jjsmiles

When I was going thru the approval process, one of the things that I did was join Weight Watchers. I found it to be very helpful in that I could still choose to eat what I wanted (including low carb), but I had to be accountable for it by counting the points (I chose the flex points option). Going to the meetings helped me to be accountable (you can go to more than 1 meeting a week if you want but can only weigh in officially once a week). I am also an evening eater, and I found the flex points gave me the ability to still snack at night - I found low point options like hot air popcorn and turkey pepperoni that satisfied my need to eat. I have seen several men at the meetings and they tend to have phenominal weight loss. What also worked for me was the replacement obsession of finding low point options (I had to fill the time I would use to eat with something healthier :confused:). I never knew it before, but I can actually enjoy vegetarian options!!! I was banded on September 25. I am not currently going to meetings, but I am trying to be accountable for what I eat by counting points and documenting everything I eat. I have lost weight by going the Atkins route in the past, but I found as soon as I introduced any carbs, I gained the weight right back. I like weight watchers because it gave me more realistic life time choices (I know I am not capable of giving up all carbs forever). Good luck with whatever you decide!

While I was waiting for surgery, I joined WW for the first time and really enjoyed the program. I was able to follow the flex points plan relatively easily and lost 40 pounds in 2 months. Unfortunately I then went to Europe and gained 30 pounds back, then lost it again before the surgery (oh the old see saw at work). Since the surgery, I haven't been going to meetings, but I have been following the flex points program. I find it helps me to really monitor and be accountable for what I am eating (mindless eating and portion control are big issues with me). Like another writer here, I don't necessarily use all my points (I think I am officially allowed 30 points each day, but I try to stay under 25). That being said, I also think it helps me be a little more realistic and not as guilty if I do have a higher calorie or fat day. I don't feel a great deal of restriction (I can easily eat 3 oz of meat and about a cup of vegetables at one sitting), so I really feel the need to "help myself" by following a plan. So far it seems to be working for me.

I have had only had one fill and do not feel really restricted at this point, but although I can PB, I can't seem to vomit. Since my fill, I have had 2 occasions where I didn't feel well and really felt the need to vomit and I COULDN"T (even with finger down throat). Previously, I could pretty much puke on demand (I know - too much information!). I wouldn't risk my health - go for the defill. Better safe than sorry!

You might want to talk to your dr. about giving you more than 1 to 1.5 cc's when you go for your first fill. I have the 10 cc band as well and am filled to 6 cc's (one fill of 3 cc's and apparantly I had 3 cc's put in my band at surgery). I still do not feel a great deal of restriction, although I am losing reasonably well. Even at 6 cc's, I have the occasional pb(the first one a couple of weeks ago with a banana of all things!), but I can basically eat anything, although not as much as previously. When I went for my first fill, I was extremely surprised that the doc filled me to 6 cc's, after reading here about people needing many fills before getting to that level. He said that in his experience, many people need 7 or more cc's with the 10 cc band to feel restriction. I don't have to pay for my fills (is it a coincidence that I get a big fill when I am not self paying - hmmmm? ), and I am starting to be suspicious that many people being filled are being treated much too conservatively and being left in bandster hell for months. I don't mean to be cynical, but I can't help it, since I am reading the same issue from many people with the 10 cc band. If there seems to be some medical wisdom that the 10 cc band generally needs more Fluid, why not start at 3 or 4 cc's rather than 1 cc? Good luck!

Hi BGP My surgery was done by Dr. DesCoteaux (see my previous entries on this thread). I don't think you can access him or the surgery in Calgary from Saskatchewan, since the service in Calgary is covered under Alberta Health Care and is specifically part of the CHR's Weight Management Clinic (i.e. you can not pay for this service at this time). I may be wrong about this, but I have a feeling that at this time, only Albertan's, and in particular, Calgarians, would qualify for the service.

I really like Dr. DesCoteaux. He also did a previous surgery for me as well (not lap band related). He is very "unsurgeony" in that he will take the time to listen and is quite supportive. As with any Dr., you need to be prepared on what to ask when you see him. He is new to lap band surgery, so he can't claim to have done thousands (or even 100), but as far as my surgery and ongoing treatment, he has been great and I don't have any concerns about his skill as a surgeon. Because of other, complicated medical history, he asked for a second opinion before the surgery and so I also saw Dr. Church, who I quite liked as well. I have heard that Dr. DesCoteaux does fills for others who haven't had the lapband surgery through the CHR, but I don't know if Dr. Church does. Currently all lap band surgeries are done through the Peter Lougheed. At this time you are required to stay over night in hospital (they seem to be keeping people overnight in the day surgery unit - not the most pleasant because you don't get a room and many of lights are left on overnight, but I was sure glad to have a hospital bed and not to have to try to get up the first night from laying flat on the bed :girl_hug:). The next morning they do the Fluoroscope x-ray, then you see the Dr., then you go home. Calgary does require the pre-surgery 2 week optifast/ non starchy vegetable diet and they also provide diet guidelines for all stages post surgery. From what I have read on this forum, the guidelines are pretty conservative and fit in with many other clinics. My understanding is that you won't get a fill for at least six weeks post surgery and I believe the CHR is only using the 10 cc inamed band (although I could be wrong about that).

