Dave_NW

Jackie, that's great news. Congratulations! Living where you do and being a skier, it'd be difficult to not feel comfortable on the slopes because of your weight. I hope you have a great time, and next trip you'll get a full day lift ticket instead. Have a blast! Dave

I hadn't intended to tell everyone at work, but after being off three weeks and coming back many pounds lighter, everyone kept asking me what I did because the change was so dramatic. If I mentioned I had surgery, they all got concerned (I work at a hospital, so it's built in, I think.) So I finally started telling anyone who asked. I figure word will get out anyway (did I mention I work at a hospital? People gossip like CRAZY!) so I decided to come out to anyone who was interested. The only person who has said anything negative to me was a nurse at the hospital where I had my surgery. (That isn't where I work.) If anyone else has a negative attitude, they haven't expressed it to me. And if they don't like it, who the hell cares? It's MY life, and MY health, not theirs. One positive side effect: Several people who could benefit from WLS have asked me for more in-depth information about it. So maybe by being honest I can help others to help themselves. I believe in paying it forward. Dave

This is too dang funny. I read the thread title and clicked into it to post how I thought the OP meant TJ MAXX, but I see the rest of you beat me to it! Great (twisted) minds think alike! Dave

Good going, Fred! I'm right behind you. Banded December 6th, and down 49 pounds so far. More than a third of the way to my goal. Keep up the great work! Dave

I know everyone is different, and band fill amounts will vary. But I'm wondering if there is an average amount of fill a 14cc band takes before an average person feels restriction? I have a 14cc band. My surgeon put 3cc's in it during surgery. My first fill is a week and a half away. So naturally I'm curious to get an idea of how far away (on average, of course), I'm likely to be from feeling restriction. What do you think? For those with 14cc bands who have restriction, what is your fill amount? Thanks, Dave

Others have already expressed how outrageous it is for them to say things like that to you. So maybe the next time one of them says something like that, look at them with a dreamy expression in your eye, and say, "Gosh, I have so many choices, now that I'm losing all this weight. I'm having a really hard time figuring out what I'll be wearing at your FUNERAL!" Not nice, but hey - fair is fair. And they started it... Dave, shaking his head...

Let me offer my congratulations as well. Those numbers are awesome! You've given all of us a goal to shoot for. Dave

I think the question you need to answer is how badly you want to lose weight. If you have a substantial amount of weight to lose, and you don't want to have to work at it as much, then maybe the sleeve is right for you. You may also want to look at vertical sleeve plication, a different kind of sleeve surgery that doesn't remove that large portion of the stomach. (As I understand it. I may be mistaken.) RNY is out, because it's one of the most radical surgeries. The thing about banding that appealed most to me is that it's reversible, if there are complications. So even if I'm one of those who never has a problem, I'll be fine. If I'm one of those who DOES develop problems at some point, the band can be removed, and I can go back to my (mostly) pre-surgery condition. Only you can decide what you want to do, and how you're going to do it. There are plenty of self-pay people here, and there are plenty of very experienced surgeons in Mexico who will do the surgery for just a few thousand dollars. You do have options. Good luck! Dave

As you said, every doctor is different. My surgeon only asked me to do Clear liquids for the one day before surgery, but I had to do a liquid diet for three weeks after surgery, then three more weeks on soft foods. Finally, after that I'll get my first fill, (come on Monday!), be on liquids for a day or two, then be allowed solids. That's when the real fun starts. I've also seen how some doctors have their patients on solids within a short time, and I wonder why things are so different. So you're in good company. As an aside, I do have to say I've had ZERO food eating issues post-op. I have not been sick, thrown up, slimed, or anything else. So maybe taking it slow was the right thing for me. Now that I'm past that phase, I have no complaints. Dave

