kamicola

I don't think you should have a problem at least at your weight. My surgeon has done some that heavy. I was banded by Dr. Kuri in TJ Mexico and had a fabulous experience.... would do it exactly the same if I had to again... so if you are self-pay and have good aftercare support in your area, you might want to consider Mexico if you can't get your insurance to pay ... it was $7,500 by Dr. Kuri, which included the 2 nights in a hotel as well. Totally safe, totally professional and a great experience.

I too went to Mexico... but went to Dr. Kuri in Tijuana... had also a fabulous experience and no pain at all... now one month post op, I am down 30 pounds and feel the best I have in years! My diabetes went into remission the day of surgery... no more meds and blood sugars normal and consistent. I have tons more energy and am so excited! Glad you had a great experience too.... if you have aftercare resources available to you in your area, I would recommend Mexico if you have to self-pay, it's a breeze! Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last summer.... I go to a naturalpathic doctor who specializes in Thyroid disorders.... thank goodness. I am on Amour Thyroid, a natural thyroid medication... she wants my TSH level to be less than 2.0 at all times... so after one adjustment, it is consistently there... now I was just banded at the end of May and right before surgery I had my levels checked... they were at 1.2... in the perfect range... I have probably had a thryoid condition most of my life, but whenever I asked my PCP doctors to check it, they did one little blood test, then said my levels were normal, no need for treatment. My levels for the past 10 years have been 3.5-7.0 for TSH.... so even though the "normal range" is from .5-5.5.... I should have been treated long ago... my naturalpath believes that anything over 2.0 needs to be treated. I get new test results in about a month, that will be two months post LAP Band. I can't wait to see what is going on.... as of now, my diabetes is in remission since surgery, off all meds. She is waiting to see if they thyroid condition is primary or secondary... if it is being triggered by the diabetes or obesity, we will find that out soon with weight loss and A1C (diabetes) is decreasing. I am thankful I found the doctor that I have. As for the PCOS, I was diagnosed about 7 years ago after trying to get pregnant and couldn't. I tried ovulation therapy and medications... none worked.... finally after going on a low carb, high Protein diet... after trying 5 years to get pregnant, 6 weeks after starting this new diet, I got pregnant! Coincidence? I think not! So.... during pregnancy I continued eating that way and lost 55 pounds during pregnancy... I was strict with everything I ate. Since I was greatly overweight... my doctor was not concerned about my weight loss and I felt fantastic and even my diabetes was very under control, didn't have to take insulin or anything... had a perfect, flawless pregnancy and a perfect baby girl in November of 2002. I had a hard time sticking to that diet and have bounced back and forth over the years. Now, being banded for one month... I eat very healthy, as I said diabetes is in remission and I believe that if I tried, I would get prenant very quickly. But, since I have some major weight to lose so I can have another healthy pregnancy, I am choosing birth control... as they call LAP Band surgery, the fertility surgery as well. So I think that the way you eat and LAP Band can most definately help with both of your issues... although if your thyroid is primary, you may very well be on medication for life.... the pills are usually very inexpensive... my monthly prescription is not covered by Group Health, but costs less than my $10 co-pay. They are also pretty tiny pills and so far, don't have to do anything like split them to get them down... maybe in the future after a few fills, but now it is ok. I hope this info helps! Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Can I ask why you are eating 90 grams of protein a day.... the required healthy amount for an adult woman is 65-70 grams.... banded or not. Here is what I do.... I eat Kashi Go Lean cereal for breakfast, it has 13 grams of protein for one cup... I drink it with coconut milk as I don't do milk and I want the extra health benefits of coconut milk.... then I try to do tuna fish or canned turkey or chicken.... that stuff is SO HIGH in protein.... between those two meals, I almost get my whole days protein requirements.... then I usually have beans or meat for dinner and get even more.... cottage cheese has a huge amount of protein as well if you like that. It's also really important to get 35-40 grams of fiber a day too.... the soluble and insoluble types are both essential.... the soluble types are things like fruit fibers and they are important for binding to the bile in your intestinal tract and pulling out things like cholesterol so it can't be reabsorbed into the body, thus lowering cholesterol levels... then you also need insoluble fibers from things like grains, nuts and legumes.... it softens stools and increases transit times.... if you don't (excuse me) poop often enough.... you should have bowels movement times of 18-30 hours... if not, you are not getting enough fiber (mostly insoluble) in your diet and this can lead to serious health issues... many banded people are constipated.... due to eating pretty high protein... that is why fiber is even more crucial.... sorry to talk about this so bluntly, but fiber is really important and most americans only get a fraction of what they need..... hope this helps some of you! Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

If you are only eating 800 calories a day... I don't think you are getting enough to lose.... try upping it to the standard 1200 and see what happens after a week... you do need a minimum amount for weight loss or your body is in starvation mode.... I hope that helps... also start working on the 50-60 grams of Protein per day (high level protein - not liquid if you can avoid) and try to get as much Fiber a possible... 30-40 grams per day. Those combined with the 1200 calorie intake per day should help... also walking kickstarts it too for many. Let us know how you are doing. Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri 335/307/190

