Melissannde

Some surgeon's believe that NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflamatory Drugs, which includes aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxyn and others) can cause problems with the band like erosions and such. Some don't think that there's a cause & effect at all. My surgeon will allow very small amounts of an NSAID for a short period of time for specific reasons, but must also take a PPI drug (Proton Pump Inhibitor ..ex: Prevacid or Prilosec) while taking the NSAID. I'm just finishing a week of Ibuprofen to treat some elbow inflamation that's been going on since September. I got permission to try this as recovery was just so very slow without an anti-inflammatory. I haven't been on Ibuprofen since September!! LOL I get 200mg of Ibuprofen AM, another 200mg PM and a Prevacid at bedtime. I'm really allowed 2 weeks of such treatment, but I'm going to do one week on the Ibuprofen and 1 week off, then repeat the week on IF my elbow starts hurting again. The NP told me that they were having to remove a band because of erosion because someone was taking either Aleve or Motrin (forget which she said) for a long period of time. Maybe that patients band would've eroded anyways.. who knows. I prefer to err on the side of caution. I guess you have one of the surgeons who doesn't think NSAIDs are a risk. Sometimes I wish I had one of those too.

Acetaminophen capsules or caplets for pain control. calcium citrate I like Bariatric Advantage in the cherry flavor. But there are other companies who make them too.. namely Celebrate and Building Blocks. Look up their websites and find their emails and ask for samples. My doctor has samples out too.. I know some folks who take the Viactive soft chews for calcium. I prefer not to use those cause they've got hydrogenated vegetable oil in them, but you might have a different opinion.

No, it's not unreasonable to know the size band you have and how much Fluid. BUT, you've only seen one of the practitioners post-op. Granted, they may all think alike in keeping the patient in the dark, but you don't know that yet. Where I go, there was one nurse that she and I always "butted heads" somewhat. She would tell me things that were just so very confusing and gave me different post fill instructions than the other nurses. I liked her personally, but tried to avoid her as my fill nurse. The NP I had was some better, but also didn't educate me on several points. She's since married and moved away and the new NP is much better. The LVN that my doctor uses is the best of all, gentlest touch and listens to me. Don't let the alphabet Soup (LVN, RN, NP, MD) behind the name be the only determining factor on who you chose to deal with. I would give the RN a try and the doctor. If all 3 are resistant to letting you have full partnership in this journey, THEN I would move on. The other thing to consider is that it may take time and some effort depending on where you live to find another doctor to accept you. If you will give the other caregivers at your current doctors office a chance, that will give you time to start lining a replacement doctor up. Hope you feel better about the whole situation soon.

I would advise staying as far away from the diet coke as you can manage. It's really not got anything in it that you NEED and consumption really can lead to a dilated pouch and other troubles. I do understand the desire for it, the scratchy, bubbly feel at the back of the throat. I'm not perfect, I've had a few swallows of DC about a year since banding, but never a full glass or can. I've poured a few ounces into a coffee cup, took a swallow or two and poured out the rest. That was enough to curb my desire for it for months and months. Be as strong as you can. Unless you have others living with you who drink it, don't keep it in the house. Everyday that you can go without drinking one, put a dollar in a special piggybank, after a while you'll have a nice little bonus to spend on yourself!! Go buy some new skinny jeans!!

Blondie, the one time I had to have an unfill (because I was too tight, haven't been too thin) the charge was the same as a fill. They can certainly take just a little out, enough to let you eat a little more, but not enough to let you eat too much. If you find that you gain more than you want.. go back and have fill added again. That's the beauty of the band being adjustable. Regarding the financial aspect, call the doctor's office and ask to speak to whoever does the billing/financial arrangements and see what ya'll can work out. Best of luck to you.