Here's a little trick I've started to employ in restaurants: Ask for a To Go box when your meal is delivered. Put away what you know you DON'T want to eat, leaving only what you feel is the right portion for you. Out of sight, out of mind. Enjoy the rest of your meal, and when your plate is empty - guess what? You've just had dinner out with friends, and nobody felt weird! it's a little thing, but it works pretty well. (And thanks to whoever it was here who told me about it.) Dave

I had another thought about this topic I wanted to share. When I was first exploring whether WLS was for me, I was checking out different websites and the various surgical procedures I could have done. (Band, sleeve, or RNY.) Someone (I wish I could remember who it was) leveled me with a comment to the effect of "In a year or two, after the weight is gone and you're living your new life, all people are going to see is the new, slimmer you. Does it matter at that point HOW you lost the weight? Isn't the point to get control again and be healthy?" So if some folks want to think WLS is an easy way out, maybe it's not all that big of a deal. They aren't the ones who are in charge of your life. This journey is about YOU, not anyone else. Just my 2 cents. (Well, three or four... ) Dave

If I may, I also understand it's normal to experience a bit of swelling in the band area after a fill. This can result in what I'm thinking of as "false restriction." You may experience some of the restriction you're seeking, but when the swelling goes down, you're back to feeling less (or no) restriction. Nothing is wrong, you're just not there yet. I posted recently to ask how much fill 14cc bandsters had on average before feeling restriction. The average seems to be around 7-8ccs. So with only 4cc's in your band, it would appear you're not yet there. Hang in there, and keep working the program. It'll come with time. Good luck! Dave

Relax, try to accept and enjoy the process, and know you'll be on the other side of surgery very soon. You've done your research, you know what to expect, and you'll be fine. Trust your surgeon and team to do their jobs properly. Focus on trying to not be stressed out, and do what you're told. It's all easier than most people think it is. Good luck! Dave

For those of you frustrated with the scale not moving (enough), step back and check your measurements. In the few weeks right after my surgery I had to go buy a smaller belt and smaller size shirts. To myself (in the mirror) I looked about the same, but my clothes were fitting me much differently. I had to retire a favorite pair of blue jeans I'd worn forever because they were suddenly falling off of me. (And trust me, a guy my age does not look good sagging his jeans... ) Hang in there, verify that you are eating as you should be, and give your body time to recover from the internal trauma you're putting it through. Not only have you attached a foreign object silicone band to your digestive tract, but you've added stitches to it, and completely altered what foods you're putting into it. If I was a stomach, I'd resist the change, too. Pace yourself, and let things come back into balance. Good luck, everyone! Dave

I work at a hospital and have the pleasure(?) of a full-service cafeteria for lunch. Lately I've been really enjoying a cottage cheese salad with sliced chicken breast and a hard boiled egg mixed in, all lightly topped with fresh salsa. It goes down easy, is filling, and is a refreshing meal. Dave

Tonya, the weeks right after surgery are not at all about weight loss. They are about healing from surgery, and getting READY for the weight loss that is to follow. Your frustration is understandable, but you are getting ahead of yourself. Give your doctor a call and ask about what you should expect at this point in your recovery. I'm sure it'll help put you at ease about things. Patience is very hard to develop, especially with the band. It is not a quick fix. Realistic weight loss will take time. hang in there. Dave

Tracy, as I've experienced it, the people who think WLS is an easy way out aren't educated on the process. I think it's normal for people to think that any surgery that creates a weight loss situation is somehow getting a leg up on the process. Dieting and "Biggest Loser" gym activity may result in weight loss as well, but there is no guarantee that the weight lost will stay off. Note that Ryan, the Season 1 winner on Biggest Loser has gained back ALL the weight he lost. No surprise for any of us who have dieted unsuccessfully, but kind of a shocker for non-obese people who don't understand how he could possibly let himself get so fat again. Skinny folks (and some fat ones) think that diet and exercise will cure everything. And of course, we all know that just isn't the case for everyone. I tell people I had surgery because I admitted I was unable to lose weight by myself, and I needed help. They note how much weight I've lost so far, and agree that I made the right choice. Anyone who has a negative opinion hasn't said it to my face, except for one fat old woman phlebotomist at the hospital where I had my surgery. They brought her in to change my IV from one hand to the other, because the vein was closing up. I'm laying there full of stitches and trying to maintain my pain level the night after surgery, and she goes off about how weight loss surgery is a waste of time, and how I should have hypnosis instead, because that is the only thing that works. She blathered on for some time, until I finally asked her to stop talking because I didn't want to hear what she was saying. Talk about insensitive! I complained loudly to the regular nursing staff, and I hope the woman got in trouble. She was WAY out of line, considering she was working in the Bariatric Surgery Center of a major Seattle hospital. Dave

