LB4Life

Thank you for starting this thread - great topic :biggrin: I am in the early stages of prep work and my surgery is next month. I too have done tons of researh in hopes to be "prepared" as possible for anything, but like it's been said, we are all different and we will each have our own experience. I love this forum and it has thoroughly helped me understand all sorts of senarios and shown me a glimpse of what I can expect might happen for me. Looking forward to reading all the replies on this post.

I personally don't know much about this issue, but I would suggest doing a search (in upper right corner of this screen) and you will find some postings on this subject. I would also refer you to the "complications" forum on this site, that's were I check for information. Good luck to you.

Okay I'm looking for your tips and personal experiences on the best approach to ordering in a public place. I am not telling my co-workers and my family (I have close friends that support me in a positive way) so when the time comes and we go somewhere, how to I do I order without a zillion questions? I don't want to attract attention but yet I don't want to come home with mega leftovers. Has anyone called the restaurant in advance and told them to be prepared that you would be ordering small quantities and have they been able to adjust the order? I know that there will be times when it's "doable" to order appetizers but what if I'm out with family at christmas and I want the grilled salmon, veggies and baked potato but can only eat a third of it - I have NEVER left with a doggie bag, oh my....red flag situation. Then the gals like to go out for cheesecake and drinks - would anyone actually order 1/2 a slice of cake? Please share your ideas with me, thanks :biggrin2:

It makes alot of sense to get the box with your meal and I'm sure I would be one of those people that picked at it, even though I would already be full. I like the idea of having leftovers, yeah no cooking and no dishes!

Great advice Mindy. I know that I'm having the surgery for ME but I've always had difficulty with getting acceptance from others and don't like it when people don't like me.....it reminds me of that funny episode of Friends where Monica fogot to invite Rachel's mom to the baby shower and she ran around trying to get her forgiveness :tt2: I think because I've lived with the fat struggle my whole life, that my self confidence is not as high as it should be, and I am really trying to do what is best for ME and let go of what others think.....I'm a work in progress but will eventually turn into that grand picaso painting. I appreciate the lending ear and sharing my thoughts/feelings on this site. With regard to the food I simply loooove the BBQ idea and taking a variety leftover plate home! Next time I go to a family thing I will most definately take a doggie bag so I can enjoy a few more meals :thumbup:

You all have such great ideas!! I think I will try a variation of all of them and see which works best, depending on who I'm eating with. I like the idea of getting appetizers but sometimes this doesn't work when you want to get chicken/fish into the meal, I think it would break my heart to throw food away (but may do so if there is only a small portion left say from an appetizer versus a main meal) so I would definately try to talk with the hostess before then with my smaller meal I could take a doggie bag home. When it comes to my co-workers they know I've been on weight watchers but have "fallen off the wagon" so I know I'd start getting the usual response when I'm eating my brown bagged lunch or smaller portions - "oooh your so good". But for family some of them have done the weight watchers thing and have been successful, (so have I but then the weight comes back with all its little friends). I know family will not be supportive, at least in the begining, but if I can casually brush off the odd situations at least for the first year then perhaps they will be more understanding when they see the results and how it has changed my life. Luckily I have learned some great avoidance techniques from weight watchers, like "oh, I ate something beforehand so I wouldn't pig out" or "i'm really trying to cut back", usually these work. As for cheesecake, YUM, I hope that I will still be able to handle the rare treat and the girls only do this maybe once a year. All in all I think people will just guess that I've finally decided to get healthy again or have rejoined weight waters, so that is in my favor, as I am not yet comfortable sharing this part of my life.

Thanks Doddie, and I appreciate your email to guide me through. I was very pleased to find out they got someone in my area and it was the first question on my list. Getting excited and looking forward to the days and months to come :thumbup:

Me too.....I will be banded on August 21 in Mississauga, Ontario. Anyone else around that time in that area?

I spoke with my surgeon last night and he said that the port is stitched into place with 4 sutures. I suppose each Dr. does it differently, so definately ask if this is something that concerns you. I had such a long list of questions that I talked to my surgeon for 40 minutes then called the clinic to ask the "administrative" questions, for another 40 minutes. From my understanding the fliped port occurs when scar tissue forms around the port site and moves the port. In any event, if this occurs it is fully covered under my plan and the clinic will fix the problem. Some have indicated on this site that if the port flips and the nurse is properly trained then they are still able to do the fills/unfills without another surgery, but my surgeon definately indicates this issue should be resolved with another surgery. I feel more at ease knowing it is stitched in place and that by strictly following the post-op care to allow things to heal in place (first six weeks) then you have a far less chance of issues.

Please see the post I made in the Canadian Support section if you are hunting for a fill Doctor in Halifax, Nova Scotia or feel free to contact me and I can help you.

I don't know if this qualifies under the "mushy" stage (I haven't got there yet) but I know watermelon is so very watery that trying to mush it up may not be the best idea. If you find out it's an exceptable food item at this time, also check with your nurse/Dr., then I would suggest cutting into small/tiny pieces, so your mouth doesn't overflow with the juice and you accidently swallow the melon before chewing it to bits (I've done this now and I would not want to do it when I get my band). I have also heard that watermelon has lots of fibre and has great health benefits, much like the blueberry. Good luck and I hope others can help you more than I.

girliesmom, I'm supposing by your posting that you are scheduled for the lap band and not the gastric bypass? I have personally done tons of research on both and I have chosen the band.....my date is August 21, yeah :thumbup: I really think it's a personal choice that each one of us needs to figure out for ourselves and there will always be doctors that do bypass (saying NO band) and band doctors (saying NO bypass). Sometimes the view can be a little biased and after you have done your own search then you need to follow your heart and follow your instincts - these posts are fabulous for research and help too :thumbup: I know for myself I could get the bypass (covered in my province) but with the rearrangement of organs and main reason for quick weight loss being nutrition deficiency and many complications....I chose the band, being less invasive, minimal risks (those that are rare can also be easily fixed) and in the same time frame as the bypass most patients will loose the same. The bypass is quick loss then slows right down, the band will gradually make you loose....so in the end both surgeries will get you to the end of the road and you'll be in better health with the band. I also like the fact that if medical weight loss surgeries change in the future then I can always "upgrade" to something else, but the bypass is permanent! FYI: I have chosen to self pay for my surgery and can't wait.