Shelley, Glad to hear that you are working through things.. and thanks for the encouraging words on the weight loss! I am looking forward to it.... was down two more pounds as of this morning... so it is coming off too!!! I feel so much better... can spend several hours in the yard without aches and pains and still have energy to do more... that's with only about a 25-30 pound loss... I can't imagine what it will feel like with a 50 or 60 pound loss.... I am just so excited and encouraged by everyone's stories. I know it won't always be a fun journey, but I do believe it is all in the attitude and feeling good! I am so getting into a healthy life long journey and always am investigating ways to make my life healthier... I love my new puppy as he runs me round the block each night and at least gets me out there for a 15-20 min. walk... MUCH more than I was doing before!!! So much fun out there... Can't wait to share more and can't wait to hear more! Shelley... stay consistent with the coconut oil..... I know it will help, just keep using it... it works for me, but only if I am consistent. (clipped) By the way Kami, I am drinking the coconut oil and lathering it on me hoping it will help too! According to the book I bought about the blessings of coconut oil - it should help me too! I am trying anything...

It's been a while for me since I last posted... I was banded in Mexico on May 27th and am down from 337 to 311... I feel so much better... I was noticing when I was working in the yard today that I was much more flexible and I am not in as much pain as I usually am after working for several hours in the yard.... we just got a new puppy and walking is so much easier... It's just amazing how fast things can change... I can tell in 3 weeks though I will definately need a fill as I am able to eat most anything, but haven't pushed it with Pasta, rices or breads, but am getting to the point of being able to eat huge portions... I am trying real hard to take 20-30 minutes to eat, but I find it getting more challenging... I am working on the self control and that is improving. I just keep reminding myself how much better I will feel again after another 20-30 pounds and that keeps me on track for the most part. Glad to hear others are doing well too!!! Kammi in Everett, WA

yes, you can rub coconut oil on them as your described them! It is a natural antibiotic, hypo-allergenic, and promotes healing of all kinds.... I was rubbing coconut oil on them 4 days after surgery..... just do it 2-3 times per day if you can.... also eating coconut oil can contribute to the healing as well... work your way up to 3 tablespoons per day... you have to work your way up as it can be cleansing to some people and you may get some stomach aches and loose stools with too much intake initially.... it won't hurt you, just cleansing, but can be uncomfortable.... starting with one tablespoon for 3-4 days then increasing it .... it is truly amazing stuff... don't use it if you are allergic to coconut though.... not too many are, but some may be. Any more questions, let me know! Kammi in Everett, WA

I didn't have staples either... stitches on the inside and steri strips on the outside that came off within 2-3 days.... I rub coconut oil all over my belly daily and everything is pretty much healed... a few spots don't even have a scar or anything.... I keep bandages on during the day as I teach and don't want anything floating in the air to attach itself to me in any way.... but at night, it's coconut oil and lay in the recliner airing them out and rubbing! I had staples with my c-section almost 6 years ago and it did feel weird to get them out, not hurting, but weird... sorry you guys have to have staples removed - yuck! Hope again that everyone is healing well. Kammi in Everett, WA

I was banded on May 27th and am feeling absolutely fabulous! I hardly had any belly pain except for a day or two. My back is out so that hurts, but that hurt before surgery. In a week or two I will go to my chiropractor. We are eating blended foods right now... just went to the store and stocked up on soup for my hubby and I (he was also banded same day). We aren't watching the sodium too much as we make sure we consume at least 100 oz. per day or water... I have lost 18 pounds since the pre op diet, 9 have been since last Tuesday the surgery day. I just feel fabulous! I know I am lucky.... not everyone does. Dr. Kuri took me off my diabetic meds the day of surgery and my blood sugars have been normal since. My blood pressure is great at 116/65ish most of the time with no meds as well. I am only hungry here and there and i drink a protein drink that carries me over till the next meal. I think it is because I drink so much water that it keeps me fuller. I am glad to hear that we all made it through surgery and know that our lives will be so great because of our choice to be banded! I am excited for all of us! Kammi in Everett, WA

