Wheetsin

That is the whole point if a payment plan. Like when you get a car, unless you pay in full you arrange payments (installment loan). You're still able to start driving the car, even though you don't own it yet and are still making payments. But you will have to talk to the hospital/surgeon and see what they allow. There's a difference between a large emergency bill, or setting up payments for the amount insurance wouldn't cover, and setting up payments for an entire charge ahead of time. (A good friend of mine is a doctor - the hospital she is at now will work with patients, the one she recently transferred from would not, so it does vary.)

It's very hard for people to relate to things they can't relate to. I have never smoked, and though I understand that my smoker friends have addictions, it's still hard for me to conceive of why they can't just not smoke. But that's an addiction, and I do not think that obesity is a food addiction. I don't see it meeting the medical criteria. It does produce an effect similar to addictions, but without some pretty key requirements. So I'm not even sure the smoker/drinker/drug abuser/etc. analogies are accurate. I think it's closer to a cognitive disorder where people could change if they absolutely had to, but it would come with great distress -- more like OCD. The unspoken bias isn't toward WLS surgery, really. It is, but not in a direct sense. For one, there's a bias against "elective surgery." And I know that technically most WLS are deemed "medically necessary" but they are not medically necessary in the way that an aortic aneurysm repair or a surgery to remove pressure on the brain or an emergency c-section is "medically necessary." I'm not going to say "no" fat people are fat because of a medical reason, but it's exceptionally rare. Same with people who are fat because of true hunger (which at that point would have to be a disorder, or "medical reason). Most fat people are fat because of their cognition. There IS a solution other than surgery, it's just usually not a sustainable solution. (It COULD be a sustainable solution, but that would require extremes, and see below on extremes...) We CAN lose weight. We all have. We just can't keep it off very well. And when we do, we're usually sacrificing something else to make it happen. Because it is humanly possible for us to lose the weight off & keep it off (meaning -- it's not outside the laws of physics, or medicine, or...) most people see WLS as elective and an unfavorable solution. They think it's EXTREME to, for example, volunteer (and we are all kinda volunteering in a way... no one is knocking us out while we walk down the street to do this) to have 85% of your stomach cut out instead of just eatling less. Most things in extreme become taboo. (Money/wealth is one of the only exceptions I can think of.)

I was allowed to use sugar free ones. Some people have reported stalls related to use of sugar free products (espsecially ones containing sorbitol and maltitol, both of which can also be hard for some people to process) but it has never seemed to have that effect on me. That I know of. When I was going strong with Protein drinks, I regularly used SF Khalua, Peanut Butter, Caramel, Egg Nog, White chocolate, Cookie Dough, and Orange syrups. I did Protein Drinks in lieu of at least 1 meal and 1 snack for about 3 years, so I had enough time to develop a good relationship with them.

The amounts you're talking about are not going to hurt you, but too much Protein (and only protein) can basically posion you. It takes extremes to get there. Higher than average protein intakes should up Water to help flush things out. While upping protein won't hurt, it may not help, and more than you can use (of anything) isn't ideal. I've been trying to find conclusive information on how much protein the body can actually absorb - at a time, or in a day. Lots of different ideas. Years ago they used to advise bariatric patients to really bulk up on their protein and go for 40 - 60 gms per meal, with 3 or 4 meals per day. A friend of mine who had RNY in 2004 was told to use double scoops of a sugar free Protein powder and try to get at least 80gm per meal. The most generic consensus I can find right now is that the body can absorb/use about 30gm per meal.

There's not much you can do, as long as it isn't because of some other reason (a reason other than liquid in, liquid out). Don't take the diarrhea meds. They really just sort of paralyze you. Your body is trying to expel, so let it expel. If it starts to hurt, either fro content or too much wiping, you can "hose off" (in the shower) in lieu of wiping. I had to use that tactic after my daughter was born (I had a stage 4 tear and NOTHING other than the epi foam could touch me). Mushies should help, especially ones with Fiber. That may seem counterintuitive, but fiber without adequate Water will actually block you up.

