Phranp

OMG! I am soooo sorry you are going through this! I was going to suggest this when I read your last line: "My husband is going with me this time so hopefully that will deter some of the negative behavior." I am willing to bet he will not behave in the same way with your husband sitting next to you in the exam room. AND BE SURE TO TAKE HIM IN WITH YOU! Your doctor's behavior borders on criminal. Please let us know how it went with your husband at your side. BTW, you are doing GREAT! Hang in there!

When I started thinking about the surgery I began seeing a therapist (obesity specialist). I wanted to be sure that I was ready to take this step -- and that I was doing this for the right reason. This was eight months before I had my surgery so, when my insurance company asked for a supervised diet I had a food diary that I had been doing for my therapist. My therapy appts were paid for by my insurance with a small $20 co-pay so it all worked out well. If you have insurance, there is a way that your costs should be minimal. All the best to you on your journey.

... was anyone banded by Dr. Morad Tourah? He has an office in Beverly Hills but works out of a surgery center for the most part. He did my band. Just wondering what experience others have had with him. BTW, I have no complaints. thanks. Fran

ok, this is kind of scary ... am I really the ONLY person that Morad Tourah MD has banded???? Wow! Oddly, I am not completely surprised.

Hannah, please keep reading this forum, it has a wealth of information. To begin with, once the swelling from surgery goes down it is as if you have never been banded. You have NO restriction, and restriction is key with the band. It is a good practice to eat "as if" you have restriction (i.e., 1/2 - 1 cup of food per meal), but not everyone can manage this. You will lose faster if you change your eating habits sooner. I will not claim to be one of those that was able to eat like I had restriction before I hit my sweet spot. I tried, but didn't quite make the mark. What I did do is accept and realize that the band is a "tool" for helping me lose weight and that there is quite a bit of work left for me to do in order to succeed. You are in control of how much you lose and how fast because, as always, it is about what we put in our mouths and what we are willing to do (i.e., exercise) to be healthy. The band is a wonderful tool if we are honest with ourselves about the fact that it is just that, a tool, not a miracle. Take good care of yourself, don't beat yourself up when you don't do things perfectly, don't compare yourself to anyone else and give yourself credit for your willingness to make a change in your life that can give you a better quality of life. This is a journey and it will be what you make it out to be. I am so happy for you! All the best to you on your journey!

4them, this is NOT your fault for having the surgery! Please wipe that thought from your mind. Try not to become frustrated and just take really good care of your open wound. I had one, but it was an intentional gaping hole left by my doc after I had surgery my breast a few years back. I had to pack mine a few times daily too. Please be careful not to become infected. I did, and was back in surgery within a week. Just keep your wound clean and packed and consider this a little bump in the road to the new, improved YOU! If you can heal from this without incident you have one heck of a future ahead of you! Stay positive. All the best to you on your journey.

Yep, if I were you I would probably change practices. But, I do have this to say about you trying to follow this docs orders not to snack: ARE YOU CRAZY????!!! You are a diabetic, low blood sugar is as bad as high blood sugar. Don't listen to crazy people (your doc office) telling you to do things that will harm you (don't snack -- even if you are crashing from low blood sugar!). I'm sorry, but that is insane! Also, have you considered that when you eat too few calories your body goes into starvation mode? C'mon, give yourself credit, you know your body better than anyone else and particularly better than a doc office that can't tell you from 50 other patients. I am a diabetic too ... but I haven't been on medication for almost a year now. Had my surgery, lost some weight (my ticker is not accurate, I no longer have a scale -- for months now) and poof! no more diabeties! I still check my blood sugar and the numbers are always good. About six months ago I wasn't getting enough calories and I was crashing a little but that was simple enough to fix. Take care of yourself -- you are the ONLY one that will, believe me. Your doc is obviously in this for the money only. Do all the reading you need to do and then make your move. Also, there have been posts here about people having difficulty changing practices so you should check it out here first. There's a lot of help here - read, read, read and ... ask if other posters have used your practice, they may be able to tell you something about changing or not changing. Use this resource, it's great. Take care of yourself! Eat good healthy Snacks to keep your blood sugar up. All the best to you on your journey. Fran

When looking for a surgeon I visited a few great office with compassionate surgeons and staff. Unfortunately, they were not on my insurance, ugh! So, I ended up with a likeable surgeon, but not much aftercare. My surgeon sometimes doesn't even remember he had an appointment with me. I know that's not a good thing, but for me it's not the end of the world. He's only done that once, although I have had to wait for him for hours because he was in surgery. I prepare for this ahead of time by calling the office on the day of my appointment to make sure he knows I am coming. I also either text him or email him to remind him. (his office calls him also). I haven't had any complications and, while it would be nice to have a surgeon that was more involved ... it is what it is. My doc is a Beverly Hills surgeon and they are all about the money -- for the most part. My doc does have his good points: he never gives me a problem if I ask for a fill, doesn't give me grief because my weight loss is slow (just says that as long as I'm losing, it's good). Part of the reason that waiting for my surgeon to get there is not so bad is because he is in the office with a cosmetic surgeon who has given me free evaluations on what, how and how much he would charge to "fix me up" once I reach goal weight. Everyone in the office is great, but they work for the cosmetic surgeon mostly. They are not familiar with the lapband yet. I relish my time away from my busy desk and I have enough vaca/sick time not to have to worry. So, sometimes I take off the whole day for my fill. I do understand that everyone does not have that option. But I will say this, lapbandtalk.com is a terrific resource for information and the people here are truly great and very generous about sharing their experiences and advice. All the best to you on your journey.

