mscassie674

Hi, Well each physician is different. I had a Upper GI Seris, Chest xray, Ultrasound of GB and Pancreas. I also had a host of blood test, EKG, ABGs. I had a psych eval, nutritonal consult. I officially decised to have surgery in September 2009. My insurance requires 6 continous months of my PCP following me for weightloss and it must be documented. Because I had been following him every month I had 2-3 visits already under my belt. After all the test and etc. I was approved January 7, 2009 and I had surgery February 23, 2009. As far as support I did not tell many people I was having surgery, especially my family. This is a life threatening decision I had to make. It is so easy to say stop eating or walk it off especilly when they are not in your shoes. I think everyone believes that thi is a easy task but its not. We still hve to work hrd, eat right and exercise. Good luck on your journey to a new you.

Everything in moderation. I eat pizza once in awhile. Usually when I do eat it I eat the New York Style pizza ( I live in FL) with the extra thin crust. I eat very slow and chew very well. I have no issues in getting stuck. The main thing is that by me eating slow and chewing alot I am full faster and only need 1 slice.

I dont have any issues with bread. However, as stated before my dietian also stated that the issue with bread is that it swells once moist and as it goes through and sepending on the amount of bread you ingested and the size of your band it may get stuck. I believe that you can have those things but in moderation and let your band talk to you and let you know what you can tolerate. Although I can eat bread I may take a bit or two once in awhile. You have to remember that the band is a tool and depending on how you use it will determine the success of the body you are building.

My doctor discussed gum chewing and straws at our last support group last week. The reason he discourage gum chewing and straws is due to the added air that you intake during both activities. The additional air swallowed causes that awful belching and gas that most of us experience. I am a gum chewer and I love my gum and straws but I have noticed that when I dont chew gum or use the straw my belching is a lot less.:thumbdown: HTH.

Hi everyone, I was also banded on February 23, 2009. I am doing great. I had my first fill 4/27/09 I have 5cc in my 10cc band. I have lost 26 pounds. I can basically tolerate everything. But I know that can be both a plus and a minus. My biggest challenge is drinking enough fluids and constipation due to the high protein diet. I am maintaining my BP my BP meds have been on hold since 2/23/09. I do exercise 3-4x/week however the past 2 weeks have really been a challenge. I have had a hard time trying to find where Feb 2009 bandsters are posting. I have created a group link which might be more convenient for us. :thumbup:"Fantastic February 2009 Bandsters" Good Luck eveyone. We are doing great!!!

I got my first fill on Monday and I agree it was funny to see the needle stick out:tt2: until I had to drink and realize I was too tight:frown:. But my surgeon is excellent and took care it right away:thumbup:. I am on liquids though for a few days:cursing:. I also workout and like the way the weight is coming off:thumbs_up:. Congrats on your weight lost.:thumbup:

I have to look at exercising as not a task but an event that will help me get to my goal. I started out by walking outside then I began to go to the gym and do the treadmill. First I started reading while on the treadmill and the goal was to read a chapter and then increase my speed and I usually would get through 2 chapters. My PCP suggested I play basketball or tennis, etc. He stated that I would not even realize after a game that I have exercised for 45 min-1 hour. And I tried it and he was right I played basketball after running after the ball, guarding, dribbling, shooting I found out a couple of things. 1. I actually can run at 296 lbs., 2. I like playing basketball, 3. I can beat my daughter in basketball, and 4. I built up my energy and indurance level. I also walked outside and stopped and did some type of exercise along the trail. The treadmill now I do two things either talk on the phone, listen to books on my ipod, or watch tv. You have to make it interesting to you. I have a host of kids:party:(5,11,16,19). So I make it a challenge and bring all of them in my world to make it interesting. I play bball against my 19yr old (dtr). Dance against my 5 (son),11(dtr) yr olds). And have a challenge to beat my 16 son (a football player) in a 40 yrd race by fall. This is how I make exercising fun. Because like you it was not. Good Luck in finding your exercise sweet spot:thumbup:

First week: Full liquids (broth, cream soups, cream of wheat), protein shakes Second Week: Mushies/Soft foods, protein shakes Week three: Solids, protein shakes I moved a little quicker then most. But I also began exercising a lot earlier. So my metabolism was increasing and I became a lot hungrier a lot faster. But I stayed in constant contact with my dietitian and surgeon's office. My biggest challenge was drinking water and/or other fluids. You can dehydrate really easy.

