SmilinShel

According to nutrionists the Viactiv chewable multi-Vitamin is incomplete. It is missing both Iron and B Vitamins which are essential for a wls patient. I used to take them - I purchased the Bariatric Advantage chewables (berry flavor) and they taste like a chalky sweet tart. I hate sweet tarts, so I despise them. I am now tossing them in the Magic bullet with my Protein shake and the problem is solved. Whatever chewable you decide to use, try to mask it in food (blended or smashed). I bought my multi-vitamin, my calcium citrate (preferred over calcium carbonate) and my omega-3 chewables (taste like a berry starburst) from bariatriceating.com. Their prices were the best that I found online. I was taking the viactive calcium chews, but they are the carbonate form so I recently purchased the chewable Lemon pound cake calcium squares and they are very tasty. Be sure to check calories on these chewy, tasty supplements. I think they are worth it, but they do need to be accounted for. Good luck!

Every surgeon/dietitian has their own plan for patients but I would think that you have the typical recommendation to consume protein first, followed by veggies and then starches/carbs. Your snacks should be the same type of thing - string cheese, greek yogurt, cottage cheese are all great snack foods that leave you feeling satisfied. The fact that you want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich seems more like a specific head hunger issue - I know how you feel..I love crackers...I want them even when I know I am not hungry...it is not easy....but make the better snack choices and remind yourself of why you decided to get a band. Good lucK!

Hi, I have had great success with Perdue Shortcuts. They come in several "flavors", are all natural and very moist. I eat 2-3 oz and they keep me full for quite a while. I pay 4.99 for a package and get 3-4 meals out of it! If I am hungrier, I will add a couple strips of teh southwestern type to refried Beans and melt a little cheese on top.

Hi, My daughter is 9. I loosely explained to her what was happening. I also tell her that the reason I am making this decision is because I let my habits get out of control when I was very young and I want to make sure I get healthy so I can be around to take care of her for a very long time! I have also used it as a learning tool as to why we only have healthy Snacks and we stay active, etc. Her only concern was the possibility that something bad could happen to me in the hospital. I let her visit me for about 20 minutes. She still does a daily check on my incisions/scars and absolutely loves all the new foods we have introduced into our diet (greek yogurt, soy milk, etc.). Your children are a bit younger than mine, but I think you should be honest with them. Simplify it as much as possible, but be clear. My daughter definitely does not have the perspective that you can have an operation as a solution. She tells me she wishes I hadn't had to do it, but that she will take good care of me and is glad I did something that will make sure I am healthy for a long time.

I did what the other posters have said. My family doctor ordered all my labwork and coded it so it would be covered. I also had to have a hernia repair during my surgery, so the surgeon's office is in the process of getting BCBS to pay for a percentage of the OR, hospital stay and anesthesia costs. If you have any other covered procedure done at the same time, they have to pay for the appropriate portion.

Hi, I also had unique complications (1 out of 5000 chance). My colon was cut by the laproscopic instrument. My surgery took 3 times as long and they actually debated whether or not to place the lapband because of increased infection risk. I did not have extra external stitches, but I had internal stitches, extra hospital time, lots of bloodwork and antiobiotics and a longer recovery time until I felt up to going back to work. Even with all of that the thing I am most grateful about is that they actually did place my band. I know how upset you are to be "the one with complications". But, on the other hand, you now have a band...focus on that and achieving your weight loss goals. In time your scars will heal and fade and your pounds will melt away. Try to keep your eye on the long term and not the immediate.

Hi, I have not had a fill yet, but at my follow-up appt., my surgeon showed me where my port is. He says the port does not actually sit under the incision, it is always either a little to the left/right or below it. Specific placement is surgeon preference. Your scab on the actual incision shouldn't be a factor. Good luck!

I ordered some Sugar Free Peanut Butter Syrup (along with a few other fab flavors) from DaVinci and plan to add that to plain vanilla to change it up. I bought BSN Lean Dessert Protein Powder. I have LOVED the Banana Cream (just killed the tub). The cinnamon bun has been really good...but like you..just got tired of it. I got mine at Amazon.

Just an official congratulations to ALL September Bandsters! I know some of those who have had their surgery recently are still experiencing recovery...so good healing vibes your way. Those who are making big strides and getting SV and NSV. Congratulations! I am still on soft for 2 more weeks..then a fill..then rinse and repeat....I won't know what to do when I can eat other stuff...although at this point, I don't think I really miss it. I am officially OVER my cinnamon bun flavored protein shake though...that one is going to the back of the cupboard for awhile

I agree...I wouldn't take a chance on that. Go with a refried bean dish. Even if it was borderline tolerable..it wouldn't be worth it. My nutritionist said any sort of meat other than fish (chicken, etc) does not qualify on the mushy phase. A quick call to your doctor's office might be your best option if their guidelines are more lenient

Hey Everyone. I haven't posted on this thread in a while (or in general). I had so much to catch up on with work and life once I got my full energy back...I didn't have as much time for luxuries like reading forums! At any rate, I am checking in since we are near the end of the month, so most everyone has had their surgery. I see we have a few more yet to go...good luck to you guys...as you can read, you have nothing to worry about. Amanda - We got banded the same day and have lost the exact same amount of wait post-op. Way to go girl. I don't get a fill until 10/16, but I am not having too many hunger issues so I am okay with that. I am actually going to approach fills more conservatively anyway. I am still on the soft foods phase, so I haven't had any discomfort or stuck issues. I have felt a tightness when I have eaten more than a cup of food. I don't have any fluid in my band, but I can definitely tell it is there. It is tempting to eat and drink once you can if you don't have any fluid in your band - but this healing phase is key - don't overdo it...sip...and eat small portions! Exercise - I am definitely not the type that can run either, but I must say, I would not miss a Zumba class for anything! I am now going three times a week. At 800-1000 calories burned per class I am melting away the inches! I know my calorie count is accurate because I have a GoWearFit that I have worn to measure it. The variance is, of course, based on my personal level of intensity :smile2: No matter what you do - don't leave exercise out of your regimen. *Hugs* to all - and best of luck to everyone. Just remember, slow and steady is the way to make it to the end!

Hi all, Been MIA a bit...recovering..getting back in the groove of going to work and taking care of the munchkin. I had my post op follow-up last Thursday and despite my complication, the doctor said I was good to go. He even cleared me to do my exercise classes at the gym. (No weights for another month, though). I took the bull by the horns and went to my Zumba class on Friday. I did feel a little more tired than I would normally, and maybe had a little less OOMPH on some of the moves, but I made it all the way through and didn't experience any kind of pain or problems. I also got cleared to move from liquids to soft foods, so I have been enjoying refried Beans w/low fat cheese and sour cream. I also got to add back my V-8 Soups. I feel like I am back to normal and I am looking forward to my slow and steady race to losing my obesity status. How is everyone else doing? I have been trying to catch up, but there is a LOT!

I know what you mean about trying to get back to work quickly. I actually tried to go back after 5 days and had to leave early because I was exhausted (and I have a desk job!). I did go back the next day for half a day, then had a weekend, so was able to get back at it on Monday with no problems. Don't rush yourself to get back because a day or two more makes a big difference in your strength level. We over estimate what we can do a LOT. Hopefully in the next day or two you will really be up to it.

Hi, I was also taking the chewable Viactiv multi-vitamin. I just had my followup with the surgeon and nutritionist and she was concerned that I was taking Viactiv. She said it is lacking Iron and some B Vitamins which are very important for lap-band patients. She told me to switch to the Centrum Chewable or Bariatric Advantage as soon as possible. I know everyone's doctor has different recommendations, but I thought I should post what I was told.

Hi, I was also self pay. My package only included one night in the hospital. I had a complication that required I stayed an additional night. Like you, I hated the thought of sleeping in the hospital, but I have to say, having a nurse there to stay on top of my medication and having assistance getting up and around, was all a big plus. I would definitely stay for one night and if you are still feeling crappy and they allow it, stay longer. I have to admit I was a little antsy when they said I *had* to stay. I wanted to get in my own bed. I think the hospital bed was actually more comfortable those first two nights since I could adjust it. When I got home I had to sleep in the recliner anyway

My nutritionist said I could have my V-8 Vegetable blend Soups in the puree phase. They come in several flavors and are well blended. Each box contains 2 servings and each serving is 2 servings of daily vegetables. They are actually quite delicious. Butternut squash is my favorite. I ate them on my pre-op diet and can't wait until I can have them again next week! Good luck!

