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Banded 2006-I hate my band
KBME replied to SapphicBander's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Welcome back Season :smile2: There is so so much info on the band now every DO and DONT I've thought of is somewhere here at this site. This site is AWESOME.:thumbup: So many supportive people with great advise. Now that you've renewed your band vows I'm sure you'll do great!!! You'rea already 10 lbs down, that's a really good start. -
I have researched and tried some of the samples of the Bariatric Vitamin formulas like Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate. They both offer specific formulations of the Vitamins for people with bands. I have tried the samples specific for people with bands from Celebrate and so far the blackberry tasted pretty good but had an aftertaste, I have not yet tried the Cherry flavor but I am assuming they might have the same aftertaste. I tried the Calcet Creamy Bites which are the Calcium citrate chews. The lemon was ok, but the chocolate fudge was so yummy! From Bariatric Advantage, I have tried the grape flavor Multivitamin which was awesome!!, but it was not specific for people with bands, only for those with bypass and sleeves. I am waiting for some samples from them of the Vitaband. I have heard mixed reviews. I am currently taking the One a Day Adult gummy multivitamin pre-op and so far i have been very compliant with taking them because they taste so good. I also take 1500 of calcium citrate gummies by Caltrate however I might be switching to the Calcium Citrate chews by Bariatric Advantage, they offer chocolate, caramel, raspberry, and lemon flavor chews. Vitamin D tropical flavor liquid, tastes great! I will add Thiamine post op FYI: Important!! Most calcium chews that are chocolate are NOT calcium citrate. Those chews are actually calcium carbonate which is not recommended because it doesn't absorb well and it causes gas. Check the ingredients on the back of the bag, most will say calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate absorbs and breaks down very quickly in your body which is why it is recommended so keep an eye out for this. What does everyone else take?
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Is this really gonna happen....smh
SuperFab replied to readyanxiousscared's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I didn't get my surgery date til the end of January and I started this process in September. It's been 6 months and it seems to have really went by super fast. Watching others only motivates me more. I get to see so many successes. It's great. I can honestly say that I'm happy I had sessions with my nutritionist. She only works with bariatric patients and at each appointment I gained a wealth of knowledge. Also, this site has helped prepare me in so many ways. April -
Protein shakes and pre-opt diet
alwaysvegas replied to Heybrendacleo's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That depends on your surgeon/nutritionist. What plan did they give you? My surgeon/nutrionists' plans are here: http://www.360bariatrics.com/360-process/bariatric-diets/ -
Summer/Independence Day Weightloss Challenge
Guest replied to luvinke's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
wombat - the only way I could get to goal right now is through PS, but I'm trying...so I know how you feel. Renewed - I'm so glad you hit your goal - WTG! You must be stoaked... Nuke - hang in there girl! I'm going to the beach this weekend - and need to do good. I'm ready to see the scale moving again. I've plateau'd. Darned late fills...I finally have some restriction since my first fill on Friday...I'm hoping to lose another 4 pounds by the 4th...hopefully I can be half way there :-) Karen - congrats on your two pounds...keep it up! -
Be careful with sleep aids. PM or Benedryl type stuff!
Teacher07 replied to tke100's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
TKE I forwarded your post to a bariatric doctor here and she said that your trainer is pretty much dead on! Thanks for posting this! -
Be careful with sleep aids. PM or Benedryl type stuff!
