ThinknHealthy

I didn't get nauseous before surgery, but after surger, when I tried a certain flavor of GNC whey Protein Powder, I did get a nauseous feeling (nothing happened thank God). This happened twice after drinking the same flavor. I think there are some ingredients in certain flavors I cannot stomach. You might think about changing flavors or brands. Definitely don't invest in a huge canister of that stuff without testing its flavor and seeing how you respond to it. I've got a lot of money invested in Whey Protein that I'll never use. Generally, I love GNC Whey Protein Powder, just that one flavor caused a problem. Hope you get to feeling better.

If you have already lost 80 lbs since May 5th, that's about 5 lbs a week! That's tremendous! Good Job!!!! You must be very diligent in following all the rules. I wish my weight was coming off that fast. However, that kind of rapid weight loss is prone to make certain people lose hair. When your weight stabilizes, the hair will come back. This I know from personal experience. Biotin is a product that works for me and it is very inexpensive at Walmart. Keep up the good work.

Sticky stuff--try a little baby oil on a cotton swab and rub gently. Maybe that will help. chicken broth -- add flavor by putting a sprig of Thyme in the hot broth and let it sit while it cools down a bit. Whatever you add to your diet, do it slowly to see how your body reacts. Good luck.

I too had Dr. Eldridge. The whole experience has been a real breeze for me. I had none of the after surgery complications that I've heard others have. Just a little problem with the healing of my port site but that was my fault I think. It's all better now. Had my first fill last week and doing great. My only complaint is there seems to be no long-term follow-up or support. They've done their job and now it's up to us! I guess that is right though, it really is up to us to make it work.

I'm not convinced it has anything to do with whether you had lap band, bypass, or whatever. In 2003 I started losing weight using weight watchers. I lost 93 lbs. My hair fell out. My doctor said that some people will lose hair when they lose weight rapidly. He said it grows back when the weight stabilizes. For me, that turned out to be exactly true. I did take (still do) biotin and I agree with making sure you get enough protein (which I didn't know about in my earlier weight loss). Even now though, since my lap-band, I'm losing hair again but not as much or as rapidly as before. My advice is to follow the advice you read here but then don't worry about it. Consider your hair loss a battle scar on your war against obesity. It will grow back when you've won that war. Oh, and you may want to get a screen or something in your bathtub or the hair will get stuck, what a mess. Good luck.

I would call the doctor who did the surgery. He should give you some advise -- that's what you paid him for. Also, make sure she is drinking enough liquids and following the liquid diet (dehydration can affect bowel movements and other weird things). Have her take a gas reducing medication (like GasX here in USA). Keep encouraging her to walk.

I think a lot depends on your surgeon and surgery team. Except for the sutures, I couldn't tell I had anything done really. I had no gas pain at all. I cannot feel my port (but he did describe to me where it was). I cannot feel restriction (but I haven't had a fill yet). So, I think everyone has a little different experience.

Lelafox Like me, you're just starting on this journey. You know when you take your walks, you probably have to walk some hills before you get to the end. Those hills can be steep and hard but you have to keep walking to get to your goal. Remember, those hills eventually reach a peak and then you start going down. Just keep trucking up and working hard and when it seems you can't make it any further do it anyway and soon it will feel like a breeze. Be grateful for those hills because they make you stronger and more ready to tackle the next one. Vacations and minor weight gains are just a blip in the whole weight-loss journey. In a year, when you've reached your goal, you'll realize that. You'll be the one encouraging others on this site to keep on fighting and working through those difficult times. I've got a couple of trips coming up in the next couple of weeks and I'm not going to stress over it. If I gain a little, that's just the way it goes. Vacations are so difficult because you lose a certain amount of control, your routine changes, and your body probably is responding to the change in diet. You know, last week I was a little depressed because I didn't lose any weight for the first time, but this week I lost 6.5 lbs! I just had to remind myself what the rules were and follow them. Good luck to you. I've sent up a little prayer for you.

I don't know. My dad plays bridge with a lady who says her brother was "one of the inventors" but I'm skeptical. I'm totally impressed with the total of your weight loss. My sister is considering the surgery and has a considerable amount to lose. Your success is the type of encouragement she needs. Keep up the good work. And, if you do send a letter to the inventor of the lap band, tell him that we all appreciate it greatly and that he has changed a lot of lives. I'm still waiting for that impact in my life.

