ffpandamer
LAP-BAND Patients-
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Everything posted by ffpandamer
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Has anyone used acai berry (pill form) to boost weight loss?
ffpandamer replied to autparhar's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm with Kiz - i don't believe the validity of this product. If it truly did as it advertised, you'd see it at least as much as you see info on the lap band, if not more. I have a feeling this will go the way of Phen Phen before long. But this is my own personal opinion. If you do try it and it helps, please let us know! -
I was banded on 9/24, and I went through the exact same thing. My doctor said not to worry and to start taking a bulking formula if i could handle it. I use Benefiber, because it's tasteless, doesn't turn thick, and can be mixed in with anything you're cooking. Metamucil works too, but it turns to a thick goo in the glass and is very unappealing. This pass once i started eating more solid foods and getting my Fiber intake under control. good luck!!!
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I was also banded on 9/24 - and today I had my first Red Zone scare. I was having pain and unable to swallow anything (even water). so my surgeon called me in immediately, and he withdrew .5ccs of saline. When the band is washed prior to putting it in, it can hold some Fluid in it. I had 2ccs in me, and it was enough for the chicken i tried to eat to get stuck. Almost instantly i felt better. Even though you have an appointment next week, call them and go in for an unfill immediately. Once whatever is stuck passes, you'll be back on track
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No pills larger than a baby aspirn. That being said....Liquid Tylenol. You'll find that almost all meds are available in a suspension, so you won't have to worry :confused:
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smoking and surgery
ffpandamer replied to turtlewoman's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Unless that is a requirement of your insurance, I'd find another doctor. -
Can you chew your food too much?
ffpandamer replied to ffpandamer's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This all makes perfect sense to me - thank you!! I just came off mushies onto solids, and i'm still in that mushy mindset. I know i haven't had an adjustment yet, but i'm trying to build habits now that I'll keep for the rest of my life. And chewing seemed so important lol. I'll keep this all in mind, and stop chewing to the point of mush. Thanks everyone!!! -
Can you chew your food too much?
ffpandamer posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I keep reading "Chew everything really well!" and things to that nature. Can you ever "overchew" your food to the point that it goes through the band too fast? Thanks!! -
sleep centers are a scam
ffpandamer replied to brent0517's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Maybe a call to the American Medical Association? Get your patient records and have them in hand when you call. Best of luck to you!! -
Recommend a Dr. in Arizona
ffpandamer replied to lilaz602's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I also went to True Results and I'm sooo happy with them. Dr. Nimural is fantastic, the staff is considerate, and the followup makes me a very happy patient Good luck!! -
BCBS of IL 24 Months of Weight Loss Attempts
ffpandamer replied to jessress87's topic in Insurance & Financing
Good lord! Are you sure? that seems insanely excessive to me. Most insurance companies require 4-6 months of weight tracking, meetings with nutritionists, tests, etc... and multiple years worth of proof of being overweight. Aetna required doctor records dating back 5 years, one per year, with a weigh in. Nothing more. For the one year i was missing data, a photo that was date stamped was sufficient. I hope that the 24 month requirement is just a proof of your weight for the past 2 years. Because actively attempting to loose weight with trainers, nutritionists, etc, would cost thousands of dollars. and what happens if at 23 months your company decides to switch insurance carriers? Or you switch jobs? -
9 days post op and eating solid food already?????
ffpandamer replied to LILYTAM's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I don't think you're 'sabotaging' yourself, but my Dr explained it to me this way - the diets are formulated to allow for healing of your stomach. You need to be on liquid or mushy diets for 3 weeks, because you cannot have any stretching of the pouch. food needs to pass through it fast so the band heals into place without any slippage. Rather than chance it, it would be best to follow your doctor's instructions. With a chance that you end up with a band that doesn't heal in place correctly, and possibly more surgery, you have to ask yourself : Is it worth it? -
Food Network is not a real life
ffpandamer replied to AbbeMac's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
You sound just like me, and before my surgery i realized my addiction to food Network was going to be a problem. So I quit it, cold turkey. And I found i really don't miss it that much. There are wonderful shows on Discovery, SyFy, etc. I also have two dogs, and have incorporated them into my life much more than before. Walks, play time, cuddle time, they love it!! And so do I :thumbup: -
Dr. not keeping track of fill amounts??
ffpandamer replied to amymay's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I've never heard of that. In fact, my doctor withdrawls ALL the fluid each time, measures and inspects it, and then refills me. This is to account for any abnormalities, such as leaks or breaks. -
Major Blockage and emergency unfill!
ffpandamer replied to skinny minny 35's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
For me it's been several months of emotional wringage. First, there was making the decision to have the surgery, after being overweight for over a decade. Trying every diet, spending thousands of dollars, and never loosing weight. After the decision, it was the process of obtaining insurance approval. They made me jump through hoops for four months. sleep tests, EKG's, ultrasounds, weight checks, special diets, psychological exams...was exhausting. Then came the approval. I went on a 2 week liquid Protein diet which was extremely difficult at first, and then got easier as i went on. I started feeling better and enjoying eating so healthy. Was still hungry, but i was determined to do this, so i followed the diet to the letter. The day of my surgery, I had a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotic they gave me. I almost went into shock, but was treated fast enough to avoid it. Scared the daylights out of me. And my legs swelled up like balloons that night. And i developed thrush in my mouth (yeast infection) due to the antibiotic allergy. And now, i'm 13 days post op. I'm swollen and look pregnant, can't wear my bras (omg they hurt - they're so tight), find pants and panties extremly tight, and still have bloating problems. I have to take Milk of Magnesia every night or i can't stay regular. Belches hurt!!! And because of the food that I now eat, my bodily eminations have a completely different, and conisiderably more offensive, odor (sorry, TMI, i know). And mentally, it's exhausting. I'm dropping weight, which makes me very happy, but it's hard to stick to my diet. And i'm having issues learning when i'm actually full. And i have to deal with a well-meaning but overbearing family member who wants an almost minute by minute narration of my recovery and weight loss. That about sums it up lol -
What are you eating on the mushy phase...
ffpandamer replied to kristik99's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've discovered my little ramikins - those small white bowls that you can put in the microwave or the oven. They're the perfect portion size, and you can cook in them so easily! So for Breakfast, I put a little melted butter, one egg, a tablespoon of tomato sauce, and a grating of low-fat mozzarella cheese. Cook it for one minute (or less if you want it runnier) in the microwave on high. Yum! Then for lunch, it's 2.5 tbs of low fat ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, oregano and parsley, and a little garlic, with grated mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce to top, in the oven on 375 for 15 minutes. The center of a lasagna without the Pasta. It's great with spinich in it too! And try sun-dried tomatos. YUM! -
Best OTC meds to take
ffpandamer replied to mbranham0306's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I take Tylenol in liquid form for most pain. But for any cold relief I use Coricidin HBP. It's meant for people with high blood pressure (which I do not have). It is a gentler formula, safer for people to take, and it works just as good as the hardcore sudafed and nyquil. Coricidin HBP: Powerful Cold Medicine For People With High Bood Pressure -
Major Blockage and emergency unfill!
ffpandamer replied to skinny minny 35's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I'm so glad to hear that!! :thumbup: I get scared with my lapband sometimes too, but I'm one of those squeaky wheels that gets the grease kinda gals. After all, we're literally putting our bodies and minds through the wringer with this procedure - we deserve nothing but the best care and the most focused attention All the best to you!!!! -
Major Blockage and emergency unfill!
ffpandamer replied to skinny minny 35's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Can i make a suggestion? Next time you go in for a fill, have them empty the band completely and measure the amount of saline in you, then refill you. This is what my doctor does every time, and its to watch for leaks or irregularities. Be strong about this - this is YOUR body and you are in control. Demand that your doctor put your safety first. Good luck to you! -
Swelling, Thrush, Allergic Reactions...
ffpandamer posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
:seeya: Seems like whatever could go wrong, did go wrong. I've had a pretty horrible experience with this lapband so far. And i can't help but wonder if I made the wrong decision at the start. I had my surgery on 10/24. I arrived at the surgery center, was hooked up to the IV's, and an antibiotic was given to me. I had an immediate and severe allergic reaction - vomiting, skin turning bright red, hives from head to toe - all within about 1.5 minutes of taking the antibiotic. I was lucky to be surrounded by nurses; they rushed me and put me on a new drip. I had hoped that was the end of my 'bad luck'. On Saturday, my stomach swelled up like a beach ball. It was horribly uncomfortable, but i called the surgeon and he said it was normal. So i relaxed and went on with the day. Today, Sunday dawns, and my legs, ankles and feet swelled up. I've tried every home treatment I could find while waiting for Monday morning (when i plan to walk into the surgeon's office first thing in the morning). But now, I have thrush in my mouth. it's the worst infection i've ever had. I'm surrounded by people I love, but i feel very alone right now. Is this really worth it?