thinkthin

Hi Michael, I just want to address the issue of vomitting. I, personally, have experienced a lot of vomitting. My band has become tighter as I have lost weight, and has required more adjustments than the first 8 months. The band is an ever changing phenomenon, and I have lately been throwing up alot. That said - the way in which you vomit is different than pre-lap band. You know when you're sick, you can have that violent, heaving type vomitting that is really gross and tastes horrible? (Hope you're not vomitting right now just with the description!) It is not like that with the lap band. Usually, food just gets stuck or backed up and cannot get through the band. It will come up inthe form that it went down. It is not violent, it is not like heaving, it is usually quick. Sometimes it comes up with lots of slime, which the body is trying to produce to "help" the food get through. Usually, I can "control" something coming up and get to the bathroom. Only once did I feel that the slime was coming up and I barely got to the waste basket. I know I'm being graphic, forgive me, but sometimes its good to know the truth about these things. You can often tell if you've eaten too much and feel it rising. I also hate to admit it, but I have been know to make myself throw up to alleviate the pain and discomfort I feel when I've put too much down. This is not a good practice, but I tell you this only to let you know that the whole vomitting experience is not so horrible as you think it will be. The food never gets into your stomach, so there is not that horrible acidic flavor that you experience when you're sick. I do think that you should evaluate if you think this is something you can try to become more comfortable with. With the band, you may be someone who throws up alot, or you might be someone who never does. I have a friend who has only thrown up twice in the first year of lap band. That's great. She eats super slow, chews well, never overeats or pushes, has good adjustment on the band its very easy. I am very happy with the band - couldn't have lost weight without it - but I do have more difficulties with the throwing up, but its really not unbearable or horrible. Plus, it is a work in progress to get the proper adjustment so that I don't throw up so much. Good luck with your investigations and decisions.

My eval was only a one hour conversation during which my history of obesity and weight loss was discussed. I am actually a clinical psychologist myself and know that what they are really looking for is whether you are a good candidate for surgery. This means: whether you're making the right decision based upon your history as opposed to rushing into surgery, etc., (people who haven't tried other methods of weight loss or don't have much history of obesity), whether you have the psychological wherewithall to handle the stress of surgery, recovery, and the capacity to stick to the commitment that WLS requires, and whether you have any other pre-existing psychological disturbances which will make it difficult for you to be successful with WLS. Some personality disorders and people with severe mental illness will have a great deal of difficulty with surgery and are at risk for depression and even suicide. This type of stuff. This said, I doubt you have anything at all to worry about. If you are a relatively stable person, (even if you've struggled with depression or other psychological stuff), and you are committed to this process (even if you fear and doubt that you can do it), and you are making this decision for the right reasons at this time in your life, the evaluation will be a "recommendation" that is provided to your insurance company. You'll do fine. Be honest, relax, there are no right or wrong answers, and look at it as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself. If they are going to spend 5 hours in this evaluation, you may want to think of something that you'd like to learn about yourself - like what in your psychological makeup might be your greatest strength toward successful weight loss, and what might be your greatest weakness against weight loss. That would be good to know. I wish my psych evaluation would have provided me with something to walk away with. Good Luck! I know you'll be relieved when its over, but its really no big deal!

Officially just this week I crossed the century mark!!! Hallelujia, I am rejoicing!!! 101 lbs. in less that 1 year!

After my last fill, I have been BPing about everyday. I am guilty of eating too much, too fast, and up it comes. I am trying to be conscientious about eating smaller bites much slower. While I know this is not good for my band, I am also concerned about my teeth. Although BPing is different than regular old throwing up because the food isn't sitting in stomach acid, I'm still wondering if stomach acids do come up and can effect your teeth. Does anyone know if it does have an effect on your teeth? I'm also wondering if chewable vitamins are bad for your teeth . . . I'm just thinking that if trace minerals are left on your teeth they could cause discoloration. Any thoughts on that??

Yeah! Maybe we should have a poll on how many people have BP'd on Tater Tots! I had a good one the other day on Tater Tots too! I agree, its funny what will go down and what won't . . . depends on so many different factors. I've been BPing almost every day after my last fill about a month ago, so, I'm really trying to be careful, eat small bites & chew alot!

