dietpeach

I know, I really hate that name. If it wins I just won't put a banner in my signature, that's all. But everyone else should of course feel free - after all, majority rules!

I forgot to mention that my surgeon looks for and repairs hiatal hernias once he's inside, since he's there anyway. I think that's why he doesn't bother with the upper GI.

My surgeon doesn't require it, but one of his associates does (Dr. Kurian). So it's hit or miss, even within the same practice!

Would it be useful to get the tiny half-cup size tupperware/rubbermaid containers, if that's all I'll be able to eat? Do you ever divide up food into half-cup portions and freeze them?

Yes, my surgeon will be taking out my gallbladder at the same time as I get the band.

Oh well, at least you tried. Good luck in both surgeries! :rolleyes2:

I'm trying to decide what to pack for my overnight stay at the hospital, and whether to bring my own pajamas or wear the hospital gown. Do they leave the I.V. in overnight? If so, I won't bother with my own PJ's. Thanks.

Welcome! I'd be really upset about having to have two surgeries done back to back - that's two times taking the risk of anesthesia, and two recoveries. Maybe you can talk to them about doing both at the same time? That's what I'm having done, and they use the same exact incisions to do both. I hope you can get both done together.

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll be having teh I.V. in all night, so I'll just wear the hospital's gown and won't bother trying to change into my own PJ's.

Which band do you have? And are you happy with it? (If you saw I posted this twice, ignore the other one - I forgot to make it multiple choice.)

Does that work only for the chat room, or for the whole site?

Yes, this would be a great option. I like the new layout but I don't like the color. But if we can't choose the color ourselves like in some sites, then maybe change it to something like blue, which would probably appeal to more people than aquamarine. In any color it's still a great site. :thumbup:

Pete, I just found this. I'm so sorry for your family's situation. How did your wife's interview go? I hope she gets the job. My husband's salary was also reduced this year, by about $10,000. And of course the price of everything went up at the same time, so it's a double whammy.

Awesome! It's great to have support isn't it? My family is finally behind me on this decision as well (it took a while!). But now that I've convinced them that this is what I need, they are behind me 100% as well. By the way, what kind of pre-op diet do they have you on? I can't imagine it's a liquid diet if they have you on it for a month. I'm just curious. :biggrin:

Does anyone plan on having a last meal kind of thing? I'm eating out for 2 or 3 meals for a last taste of the foods I might not be able to tolerate anymore after the band (but other than that sticking like glue to my self-imposed pre-pre-op diet). Yesterday I went out for a burger and fries at a diner, since I might not be able to have buns or possibly even fries anymore (some people can't tolerate them anyway). I'll probably have deep-dish pizza one of these days as well, since doughy crusts might be out. And, since I love steak but might have to give it up forever, I'm going to a fabulous steakhouse this weekend. The steak is actually on my current diet, so I'm not even "cheating" for that one. Anyone else getting in their last few favorites? P.S. Pete, I was wondering how your pre-pre-op diet is going? I'm doing great on mine except for the little last meals out thing - I'm down about 10 pounds so far. By the time I get to and complete the liquid diet, I might even be down 20 or 25 pounds. Wow! I think it will make a big difference in having a successful surgery without complications. (Not to mention it's a great head start!)

I'm being banded in December!!! WOO HOO!!! This calls for a banana party! :w00t: :laugh::w00t::tt2:

I mean your first days/weeks being banded but on regular food - after the liquid and mushy phases, or after your first fill. What was it like for you? Did you feel hungry a lot? Did you try to eat the wrong things out of habit (too much, wrong texture) and then catch yourself? Or eat it and learn the hard way? I want to know what to expect. Thanks.

I'm getting freaked out, but reading things like this helps calm me down. I think it's a matter of taking it slowly and learning as you go. Okay, I'm still nervous, but I'm trying not to be. :cool2:

Yes, it's extremely common that obese patients have a hiatal hernia, and having it repaired at the same time reduces your risk of reoperation. If you want to know for certain if you really have one, and if you have health insurance, go to your PCP and tell them you have symptoms of a hiatal hernia (look them up) and ask if it can be detected (I think it's a barium swallow or endoscopy). If he says no, then approach a gastroenterologist and make the request. Your health insurance should cover teh exam. Then you'll know for sure. If you don't have health insurance, I would go ahead and add the $1500. It's for your health to have it repaired, and chances are you have it.

With every attempt at weight loss in the past, eating had to be planned out and regimented or else the diet would fail. How does it work with the band? Do you have to plan your meals? Or can you just eat what your family is eating, but less of it?

I got my date and I'll be banded in December, too. I start my liquid diet in two weeks. That will be brutal.

I would be very upset if I were you. It sounds to me like he's trying to drum up more business for himself! I think your best bet is to approach your surgeon and discuss it, since the psych reports to the surgeon. Tell him/her exactly what you wrote and tell him that you are NOT a binge eater, and you want him to speak to the psych to change it. I suggest going through the surgeon because the surgeon is the one who feeds clients to the psychologist, and the psychologist makes a lot of money very easily because it's a steady stream of clients he didn't have to advertise to find himself. The psychologist is therefore more likely to listen to the surgeon than to you - he sees you as a paycheck! The key here when you talk to the surgeon is not to sound too emotional or sound upset or else he'll think maybe the psych was right. Try to sound objective and just state the facts. Good luck.

Brian, thanks for the offer but I must confess that I actually like many of the products. But you don't need to be out $300. If you ordered within the last 30 days you can get a full refund on up to 10 boxes as long as not more than one packet has been used in the box. If it's more than 30 days, sell it all on ebay! I did that once. You usually get back at least half your money selling it on ebay.

Mixed with skim milk? Thanks.

I noticed there are a bunch of NYU patients here. I have my consultation this week (yay!) and I was wondering: What was your consultation like, and how long did it take? Also, I noticed that we "must" bring a family member - did the doctor say what you weigh in front of them? I'm so excited, I'm really getting close now!