting sick if I don't! Up until just a few weeks ago with this last fill, I felt the same way as you do. I still haven't lost much in the past week or two, but I feel that it's actually working.

I actually can't eat eggs - which is a shame as I LOVE scrambled eggs. Could up until this last fill. Now they are a no no. I do tend to get a hiccup or two when I'm getting full. What I find is that I need to figure out what my full signal is. Sometimes it's a hiccup which I'll get prior to feeling that tightness/pressure that signals I've eaten too much. Also, watch how fast your eating/drinking. Right now I'm having trouble getting enough Water in daily as I only can take a few small sipps at a time then have to wait. If I eat or drink too quickly it's uncomfortable and often PB (yes, even water).

Great description LV. Each experience may be a little different. I've had numerous surgeries and there's always the feeling of nervousness. Like folks said, the doctors and nurses are only concerned about your health - not your size. Feeling nervous is perfectly natural. You will likely have one main nurse/coordinator working with you. Mine was incredibly nice - and they know you're nervous or panicky. Feel free to explain how you feel to your nurse and you'll likely be given something to calm yourself down. Best of luck! You'll be fine and it will be a piece of cake looking back.

I was on Clear liquids and 3 Protein shakes a day for the first week. I stocked up on Slimfast Low Carb (doctor recommended). For several days getting these in was tough. Recommend having a can koozy (keep the can of slimfast cold longer). Also straws. What I drank mostly was Water with Propel packs. I buy the Crystal Light and Propel packets that you add to bottled water. Probably around day 3 or 4 I started with some broth. Heating pad - definitely, helps with the gas pain in the shoulder. Get your pain meds filled prior to the surgery. Day of your surgery be sure to wear something that will be EASY to get back into post surgery. You will have difficulty bending, getting up/down etc.

my most awkard was traveling by myself - i'm all spread out at an airport restaurant: laptop going and everthing. Had to quickly pack up, leave a credit card with the waitress, grab my laptop and dash to the nearest restroom. Left my coat, suitcase and everythign else in the restaurant (told the waitress I'd be right back). I've never had one hit me as quickly as many of you. I do tend to conveniently flush the toilet to help cover any sound. Not sure if it works, but makes me feel better!

My doctor also said to be sure to pause between bites. I was once able to prevent by taking a walk. Other times not so lucky.

I think I'm finally at the fabeled "sweet spot" for my AP 14 cc band! After the initial surgery I lost about 24lbs pretty quickly. It was great. Then came the hard part: eating small portions without having restriction. Over the next several weeks and months I had numerous fills, gained some, lost some, ate some, ate more, ate less and overall got frustrated with my band. I knew it would be work to lose weight (didn't want it to be, but did know). The band alone wouldn't do it. But, I wanted the band to at least help! Finally, after my 6th fill I think I have good restriction. Now, it really does take me half an hour or more to eat my 1/2 to 1 cup meal. And, I'm full - and staying full. That's the kicker. I had a hard boiled egg earlier and was full! Wow. It can take time - but wow, right now I'm really impressed with this band and looking forward to continuing on the weight loss journey.

One of the first things I bought was a belt! I did have several pairs of pants altered recently. With business meetings and the like, I still need to look professional. My tailor is a bit pricey - but much cheaper than spending $120 on a new pair of slacks that will fit for a few months. My recommendation: have a tailor alter the nicer pieces and then shop some clearances for some good basics. If I find a style I like and it's on clearance then I'll buy an extra in the next size down. I only ebay if I know exactly the designer and how it fits me - I've wasted a lot of money on ebay buying something that didn't fit right.

I have as well. I associate it with probably nerve endings or something like that. I also try to remind myself that it can take a long time for internal things to heal (much longer than skin). But yeah, it's like twinges. Nothing major but enough to get your attention.

Welcome! I had a BMI of 38 when I went in for surgery - and I was self pay as I had no medical issues. At 40 it should normally be covered IF you have the benefit in your insurance (definitely call your carrier). Self pay is always an option (yes, it's expensive). Realize however that it still could take quite a bit of time to lose the weight. Even after all the research I still had this little voice in the back of my head telling me that after surgery it would all be so easy. It's still a lot of work. Yes - easier than dieting w/out the band, but you still have to make smart choices and still "diet." I'm glad I made the choice however, I just have to acclimate myself to realizing that it still will take time, work, dieting and exercise to reach my goal. It's a great tool and is making it all easier to deal with so good luck on your path!

I thought I might have been at my sweet spot at 7 cc but after a week or so only had a little restriction. My 4th fill brought me to 8.5 and I think I've finally got good restriction - time will tell as I just recently got this fill. My doctor did say though that with this band most people get good restriction anywhere between 7 - 9 cc.

That's great! I'm also a frequent traveler (mostly domestic for work & international for play). I spent 3 weeks in Thailand just a month after the surgery and had a pretty good experience. I finally have what I believe is good restriction with my 4th fill so will be interesting to see how travel eating continues (I'm like you - try to find local favorites). I think it's great to be able to still try lots of different things and enjoy some serious gormet food - just a significantly smaller portion. Congrats! It's nice to find a fellow road warrior.

I have United Healthcare PPO. Each plan can be different based on what you employer provides into their plans (even if you have the same insurance company). However, my covereage does include WLS and with a BMI of over 40 it's automatic. Definitely fight the claim. Talk to your doctor office as well about how much they will push for you as well.