Long2BFree

I can't wait to hear how you did.

I have IBS and my doc said I can have LBS. In fact, since I've been on 5 shakes per day and one meal it hasn't been acting up. Strange.

I don't really have any advice for you. I only have a mask that goes over my nose but I have to keep my mouth shut or else I feel like I'm sufficating. I've never been able to sleep with it on when I have a cold, cough or am stuffy. In fact, I rarely am able to sleep all night with it on except when I'm super tired.

Here's another thread on the same subject... http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f178/do-i-dare-have-drink-57023/

I've told my immediate family that I'm getting banded, my mom, 2 of my cousins (who have had great success with the band) and four people at work. I wouldn't have told work but I'm the only person who does my job and felt it was only right to tell my employer that I am going to need approx 2 weeks off of work for surgery and all of the pre-medical appointments that will be coming up. I've missed a lot of work the past few years due to medical issues related to my weight so the boss is on me not to miss. So far I haven't encountered any negative remarks, but I can tell my mom is worried because my step-dad passed away in February from cancer and she's scared.

Constipations is most often from inadequate fluids, not enough fiber and decreased physical activity. Keeping track of your liquid intake may be helpful to evaluate your intake. Try soft of pureed baby prunes. Taking a fiber supplement such as sugar free Metamucil, Metamucil bars, Citrucel or Benefiber is often necessary. Increase physical activity as tolerated. Wheat bran cereals might cause your tummy some distress.

The LapBand is far safer than gastric bypass. 1 in 200 die from that GB. Your diet is way more restrictive as well as the supplements you have to take. You can get blood clots from any surgery, not just WLS. You will have devices placed around your ankles during surgery and recovery that helps with circulation in your legs. I would recommend that your do more research and find a seminar that you can go to. The surgeon will cover a lot of information and answer questions. I too am afraid to have surgery even though I've had five surgeries over my life but know that I need to do this because my health is suffering because of my obesity. You too will know what is right for you.

My Post-Op information shows to take 'bites the size of a green pea' when starting the pureed food stage.

I've been reading that some people have a rough time with regular eggs getting stuck. Does this also happen with Egg Beaters and other egg substitutes?

My nut said that if you get too full that you will feel it in your chest so that might be what's going on.

No, do not chew gum. If you swallow it, it could mean trouble because it can get stuck. If your mouth is dry, you might be dehydrated so drink more. You can also buy a mouth rinse that adds moisture if your mouth is dry.

I was told the protein drinks had to be 15 grams of protein and less than 15 grams of carbs. I find the more protein I get the less hungry I am. I also blend them up with ice which helps fill me up too. Can you drink Crystal Light and have SF popsicles and Jello? Being able to have those has greatly helped me.

It's wonderful to hear that everyone is doing so well and has such a positive attitude! :tt1:

It's good to hear you are doing better.

Thank you for everyone's kinds words and words of encouragement. I just got paperwork from my doctor today. I have to sign a contract stating I understand what is expected of me as well as the risks. I feel like my doctor really cares about his patients health and well being. He's really into people living a healthy lifestyle. I also have 15 very extensive questions I have to answer for the psychologist before seeing him.

If you are really worried about your BP then stop by your doctor's office a few times a week to have them take your BP.

I get a rash there are use baby powder with corn starch because all other powders burn me. Even when powder doesn't work I put vaginal cream for yeast infections that is available over the counter on it and it clears within 1-3 days.

That is an extremely large amount of weight to drop in such a short period of time. Remember though you are likely to drop a lot at the begining, the healthy amount to lose is 1 - 2 lbs per week. You need to put your scale away and stop weighing yourself so often. You know you will drop the weight but at this point you need to follow the eating plan as given to you by your doctor and let your body heal properly. Are you getting all of your Water in? Are you allowed SF Jello at this state? Maybe that will help with your hunger. Hang in there.

My DH is also AD and I have Tricare Standard. This is the information off of the Tricare website about Lap-Band. You can also call their toll free number and speak with someone. They are very nice and helpful. TRICARE covers gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty to include vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band surgery) is covered only when the beneficiary meets one of the following conditions: Is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome, hypothalamic disorders or severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints Is 200 percent or more over ideal weight for height and bone structure Has had intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and because of complications, requires another surgery (takedown)

That shoulds very scary and painful but glad to hear that you are fine now. Did the doctor say what happened? Was it because the food wasn't passing through the band? Take care!

In addition to meeting with my nutritionist for an hour appointment, I had to attend a 2 hour class which discussed nutrition post surgery. We were told to avoid alcohol at all costs for the first year of losing weight. Not only does it lower your tolerance to alcohol but also puts your liver at increased risks for liver toxicity, cancer and other liver diseases. It can also contribute to hypoglycemia. ulcers and malnutrition. It was explained that your liver is not only working overtime burning fat from your body but if it has to process alcohol then it's giving it a double wammy for having to work that it's defenses are at higher risks for getting sick.

I too have had both of those surgeries and it's true the surgeon won't know until they get into your tummy area to see if you will be okay with laproscropy or if you will need an open procedure. It all depends on how easy it is to reach your stomach and get around your liver.

It looks like you are moving right along and getting very close to your date. I know what you mean about being impatient. I had my nut appointment almost two weeks ago and am waiting for the doctor's letter to approve me to move forward or not. The wait is driving me crazy. Good luck to you!

alicatcyclist - Yippee! I'm glad your surgery went so well and that you did okay with the anesthiscia. That's awesome that you were released in such a short period of time!

I too said I would never have WLS but I know it's the only option for me to be healthy. In the past couple of years I've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholestoral, hypothyrodism, sleep apnea, and I have heal spurs in both feet. I can't walk for long periods of time without my feet, knees, hips and back hurting. My dad died at 39 years of age and I want to be around for quite a bit longer than that.