Kei, I will take this list with me when I go shopping, thanks! I can always get the GNC rep. to explain what they have similar to these products, in the event they don't have this brand. Wish me luck :thumbup:

After getting the band and you eat smaller amounts (first eating the protien, fruits and veggies).....other than a multi vitamin do you take any fibre supplements? I've seen various forms, from chews/tablets and powders. Who takes anything, what do you take and does it help keep you "regular"?

I have heard wonderful things about Wendy's chili and I'm not surprised considering all the protien in it. I always laughed at my mom who ate it everytime we went there (while I was eating greasy breaded chicken sandwiches and "super-sized" fries) and since she follows weight watchers I know it's a healthy/low-calorie food choice. I will definately be getting it in the future when I can eat solids :thumbup:

Thanks for the tip. I will try to find this item in my local stores. I know that we don't have the Kellogg's protien water here in Canada, so I bought the vitamin Aquafina water instead. I will be going to Walmart and GNC this weekend to get some protien/vitamins and fibre supplements.

Awesome, thanks for all the info!!! I checked out the site for foods with fibre, wow I had no idea so many fruits and veggies have all that fibre I have no problems getting lots of fibre into my diet now, but I was slightly concerned that after being banded that it would be difficult to eat enough. I think I will pick up some of that Benefibre and use it in the begining until I transition back to solid foods and start getting enough from actual food. Thanks again for all the advice.

Thanks for all the info....I guess it's an individual thing but I agree that it's not worth taking chances and creating additional problems - whatever my Dr. tells me will be what I do. Tonight is my consultation so I can't wait to get the ball rolling and hopefully get my date

I've read different takes on the straw issue and wanted to check with those of you that have already been living with the band. I absolutely love drinking from a straw but have heard it's a NO NO. Is there anything wrong with using lots of ice too? I love very cold water, yum!

Thank you for sharing your experiences Luckily my insurance covers the fills, but not the surgery WEIRD!!! My only concern is that the more fills the more risks of getting a leak. Anyone else have the band longer than a year, had lots of fills and had no problems with leaks?

I haven't had my surgery yet but am slightly concerned with the lifetime maintenance of the whole fill/unfill business. I can understand that adjustments need to be made, especially in the first year, but how many will I need? For those who have had their band for a long period, please share your experience and how many fills it took to find your "sweet spot". I'm hoping I don't have to have my belly poked for LIFE Also wondering how the port is able to withstand all the needles without creating leaks and holes.

I agree the faster and easier the better in the begining. I've started to buy only a few things to get ready for my surgery, not going to wild and crazy. Here are some of the things I added to my list (which I made by viewing all the posts on this site): -individual applesauce -kid size portions of juice boxes, yogurts etc. -packaged oatmeal -pre-made puddings and Jello cups -oxo chicken/beef broth pouches (just add one to hot water) -flavored Vitamin Water -baby food (I got banana and sweet potato) -instant potatoes I figure this will cover me for the first few weeks then I can get around in the kitchen to make/puree stuff etc.

I can relate to your situation MissLynn!!! Two weeks ago I went out with two co-workers where I found out one of them has gastric bypass, I was floored but supportive of her choice and very interested in pursuing any options for WLS in my province. Over the last two weeks I have thoroughly researched my options and weighing the risks and plan to get the band within the next couple of months. My Dr. is an hour bus ride from my home and since I've had her practically for LIFE, I hesitated to change Dr's but now I plan to find a local Dr. This way I can have easier access to follow up care and help. I did not require any referral and have a consultation with a surgeon this Thursday. I have checked my insurance options and due to the 5 year wait for bypass or banding, I am self paying. If you want an excellent overview of the procedure and what's involved, please check out the site below (also the place I will be getting my surgery), and there's also a calculator to figure out your BMI. Best of luck to you! Toronto Weight Loss Obesity Surgery Lap Band Bariatric Gastric Bypass Surgeon

Okay here's a few of mine: -shopping for "regular" sized clothes -not hiding from people I know when I run into them because I'm embarrased how much I've gained -not fearful of breaking the chair/furniture that I sit upon (this actually happened to me, I sat on my aunt's lounge chair and heard a huge CRACK) sooooo embarassing -not being judged by my appearance and people actually getting to know the "real" me -and doing all sorts of activities I love but avoid because of my size Can't wait......just a matter of time :smile2:

Thank you for all your replies! This site rocks for providing tons of information and support - the ones designated for my province are pretty crappy I think once I have the consult with my surgeon on Thursday, then I will be more assured and confident in my decision.....which is leaning toward the band. I agree that we are worth the money and the complications are fewer with the band. I think I'd go insane waiting 5 years no matter which surgery! Since I've been battling weight my entire life, I am happy there are finally tools like the band available so we can help ourselves become happy and healthy - no matter the risks I think they are worth taking.