S@ssen@ch

Rena, Just a word of caution. If you feel there's a possibility that something got stuck and blocked your stoma, there's no guarantee that it has passed. The swelling around it may have subsided some and is now allowing you to tolerate fluids. If, after a day or 2 more of liquids you cannot progress to solid foods, I'd say you are either too tight or you still have something in there. My first inclination is that you are just a wee bit too tight. FYI, I've read where people have problems like this one and do indeed have something stuck. They eventually get to the point that they can consume liquids, but they cannot progress to solids. The case I'm thinking of is a woman who eventually started vomiting old, dark blood because the stoma was so very irritated from this blockage that it began to bleed. So, bottom line, if you cannot progress to mushies then to soft food...........get to your doctor. Even a small unfill of .2cc can make a world of difference.

Kat, Mushies for me were more blenderized/pureed food. If that's the case and what your dietician recommended, technically you can puree just about anything. Take my word for it, I spend a lot of time in nursing homes actually inspecting their dietary department and with a little imagination you can puree just about anything. You just gotta make sure it's moist enough to make it so that it's not ground up.........so that it is actually pureed (kind of like baby food). Things to add to foods to moisten it: milk, broth, Water, fruit juice, vegetable/tomato juice (depending on what it is you're pureeing). Pick what you want to eat and puree, then add the liquid. For example......taco meat (I'd puree with some beef broth or tomato juice or both), chicken (chicken broth), green Beans (vegetable broth), blueberry muffins (milk)*********these are just some examples, not necessarily advocating you eating blueberry muffins :bandit *If you puree fruit, you may need to actually add something to thicken it......the juice winds up making it too thin.......corn starch may work, but you have to heat it up to make it thicken. I know I liked custards, blended cottage cheese with fruit, oatmeal, cream of wheat, yogurt, cream Soups, mashed potatoes, tuna salad, scrambled eggs (scrambled with milk to make them fluffier). All of these were easy to make/grab stuff, so I ate a lot of this, except at dinner when I usually just pureed (for me) what my family was eating.

Vanessa, You took the words right out of my mouth. I personally believe that the band is "the thinking person's WLS". In order to be successful, we need to learn to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. The band is kind enough to give us lots of time to learn this versus the "window of opportunity" afforded the RNY patients. And should we fall off our plan, it's always there to help us when we're ready to use it's restrictions. Yes, RNY is faster, initially. But, if the patients don't learn to eat healthy, exercise and make sure their malabsorbing bodies get enough of the nutrients it needs to survive.....problems usually follow. Those problems can range from malnutrition and digestive disorders, to osteoporosis and other joint problems, to even gaining most if not all of their weight back. It's these things, among others that lead me to my decision to have lap band. Primary reason was that I refused to have my natural digestive tract permanently altered with a malabsorptive surgical intervention. With the band, it's merely restricted and that's enough for me.

I remember this thread from when it was originally posted. I didn't post because I really couldn't think of any good secret skinny dreams. But since I've lost some weight and some sizes, I've realized that I really wasn't able to do some things that have become important to me. 1-I want to be able to shop in a "normal" sized store and buy clothes that not only fit me but look darn good. It doesn't have to be anything special like Gap or banana Republic or Old Navy. I just don't want to ever have to look at the big "W" behind my clothes again. Right now, I'm on the edge. So it's confusing to go to stores. Some don't carry 18. The Women's section doesn't always have 16W. Frustrating. 2-I want to wear sexy, matching undies and bras without my rolls and lumps hanging out. I don't have to get them anyplace special and I don't need anyone to see them. I know they're there and that's all I need to boost my confidance. 3-I do want people to notice me, not for how fat I am but for who I am and how I hold myself. I can learn to have the confidance to look them straight in the eye and smile. 4-I want to be able to walk in something other than flats and tennis shoes. I don't need 4 inch heels, just something a little feminine. 5-Once I get to goal, and I know I will someday.....I will get on my knees and thank God for sending me down this path and giving me this wonderful tool that has changed my life.