try putting ONLY the amount you are supposed to eat on your plate. I weigh my food, others measure, others use comparisons to palm of hand or deck of cards.. whichever method you use, put only that amount on your plate. Leave the rest on the stove or in the fridge..whereever. Don't put serving bowls on the table. Get a minute timer, one of those little tiny hourglass ones would work great. Put a small bite in your mouth, chew very well, swallow and turn the timer. Don't put another bite in your mouth till the sand is gone. Repeat. Watch for soft stop signs.. they can be anything from a runny nose, to a sigh, to a hiccup. Mine is I start burping. When you get your soft stop, STOP EATING. yes, I know it's hard and I don't always succeed at stopping then. If you're still hungry after 20 minutes you can finish your meal, carefully. Maybe someone else will have some other ideas on how to avoid overeating. Other than just sheer willpower.. LOL

Join the smartbandsters group at yahoo groups and talk to Jessie Ahroni there. She's been banded 12 years and works in bariatrics and has written a book about Adjustable Gastric banding. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters

Haven't tried the powder (MM LIGHT) but the MM Light RTD in vanilla creme and in strawberry creme is the bomb!! The chocolate tastes fake, the mocha is so-so. Eas Carbvantage is a poor second IMO. I have to add stuff the the EAS to make it taste decent. Have you tried the Syntrax Nectars? They're pretty good, but need a flavor boost if mixed with Water. www.si03.com I got them to send me a sampler package of 16 different flavors for about 15 or 16 bucks. Write and ask about samples.

I've not been sick this fall/winter (knock on wood), but last year had a cold, got better for 2 days and got another one right on top of it. I've known a LOT of folks sick with sinus issues/strep throat this year.. one a healthy teenage kid.. took her nearly a month and 3 different rounds of meds to get over her stuff. Take your Vitamins (adult strength please.. but childrens are better than nothing), and all other supplements recommended by your surgeon and/or PCP. Ask about taking Echinacea, Golden Seal or Elderberry if you are a believer in herbal supplements. If you are on prescription meds, do make sure that any herbals you try don't interfere with said prescriptions. I get a flu shot every year and do not get sick from them. I do know people who have gotten sick afterwards, but generally that's coincidence as they no longer use live virus to my knowledge. I think it's important to get the flu shot for bandsters because we do NOT want to be vomiting and risk slipping our bands. Hope everyone who is ill feels better very very soon. Remember good handwashing and use paper towels to open the bathroom door after washing your hands.

FluffyRN, I'm so sorry you're having these issues. If your bariatric surgeon won't listen to you this time, can you go to another doc? It seems to me that if you're having real vomiting even after being totally unfilled there is definitely a problem. I hope the new UGI gives you some answers. Best of luck to you

diarrhea isn't uncommon when you're on liquids.. Liquid in, Liquid out. Ask your doc if you can take immodium or modify your diet if the diarrhea is troublesome.

I have one by Taylor, I bought it from amazon.com. It has a backlight on the readout which is nice. It won't work on carpet, needs a hard surface such as wood or tile or linoleum. Everytime you move it you have to recalibrate by stepping on it for a second and then back off. When the light goes off, it's ready to use again. Mine weighs me only about 2lbs different than the doc's office and that's probably attributable to Water and clothing. I weigh daily.. but ONLY pay attention to a weekly weigh in.. usually on Thursday morning and done wearing as little as possible. I also take my measurements Monthly.. so if the scale isn't moving much, I can still see some positive changes.

Just be careful what you use. Many Protein powders were found to have heavy metals in them according to Consumer Reports: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/july/food/protein-drinks/whats-in-your-protein-drink/index.htm From what I read and understand, it's the frequency and amount of use that's a concern. There may be more current information out there, I haven't pursued it because I don't use them (protein powders) daily. To the person whose doctor said no Muscle Milk.. it could be because of the heavy metal contamination or maybe he meant regular MM (which is pretty calorie dense). The MM light is only around 100 cal or so per serving (at least in the RTD boxes). I'm about to reorder Syntrax nectar of some flavor or another .. having trouble deciding which one. They're 90 cal per scoop, 0 carbs & 23 gram protein. I don't think the flavor is intense enough when mixed with plain Water, so I add crystal lite, instant coffee, Powerade zero.. whatever seems appropriate to the flavor. Syntrax used to have an offer where you could buy sample packs of the Nectar, you ended up with 16 different flavors for about 16 bucks. It's not on their website, you have to email and inquire about samples. www.si03.com Hope you find something you like.

