Jaelzion

OP, please do some thorough research before you commit to the lap-band. "In the best study we have on just how problematic lap band surgeries can be, published in JAMA in May, researchers from the University of Michigan looked at 16 years of Medicare data to see how common “re-operations” were after the first lap band procedure. These involved everything from removing the band to replacing it, fixing it, or following the initial procedure with another weight loss operation (i.e., the gastric bypass). They found 20 percent — or one in five — of the 25,000 lap band patients needed an additional procedure. That’s much higher than the 3 to 9 percent re-operation rate for the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries." https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/5/25/15659878/weight-loss-surgery-lap-band-evidence

Agreed, with the caveat that some clinics' prescribed plan IS low-carb. My surgeon's plan is one of those - not quite low enough to be keto but definitely on the lower end of the spectrum. It stayed that way during weight loss and gradually introduced higher carbs as maintenance approached. OP, IF this early does seem like overkill, given how little most of us can eat when we're just a month out. Maybe save IF for later when your weight loss has slowed down? Just a thought.

This is exactly where I am. I know there are people who want to be thinner than I will ever be, and that's okay. There are people who are comfortable at a higher weight than I would be and THAT'S okay. So much drama would be avoided if we could just respect each other's choices. Whoever said your goal weight is too high - what business is it of theirs? Why are they invested in how much YOU weigh? And likewise, not everyone who wants to be thin has an eating disorder. Personally, I set my goal at a weight that would put me exactly at the edge of having a normal BMI. I made it, plus a little more and I'm happy at this weight. So far, it's not a struggle to maintain. I'm healthy and getting more fit every day. I don't have the inclination, time or energy to watch OTHER people's weight.

I understand this too - bread is my kryptonite. I can't eat real bread or even "healthy alternatives" like cauliflower crackers or zero-carb bagels. Bread-like foods kick-off a chain reaction of cravings that I can't control. So for me, the momentary pleasure of having it is not worth the struggle that will then ensue. But I can have a piece of pie every now and then, go back to eating clean and be fine. The body and mind do their own thing sometimes, LOL. Yep, I get it.

Good on you for taking the initiative to get back on track, glad things are going well for you. I struggled so on the pre-op diet that I could never go back to it, LOL. But I do understand the impulse to make a clean break with previous bad eating habits and start fresh. Once in a while, I allow myself a treat and then I do go right back to extra clean eating for a couple of days. I'm not convinced it does anything for my stomach but it definitely helps snap my mindset back to where it needs to be. Don't forget to plan for how you will eat once your reset is over, successfully making that transition back to "normal" (new normal) eating will be crucial.

I did have quite a bit of post-op pain (I also had a hiatal hernia fixed, so perhaps that was part of it). I called my surgeon's office and explained that I was in a lot of pain and needed something more for pain control. The office called in a prescription for a stronger pain med, my sister picked it up for me and it did the job. I'd definitely call tomorrow, they should be willing to work something out to get you more comfortable. Hugs.

If it's any comfort, my weight loss slowed down quite a bit too - to the point that other friends and family who had WLS were asking me why I wasn't losing faster. But it just kept going and going. 2 pounds a month until almost two years out, I found myself at a normal BMI and below my original goal. There's a Chinese proverb that says: "Do not fear going forward slowly, fear only to stand still." As long as your weight is trending downward, you're still moving forward. Hugs. 🤗

Check with Kaufman & Davis. They're in Folsom and Dr. Davis is going to do my tummy tuck.

My tummy was the last to go as well. It wasn't until I got within 20 pounds of goal that my stomach began to seriously shrink. It's like my body hung onto that weight to the bitter end, LOL. And even now, I have a lot of excess skin there. I'm planning a tummy tuck because the doctors tell me there's no losing that skin (and the small amount of fat attached) without surgery.

I agree with going back to basics, whatever your post-op eating plan was (once you got back on solid food). For me, that was focusing on protein followed by veggies, minimal processed food, limited carbs. The good news is, you've already fought and won a much harder battle, so you know you can do this! Don't worry about trying to lose super-fast, as long as you can get your weight trending downward, you'll get back to goal sooner or later. Best wishes!

Oh one other thing that happened during this visit. They gave me a robe to put on so the doctor could examine me and when I first saw it, I had a flash of the old anxiety that it wouldn't fit. And then I realized that's not an issue anymore! I'm really not extra-big anymore. Imagine that!

I honestly did not know what to expect as far as price quotes. So I was pleasantly surprised that both quotes were very reasonable. One just under $10,000 and one just over. I'm in California and everything is expensive here, so depending on where you are, you may find prices significantly lower.