Get the chocolate or caramel chewable. The chocolate is yummy.

I had the same feelings too. I'm a single mom of a 12 year-old girl and the thought of leaving her an orphan was sobering. However, I knew that my weight could easily kill me at any time so something had to be done. My philosophy is to always prepare for the worst and pray for the best. I surrounded myself with people who love me and I had a team of ladies praying over me. At the same time, I prepared my will and made decisions on guardianship for my daughter. Not a bad idea at any time really. I also paid all my bills, got caught up at work and left little notes around so life could go forward. Again, not a bad thing at any time and so much less on my mind before surgery. Keeping busy in that kind of way also keeps your mind off what you are doing. The night before, my sister and I just talked and talked until late at night and before I knew it I was asleep and then it was the next morning (a sleeping pill helped). I was always at peace because I was prepared. Of course I wrote a special message to my daughter in my journal but I had sent her off to camp that week so her mind would be on other things too. She even forgot about it and had to be reminded. Bottom line . . . You'll be fine. Go with confidence and faith that this is what you are supposed to do. Rely on your family and friends. The more you are at peace about it, the more they will be too. Also, your surgeon knows what he is doing. Trust in his skill and experience.

I had the same problem with the GNC Chocolate Caramel flavored mix but I love their Cookies n Cream mix so I'm sticking with that. You might just try a different brand or flavor. Regarding the milk, I'm using Lactaid milk instead of regular milk and that hasn't given me any problems.

I lost 93 lbs on WW in 2004-2005 but gained 60 lbs back before getting banded. For me WW definitely is another tool that you can use in addition to your banding. It does provide accountability and the group support is great if you're into that kind of thing. I use the WW Online (Flex plan) because I'm used to that for journalling my food and exercise. It also minimizes the learning curve for me. I think it is important to find what weight loss tools work best for you, realizing it may take more than one. I'm choosing not to rely solely on the band to control my weight. So far I'm on track with my goals (even though I've just started this banding journey). Note, don't feel like you have to eat all the points. At my weight I should be eating 30 pts a day plus 35 flex points per week. No way can I consume that much, even if I wanted to. I'll adjust my points each week depending on my weight loss goals for the week and as I continue to heal. I lost 2 lbs this week so am very happy. Good luck with your journey.

Biotin works well. I lost a lot of hair when I lost a bunch of weight on Weight Watchers a few years ago. Somebody told me about Biotin. It does work but slowly. You can get it pretty cheap at Walmart in the vitamin section in different strengths. The last time I bought was capsules of 5000 mcg. Your hair should grow back when your weight levels off.

I'm TOTALLY impressed with your success! I've just started my journey, so seeing your success is exciting. Go buy yourself a new dress or something nice one size smaller than you are now. Have that be your goal. Or plan a mini-vacation when you drop another 10 lbs. Plan your rewards then make them happen. Make sure your goals are realistic and reward yourself for the little successes along the way. So what kinds of things have already motivated YOU along they way? Whatever it has been it must have been working so you must share.

Kins: I can't speak for everyone. But concerning a couple of your questions, 1. You could possibly return to work like you said (I did) but you should at least let your supervisor know what you are planning to do because it is likely you won't be 100% for a few days. If you're sensitive you could just say you are having a minor surgery of a personal nature. Everyone responds to surgery differently so it is difficult to guess. 2. Mine cost $15k in Oklahoma 3. I was a self-pay so I'm not sure about the insurance issues. 4. I do not believe the surgery is tax deductible. However, if you have a generous close relative, they can "gift" you the surgery with no tax consequences. Check with your tax advisor concerning this procedure or visit irs.gov and search for gift or inheritance taxes. Hope this helps.

I'm curious ... what will you miss most about being FAT????? I mean, sometimes is does have it's advantages, doesn't it? :confused2: I think I'm going to miss the natural shelf I have where I can set my plate when I'm eating in my Lazyboy (since I have small breasts and big belly it works out pretty nice). I suppose when my belly gets smaller I'll just have to find my lap somewhere. I'll also miss those nice folds of flab that make convenient hand warming places. What will you miss most?