Often it's the consistency of the eggs that's the problem. Things to try are 1) do not overcook them, leave them slightly moist. 2) add some cottage cheese to eggs before scrambling, this helps to keep them moist. I tried this, didn't care for it much, but I know others who love it. 3) have some veggies in with the eggs. I often make a mushroom, spinach & bacon bits scramble. The combination of texture works for me. 4) don't have the eggs for Breakfast. Maybe it's a morning thing that you're too tight. They might work better at lunch or supper. Or at least have a cup or two of something warm (coffee, tea, Water?) then after you've been awake 30 minutes or more, try the eggs. I haven't had issues with eggs yet at 22 months out, but I've always liked moist eggs. Anything DRY gives me fits. Good luck.

There's also Freecycle. It's hit or miss, but since it's free.. ::shrug::: www.freecycle.org

Thanks Dave. Looking at your ticker, we started near the same weight. If you keep on with what you're doing now, you'll be very successful. I'm fighting a mental battle with the slow down in weight loss now.. I keep remembering when I could lose 3 or 4lbs a week and compared to the rate I lose at now (.5 to 1lb a week), it's rather hard to stay encouraged. I'm grabbing every trick in the book (not weighing daily, taking measurements monthly, drinking lots & lots of water) to keep myself encouraged. Posts like yours help. Thank you. I don't mind at all you copying the guidelines. And that's what they are.. guides. If you find a particular one doesn't work for you.. ditch it and try something different. As my mentor Jessie says, lot's of ways will work, you have to find the one that works for you. I'm off to go find my Water bottle... getting a tad hungry and it's not feeding time yet.. so water here we come.

Oh no problem. I grew up with 3 sisters.. Momma would say "SueGloriaMelissaJane" Get out of my kitchen. LOL!! You kinda get over things like that. BTW.. I should give credit where credit's due. Those aren't my guidelines, I got them from Jessie Ahroni. Jessie is a band educator, banded 12 years herself and is a frequent contributor to the SmartBandsters list on yahoo groups. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters. She's also written a book on Adjustable Gastric Banding. I love Jessie.. she's been major support for me.

Hi Jen, Congratulations to you for making the effort to climb back on the wagon! That's a significant first step.. to want to do it. I'd suggest not kicking yourself..that won't help and may even hinder you if you keep feeling bad about yourself. Just say "oh well, the past is past and now it's time to move on". Here are the band guidelines that I try to follow MOST of the time: Guidelines: * No liquid calories [except 2 servings of non fat milk (2 x 8 oz = 16 oz/day)] (16 grams of protein) * No soft foods * Two 3-4 ounce servings of protein/day (2 X 21-28 = 42-56 grams of protein) * Always eat the Protein first, then the vegetables * Avoid bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes and other starchy foods * 20-25 grams of Fiber a day (Examples: bran Cereal, fruits, vegetables, beans) * Eat only three small meals a day with maybe one small planned snack * Eat slowly and chew thoroughly * Stop eating as soon as you feel full * Do not drink while you are eating * Do not eat between meals except for a planned snack * Eat only good quality foods * Avoid tough stringy foods * Drink plenty of liquids during the day (48-64 ounces) between meals * Drink only low calorie liquids * Avoid carbonated beverages * Exercise at least 30 minutes per day And I'd also suggest going back to your surgeon to evaluate where your band is.. you may need more or less fill. Try not to be embarrassed to go back because of the regain. It happens to a lot of people. Again, congrats at wanting to make a change.

I'd still call my doctor, even if it's just "coughing up", it's too soon after surgery for this to be going on. They have someone on call (or should have) for such issues. Very likely they can give you advice over the phone. Take very good care of yourself post-op, don't try to macho it out. A little TLC now will pay off big in the long run.

