S@ssen@ch

I couldn't have said it better myself. I've been seeing more than one post about docs/dieticians recommending low caloric intakes. Do we have a pattern here? WTF? Maybe these docs really ARE on crack? And the dieticians, too! Why would any respectable medical professional recommend such a low caloric intake for an obese person? Our bodies are used to taking in a significantly higher amount...DUH or we wouldn't be OBESE! To drop us to 650 calories immediately after surgery or 800 calories somewhere thereafter is ludicrous. Our metabolism would go into absolute shock, thinking we were in some starvation time and actually slow down worse that it already is. IDIOTS! You'd think they were strictly going on calorie in vs calorie out. It's much more complicated than that. The human body is designed so efficiently that if we do go into lean times, we can endure, we can survive. DAMN human nature. Therefore, if we reduce our calories so significantly we actually sabotage our weight loss by slowing our metabolism. Ever heard of the Yo-Yo syndrome? It's this part of the human adaptation mechanism that causes the yo-yo syndrome. We diet and reduce our intake. We lose weight. We return to our previous eating patterns and gain weight PLUS MORE because our body has become more efficient. Please, I know that usually you want to (and you're advised to) listen to your doctors and dieticians. BUT if you feel they're giving poor advice, seek a second opinion..........research for yourself. Feel confidant in what you're doing to your body and putting in it. You said yourself that on 800 calories you felt weak. That's evidence enough that you weren't getting enough fuel to run the bio-machine. Alright I've ranted enough........

Jodie, I eat out almost every day due to my job. I travel. I've found that I make certain rules for myself. I NEVER eat anything that is deep fried or breaded. That only packs on the calories and fat. I remember that I must get some Protein in with my meal. If I get a sandwich that has a bun, I either eat the insides or eat only the bottom portion of the bun. Otherwise, I make selections based on what I know I can tolerate. If my co-workers go to a place where the choices are poor, I usually choose soup. Yes, it's not as filling but it's a healthier choice than french fries and chicken nuggets. I don't eat a lot of salads unless they're packed with specialty greens and other veggies because iceburg really doesn't have much nutritional value. My band helps me with my portion sizes. I eat slow enough to listen to it's subtle signs of "you're done now". When I get those signals, I stop. I have never PB'd, my weight loss (up until my recent plateau) has been rather steady and I feel good. Since you can't eat white meat chicken, it might be really hard. I eat a lot of chicken. Maybe you could try all kinds of fish or seafood. Tuna, salmon, tilapia, shrimp, crab, lobster. All good protein choices and good to eat. I really enjoy Bob Evans pot roast sandwich. I get the 2-fer special with a cup of coup and half pot roast sandwich. I eat the soup then pick the insides out of the sandwich. Great meal. The meat of the sandwich is very moist and juicy. BTW, the kids menu is a good place to look but BEWARE most places offer lots of fried foods or high carb items on that menu AND I have found that sometimes they won't let adults order from the kids menu. Red Lobster and Cracker Barrel are two that I know have healthy choices and allow you to order from the kids menu. Good Luck. Once you know what you can and cannot eat, that's half the battle. Make wise choices and you'll do just fine.

This is the 2nd complaint about fillcenterUSA that I've read in less than 24 hours. I think FuelMan had some problems with them as well. As memory serves......they charge like $299 for the initial and $75 for any fills after that, yes? Anyway.........maybe we should be looking more into the better business bureau or some similar bureau for medical practice. What are the medical qualifications of the staff? How can they make such a broad statement about your particular surgeon? Let's get the word out that maybe this fillcenterUSA isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Kimi, this is small consolation to hear when you're feeling so disappointed I'm sure. But, on the bright side, you have gone through all the pre-op stuff and you have proven yourself strong enough to endure it all. Pick yourself up and find a new doc who will do the original, medically necessary surgery and make arrangements for the band as well. Unfortunately you have experienced a "bump" in the road but it's not a total dead end. Your patience and strength will serve you well here as well as in your entire band journey. Consider this a learning experience. Everything in life is. In the mean time, keep coming here for support......we'll listen. I wish you strength, courage and determination.