My doctor gave me an "anti-blockage recipe" (I have the exact recipe at home, so this isn't exact, I'd have to get it for you). Nonetheless, you take powdered meat tenderizer and mix it with a little bit of lemon juice and put that into a glass of water. Sip on it slowly for a while. I'm sure the pork chop has gone through by now or you wouldn't be able to drink normally, but I bet you have swelling. The doctor can have a look at your band with an X-ray to see how things look in there. Stick with mushy/liquids for a couple days then try really soft, well-chewed food. I can't ever imagine eating a pork chop again! Good luck.

That's cool! I will confess that I have a stolen seatbelt extender that I would take with me on trips because I was too embarrassed to ask for one! Now it is sitting in my underwear drawer, and I don't think I'll need it again. Maybe I should secretly return it to the airlines on my next trip!

I think a lot of people have a rough go of it initially - but it sounds like you're doing very well. Initially, think of everything in terms of healing - so drink the water - slowly - you don't have any restriction yet, so it is normal for that to go down easily, but still - don't drink too much too fast. Many people also don't feel hungry right away. I started on clear protein drinks (Isopure) pretty soon after surgery as recommended by the MD, and that kept the hunger at bay. By week 2, I couldn't wait to have full liquids! Good luck with your process!

I've learned that the amount I can consume depends on so many factors - how "filled" I am, morning vs. evening, the type of food, etc. I can eat a ton of popcorn or tortilla chips, but will barf up a little beef stew. I don't usually worry about slippage, but chock it up to learning how I tolerate different foods.

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that too! During the work-up for the band, I had to have an ultrasound that showed I had gallstones. Although I didn't have many symptoms, the doctor explained that it will likely get much worse with weight loss, and that I'd probably end up in an emergency situation if I didn't have it removed before the WLS. Basically, it might be worth these home remedies, but I wouldn't hesitate to get it removed because with large amounts of weight loss it'll probably get worse. The gallbladder surgery was very easy, similar to the banding. I have no side-effects from having it removed, and, the discomfort I had before has never returned. Sorry you have to deal with this!

Paul - general anesthesia is a beautiful thing. You don't feel a thing, remember a thing, and you're just "out." Its not like dreaming, it is very different, and I liked that it was just done . . . like I wasn't there for the surgery, just done when you wake up! Good Luck, it'll be fine!

Absolutely Inspirational!

Hi there - Copy down this Anti-Blockage recipe (my surgeon gave me) in the event of a really serious blockage. If you develop vomiting or retching due to food that seems lodged in your stomach, take: 1/2 tsp Adolph's meat Tenderizer 1 tsp. Lemon juice 4 oz (1/2 cup) Tap Water Mix well. Sip over one hour If vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor! Thank God I've never had to use it. But I, too, really need to work on eating slower, smaller bites & chewing better!

After the first 4-6 weeks, my doctor does fills every 2 weeks until its right (based on how much you can eat, how full you feel, and how much you're losing). I've had 3 fills, and I'm 3 months out. I can still eat more than they say I should be able to - I've been told that I should only be able to eat about 3/4 cup of food per meal. Therefore, I cannot rely only on restriction. I don't think I would be losing much except for how I count calories and exercise. The good news is that the band has provided alot more motivation and willingness to count calories and exercise than any dieting effort beforehand!

I agree with what others have said - PB is not the same as vomitting when you're sick, or like the dry heaves, etc. However, getting food stuck can be very uncomfortable and painful. The slimes are pretty gross. I had really vowed that I wouldn't throw up, but, I have, numerous times. And honestly, it hasn't been all that bad and I've learned from it. The biggest problem occurs when I am too hungry and eat too fast! Bites are too big and not chewed enough. I think that you might want to resolve yourself to it probably happening, but that its just a learning process and will be rare, and that it certainly isn't the thing that should deter you from getting the band! Good luck, your surgery approaches quickly!

I weigh with clothes and shoes (since I don't have a scale at home), because I started at the MD office clothed, and thought I'd just stay with that. Nice to know I actually weigh a little less.

It's a big decision . . . but after I decided, I became increasingly excited and hopeful about the results to come! Welcome to Band Land! You've made a decision that so many of us are happy that we made as well!

Good luck with your search/research. My doctor told me it costs $17,000 (in Fairfield County, CT), but that covers surgery only - it doesn't include the costs associated with the necessary workup. I'm sure that the work-up I had to go through would add another $3000-4,000 - since it included cardiology clearance, echocardiogram, ultrasound, upper GI, psychological eval, pulmonary clearance, blood work, etc. Perhaps your insurance would cover all the work-up costs, which would help alot. Good Luck Pattie.

