RestlessMonkey

You know I think this is one of the big benefits of the band. If you like to plan and be in control etc and it helps you to stay on track, the band accommodates. If you are like me and find, after a while, that counting and planning and weighing is tedious or at worst, just another form of food obsession (which it is FOR ME...) then with the band, we can just make good choices each meal and go from there. WW is big on "journaling" and the thought of having to weigh every portion, journal every bite every day for the rest of my life was staggering and miserable and frankly I knew I wouldn't do it. I love love love the flexibility of the band so those of us who would prefer not to think about food until time to eat, and those of us who want more control, are both able to get what we need to keep on going! :smile2:

I think it depends on how large the stomach opening is, actually. The "small" is standard and holds 10 cc's, (unlike the 1st Lap Band by allergan/inamed that only held 4 cc's) and the Large holds 14 cc's so it's a bit wider inside. Allows for more adjustment etc and I guess that's why post op we allergan/inamed banders don't feel as much restriction as people did in the early days. My doc picked it of course, once he was "in". If you get a realize band I think it only comes in one size. They both have pros and cons (both brands I mean)... glad my doc picked for me! LOL

Actually not all Wellbutrin is "time released"....that 3 times a day dose she's on isn't. The "SR" type you take once a day is.... but she still should check 1st with her prescribing doc to see if she can change to a different med, etc.

I agree Jodi. It's almost as if we lose, then for a while the scale stagnates while our bodies tighten up and catch up, then the scale drops again. Weight loss is odd, but it's all good! :smile2:

Longhornmom and I have the same Doc. He's very specific about what to have when: no Protein for 1 week post op, and NPO after midnight, and only clear liquid (AKA Water in his world) from noon (plus the mag citrate) the day before surgery. ANYWAY GO Patti Go! I know you'll do great!

Sneezing, itchy eyes, sounds more like allergies or a cold than the flu. If it IS the flu they can give you a drug to shorten it but it really sounds like a cold; your doc (PCP) can run a test to diagnose for sure though. When I'm that sick I only want Soups anyway; can't you have clear broth etc? Strain chicken noodle or vegetable Soup and drink the broth, and get sugar free cough drops. Mucinex will help, too. (one kind has a decongestant, one has a cough suppressant, get what you need) Of course liquid tylenol if you have a fever and/or pain. I got a cold 9/16 after being banded 8/29 and honestly the cold was worse than the surgery! Hope you feel better soon!

You need to go to a seminar. That's a good spot to start. And I had a BMI of 67 when I started so I don't figure 54 is "wrong". You just need to sit through a seminar or two, and they'll get you started!

Tell your prescribing doctor. They have a sustained release form so you can take it less often (and actually once you have restriction you'll need to be retitrated because regular doses may stay in your pouch, effectively being "sustained release) And how big are they? If they are M & M sized or smaller (I don't remember and my drug book doesn't have pictures) you should be able to just take them. If not, call your pharmacist (once you check w/prescribing doc) You may be able to dissolve it in some juice and drink it, or put it in some SF pudding etc. Just start with your doc who gave you the drug and see what s/he can do for you.

I have tinnitus in my right ear; got it when I was 19 at a Deep Purple Concert. I just have to tune it out; nothing they can really do for it. You need to see a doc to see if yours can be helped.

Patti you weren't supposed to have anything but Water pretty much from noon on. I don't really think 1 Protein drink will hurt you, but Dr. C wants you pretty cleaned out. And post op just Clear liquids for the 1st week, NO PROTEIN! (Just water, broth, and sugar free jello) Let them know tomorrow when you drank the protein. I am sure you will be fine because your surgery is going to be after 10am, but don't drink any more (of course), let the nurse know tomorrow, and remember no protein for the 1st week post op while you heal! You'll do fine!

Honestly? I'd want another doctor. My port is slanted and my doc had a little trouble but he was gracious as usual and I knew when he got it because he went "AHHH" LOL SOrry you had that happen; at the least it's very unprofessional.

And Januarysimp I don't know why you thought you stepped on my toes; actually it seems the reverse is true. All docs are different; we've been taught to hold all fluids for a few hours then try small sips etc. Whatever works, actually, is what one should do. Blood isn't really the bad part of nursing to most of us; but good for you realizing it's not for you early on! Upside and most importantly, Michelle feels better today!

Glad you feel better! It's just best to let the tummy chill out when you have a stomach virus or bug like that; to keep trying to drink anything can just dehydrate you.

Its a pain but it beats getting a flesh eating bacterial infection!

I know you are very unhappy but I don't think you're going to find your answer here. You'll just have to either wait and see what tricare says, pay him, or find another surgeon. That will be your decision to make...no one here can make it for you.