I did book three consults because I do want to understand my options with regard to technique, price, after-care, etc. I'm not likely to ever wear a bikini, so that won't be an issue. I'll be ecstatic just to be able to wear a regular one-piece with no skirt attached! 😂 I'm pretty excited too, I'm pretty sure the few months I'm waiting will fly by!

I had a really hard time eating or drinking at all for the first two weeks after my surgery and was still struggling somewhat a couple of months later. We were starting to wonder if maybe I had a stricture, so my surgeon said if it didn't get better soon, he'd do a scope. But I did improve, so we never had to do it. I think my surgeon was aggressive with the amount of my stomach he removed and that helped me to lose all of my excess weight. I haven't had any major complications, so I think he did a good job!

So I had my 2nd consult today and it was like night and day! This surgeon was thorough, he asked for my hematologist's number so he can consult with her, he asked a lot about what's happened since my bariatric surgery, he wanted to know about all my previous surgeries and he answered all my questions without the slightest impatience. Most of all, he treated me like a fellow human being and expressed genuine interest in my well being. The price he quoted me is a little higher than the other guy, but still doable and I can already see that he's worth it. It's also all-inclusive of everything besides prescription meds. Since I'm new on my job, I'm going to wait a bit and maybe plan to have surgery in July or August. But God willing, it looks like this is happening! 😀

I got the first Pfizer does last Friday. I felt yucky Saturday but by Sunday I was over it. I'll get the second dose on April 2.

I'm really sorry. I know the delay stings. Hopefully the time will pass quickly and yield great benefits!

“Shouldn’t be alive” to hear some people tell it.

I would trust your surgeon on this one. A lot of different factors go into determining how fast you lose. You started with a higher BMI, which often translates to faster loss (especially early on). You're eating a very restricted diet. You're tall, which means your base metabolism rate may be higher than average, so you could be running more of a calorie deficit than a lot of us would. You're going to the gym twice a week, so building muscle. While it's true that muscle does weigh more than the same volume of fat, adding muscle mass ramps up your base metabolism rate so you burn more calories even when you are at rest. Even your previous dieting history can affect how quickly you lose - having yo-yo dieted all my life, my body is quick to start compensating for a drop in calories. If you haven't dieted as much, your body may compensate less, leading to quick weight loss. I don't know how old you are but if you're relatively young that helps too. Be diligent about getting your blood work checked and if it continues to look good, you're probably fine. If your doctor is not concerned, I'd just stick with the program and enjoy the ride.

So I had my first consult today. The good news: the price the surgeon quoted was very doable. If other docs are in line with that, I should be able to do this. The bad news: I didn't like the surgeon. He was condescending in answering my questions and kind of acted like I was dumb for asking. So the search will continue. But at least it looks like I can afford this! My next consult is Thursday.

I've talked with many people who had this experience but they differed from you in two significant ways: 1. They were all type 2 diabetics 2. They all had the bypass I don't know if the sleeve gives that immediate resolution or you have wait to see improvements over time.

It's funny you mention your height changing. I was always told I was 5" and 1/2" tall. Then in the last few years, they started measuring me at 5'1". I know I haven't grown at my age, LOL. Maybe it's posture related, I don't know. I don't know how the Federal plan is structured, but my BC/BS plan really did not look for ways to disqualify me. And the list of comorbidities is pretty broad: Osteoarthritis Sleep Apnea High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Type 2 Diabetes Venous Stasis Disease Soft Tissue Infections Back or Joint Pain You have NO back pain or joint pain from being overweight? No osteoarthritis in knees or hips? Those are both super common. In any case, I hate that you have to deliberately gain weight, but if that's what it takes... Best wishes, if BC/BS treats you like they treat me, you won't have any issues with preauthorization.

Vomiting blood should never be ignored or taken lightly. Call your surgeon's office and when the answering service picks up, ask for the doctor on call. Then describe exactly what is happening. They may tell you to go the ER. If you can't reach anyone (or you just don't have the energy to jump through the hoops to talk to a doctor), then just go. I'm praying for you! Hugs. 🤗

Almost all hospitals are doing that due to COVID-19. You're actually really lucky that he can visit you at all. I had my knee replaced in August and no one was allowed to enter the hospital with me at any time. I was dropped off and picked up and loved ones never came inside. If he can be with you during visiting hours, you're blessed!

It's not selfish or greedy at all. It's no different from a diabetic buying special foods to replace things they can't eat often. Wouldn't you think it inconsiderate if someone ate all the diabetic food knowing that person did not have the option to eat regular treats? Or let's say you live with a vegetarian - who would eat up all the vegetarian food, knowing that person is not comfortable eating meat? Well, your medical condition is just as valid as diabetes, or a severe allergy or being vegan or any other kind of need for special food. 🤷🏽‍♀️