I got banded in Calgary on September 25, 2007 through the Weight Management Clinic (paid for by Alberta Health). I was first referred to the clinic in May of 2006, but did not get invited to attend (i.e. get thru the waitlist) the actual clinic until October of 2006. From there I attended the mandatory classes, saw the dietician, attended supplementary workshops, have been seeing one of the psychologists regularly and had the surugery. I waited just under a year after I got into the clinic to get banded, but I would suspect that the wait will just keep getting longer as the program gets publicity. There are four doctors associated with the Calgary clinic. In addition to the two mentioned by Andrew, there is a Dr. Church and one other, who I have not met. All of the doctors are also general surgeons, so the lap band surgery is only a small part of their practice. I understand that Calgary got approval to do 100 lap bands this year (however I am not sure when that year starts and ends - I don't think it is from January on and I know that I am one of the 100). I know my dr. has said that they will not likely be able to 100 surgeries, just because there is a lot of work and support needed and they don't have the resources. I know the wait is long, and I know I have to count myself very lucky, but I have to say that I have been very happy with the experience and ongoing care that I have received. I had a significant complication after the surgery (triggered by the surgery, but not lap band related, rather about one of my other health issues) that landed me in the hospital for almost 2 weeks, and Dr. DesCoteaux saw me thru the entire ordeal. I am not sure what would have happened if I had had my surgery elsewhere. I have heard from others though that they have been very happy about the care they have receive through the other clinics in Canada and elsewhere. If you are considering the surgery, I would suggest that you get your family dr. to refer you to the Weight Management Clinic in Calgary (currently located at the old Colonel Belcher, eventually to move into the old Children's Hospital location) as soon as possible. even while you research your other options (you can always say no thanks when your turn comes). Good Luck :bounce:

The Davinci amerreto flavored syrup is also very good (tastes like almonds - not like the liqueur). The diabetic depot also sells (by Walden Farms) a "calorie free" chocolate dip. Add some to your chocolate flavored Optifast and it tastes very fudgy. They also have a caramel flavor that is pretty ok (not on its own - it has to be mixed in something). It scares me that they sell products that have no sugar, no fat, no calories that actually taste good (I guess I don't actually really want to know what they are made of), but anything to help the pre-op diet along!! :heh: Good luck!

I went and saw my dr. yesterday - my "numbers" are all back to normal and I feel really good (and hungry too!!). We decided to do my first fill - I didn't realize it but I already had 3 cc's in my band (no restriction). Dr. checked the level by withdrawing the saline and then pushing 6 cc's in (I have the 10 cc band). I have just been having fluids since the fill, so am not sure about the restriction, but I hope that I might have some restriction now, since I can drink (easily if I go slowly), but I get pretty full too. The fill was really easy. Dr. had to poke around a bit (only one poke in the skin), but it didn't hurt. I hope I am back on track again!!! :clap2: It was good to meet you yesterday Janice - nice to put a face to a name and voice. You look great!! Lets make sure we get together for that coffee soon! :biggrin1:

Hi Jenn I think what you are going through is really normal. Those of us who have been morbidly obese didn't get there and stay there because we had so many functional coping skills . I know for myself that I have used food as my comfort and my punishment for years. In this journey, I have been seeing a psychologist as part of the clinic that I am attached to, and I have to tell you that I have found that process to be much more helpful than seeing a nutritionist. I think that most of us know what we should be eating, yet somehow we don't choose what we know is best. That doesn't make us abnormal or bad - it just makes us human. I think you are doing great at starting to take control in your life. Journaling is a great way to help you. I know for me that when I actually take accountability for my actions and write down everything I eat, I do much better at controlling my intake. For me, my choices in eating are very much about control and when I write down what I eat, I have to be accountable, and not just unconsciously eating. One of the things that I have learned about myself is that I am not good at identifying and dealing with my emotions, so instead, I am looking at using what I am good at. I am good at planning and organizing and carrying out committments - so I need to plan and organize and commit to myself. I do this through following the weight watchers plan (flex plan) and writing down what I eat and do for exercise. My journey has recently been complicated by a large other health set back since I got banded (not band related, but triggered by the band and quite complicated) and I am again trying to find my way back to the above strategy. At times I am very discouraged, but on the other hand I am more confident than at any other time in my life that I can and will do it. Long story short, I think my advice to you is to take a look at what is helpful to you and start taking concrete actions to make those a reality. You need to give yourself congratulations and credit for all that you have achieved and let yourself NOT be perfect all the time. No one is perfect any I think it is the reality that everyone else always seems to be doing better and in an easier manner. You need to find a way, that is real for you, of loving yourself and feeling that you are worth your own dreams and goals. Keep up the good work!!!! You are doing a fabulous job. :clap2:

Thanks for the support. It was good talking to you Janice and thanks Cindy - I am getting blood work pretty much weekly that also looks at my kidney functioning - I seem to be holding my own. Just in case, I am now the proud owner of a tunneled central line in my chest so that easy access can be had to my veins should I run into trouble again. Hopefully I am more aware of my body now and can recognize the signs before I get into such serious trouble in the future. The swelling is going down in my legs and feet - that is the good news, although I have still only lost about 16 pounds since getting out of the hospital. I am up and down in my emotions and I try to stay positive. If find this forum has been very helpful, since all of you have experienced the ups and downs of obesity and emotional eating and their impact on our lives. Since I am feeling better day by day, I am hoping to be able to discuss getting a fill in my band soon, so that I can get a bit of a kick start to get going again. I am seeing my Dr. again on November 16, so hopefully we can start to plan. In the mean time, I am going to watch my portions and make more healthy food choices. :biggrin1:

Hi Everyone, I thought I would fill you in on my personal nightmare. In my previous posts, I was talking about my constant nausea and my inability to eat much. To add on to that, I was getting weaker and weaker. I had my surgery check-up with my Dr. on October 17. I explained what was going on, he told me I was badly dehydrated and got me admitted to the Peter Lougheed hospital (same hospital in Calgary that I had the surgery). Well, I went to the hospital on the 17th and didn't get discharged until October 29. Besides being badly dehydrated, I also managed to really screw up all my electrolytes and it took 13 days to stabilize me!!!! :cry A little bit of background to help you all - in April of 2006 I ended up getting an emergency ileostomy due to a bowel obstruction that couldn't be cleared up. Apparently when I had the lap band and stopped eating much, my small bowel had a hissy fit and got very confused and decided it needed all the nutrition I was taking in - didn't allow any of my other organs (including kidneys) any nutrition or liquids. I was basically starving to death and didn't know it. You would never realize how important potassium, Calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphates and albumin are to you until your whole body goes haywire!!!!!! I had the strangest and freakiest things happen to my body over the last weeks. Part of the hospital treatment is now my personal nemesis. They kept pouring saline and medications into me intravenously - my body decided that it should keep all that liquid - and despite not eating much, I gained 57 pounds in the 13 days I was in hospital :faint: I seem to be carrying all the weight in my legs, feet and belly (very swollen and sore). Everyone keeps telling me that as my body stabilizes I will lose the Water, but so far I have only lost 10 of those pounds. Good news is that I have got my appetite back, bad news, I feel no restriction in my band (I haven't had my first fill yet) so I am starting to eat everything in sight. I have to say I am feeling quite discouraged right now. I lost all that weight (I know realistically that some of the weight I lost was so due to sickness that it is bound to stay on), but to be up around 290 pounds again, when not really eating does not insprire me right now. :help:

Good point Doddie. I was just saying at work today that I can't ever remember a time (except when my mom died) where I couldn't think of food with anticipation. It is is a big mind shift for me. Thanks :biggrin1:

Hi Everyone, Just spent the last 3 days traveling for work, so haven't had a chance to check in. Glad to be home!! Ann, I "think" I know where my port is, I can feel something when I press, but it is close enough to an incision that I can't be positive it isn't scar tissue. I see my surgeon next Thursday, so I will ask him. It certainly doesn't hurt. I am struggling with nausea and the "dry heaves" quite a bit - especially early morning (and no I am not pregnant). Seems to be slightly better now that I am eating more solids. This week, I can eat soft solids and move forward to other foods as I tolerate. I have tried eggs, fish, chili, and some chicken. It all tasted very good, but I didn't eat a great deal - still not very hungry. I don't think I am restricted though - I ate a 9 oz serving of chili (meat based, fairly thin), slowly, but easily, in one setting. I hope you are all doing well. It sounds like many of you have exciting times ahead of you! Some surgeries are getting very close (good luck) and other are close to appointments and dates to schedule - keep your chin up and keep moving forward! Take care! :clap2:

Hi everyone, Thanks for the responses. I was away all week on business and so just got back home. I see my surgeon next Thursday, so I will ask him. According to my plan, this week I can have soft solids and move onto regular solids as I tolerate. I have been nibbling on eggs, fish, chili, and some chicken. Everything tastes very good, and I don't feel any restriction (I ate a 9 oz bown of Tim Hortons chili, slowly, but with no problem), but I don't eat much on the whole. It is kind of strange (maybe the dry heaves are from hunger;)), but I usually feel better after I have eaten something more solid and absolutely the worst first thing in the am (if I didn't know better, I would think I was pregnant :faint:). I didn't have anything else done during surgery, but I do have some ongoing medical issues that create complications for how I process food and liquids, so I am wondering about dehydration as well, since I am supposed to normally drink 12 glasses of Water a day, and I haven't been managing that. Wow Beau- your weight loss has been phenomenal!!!!!. Great going :eek: Thanks for the advice!

Hi Crispy I think it is pretty normal to feel pretty bad your first couple of days, I didn't really start to feel better until week 2. I think your body is used to all sorts of sugar, flour and processed foods which it is no longer getting. It looks like you are allowed vegetables on your pre-op diet, so here is a recipe for a "tomato stew" that I got from my clinic. It makes a huge pot and is easy and quite satisfying: 2 large (800ml) cans crushed tomatoes 1 large (800 ml) can diced tomatoes Cauliflower (cut from the stock) Broccoli (cut from the stock) Peppers, sliced (I used one each of yellow, orange and red) Celery, diced 2 zucchini, peeled and sliced thinly Mushrooms (canned or fresh) - drain Green Beans (canned) - drain Onions and another non-starchy vegetable you enjoy Throw it all in a large stock pot, spice it up to your desire (the Mrs. Dash's spices are good combinations) and cook until the vegetables are to your desired consistency (at least 20 minutes). Like most stews, the flavors get better with some age. You can thin it down and add it to Pasta for your family to enjoy Pasta prima vera.

Congratulations Crispy. The first week of the pre-op diet is the worst - I didn't feel really great (probably detoxing from processed food, fat and sugar). Second week went much better. I have to admit that I dreamed of chicken (not sure why chicken - not even fried - just a good old fashioned roast chicken). I think the pre-op is really good - even just to get you started on the new you. Not eating very much for 2 weeks is great preparation and gets you away from the food (although not the obsession) that has been the scurge of your existence. I only cheated for one day during pre-op- about 3 days before my surgery I went to a party and then out for supper. I had some crackers and cheese (not a lot) and then some pot roast, mashed potatoes and veggies. I am not saying I recommend it, but I was pleased to note that while I ate all the meat (I couldn't stop myself), I was able to eat only a little potato and was stuffed with my plate still half full (not a ususual occurrence). It felt great to be able to quit while I was ahead, and not just because of surgery. Keep your chin up and take care of yourself!

Hi Ann, Doing ok, although I seem to be battling quite a bit of nausea these days. I am not sure it is from a lack of food though. I am hungry, but I am not if that makes any sense. I am allowed to have thicker liquids this week (no thicker than babyfood) and I have to tell you, nothing turns me off faster than pureed soup. On a great note (ok if I had any sense I wouldn't be overly glad - but I can't help myself), I got on the scale today (I know I know) and in the 10 days since surgery I have lost 12 pounds (19 if you want to count the 7 pounds I gained the day of surgery). I haven't been under 266 pounds in years and years (probably my first year of university). :faint: I know real hunger is going to set in any moment and I am going to look at this with fondness. I am still battling "head hunger". It seems everynight KFC advertises between 9 and 11 pm almost continuously and it really makes me want fried chicken (even when I feel nauseus and full). I think advertisers have to take some account for the obesity epidemic. Next week I am back at work and to make things worse, I am out of town for 4 days for work. I am planning to bring along all sorts of food to help me manage - we will see how it goes. I am supposed to booked into a hotel with a fridge and microwave. According to my "plan" I can start moving on to soft solids as I tolerate them. I haven't really even had a whole lot of mushies, so am not not how this is going to go. Not that I mean to scare you - I eat, it tastes good, I don't have any problem swallowing, but my stomach is not interested in food right now. How are you doing? How goes the battle?