BetsyB replied to tke100's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
She is incorrect that either ibuprofen or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are appetite stimulants. Some people retain modest amounts of Fluid in association with ibuprofen use. Neither drug is commonly associated with constipation, though Benadryl, being an antihistamine, theoretically might contribute to it. (As an antihistamine, it also tends to be appetite suppressant.) I know you're looking for answers. Trainers are not, in general, a reliable source of information about medications. Or, diet---particularly bariatric diet--unless they have additional certification. ETA: Suppose she were right, though. How could using Benadryl possibly have sabotaged your weight loss efforts? Water retention is temporary; fat loss occurs even if you retain fluid. -
I had my RNY on Tuesday, and am tolerating liquids ok. I was also able to mix 1/2 scoop of Protein shake powder with 8oz of Water, and sipped 1oz every 15 minutes, as advised by my surgeon. However, when I tried a teeny bit of yogurt, I had heartburn for 3 hours. I have to crush up my Nexium and anxiety medicine, and the taste literally makes me heave when mixed with water or Crystal Light. So that's why I tried the yogurt. I literally had maybe 1/4 of a teaspoon. So now I'm not sure when to try it again. I'm also finding that a few of my incisions are starting to itch. They were closed and a medical glue put over them, and I will not scratch them, but it's becoming more difficult not to. I hope tomorrow to have the courage to try one of the Bariatric Pal Soups, since I'm supposed to be able to try strained cream soups. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal
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Is weight loss surgery more effective long term than dieting?
BigSue replied to Deb9386's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Study after study has shown that dieting alone is not effective for long-term weight loss. Roughly 95% of people gain back all the weight they lose from dieting, and often more. Most bariatric surgery patients, on the other hand, maintain weight loss of at least 50% of their excess weight long-term. Many bariatric surgery patients do regain some weight, sometimes a significant amount, but typically still maintain some amount of weight loss (whereas without surgery, they’d most likely be gaining steadily over the years). The amount you can eat after weight loss surgery gradually increases, but usually not to the point that you can eat as much as you used to. People call the first couple of years the “honeymoon period” because that’s when it’s easy to lose weight, since the restriction is strongest. WLS also changes the hormones in your body that cause hunger, so at least for a while, you don’t feel hungry. They say it’s important to take advantage of the honeymoon period to change your eating habits so they become permanent even when the effects of the surgery weaken. Some people experience changes in taste after surgery and come to dislike sugary or fried foods (and these foods can even make you sick after WLS, which creates a strong disincentive to eat them). So yes, it still takes work and lifestyle changes to lose weight and maintain weight loss after WLS, but WLS makes it easier than dieting. Many, many people who have repeatedly failed at weight loss through dieting alone have been able to succeed with WLS. (FYI, I’m only 7 weeks out from surgery, so I don’t have personal experience to back this up, but I’ve read a lot and watched a lot of videos from people who have been through it. There a lot of people on this forum with amazing success stories.) -
Help! My surgeon says she will only perform gastric sleeve.
catwoman7 replied to crpowers's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
the sleeve is an easier, less complicated surgery and some surgeons are more comfortable doing that one. If you want bypass and she won't do it, you can always go to another surgeon. Yes - there's a greater risk of complications with a bypass, but the risk of major complications with either surgery is pretty low. I've been hanging around on bariatric surgery sites for around seven years, and yes - although some bypass patients need iron infusions because they don't absorb enough iron from oral tablets, I would say that's definitely not the majority. I went with bypass because it has a longer history and I had GERD. I've had no issues with it and have been very happy with my decision. -
Cancer survivor then sleeve surgery HELP!
kakatlady612 replied to Marissa37's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Thank the Lord you made it through cancer and are still here to ask these questions. You have enough bravery for an entire village and I salute you. This surgery I believe will be a stroll in the park for you. My Bariatric Buddy Fluffy Chix is a breast cancer survivor, lives in Houston Texas and will be having weight loss surgery on the 20th. She, like me, can be so funny but has head on straight and few things ruffle her feathers. Look her up, I've learned a few life lessons from her myself. Don't be scared, honey you've been thru the fires, been tested and I believe stronger for it. Cancer does not play fair, you beat that rascal. You'll be fine. Just think,if your surgeon uses your belly skin you could,be ending up,with boob dimples from this surgery. See there's always an upside! Hey if you want to talk I'm almost always here. I'll have a RnY early-mid March at Mount Carmel in Columbus Ohio,so see I'll be going thru surgery also. I'm 72, I'm not scared, I just want to live longer, live healthier and live thinner. Obesity is a bummer on someone my age, you get sick and tired of being sick and tired. Ah but this spring will be beautiful, probably plant a garden and work in it. This year I won't puke when I bend over from the pressure on my belly. I have reflux and my RnY will help cure that. Your sleeve will help your life better too, I'm excited for you. Let us know when you get a surgery date, we'll all pray for you. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app -
On Friday I went in to see the doctor only to learn that I only had 2cc in band versus the 3cc they had been telling me I had. I have been struggling with weight loss - due impart to my own devices - and had become discouraged. Yet at that moment of learning about my band I asked myself "will you choose frustration or motivation?" With motivation I had so much more to gain - a renewed hope and kick (my doctor is the) ass attitude. It's all part of the journey... Realize that you are on a journey to higher consciousness & embrace it. Expand your awareness through meditation & contemplation. ~Deepak Chopra
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How many of you have lost hair?
QueenCityGal replied to GirlOnFire's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi, I'm kinda new here and have been browsing around a bit, and stumbled on this topic because I'm worried about hair loss as well. So here is some info I learned yesterday from my first surgeon consult, regarding the subject. The in-house pharmacist also discussed this with me. They said that hair loss, if it happens, is typically seen averaging about 3 months out. This is due to inadequate Protein and B Vitamin intake pre- and immediate post-surgery. They said it takes the body about 3 months to "catch up" to a deficiency, and hair loss is a side effect of this. Which makes sense to me, because I've experienced a similar situation first hand with my son who just came out of a very long hospital stay. He had many wounds to heal and became extremely protein deficient because his wounds were just sucking the protein from the rest of his body. His skin was awful and his hair became horrible. He underwent a massive protein supplementation, and we kept getting discouraged by not seeing results right away... but then a few months later out of nowhere his protein levels went up through the roof and he started healing well and everything went back to normal. You might think you're getting enough protein on intake, but it may not be absorbing well. POUND, POUND, POUND the protein whenever you can, take your B's and Biotin. This will help your hair. I'm starting this now, with surgery expected in October. Proasis and Protica products are excellent protein supplements and are well absorbed. My son used these brands' products extensively for over a year and has had awesome results in wound healing. I myself take them on occasion but will be ramping up over the next few weeks. The little Sunkist shots are the most protein bang you can get in a small amount - 25 grams in only 2.5 ounces, and they taste like liquid Jolly Ranchers! I'm hoping those will be easily tolerated post-surgery because I'm stocking up now. Proasis and Protica products are recommended for medical and bariatric use. (Google!) A little expensive but so worth it. I swear by the stuff. (I don't work for them nor am I endorsing them, but when I know a product is good from personal experience, I like to let it be known) I hope this helps! -
Just thought I'd introduce myself...I went to the Des Moines Bariatric seminar last week. (The ones that go to Methodist) And have my consultation visit with Dr. LaMasters on July 28th. I haven't gone to a support group meeting yet. I also have COPD and fibromyalgia, so I'm on disability and have Medicaid. They will pay for it, but require a 6 month doctor supervised diet:frown: I'd lost #80 between 4-5 years ago...then between the steroids, quitting smoking, fibro...I've gained it all back! My pcp think the surgery would help me immensely. It would make my back and knees hurt less anyway. Anyway, just wanted to say Hi. Nancy
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Need To Know What ? To Ask Surgeon.
pwnykat replied to amcdowell779's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Vitamins- my dr has said he can prescribe general vits but would prefer me to take the ones they source from the states called bariatric advantage. They're specially formulated for post gastric surgery. Maybe have a look into those -
My NUT cancelled the day before I start my two week liquid diet.. Help!
Miss Mac replied to SleevyD's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
If you don't get any more clear instructions on the pre-op liquids, here is the break-down of what is required from Loyola University Medical Center: 1) 4 1/2 cans of "High Protein" Slim Fast daily OR 2) 5 1/2 packets of "No Sugar Added " Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink with fat free or 1% milk daily. OR 3) 5 individual cartons of Atkins Advantage daily OR 4) 4 1/2 bottles of "Glucose Controlled" Boost daily. Notes: a) Each selection is approximately 800 calories and 60 grams of Protein. These instructions also allow Crystal Light, Water, decaf tea, sugar free gelatin and sugar free popsicles. c) Paragraph about diabetes: **If you have diabetes and are taking oral medications and/or insulin, you will want to discuss this with the doctor who manages your diabetes. You may also choose to use products that are NOT "low carbohydrate" versions. Make sure to monitor your blood sugars more closely as this is a very drastic change in your diet. Call your doctor if you experiencing high or low blood sugars. Caveat: My bariatric team is not your bariatric team, but you asked, so I put this out there as an example. It worked well for me, but your mileage may vary. Good luck with your surgery. -
please give me some answers
Gurlygirlrcr80 replied to kether0896's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm a fan of bariatric fusion. All their flavored are good. -
Well, my bariatric center's "member ship fee" is tiered, and of course non refundable. It covers "providing support for the comprehensive services of the program (assisting in organizing necessary documents to complete assessment phase of program") whatever that means. You can pay $250 w/in 2 weeks of the first assessment, $300 @ surgeon consult, and $350 upon ins. approval. If you're self pay, you STILL have to pay the fee, go figure! Just like anything else, they know if you want it bad enough, you'll find the money. I also had to pay $250 for the psych eval upfront (even w/a participating provider). Someone at work had to do the same thing with that psychologist and it took an act of congress to get their $240 back from the same Dr AFTER battling w/ins co. Great. :faint:
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When to ask for surgery date
Frustr8 replied to Daisy's's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
All of my prerequirements were done, some twice, quite a story behind THAT, had my presurgical July 17th, found out that day when it would be. Started on my liver-shrinking diet August 1st, met with a Internal medicine resident, who went over in great detail my previous surgeries, any reaction to anesthesia, went over my med list with a fine toothed comb, a lot of meds on there but truly boring type stuff. Gave me 2 bottles of a prep diet solution, one at midnight, other 2 hours prior to surgery.Made by Abbott Labs, the folks that make Ensure, also headquatered in Columbus, do I sleek a slight kickback there? Wanted to give me a nice big bottle of Hibiclens, get that nasty stuff Away from me, found out at previous surgery ( on my left knee) I am quite allergic, looked like somebody thrown acid on my poor leg. So I got special instructions , Dial Gold liquid soap, double shower, 2nd shower leave on 5 minutes and be sure to scrub your navel. Hnnnh? Turns out my surgeon Dr Needleman uses there as one of his portal sites, so I got 7 , one in the navel so it was made clear. At 6 months they have faded some much into the surrounding stretched marked territory they are not easy to find. Only one still clear is the one just below the sternum kinda between my breasts, that was where the liver retractor went in, and the liver shrink diet work, lost 15 pounds that month alone and he said my liver was small, sleek and smooth like a newborn calf, once I was certain he wasn't going to sell me for veal I felt pretty proud of ME.. Would I do it again? Oh no doubt, I have not had a textbook recovery but I'm more mad at my crabby old 73 year old body for mal- healing than I could the hospital, surgical procedure or my wonderful surgeon, in my ❤ he was and is a miracle worker. And to my dying day, and I don't plan to do that for years, I will be intensely grateful he took a chance on me when many programs would have turned me down on age alone. I fought seen and unseen hostilities for 3 long years to get Precious Pouch installed, although she is an ornery brat who rules my life, we will still make our final peace, the GERD freedom makes up for a lot of things, the blips, twists and turns in my bariatric journey . Basically we each write our own journal, in our lives, mine will be a cliff- hanger, you won't go to sleep if you read mine. 📝 -
Starting to panic