I was banded on Wednesday the 18th. Had no gas pain at all. Did have serious dry mouth problem. Woke up the following Friday morning with white pasty stuff in my mouth (like Thrush), also my pee was a strange color. Doc said it was dehydration and to keep drinking 64 oz/day. I did and the next day was much better. Dry mouth a couple more days but wasn't bad. For your chicken broth, I used Campbell's chicken broth but threw in a sprig or two of Thyme. That was yummy. Otherwise, stick with the very liquid stuff as long as you can. I had some egg-drop soup the other day with no problem. Recently have been getting soups from local restaurants, bringing them home, and liquifying in my blender. You get all the flavor but no small particles (if there are particles you need to strain and possibly add water if too thick). I had no problem sleeping in my right side, but I couldn't sleep on my left side until recently. I probably could sleep on my tummy now if I wanted to. I returned to work for a couple of hours the Monday after surgery, then full days since then. Walk as much as you can and increase the amount every day. Take it one day at a time and enjoy not being hungry all the time. I was starving right after surgery and for that whole day. Since then (except for 1 day) I've had almost no hunger at all. We'll all make it through these first few weeks, we just have to be patient and enjoy the new sensations.

I live about 1 1/2 hours from the surgery center. Should I plan on staying in a hotel after the surgery or should I go ahead and come home? I do have someone to drive me but I had originally planned to stay in a hotel that night. I'm being banded on Wednesday 6/18. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thank you to all who replied to my post. I think that I will check out of the hotel the morning of the surgery. If after the surgery I don't feel like a drive home, we'll just check back in for another night and drive home the next day. I admire all those who did have long journeys. I don't think I could do 11 hours or go car shopping. You guys ROCK!

Just to be encouraging to those who have not had an upper GI yet ... I had mine yesterday with no problems at all. Had some lemonade, some water, took some dulcolax at night time as I usually do and had no problems. As with anything, it will pass (no pun intended).

I'm excited for you as you begin this new journey in life. I can't wait to get started on mine.

Sometimes people just need to feel needed, or a part of the process. Maybe there is some important "job" or favor you could ask your friend to do for you while you are in surgery. Something that would be important and that he would be honored to do. This would keep him out of the process but still feeling useful. Remember he probably cares about you a lot and needs to occupy his fears with "doing" something. Let him know that you understand his need to be a part of this and that the best way he can support you is to ____ . My family is so supportive that my brother (after I finally told him about it Monday) made me sign a promise that I would do it by the end of June or I'd have to pay him some money. For months my daughter (11 yrs old) has been nagging me about doing it and my Dad is paying for the surgery. I know that I'm blessed with a wonderful family. I've made the step of going to a seminar and have scheduled an initial consultation. I have to wait until JUNE however due to work and family scheduling conflicts and I'm taking a VACATION. God Bless you and I'll be praying for you that you have a wonderful and inspring experience.

This is my first post so here goes... I'm trying to schedule surgery into a busy schedule. There are so many things to consider that I won't go into them here. My question is when should I expect to be back to myself after surgery? Should I plan a vacation before surgery or after surgery? Will a 10-day high protein/low carb pre-surgery diet be something I could follow while on a vacation? Or should I wait until we get back to begin that diet. The way it looks I won't have an open 2-3 weeks until mid-June so I'm wondering if I really need that much of a time block. Any advise anyone has would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks so much for the advise. I'm leaning toward waiting so I'll plan my vacation with my daughter as early as possible. We're thinking Washington D.C. I haven't been there since I was a kid. BTW I didn't really introduce myself. My BMI now is 47.5. I'm a busy single mom of one adopted daughter (11 years old now). In addition, I'm responsible for the caretaking of my elderly father who currently lives on his own but nearby. I suppose I'm typical of the sandwich generation. I'm also VP of my company and we've just been awarded two huge contracts. End of school year activities and a concert that I'm singing in, all during April and May, adds to the schedule. So it looks like mid-June for sure to be banded. I hate waiting but I see no other option at this time. I'll take this time to gradually get off carbs and caffeine.:scared2: Thanks again for taking the time to respond.