WHOO-HOO! That's great! And I thought I was the only one who had trouble remembering I don't need the women's section anymore. lol

Tridge, You poor thing. Feelin' the way you describe, I'm not surprised you have 2nd thoughts. But, on the bright side, remember that everyone heals differently and all the things that you're describing are absolutely normal. Just because someone else felt 100% in 2 days doesn't mean you will. Try not to compare, I know it's hard. 1-Port soreness and pain can actually last up to a couple of weeks or more, depending on you, how you heal, your activity level and your nutritional status. 2-Bloatedness is absolutely normal, too. Remember, they pumped you full of air to be able to see what they were doing. Besides, your insides don't like to be messed with and their response is to swell-hence bloating. Getting up and simply walking around can help this. 2 things happen, your body can absorb part of the gas......you pass the rest. I personally didn't take it, but I've heard gas-x can help. 3-back pain. If you're not sleeping as you normally would AND you still have bloating, I'm not surprised you have back pain. This also depends on you. Do you have a history of back problems? If not, the best thing you can do is get up and get moving. This will help both the bloatedness and the back pain. Also, don't be afraid to take something for it. liquid tylenol was adequate for me, but if you need something stronger talk to your doc. I think I had some liquid tylenol #3 immediately post-op. 4-You just had surgery on your abdomen. You probably can't sleep as you normally would simply because of that, then combined with the back pain.....man, it's a circle of misery. Find a comfy chair and take some cat naps. Once you feel good enough to do the bed, prop yourself with pillows so you're comfy. As you heal, this gets better too. Everyday past surgery should be getting better for you. As the swelling goes down and the soreness goes away, you'll start to feel like your old self again.

I only tried 2 Protein powders.....the 2nd was unjury and I still use it to this day. It's pretty good. Never had fleet phospho soda, but I have had the other brand of the same stuff. I didn't have a big problem with it. Wouldn't do it now, it's carbonated. I take my Calcium via the chewable viactiv's. They're like candy. The chalky barium wasn't that bad, it was that other yellowy stuff (gastrographin?) that was really yucky. BUT, THE ABSOLUTE WORST...........is crushed up meds or opened up capsules. YUCK! Fortunately, I only take one pill that is small enough that I can swallow it whole. Any other pill I have to take on occasion, I break it into small enough pieces that I can still swallow it with a drink of Water or on a spoon full of applesauce. I'd rather do that than have that syrupy sickening liquid crap as well. Once, I had to open antibiotic capsules and let me tell ya, I think I'd have rather suffered with the infection..........GAG ME!

Oh Donna........that sounds aweful. I feel so bad for you to have experienced that and to have missed what sounded like a great dinner with your hubby. Although I gotta admit, the thought of you doing the chicken dance and flapping your arms around created a great mental picture that I got a little chuckle out of.......this was no laughing matter I'm sure.

Good for you P'Nut. These NSV's can mean the world when the scale isn't moving very fast. I can go up the stairs quickly don't get out of breath or even have to hold onto the hand rail. I don't run. My hip doesn't allow it, but I can move quickly which makes me feel good. With the weather starting to get warmer, I got into my stash of shorts. The smallest pair is 2 sizes too big! So basically I have no shorts that fit me. That's a great feeling as long as it's because they're too small. Oh, and one more thing......(blush) I had to buy new undies because all my others were getting too big. I bought those neat boy shorts. Makes me feel all sexy again.

Gee, you act like someone just took away your birthday. I don't have migraines (Thank God), but from the way you and others describe them I'd say "whatever it takes to get you through". It sounds like you had a bad day all around. You're allowed to screw up once in a while. Just don't make a habit of it. You have my sympathy. No need for any cheese with that whine. Sounds justified. I'd say with a migraine that was impairing my vision and made me feel like jack hammers were going off in my head, a little bit of Peanut Butter and chocolate would be in order.

Dee, I don't remember my dietician recommending 1200 cal as a pre-op, but I suppose she may have. I did the best I could to eat the recommended protein and lower my fat intake. When I did the actual pre-op prep, which was liquids it wasn't hard to only eat 1200 cal. Broths and SF Jello isn't too high in calories . After banded, the band helps you with your portions and helps you feel satisfied, longer. Only you can make the right choices to eat healthy foods. It's the "eat quality foods" part of the rules. For at least 8 or 9 months I kept a food diary religiously to keep track of what I was eating so that I could learn. Now, I do it only when I feel like I've stalled. It helps me figure out what I'm doing wrong. As for our goals. Everyone's goals should be different. It should be based on your own body shape, type, height, etc. The last time I was 150 lbs I was in high school. That is my ultimate goal. I think I wore a size 10. 150 lbs is at the high range of normal weight for someone who is 5'8". If I don't make 150lbs I won't die of disappointment. I'd be happy somewhere around 160 or so. My surgeon said he'd be happy with 175 lbs. I just don't want to be in the "obese" category anymore. These individuals you're seeing with a goal of 125, are they very short? (125 for someone who is about 5' of 5'1" would be ABSOLUTELY reasonable) OR Are you seeing the amount of weight they want to lose? Some people put their actual weight down and some people put the amount they want to lose.

El, Good for you! Be determined. Do what YOU think is best for YOU. It sounds like you're knowledgeable enough to know what procedure is best for you and are going for it. Everyone has to come to that point for themselves and thank goodness you have (and aren't being swayed by poorly informed medical practicioners). My doctor's nurse told me that up to 80% of all medical practicioners (that includes doctors and nurses) do not even know what the band is or how it works. Just because you're PCP has experience with patients who have had RNY doesn't mean he's an expert. You could be the case that he uses in the future to say "Hey, I have had highly successful patients who have had lap band." Do what you feel YOU can live with. I've resigned myself to having to teach my other medical providers about the lap band because they all assume I've had bypass. Be strong.

:confused: I never thought I'd be so happy to see a 1 lb loss on the scale! It finally moved. I've been stuck since before Easter. In fact, I actually gained some weight in February but I blame that on the gall bladder surgery. That includes being able to eat again as well as all the physical therapy due to the hip dislocation. I've been doing better with my water this week. I have done a little bit of snacking, but not as much as before. I'll fight this demon one day at a time. I'm just so excited.........my hope has been restored. I'm not a failure. I see my doctor this coming Friday for my 1st annual check up. I'm kind of hoping that he suggests a little fill. I'm even really hoping (a bit of a stretch) that he'll actually do it that day.

:Banane59: I never thought I'd be so happy to see a 1 lb loss on the scale! It finally moved. I've been stuck since before Easter. In fact, I actually gained some weight in February but I blame that on the gall bladder surgery. That includes being able to eat again as well as all the physical therapy due to the hip dislocation. I've been doing better with my water this week. I have done a little bit of snacking, but not as much as before. I'll fight this demon one day at a time. I'm just so excited.........my hope has been restored. I'm not a failure. I see my doctor this coming Friday for my 1st annual check up. I'm kind of hoping that he suggests a little fill. I'm even really hoping (a bit of a stretch) that he'll actually do it that day.

I think journalling is great. I've been doing it off and on since I was about 12. In the last 2 or 3 years, I started an electronic journal on my computer. Not a blog because it's a file kept on my computer and not in cyberspace. But I really feel it keeps me sane. No, I'm not on the verge or anything. But, it does help me sort out stresses in my life and help me to see things more clearly. I use it as a coping mechanism for those everyday stresses that can get you down. I keep a separate food journal simply because it's on a separate program on my hand-held/PDA. Anyway you want, if you think it can do some good and you'll be consistent in doing it.........I say go for it! :typing:

So far it looks like you've got a pretty good start. What I did was get a list of the "band rules". I did my absolute best to learn to live with them pre-op so that I knew I could do them post op. I went into what I called "training mode". I was a little nervous about making sure I could make such a lifetime committment when I had failed at changes like these in the past. My training included the no drinking with meals. I think that because I did that, I don't have any problem with it now. That seems to be a difficult one for lots of bandsters. Again, that wasn't the only rule I learned but it was one that I really made sure I had down pat. You know yourself better than anyone. Look into the post-op dietary and lifestyle changes. The sooner you adopt them as part of who you are, the easier this journey can be.

