My_o_My

The day after surgery I layed on my couch, sipped liquids, dozed, watched movies. For some reason I was wiped out, *really* taken out by the surgery. But by day 3 and 4 I was exponentially better and I was back to work on Friday (I was banded on a Monday). I didn't tell anyone at work I was banded so there was no special treatment, and they had no idea.

16 oz double tall mocha, light on the chocolate, with a splash of half and half at the top. Every day for the past 8-9 years. Sometimes two, sometimes larger.

Well carb cravings, I use diet candy - I honestly can't tell the difference (just don't eat too much because you'll have diahrea) between diet and regular. And, those shakes, they really help with my cravings. I'm not particularly fond of them, but I've made peace with them, and find myself enjoying them. The alternative is just not acceptable. I stopped my shakes (you can pretty much see where if you look at the weight loss below), and started up with my mochas again (which is probably how I gained all my weight in the first place). It was initially one 16 oz mocha - I told myself the caffeine helped quench my appetite, and I needed the milk because I was eating so little. Well, that 16 ounce went to a 24 ounce, and the frequency became twice a day, and the milk - well half turned to half n half. It happened so quickly. I still managed to lose a pound, but my weight loss just stagnated. I basically sabatoged my weight loss, and changed in March. I think I've had a total of three mochas since that date (all 16 oz - and no half and half). I've purchased my shakes, enough so that *being out of Protein powder* cannot be an excuse. I started drinking my Water again, and not trying to eat more than my 1 oz. I'm back on track, the weight is coming off. I drink drip coffee now (I still have non dairy creamer) but the changes are noticable. I think we all have to learn, face our demons, and then go on. It's embarrassing to have failed so badly (because I knew better), but it's never too late.

I really didn't eat any regular candy. But the Bartells by my house stocks a good supply of sugar free candy. So, in the evening, when I treat myself, I have a few pieces. WARNING - this type of candy you *cannot* gorge on - it usually contains ingredients which encourage the fluids in your tissues to migrate into your colon and rapidly expel (yeah - diahrea). Now, can anyone answer the question of sugar alchols and, mannitol compounds - do they count as carbs or NOT? I've been assuming they don't - but the *not quite a dietician* who I asked at the clinic (she's in school) couldn't answer that question for me. Anyone know?

My restriction varies from week to week, some weeks I'm totally restricted - and I really feel like I have the band. Other weeks I can eat a mcdonalds happy meal without problem.

I didn't give any insurance information on my pre op visit. But for all of my lab work and stuff at the hospital - the doctor said with a diagnosis of Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath all the other tests would be covered by my insurance. And my insurance DID cover them. Then, they went and covered my pre op appointment as well - and I had a nice little credit on my account at the office. They of course didn't cover the surgery, or the fills. If you really need insurance to cover the pre op - and they won't do it for a band surgeon. See a General Practitioner, and have him order your tests, with the correct diagnosis codes - then your surgeon can just get copies. If you have good insurnace they should cover those sorts of tests if you have CP and SOB.

Congratulations on your weight loss. I can't remember the breakdown of what I paid, but the total for hospital, surgeon and anesthesia was 11,900. The facility was beautiful - and the treatment was great. Because of the way my surgeon billed it - my insurance covered the other things (which was really nice). I still had to sell my car - but it's worth it. I drive around this hideous beater car - I had been driving a fully paid for brand new, everything on it Jeep Liberty (so right now I am overweight, driving this junker and I'm new to the area and the kids are in all new schools). But by next year - I'll hopefully have a new car, and a new body (with some new clothes to go with it). It's definately worth it - every penny if I can get off all this weight.