Hi Vanessa and welcome to the start of your new life!! I don't know about Dallas bandsters on this site, I pretty much stay on the post-op section, but there's a yahoo group called DFWBandsters at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DFWBandsters I'm a member there even though I'm not technically IN Dallas.. I'm 2 hours (or more, depending on traffic..hehe) east. There's also a Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery conference coming up soon in Dallas..my doc and a lot of his staff are going and are encouraging patients to attend. I've registered, but still haven't 100% decided to go. http://www.txtabs.org/index.html (scroll down for the links about the conference). Again, welcome to bandlandia.

I think I lucked out. I got to my bariatric surgeon from the recommend of an Ob/gyn who had been banded by him. I had been toying with the idea of banding for a few years but some other health problems kicked me into finally taking the final steps. Meeting someone in real life who was banded helped alot. I guess because when I went to the informational seminar what the doc said and the post op information (posted on his website) sounded so reasonable, I didn't research any further. My doc too is 3oz Protein, 1/2 cup veggies 3x day, 64oz of Water, exercise 30 min/day, healthy Snacks if needed. I had no pre-op diet (but I hear he's doing that now for a week for banding) and was back on normal food by two weeks. There are things that he doesn't do that I sometimes wish he would.. like check blood work or do an UGI at yearly intervals, but I can handle getting that done myself. I also wish the support group was run by a different person, but there's lots of ways of getting support. I agree that having reasonable expectations/goals for the band makes the process a whole lot easier and a whole lot more likely to succeed.

online only. www.unjury.com if you're cleared for Protein drinks, check out the Syntrax nectars too. www.si03.com (they used to have sample kits at about 1.00/packet.. but u have to write them and inquire) I rarely used protein drinks during my post-op period. Did just fine without them. In fact, I just gave away a canister of powder that I had cause I wasn't using it.

Possibly what has happened is that the 25lbs you lost wasn't all on the outside, some of it was fat lost around your stomach too. Your stomach gets smaller, your band gets looser, you loose some of the appetite dimming. It's possible they could do an xray, but that depends on whether your doctor thinks you need one. My doctor doesn't use fluoroscopy, he'd have to send me over to the hospital to get it done. If it was needed, ok, but I don't want to have the extra radiation. Hope they can give you some answers on Monday.

It took me a good two weeks to feel half-way decent. I blame the NP for only giving me a script for Darvocet. Never again will I let someone cut into my abdomen (even laprascopically) without better pain meds. By 3 weeks out I was ok. Hope you feel better soon. Call your surgeon if you don't feel like you're recovering as well as you should.

I dunno about butt-kicking either, but I can offer some suggestions: 1) Quit putting the words exercise and hate in the same sentence. Semantics yes, but words have great power. You can say I really dislike exercise or exercise is not my favorite activity, but quit telling yourself you hate it. 2) Find something that moves your body that you enjoy. Bike riding (with your kids?), Walking, Swimming (Denton is sure to have some indoor pools). Have you explored Zumba? The motto for Zumba is "Ditch the workout, join the party". I really enjoy Body Pump at my gym (it's for shaping and toning, not body building). I also do RPM (aka Spin aka Stationary Bike classes) which I don't really like, but I do it for the cardio and it's not too stressful on the joints. 3) not into group classes? Look at Leslie Sansone's "Walk away the pounds" DVD's. They're awesome. She's got a freebie session starting through ivillage.com soon. There are plenty of other DVD's of this type. Or if you have a Wii, try Wii Fit or I hear that Dance Dance Revolution is fun. 4) Look into behavior modification. I like Judith Beck's "Beck Diet Solution". It's not a diet per se, it's a book teaching how to get rid of negative thinking. While she focuses on food issues, there's no reason it couldn't be translated to exercise. Proud of you that you see the need to change and that you're taking steps in that direction. You go girl!!