You really need to do your day of liquids (I assume SF liquids). It's to reduce the size of your liver, which will make your surgery much more doable. An elarged liver, or liver that is not sufficiently shrunk, can cause your surgery to be postponed. Kind of. They have to cut you open & get in there before they know. So if you have to go through it anyway, just buck up, do oe single day of liquids, and don't risk it. (Kinda late telling you this at 3:30 pm though). If I were you, I would call my surgoen's office and let them know. Then at least there's a chance of avoiding a "surprise" tomorrow. The surgeon can better work with things when they are expected. You've undoubtedly been giving some fasting instructions too, should be for at least 12 hours prior. This one is important, too.

The sleeve doesn't do any funky calorie algebra. A calorie is still a a calorie. It isn't suddenly 1 calorie = 400 calories. It doesn't make your body gain more weight on fewer calories. I would think the worst case scenario is that IF you stretch your stomach and IF you find you can eat more then you just make an effort to eat a normal meal, not a severe diet. I was the fattest person I knew, and I've still managed to maintain my weight for almost 3 years without really trying. And that's with a tool that does a lot less for me than a VSG does. That's not horn tooting, that's me believing in the power of maintenance. Have read the study yet, but will need to. If what I've seen in posts is accurate, the validity is not high enough to be concerned about.

Cashing in 401K will have longer term consequences. It would be best to avoid if you can (I'm sure you know that tho). Could you do a personal loan, or could someone in your family loan you some money? I'm working on the assumption that you have most of the funds out of pocket, but anything else will be too much of a stretch. If you were already counting on a loan, then disregard. I know a lot of people who have had surgery via loan and most find that the food savings (and even Rx savings) really offset a majority of the payment. You said, "Taking the boys with us" so I assume you and your husband both plan to go. Would it be possible for you to go by yourself? I know it can physically be done (I know people have soloed it), and that might free up your husband to take care of your kids... and should make it a bit cheaper. I would prefer to have my husband with me, I know, but if I had to I would go by myself. Have you talked to the hospital about making payments? I pay in lump sum so I personally can't give much info here, but I know that most US hospitals will set up repayment plans -- perhaps MX hospitals will too? Have you tried something like Care Credit? COuld you put the excess on an interest free or low interest credit card? Sorry, I'm not trying to put you on the spot. Please ignore anything that makes you uncomfortable, or you can PM me if you would prefer. I just really believe "where there's a will, there's a way," and maybe there are some avenues you haven't yet thought of.

Reflux has subsided but I still can't comfortably eat solids. I can feel that I'm too swollen, as weird as it is to feel something. (Banded or formerly banded people, you know that "whoosh" of cold you get when a cold drink passes thru? I've always gotten a tickle outo f that feeling. It may be the one ting I really miss. But right now it's more like a lukewarm "whoosh" because it's taking so long it's warming up). I never really subscribed to the NSAID restriction. NSAIDS pose a risk for everyone, and if my ibuprofen is sitting there long enough to cause problems, then I have bigger things to worry about. Unfortunately I won't be losing any weight, because I can get down Starbucks & QT's frozen cappuccinos just fine, and it's 100 degrees out and they're far too tempting right now. It's easy to self-justify a Venti iced green tea latte when it's also your meal!

You're like a year out from your tentative surgery right? A lot can happen - maybe your inlaws' schedule will open up, or your mom will agree to take them for another few days? There are sleeves available for your price range ($10,500 I assume) in the states, if staying domestic would be an option. If nothing else, don't fret about taking your children out of the country. Docs clear kids for international travel around 6 mos old. I don't believe there are even immunization requirements -- a few regions may require malaria, but not anywhere near a border area.

