poppet

Having just recently gone back on Wellbutrin, after taking a break from it for a while, I have found that it has helped moderately with my energy levels. I haven't been sleeved yet (in fact this is my first post) I'm not certain how it with work with my new stomach. My Psychiatrist is very well versed in psychopharmacology and how even a small dose of one thing used for something totally unrelated, can have an impact on how other medications interact. I'm not a professional or anything, but based upon what you've described, from my own experience, you may be having a bout of depression. Another area that you'll want to have checked are your B Vitamins, as well as Iron and D. I already have issues with these deficiencies and take prescription strength doses. If you're anemic in any or all, they can certainly effect your energy levels. I would mention it to your doctor and just have them run a panel before hitting the Vitamin Shop Good Luck.

Hi all- I too have been having all of the same issues that you report. I'm still taking a pain med once a day at night before bed. I also have to confess that I broke today. I had a yogurt. I feel bad about it, but also realize that it was a way better choice than some of the unhealthier alternatives I could have gone with. My surgeon doesn't even allow for cream of Soups, so it's been terrible having only Water, tea, broth and Protein shakes. Hopefully I didn't do any damage. I felt fine physically, but just once again feel like I've failed, even with my little helper. I'm still having trouble getting all of the protein down, in fact I'm certain that I'm not getting it all down. I'm finding this journey to be terribly lonely, other than all of the wonderful folks on here. I've only told 3 friends, no one at work, and my parents. My brothers don't even know. Which for me is ok. It's just hard because many of my other doctors where not even in support of this decision, and yet I went through with it. I just hope that I can be stronger tomorrow. I don't have my follow up until the 15th. So we'll see how it goes and hopefully I didn't hurt anything too much. One thing above the hunger that I'm struggling with is that I've noted how fatigued I am. I'll go and walk a while on the treadmill, or go to the market or even just take a shower, and I just feel weak and need a nap. I fell asleep on a conference call today (thankfully I was on mute and taking the call from home). Is anyone else having problems with fatigue? I mean I guess it kinda makes sense, food = Energy thus No Food = No Energy. How is everyone else doing on their Vitamin protocols? Sending blessings and prayers of support to all on this board. I'm so thankful that others know what is going on. Thank you all for being so candid, the stitches hurt everytime I laugh at your posts, but it's a good hurt. :biggrin: Cheers to all! Poppet

So to those out there who have gone through this, how did you establish your goals in terms of weight loss, and excercise. I just picked a random number of what I'd like to weigh based on a point in my life in which I was happy with my figure. I'm not certain that it's the best way to go about this, as I was actually really unhealthy at the time. Also, any advice on having a scale and how frequent you should weigh yourself? I find myself obsessing to see if I've lost weight, not celebrating that I've made an accomplishment, but rather not really trusting the scale that there is any way that I could have lost "x." I've had very little input from my doctor at this point. Also, what are realistic goals for excercise? I had mentioned to my family that I had joined a group activity with a goal of walking "x" miles by a certain day, and my dad commented on the fact that it was too low of a goal. What are realistic goals, or rather how do you go about setting them?

Hi there- I also was banded this week, Monday, and am having a lot of trouble with hunger, but my surgeon requires 2 more weeks of liquid only, and cream soups aren't a part of that. I don't fully understand why the protocols are so different. I'm having trouble even thinking about trying to get down any more Protein shakes, so right now I'm pretty much sustaining on ice-tea. It's great to see that everyone is doing so well, but I'm just wondering if I'll ever feel "normal" again. I think it will be great to only want a little bit, and that's what the band is supposed to help with, but I don't know if I can do another 14 days of only Protein Shakes. I know that a lot of other people have done the pure liquid for many weeks prior to their surgery, and I only had a couple of days, so I'm lucky I guess. I'm sorry to be so discouraging, I'm just wanting to not hurt, and and not be so uncomfortable all of the time. I had a meltdown yesterday when my mom made me a shake (I know she was just trying to help) and I just burst into tears because I just don't feel like "eating" anything because I'm so uncomfortable. Good luck to you all. I wish you the best. Poppet:frown:

Wow! I'm amazed at how many people on here are able to move to pureed food so quickly! I'm a little jealous, as I was banded on 6/29 as well, and have been told I can start the next stage off of just liquid on 7/20. One resource that I found that I bought for the next stage is a book called Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery, by Patt Levine & Michele Bontempo-Saray. One of the author's was an occasional editor at Gourmet magazine. I found it on Amazon, and the recipes look really good, and she advises on cooking the meal for the family and what to puree. Disclaimer: I have no connection with this book or the authors, other than I've just enjoyed reading the recipes for when I get to move to my next stage. Best Wishes, Poppet

Can someone advise me on why the need to empty the Phazyme into a spoon? I think I'm a little weak on knowing some of the technical details. As for the BM... I was told that if I hadn't had one by Friday, today, then I should start taking Milk of Magnesia. I took it a few days ago, and it just made me feel terrible. My personal advice would be to just keep up the liquid. Maybe have some prune juice. While I'm not a total organic person or anything, it's just that right now because of the anesthesia, the fewer meds I can put in my body the better. Just my opinion.

Amanda- I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. I was only banded this week, and so I am a full year behind you. I will be praying for you, and please know that you are not a failure. We all make bad choices on occasion. Please know that at least those of us on the blog are not looking for you to fail, but rather are here to cheer you on an encourage you. Please reach out to us, and if you need please private message me.

Hi All- I to was banded on Monday 6/29, and honestly it's been so strange. Everywhere I look online, everyone says that it's the best decision that they've made, and while I too agree with this, I am still having a considerable amount of pain. I too had a hiatial hernia repair, and am not certain if that has something to do with it. I stayed overnight on Monday and was released mid day on Tuesday. I was having trouble taking the oxy as prescribed when I was in the hospital, and I've been taking the Vicodin, but don't want to take too many. But even on day 5 it still hurts to take a breath. Also, I don't have an appointment scheduled until July 16th, and am not scheduled to go to a different stage other than plain liquids until June 20th. Does anyone else have to wait this long on just pure Protein drinks and broth? I feel like the doctor just kinda cut me open and said "good luck" we'll see you in a few. Best wishes to all! Poppet Banded 6/29/09 Dr. Ross McMahon :eek: Seattle, WA

Does anyone else out there have Celiac Disease and have decided to go ahead with the Lap Band? Has it been successful? Because of the specialized breads and what not for Celiacs, have you noticed ones that work better with the band than others? I've read about the whole grains being the preferred option when having the Band, but that's not really an option for those with Celiac. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I was banded Monday 6/29. I would like to participate, but is this too much of a goal so quickly, or is this reasonable? I won't be starting until July 6th, but will take it day by day. Good luck to everyone! Poppet :tongue2:

Hi all, this is my first post. As part of my pre-op tests I recently had a Bravo Ph Study where they attached a monitor to my esophogus. Post EGD I noticed being able to feel the little device everytime I swallowed, and took a breath. It was very strange to feel all of these "natural" processes. Thankfully the monitor falls off after several days. With that, I'm worried that I will have gone through all these tests and then the procedure, and then be able to never get used to it. Has anyone else experienced this, and do you notice that you feel the band, not just the restriction, but the actual band being inside of you? My surgeon is Dr. McMahon in Seattle, but he came from North Carolina and has good reviews. So far I'm very impressed by him, but not so much with some of his office staff.

I'm not certain if my doctor does take on pre-banded patients, but it's worth a try. He is Ross McMahon at Swedish on First Hill. They are a growing bariatric program, and he is very highly regarded.

Hi there- While I'm not an insurance expert, I have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, and all they have required is the documentation (basically your statement signed by the doc) to determine medical necessity. I haven't been approved yet, but this is how I understand it to be. There was some confusion with the doctor's office, but BCBS indicated that it wasn't a problem. Good luck!