BetsyB

My eating plan is similar to Leigha's, but simpler: 3-4 ounce lean Protein (chicken, fish, beef, pork, Beans, whatever), weighed. And 1/2 cup nonstarchy veggies. Once a day, a serving of fruit. That's it. I add 1-2 Protein shakes a day, too (sorry, Dr. Lahmann :frown:) So a typical day looks like this: 5:30-ish: warm Protein shake, Vitamins & meds between 5:30-9:00: liter of Fluid 9:00-10:00: exercise 10:00: 4-6 ounces black bean chili made with ground chicken breast (this is protein + veggie) 11:30-1:00: 500 cc fluid 1:00: 3-4 ounces fish or chicken, 1/2 cup veggies or 1/2 cup fruit with fat-free cottage cheese and a T ground flax seed 2:30-6:00-ish: liter of fluid 6:00 3-4 ounces fish, chicken, beef, or pork (if I'm lucky--I've been tight at night lately) 6:30-7:30: exercise 7:30-9:00-ish: sips of fluid (winding down for the night) 9:00-ish: protein shake

Do you mean now, or in the mushy stage?

Kookaburra, I knew there wasn't a need to be worried for you because you are now talking about it. Being able to assign words to the experience and put it into the daylight made so much difference to me. The past is no longer threatening to my wellbeing--and moving forward is now possible. I have to add that I really understand the rage toward the mothers (and mothers' husbands) who helped create this in us. It was so profoundly wrong---and so profoundly unfair. Being angry is a natural response. I believe it's what we swallowed for so many years. It helped us build our fortresses of fat. FEELING it is a good thing--no matter what we were taught as children. Feeling and expressing our feelings will allow us to move forward healthfully. I'm glad you have a great therapist. Good luck to you. :frown:

I haven't decided for sure. I think we're doing a prime rib wit roasted potatoes and asparagus and green salad, but may go with an Easter ham or rosemary-lemon lamb kabobs. It really depends on what looks good when I go shopping.

Okay guys, I admit it--I'm overwhelmed. I want to write individual posts to everyone, but have been staying away because it's just overwhelming to me right now. I don't want to stay away--I get so much from this thread. So I hope you will forgive me for reading & empathizing--and responding piecemeal. Things here are....well, as you might have gathered, overwhelming. Mark saw the transplant guys on Monday. They are going to do some more testing, but after he's had his meds knocked down to much lower doses for a period of time. They were kind of cryptic, but my read is that the aim is to have the tests show what a less-assisted (therefore sicker) heart does during the test. The only rationale I can identify for this is that they want to list him, and want the results to better reflect what is going on with him. If you were to look at him---and some of his results while optimally medicated---you'd say, "Oh, well, he's not so sick." But he really is. He feels awful all the time, and is getting worse. He also has diabetes that will eventually rule out transplant. It's my feeling that they are pushing the envelope a little so that he can be listed. I knew all of this was likely to happen. I've known it for 10 years. BUT, knowing something intellectually (and in the distant future) is different from its realization. So I am ...discombobulated. Not on the surface---but in my head. So that's why I'm scattered to the wind. Denise--I LOVE your new picture! Gorgeous! Yes, Truman is faithfully walking me---it preserves what little remains of my sanity. Leigha-Congrats on 150!! You look fabulous, and I bet you feel fabulous, too! More later--the dog is looking at me dolefully.

I'll start by admitting that I haven't used it myself. However, just a few months ago, a very, very built cable guy working in my house talked about it with me. He was noticeably limping, and in terrible pain---and when we started talking, he revealed it was because of P90. The guy was in great shape. But it kicked his ass! He said it was a very good, but very difficult, workout. He liked that it as an alternative to the gym--he was able to get a quicker workout in. But he said it was hard. It worked muscles he didn't even know he had. Poor guy. I gave him Advil for the road LOL

I'm really sorry you're so upset. I would be, too, in your shoes. That's a distant surgery date if I've ever seen one! There are a lot of surgeons who perform banding in your area. I bet you'll find that more than one accepts your insurance. That's the route I'd take. Waiting for clearance from specialists is one thing. As is waiting for insurance clearance. But waiting months for a surgery date? Unless my surgeon was spectacular, the only one within a 200-mile radius who performed the procedure, or in Haiti doing relief work, or something---I'd find it very difficult to justify putting everything on hold (and jeopardizing those clearances/coverage.) Aside from the logistical nightmare, you've seen a cardiologist, pulmonologist, and other specialists who have cleared you for surgery based on your condition now. Five months from now, your condition may be different. So in addition to throwing a real wrench into the works in terms of schedule, this type of delay can actually impact your physical safety and well-being. I hope you find a good solution fast!

That's how I felt, Anne. I was so grateful that the surgery was really going to happen that I wasn't willing to compromise that in any way. Even though my preop diet fell during the holidays!

I can't think of a better reason to experience a weight gain than two beautiful babies :frown: Welcome back--you've done it before, so you know you can do it now! The husband is tricky. I understand personal preferences, but "chubby" leaves a lot of room for leeway. In your shoes, I'd work hard to get to a weight that is healthy. He loves you, not your body fat. (I mean, my husband admires leggy 22-year-olds. I'm not leggy, and I'm not 22. It's just a preference, and I'd drive myself insane if I felt I had to become what I'm not.)

Oh--and it's not legal for your doctor to withhold your records from you. The original is legally his to keep. You have a right to a copy. It sounds as though he needs to be reminded of your rights (and remedies).

Don't give up--you've come too far. Your aftercare sounds like it's sorely lacking. Were you given no diet guidelines? What a shame! Is there another doctor in the area whose practice you could use?

Holy moly! What an ordeal--I am glad you're okay!

I don't think it's at all unusual not to have restriction at your level. It takes many people longer to reach a sense of restriction---and very, very few of them go on to "run out of real estate." As the band gets fuller, fills of smaller increments can really make a difference. I don't really understand the PA's resistance. The aim is for you to achieve restriction, whether that be .2 ccs from now, or 2 ccs from now, or 2.2 ccs from now. What s/he wants does not correlate with the reality you're experiencing---and what you are experiencing needs to be the guide. I would ask for the doctor's input on this. They really need to work with you to achieve appropriate restriction--and if that means that they push their comfort envelope a little, so be it. You're not going to overshoot the available space. You're nowhere near that point. But let's say you get right up there to the wire. That's okay. If you find restriction right exactly at your band's max, then you've found restriction in a way that fits in with the guidelines for that band. I am not sure why you're running into so much resistance. It's not like if you ignore the situation, it's going to improve spontaneously! (FWIW, I have 7.3 cc and while I think I'm approaching good restriction, no one has even begun to suggest that continuing fills is inappropriate.) The point is that she doesn't have restriction. Whether you did, or I did, or anyone else in the doctor's practice did is irrelevant. The doctor's office should be working to achieve the best result for her. And that means listening to her experiences, and tailoring their approach to her response to her band.

Congratulations!!

I mix some of them with Almond Breeze almond milk (the kind that's in the refrigerator section with milk). The powders are meant to be mixed with 4 oz., but I use 8---which is really good, especially for the flavors that are a bit much otherwise. I *really* like the Dutch chocolate mixed with warm almond milk---there's a process for tempering the Protein so it doesn't get clumpy from the hot liquid, but if you do it right, it's excellent. (In short, you make a paste with the powder and a little tepid or cold liquid. Then, you add the warm liquid very slowly, stirring the whole time.) I start most days with this--I needed something warm to replace my coffee! Speaking of coffee, a lot of people who post at BE add coffee to their Proteins.

It really depends. I got a call telling me my insurance covers banding the day after the seminar. That, however, was only a conditional approval. At my first meeting with the surgeon, I learned that a great deal more was required, including a three-month supervision. Endoscopy was not required for me, but all of the other testing and time for final approval added up to about 5 months, total. Your mileage may vary--you'll get a better feel for it when you have your first appointment with the surgeon. If that doesn't happen until a little farther down the road (some have you do the other prelim stuff first), give his/her office a call and ask what you should expect.

Bariatric Eating (BariatricEating.com - BE, Inc. The number one bariatric website for protein, vitamins, and success.) has a very good unflavored protein called PURE. It really disappears into whatever you add it to.