The title of this thread made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the chuckle. And oh yeah, I totally agree. Dave

The several weeks after surgery and before your first fill is about healing up from surgery, not about weight loss. You will naturally lose some weight from the liquid diet and all, but eventually that slows down. And once you go from liquids to soft foods, your body will respond by slowing down the weight loss even more. It may even stop. In my case, after I starting eating "real food" again, I gained six pounds. But I focused on keeping my Protein up, carbs down, drinking all that Water, and trying to exercise as best I can. (I'm on a "light duty" thing due to two hernia repairs done during my band surgery, so I'm restricted on how much activity I can do.) I'm walking as much as I can. Now, the scale has turned around, and I'm losing again. It's all about your body adjusting to what you're feeding it. Try not to be impatient about losing. That WILL come in time, but your focus now should be on healing up, and learning how to eat with a band. Hang in there, folks. You're in this for the long haul. Good luck! Dave

Congratulations, Tracy! That is so great to hear. And not bragging at all. Hell fire, girl, you EARNED it! I can totally relate. One of my personal goals with all this has been a desire to be able to buy clothes in the regular stores, not places like Casual Male XL, the male version of Lane Bryant. The other day I was walking through costco, and saw a sale on lightweight jackets. As usual, Costco's sizes run from Small to 2XL. I've been a 3XL or more for as long as I can remember, and have had to pass things up in so many stores because I was just too big. Just for the heck of it, I picked up a 2XL jacket and tried it on. Not only did it fit, but it fit RIGHT. I was able to easily zip it up without anything being "forced." I about did a backflip (there's a visual for you...) right there in the store. I wore the jacket to visit a friend today, and I got a "Nice jacket!" compliment. I don't need to tell you how good that felt. It's been years since anyone complimented me on my clothes. Keep celebrating those NSVs! They're sometimes more rewarding that a pound or two off the scale. Well, maybe... Dave

Sorry you're having trouble. Just for the heck of it, try taking Prilosec OTC and see if your stomach doesn't calm down a bit. I read someplace that the growling can be a sign of excess stomach acid looking for something to work on. Not sure if the Prilosec OTC would do any good for you, but it can't hurt to try, right? I also find if I'm feeling like I want to eat before I think it's time, drinking a Muscle Milk Light Protein shake settles things right down. Even drinking very cold Water helps. Good luck! Dave