Sarahjane79 replied to Valerie R.'s topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm almost done with my first day with this liquid diet. So far, I'm not even hungry, thank goodness. I bought some powder packets(bariatric fusion) from my doc, and I liked the cappacino and orange cream. That's all I've tried. They also carry stuff called ProtiDiet, and they have liquid (basically liquid crystal light) and the fruit lunch was good, and they're 15 Protein per 5oz! -
Lovelace Westside Albuquerque
NoMoBand replied to abqann's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
You may contact Lovelace Bariatrics with questions. The number is (505) 727-2300. They also have another Bariatric doctor there, his name is Adam Smith. Doctor Smith is out of Texas and comes in to do surgeries here. He also see's patients for their follow ups. I personally prefer Dr. Sanchez, but, Dr. Smith is also a very good doctor. Jake -
I recently went through the process with Lovelace Westside and had an overall good experience. There were some annoying points, but for the most part it was just fine. First, Dr. Smith was my surgeon. I went to his seminar and since Dr. Sanchez was going to be unavailable for a month or two that's ok. Smith is based out of Ft. Worth and comes in once or twice a month for surgeries. He has the most experience with somewhere around 1500 completed. He trained Dr. Sanchez and now that she's at the 150 mark she does most of the Albuquerque area surgeries now. For complicated patients with high BMI they both are there just in case. Dr. Smith did an excellent job. I have never had a surgery (and unfortunately I've had more than I would like) with such a low amount of pain and quick recovery. His stitches are extremely well done too, which I appreciated. Overall the process on surgery day was over quickly and just as advertised. The only issue I have was with one of the support staff. Specifically the social worker they have to do the mental health evaluations. She is rude, doesn't know what she's talking about, and makes a lot of threats to you while you're in the office. It's the "if you don't do such and such I'm not going to approve you for surgery" type comments that she makes over and over that get irritating. Waiting for other patients I've heard some more colorful complaining about her. If you just answer her questions and get it over with it's usually painful. Everyone else from the front-office staff, to the dietician, to the post-op care PA are phenomenal to work with. They were very friendly and got every question of mine answered. Be prepared to be told everything about 6-10 times over the course of your "journey" with them. They have you look at a website that has everything, then for the next 3-4 months while you're going through the "journey" they will tell you it again, and again. The process has been working. I've lost about 20 pounds since the surgery and it is very easy. I strongly recommend this process to anyone. One thing to keep in mind is that they are now doing some form of bariatric surgery in Santa Fe at St. Vincent's now. I'm not sure if they do the lapbands or the gastric bypass, though.
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The blood work will alert the doctor to any conditions he needs to be aware of. For example, if your platelets are too large, you may be a bleeder, annd he would know to be prepared to compensate for that. It wil tell the doctor if you are anemic or have low Iron, and need extra iron post-op....stuff like that. The Endoscopy will let the doctor see inside your stomach so that he is aware of any soreness or developing ulcers. The ultrasound on your liver will tell the doctor if your liver is enlarged or extra fatty, two conditions that must be considered. This makes it even more important to endure the "liver shrinking" pre-op liquid diet. An enlarged liver will get in the way during surgery and may even be cause to delay surgery until the condition is addressed. Some people had to have a cardiac stress test to make sure there heart is healthy enough to support a successful surgery. The doctor is just looking for input into how your body will respond to the surgery. So, I agree that you should engage the process, because if any of the results delays your bariatric surgery, you will be healthier for it and in better condition for when surgery day actually comes. The sleep study will help qualify you for surgery, as it is a co-morbidity. the test will also tell you if you should have been sleeping with a CPAP anyway. Doctor's should be better at informing their patients about why they call for certain tests.
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My doctor recommended Bariatric Advantage, I'm using that (mixed berry, chewable). It's not too bad. Good luck!
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During the first few days, I drank a lot of clear protein drinks. They're not thick like shakes, they're more like Crystal Light but fortified with protein. They were helpful because they gave me both hydration and protein. https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatric-predigested-protein-liquid-protein/products/bariatricpal-fruit-drink-15g-protein-concentrate-pink-lemonade
