vegwannabe

Tmkey, really limit your carbs. The fewer carbs you consume the more your liver shrinks. I don't know the exact mechanism but it has something to do with carbohydrates being converted to glycogen, which is done by your liver. So the more carbohydrates, the larger/fattier your liver...? You could probably find a more astute description by googleing "fatty liver" or search the forums for more info. If you haven't already, your dietician should be able to tell you the best diet for shrinking your liver. Good luck!!!

Meri, no I'm not losing my hair. I haven't had the surgery yet. I was a bit thrown when I read all the complaints about hair-loss a few months post-op. I've just been reading all these forums and posts about people describing their "hair coming out in gobs", that I want to see if I can "head" (pun intended) off the process. When I read the article, whose link I posted, I was really surprised to read that Protein affects Biotin absorbtion. I'm going to start taking a high-dose (1-5 mg) good-quality supplement. Who can't use stronger nails, thicker hair and smoother skin?? Plus, as tmkey mentioned, Biotin is Water soluable, so what your body doesn't use, you pee out. I'm just hoping its not one of those B Vitamins that turns you urine a bright yellow. On another thread someone mentioned biotin in shampoos and conditioners....I might try those as well. Yes you can get Biotin OTC. You can also order online from places like Drugstore.com and vitacost.com . I do want to mention that some supplements are made with Calcium carbonate which can be constipating. Not sure if the amount in each dose will do anything or not. Doesn't hurt to see if it is available combined with calcium citrate instead. Just wanted to share the information I found.

You know what really irritates the pi$$ out of me? It's the petty squabbling that goes on whenever anyone posts something that is even a tad bit passionate. @#$%&*! Will you hysterical women please stop the madness! Yes, we will continue to read stupid, ill-informed questions from all sorts of emotionally damaged fat people. It's just the way it goes. If you don't like it, click to something else. For example, I had to scroll past most of the posts in this thread...they're just too painful to read. I've considered deleting LapBandTalk from my favorites too, and I've only been a member for one month. The negativity and dumb questions get real old really fast. This thread may be the straw that does it. For Pete's sake. Isn't there anyone out there who can smarten up the forum??? BTW - Since this is a rant..."lose" means to misplace, "loose" means not tight. It just amazes me that there are so many of us on this forum who don't know the difference between the two. These are two words that we, of all people, should know how to spell!!!!

Are soy Protein shakes an option for post-op diets? I haven't found one mention of soy in any of the threads, so I'm wondering it is too difficult to digest after surgery. :confused_smile: Even if taken with "Beano" or a similar digestive enzyme? Has anyone been warned by their dietician or doctor against Protein powder mixes that contain soy protein? If so, why? If not, have you tried them? Got any brand reviews?

Thanks Kathy! Unfortunately, there are no Trader Joe's near me, or in NH at all. How dumb is that?! I'll have to have my sister pick some up from one of the stores near her in MA.

I think some clarification is in order. I am not suggesting that soy is a "better" source of assimilated protein than whey, or any other animal-based protein source for that matter. I choose soy over whey because of soy's health benefits, and not solely as a protein source. I realize that depending totally on soy for daily protein requirements, over any length of time, may pose a problem. Given that...in a time of acute protein needs (i.e. post-op, dieting, etc.) a variety of protein sources is probably a good idea. (For those of you just joining us... given an amount of soy with 10mg of protein and an amount of whey with an equal 10mg of protein, more of the whey protein will be assimilated/useable by the body than the soy protein.) Note: I am NOTrecommending that anyone disregard their dietician's advice. I will be taking my decision to use soy instead of whey to my dietician to see what problems that may cause for ME and weigh the pros and cons. Can we let this go now?

LIGHT ER NYC, I hear what you're saying. But to say whey is the ONLY protein fully assimilated in our bodies is misleading. I found this article that helps explain what I think you're trying to get at and it has helped me to make a more informed decision. I'll still choose soy over whey. Here's the link to the article CoryHolly.com - Articles - Whey and Soy Protein . Enjoy! :biggrin2:

That can't be right!? What about poeple who have milk allergies and can't tolerate whey? What about vegans? What about people who prefer soy over whey for the other health benefits? It just sounds rather silly.

