Melissannde

If you want to talk to some long term vets.. try joining http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters Jessie Ahroni who is one of the moderators of that group has had her band way more than 6 years. Also Cynthia on the DFWBandsters list : http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DFWBandsters is a long term bandster. Bette B. who posts some on ObesityHelp.com has had hers 5 or 6 years. But be careful with OH, there's lots of negativity going on there recently. All 3 that I mentioned are doing well with their bands and are successful. Like previously mentioned, most of those who've been banded a long time and are doing well are out living healthy, happy lives and rarely come to the forums any longer.

My nutritionist doesn't want us to eat much corn at all.. as it is fairly high in sugar. And besides, almost all corn in the US is GM (genetically modified).

Lap-band is not about restriction: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

You may want to seriously consider cutting out the white carbs completely.. or at least cutting them way back. White carbs (white bread, white potatoes, rice, pasta) are high glycemic foods. They tend to spike our blood sugar, and make us feel really good while the sugar is high, then when it craters, we're hungry again. And possibly hungrier than we were before eating. If you must have bread, use real whole wheat (read the labels) or Ezekiel type breads. Sweet potatoes are better for us than white potatoes.. or if you must have the "irish" potato type.. use red or purple potatoes. While still not a great choice, they're lower on the glycemic index than white 'taters. I don't eat rice hardly at all any more, but if I do, it's wild rice or brown rice. Quinoa (Keen-wah) is a south american grain that is full of Protein and can be used like rice in many recipes. Use spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti noodles. Or look into the Dreamfields Pasta brand. I grate Zucchini and put meat sauce over it. Or slice it long ways to use like lasagna noodles. If you MUST have regular pasta, try cooking it al dente. The more you cook pasta, the higher the glycemic index. Learn more here: http://www.glycemicindex.com

coffee is not dehydrating nor is a diuretic when consumed in normal amounts.. 2 or 3 cups a day. These are myths that are taking a long time to die. It might be an appetite stimulant for some, but for me, I find it to be the opposite, it helps relieve my late afternoon desire to eat and helps me wait till suppertime.

I think it depends on the density of the food you are consuming at bedtime, plus the amount. If I'm careful and keep the bedtime eating light, I'm ok. In the past, when I tried to eat something like meatloaf right b4 bed, I had reflux at night.. Recently I've been cutting the snack size supreme Protein bars in half and having half of one right b4 bed and it satisfies my sweet tooth, and has just enough protein to keep me sated all night. If you're having lots of trouble, I'd cut back completely on bedtime eating.. and maybe drink a cup of hot tea an hour before retiring.. to sorta "wash out" the upper stomach. Good luck to you.

My doc has the same re-feeding policy for UNFILLS (which is what the OP is going for.. not a fill) as for fills. Liquids that day, mushies that evening, back to solids the next day. He wants us back on real food as soon as we can tolerate it because that's how the band works best. A boiled egg probably wouldn't be the best idea, but I like the suggestion to call the doc's office and talk to one of the staff and see what they think. Their approach might be totally different than others. I have taken a carton of chocolate milk (low-fat) with me to a fill appt. Mainly because they ask us not to eat for 4 hours before a fill, and I knew I was going to be hungry. And I was and the choc. milk worked (yes, there might've been better choices, but I had to work with what I could find .. as my doc is an hour drive from my home).

Are you lactose intolerant? If you can reach your doctor, ask them what to do. If they can't be reached until Monday, I'd try switching myself over to soy and see if I tolerated that any better. Read the labels and try to get something that is as close to what was recommended by the Nutritionist. And still try to contact the Doctor's office Monday and see what they say. If you can take benadryl (diphenhydramine), you could take one or two for the hives. Hope you feel better soon.

All adults and particularly WLS patients should be on daily multi-Vitamins. Bandsters can choose to use bariatric multi's or adult regular vitamins, but children's vits.. even if you're taking multiple tablets are not sufficient. I know others are going to disagree with me on this, but my doctor said he used to tell his patients 2 flintstones daily, but as doctors have learned more about the needs of bariatric patients, he has changed and recommends bariatric vitamins for his malabsorptive patients (RNY) and would really prefer his sleeve & band patients to also be on bariatric vitamins..but is OK with his bandsters using a good adult multi. As to being mal-nourished, either your surgeon or your PCP should be doing yearly lab work to make sure you are not deficient in key areas. For more Vitamin information check out http://wlsvitagarten.com/ As to calorie intake, well, everyone has to make their own choices on that.. but I personally don't agree with VLC (very low calorie) plans. For most women, we really shouldn't go below 1000 to 1200 a day (unless much shorter than average). I'd really want a nutritionist supervising someone on a VLC diet. I'm sorry, I'm not up on what the minimum calorie allotment should be for men.

no, the ability to take 4 small tic-tac size pills all at once has little to do with appetite suppression .. which is what you should be aiming for.. not restriction. You may want to start getting the habit of taking them one at a time though, because eventually taking all 4 together may be difficult. I take several normal to largish sized capsules and tablets a day and have no issues.. and I have very good appetite control. Had Breakfast @ 7am, post-workout snack @ 11am, lunch @ 2pm.. and not severely hungry between meals.. just natural, normal hunger. I'll have another high Protein snack around 5pm as I'm going to a Yoga class at 6..and I believe in fueling my workouts... otherwise I probably wouldn't be hungry again until 7 or 8pm. I do take said capsules/pills one at a time.. and with plenty of Water or coffee (am doses).