This is an interesting topic, I"ve seen it come up a few times in a few places and it's always intruguing and interesting. I don't have a heavy spouse. On men I prefer what I call a "football player" build. Not fat, not skinny, not particularly muscular but solid. I like tall guys with broad shoulders. I was not fat when I met my husband. I gained weight after we got married. I always felt like I robbed my husband of the person he married, in a way. I completely understood (even though he was never the one saying it, I was) that I simply was not the person he signed up to be with. I believe there are a couple of angles from which you can love someone, and two pretty big ones were completely changed (physical me, emotional me). You simply don't get to be as fat as I was and not be depressed, or have some degree of social anxiety, or other emotional disturbances. You just don't. DH was not fat when we met, and still isn't, but has gained some weight. He is about 6'5 and about 250. He wears his weight in the middle, and has lean/skinny legs. He wears a 42 pant, and when we met he wore a 36. He has probably gained about 40 lbs. I used to stand in his 36 pants, with them hanging off me, joking about how big they were. Then I gained about 200 lbs and could barely buy clothes in the fat stores. Atmy highest a 3X might fit, but probably wouldn't. I could wear most size 30/32 clothes. My husband is one of the guys who truly does not like skinny women. He calls them "spiders" and thinks it's very unattractive. At the same time, he isn't particulary attracted to fat women. We've been married a long time, and I was really fat for a long time, so this is getting kinda sketchy but I'm going to guess he's the most "into" me around size 12/14. I'm a hair taller than 5'10 and at least before I became a stretched out wreck I looked fine at size 12. I looked fine at 14, and seem to remember feeling chubby around 16, but was still able to catch some eyes at 18 (but felt fat). When I had my lapband he was (jokingly) worried I would get too skinny. Not "get skinny and leave me" but "get skinny and have bones sticking out everywhere like a porcupine." So... Were I to meet my husband for the first time today, and he was obese, would I be attracted to him? No. If I talked to him I may get to a point of attraction, but that initial yes/no reaction would be no. His height would be my only "wish list" feature (I also like dark hair - he's blond, dark eyes - his are steel blue, etc.) I would probably see him and appreciate his height, and that's about it. . He knows hte types of guys I'm physically attracted to, and knows he's not really it just as I can pick out a woman he is attracted to, and know that I look nothing like her.

I never forgot I had surgery, but I have had (years ago) moments of muscle memory takeover where I would swallow something before I wanted to swallow it, because I was just in my auto pilot mode and my body hadn't yet developed the new way of chewing/bite size/etc. as a habit. Also times where I took too big of a drink and swallowed it and "remembered" I had to take smaller drinks a little too late. We are creatures of habit.

Consider any weight lost while you're freshly healing a bonus. Umm...downhill maybe?

Not Your Daughter's Jeans are pretty good but don't seem to last. I've had three pair, and two literally fell apart. The others I quit wearing (they didn't fit when I was pregnant, and still don't...) You can buy them at Dillard's, Nordstrom and Macy's that I know of. I'm sure some other places sell them too. The ones I have are the "Tummy Tuck Jeans." They retail for about $100 a pair, but I'll be completely honest -- for the last three years, during Fall, Sam's Club has carried a brand of jean that's nearly identical in construction, and sells for about $16. I can't remember the brand off-hand, but I saw no difference when I wore those & when I wore the $$$ jeans. I can look through my jeans tonight and see if I can find them & get the brand. I have two pair of jeans that fit me well. Two are styles from the "Merona" brand from Target. The other are a pair of "Westport" jeans from Dress Barn. I'm a heavy hourglass -- my top runs about 2 sizes smaller than my bottoms, most of my weight is in my hips & upper thighs, and my waist (while fat) is quite a bit smaller than my hips. And I'm about 5'10. Averages come above my ankle and look horrible. Talls drag on the ground (hate that) unless I wear heels. I'm very hard to fit because usually if it fits my hips, it's gaping in my waist. The Target & Dress Barn jeans fit far better than even the "custom fit" lines that stores like Lane Bryant have out.

I have had two surgeries with him, and am in the process of getting sleeve approval which I would also have done with him. Send me a PM if there's anything in particular you'd like to know.

