hiddnstar

I had my band for a little over 3 years and noticed that I became dairy and gluten intollerant. First it was dairy and I thought it might have been because I flooded my system with dairy protein drinks and adding extra protein with whey protein, etc. With gluten, I developed a small rash on one hand. Someone pointed it out as something her mom had which had indicated she had gluten intollerence. Long story short, I went gluten free and within days my rash was gone. Now I find if I ingest gluten, my intestines cramp up. I also have gas and bloating. I was told that the gluten in food these days is mostly from GMO wheat. Some people call it super-gluten. I have heard that is why so many people, banded or not, are becoming gluten intollerant. So, who knows? I've wondered how our body deals with the band. The pouch is a much smaller space to digest food. I think its good for everyone to have a variety of colorful, fresh foods. I do much better gluten free, diary free, and sugar free. Gas is rare, constipation is non-existent, my mood is good, my head is more clear, I don't have the fatigue I'd experienced for so long. Anyone else heard the GMO connection to gluten intollerance? ~hiddn

Can you reschedule the blood work? hiddn

When I had fills it didn't particularly hurt and my doctor didn't numb me. The last time he found my port had flipped, so he dug his hand in to flip it back. Then he had a hard time getting the needle in. He did the fill, but also said that next time he would do the fill at the hospital using the floroscope (which will show him exactly where my port is and where to put the needle). It sounds to me like your doctor wants you to heal a little bit more before trying a fill again. I would ask him if it's possible to do the fill under the floroscope (or something similar) so that he can get the right spot on the first try. (though you'll have to find wording he will accept without feeling criticized! Surgeons are sensitive folks when their godlyness appears to be questioned). If you are blue and tender, waiting until November makes sense to me. But you'll have to be extra vigilent with your food choices. ~hiddn ps: I didn't look to see when the first post was made. Today November is just a couple of weeks away!

It sounds like you have been looking out for yourself by going in when you needed to. I hope you will call your doctor once again because what you describe sounds bad for your health (as other's have described). You hired the doctor and pay him to do his job. He's not doing you a "favor" by seeing you! You have an extremely legitimate concern and you need to call the person who can address it: your doctor. Im sorry you are miserable, but it sounds fixable and is not a rare thing. People talk about this kind of thing all the time on here. Take care of YOU! ~hiddn

Have you called your insurance company to let them know you have not received their letter of approval? I had that happen when I had my Lap Band removed. I actually called the insurance company on the day of surgery to confirm (when I suddenly realized I had not seen a letter of approval come thru) and they were able to tell me I was approved but they were back-logged on sending out the letters. She gave me a number that I wrote down as confirmation. They had already let my surgeon know, which is why the hospital had been in touch with me with pre-registration stuff, etc. So I suggest you call your insurance company and ask them to look into it. Try to calm down and relax. Surguries can be rescheduled if the approval doesn't come in time to keep the original date. ~hiddn

I dont do soy, either. It messes with hormones, as well. ~hiddn

I missed the airing of the show, but found it on hulu.com this morning! I feel inspired by their struggles and accomplishments. ~hiddn

when is it on??? I've been waiting for it to start again. ~hiddn

I, too, didn't want anyone to know what kind of surgery I was having because I didn't want to feel "watched". Weight loss surgery is very personal and intimate. I think I would just let my employer know I am having surgery, will need time off to recover, and what restrictions you will have upon return (if any). The type of surgery is not their business, but they do need to be able to plan for your absence. I also found that as I began to lose weight and people noticed, they were very excited for me and supportive, too! Some people asked me if I was dieting or how I've lost weight. It was my decision to pick those I would tell and those I'd just say I was watching what I eat (which is also true). Most people where I work now know I had the surgery (this was 3 years ago) and I still get compliments and a lot of support from a whole lot of people! So, you might be surprised how having the people you spend most of your day with can support you on your journey! My advice is to be truthful but you don't have to be an open book. ~hiddn

HI! How frustrating for you. I have not heard or experienced the cold sensation you're talking about, so I can't say anything helpful there. I had odd symptoms for a long time and went to several specialists trying to figure out what was going on. Every doctor I saw had vague answers or simply lumped it in with GERD. I did some research and found a doctor an hours drive away who read my history and successfully resolved my problem. So don't give up! Also, one thing he told me is that the lap band only prevents a person from binging, nothing else. (Im pretty sure there will be people who disagree with that, but it fits with my own experience). So I understand when you say you can eat everything. I wonder if being pregnant and having a baby has changed your insides in a way that has impacted the band. For me, my body could not support the band (and I had it removed after losing considerable weight). Just don't give up! Maybe you could research surgeons who have done Lap Bands for a long time and who may know, from experience, what different symptoms are indicating. My old surgeon refused to believe any of my symptoms were caused by the band; he simply did a test to make sure it was in the right position and declared there was nothing wrong. My new surgeon did the same test, but had it done by a radiologist extremely familiar with lap bands and who knew what to look for - how the band was actually functioning. Mine was not functioning and my body could not handle another fill. So, I wish you luck and if there is anything in my post I can clarify for you, just let me know! Hang in there! ~hiddn

You're welcome! Im losing weight, now, without my band by following a Paleo type way of eating. Since Im gluten free already, it was easy for me because Im already not eating bread products. We'll see how it goes! Thank you for sharing the free cook book link! ~hiddn

I was told it was a time for focusing on healing. Eat gently and make your very best food choices. I chose to eat organic foods so my body was not having to deal with pesticides and hormones, as well as heal itself. You may want to decide to nip the "pushing limits" in the bud right now. It will be very exciting when you see the weight just coming off every time you step on the scale!! I had to have some serious talks with myself about priorities every now and again. What do I really want? Glad you like to exercise!!! that will come in very handy! ~hiddn

I hope the fill makes a great difference for you! ~hiddn

Yay!

Hi! In addition to what others have already said, my surgeon's written order to me was to walk 5 times a day! I did and am so glad I did. Even if it is a 1 minute walk at first, do it. It was part of the structure for my day. I kept a log each of when I took meds, when I could take them again, when I actually took them again, and when I went for a walk. Walking helps move and release the gas from your surgery. It will also help to keep up your stamina while you heal. Like I said, even if your walk is ONE minute, DO it. 5 times a day. My first walk was about 3 minutes. Soon I was walking 10 minutes at a time. Funny thing was that I kept increasing the distance I walked, but still got back home 10 minutes later! So I was walking faster and faster I hope this helps you. Oh, and it's an unwritten rule (I think it's unwritten) that you HAVE to come back here and post how you're doing after surgery!!! We'd love to hear from you. ~hiddn

Are you spending the night? Mine was out patient. I wore a loose fitting dress and sandals. Just those two things, literally. The special thing I took with me was my new necklace with a medical alert for Lap Band with my name, banded by Dr. Hanna 7/7/10, and his office phone number. I loved putting that on before leaving for home!! The little pillow or roll of paper towels is a must for seat belt padding on the drive home. And be sure to take your ID, insurance card, and any payment you are expected to make. ~hiddn

I haven't tried recipes from the free book, but I have tried recipes from Primal Cravings. VERY good! One of my favorites is to take small sweet peppers, cut them in half and remove the seeds. Stuff with avocado and top with crisp bacon. You won't lose weight if you choose to eat Paleo only part of the time. You have to commit full time or the high fat will do you in. Here is a link to a web site where you can get lots of great free Paleo recipes. You can also see the Primal Cravings cookbook there. http://www.health-bent.com/blog/primalcravings I don't there is one diet that works for everyone, but the Paleo way of eating really resonates with me. ~hiddn

HI I've heard people talk about gall bladder issues creating pains like you describe. But I have no personal experience to speak of. I hope someone can figure out why you are having this pain! Houston is a large area with lots of very good doctors, so you've got a good chance of getting some good care there. (Im in California!) Good luck! ~hiddn

I found those first 2 weeks to be the worst. I know what you mean about feeling the hurt of hunger. For me it came in waves. It's been 3 years, now, so I don't quite remember what I did that helped. I'ts a good idea to look a list of what is considered full liquids. I do remember at some point going to my favorite Thai food restaurant to get a take out order of Panang Curry, no rice. I took it home and put it in the blender and made it a soup! I learned how to make my own so it wasn't so expensive. I also learned to make asian tapioca, which is served hot --- feels good on the tummy. I love a baked yam blended in a blender with a little melted butter and salt. Kind of a yam soup. Not everyone can eat the same, though, so kind of listen to your body. That was one thing I learned being banded: I'd go shopping and would listen very closely to my body about what it wanted. I would reach for something to put in my basket and my body would react with a yes or a no. And often it was yes one day and no the next, to the very same item!! If you like massages, go get one. You can lay on your side and on your back. You could get a pedicure! oh, a hot wax treament would feel really good, too! Get your hair done! New shoes!!! You'll be going for lots of walks, I assume, so new shoes is a must!! Just be creative and have as much fun as you can as you recover. And keep your sense of humor! ~hiddn

When I got banded, I decided to eat as much organic as possible. It's more expensive, but I really want everything that passes my lips to be non-toxic, non GMO, and as healthy as possible. When I have a treat, it's just a treat and not a disaster I've been able to afford organic because I eat less! Hope you can find a good price on the Garden of Life Raw Meal. Another product I really like is Metagenics Probiotic (acute care). I have used Garden of Life probiotics and they are great, but I found the Metagenics one had a much more dramatic impact for me. My surgeon told me there is an ingredient in it that helps with stress (I didn't exactly understand his whole explanation about it, but SO glad I tried the product because it's made a huge difference for me!!!). ~hiddn

Yay! Im glad you get started again! There is a huge reward in the end, as you said, but just remember to notice all the rewards along the way, too! They'll keep you going! I have learned a lot both from being banded and from losing weight. When will your surgery be? ~hiddn

HI! Are you looking at having weight loss surgery? I can relate to what you're saying. I still find my first response when stressed is to reach for comfort food. And it's the first thing I think of when I want to celebrate! I have found that if I am eating food I like all the time, I don't binge. My surgeon has suggested recipes from a cook book called, Primal Cravings. I bought the book and love it! I don't feel like Im dieting at all. On their website there are lots and lots of free recipes, too. http://www.health-bent.com/blog/primalcravings I wonder if you would still binge if you were always eating food you really like---and not feel like you are on a "diet". I had the Lap Band implanted 3 years ago and soon afterward developed an intolerance to dairy. Two years later I decided to go gluten free -- and wow, did I feel better!!! Then I elimenated sugar and felt even better than that! A month ago I had the Lap Band removed. I am feeling really good. Still gluten free, but now tolerate some dairy...and unfortunately sugar, too. But I learned so much being banded and am continuing to lose weight. Still have at least 40 pounds to go. Thank you for posting! ~hiddn

It's yam season!!!!

I like Garden of Life Raw Meal Vanilla Spiced Chai: • Beyond Organic Snack AND Meal Replacement • Naturally Filling • Satisfies Hunger • Sustained Energy • Provides all the Nutrition of a Healthy, Well Balanced Meal • 34 g Protein • 16 g Fiber • 20 Vitamin Code® • Vitamins and Minerals • Live Probiotics & Enzymes • RAW • Vegan • Gluten Free • Dairy Free • Soy Free • Non-GMO Project Verified These days I make green smoothies and add a scoop of this ---- really yummy! ~hiddn

I agree with getting a second opinion about converting to a sleeve. Im glad you didn't just agree off hand. I had my band removed after 3 years because my body could not support it. I wonder if it's similar for you since you have had other difficulties? Not necessarily "rejection", just cannot "support". I would be careful in deciding to have another weight loss surgery of any kind. You might want to look at the most recent research on the causes of obesity -- how our bodies are programmed to store calories as fat and how to re-program it. www.healthysteps.com is a good place to look. There are a few videos with the surgeon, Robert Woodbury, that are very informative. He has patients who lose a lot of weight on the right "diet", who then decide they don't want weight loss surgery after all! Dr. Woodbury promises you will not be hungry on the diet he uses, which is a modified Mediterranean diet. I, too, have had intestinal difficulties and then the Lap Band caused me great discomfort. I'm much happier with out it, though I have no regrets having it implanted. I am losing weight using recipes from Primal Cravings. Hope this info is helpful (and makes sense!). I have a pinched nerve in my leg so am very distracted as I write this! ~hiddn