To consider WLS is not an easy decision. For me, I knew from the start that I did not want any of the bypass surgeries and didn't even think about them. When I heard about lap band, it was kind of like a lightbulb went off inside my head. I thought, this was something I could live with, something I could do. So, I researched it for nearly a year before I even called a doctor. I wanted to make ABSOLUTELY certain that I was making the right choice for me. I was 34 yrs old, I weighed 285lbs at my highest, I had joint problems including an artificial hip and I couldn't do much with my 2 children other than stand/sit and watch. At 5'8", my starting BMI was 43 and I got approved without any trouble. I can honestly say I would do it again in a heartbeat. The band has allowed me to gain control over my life again. I can still enjoy food, but much smaller portions and without losing control over it. I currently weigh 210. I'm very happy with that right now, but I'd like to lose about 40 or so lbs more. But if that takes me a while, I'm O.K. with that, too. All of this in 1 year..........I feel like a new woman. For us to be able to give you all the information you will need would be impossible, but I can direct you where to find a lot of information. Inamed. They're the manufacture of the lap bands used in the United States and they have lots of information posted about the band, the surgery and the post-op lifestyle (which is something you absolutely need to know before making a decision). So, here's the link to the Inamed patient information booklet. http://www.allerganandinamed.com/pdf/health/94829F_LB_Patient_Book.pdf Good Luck with your decision

Congrats! It's amazing how fast that first year goes, isn't it? And when it's goin' good it's even better. Keep up the good work so you can show us the goods.

Wow! Congratulations. We need inspirations like this around here.

It's very common for the port area to be sore for up to a week or 2. Remember, that they sewed it to muscles and those muscles will be sore. Muscles are vascular (have lots of blood flow) which accounts for the bruising. Any movement of those muscles will remind them, and you, that they've been messed with. That includes burping, coughing and turning as you sleep. Also, since you're possibly sleeping in a different position than you did pre-op (to protect your surgical areas) your back is probably sore from the unusual position. Take it one day at a time. Don't be afraid to take a little tylenol and as time goes by, you'll notice that you're back to normal----with a kicker, you'll be a new you. Good Luck,

650 cal/day.........850 cal/day?! It's no wonder you're hungry. Normal bandster diet is 1200-1500 cal/day. Some don't lose at the higher end, so they keep to the lower end. Man..........who told you that? And why would they have told you such a low caloric intake when your body needs to heal post operatively? When I was first post op, I was physically unable to get 1200 calories in. I remember being happy getting in 800 cal, but that was because I felt full all the time......not because somebody told me to restrict my caloric intake. In fact, my dietician told me during the first two weeks to focus on healing and whatever I get in, I get in. At that point, I was eating about 5 or 6 small meals a day. With such a low intake, you may put your body into starvation mode and sabotage your metabolism, aka: weightloss. Kick it up a notch. Choose healthy foods, but don't be afraid to eat. If you're hungry, eat as long as it's within your doctor's consistency recommendations. At 9 days, full liquids seems appropriate. And remember, those that are liquid pass through the band without much resistance so you won't feel much satisfaction from them. Go with some substance. The yogurts, puddings, ricotta cheese. Good Luck,

I'm one year out as of today.........I was down 76 lbs at my lowest, which happened as my gall bladder got to it's worst. I had that out on 2/2/06 and I've gained 5 lbs since then. What can I say? I couldn't eat from October til the gall bladder surgery for fear of the attacks.......I didn't know what they were or what was causing them. Now I can eat (happy day!), but I've also been making some poor choices. Trying hard to get back on track. I'm at 1cc in a 4cc band. When the gall bladder started acting up, I was 2.5cc in my band. Band doctor thought my gall bladder attacks were esophageal spasms and took out my fill. Because of the gall bladder attacks, I've had at least 4 adjustments. I probably need a fill, but I'm staying where I am. I'm upset with the band doc for letting me live in misery so long, then telling me to seek counseling. I'll get over it, I'm sure and go back with my tail between my legs begging for a fill. Happy Bandiversary to me! :ban::purplebananna::party: BTW, before my recent dietary demise all I did was follow the band rules. No real secrets. I wasn't good about exercising, but I stayed more active than the couch potato I was. I did Protein first then generally ate what my family ate. I watched my caloric intake, made sure I got the minimum protein grams per day and drank my Water. No drinking with meals. Well, you know the rest. I was doing so well until those darn gall bladder attacks. I lost all faith in myself and the band. I thought something I was doing was causing the pain. I believed the band was causing my misery and was considering having it removed until I was properly diagnosed. Now, I'm back to lovin' my band and I'm so glad I insisted on further testing (by another doctor) before having the band removed.

Actually, my "gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now" problem actually got better after some of the weight went bye bye. Make sure you're doing the kegal's right. If you're not, they could be doing more harm than good. Also, you could have a more serious problem like a tipped bladder, fallen bladder, even uterine problems.........gee I don't know. If it is persistent, more than maybe a urinary tract infection (which this could be also) I'd see a doctor. Good Luck

What?! Tell me more. Where do I find more about this. I LOVE splenda, it's the only sugar substitute that I'll use. What do I do? (full blown panic-freak out mode here).