Soco 9/01/09 Amandakrangel 9/1/09 Coloradomom (Gen) 9/1/09 ms_Hart37 9/1/09 mosean6278 09/01/09 katklaws 09/01/09 ivy76 9/02/09 Jmtmb (JoLynne ) 9/4/09 JLDChester(Jamie)9/4/09 Cortney75 (Cortney) 9/4/09 tzn (Karena) 9/8/09 Jules 09/09/09 Soldiersgem(ginna) 9/9/09 pr8453(Pam) 9/9/09 bradybrat 09/09/09 Nawlinzlady (Dee) 9/15/09 Anni80 (annie) 9/15/09 smallerj (jes) 9/16/09 Hardygostlin (Jody) 9/17/09 Loveslady(Tawonda) 9/17/09 Gatorgirl1024 (Shelley) 9/17/09 MishiB (Michelle) 9/17/09 Sharie3 9/21/09 Pookiemp 9/23/2009 leigna 09/24/09 Chickychoo (Jill) 09/28/09 Soexcited 9/30/09 SmilinShel (Michelle) 09/01/09 Just adding myself

Wow....I had so many posts to catch up on. Congrats to all those who have had their surgeries and working out how to deal with various post-op stuff. Unfortunately, I had a very rare issue happen in my surgery so it took me 2 nights in the hospital and more time to feel up to posting..but things are good and I am not in danger anymore..so..I am just enjoying my lack of hunger. I started blogging...I tend to post long posts..so I thought it was probably better to blog. If you want to read the whole store you can read it if you like. For those of you still waiting for your date...keep working hard on your pre-op requirements! Good luck to you all! I haven't weighed myself yet..I am waiting until Tuesday so I get a one week weigh check...especially since I had more fluid retention, etc.. because of my additional issue. *hugs to you all*

I am in Gainesville. Pretty North of both of you guys! I have 4 days to go. I had to come in to work today..and then I will head to the gym. I am trying to stay busy. I think it is nerves, but I have had a headache off and on since yesterday. I don't think it is diet related since I was already pretty much on a liquid, no caffeine diet for the last month...oh well...maybe exercise will help it. I hope! How goes it today?

I am a Florida girl too...welcome and good luck!

Wow..you have it rough. I doubt very seriously that I could follow your strict rules. I hope you have something that will take your mind off of things...especially since we have the weekend to get through! I am going to spend the weekend organizing my closet into sizes..>I have 24/22 all the way down to 14/12 in there..I figure if I do things that make me remember why I am not chewing all weekend it will go by faster. I already detoxed myself on the caffeine, so I feel your pain about that one too...I don't think I could manage it all at the same time without killing someone. Good luck......September is almost here!

Amen to that!!

Hey all...and special greets to our birthday girl! I just got back from my pre-op appointment. I spent about 1/2 an hour with my surgeon and his PA (who does his fills) an hour with the dietitian and 2 hours doing general pre-op testing and running around. It took about an hour longer than I expected and I still have to go to get my blood drawn tomorrow. It made it all very real today. According to their scales I had lost 20.1 pounds since my visit and he was pleased with that. He told me not to lose my mind and to realize that now I had a liquid diet and needed to stay on it. He did say I should go have a regular lunch...so I did...so..from here on out..I am a protein shake drinking and V-8 soup eating girl! I have a list of foods that I can eat week 1 and 2. They are both clear and full liquids. The dietitian said we could have either, but that we had to have 4-6 ounces of liquid every hour. I can't have my V-8 soups until week 3 post-op because she considers them to be pureed foods. I am off to buy sugar free puddings tonight since she said I could have those. I do have to stay overnight. My surgeon doesn't like to take any chances after putting obese patients under anesthesia...so that's the way it is. I do have a private room so I should be okay. He doesn't put any fluid in when he puts it in. He follows the standard practice of filling 6 weeks post surgery. He did say that when I have my 2 week checkup that he will release me to go back to the gym if all is well. I am as ready as I can be...and surprisingly getting less nervous...only 5 days to go..

Kim, My understanding is that they have to do the Upper GI to ensure that you don't have any potential problems with your esophagus and stomach? In fact that is when they discovered my hiatal hernia that they are going to repair while placing my band. Have you had a pre-op appointment yet? Perhaps they plan on doing all of your testing on one day at the hospital? I would definitely ask some questions. Based on all the I have read and been told it seems odd. My pre-op appt is tomorrow but I already did those tests - I don't think I will be repeating any of them even though they are over a month old.

Greetings September Gang! I am officially one week away...starting to get a bit nervous..mainly about anesthesia..never had it. Other than that I am ready. I have my pre-op appointment on Thursday - this will be when I meet the dietician and the anesthesiologist and get all my instructions. I anticipate she will be putting me on my pre-op diet at that point, but I hope she reports to my surgeon that I surpassed his request (since I won't be meeting with him that day). I haven't lost any more..but I am on my cycle..so I hope to see a few more pounds gone when it goes..hopefully by Thursday :thumbup: Anyway...just checking in. Coloradomom..I also added some more solid food in my diet the past few days simply because my hormonal cravings got the best of me! Good news is eating less for the last month shrunk my stomach and I couldn't eat very much anyway...what a blessing