Fluffy, I am by no means an expert, and while I'm still relatively new to all of this, my experience is different than yours: I find if I eat properly, I'm not hungry for several hours at a time. My doctor tells me that's how it's supposed to work. I'm not hounded by unending hunger. And that's a pleasant feeling. Oh yeah, and I'm also actually losing weight, which is supposed to be the entire point. I may be newer at this, but for now, I'm very pleased with my progress. I'm not at all bothered by the newbies asking the same questions over and over. How would they know their questions have been asked a zillion times? This site is very hard to navigate, and searching for a specific topic is quite difficult. So it's easier to just ask the question and hope for a reasonable reply. I've done that, and I'll wager so have you. If I find a thread that asks the same questions I've asked as a newbie, and grown tired of answering as someone on the other side from surgery, I don't reply to the post. I know there are a number of newly-educated semi-newbies who are fresh from learning the answers who are itching to answer posts like that. Its something they CAN do for someone else, and it's empowering, because it validates that they themselves are learning enough to begin giving back. In the name of support for fellow bandsters who are following in their footsteps, it's a nice feeling to be able to think, "Oh I know the answer to that!" And they hit REPLY and offer advice and support to someone on the journey behind them. That's an excellent feeling. Because this site is relatively anonymous, it's easy to pass judgment on others, and to criticize others for whom we have little or no respect. I try to not unduly judge anyone, as I try to respect everyone for their hard-fought opinions and experiences with this topic. But I also find it unconscionable to stand in total pronouncement of others, and declare something as being THE WAY THAT IT WILL BE. Nothing about banding is so cut and dried as that, and no such be-all and end-all is so widespread as to be the same for everyone. Yes, SOME people will be hungry. But many others will NOT be hungry. As we have read here many times, everyone has a separate journey, and what works for one may not work for all. I had the typical aches and pains I expected to have after my surgery, but they went away within a few days. I also had a few speedbumps during my recovery, but I kept at it, and I was soon feeling quite good. Now, nearly five weeks after surgery, I'm feeling better than I have in years. I've lost 46 pounds as of this morning, and I'm celebrating both my scale and non-scale victories. I have the solid support of my family, friends, and coworkers, and I have to say, I'm delighted to hear the praises from others about how good I'm looking these days. I internally giggle like a kid when someone calls me "skinny." I'm far from that, but God love 'em for saying it. My larger point in replying to your post is to suggest that maybe you should back up a step or two, and consider how blanket-pronouncement posts like yours aren't all that effective. At best, people are going to be unduly stressed out, expecting something that may never happen. And at worst, it paints you as an opinionated extremist who others won't take seriously. Neither is a good place to be. You have solid experience with being banded, and as I recall, you work in the industry. So maybe the best approach is to offer your comments prefaced with a "in my experience" kind of thing. YOU may be hungry all the time, but there is no reason to expect everyone else will be, too. Just my feelings on the matter. Wishing you a kind and successful New Year. Dave

My experience has been something I'm still trying to sort out. I'm just over four weeks postop, and haven't yet had my first fill. Pre-surgery, my hunger was overpowering. I'd get a tremendous gnawing at the pit of my stomach, I'd get lightheaded, I'd get shaky, and I'd feel like if I didn't eat soon, I was going to pass out. I'm sure part of it was a low blood sugar thing, but it was definitely something I needed to pay attention to. Post-surgery, I've experienced a different kind of hunger. My stomach may be empty, and I know it. It may even growl a bit, but I haven't felt that devastating "if I don't eat in the next two minutes I'm going to die!" feeling I did previously. I acknowledge that I'm hungry, but it's not overwhelming. And within a few bites of eating something, the sensation goes away. After another bit of food, I feel a sense of full at the band location, and I stop eating. I'm good for 3 to 4 hours by doing that, as long as what I've eaten isn't a total slider. if there is any dense protein in the meal, I'm good to go for awhile. The thing I haven't sorted out is why the sensation of hunger is different. It seems so odd that everyday feelings would be so different, and that just putting a band in place wouldn't have that much effect. But it has. I did have a hiatal hernia repaired during surgery, and I have not experienced a single bout of reflux since, so I'm wondering if it's related to that. Anybody have ideas about why things are so different now? Dave

I think a lot depends on the surgeon, and how they present the info to Tricare for approval. I'm told Tricare is one of the easiest insurance companies to get approval from (mine took just three days.) As for being "strict," Tricare follows what Medicare says. If the code for approval is in the Medicare book, Tricare will follow it. Check with your surgeon to see how they deal with borderline patients. And when you get weighed in, wear heavy clothes and lead underwear. LOL! Good luck, Dave

Wow, Jenn. That's amazing! A fill every two weeks? My surgeon waits about six weeks between fills, I think. Funny how everyone has their own individual experience. Let me know how things go, ok? Thanks, Dave