There is a good chance that your illnesses caused you to become dehydrated. Whenever I am dehydrated for whatever reason, I am tighter. When I am 100% myself again, things get back to normal. Just a thought.

I truly understand how you feel. I started therapy 8 months BEFORE I had my surgery so that I could deal with my "binging issues". It helped, but, now that I am at my "sweet spot" and under a great deal of stress (work, home, family), I find myself binging at night which, BTW, doesn't work with the band!! Last night was the first night in a week that I did not throw up before bed. I was NEVER one to throw up, NEVER... hated it ... absolutely hated it! I even went to an OA meeting last week because I am seeing signs of bulimia in myself. I know I should stop eating, I am as full as a tick, but I don't stop and THAT'S THE PROBLEM! So, I saw my therapist on Saturday and did much better on Sunday. I am working this one day at a time. Try not to get too worried about this in the beginning because you won't have restriction for a while and for several weeks you will need to heal. Just use every tool available to you to stay on track with your eating (journaling, therapy, lapbandtalk, etc.). I feel good about getting past this little episode I am going through. I believe you will too with the band as a tool to help you through it. All the best to you.

I had a "duhhhh" moment today. I have been struggling with eating three or four bites and feeling full. To some that might not sound like a problem, but for me .... The first problem is that I know that I am not getting enough nourishment in those few bites so I finish my meal -- my meal is generally between 250-325 calories. The second problem is that because I feel soooo full and awful, I don't want to eat the right foods (would rather eat sliders - but I don't want the repercussions of eating sliders). I have also been having problems keeping the food down. It wasn't until today driving home from work that I realized that there are numerous people on Lapbandtalk that can help me figure this out. So, please tell me, how do you eat very little and still have enough energy/nourishment to get through the work day? I am so exhausted when I get home I fall asleep, but wake up a few hours later and ... you guessed it ... I can't get back to sleep! What to do, what to do?? All responses are appreciated. Fran

Thanks to all for your replies. It's true, I possibly need a small unfill. You know what's holding me back ... that the doc will take out too much and I will be able to eat too much. But I have been thinking about a small unfill for a while, trying to figure out if I am too tight. Also, I do wait until I am too hungry and, as a result, I eat too fast. So, first I will try not letting myself get too hungry, eating slower and chewing better. If that doesn't work ... it's off to the doc for an unfill. I appreciate your help.

Loserheather, Don't give up, don't give in! Right now it may be tough, but it will get better, I promise. I have been banded a little over a year and have had my share of struggles. It is harder for some of us BEFORE we get to our "sweet spot." It took about 9 months before I got there. I stopped weighing -- because I was obsessing over it -- months ago, so I don't actually know how much I weigh now ... I just know that I buy my clothes smaller and smaller. If you fall off the wagon, get back on. Don't beat yourself up, don't compare yourself to others, just keep getting up and getting on with your "new" life. Went to the funeral of a longtime friend on June 26th (wanted to eat something comforting when I found out), then found out yesterday that one of the ladies that spoke at her funeral (that I also went to high school with) died sitting in a chair watching TV this weekend. We are all around the same age (54) and it is freaking me out that my comtemporaries are dying. But, thanks to being at my "sweet spot" I can't overeat -- my band says "NO", and I stop. So, hold on ... everything is going to be all right! All the best to you. Fran

... and the lead and arsenic found in them? A friend shared with me information she received from her nutrition class about Protein drinks/powders, so I looked it up online (see link below). I am unable to eat solid food for Breakfast so I have Muscle Milk for breakfast made with soy milk. It seems from the article that the problem stems from drinking protein 3 times a day. Is anyone aware of this problem with Protein drinks? What are your thoughts? Protein Drinks: What our tests found, Consumer Reports

Jacqui, you're right moderation is key. Froggy, you are also right -- we can't get away from anything in the world today ... plenty of poisons in our foods ... I guess our bodies will adjust ... as it has before. Elfie, no one posting said anything about being "scared". But knowledge is good so that we know what we are dealing with and can act accordingly. We're not scared Thanks to all for your thoughts and opinions. I was just wondering if anyone had heard about this and if they had additional information. I, for one, will continue to have a Protein drink for breakfast -- moderation in all things is key.

I concur with the previous posters. But I have a question for you: You say you love the food more than you love yourself, but will you love gaining another 20, 30, 40 or 50 lbs? Is it worth it to you? I soooo understand your love affair with food, many of us on this forum do. But I think that with the band we have found ways to cope with life differently. You will too -- should you decide that the band is for you. There's a lot of support on this forum ... keep reading. All the best to you.