I'm too new to be a pro but I've lost 41.4 pounds so far...I have longed for something like the band forever. I truly get HUNGRY between meals and this will help that tremendously! I did go to a behavior therapist because many morbidly obese people are emotional eaters and that never really fit for me; but I discovered I was using food as a reward, if you will. (for example: I worked hard today I don't want to cook I'll pick up chicken I DESERVE a break) that type thing. Apparently I warranted a LOT of rewards LOL. Being aware of that helps, but the band has given me hope. Because I have successfully dieted many times in the past, only to get bored or tired of writing down every bite etc and I would gain it back. With the band, I think I'll eventually be freed of all that worry and nonsense. So many diets require you think constantly about food; I do better when I can put food in the background. Once I get the knack of chewing, Protein first, no liquids during meals etc I think I'll be able to do just that; let food take a back seat to life. SO I'm no pro yet but very hopeful; I think my plan will work! Welcome to you!

I'd probably threaten to bill him for the time he cost me.

NO because it's illegal for an in-network doctor to do that. I would feel like if he was that greedy or dishonest that who knows what he might skimp on etc. No way. There are too many reputable surgeons out there to bother with one that is unscrupulous. You need to wait and see what happens with tricare; but I think you'll probably need to find a new doc. Better you find out now that having problems post op, you know? I think he's probably a turkey.

Yes everyone has been wonderful. My DH was a little reticent at first. He's an RN and has seen many horror stories post bypass (he worked in a GI lab for years) but he trusts me and went with me to the seminar my surgeon holds. Once we went through that and the surgeon answered his extra questions, he was sold too. Because of his career and experience, I wanted him with me on it. Bless him he's even eaten my preop and post op diet along with me. Gotta love a man like that! :crying: My friends and the rest of my family know how head strong and capable I am and how far down all this weight has dragged me, so they are all behind me. And I wanted to point out that lots of happy successful banders are out living their lives. These boards usually attract the unfortunates who have problems. Statistically band failure, slippage, etc is very low.

To send a PM, go to the left of your screen and select messages or edit profile then on the right is your "control panel" If you scroll down you'll see an area called "private messages"...and an option will be "send a message" that should get you going! :crying: Good luck, ok, and keep in touch. If you get the band I'm sure you'll be successful and an inspiration!

I'm a nursing student so I know all about KG :crying: We have to convert from pounds to kilos to calculate our medication doses. :eek: Yes I started at 184.1 kg and have lost 18.8 so far. Many people just need to loose 100 pounds or less...often at my weight they opt for bypass but I didn't want my innards rerouted! THis will work for me too as long as I realize it is going to take me a while, and I'm good with that!

Why do you cough? Is it acid reflux, or allergies? Makes a difference of course; may be the band, maybe not!

Honestly I had a head cold that I got 9/16 and lasted 3 freaking weeks that bothered me more than the surgery. Pain was nothing. Your matter of fact attitude will see you through! I did get hungry almost immediately post op (many dont, lucky dogs LOL) but I had to stay on liquids 2 weeks. It wasn't FUN but I did it. I can do anything for 2 weeks, you know? It is worth it, to me. I have never had a minute's doubt or regret. I did wonder very quickly preop (took me about 5 seconds) if I should get bypass but realized no way. This will work for me; I know myself, why i eat, and when. I can control it with the band. Good luck to you and please, if I can help you in any way, email, PM or post, ok? If you decide to get this surgery I am sure you will be super successful!

I keep my carbs low (under 15 gms a day) my fat low (under 15 gm a day) and push first and foremost Protein. I have Protein shake (17 gms protein, 2 fat, 2 carb, 110 cal) for Breakfast. I often have a shake for lunch, and for dinner 3-5 oz of lean fish, turkey or chicken and some green veggies (no fat, nothing added). NO SNACKS! EVER! and no drinking 15 min before, during, or 15 min after my meals (the ones that aren't shakes, that is) I lose quite well doing that...keeping cals to about 800 a day. As I lose and am more active I'll add in more calories. I suggest you talk with your nutritionist or dietitian to see what you can change to jumpstart weight loss.

No he didn't offer up any reasons. I have my own opinions though. I think it's maybe that we are more indulgent. I do know America, not Australia, but you guys, while wildly independent and fun, seem to be a little more grounded or matter of fact? I think too many Americans get the band hoping it will be a quick fix and do the work for them. Most who are unhappy with the band are people who don't really work with it. So that's my guess anyway... I don't know the average age, average excess weight, etc of either group so I may just be generalizing. But bottom line for me was if you guys can do it, I can do it too. I just have to work at it, which I'd known anyway! I can lose weight fine but struggled keeping it off. Now I have hope and can "stick to the plan" enthusiastically because I know the band will help rein me in when I need it. (when I get bored eating fish and green beans, for example) LOL