My surgeon did require a pre-op diet. My instructions was the day before surgery eat a regular breakfast, then clear liquids until midnight and nothing by mouth after midnight. I dont know why some doctors require pre-op diets and others dont but my post-op weight loss has been great and no complications besides the belching. But it seems like most people have that issue. :laugh: So follow what your doctor says. He/She knows whats best for you. If you trust them with your life you should trust their judgement. Talk to your doctor they might allow some ease.

I was banded 2/23/09 and I love it. I am more disciplined because of the band. I knew this was my last resort. GB,GS, and all other permanent WLS are out of the question for me. This is because as a nurse I have seen the complications. I read a lot of post and as others said the problems with some bandsters are compliance. They don't understand that the band is just a tool. And like any other tool they are useless unless we use them properly. I also think it makes a difference in why you got the band in the first place. One of my doctors made a statement that stuck with me. He said that when he look at his patients that have did any type of WLS those who did it because of health reasons had a better outcome then those who did it for cosmetic reasons. He said because most of the people who do it for health reasons are more willing to make the sacrifices to make it work whereas the others usually get discouraged when they don't get the quick fix or response from others that they want and quit or self sabotage their efforts.

I agree with what everyone else is saying. I would like to add that if you are doing the same exercise routine then you need to change it up a bit. Our body will get use to the same routine so maybe you need to switch it up add something new and monitor what you are eating. We tend to have little food traps that may slow up our weight lost. You must remember that everyone is different and as long as you are losing you are still ahead of the game. Good Luck:)

I thought it was just me that was belching alot. I was banded 2/23/09 and I belch quite a bit. Can be embarrassing at times. The silva I dont have a problem with. Are you drinking enough water??

I had surgery 2/23/09 and I have had 2 f/u visits and my doctor on my last visit was suppose to fill me but since Im losing he is not filling me. I like the fact that if I am losing leave it alone. One I stop losing then I will worry about a fill. So hang in there. If you losing keep up with what you are doing.

CONGRATS!!! YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!

I have not had any problems with chicken from the very beginning. But the crockpot is probably your best bet. I love the crockpot because it keeps the moisture. Good Luck.

I watched Dr. Phil on Thursday or Friday last week ad=nd her spokesperson/lawyer or whoever he is finally stated that Medical was the payor source for nursing for these babies. I am a nurse and I know that they are fragile and need help. My problem with the whole situation is that she chose to have all of these kids for whatever reason, whether it was the obsession with Angeline Jolie or Mother Goose, it is not fair for us as taxpayers to be responsible to pay for her children for the rest of their lives. I feel sorry for these children because it is clearly that this woman is dealing with some real psych issues. I don't think that people in general understand the cost involved in raising children that are medical fragile. The fact that she stated that her babies are normal was an issue being that they were 9 weeks premature. The long term issues with premature infants varies. The cost of 24 hours of nursing (@medicaid rate in FL) is $21000 for an RN for 30 days for 1 baby. Just imagine how many nurses will be needed for 8 babies (even if 1 nurse was to watch 2-3 babies). Then we must include the medical equipment which may include apnea monitors, etc. because most premies require the items. I really dont think Nadya thought this out. Now about AIW I think its not what you do its how you do things. When you are dealing with a situation like this you really need to have strong nurses who are confindent enough to make the mom learn the care of these children. Also instead of observing and recording and reporting they should have been observing recording and teaching. The breakdown was in the communication. I really feel for these children and this mom. She really need help and its deeper than a pediatric nurse.