What is this world coming to when even a specified forum isn't safe from spamming? Geesh

It's funny that you mention this place when my addictive nature called me there just yesterday...........Can anyone say "Cake Batter"? I LOVE COLD STONE!!!! It's the best ice cream, and then those darn mix-ins.....well, let's just say it's trouble in the making. What I've done is I allow myself a treat of it once in a while, BUT I only get the kids size. It's enough to satisfy my desire for it without making me feel too terribly guilty. Since the place is at least an hour from my home, I'm lucky enough that I don't have easy access to it.

I wish I had the magical words for you to inspire you to greatness here. I can tell you my story, which I think is different from where you are. But I think it's good for you to know where we all come from and that we DO understand your struggles. I never considered bypass. I just refused to have my insides re-routed. So when I found the lap band I KNEW it was for me and spent nearly a year researching it to make sure that I was willing to make the necessary changes to help this wonderful little tool help me. I was scared to death to fail, yet again but this time would be surgical intervention. Once I got approved and knew that I was heading for surgery, I went into overdrive. Something I called training mode. I actually started eating the diet that I thought bandsters were supposed to eat post op so that I could prove to myself I could do it. I actually lost 19 lbs doing that and was so inspired that even the liquid pre-op diet didn't phase me other than I felt like I was starving. I was determined. As the others have said, the pre-op diet is recommended for a reason. I would recommend to you that you follow it to the best of your abilities. Get your mind in the right place and know that you're doing this for you and for your children so that they have a mom that will be there for them. A mom that can keep up with them. Post operatively the band does help, but I've also seen bandsters on this very board complaining that they feel like they're starving very shortly post op and before their first fill. This CAN lead to eating things they shouldn't. So, once again you must be determined and get yourself on the right path. As far as exercise, my doctor recommended exercise from the get go BUT that was one area that I failed miserably. Other than sporadically riding my bicycle I didn't exercise regularly until I had lost over 70 lbs. I think I would have lost more, faster if I had but that's in the past and I can only look to the future. You absolutely need to start off slow (even if it's just walking the perimeter of your yard) and find an exercise that YOU can enjoy and are willing to do on a regular basis.

I had a real aversion to exercise before. In fact, it wasn't until I had lost about 70 lbs that I really exercised regularly. Even then it was forced upon me with physical therapy after they dislocated my hip during my gall bladder surgery. But once I started doing it I realized that it actually made me feel better. I had more energy and I lost a pant size from doing it even though I didn't lose any weight. (I think I put on some muscle-yes, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it) I get up each morning before work and do my theraband and theraball exercises for therapy, then I get on my elliptical machine until my legs start shakin' and feeling like heavy jelly. So far I can go about 6 minutes (0.8 mile) which is great compared to the 1 minute I started at.

From what I've read, reflux is a sign that you could be a little too tight or another thing, maybe some esophageal dysmotility. Which means that the esophagus has been irritated somehow and lost it's muscle tone. If your doc has already tried medications to decrease the acid, and that hasn't helped then he's probably thinking that he's gotta try something else. I don't fully understand why he'd almost threaten you with a band removal without even knowing whether the unfill would work. :eek: I guess my advice would be to do everything you could to help this along BEFORE he seriously wants to talk about band removal. Here's some ideas: 1-Lots of bandsters have to sleep with their heads somewhat elevated. I've heard advice ranging from putting blocks of wood under the legs at the head of the bed to actually sleeping in a recliner. I myself sleep with about 3 pillows positioned into a wedge-like shape so that my head is elevated without my hubby being disturbed by a weird bed angle. So far that's been working. 2-I have also tried aloe vera juice that another LBT member recommended. I can't say that it tastes great, but I drink it a couple times a week to help "heal" my tummy and keep things settled. 3-Make sure you're not eating at least 3 hours before you go to bed. That helps make sure your pouch is empty before you lay down. 4-You can also drink a glass of Water before bed to sort of flush it out. If I don't drink water, I drink the aloe vera juice. Good Luck and don't worry too much about a potential band removal. I'd say from reading your post that you haven't reached that point yet. Besides, even if the doc did say that you could always get a 2nd opinion.

I love threads like these. I think it's how we get to know one another. I'm a total TV addict. I'm not gonna put my list in any order of preference, just the order I watch them during the week. It's hard to pick a fave when I have so many. :eekB: Sunday: Desperate Housewives and Gray's Anatomy Monday: Two and a Half Men-VERY FUNNY and Medium (which I usually have to TIVO because it's on so darn late) Tuesday: American Idol (Love it, addicted) and House Wednesday: American Idol results (gotta know who got the boot) and Bones Thursday: Survivor and CSI (the original. I've tried the others and they don't quite measure up for me) Friday: Ghost Whisperer and Las Vegas Another show I LOVE but it's currently not showing, ie their season hasn't started: NIP/TUCK! OH my GAWD! If I had to pick a fave, this would be either the one or very close to the top. It's got hot doctors who have hot sex with just about everyone and very edgy subject matter. Normally plays on Tuesday nights on the FX channel. I CANNOT WAIT until it comes back on.

I don't think there's anything necessarily WRONG with doing WW and being banded. In fact, programs like WW often base their dietary recommendations on healthy portions and quality foods. It's my understanding that WW now has 2 choices for the program you'd like to follow. Either the points or the old, so many servings of Protein, veggies, starches, fruits per day. I don't think that most bandsters should have any trouble following these programs and if it helps keep you on track, go for it. Personally, I get depressed thinking about one more diet. Early on in my banding, I thought to myself "am I gonna have to log everything I eat, forever" or "this feels so much like one of those d*mn diets, am I gonna have to be on a diet forever?" Once I got the hang of how I was supposed to eat and learned how to listen to my band, I realized that I was doing the right thing just by letting the band work. Yes, I still have to make quality food choices. But as far as quantity the band is the gate keeper. If WW is how you consistently make those healthy, quality food choices. There should be no reason for you to question it. Whatever works for you, hon.

Robin, You didn't say this was new for your port, but I assume that it is from the way that you're questioning it. Personally, I would contact my band doctor and let him know. Even if it's a phone call to the office to tell them. I realize that you posted this on 4/26/06. I hope you've gotten it resolved by now.

Manwell, You haven't given me much of your dietary and activity history, but I'll start from the start. Make sure you're staying within your doctors recommended caloric restrictions. Mine said to stay around 1200 calories. If you're going over, well that may be part of the problem. Also, make sure you're getting adequate Protein. Again, this comes down to your doctor or your dietician's recommendations. I was told to get between 45 and 60 grams per day. Men require more and overweight people also need more. So, I try to hit the higher end of the requirement but I'm not successful EVERY day. ABSOLUTELY critical is your daily Fluid intake. 8 glasses or 64 oz, minimum of calorie free liquid. That means Water, crystal light, and coffee or tea sweetened with artificial sweetners. Fruit or vegetable juices are NOT counted, neither are things like soda. Many people don't realize how many empty calories they consume with these drinks. My suggestion, LOG EVERYTHING YOU EAT FOR ABOUT A WEEK. This will give you a good idea what you are eating both calorically and nutritionally. It may give you an answer as to why the weight is creeping back on. Also, exercise. As much as we may not like to do it, it is a must. My goal is to exercise at least 3-4 times a week with cardio and strength training. I'm doing pretty well with it as far as consistency. I usually take the weekend off for sanity sake. I suppose eventually, I'll have to do it EVERY day. Bottom line, make sure you're following the band rules. If you are and you're still gaining despite what sounds like pretty tight restriction, talk to your doctor. Not just your band doctor, maybe your primary care physician because there are conditions that may limit your ability to lose weight-hormonal, metabolic, etc. Good Luck,