I'm with Hedwig. My lipstick always lasts longer if I use a liner, both as a liner and a filler first. It may not last all the way to lunchtime, but it's better than having to re-apply every 10 minutes. Studies have shown that the dryer the lipstick, the longer it stays. Maybe it's because you're using a gloss. just a thought.

I didn't plan on telling ANYONE about my surgery, but my big mouth betrayed me once I got closer to the surgery. What can I say, I just got too darn excited. I don't necessarily regret telling them and they have been very discrete to my face (I'm sure the entire office knows by now). The only problem I had was when I started having problems. I was very sick for several months. I thought it was the band. My band doctor told me it was the band and I was having esophageal spasms. I was desperate for some relief from the pain that I was having. It was so intermittant and so unpredictable. So I confided in a co-worker my frustrations and how I was logging absolutely EVERYTHING I was eating in hopes to figure out what the problem was. To figure out what I was doing wrong. Her question to me.......and it still bothers me to this day.........."what did you have surgery for if you have to keep track of everything you eat anyway?" I was devestated. I was speechless. She's always been the one rooting for me, telling me how great I'm doing and how wonderful I look. Then to question me like this. I now have a good come back for her, but then I didn't. I was stunned, caught off guard. When the problem I was having turned out to be my gall bladder instead of anything to do with the band, we all sighed a big sigh of relief AND looked back on those logs to see a pattern of what was causing the attacks. So, long story short.......tread lightly with those you've told. Be their teacher. You've already indicated that they may not understand the differences between GB and lap band, so teach them that there are alternatives out there. AND, by all means, set boundaries. If you don't want to be constantly nagged about your progress or what your dietary limitations are, tell them. I work with 2 GB post ops who have gained almost all their weight back. The entire female section of the office whispers behind their back at how "aweful" their dietary practices are and "serves them right" for eating the junk that they do. Or better yet..."she had that horrid surgery and now look at her". I wish you all the strength and luck in the world.

I've been off work for 7 weeks with a dislocated hip. Don't ask, long story. Anyway, all I've had to keep me busy was the computer and TV. Once I started getting around again, I could do housework but basically these things were my only outlet. Since I got tired quickly of talk shows and game shows, I turned to channels like lifetime and TNT or TBS (you get the picture) I'm tellin' ya.....EVERY COMMERCIAL BREAK had a diet add or 2. I can nearly quote word for word those nutrisystem commercials. I'm so sick of hearing about the glycemic index. Then there that whole group of high-energy fat burning pills they want to schlep to the public, convincing them that they're some magic cure. Even the Weight Watcher's commercial is downright sad with that sickening Cher song that makes you feel like you're the ONLY person who's overweight and the ONLY person who's self-conscious when in public situations. Don't even get me started on Jenny Craig with her new spokesperson-Kirstie Alley, who I feel is a big fraud. Yes, I know she's lost weight but in the beginning I think she severly underestimated what she did weigh then when we noticed a significant difference in her, she said it was something like a 20lb loss? WTF? Let's see the real numbers and how she really did it. Now she's got her best friend and her sister on the commercials with her? Come on. Has anyone even mentioned all the exercise equipment? That counts, too. All these lean, toned bodies on the commercials. The spokespersons who promise that you, in just 6 short weeks, will look just like them. The AB lounger. The Treadclimber. The Bowflex. OOh Haaa. If that were true, I'd be Mrs. Olympia.

Sorry to hear you're having such "explosive" gas. Bandsters are prone to increased flatulence. My doctor told me that if I wait too long in between meals, that increases the amount of gas. Just a thought. Are you skipping Breakfast or waiting too long in between breakfast and lunch? Maybe you need a light snack in between these 2 meals. Also, Vinesqueen is ABSOLUTELY right. Holding it in is not good for your colon and can lead to diverticulitis. In fact, my grandmother died from complications associated with undiagnosed diverticulitis. So, if you feel the rumblings and feel the need to let loose......find a private place and let 'er rip. It's a human thing to do whether you are mortified by it or not...Everybody does it. You can try the simethicone. I suppose you could even try Beano, but bottom line you are gonna have some gas (bandster or not). I suggest finding out how to master the art of the "silent but deadly". :spy: Relax, and let it go. :guess

Here's the Inamed Patient info book on Lap band. It has a home page of Allergan and Inamed, but it's still there. My guess is that they merged. http://www.allerganandinamed.com/pdf/health/94829F_LB_Patient_Book.pdf