Me too! I'm at my 3 month anniversary almost, and I'm also very happy with the results. I am hoping to stay on track, continue to learn about myself and my head-issues with food, and see it melt away!!! Its fabulous to all be in the same boat!

Hi there, just thought I'd add that I before getting filled, you will find that most people have virtually no restriction. I didn't really experience any restriction until the 2nd fill, and more after the 3rd. It is all about healing initially, so don't get too concerned about how much your losing, etc. Try to stick to your low calories and start exercising as soon as you possibly can! I am a firm believer in lots of protein!!! Shirley: There are other postings here regarding port pain, you may even want to do a search and see what you can find. I had no pain, and could sleep on my side on the 2nd night. Its a good thing you're going back to the doctor soon because you may well have an infection or something. Good luck to you in your journey!!

My doctor didn't require total liquids, but 2 weeks of 1000 calories a day, which was a challenge. I know this is obvious, but its all about the protein. Find Isopure at your local health store/GNC - the clear Isopure is 40g protein in a 20 oz. bottle for 160 calories. It saved me, and I still drink it when I'm really working at lowering the calories! Good luck!

Congratulations on this amazing success!!! I am also, like everyone above, inspired and urged to know, I mean really get in touch with, the psychological/emotional side to my weight issues. It is something I've never gotten close enough to really be able to experience and embrace the emptiness of being without food as my friend. I appreciate your words, and I will keep them in mind as I get further and further down, and on my lifelong path of healthier living.

That's awesome! I'll look forward to seeing/hearing about your process and contributions on the board!!

I remember, I remember very well all these thoughts and fears swirling around in my head . . . sometimes getting myself whipped up into a froth (like a cappuccino) that I could hardly think straight! But you know, I don't have these thoughts anymore, because the band has really and truly been, for me, easy, helpful, and my friend. I never thought I'd get through the pre-op and post-op diet . . . but I did, and the initial weight loss was so rewarding! You will too! I thought it would be horrible to have pain or PB or feel restriction . . . its not that bad, I've learned from it, and it doesn't happen all the time, it is not like vomitting when you're sick, and any pain I've had hasn't lasted long at all. I've been fortunate. I have no problems, not one, with acid reflux (maybe because I'm eating healthier). I cannot "feel" the band inside me and I don't notice it most of the time. I do eat rice sometimes (I know I'm really not supposed to, but its all about what you can tolerate). I love sushi too, but haven't tried it, but I bet it would be OK without the seaweed. I do eat a little bread, and its OK. I have read the postings here, and there are horror stories. I was afraid (still am at times) that this wouldn't work, that it would damage myself, regret it, etc. etc. But I'm sure that I am not the only one that is happy with the band and that it has gone well for. Each day, I can tell that without this tool, I'd still be 312 lbs or more, and I would feel defeated, depressed, and out of control. Just as the Road Queen said - it has changed my focus on food so much so that now I'm getting free (its a process) of all that weight/food stuff swirling around in my head. I was very scared of doing this . . . but I was also so fed up and knew that I had to do something drastic. I'm so grateful to have this option available to me, I believe that it has, and will forever, change my life! Because I was so fed up, I was determined to work with this, not against it, and give this everything I've got. I've never been able to stick to a diet or exercise, but this time, I have hope. For the first time, maybe, I really have hope. There is hope for you too . . .

I think that we all have our fears of regret! I certainly did, and even still. Occasionally am afraid this won't work, or that I'll regret it someday. NONETHELESS, each day that I live with the band and see the pounds melting off, I am reassured that I made a good decision, the best possible decision. There is no way that I could have lost this much weight without this tool. I work at it too, but I know that THE BAND HELPS, tremendously! I have thank God that I have had a very easy go of it with the band, no difficulties in surgery, no difficulties recovering, and just the usual things in adjusting to it. It can be hard at times, but again, it is so worth it, and for the most part, it has begun to make me feel FREE of all that old food & weight stuff swirling aroung in my head because now I am in control. Wow, that's such a relief! I am grateful that I didn't have to pay for it out of pocket, I got insurance that would cover it. But, your health and happines really and truly is worth the expense, especially because the odds are that it will totally change your life and you'll never look back!