Seems I am able to get salad down much easier than other solid foods. I frequently have a small salad for dinner. My salads usually included: lettuce tomatoe carrots (shredded) avocado red cabbage beets boiled egg scallions boneless, skinless chicken low calorie salad dressing I rarely have a problem eating a salad. So, I was wondering if others feel that salad is a "slider" food. Thanks. ~F

I have spinal stenosis and sometimes it gets pretty bad. When it's not bothering me I walk. Lately, I've been able to walk every morning. I think it's the warmer weather. That said, please share the website or book or wherever I can information on exercises that I can do sitting down that will increase my heart rate, please. I could really use them when my back won't allow me to walk. Thanks. ~F

Yes, I still crave cake ... but I "usually" don't answer the call. I positively NEVER buy/bake and entire cake. If I can't get the craving to subside, I buy a slice of cake and let that suffice. It happens maybe once every two months. Now the one thing I thought I could not live without is cheese. I loved cheese sooooo much! And while cheese is a Protein, it is virtually all fat. Well, a funny thing happened on my way to getting healthy ... I don't much like cheese anymore. Strangest thing in the world ... I don't really like cheese anymore. I can't tell you how much I loved it before being banded. So, I guess my answer is yes and no. Because I still love cake, but I can hardly stomach cheese. Who knew? Good luck on your journey.

Thanks for the info about the carrots! I didn't know they could cause blockage. I don't eat a lot of it in my salad, but it's good information to have.

I agree with the poster that asked about lactose intolerance. I am lactose intolerant (especially milk) so I use soy milk. I am unable to eat food in the morning so I use half soy milk, half Water with my scoop of chocolate Muscle Milk. I love it! And I use the lactose free Protein powder so-- no lactose problems. My doctor wants me to eat solid foods for the most part, but doesn't give me grief about having a Protein Drink for Breakfast. All the best to you on your journey. ~F

Thin Ali, you are NOT alone! That night eating thing is truly my nemesis! A lot of the time for those of us carrying extra pounds it is about emotions. I know this is certainly true in my case. Eight months before I had my surgery I started seeing an therapist - an obesity specialist - and I continue to see her to this day (although not as frequently as before). She has been invaluable in giving me tools to cope with eating compulsively (i.e., over a feeling, emotion). Now I "think" before I eat something that is not conducive to aiding in my weight loss. Am I always able to stop myself from eating the wrong thing? NO. But, I no longer beat myself up or get depressed over what I've done (and find myself in a cycle of eating more because I am sad/depressed/angry). For a while I did, and my therapist told me to write about it. So, I did. It helped. In essence, I recommend that you see a therapist for a short while. I know that some people don't believe in therapy, but for me it's about getting tools for living my life in a different way. It's about learning how to use tools that I never would have thought of on my own. In the beginning it was even about learning how to "pick up" the tools that I needed to change my life. Think about it, maybe it could help you get on track and stay there. All the best to you! ~F

Well, I'm a year into the band life and I've never had a problem with salad. I didn't eat salads for maybe the first 2 months but after that I had no problem. I get my Protein from the chicken and egg in my salad. I was told to push protein AND veggies, and salad is my fav form of veggie. I TRULY love my carbs but regret the effects of breads and pastas every time I eat them. So I "try" to avoid them (along with sweets -- really, really hard to do :Dancing_biggrin:). Thanks for your input. ~F

I will be banded a year on June 15th. I have good restriction and have not had a fill since March. Lately, I have noticed that I can eat more. I am pretty good with Breakfast and lunch but mostly have problems eating too much at dinner or snacking at night. BUT yesterday I forgot to bring my lunch (and I was starving) so I bought tacos from Cilantro Restaurant downstairs from my job. It comes with 3 tacos, I chose the crispy kind. I didn't think I could but I ATE ALL THREE!! And I wasn't stuffed like I usually am when I over eat. I have noticed lately that I am getting hungry in shorter intervals. I immediately called my doc and made an appointment. Yes, I have increased my exercise regime -- not sure if that matters. Anyway, today I brought a Lean Cuisine for lunch - noodles, shrimp, and veggies. I COULD NOT GET IT DOWN!! 2 bites and I felt like my throat had closed up! It hadn't of course, but I just couldn't take another bite. What is THAT about. Admittedly, I am very stressed and anxious today -- I have a lot going on at work and at home. Maybe that's why, maybe not. Please, please add your 2 cent or 10 -- I just don't understand what is going on. I feel like an idiot because I have been "with band" for almost a year and still I don't "get it". Helppppp, plzzz! Oh, the battery on my scale died a couple of months ago so I have no idea what I actually weigh, but by clothes feel little more roomy. ~F

Thanks everyone! I have an appointment to see my doc on Wednesday morning. I'll tell him what's going on with me and see if a fill is in my future. Fickle, fickle band. I do think that the losing fat around the band idea is quite plausible. We shall see. Thanks again to all! ~F