First of all, I am so sorry you're experiencing first bite syndrome. That must really compound the problems you're experiencing, and make it just so much harder to cope. From what I've read, it does not tend to linger forever---so there may be hope on the horizon for you. Does level of restriction affect it? I know it involves the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach rather than the band, so logic would say that it would not. But we all know that the band's behavior is not always logical. Has your doctor given you any good input about ways to cope? (Just a thought, which is purely an anecdotal observation rather than based on anything I know factually. Do you think the fibromyalgia is connected to the first bite syndrome? It seems to me as though many with FMS experience FBS....I wonder why? I wonder if any of the meds contribute.) You say that you're eating less than before, but I wonder: what are you eating? Are you tracking it? I know it's a chore, and not necessarily one you want to maintain long-term---but for the short term, it might give really useful information about ways you can tweak your intake to bump up your loss. I have fibromyalgia and a handful of other orthopedic/neuro issues, as well. My fibromyalgia responds very well eating "clean." I did away with processed foods a few years ago, and it made a HUGE difference. Really, huge. If I focus on lean Proteins, fresh veggies, heart-healthy fats (and these are really important not to pare down too much), and fruits and whole grains in moderation (I have yet to add these back in post-banding), I feel so much better than when I focus only on quantity of food. Quality is really important. The pain from fibromyalgia can be a real obstacle. Do you have a really good pain specialist? That has made all the difference in the world for me. My flare cycle has really calmed down. While pain is a very real, very strong presence in my life, I no longer really view it as a disability. It's something that requires a different focus, and a less-punishing approach to exercise as many are able to carry out. But when you hit on the right regimen, it really can make you feel so, so much better. I really had to work hard to make myself accept that working through the pain would ultimately provide benefits. Exercise does not injure me---though it sometimes hurts. With time, though, it reduces my pain. I honestly believe that walking daily (for several miles, at a brisk pace) is the best medicine I have. Without it, there is no doubt in my mind that (a) I would consistently be in more pain than I now experience, and ( I would experience severe flares more frequently. I think I'd probably consider myself in remission now; the pain I have is, in general, from other sources. Obviously, what works for me might not work for you---you have to work within your own limitations. But I really, really strongly recommend that you try to rid yourself of the disability frame of mind, and instead view exercise as potentially therapeutic rather than something destined to make you feel awful. You feel awful anyway, right? It was a huge struggle for me to decide, "Hey, I really don't have anything to lose. I feel like hell--what's the worst that could happen if I try this? That's right--I'll still feel like hell." Luckily, I found that it helped. But I was diagnosed over 25 years ago---and it took me almost 20 of those to convince myself---so I totally understand the reluctance to push. And I totally, totally understand the frustration and depression associated with it---chronic, cyclical pain packs an emotional wallop that keeps on giving. I'm sorry you're feeling so frustrated---you are dealing with an awful lot at once, and it must seem bleak at times. But I have a feeling you'll find your way around these obstacles and enjoy great weight loss success again. That will help you feel lots better, pain-wise, too. ETA: It does not sound like you are making excuses. It sounds as though you are contending with a number of really tricky obstacles, and doing the best you can to overcome them.

How frustrating! I hope you get good news today. (I would be pulling my hair out!) I'm kind of surprised they scheduled you without clearance. There's still the same wait, but it's a little less nerve-wracking if you don't already have your hopes up (and plans made).

I'm with Cindy on this one--I'd baby it with liquids for a few days, advance my diet slowly, and then call the doctor if problems resume.

I can't really aim for a size, not knowing what that really means. The last time I was the weight I'm aiming for, I wore anywhere from a size 6 to a size 12. I have no idea what that will translate into in today's sizing. And because sizing is not uniform ---designers tend to lean toward vanity sizing even more than most other US clothing manufacturers---I just can't even begin to figure out how to create that goal.

It is very normal to be able to eat more than four ounces before you achieve restriction. You did not likely stretch your pouch. OTOH, overeating to the point of discomfort is NOT a good idea and can, over time, do just that. Good luck with your fill. I don't mean to discourage, but often the first is just a stepping stone, without much discernible difference in hunger. Yours may be different--but either way, know that it DOES get better.

I wish I could burp. My body doesn't seem to know how, any more! As for ...intestinal gas (phht like I'm ladylike!) ...well, I have a 13-year-old son and a big dog. I blame it all on them. I don't actually have as much of an issue with gas as I did preop. It's just harder for my body to get rid of. Walking a lot helps tremendously.

It often takes a few fills. I felt very little difference after my first--and only for a couple of days. Fill #2 gave me some relief. Fill #3 seems to be getting much closer. It's frustrating, but it takes a bit of time. (I wish this were more thoroughly addressed in the preop education our doctors offer!)

What you should do is stick with the diet. It is time-limited, and you can do it. If you really can't, call your doctor to find out what you can safely add. You want to be sure your liver is given the opportunity to rid itself of its glycogen stores, so it's important to eat in a certain way. ETA: Yes, lots of people do cheat. Some of them find, after their abdomens have been opened for surgery, that their doctors are not able to proceed with the surgery. You don't want that! Make sure that you make wise choices--including calling your doctor if you think you need to modify the diet.