1. My pre op visit was covered (I didn't realize that until after my insurance paid for it). Since the doctor - is a doctor - he diagnosed chest pain and shortness of breath (a basic for all pre bandsters for acid reflux and being out of shape). Anyhoo - because there is a diagnosis of Chest Pain and SOB your PFT's, EKG, and labs are covered. Of course, my colonoscopy and endoscopy were covered for this same diagnosis, and I have a 50% psych benefit so the shrink cost me $125. Basically - if you have insurance - a doctor worth his salt shoudl be able to code (give you a dsm3) that would cover all the tests so you wouldn't have to pay out of pocket. If you have no insurance at all - I think these tests could get rather pricey. My doctor does my fills - but he charges after the first one. As a self pay - the wait is SHORT usually as quick as you can get it scheduled and get the tests done. They love the self-pay patients and are usually willing to accomodate you on the date. I wanted to schedule 3 months out (for summer) - but I could have scheduled within the month of my first pre op appointment - as long as I could get all the tests done within that time frame.

I've experienced this a couple times now, and I know I have read that others experience a *massive* restriction around 'that time of the month'. Like clockwork - I sure do. But I don't know why - does anyone actually know why this happens? I'm not really upset - it's kind of helpful

I have always said this about myself "Give me an hour and I'll tell you anything", but I AM A CLOSET BANDSTER. Normally you find me discussing the most self-effacing stories about myself, I'm open and honest and just let everything out, but I could not do it this time. I told my sister, parents, husband, a couple friends, and bosses at work. I regret telling a doctor and another co-worker. At the time it felt right - but now, I'm upset that they know, because things leak out, and I'm worried. I work in a hospital, and there is a fishbowl effect with people who know. They want to see these dramatic results, and sometimes, they just don't happen like that. I'm losing, sometimes fast, sometimes slower and I haven't received too much attention for it. I don't want people to judge how I eat, what I need to do differently, that I took the 'easy way out', or participated in this risky surgery. I always thought at the end I might say something - when it's all over. But I couldn't deal with the stress now. Yesterday at work, I didn't chew scrambled egg well enough and I exited to the ladies room, I just told them I felt queezy. When I was on the liquid diet - I said I was 'on a diet' (cuz I was). People just don't notice if you don't call attention to it.

I'm surpised individuals have a catheter. I didn't. I might have had one during surgery - I don't know, but it wasn't there when I was back in my room. The rationale behind this is to get you up and out of bed (it's great motivation for those who are less inclined).

I didn't realize that some people felt 'wide open' - I had only heard the opposite. It's actually quite amazing - and it feels like what it should feel like. For the most part, if I chew really good, I can eat a pretty good amount - like a whole kids happy meal. But, I guess that's still *good* because prior to this, I could eaten a bic mac meal from McDonalds. I am losing slowly but surely. After the initial surgery pounds fell off with the liquid Protein diet (but I missed food). Now, I eat less, it feels better (although I confess - I have taken up a bad habit - that double 16 oz iced mocha (light on the chocolate). It's terrible - and I'm so ashamed - but I just love those things. I think it's kept me from losing what I might be losing - what is wrong with me that I can't stop!

For me the band is hope. I couldn't seem to get the steam that hope brings in my diets and weight loss attempts. I'm not certain that the band has given me as much restriction, as it has hope.

I just have no idea what is normal. I'd love to be able to eat a shot glass worth of food for meals, but, that just doesn't cut it - do I need a fill? I can eat a half bagel, with cream cheese, thin sliced meat, and a bit of lettuce and onion - is that a normal amount? I can eat almost a whole sausage biscuit from mcdonalds (one bit less) - is that too much? What can everyone else eat?

NONE of my in laws know - why should they? I told my boss at work, my parents (who were concerned but are now fine) and my sister (who lovingly told me she was jealous). My sister told her husband (naughty girl) but other than that, I've told really no one - other than a stray person here or there. No one needs to know if you don't want them to.

I have experienced that I can eat drastically less during 'that time of the month' and I'm thrilled with the amount I can eat - it feels normal (small normal) but for the weight loss period, I wonder if I wouldn't be better served only being able to eat 'extra small' bits of food

I've not noticed any thinning whatsoever. I'm filled, but for instance today I had half a bagel with cream cheese, thin sliced meat lettuce and onion. Is that a lot for the band? If I chew good, I can eat like that no problem - how is it for everyone else?

