sunnysandy

Hi all...I am 7 months pregnant..banded Aug 2010---lost about 60lbs before getting pregnant. Had all my Fluid removed when I found out because I was very tight and could not eat and had morning sickness. Surgeon suggested removing all fluid to avoid slippage... Gained 13 lbs so far...maintain my diet with the removal of artifical sweetners and Protein shakes...due to contents in the products. Just wanted to share something my OB told me ...at 17 weeks I had my 2nd seq screening done -and it came back 1/5 chance of downs. Granted I am 37 so I knew my number wasn't going to be super high....but this was so low. Anyhow proceeded with Amino and results were baby is fine. My OB told me that she has no real scientific data to show just an observation that patients with weight loss surgery tend to come back with screwy numbers. I know when I was in this trial of waiting for the results it was my only hope...so just wanted to share with others. Any questions please feel free to ask. Good Luck to all!!

Mnjhowell...while you may be right and you were very lucky to have have had such great results...for someone going through the trial of having such low numbers it can be very upsetting. My post clearly states it was an observation from a medical professional...not my opinion...you can doubt it ..but keep in mind...just wanted to provide some support for a person who might be experiencing the same problem.

I feel your pain..I had my band completely emptied and no problems with holding things down...I did develop acid reflux...despite I feel no refulx but I still have issues about 2 x a week and only when I cough. I take NEEvo dha--=no side affects at all...no bad taste.no burping..I actually take it at night. Good luck

I am in my 28th week too...port just becoming a lil more obvious at the site..not visible just able to feel a lot easier. No bother at all

Hello everyone...anyone have gallbladder issues after being banded? My sono was clean before my surgery in August...and I am down 50lbs- last week gallbladder attack. Surgeon is removing it this friday and has be on liquids all week....at least I have been down this road before with the liquids...and I am just looking at as an easy way to lose a few pounds. Hunger is not my issue..think the nerves and fear of pain is worse at this point. But I was just curious if anyone is having similiar issues. I have found on the net that sudden weight loss or obesity surgery can def. cause this to occur. Thank you in advance for your responses. -Sandy

Thank you so much Sue for that tip...I do have a jiggly belly..so I am sitting here laughing because the logic is so true. Looking forward to just getting this over with...and so grateful to all the tips everyone and well wishes.

Did you try to increase your Fiber? After my second fill - I finally got to feel what it was like to get something stuck after I thought I didn't have enough in the fill. However, my nutrionist said to increase your fiber..such as an apple and it will give you a fuller feeling that will last longer...also something like oatmeal for Breakfast --has a longer period to break down. Look at what you are eatting and add some good Snacks like fruit in between. You just don't want to get to many fills because it will eventually hit its max and you do not want that to happen too soon- as this can take years to hit your goal and maintain it..and later on you might really need the fill. Just some of my thoughts.

You are only supposed to be able to get in 4-6 oz.. Sometimes depending what the food is I feel like I can get in a lil more - while everyone is different you just do not want to over eat - and get sick. Also despite you are losing now..it will slow down and you will get a fill and have to decrease your meal size. Unfortunately its the time to be honest with yourself and after 4 oz of food really ask yourself do you need to eat more..are you really hungery. The sooner you begin to cut your portions the easier it will be for you to adjust to eatting smaller portions and be successful with the band. In addition I was under the impression from my nutrionist and dr that you do not want to put more food in the stomach because it could stretch out and be able to take in more food. Well I hope this was helpful

Hi I live right near you in Somerset-- However- I go to Staten Island to Dr. George Ferzli here is his website http://www.drferzli.com/ I was beyond happy with him and his staff. They have a very supportive program and its laid out very clearly. Ferzli is very well known around the world and has been one of NYC top drs for years. Hope this was helpful. You can email me if you have any questions. Also he is only about 30 mins from you in NJ.

Good For you!!! I do think ..you are right you are not taking in enough for your workout day. Besides the doctor...I would consider..talking to your nutrionists...sometimes its as simple as fiber...also consider a Protein shake when you work out. Good LUCK!!!:thumbup:

I understand exactly what you are saying about the stomach ..I start my day early too..SOmething that I don't see you doing is a Protein shake. Maybe you didn't say. My nutrionist told me...always a protein shake..and get creative with adding things--such as a lil peanut butter-- using milk. The other thing that she told me that has just made me a very happy person is fruit. I was not a huge fruit eatter before my band but now -- I have a new found love for apples. She explained that the more Fiber I put into my diet the less I will need fills..and it will help with losing weight. I am about 12 weeks post -op and have cut back on my protein shake to once a day...add a banana, ff milk and tsp of Peanut Butter...it really makes me feel fuller then a yogurt. If I am having a second one because I am famished..which has only happened just a few times...I leave out the banana and milk...to cut calories...that is the only thing with them they are important but can be very caloric - GOOD LUCK

Well..you should not be able to get down a cup of yogurt..even after several months..no more then 4oz is the rule of thumb..especially so close to post op. 4oz of food should be effort at this point..and you will see once things all calm down you will be able to get in maybe 6 oz...however-- never over eat..and the biggest thing..is slow..and listen..to your body..there is such a disconnect between our stomachs and brain..and you have to work and reconnect it..it will happen...trust me..Good luck !!!

I Miss a can of Diet coke!!

Are you sure ..full liquids means clear liquids..because...FULL LIQUIDS>>usually means anything that is liquid...thinned Soups, protein shakes, puddings (s/f) yogurt. Call your nutrionist...Also...I have heard of 1 week clear liquids..but 2 is a lil extreme. They do sell chicken broth that has protein in it from bariatic eating...I have not tried it. Also try to stay away from processed soups like campbells...you really want chicken broth --in the clear stage. Always remember..protein first...and foremost when you are in these stages..your body needs to repair itself. Also they will make you feel full. I am finding EAS from Sams is delicious w/ 4oz of Over the Moon milk = 28g of protein and only 3 carbs...good luck One more thing..do what works for you ..while following the rules!

What a great accomplishment!!! KUDOS!!!!! Keep up the good work...and keep us posted too:thumbup:

Becareful if you are still taking pain meds...also Iron suppliments ..they cause this to happen

Well..if you are diabetic I would be very concerned. If not..all kidding aside..you put the botties on before surgery and they leave them on the whole time..no one may even ever look at your feet....I am not saying to ignore...but just don't stress tooo much....My mother in law had a bladder infection and was going for total hip replacement...with all Dr.s knowing they gave her antibiotics and operated 5 days later and she did just fine...good luck!!!

Def. check your discharge papers...I have "skin clips" aka stapples...I was told to remove bandages day 3 and shower. But these were " bandages" no steri strips...I am day 7 today and cannot wait to get these staples out...good luck

I am a teacher too...I was banded on Aug 24..doing as predicted...no major problems. However, NO way could I have gone to work the next day. Even sitting in a classroom. Sitting up too long can hurt the inscions. Also you need to be focusing on getting everything in...water, Protein, and other liquids...its very important you heal that week. One more thing...the first couple of days its very normal to have Diariah....so glad someone told me...so you need to be close to a bathroom. Good luck...but think you need to plan on going back on Monday.Not sure what kind of school district you work in..but there are two jewish holidays at the end of the week..you might be able to claim religious observance. GOOD LUCK !!!:thumbup:

Hi All - I am being banded aug 24 I know these forums are filled with tips. Was wondering if anyone had some or just one good tip for the first two weeks after surgery that worked really good for you. Thank you in advance.

Wow Ice queen..that is remarkable...weight loss...Congrats to you and thank you for the tips...

thank you soo much

Wow you had quite and ordeal. Glad to hear you are home recovering. I am being banded Aug 24th. I hope you recover quickly. Keep updating..I am curious how it will be for you to go back to work on tuesday. I have two weeks after my surgery to go back..and I am nervous about timing. Good luck!!!

Awesome..good luck

Hi Merry..and all.... I think we have posted together before..but.. I am 35 236lbs 5'2 bmi 43 Surgery goal is for july I have the similar problem...with food...junk is not my issue...just love to cook and really trying to find a new hobby...and just a new way to cook..I love the outdoors..and also..really looking forward to getting back to kayaking..just feel so crzy getting in and out of the difficult situation with the kayak..and if I fell...out trying to get back up is nearly impossible... While I am in nj...I would be more then happy to offer support..as we go through this process...I am finding that there are so many challenges...beyond all the appointments and the waiting period...just losing weight for me right now is just so frustrating...but everyday I am realistic..and keep trying to make better decisions. :smile: good luck all..hope to hear from you soon