I've been on the lookout for soy protein shakes and recently tried one from Rivival Soy. I purchased a sampler package online of 8 different flavors. I've tried only the blueberry so far. It was quite good. A little sweet for my taste, but overall, quite good. If anyone's interested, the website is http://www.revivalsoy.com .

I don't think anyone has mentioned that there is a very simple way to get a rough idea of what a person should weigh. It is based on your height. Basically, count 100 lbs for the first 5 feet of height and 5 lbs for every 1 inch in height over that. So if you are 5'10" like me, my goal weight should be 100 + (10 x 5) = 150. THIS IS NOT AN EXACT SCIENCE. This method does not account for your build (small, medium or large frame), or the amount of muscle you carry (muscle is heavier than fat). I don't think these ratios work for men either. Sorry guys. What this will give you is a number to work with. There is also a very good website that can calculate the numbers for you, give you a ranges for different frams types, etc. Better Ideal Weight Body Calculations

There are several soy shake mixes and soy protein powders you can try. Since you are in a time-crunch, you can try Geni-Soy Protein Powder. Completely non-dairy and gluten-free. It's about $9.00 at Walmart. It has no carbs and 25g of protein per serving. You'll want to mix it with a flavorful juice...something like V-8 or V-8 Splash, or mix it into a smoothie.

Wow! I can't believe where this poll/thread has gone. Pubic hair removal? There is nothing we women won't share. I have no comment other than to say that on the a "reality" TV show that takes place in California and is about plastic surgeons....you know the one...it's got Dr. Rey and Dr. Diamond....the one on TLC channel, I think. Anyway, one of the episodes profiled a young woman who had lost a lot of weight and wanted to reduce the size of her mons. She got liposuction and, I think, a lift. Just wanted to share that tidbit.

I was wondering how the Fibro decreased pain tolerance will play out after surgery. I've only recently been diagnosed with Fibro, after years and years of unexplained pain...you know the drill. Thankfully, my symptoms are fairly mild, mostly just aches and pains. I've been taking Lyrica (100mg 1x/day), but it's not doing enough to warrant the $50/month copay and the dizziness and nausea. (Sidebar - Is it possible to continue taking Lyrica (they're huge pills) after banding?) I am hoping being banded and losing the weight will help overall. I also know that my Fibro is made worse by refined carbs (bread, Pasta, sugar, etc.), lack of exercise/movement, and hormones - including stress. From what I understand about the Fibro Syndrome, there is no one cause or one cure. Losing weight might help, eating better quality foods might help, eating fewer carbs might help, being able to exercise and stretch after weightloss might help, etc...The band is just one of the tools we can use to feeling healthier. The band is just the first step. Good luck to everyone. Please post more about this. I'm very interested.

I want to go horseback riding. I want to go scuba-diving. I want to wear a really cute outfit and go shopping on Newbury Street in Boston. I want to go on vacation to someplace far away, where noone knows me, and not be reminded of all the years I've wasted being overweight. I want to start LIVING!

I was looking for some information on the web about Protein absorbtion rates and came across the Calorie King site. It's got a great article on protein. Here's the link if anyone is interested. Enjoy! CalorieKing Library - Diet & Weight Loss Information - The CalorieKing Protein Guide

I second that! We should all take a lesson from BrandyII's experience and keep someone with us at all times. My mom ended up in the hospital with an obstructed bowel a couple years ago and thank goodness my brother was with her to notice the hospital staff had forgotten to attach the vacuum-sucky-thing to the wall outlet...So she's laying there in pain with this plastic tube threaded through her nose down into her stomach doing absolutely nothing! It's infuriating! Has anyone ever heard of a "patient advocate or representative?" From what I gather, it is someone who will look out for the patient's rights and quality of care while they are in hospital. Perhaps, if someone here has more information about this type of patient service, they will share it. BrandII, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. It really ticks me off to think that in this day and age, and the amount of money that is spent in hospitals and on healthcare that we are still not guaranteed a high quality of care and caring. Even had you been a drug-seeking-addict, you were entitled to better treatment, medically and emotionally.

Moe, thanks for the info and good advice. I will definitely ask about the behavior classes when I meet with Nancy on the 11th. I'm wondering how you went about getting all your appointments lined up. Did you call them directly? And do you know if everyone needs to meet with the physical therapist?

NaniRose, I got a very similar letter today too. From Gail, she says that she spoke with my insurance provider, I will need referrals for each service received through the program, and surgery authorization will be requested when I complete the program. Mine also refers to Nancy contacting me to set up an appointment. So this is obviously a form letter they send to everyone. Definitely call them on Monday for that appointment. Do you remember what they said the initial consultation with the bariatric coordinator would be like? I know we weigh in and go over our applications...do we start working on scheduling tests, the psyche eval, and other hoops? Any idea how long the consultation will be? I've got to go in the middle of a work day, so I'm wondering.

Yes. I'm bubbling with excitement. The Dr.'s office didn't say anything about a letter to me. I'm wondering if its just a procedural thing, and I will get one too. I've made a real pest of myself with them, sending and email and calling 3x. Maybe they put me right into the schedule to keep me from calling again. :biggrin2: Patience is not one of my strong points. Nani, I'm wondering who your insurance carrier is. I have Harvard Pilgrim and have already been told, by phone, that they will cover the surgery (medically necessary and referral from my PCP). From the posts, it sounds like insurance is the primary obstacle for most people. My BMI is quite high (49.1) and my PCP and rheumatologist are very supportive. Actually, my PCP said she was excited for me and at my last appointment on 5/15 we talked about the experiences of a couple of her other patients who have had the surgery. It was really great to get that kind of support from my PCP who will be playing a significant role in this. Let me know when you hear from the doctor.

When I realized it was past 4pm and hadn't heard back from the doctor's office I called and have an scheduled my consultation appointment for next week. I can hardly wait!

NaniRose, I spoke with Deborah at the Weight Loss Center in Portsmouth this morning who said that Nancy Seesman was picking up the applications at their other office today, and they would start calling probably tomorrow. She said there were only 10 applications, which I thought was surprising because there were a lot of people at the May 14 session at Frank Jones Center. She said they were all amazed at the turnout, there were about 200 people there, she said. Then we started talking about how the process is intense, it is expensive if insurance doesn't pick up the cost, etc... Have you got any new info? I'm anxious to get this ball rolling!

...when all your pants have drawstring waistbands, and the ends keep getting longer and longer.

When instead of the usual marinated steak tips for dinner, you have steak tip....and a side of steak frie.

Me too! It seems that people just don't think what they are saying. If they really took 2 seconds and thought about what is about to cross their lips, they'd see that they are on the verge of sounding like a real dollard, an idiot, a dummy, a ningcompoop! This is one of my pet peeves. I have no tolerance for stupidity, carelessness or inconsideration. MY GOD! Look how far you've come Boo Boo Kitty. Are they just freakin' blind or just had a lobotomy?!! Sorry you have to deal with those attitudes. I hope and pray that I won't have to deal with it when I reach your level of lusciousness. Keep up the awesome work!

I agree that you might want to talk your feelings over with someone. Don't start down any slippery slope, regardless of how slimming it may be. If you are indeed not getting adequate nutrients, it won't be long before you start to feel the effects....lethargy, hair loss, bad skin, all sorts of unsavory things. Your recognition of this new behavior shows that you are very self-aware and, I'm sure, will bounce right back to a healthy eating pattern given a little guidance and effort. Your weight loss so far is phenominal. Slowing it down a bit will not diminish that. Stay healthy!