When I told my sister, I let her know that it wasn't her secret to tell, it was mine, and when I wanted to share I would. I would share it with whom I wanted to share it with. Much the same way that if she did something good or bad, and it was a secret, I cannot go around our community feeling I have the right to disclose it to everyone because if she's going to do it - she should own it (her lie, her overdrawn account, an affair, a messy house, a fight with a child or a spouse). If your sister thinks she has absolutely nothing that she wouldn't want revealed to everyone - she needs to think again. If I were you I would tell her you weren't going to have it done, do it anyway, and tell her you're just 'eating like you had it done' and trying to do it the old fashioned way. If she won't support you - don't let her know - don't confide in her. If you don't tell her, she will NEVER know. You'll recover quick enough, and you can just go 'on a diet' - how would she know any differently?

All my life I was small to normal size, and my sister was 10-20 lbs overweight. Then, a few years ago - I balooned - and I'm the one who was really overweight, while she probably was 50-60 lbs overweight. When I told her I was having the surgery (my sister and I are very close), she was bound and determined to diet because she didn't want to be the fat sister. We were utterly honest, and she was thrilled to death for me - but still she didn't want to be the fat one. She had visions of me being a size 4 by Christmas (so did I) but now that it's happened I'm an inspiration to her, and an encouragement. She went on a diet with me and lost 18 pounds the first month. I don't begrudge her wanting to look good/better than me - I want to look better than her (despite the fact that I love her dearly) - we're sisters! And it's OK. We both want to be cuter and smaller and it's in both of our best interest to lose the extra pounds. She even benefits from me losing weight (since we live in the same community - it's not so great to have a fat sister - and now, I'm just overweight....it's great). My sister and I were able to be honest because we are so close and the love is huge (we're close friends). I say, include her, have her do it with you as much as she can - do it together. My sister got Protein shakes and Vitamins and only ate one meal a day. Her husband joined in (he's maybe 10 lbs overweight - maybe) to support her, and then their daughter (whose not overweight at all) did it because she's a teenager - it was totally fun!

I just plain love Dove - anyone who tries it at my house just loves it!

Personally - I wouldn't do it. If you want food - blenderize it - if you can't blenderize it into a liquid - don't eat it. he must have a reason. Try and keep the carbs in each serving to less than 5-6.

Very interesting - I cannot understand why they would want you to have regular fruit juice - that's a big mystery to me. I felt like the pre op liquid diet also helped clean out my intestines (which was good for me). I was only on it for 3 days pre op - but I can imagine how awful it was. I was on liquids for 5 weeks total - and it was miserable.

You want a low carb, high Protein diet to decrease the size of the liver. The liver sits over the top of the stomach - right where the band goes. They have to retract the liver with a liver retractor as it is, but it makes it more difficult if the liver is really fatty. So, they prefer that you lose weight, and it's hard. I've never worked so hard for anything. I don't diet - I'm not good at it - but my resolve in this matter has been sincere and I am determined not to fail. I have messed up a time or two - but I just start new the next day. I've found a few staples to get me through - like diet peach tea snapple - I buy it by the case. 0 calories - and it tastes good. My Protein Drink with Peanut Butter, tomato basil soup, Breyers no sugar added juice popsicles (only 25 calories) and a few other things. It's worth it, each day of denying myself - has proven to me I CAN DO IT. I don't feel so much like the band is doing it - I feel like I AM. I know I could go out and start drinking mochas, eating ice cream, but I have decided I will not do that - not this time. I won't sabatoge myself - I'm just buckling down and doing it. I sold my beautiful fully paid for Jeep Liberty, and I drive a $1,500 1990 something Honda Accord with little rust spots, no air conditioning, no CD player and a slight odor. I cannot let this be in vain - I won't let it be in vain. I know you can do this -

You don't have to make it til the end of September - you only have to make it through TODAY. Every day, I just thought - I can make it through today, and slowly the days ticked by and I was there. Just one day - that's all you have to make it through. Thinking that long term will drive you nuts.

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