I really hate manipulation tactics. Her argument is a logical fallacy. Hopefully it's just a panic reaction. You could always apply to the logical side (If there is one, and you know how to get it to it -- and I don't mean that as an insult. My mother has only a teeny tiny logical side. I can force it out of her, but it definitely isn't her normal state, and even if I force it out of her it is not in control enough to override her emotional reactions). I mean -- people have died having teeth pulled, and doing laundry, and taking showers, and going to the bathroom, and cooking dinner, and having babies, and driving to work, and... but is she in hysterics yelling at you every time you do one of those things? Probably not. Help her put it in perspective. I ran some numbers a few years ago, and the odds of dying during surgery were about the same as the odds of dying from smoke inhalation.

I would suggest saying not much of anything. When I'm in a conversation about something, as soon as it's clear that the other person isn't interested in my perspective/opinion, and is only trying to persuade me or somehow manipulate my opinion, my response becomes, "Ok" and that's about all I will respond. Maybe a, "We need to agree to disagree." If the other pesron is listening to what I say, then there's a point in saying it. When the other's person goal is to prove they're right, the conversation is over because it's pointless. If you really care, you could ask them why they have that opinion, or measures wouldn't be too extreme in their opinion. But why keep going back and forth? Does their opinion matter to you? Are you trying to make them ok with your decision? Probably not, so just end it.

BUt as a heads-up to other banded people who may be out there - take it easy after your EGD. I've poured over the paperwork and there's not a single mention of going back to liquids, swelling as a side effect (even though it's obvious, unless you don't even think about it like I did). So be careful... I could've easily yakked had I tried to eat, and that's not going to help a slipped band.

BTW, I use "water weight" generically... other fluids are in that too.

Texasmom - you can safely assume that 40% - 60% of the weight you lose up front (first 2 or 3 weeks) is water weight and won't significantly impact your sizing. The remaining 60% - 40% will be mostly fat. SO your weight may need to be a bit lower than usual before you see your usual difference. Once fluids & things equalize, you'll see more of a true size difference.

Benadryl cream helps me. If you can keep the incisions moist, try a smear of antibiotic cream. Just keeping them from drying out usually helps quite a bit. Hint: do not use the logic that "solarcaine is topical lidocaine, lidocaine makes you numb, so spraying solarcaine on these incisions should dull things..." If you have to itch, don't scratch. I "tap" with my fingertips. It's enough to relieve the incessant itch, but doesn't risk scratches or tears.I've also placed a piece of thick fabric, and itched through that. Again - enough to relieve the urge, but hopefully minimizing potential damage from nails and fingertips.

WHen I was still on mushies with my AGB I thought the same thing and tried it with a bol from Chipotle. I figured -- if I chew that chicken, cheese and Beans it all gets sort of mushed up, and still tastes good, so this should taste the same, right? NO It was nasty. Horrible, in fact. The texture was miserable, and the flavor was -- well let's just say I have no idea how individual things that taste good can combine into something that tastes so bad??

Since the OP asked what people are eating at McD's. and not for wrist slaps for eating fast food... (Come on guys, we all know McDonald's isn't the bastion of good health, but food from just about anywhere can be healthy enough if you think it through... because we have WLS doesn't mean we never ever eat something questionable again. And everything on their menu isn't horrible... an Egg McMuffin is one of the healthier to-go breakfasts you're going to find at a drive thru place) If I eat at McD's I get a McChicken, and eat it without the bun. I don't peel it. The crispiness helps it go down easier (band thing). I eat about 1/4 - 1/2 of it. I've gotten the yogurt parfait before, but I don't care for most of the fruit in it so I tend to eat around the fruit. I've gotten the ranch grilled chicken snack wrap, minus the tortilla. I thought it was nasty and only ate 2 bites. Once or twice I've gotten a salad. They used to have a Cobb salad that was pretty good. I should add, damn you McDonald's for introducing the caramal frappe!! Damn you!!! (I've eated at McDonald's maybe 6 times since having my WLS. I don't really care for fast food, but if I'm going to eat it, McD's just isn't my first choice. I've never been motivated by the cheap price of a meal, eating for $1 just isn't a plus to me).