Very few regular sodas are made with "real sugar" any longer. They contain HFCS ~ high fructose corn syrup~ which is metabolized by the body in a very different fashion than sugar.. and not in a healthy way at all. And yes, I know that the big companies says that HFCS isn't any different than sugar.. that's BS. They have a vested interest in using HFCS because it's so much cheaper for them. My doctor says no carbonation, for a combo of reasons, minimizing the chances of expanding the upper stomach, thereby minimizing the chances of band slip; avoiding liquid calories (in the case of non-diet); and avoiding artificial sweetners (diet drinks). He recommends Water over crystal lite and it's ilk, but is compassionate enough to know that changing our diets and lives is a difficult thing and sometimes we need a little help along the way. I mainly drink water now, but using crystal lite when tired of water helped me get to that point. And along with all the other detrimental effects of Cokes, sodas, pop.. whatever you call them in your neck of the woods.. be aware that they also leach Calcium from our bones. Now, one soda every great now and then probably isn't going to cause a hip fx.. but when you consider that weight loss can ALSO cause lessening of bone density (it has happened to me.. even with lifting weights regularly) ..... why would one want to increase their chances of osteoporosis or osteopenia by drinking them daily? I'm not a perfect rule follower.. I've had a few sips of diet coke here and there in the 2 years I've been banded.. and sipped a Mimosa or two at special occasions. KEY WORD: SIPS. But I stayed away from carbonation for a long time after banding before I had my first sip. IMO it's not a good idea to partake while you're learning how to work with your band. I would really avoid them for at least the first year. However everyone is different and has a different journey and different goals.

Sorry to be so late in responding to this. IMO you did right to measure the chili in a measuring cup rather than weigh it. And you're right in the thought to weigh solid Proteins. And MOST of the time, I measure my veggies in a measuring cup (my doc says 1/2 cup lower carb veggies). I've started weighing them too, just out of curiosity, and different veggies weigh different amounts. I know some bariatric surgeons say it's really more important to go by volume than weight when managing food intake. Your doctor or nutritionist may have other ideas, but when it comes to weighing food, I don't worry if it's 2.7 or 3.2 oz.. as long as it's close to 3oz, that's fine. And if I've been working out extremely hard or if the Protein is a very low calorie one.. like fish, I will sometimes have 4oz. I try not to increase my protein very often though as it could be a slippery slope back to weight gain. It can be a very confusing thing to try to decide how to measure your food, but you, your doc and your nut or dietician should be able to come up with a method that works for you, the individual. Remember the band "rules" aren't really all that rigid.. they can be modified to work with the individual. That's why I much prefer to call them guidelines. All this is based on my experience.. others might have differing views and that's ok too.

I could've very easily been one of the misinformed and "why isn't this working for me" patients. My insurance approved me so fast that I didn't get much if any pre-op teaching and no one in the doctor's office caught that fact and I wasn't aware that certain classes were being skipped over either. I'm lucky that I love the internet and love researching and learning. That's what "saved my bacon" so to speak. Not everyone has the time, the inclination nor the intellect to do the research I did, pre or post op. It's ok to rant a little about people not understanding what's required.. just be careful that you don't say so much that you end up with foot in mouth disease. BTDT too many times myself. ::grin::

That episode pissed me off too. There were so many potential WLS people who were NOT served well by the portrayal on Dr. Oz. The thing that bugged me the most was when he tossed an apple to the lady who was pre-op and told her to enjoy her last apple. PURE SHOCK VALUE. Remember, it's TV & Entertainment.. not the real world.

Makes me wonder if the guy who made the inappropriate remarks has Aspergers.. If I understand the syndrom right.. It's a problem on the continuum with Austism, but they are highly, highly functional, but don't "get" the social interaction thing. If you think about it that way, it may make his behavior easier to understand.

My doctor's office is about "real food" too, but if we're too tight to eat in the mornings or too busy, they're ok with a Protein drink. Perhaps the NP thought what you are choosing to drink is too high in calories or carbs or has too much sugar? Or even too much protein (we were told at support group this past Monday that our bodies can only handle 20 to 25 grams of protein at one time.. more is just stress on our kidneys)? I rarely do drinks for Breakfast.. I do steelcut oatmeal (btw.. mcD's has oatmeal now.. get it w/o the brown sugar and it's not a bad choice) or eggs scrambled with lots of veggies in them. The veggies seem to help the eggs go down, the mixture of textures helps. I mention that because I know lots of bandsters have issues with eggs. another easy breakfast is a Dr. Kracker large cracker ( I love the Organic pumpkin Seed /Cheddar) which are whole grain, rather thick and have 5grams of protein.. and then put laughing cow on it. This morning I think I'm going to have 0% fage greek yogurt and strawberries. With 2T of Kashi-go-Lean Cereal for crunchiness.

I take Vitamins & supplements every day and don't have a problem. I do take the morning doses with a cup of coffee, the warm drink loosens the band just enough that they don't give me problems. Afternoon and evening doses I usually take with Water, but if I'm feeling tight.. I take them with hot tea or hot water & lemon. Some people do have issues and there are chewable or liquid versions of most things. At the beginning, I had trouble getting Calcium tablets down, I tried cutting them and putting in a spoonful of applesauce or yogurt.. even doing that they still hurt going down. I switched to chewables and no more pain. I'm back to whole tablets now, the Citracal Petites and it's clones work ok. You'll have to talk this over with your surgeon and see what they suggest.

Temporarily stretching is just what the Water is supposed to do. That stimulates the vagus nerve and makes the brain think that we've eaten and dims the appetite. As I posted before, food doesn't stay in the smaller upper stomach (or pouch as some call it.. ) all that long. That's what they used to think, but research has proven otherwise.

If you can't eat dense meat, are having heartburn and weight loss has stopped, you might be too tight and need a tiny unfill. I know it sounds odd, but when we're too tight we tend to eat softer, higher calorie foods. Journal everything that goes in your mouth for a week and go in and talk to your nurses or dietician and see if they can help you. Another thing that might be happening is that you are reshaping. Take your measurements today and again in a month, wearing the same clothing.. and see if the numbers aren't different. When my weight loss slows, I have to add extra exercise if I want to see it move faster. I'm already at about 1100 to 1200 calories a day and don't want to drop it lower (don't think it's healthy for ME) so I have to add more cardio. Kinda sucks, but it is what it is. Hang in there. I'd seriously think about a tiny unfill.. heartburn is nothing to mess around with long term. 2/10ths of a cc can make a world of difference.

Try Target's C9 line made by champion. Some of it is supportive like UA and it comes in sizes up to XXL.

200 lbs gone in 2 years. No, the band doesn't work. I work the band.

I think it's a good idea to have a little something to keep your blood sugar level and to prevent eating too fast when you do eat. You've only been banded 9 days, your appetite may or may not come back. Most people do get theirs back, but a few lucky ones don't. Talk to the nutritionist or dietician that works with your surgeon and see what they suggest. Personally, I'd eat something, maybe not a whole meal, but something like yogurt or cottage cheese, where ever you are on your re-feeding plan. Sounds like you're off to a great start!

Just take it slow and don't do any extreme moves. Discomfort is ok, sharp pain is not. My doctor has a rule, "if it hurts, don't do it". I'll work through discomfort, pain, I stop. As time goes on, you'll get more comfortable with what you're able to do.

Not too bad of a post, but I have to disagree with part of #8. Actually food doesn't stay in the smaller upper stomach as long as previously thought. The mechanism that is working is that stretching of that area when we eat stimulates the Vagus nerve and makes our brain think we're full and then the appetite gets cut off. For a MUCH better explanation, see Dr. Simpson's Article: It's not about Restriction. I do agree with Water loading before eating, but I don't do it an hour before.. I drink right up until the first bite goes in my mouth and then I try to wait an hour after I finish to start drinking large amounts again. There are many paths to success. Congrats on doing so well.

Good for your doctor on doing the slow fills. I know it's frustrating, but when you are a year or two out, you will realize how easy you had it adjusting to new eating habits and not having lots of stuck episodes. My doctor has taken me up slowly too and I've had an easy time adjusting. There's no real secret to success.. what I did was to weigh & measure my food, try to eat lean & green (wasn't perfect, but did it MOST of the time), keep a food journal, and move my body more than I did before surgery, and keep going back to my doctor for check ups even if I didn't need a fill. I found that I'd need a little nudge in fill (.2cc or .5cc.. that's 2/10ths or 1/2 of a cc) every 20 to 25lbs of loss, or a clothing size. You want enough fill that your appetite is suppressed, but not so much that you can't eat a wide variety of foods. And as I got smaller and better at exercise, I found more and other ways to move my body. For me, I can't keep doing the same things and expect results.. I have to change it up. One last thing, I don't know how much you have to lose, but remember that those who are larger tend to lose faster. So, try not to compare your rate to others.