I had to do it for 1 week. It's no fun for the first couple of days. I mean to tell you, I actually dreamed of foods like mashed potatoes and spaghetti. How's that for a carb-addicted fiend? After about 3 days or so, I got used to it and it didn't feel like the torture it started out to be. Hang in there, it too shall pass. When the surgery is done, you really won't mind the liquids as much and you'll be an old pro. Personally, immediatly after surgery, I had enough post op swelling that just a few sips was enough to make me feel stuffed. I constantly had a feeling of bloated fullness. Although my doctor didn't tell me why, I later found out the pre-op liquid diet was to help reduce the fattiness of the liver. It actually shrinks it a bit. By eliminating the intake of all the high fat, processed foods from your diet for a period of time prior to the surgery, you liver depletes itself of it's fat stores and it shrinks. When he's in there, laparascopically, he doesn't want the liver in the way of his view OR any potential to nic/cut the liver accidentally during the procedure. It also helps kind of kick start your weight loss by decreasing the bulk in your intestines. Think about it-liquid in=liquid out. Most docs don't do a bowel prep anymore, so it helps with that as well as any potential constipation problems post-op. Good luck. Hang in there, it gets better.

I get the hiccups if I eat too fast or sometimes when I've had enough to eat. I don't get them every time, but just once in a while. It's kind of my cue to stop eating and listen to the signals my body is sending. For example, if I get them early in my meal, I was probably eating too fast. If I get them later in my meal, it's time to stop, period, end of story. Another "soft stop" for me is that my nose will run. If my nose starts running, it's time to stop and think "have I had enough to eat?" "am I satisfied?" "am I still hungry?".

I think that clothing has been one of the most frustrating things for me, so far. I started out a 22/24, tight by the way and then as they started to hang on me, I started buying 20's. Then they started to hang on me, so 18W here I come.....I was comfortable with the 18W, but then where do I go when that started getting loose? Right now, sometimes 16W fit, sometimes they don't. Sometimes I can find clothes in the "normal" section that fit, sometimes theyr'e too tight. I'm so confused. I hate trying on clothes in the dressing room, having them be too tight and feeling embarassed that I was too stupid to know my own size. Or worse, that people think because technically I'm still fat, I'm deluding myself about my large size. So, chin up. You're not alone in the clothing battle. I think even the "beautiful people" have this problem. At least that's what I tell myself when I can't even get a pair of jeans up one generously porportioned thigh.

I'm not sure Dr. Duckett does fills on patients other than his own. I know he's taken on patients who were banded elsewhere then transferred their care to his. But if you're just looking for a fill then movin' on, I don't think Duckett is for you. He really stresses aftercare and likes to be 100% aware and involved in his patient's care. There's a great doctor near Cincinnatti, Dr. Curry. I don't personally go to him, but I've heard great things about him. I've read his posts to his patients on ObesityHelp.com. He seems like a personable guy. I guess it depends on where you're located and where you're willing to travel. I got on the Inamed website and had them send me a list of approved band surgeons in my area.......Just in case Dr. Duckett and Oweis didn't tickle my fancy anymore.

Angelu, Think........VERSED. Great stuff and, unless you're allergic to it, it will put you in lala land long before you ever see the OR. Talk to the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist when he/she comes in and does your pre-op. Tell them that you're feeling anxious/nervous, etc and you'll not have another care in the world. Trust me. I didn't tell them I was nervous. I think it was part of their routine to give versed pre-op and shortly after they gave it to me, I don't remember a thing. I don't even remember saying good bye to my husband. Happy, Happy, Happy BTW, you'll be banded on my one year bandiversary......Great Day. Good luck to you. I'm sure you'll do fine, then we can welcome you to the other side.

Shanna (((hugs))), I'm so sorry this is happening to you. You have all my thoughts and prayers hoping for a full recovery. And if for some reason you do need to have the surgery to repair the slip, you'll have all of those thoughts and prayers directed for a successful surgery. *sending you happy, pleasant thoughts for a positive recovery. Hopefully without surgery* Good Luck

I think we all have "one of those days" once in a while. The key is that you must get back up on the horse. Start new, make better decisions from here on. We all slip, we all fall. None of us are perfect. BTW, I think you had the "close to RNY dumping" from the SF candy, not necessarily a reaction with your metformin. Those SF candies have a type of sugar that does that. One too many of them and I wouldn't get too far from a bathroom........

When I was losing weight faster, in the beginning I did get a funny taste in my mouth. But I didn't have bad breath that I knew of. I drank my water, brushed my teeth as I normally did and went about my life. I always had gum in my purse, just in case but I didn't really need it ( I don't think). No one ever mentioned it or indicated that I had bad breath. I tried to check, you know breath into your hand........never noticed bad breath. Sometimes our body does go into ketosis and we get bad breath, but I never experienced it. I would think standard oral hygeine, adequate hydration and a just in case mouth aid like gum or hard candy should help you be prepared. Be careful with mint, though because mint has been known to make the band tighter and cause increased stomach acid.