BetsyB

No, no BB yet--it's due to arrive tomorrow. I can't wait! No matter what it "tells" me to do, I will be staying at 800-1000 calories/day. I lose at that level. I don't when I go higher. No matter how much I exercise. Sucks, but it's the way it is. I have been wondering about whether I'll want to journal food on the BB site, or continue with Fitday, where I have a long custom list of foods already. One of the BB bulletin boards suggested creating a custom food, each day, with the cumulative information from the day's journaling on Fitday. (So instead of entering each food on the BB site, I'd enter the total for the day.) I may go that route because I have nutritional information from hundred of the brand-name foods I use routinely....it just seems more expedient. But we'll see. If the BB journaling is user friendly and seems as accurate, I'll give it a whirl. Yes, I overthink things. I will stop overthinking when I actually have the device in my hot little hands and can begin playing with it!

It's like any other diet. While you're on it, you'll want to eat other things, and you'll tell yourself no. It's just a couple of weeks---it's not the most fun in the world, but it is eminently do-able. Do you know, for certain, that your doctor requires all-liquids? (Or even a preop diet at all?) Not all doctors do. I had 2 shakes a day, and a meal consisting of lean Protein and nonstarchy veggies. Have a talk with your doctor to find out his/her preop AND POSTOP requirements. Mine did not, but many require liquids for a fairly long time after surgery, too.

What did the doctor say?

I chose a weight toward the bottom of the healthy range for my height. I didn't have surgery to simply achieve a lower-risk, but still fat, weight. (I am short; for me, fat kicks in at a pretty low weight.) My surgeon will be happy when I hit the "normal" range. Actually, at my first consult--the one where they divulge that the average one-year loss is 52 pounds---he told me that even if that is all I ever lost, my health risks would be far less than they were. (And having lost nearly that much---in 4 months!-this has proven correct.) But "good enough" and "lowered risks" aren't enough for me. While lowered risks were a huge motivator, so was getting to a weight where I am comfortable in my body. Having been thin (though the memory fades with each passing year), I have a good idea where comfortable lies. And that is what I'm aiming for. I may find, along the way, that it's appropriate to stop a bit sooner than I anticipate; the number I chose is based on a low I've achieved in the past, but I know that if I hit about 9 pounds more, I will be at a weight where I long maintained (and looked and felt good). If I get there and feel that it's the right spot, I will work to maintain at that weight. For what it's worth, I'm much more active now than I was then---but I'm also lots older, with a far crankier metabolism! As for extra skin---well, pregnancies, nursing, and gaining and losing weight have wrought havoc with my skin. But having it plumped full of fat doesn't really make it any less horrifying! My skin is a concern--but not enough of a concern to hold me back in terms of losing. That's what plastic surgeons are for. (I'm pleased to see that some parts of my body are rebounding far better than I expected. Others are terrifying at this point--but when I get down to a low BMI, things will be very different....and then is when I will make the decision.)

You're not alone :smile2: I walk far and fast--and always am twitchy when I'm done!

I'm reluctant to join the, "you're not eating enough" crowd because everyone's needs are so, so different. I, for example, do not lose unless I'm in the 800-1000 calorie range--with exercise. Any more than that, and I stall. Or, worse, gain. The thing is, Meg, that the scale doesn't always reflect our hard work on our timetable. Our bodies are going through big changes, and the body sometimes resists. It's an evolutionary benefit that is geared to help us survive--but it's a pain in the neck when we want to lose! (ETA: I just checked your stats---holy moly! You've lost 45 pounds in 7 weeks! No wonder your body is regrouping--that's a huge loss!) You certainly can experiment to see if you lose better at a different calorie intake. But you might have just as much success hanging in and waiting it out. When I have stalls, it makes me want to pull my hair out---but invariably, the loss starts again. Not fast enough for my liking--but still! You say that you're getting most of your Protein from food, and supplementing some to meet your protein goals. That's good. But what proportion of your diet comes from protein? What other foods are you eating? I ask, because while I lose very well at 800 calories, I don't lose if those 800 calories aren't made up of the right balance of foods. Your body might be picky, too. Can you post a typical day or two of meals? Try not to be discouraged. The learning curve is steep. And it takes a while to see the loss-stall-loss patterns. Do you graph your weight loss over time? I journal on Fitday, and after watching my loss pattern for a while, it became evident to me that there really was a pattern; after a certain number of pounds, I get a tiny upward blip (for no rhyme or reason), drop it immediately, then stall...and then lather, rinse, repeat. It happens over and over. Knowing this makes it less nerve-wracking. Another thing that has helped me when I'm going nuts over a stall is that I record my measurements. If I don't see the scale moving, I often still find that my measurements are decreasing. Another thing to remember is that, as you're losing fat, you're also gaining lean muscle tissue. This isn't a fast process--so the scale doesn't go up. But it can appear to cause stalls. I say "appear" because you still are losing fat. But your hard-working muscles retain Fluid after exercise and, ultimately, gain mass--both of which influence what the scale tells you. Ultimately, exercise-related "stalls" (again, not really stalling, because your body is, in fact, losing fat even if you can't see it on the scale) will be something you learn to embrace because they are part of a process that is making your body a more efficient calorie-burner. Hang in there! You will get rewards from the scale!

The foods you've listed are all mushy---but there's a world more variety for purees. Do you have Magic Bullet or other blender? During my puree phase, the only foods allowed were Protein. Ground beef, chicken, whatever---right into the Bullet and whizzed right up. A little broth or gravy or sauce (very small amount; not enough to impact calories/fat/carbs/etc) made these things taste good (even though they often looked gross)---and they were far more satisfying than things like yogurt would have been. (Yogurt is so slidey--plus, the milk sugars trigger hunger for me.) Do you like Beans? Canned fat-free refried beans with a dash of hot sauce/taco sauce and a bit of melted reduced-fat cheddar go down so nicely. Other beans, like black beans, are great, too. But be sure that legumes are okay with your doctor at this stage--mine didn't introduce them until later. For lots of good ideas, visit bariatriceating.com. They have food lists and recipes for all stages, pre- and post-op. Some things may not be on your doctor's plan, but I bet you can get some good ideas.

My list isn't very long because my doctor has a pretty restrictive eating program during the weight loss phase, and I haven't really ventured afield. But I sometimes have trouble dense Protein (beef, chicken, pork) in the evening. (I'm usually fine earlier in the day.) And lettuce---of all things!---sometimes finds itself lying across my stoma and blocking other things from moving through; I have to be careful with leafy stuff. Pasta, rice, bread, cake? Who knows...I haven't tried. I will, someday, if an occasion warrants and I really want it. So far, I've been fine without.

Erin, you're not a failure. You're just in a bad place right now. Lack of insurance has scuttled a lot of peoples' plans---when you can't pay, you can't pay. Hopefully, you'll be able to save up the $$ and get in to see the doctor soon. Did your mother happen to ask, do you know, whether the doctor would work with you on the cost? He might accept the usual and customary amount paid by insurers, for example. Or, he might accept payments over time. I'd like to gently correct something you wrote. Please know that I understand your frustration--and that I also understand that some doctors are dickweeds. But you wrote, Your band isn't doing much because you haven't had the opportunity to put it to work in the way it's designed to be used. It's really unfortunate that you haven't had a fill---or fills--yet---but at this point, I think it's reasonable to be optimistic that, when you are able to do so, you'll find that the band really does work for you. At least, I hope that is the case. In any event, I think it's probably too soon for you to give up on it. There's still room for lots of hope. As for your doctor checking up on you---well, that's sadly an unrealistic expectation. It's just not what doctors do. I mean, sure---if you're in the hospital overnight, they'll pop in in the morning before discharging you. But they don't track down patients who don't make appointments---they chalk it up to recidivism. That doesn't mean that a good working relationship with your doctor is out of reach. Once you get in the right place, and are able to schedule regular appointments, you may find that he's really willing to work with you. I hope so! If not, even if there is no one else available right now, know that there are more and more doctors entering this field all the time---so it's unlikely you'll be forced to remain with this particular doctor forever. If you really clash with him, you will be able, one day, to switch to someone else. It's just a matter of time before there are other practitioners in your area.

I was a die-hard addict, too. Like you, I first weaned off the caffeinated carbonated drinks, and then reluctantly gave up soda altogether. (I did have one or two diet ginger ales during my preop diet, though.) Once banded, it has been remarkably easy not to drink soda. Carbonation just plain hurts. (I found this out inadvertently, with a Sonic diet cherry limeade; I had no idea it was carbonated until I had one postoperatively---before surgery, I'd never noticed the bubbles. YOWCH! A couple of sips cleared up that misconception.) Your new stomach just won't be able to tolerate the gassy bubbles. It's funny how quickly one can become un-addicted when there is a real disincentive!

Well, the fact is that infection can occur regardless of who does the surgery---I haven't had a postop infection, but I know plenty of people who have. Usually, they are minor and respond well to oral antibiotics. OTOH, I don't know anyone who's wound up with a urinary catheter or tube-feeding as a result of postop infection related to gastric banding. There may well be some. There certainly is a wide range of doctors with a wide range of skills---I am sure there are plenty of hacks. Here, in Mexico, wherever surgery is performed. But if you've done your homework, all you can do is pray for the best. You do your best to place yourself in competent surgical hands---knowing that there are risks associated with any surgery. Infection is a potential every time the skin is breached---no matter who does the cutting or where.

Jon, you have done a tremendous job--and you look amazing. Very cool!

Did your surgeon do any kind of assessment to determine whether there was cause for concern? Even something as simple as flexing your foot back toward your body (when your leg is outstretched) can give useful information. (It's one of the ways to assess for deep vein thrombosis.) I am assuming that s/he did assess, even if you weren't quite aware of it at the time. It's quite likely that s/he attributes the pain to increased activity postop. BUT--and this is a big but---if you think there is something wrong, insist on further evaluation. You may have to strongly advocate for yourself. Chances are, there is no cause for alarm. But you deserve to have your complaints taken seriously and investigated.

Denise, oh, no! I'm so sorry you're still feeling gross. I hope they get to the bottom of it very soon. That kind of illness is so draining. Enjoy your trip to Sedona!

It was hard to convince them you were fine because, well, you weren't fine. Your blood pressure alone was sufficient cause to see a physician. Could it be a fluke, a one-time thing? Sure. But you need to have it evaluated. Sooner rather than later. You need to have a baseline recorded so that, if nothing else, it can be monitored over time. And all of the other things you've described? Not eating? Not drinking? Not sleeping? Also signs that you are not fine. Did you go home? Did you make a doctor's appointment? Are you going to?

Every body is different. I do not lose at 1200 calories/day. I gain at 1500. I know I'm not the norm--and it took me a very, very long time (and many, many pounds) to accept that I have to eat far less than is generally recommended in order to lose. It's quite a challenge to make sure I meet my nutritional needs---really, everything that goes into my mouth serves a nutritional purpose. Exercise buys me a bit of wiggle room for occasional goodies, but really, it mostly just keeps my metabolism churring along well enough to let me lose at 800-1000 calories. There really is no one-size-fits-all calorie range. It can take a lot of trial and error to hit on what works for you. It took me years--and the realization is what led to me choosing the band. It allows me to stay within a relatively impossible range. (Unbanded, hunger is a huge saboteur.) Both my PCP and surgeon are fine with my calorie intake, and because I am careful in my choices, are not concerned about long-term consequences. They know my history, and that this represents my only real chance for losing. Even though I still do it relatively slowly. Would I like to be able to eat 1500 calories a day? DEFINITELY. But it isn't likely to ever happen for me.

Believe me, I completely understand juggling bills--and I totally empathize. But I think maybe it would be a good idea to re-prioritize. This is clearly causing you a great deal of distress! Might it not be a good idea to backburner the item you're saving for (or work out a payment plan with the dentist---or both) so that you can attend to your very real health needs? This is affecting you physically and emotionally. It's really worth making whatever effort you can to address it. It's likely to be an ongoing issue---one fill is not likely to do the trick, so it's really important to try to find a way to have the $$$ available on a semi-regular basis for this type of expense. After grad, do you have --by any chance--employment prospects with someone who will provide benefits? Insurance is a godsend, and takes so much of the worry away. Coming up with a $35 copay every six weeks is a walk in the park compared to coughing up $180 annually for one fill that may or may not get you where you want to be. Does your doctor provide aftercare, a support group? I ask, because regular attendance at things like that makes you a more familiar face in the crowd. When you become a real person to your doctor, he is more apt to work with you. If you find a way to keep in regular contact when you don't need anything, it really does make a difference when you do need something. It can also help your doctor (or his staff) identify the problems you're having; it sounds to me as though you've been incommunicado with him---and if he knew what was going on with you, he might have good solutions to offer. ETA: A final thought: If you really aren't willing or able to make a fill (or, more likely, series of fills) a priority, there is NO reason why you can't eat as though you have restriction. Many of us who are not yet at our sweet spots eat as though we were. We choose lean Proteins, nonstarchy veggies, fruit, heart-healthy fats--all in moderation. We weigh and measure our portions, and when they're gone, we stop. Even if we are still hungry. Even if the person across from us is eating something that looks good to us, and that we want to share. You have lots of choices, Erin. At this point, you're not making wise ones. I'm really glad to hear you have a plan to call the doctor---but you need to go a step beyond that. The doctor is going to quote a fee--and you need to take an active role in ensuring that you find a way to pay that fee. Every six weeks for a few months, if need be. And then, probably, once a year after you've reached your sweet spot. Even if that means postponing other things you want. This surgery is a big commitment. You've made that commitment--and now it's time to follow through with your part.

Problems like that are usually diagnosed with an upper GI or, if your doctor uses fluoroscopy, during an adjustment. But I really think that these are worries you don't really need to have at this point.The band won't stretch---but the tissue underneath may shrink, making the band looser. This happens to all of us---and the solution is an adjustment (fill). Your doctor will definitely take this into account when choosing how much to give you each time. The stomach is a pretty elastic organ--it has far greater capacity to stretch and rebound than most of us would like--that's how we got to the point of needing bands! The little pouch created by the surgery isn't quite as elastic as the big stomach---but it also doesn't stretch as easily as some fear. I would venture to guess that what you're feeling is a result of not yet being quite at the sweet spot. I'm in the same boat. I get stuck from time to time---so I know that there's some restriction. But I'm still plenty hungry plenty of the time. It's just part of the waiting game. My doctor uses fluoroscopy with each fill, so I know my band and stomach look just fine. It's just a matter of getting to the right level of restriction.

Once your liver starts releasing glycogen--a handful of days into the diet, you'll probably feel TONS better. Right now, your body's missing the quick fix of carbohydrate as fuel. (Your body's cells use that most efficiently for energy). It will get the message to release the carbohydrate stored in the liver---which makes a huge difference in how you feel.

Before and After by Susan Maria Leach, the owner of Bariatric Eating (which operates another great website). It discusses her experience with gastric bypass---but is relevant to bandsters, too. The eating plan is very helpful, IMO, as are the recipes at the end. (The website has tons of great recipes, too--and many of the members who post on the boards are banded.)

How did she become privy to the experiences of a mysterious "bunch" of people? And with what authority did she obtain confidential information from the hospital that is allegedly providing sub-par care? It sounds like she's one of the people who likes to discourage others---who knows why. If you've done your homework and are comfortable with your decisions, ignore the woman. If you believe you need more information, do your best to gather it----from sources other than the nurse at work.

I'm so excited for you, Anne! Well, maybe not about the preop diet--but even that is a milestone :scared2: What does your doctor have you doing for your preop? Katie, no--I haven't started yoga yet. I think I will do it next week, when my daughter is home from school. Maybe I can drag her along. I'm also thinking about Zumba, but am pretty sure I have nothing resembling the coordination required for that. I'm trying to convince myself that that doesn't matter---but so far, no dice. Still...I want to try it..... Hm. Now I want a Wii. And Wii Fit. I see what you mean about transfer addictions, Anne!

I'm glad you called---that was a good idea :scared2:

The swelling from the fill went down. If your doctor had given you a larger fill, even more pressure would have been exerted on your stomach, and more swelling would have occurred. So, your 1 cc fill caused swelling that gave you temporary restriction---instead of being totally frustrated, recognize this as good information to share with your doctor. It will help guide future fills so you get to that sweet spot.

It really depends on your doctor. Mine has his patients on purees after 3 days. Many others have their patients remain on liquids for weeks.