I think you have to do what feels best for you. My research says that people do initially lose with faster with the bypass, but longer term studies are currently saying that over time the weight loss is similar. You can gain weight whether you get the bypass or the band. These are just tools to help you not be as hungry - that doesn't matter if you still choose to drink and eat high calorie and high fat tools. I have heard of at least one person who gained weight on the band, but they were choosing to drink milkshakes all the time, and goodness only knows what else. My concern with the bypass is that it is very intrusive and totally changes the way you digest food by reattaching your intestines to a newly created stomach. This is a huge surgery and the possibilities of complications (that could be for a lifetime) are higher than with the band. I think everyone makes a choice that is based on their needs. I have had a number of surgeries over the years and I am glad to choose the least intrusive as my first choice. I guess I am curious as to why your first Dr. was so insistant on the bypass. I am glad you are getting a second opinion. Do what feels best for you.

That is not my understanding. My instructions from my clinic say to drink until you are satisfied, but very carefully and slowly, as you don't want to be vomiting (which can cause the band to slip). My understanding is that having the lap band itself does not create a great deal of restriction (although it may be enough for some). I also understand that only drinking your calories the first week or two is to allow your stomach and your band time to heal, and the top part of your stomach, which is the banded part doesn't have to work to digest liquids, since they just "slide" on through. This is the information I received, but I am not an Dr. :bandit

Hi everyone - I am new to this site. I am supposed to be banded in Calgary on September 25 by Dr. Descoteaux and have been on the Optifast, non-starchy vegetable diet for the last two weeks. Anyone else out there who can give me some advice? Anyone from the Calgary area? I think I am one of the lucky ones who is having the surgery paid for by Alberta health care (I am very thankful). Calgary approved the surgery about 1 year ago. :help:

Hi Andrew- That is EXACTLY the commercial I was talking about!!!! I so don't like process cheese, but with that commercial showing every 15 minutes, it is hard to resist. I wonder if people ever get it twice? I have a problem with eating during the evening and I have noticed that night time TV is one fast food commercial after another. I kind of started "mushies" today. So far I have had a YOP (yogurt drink) and a small unsweetened applesauce (about 3 houra apart). Easy enough to eat, although I am not sure that I am quite ready, since I am feeling somewhat nautious. Maybe that is from a lack of food though? Jacquie

Thanks Karen, This is my first time blogging or foruming (whatever this is supposed to be) and I find I have as much written diarhea as I do verbal (I don't mean that figuratively - at least not really - I would say more gassy (hint hint) than diarhea) :heh: I actually took 2 weeks off of work, at the recommendation of my doctor (so I am not due back until next week - Tuesday, because Monday is Canadian Thanksgiving). I am glad I did - not because I am still in pain, but rather because of the adjustment stuff. The pain is pretty much gone (still some shoulder twinges). I was actually swinging car tires in and out of my car yesterday and today (carefully) so I could get my winter tires on my car - in anticipation of snow. I am finding that I have absolutely no hunger right now (not that I am really complaining because that never happens to me). According to my plan, I could only have "thin" liquids until tomorrow(Tuesday) and then for a week I can have pureed thicker liquids. Besides some head temptation, I have not wanted solid foods and am not sure that me pureeing soup tomorrow will go so well. I am not sure if it is the lack of food or what (I have been writing down everything I put in my mouth and have only been getting 600-700 calories per day - mostly due to protein shakes) but even last night, I was making some waterdowned soup and I ended up throwing it out because the smell made me nautious. I am not having problems swallowing (in fact I am back to taking all my medications whole with no trouble), so I am not sure what it is. I am glad to have some extra time to try to figure things out. I hope you are all doing well and staying positive and focused on the journey ahead!!!

I have lost the 7 pounds that I gained by having surgery:whoo:but I haven't been really hungry either, so my daily calorie intake has been very low - about 600-700 calories. My clinic says thin fluids the first week (no thicker than milk) so I have been having Soups, popsicles, Protein shakes and diet Jello. I have no problem drinking them, and can eat a whole can of reconstituted tomato Soup at a sitting (I take my time). I am actually quite grateful that I am not physically "craving" food (although I have to tell you - one more KFC commercial and I just might have to throw my TV out the window- my head is much slower than my stomach). For those of you who like Tim Horton's Ice Caps, I got this fabulous recipe: (105 calories) 1 cup skim milk 2 tsp instant coffee 1 Tbsp cocoa 5 packets splenda (or to taste) 5 ice cubes Blend all the ingredients in a blender Makes about 2 cups and is a great way to get some Calcium and sweet taste without a who lot of calories! I don't like milk, so I struggle getting in the calcium I need. If I sip, I can drink the whole thing.

I was banded Sept. 25, 2007