Hi Tubcat, Congrats on your weight lost. I also had surgery in Feb (2/23/09). I didn't do any pre-op diet. My surgeon didn't require/recommend me to do one so I didn't lose any weight pre-op. However, I did lose a total of 20lbs since surgery and has went down about 1.5-2 sizes. I actually can fit into a 20!!. I am glad I did the surgery. Looking forward to the new me. Good Luck!! Cassie

Well I use to crave chocolate and ice cream. Well since Ive been banded I have not craved chocolate and when I do crave Ice Cream I just have some Blue Bell No sugar added ice cream about 2 tablespoons solves the craving. I think that 55% of it is mental and the 45% of it is the band. Once I made up my mind to get banded I realized that If I go against the band then I might as well have it removed. I made the choice to be banded no one forced me. I chose to make a change in my life and change usually require sacrifice. So do I smell/see a McDonald's quarter pounder and which I could have it..yeah. But then I look in the mirror and say...Nah its not even worth it, I look to good to turn around now:)

Hi Pam, I was also banded in February. Congrats on your fill. I was schedule for my first fill on 3/30/09 but the Dr. didn't see the need for it for me at this time. I am losing I am down 18 lbs since surgery (14 from fat mass). I have not lost any muscle mass since the first week post op. I am exercising 3x/week. I am looking forward to seeing the new me. Glad for your to come aboard. Cassie

Congrats!!! You look good. Keep up the good work. Go Gators!!!

Congrats on your band. The pain your are feeling in your throat is probably from the ET (breathing tube) they inserted during surgery. Popsicles will sooth that and eventually you will forget your even had that discomfort. If it dont get any better within the next few days call your surgeon and inform him/her. Well the best way to get rid of the bloating unfortunately is to get moving. Try to take a few short walks and build your self up to doing things. Are you passing gas? How are your bowels. Bloating could be a sign that your digestive system is trying to return to normal after surgery.

Hi weighting to lose, I read your blog and I feel your frustration. Its very good that your husband is helping you through this journey..KUDOS to him. Are you exercising? What Ive learned is that dieting alone or the band alone is will not solve the problem. As we already know all of these things are just tools in our toolbox. So look at is as the diet is the nail, exercising is your hammer and I guess your band is the wood that keeps it all together :thumbup:. Keep trying stay focus and your will achieve your goal. Cassie

This is a quick recipe I did for my husband which turned out to be very good. Aunt Jemima complete pancake 3 tablespoons of Peanut Butter (creamy) Water Instructions: Follow directions on the box for pancake mix, add peanut butter and water. Add less water if you want the pancakes thick. Less water for thinner pancakes (This is what I do). Spray pan with Pam and pour pancakes to desired size. (Peanut Butter=Protein)

Hi everyone, I am post op as of 2/23 and I am on a full liquid diet. I was out today and became light headed this morning. I had not ate anything this morning except for a protein shake about 6 am. I took a piece of hard candy and chewed it up and swallowed it. Well I have been feeling a discomfort all day. I don't know if it is from the candy or the thought that I should not have had it. I have been very gaseous all day. I feel like I have something stuck in my chest. I am also feeling discomfort in my shoulder which I have not felt before as well as some abdominal tenderness. I have followed my surgeon's rules to the "T" until this. Has this happened to anyone else? I have an appt. on Monday. :cursing:

Hi everyone, I am post op as of 2/23 and I am on a full liquid diet. I was out today and became light headed this morning. I had not ate anything this morning except for a protein shake about 6 am. I took a piece of hard candy and chewed it up and swallowed it. Well I have been feeling a discomfort all day. I don't know if it is from the candy or the thought that I should not have had it. I have been very gaseous all day. I feel like I have something stuck in my chest. I am also feeling discomfort in my shoulder which I have not felt before as well as some abdominal tenderness. I have followed my surgeon's rules to the "T" until this. Has this happened to anyone else? I have an appt. on Monday. :smile: