Baba Wawa

There's no guarantee you'll have the surgery scheduled prior to your 90 probation ending, so why push? In any event, even a stepping stone job is important to a future employer. Employment gaps, unless you're a full time student are questioned. Since your company has an HR dept, it's likely large enough to come under federal laws governing medical leave and the process is pretty straightforward. Wait the additional 2 months of employment, prepare yourself properly for your surgery and new lifestyle...flexibility will be very important after your surgery, practicing it now will be a positive thing for you and your company.

I share with someone or I order off the appetizer menu. Many restaurants will have pretty good protein options on their starter menu, like shrimp cocktail. I will order clam chowder or some other soup if the options aren't looking good.

Wow, that's one I haven't heard of! Have you been able to lose with the band unfilled? Mine was unfilled last June and you'd think I had my old fill amount in (3.5 cc).

For my allergies I take allertec (Costco version of Zyrtec) cause its small. For larger pills, I cut them in half. Most pills can be taken whole, unless they're huge!

Non-meat options: FF cottage cheese FF Greek yogurt (we mix in ranch dip mix, serve with raw carrots, yummy) Dannon FF light and fit (high protein, good dessert option) Farro Lentils Adzuki Beans Meats: boneless skinless chicken thighs True cod (I buy at costco, portion out and freeze) Rock Shrimp (tastes like lobster) Turkey meat balls ( I make them with 99% lean, add olive oil, ff Greek yogurt, onion, chopped mushrooms, egg, chopped zucchini, chopped red bell peppers garlic , italian seasoning and oats) can be made into mini meat loaf in a muffin pan, frozen. Just a few ideas...Good luck!

I'm going to try this!

Sleeve works much like the band, it's restrictive. Most Band to Sleeve peeps find that they need to be a little more diligent with it, since there is no soft stop signal. RNY, being malabsorptive + restrictive (as is DS) takes less dieting, but much more attention to Vitamins, nutrition, etc. Sleeve seems to have the best gastrointestinal quality of life long term over AGB and RNY. I just posted info on this on the complications board (Thinking of Revising to VSG?) AND since I'm dealing with many of the GI issues aggravated by my band, can understand this being an important factor.

Go to the ER...they MUST treat you. Worry about the money later.

My first fill, 3 months post op, there was scar tissue, making it very difficult to access the port. My second fill, no problem. For my complete unfill, 2 years post op, easy peasy!

I read it yesterday am...I own Jeans book...she was one of my main reasons for choosing my band. I'm well acquainted with her common sense approach to WLS surgery, band myths...but there are several more myths...such as "if you follow all the rules, you'll avoid serious complications"; "keeping your band loose will avoid slips" etc.

I think that's good news! Eat your protein first, low glycemic veggies second and you will do great. "Restriction" affects all of us differently. I had this feeling too, early pre-op. Just go with it, but measure your food to ensure you're getting the nutrients you need. I think I was only getting in 500-700 calories in per day and splitting that into 4-5 small meals per day. That was doable. As I became used to the band, I gradually increased calories to 900-1200 per day. Now I eat 3 times per day and have an occasional high protein snack if dinner will be later. Just wait till you step on the scale!

Sorry to hear of your struggles! I think the recommendation that you see a nutritionist is a good one. Maybe once a month to start, then quarterly. PCOS is very reactive to carbs, so limiting refined carbs is a good first step, even before you see your doctor. It's amazing that you conceived with BC, since infertility is common with PCOS, but not unheard of. This is one of those conditions where your ob/gyn, bariatric surgeon and nutritionist need to work closely with you to achieve your goal of regaining your health. Think of it as you managing the condition, rather than the condition running your life, etc. Best of luck, keep us posted!

Looking good! Keep taking your pics in front of that door...great point of reference! Keep it up!

Thank you all! It's been a journey, for sure! I'm determined to lose the last 30+ lbs this year.

Is sex better?

Your story sounds a lot like mine. Even with all 3.5 cc (11cc band) removed from my band I have problems eating pretty often. I've developed a motility disorder that my GI doc feels is band caused, or at the very least band aggravated. I have IBSc and am taking some Meds that help, but I still have reflux, pbs, and outright vomiting at times. I'm trying to resolve this without more surgery, but it's not looking favorable. Hope your removal gives you relief and you can maintain your weight loss. Post when it's out and let us know how it goes. Hugs!

I know you asked Jean, but the VSG is the first stage of the DS. The DS component can be done as part of a two stage process. My understanding is that a slightly larger bougie is used for DS. There doesn't seem to be a problem revising a sleeve to DS. I have heard of VSG with a band a few times. Not sure how that works, though. Hope this answers your questions.

There was no "attack" on Cheryl.

Actually she did, then it was either edited or moderated, but it did indeed say suck. I expect responses and I don't expect everyone to agree with me. I also expect to be treated like an adult and not belittled. I've been polite, responded appropriately, and stated my purpose for the post. I don't object to disagreement, but I won't be bullied into not posting. Guess I'm here for a while.

Worse, lol. OH is pretty quiet these days.

Many assumptions are made within this sentence....all incorrect.

Plication was first done in Iran....does it really matter?

I lost one of my brothers in 2001...he weighed 411 lb when he died. I think that when we are saving our own lives we make tough choices. I understand your passion and determination. Many lives have been saved through research and investigative procedures. I wish you continued health and success. (((Hugs)))

I'm sorry, I wasn't intending to criticize your decision, I was responding to another poster.

There are several people over on another forum who have considered this and their doctors told them it is irreversible after 3-4 weeks, since the tissue that is plicated grows together, scar tissue develops and that the patients they've seen with this procedure who want to be revised, are limited to RNY. I'll post some links for you...bear in mind that I can only post LBT approved links, but here goes... http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/14816-gps-update-important-new-information/