Didn't your doctor give you specific directions? I know each surgeon has his or her own rules after banding post op diet.... this is mine. I was just banded on May 27th and only on my 2nd day of full liquids. Day 0 (surgery day) - Ice chips and minute sips of Water Days 1-3 : Clear Liquids (consume, broth, apple or grape juice, teas - iced or hot, jello), 80-100 oz of non-caloric fluids in addition The following 14 days of : (some people need a few extra days) : full liquids (pureed anything really, staying away from pureed fruits and veggies as they may have too much of a laxative effect - anything that can be sucked through a straw - but DON'T USE A STRAW), 80-100 oz of non caloric fluids in addition Ease into mushy foods such as boiled eggs, scrambled eggs (some people can't do eggs after banding), steams or boiled veggies like cauliflower (really tender), thicker mashed potatoes, don't have to think things down as much, but need to be easy to break down in your mouth, things your could eat if you didn't have any teeth... you could gum it. And of course 80-100 oz of non-caloric Fluid in addition. After about a week of mushy foods, then you ease into solid foods that you have to chew with your teeth and break down into mush before swallowing - pretty much anything, staying away from breads and pastas, and high carb foods. Eat your Protein first, carbos last bite or two, you really want to eat only high quality carbs. 80-100 oz of non-caloric fluids daily! AVOID Carbonation AT ALL TIMES (some doctors say it's ok eventually if you can handle it, but I DISAGREE!) - Known way too many people that lost their band (had to have it removed) because they didn't follow the rules and also drank carbonated beverages periodically. That's my diet plan.... whatever you choose to put in your mouth, make sure it is of high quality nutrition and not empty calories or high caloric or high fat (bad fats) foods. Good luck!

I had a catheter, removed about 3 hours after coming out of anesthesia... when I got up to walk for the first time... had surgery in TJ Mexico on May 27th. Removal was painless and no after issues. Kammi in Everett, WA

Try consuming coconut oil (about a tablespoon) daily.... it cures everything under the sun... it should be part of anyone's regular diet. It is highly cleansing, so you will get loose bowels when you first start, but it is cleaning out toxins.... including viruses and bacterial issues.... just thought I would pass this on.... it works miracles! A coconut is the "tree of life" after all! Kammi in Everett, WA

I'm back and on the other side now! It's amazing that all of us now have gone through it! I feel awesome, have no side effects, except a little sore on my arm/hand where my IV was... but that is more sore than my stomach! I have lost 7 pounds since surgery and feel just fantastic... my husband and parents are feeling good too! Mexico was an experience, but I would do it all over again if I had to! Hope all of you are doing well too! Kammi in Everett, WA

We leave tomorrow for San Diego and then will be picked up Monday morning to go to Mexico to Dr. Kuri for pre op testing... and then TUESDAY is the big day! Nervous as heck, but excited too... just lots of anxiety, but trying to keep calm. We will have a fun weekend in San Diego with my 5 year old and Sea World first. I won't be checking posts until June 1, but wish everyone else luck with surgery or healing! Talk to you on the other side! Kammi in Everett, WA

I leave tomorrow to San Diego and will go to Mexico Monday morning for pre op testing... then Tuesday is the big day!!!! I am nervous as heck, but know all will be just fine and over before I know it. I won't be checking until June 1st.... so I won't be reading any posts until then, but can't wait to catch up!!! Kammi in Everett, WA

Yeah Marine....!!!!! We leave in one day... VERY EARLY Saturday morning... will be banded next Tuesday... see ya on the other side! Kammi in Everett, WA

Yes, that is the product I was talking about! Kammi Good luck!

Hi Daniml...May 28th is a great day! It's my birthday!!!! I am being banded the day before you, the 27th! good luck to you! Kamm in Everett, WA

go to supersupplements.com or do a search for "Nerve Fix" and it should come up... you can shop prices then... if there are nerve issues.... I highly recommend it! Good luck... any other questions, let me know! I hope a naturopathic doctor can help you, mine sure helped me! Kammi in Everett, WA

Goog luck Marine... thinking of you..... keep us updated! Kammi in Everett, WA

Do you have the store called Super supplements in your town? If not you can go online. They have this product called Nerve Fix... it is like $20 a bottle, but I bought it for my dad because he could barely use his arm and both hands due to nerve damage from a 7 bipass open heart surgery.... within days on it, he could start moving his hands more and the pain was subsiding.... you should try it! Also as far as the naturopathic doctor... do an online search for "naturopathy in ___your city, your state___" and it should pull up some local doctors.... try that and let me know if you had any luck. Kammi in Everett, WA

I have some suggestions for you, but I am not a doctor, so what I say is only my opinion. If diabetic neuropathy is present, the Ginkgo Biloba extract (24% Gingko glycosides) 40-80mg three times a day is what my naturopathic doctor recommends. It's also importand that 20-30+ grams of Fiber are consumed - oat bran is expecially great! Zinc also has a protective effect against beta-cell destruction. There are many things you can take, but those few things might be helpful... also tons of Water, as is required anyway with the band as well as good exercise... if you need any more help, I would be willing to assist you...like I said, I am not a doctor, but have read a lot about natural ways to help diabetes as my husband and I both are diabetic. I would recommend that you start seeing a naturopathic doctor as well... they don't just shove a bunch of meds down your throat and at least mine only recommends supplements that are necessary, not every single one in the world that might help. Kammi in Everett, WA soon to be banded 5/27/08

Thanks so much Apple.... you look like you are doing fantastic on your goals... nice job! I am relieved to hear that about the port.... I think I might have heard that about my surgeon and placement of port too.... excellent! Keep up the good work! Kammi in Everett, WA