Hi Glendaaus... I too am currently banded. Mine has slipped, but not eroded (nor corroded). I am pursuing approval for a sleeve revision. "Rust" is a really strange conclusion for your doctor to make. Do you have an Inamed band or an Allergan band? The Allergan bands use titanium, which is inert and is (very) corrosion resistant, and there's nothing in your body chemistry that could cause it to rust (not even direct contact with acids you produce). I've been told Inamed has a band without titanium in it, but I have no idea what they use in place... or if that's even accurate. Have they actually tested the Fluid to see what was discoloring the saline? Because my first guess would be blood, and I would really want them figuring out what was in my band. If your port area hurts, I'm guessing you have an infection. Did your doctor check for this, or give you any treatment? Bacteria from the eroded portion of the stomach can travel via the tubing and colonize in your port area. It's actually one of the more common symptoms of erosion. Are you completely eroded or partially? Have they tested you for infection? That is a bit worrisome. Please let us know what you find out.

I think she's probably scared, and probably envious. I know this is me and not you, but here is what I went through. When I told me mother I was seriously considering getting my lap-band her first reaction was, "You don't want to just try another diet?" After she chewed it over for a bit, her second response was, "If you lose a bunch of weight I'm going to be really jealous." Then she proceeded to basically criticize all of my failed diet attempts and tell me, "I don't understand what's wrong with you. You have accomplished everything you have exer really applied yourself to, except your weight." Now my mom is normally very supportive. She's the, "I may disagree, but I will support you as a disgaree" type. She always has the best intentions, but typically has the worst execution. She told my father she thought I was making a mistake. I asked him what he thought and he said, "I think it might be what you need." He got in trouble for telling me that (in front of her) because she didn't think he should be encouraging me. She seemed to be trying to sabotage me for a while -- buying me ice cream or candy, cooking high fat meals... but who knows, it may have just been an over sensitivity on my behalf. About 2.5 years after I had my surgery, she tells me that she wants to have it done too. She tells me, "Since you've done so good, I figure I can too." This whole concept of -- ridicule me, but let me be your guinea pig and when you're envious of my results, decide it's suddenly an OK thing... and I told her that I resented her being so completely unsupportive of me, but then deciding it's OK for her.... and she apologized and said she was just terrified that something would go wrong. And jealous, which I think is to be expected whether she's my mom or not. Apparently she knew someone who had one of the earlier gastric bands; the ones that weren't adjustable, and that person got down to a near skeletal weight because of an erosion and failure to follow-up with her doctor. So anyway, that long story really to explain my rationale for asking the following... You didn't come out and say she was overweight (that I saw, anyway) but it is implied. Is she? You mention comorbidities she has and those tend to be found in obese people. Her reaction may be a bit of the green-eyed monster. Moms aren't above envy, they're still human. Is this perhaps your mom's response to her fear that something bad will happen to you? Is your mom associating your would-be procedure with any other events she's experienced or been exposed to? (e.g. did she have a bad surgery, did someone she know have a bad weightloss surgery experience...) Now for what you can do... Have you tried appealing to her logical side? If she is overweight, why hasn't she "Just tried WW"? And if she has tried it, why is she still overweight? What would losing the weight permanently mean to her, or be worth to her? Ask her why she is so against it. Ask her to be informed before jumping to a conclusion. Do you think it's the procedure, or "the procedure in Mexico?" A lot of people hear "Mexico" and think of Independence Ave Tijuana. They don't realize Mexico is a largely beautiful (and clean) country. My surgeries have been US, but I've heard so may times, "If I can't drink the Water there, why would I have surgery there?" (Sory this is so verbose, I have a bad habit of "typing out loud"...hopefully my points/questions are not too deeply buried...)