Growingpanes

I know it sounds tempting to cheat and eat while you're on the diet... and that each Dr's approach to the surgery is different ... but it is designed that way because you're all different. Patients that have a higher BMI are typically placed on an all liquid diet because they want to make sure your internal organs are prep'd for surgery. Kind of think of it as taking your car in for a maintance check before a long trip. Talk to OH Julie -- she'll fill you in on the benefits of sticking to the prediet. It's definately a commitment .. but one that I'm sure each of you can make. You aren't losing out on anything ... expect the pounds in the months to come. Chin up .. this will go pretty quick. If you're watching the clock .. get out of the house - go to a museum, go for a walk, go to the library ... change up your regular routine so you're preoccupied with something out of the normal. :ohmy:

Well - I went in this weekend for my 2nd fill. I was down about 41 lbs since being banded in January. I thought I was doing so well ... I've been fighting a cold -so in the evenings, I'm really just not very hungry. I was having a yogurt, hard boiled egg, just something little. I was told - I wasn't eating enough! I was told - I need to make sure I eat a dinner at night. What a bummer ... I have put 2.5 lbs back on since adding chicken/vegetable to my diet in the evening! I know it will come right back off, but what a shock. Not sure if I'll make the April meeting (we're supposed to be in Indiana) .. but definately will not make the May meeting (I'll be in Europe). I will try to get to the fashion show to catch up with you guys. Glad to hear that everyone is doing well.

Hi guys --- I'm going to skip today. We've got about 18" on the ground right now - and it's still coming down. With the calls for near blizzard conditions, I'm going to take a pass for today. If you all do meet, hope you have a wonderful time.

Ditto ... by now ... I'm hoping all is well and you're awakening to a new you. :biggrin:

Hello Special K ... I had the surgery on a Wed - back to work on a Monday. If you have a desk job or another job that is not physically demanding ... chances are you will be just fine. If you have a job that requires lots of lifting .. I would give yourself a longer lead time. Your Dr. will help you decide what's right for you.

That's fantastic that you all have been scheduled for banding. :smile2: March will definately be a great month! Good luck to all of you! Special K - what a date - March 17 ... talk about finding a pot of gold!

When are you headed down? We will be in the Cincy area on the 16/17. We live in Mansfield. I'm sure we could give you a ride back if need be.

TKTFly ... Try this as a recipe .. got it from the class I enrolled in ... Low Fat/Healthy Living Fat Free Cream of (any vegetable) Soup 1 can of vegetable (asparagus, carrots, lima Beans, etc) or 1 small package of fresh spinach or 1/2 box frozen spinach 1 c. fat free, low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth 1 small onion, rough chopped about 1 c. fat-free half and half (Land of Lakes makes it). salt, pepper and any other seasoning you want. (If making spinach, add a little nutmeg and about 1 heaping Tble. Ricotta in case it's bitter) Cook vegetable, broth & onion until onions are soft. PUREE in blender until smooth. Pour into clean pot. Add half and half to desired taste and consistency. Season to taste. It really was pretty good ...

I was banded in January ... and for the most part -- no problem. I travel for my job and we are also planning a trip in May to Europe. Someone told me that you need to watch how tight your band is .. that the altitude can actually make it seem like your band is tighter. Has anyone ever heard of this? The person that had told me even said they were going to go back in and have some of the Fluid removed from their band before flying. Odd since everything I've seen more or less indicates that they don't want to ever remove fluid .. except for a pregnancy. Thoughts?

I just have to share this with you guys ... decided that maybe I needed to take a refresher course in some light cooking recipes ... this was from last Monday. It's not quite Fat Free .. since you would have the fat from the Parmessan cheese .. but it's darn tasty and pretty close to fat free. If you guys would like some of the other recipes from class, let me know and I'll share them on Saturday. Fat-free Fettucine Alfredo 1 quart fat free half and half 1 T. minced garlic salt & freshly ground pepper to taste 1 brick fat free cream cheese 1 T. basil pesto 1/2 c. parmesan cheese In a blender, combine half n half and cream cheese. Pour into non-stick skillet. Add garlic and pesto and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. Add parmesan just before serving. Note: add shrimp, crab meat, chicken, peas, fresh mushrooms, steamed broccoli or whatever you like for a meal instead of a side dish. Store leftovers in airtight continer in frig.

