Newly Banded in Williamsburg

[signgirl 0]

Hi Hebber! I read that lap RNY means laproscopic Roux-en Y. It's a laporcopically performed gastric bypass. I wish you all the best in trying to get things rolling for you! I just got approved the end of Aug., but I won't get banded 'til Halloween. I wish it were NOW! but there were too many other obligations I had to work around.

[Hebber 0]

That is exciting. You are on the home stretch! How long have you been looking into this option? I did not see a weight loss goal. How many pounds are you going for?

[LoserWannaB 0]

i got banded yesterday and got home about an hr ago.

i am tired but other than that i feel GREAT.

i haven't felt any pain.

[GR8 1]

Welcome LoserWannaB! Where are you located? Who's your doctor?

Signgirl & Hebber - I have so much to share - so please bear with me as I give bit's and pieces.

1. Don't get into the LAST SUPPER mentallity -- I was totally shocked about the first 3 months after surgery. I had this picture of only being able to eat 1/4 cup from there forth - not being able to tolerate certain food (you know them - no need to spell them out) - well this is all wrong!

Your first 6 weeks you have no real restriction - once the swelling goes down from the surgery. At surgery - they rinse the band with saline solution and then fill 1/2 way or so -- then place the band on your stomach -- and let's the Fluid run at as will -- then place the port on the end of the tube -- so how much liquid is in your band -- don't know till your first fill appt which was 6 weeks (by my doctor procedures). It could be none if tight fit when placing the band on. Mine was .5cc in the end.

You will be able to eat more and more food -- but you need to make good choices/diet - during this time. They call it Bandster Hell --

And this will repeat it's self - after the first and future fills -(just a little less each time) -- for me until 3rd and 4th fill - which is what I just had yesterday.

[GR8 1]

2. I started a journal / notebook for my notes from my research. Things I would learn and want to refer back to - here are my initial notes I think you will find helpful! - (remember different doctors have different guidelines and such)

TRAINING for Weight Loss Surgery

1Focus on healthy eating

2Building exercise tolerance

3Exercise your lungs

4Move your legs

5Ensure Public Affairs are in order

PreOp Diet - 2 wks (or more) before surgery

Goals:

Shrinking the liver

Reducing the fat in the abdomen

Weight Loss

Preparing for the aftermath of surgery

Use a high Protein shake product, as your meals -- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I used the Smart Forme individual packaged dry product mixed with 16oz of Water. Calories250ea 750daily

Protein35ea105daily

Carb23ea 69daily

Fat3.5ea 10.5daily

(I did 3 daily - and only them.)

Day before surgery

Clear liquids only:

IDS New whey Protein - 42 grams in 3.1 oz

Jello

Clear broth

Non citrus juices

coffee

Tea

NOTHING after mid-night - night before surgery also - take bath or shower -- no lotions, no jewelry

Discharged

Continue with liquid diet

sip all day to stay hydrated (try to get in 6 - 8oz glass) protein goal is 80 - 100 per day

Activity:

walking is encouraged - rest also

stairs are okay - take time

no lifting greater than 8 - 10 lbs

do not drive for 3 - 4 days

Medication: call doctor if fever greater than 100.5 degrees

Tylenol is okay (try liquid form)

Childrens chewable complete Multi-Vitamin - 2x a day

2 tums daily

Gas-x - Strip forms are fantastic!

NO ADVIL, ALIEVE or such....

Stages of food allowances following Surgery

2 weeks Liquids

week 3 & 4 pureed

week 5 & 6 soft

week 7 & 8 solids(rest 30 minutes after eating)

Stages of food allowances following Adjustments

2 days Liquids

2 days Soft then resume regular foods - maxium 4oz - 1/2 cup

(Ha -- it was a challenge to keep it under 2 cups during the early fills)

OKAY -- you either LOVE :bounce:me or HATE :mad:me at this point -- that is all for tonight!

Wishing you all BEST of LUCK in this JOURNEY.

If anyone is interested in my phone# or meeting - PM me.

[LoserWannaB 0]

I am in Va Beach. I had Dr. Mark Fontana of the Norfolk Surgical Group.

He has done many many of these surgeries and he has a great track record. He was very encouraging of my success with the 10 day clear liquid diet. I asked him at my physical if he ever gets tired of this... and he said NOOOO it's so gratifying to see each person's metamorphosis!

i'm morphing as i type :bounce::clap2::whoo:

[GR8 1]

i got banded yesterday and got home about an hr ago.

i am tired but other than that i feel GREAT.

i haven't felt any pain.

Hi LoserWannaB!

Well it has been a few days - how are you feeling now? I lost 6 lbs the first week - and total 9.4 by the second week/PostOp appt - that was my best (weekly results since banding). Let us know how you do.

My OB/GYN is in Norfolk - and she has some patients that went to him and she had good things to say about him.

Will your fills be via flora(sp?)?

[ja9va 0]

Gina, Good morning!

I posted earlier in the week that I had my second fill. After 4 days, I still don't feel to much difference. I wish I did. I am a little disappointed. I do feel when I am full and stop eating so I don't regurgitate, but still don't get that restricted feeling or food ever stuck. But do I want that anyway??? I just feel that I have to stop, the band does not stop the food for me. But I don't push it either. I beleive that my NP feels this is what the band is suppose to do. Not make you vomit. What do you think? I read about others saying if you can eat more than 1/4 of food, you need a fill. Well, I can eat more than that, maybe 1/2 to 1 cup of food.

Last night I went out had a slice of pizza, cut it up and ate small bites, I was fine. I love pizza, so eating one slice is an accomplishment, for I could easily in the past eat 3-4 slices. I don't want the band in many ways to limt me never to have that again. I would rather have that then sandwich or Pasta. I can eat pasta too, I had 2 lean cuisines this week, no problems.

sorry for rambling. I just want to be successful!!!

how are you doing? Are you ever up in this area? I would love to get together sometime.

[LoserWannaB 0]

it's day 2 and i'm still tired. today i was more sore on my sides than before. i'm trying to get the 60 gr Protein in. i still haven't been hungry.

dr. fontana's office will be doing my fills. that's in 6 wks or so.

[GR8 1]

Gina, Good morning!

I posted earlier in the week that I had my second fill. After 4 days, I still don't feel to much difference. I wish I did. I am a little disappointed. I do feel when I am full and stop eating so I don't regurgitate, but still don't get that restricted feeling or food ever stuck. But do I want that anyway??? I just feel that I have to stop, the band does not stop the food for me.

You are absolutely correct and feel the same way I have time and time again!

I feel/felt restricted for a week or so immeditately following fill--- we must still "DIET" I hate that - I had the misconception that I would be satisfied with a very small amt of food - but truly I have to STOP eating and walk away - which is in my terms DIETING - as much as I hate that term. WE need to make good food choices (avoid simple carbs/high protein)/ diet (limit amount of food intake)- during this time. And you will see this repeat itself each time/fill - but each fill/time - you will have to be a little more choosey(sp?) about your food choices.

I was exactly like you -- when I went in for my first fill (7th wk 14lbs lost since WLS)- I COULD eat anything and 80% of volume what I used to eat. (I tried not to - but I could and that was disappointing.) when I went in for the second fill (13th wk 25.2lbs lost since WLS)- I still COULD - and maybe 70% -- then the third fill (18th wk 26.4 (ONLY 1.2lbs since last fill - how disappointing) I was having to really pay attention to CHEWING and SLOWLY EATING -- this is the time frame I had my first PB incident. But I still could eat more that the 1/4 - 1/2 cup -- just slowly!

I requested my forth fill (21st wk -lost 5 lbs since prev fill -- but that came off immediately with TOM) just because I was not losing weight! I had restriction - I had to be careful even eating tuna - chicken salad during the first 2 weeks then the third week - I could eat it - slowly - and then labor day -l had 1/4c maybe each of mac salad - mac-n-cheese - rolls with butter - greenbeans - chicken. So I called and requested my 4th fill (last thursday) even though I was having doubts after I did make the appt - I was sliming and reminded don't eat to fast and don't forget to chew.

And this will repeat it's self - after the first and future fills -(just a little less each time) -- for me until 3rd and 4th fill - which is what I just had yesterday.

But I don't push it either. I beleive that my NP feels this is what the band is suppose to do. Not make you vomit. What do you think? I read about others saying if you can eat more than 1/4 of food, you need a fill. Well, I can eat more than that, maybe 1/2 to 1 cup of food.

Then you are doing good -- limiting yourself to 1 cup is still very good and NO we don't want to be sick - that is no fun!

Last night I went out had a slice of pizza, cut it up and ate small bites, I was fine. I love pizza, so eating one slice is an accomplishment, for I could easily in the past eat 3-4 slices. I don't want the band in many ways to limt me never to have that again. I would rather have that then sandwich or Pasta. I can eat Pasta too, I had 2 lean cuisines this week, no problems.

sorry for rambling. I just want to be successful!!!

You are doing wonderful - and completely NORMAL--- as I have stated -- this is such a misconception we were given when we made the decision for WLS -- but WE are finding out the truth of this situation - and that is why I offer to help the newly banded and those considering -- making sure everyone understanding that WE STILL Have to CONTROL our FOOD INTAKE and CHOICES -- "DIETING".

how are you doing? I am doing good - 84lbs gone; 37.4 since WLS - feeling good - exercising started at the end of August.

Are you ever up in this area? I would love to get together sometime.

Let's make a time to meet -- anyone interested -- PM me and we will coordinate meeting!

Have a great night --- I will post what to consider to determine if you need a fill -- just for reference! Coming up next!

[GR8 1]

Janine & All my LBT Friends - hope you find this helpful!

How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted

You are losing 1-2 pounds per week.

If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week:

A. You may need an eating adjustment

1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day?

2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber?

3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories?

a. Soup can be sign of soft calorie syndrome

b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories 7 calories per gram.(It's also a stomach irritant).

c. fruit juice is just sugar Water

4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods?

a. Are you avoiding soft foods

b. You can't just eat what's easy

c. cheese is glorified fat

5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of Water a day between meals?

6. Are you eating too much junk?

a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived.

b. Stay out of fast food places

7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily?

8. Do you always eat the Protein first?

9. Then the vegetables or fruits

a. Five servings a day

b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable

10. Is your portion size appropriate?

a. meat or fish (3 ounces the size of a deck of cards)

b. Vegetables (½ cup the size of your fist)

c. Starch (If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much - Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta)

11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners

a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite

b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar

c. They teach you to like things too sweet

d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t

12. Avoid most diet foods

a. Real food usually tastes better

b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes

c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine.

d. The body has no way to break down artificial fats).

a. They may go into permanent storage

b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body

B. You may need a behavior adjustment

1. Are you eating only when you are hungry?

a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait

2. Are you eating three meals a day?

a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks (preferable NOT)

3. Are you sitting down to eat?

4. Are you eating consciously?

a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions

5. Are you eating slowly?

a. Put the fork down between bites

b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal

c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying

6. Are you taking small bites?

a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork

7. Are you chewing well?

8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals?

a. Practice water loading between meals

b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal

9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness?

a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough

b. Hard stop versus soft stop

10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing.

11. Do not eat when you are not hungry

C. You may need an activity adjustment

1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week?

a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day

b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week?

c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes?

2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity?

a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators

b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding

c. Parking your car further away from the entrance

d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through

e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination

f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash

g. Playing with your kids

D. You may need an attitude adjustment

1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey?

2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising?

a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days

3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional

issues?

a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your

eating?

b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those

emotions?

c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor?

4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings?

5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends?

6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically?

7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey?

8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating?

a. Obsessive compulsive thoughts (Obsess about something else)

b. Perfectionism (All or none, black and white thinking)

c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss

9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards?

10. Have you learned how to take a compliment?

11. Are you giving up diet mentality?

a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day

b. Stop dieting

c. Stop depriving yourself

d. Stop defining food as good and bad

e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food

12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place?

E. You may need a band adjustment

1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals?

2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions.

3. You are having to struggle to lose

4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set.

F. You may need your band loosened

1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down

2. You are vomiting too much

a. How much is too much? More than once by my defination.

3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night?

a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating

b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime

c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime

d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux:

(1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods

(2) Chocolate

(3) Caffeine

(4) Alcohol

(5) Some fruits and vegetables

(6) Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers

(7) Peppermint

(8) Baking soda toothpaste

(9) Carbonated drinks

e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals

f. If you smoke, quit smoking

g. Reduce stress

h. Exercise promotes digestion

i. Raise the head of your bed

j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist

k. Stress increases reflux

l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning

m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (Tylenol is OK)

n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring

o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications

p. See your health care provider

HUGS to EVERYONE!

[signgirl 0]

Hi Hebber! well let's see, I think I've been daydreaming about this "Tool" for about 2 1/2 yrs now. I got dead serious in Feb., thats when I attended the informational seminar. Then the computer eval / psyc. eval....then SCREETCH! Just as the paperwork was about to be submitted to the insurance Co., I put the brakes on! Got into some real vigorious fact finding, and well, decided it was for me. Insurance approved ,woohoo! Then because of some important already scheduled things I needed the date to be the end of October. The Surgeon does the proceedure on Wednesday, which meant that the last Wed. in Oct. was going to be Halloween! Oh well...It's just a date. But now I just wish it wasn't so far away!

[signgirl 0]

Hi GR8! Gina thanks for all the info! I was tryin' to sop it up like a sponge! Especially all the Pre-op information. I'll be reading that a couple of times! I'll be banded by Dr. Clark at the WLS Center in Newport News (as you may remember) October 31st seems like forever from now! Anyway, Just wanted to say Thanks!

[GR8 1]

you are ABSOLUTELY welcome!

Good luck - -and I would be glad to help and assist any way I can!

[Hebber 0]

Hey Gina,

You mentioned the Flora Fill? What are the differences in the fill ingredients? Any to stay away from?

Also, any insight on the Reflux issue I have? I am hoping it will not prevent me from being able to move forward...