My post op Diet for first 2 weeks was liquids .... I'd definately check with your Dr to ask him what his recommendations are - they should have provided that to you. Have at least 1 HIGH Protein shake a day was recommended. If you can do some liquid Vitamins, take them. I also had Soups ... Tomato, Cambells Golden Squash, even brocolli cheese Soup - that I ran thru the blender! You can try a little yogurt, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese ... Try to have your meal/snacks .. but if you're eating the soft foods, try not to drink at the same time. Just keep it soft. The idea during the first 6 weeks is not to lose weight - it's to adjust your body to the band. Drink/eat until you are just full.

Rachel, It ultimately is up to you .. but sometimes it's best to just be open about it. You have nothing to hide. I debated this before doing my surgery. I can only tell you to be upfront. Lapbanding is done as a weight loss tool. I found that people were more curious about what it was and how it would impact me down the road. This won't mean I can't eat food --- it's going to help me control what I eat and make better choices in my life. So, yeah - I can still have a piece of cake if I want to, but more than likely - I'll be able to help serve the cake and really not feel like I'm missing out or depriving myself. They'll see that you really have changed your life for a healthier lifestyle - and will support YOU for being the great person that you are. And when you do decide to have the occassional temptation food, they'll understand. We all need a little ice cream occassionally ... it's just now we don't want the whole carton.

Congratulations! That is fantastic news!!! You'll have your surgery in no time ... Look forward to seeing you guys on the 9th.

Fantastic ... my incisions are still a little red ( applying the Vitamin E) but the swelling under them is gone. I can pretty much do anything I wish, but occassionally when I move the wrong way .. I still pull something out of whack. Other than that -- appetite has returned to normal. I was down 30 lbs ... but gained 4 back. Not too bad - considering I'm back on pretty much regular foods. Glad to hear that all is working out for you, too!

Don't lose hope! I actually tried to get approved thru my insurance clear back in 2002/2003. Worked on it an entire year to finally go thru all the hoops, lose the weight, follow multiple diet programs, etc. The month I was approved was the month that my company/insurance disallowed coverage for any weight loss procedure or any associated costs. I have been told since then that my weight was solely due to my inability to follow a diet. Some people just don't get it. It may have taken me awhile, but I paid for the surgery out of my own pocket. I was lucky enough to be released the same day of surgery and I headed home from Detroit that night. The best piece of advice I can give you is ... WALK at least once an hour - as much as you possibly can ... it doesn't have to be far, but get up and get moving. The more you move, the better your body will cope after surgery -- and it will help you get rid of the gas in your tummy. I had my surgery done on a Wednesday .. and was back to work on Monday. My only mistake was trying to wear jeans the following Tuesday (opt for more comfortable clothing). You will notice that you feel tired as you walk, but that will gradually pass day by day - and before you know it, you'll be walking further and further. Also - don't cheat on the post op diet ... stick to what they tell you to do. I have some friends that opted for Jeno's Pizza Rolls in a blender ... Stick to simple foods .. it'll help you heal quicker in the long run. Best of luck to you!

WHOO HOO ... problem solved. I have an appointment later in February for my first fill. Thank you Dr. Watkins! Would love to meet up at Polaris on the 9th - haven't run into anyone yet in the Mansfield area who have had this done .. tell me where and I'll meet you guys.

I'm in Mansfield .. but would be willing to get together if you all wanted to chat.

Well --- I went thru BeLite .. I do have a great consultant that I can talk to for any reason, but will tell you that getting my surgery there on January 9th was a fiasco from an organization standpoint. Now, the surgical staff -- top notch and no complaints there. The problem I'm having now is that no doctor in the Ohio area will consider doing fills for another surgeon. I shouldn't say there are no doctors -- there is one in Findlay that wants 500.00 per fill, plus a 250.00 consultation fee. I can tell you that after talking to office after office, it's getting to look very dismal. Even Trace Curry's office in Cincinnati stated - they're overbooked with just their patients. Paying for this surgery out of my pocket was no easy task ... shame that Dr's don't see that you'd like to partner with them for the fills. But I guess it's all about the bucks.

Have you been able to find anyone in the area? I found some in Cincinnati for about 150 per fill, but haven't confirmed that with them. I'm in the Mansfield, OH area .. and would love to find someone in this area -- who isn't 500.00 per fill!