Hey 50 & over gang We have a new spot

[Kathy JB 0]

I think I should be starting a new thread because my questions don't have to do with diet, but I can't figure out how, so here goes with another line of questioning...

Re: Lap Band Slippage

I am scheduled for my Lap Band surgery in a couple of weeks. Right now I have bronchitis and a bad cough. I had whooping cough as a child and now whenever I start to get a cold, it goes to my chest. When I cough, it is deep and powerful, and I want to know if anyone else has had this problem.

Could it cause band slippage? For that matter, how do you know when your band has slipped? Is it painful? Can you feel it? Or is it something that has to be checked with ultrasound? I have heard of band erosion, too, as I have been trying to find out about band slippage. What's that all about? Sounds serious to me!

I'm really excited about getting banded, but after having a coughing fit a while ago, I began to wonder if this is really right for me. Can anyone help me?

[IndioGirl55 32]

Janet, I always appreciate your imput. You have time and success under your belt (a much smaller belt I might add) I would rather be eating foods than the Protein Drinks anyday. I have been having scrambled eggs, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, ground turkey patties, low fat yogurt, lowfat string cheese, mushed up Beans, humus, a little mashed potatoes from time to time, tuna with a little fat free mayo. What other Protein choices do you suggest? Are there any of these that I should not be eating? I know the potatoes are probably not a good choice but I have the small red potoes and mash them up with a little skim milk just once in awhile. What about the South Beach pre made fozen meals in a pinch, like to take to work sometimes. I have been walking my dog in the park in the evenings and using my eliptical machine at home but I haven't been consistent. The exercise factor has always been a hugh challenge for me. I am going to ride my bike today for 30 min. I know that my sister and I can't always work out together. Once I get started at the gym I know that it will be up to me to go on a regular basis. My plan is to go before work 3-4 days a week. If I wait until after work I can always find an excuse not to go. Instead of sitting in the morning sipping coffee and reading the newpaper I can go to the gym instead. I always enjoy it once there but it take alot of mental talk to get my butt in gear. Thanks for taking the time to listen and advise. I value your opinion very much. Becky

Becky

Sounds like you are mushie to soft stage - I am a big fish eater (usually 5-6 nites a week for the last 10 months) It's very soft - I put a little olive oil in the baking dish - roll my catfish filet (4 oz) in it - and sprinkle with garlic powder salt and pepper - bake 20 min 350 - salmons good to and tillipa - I will sometimes add El Pato (spice mex Tomato sauce) on top or paremesan cheese and every now and then I will coat it with egg beaters then roll it in corn meal - spray with pam and bake - it's almost as good as fried - I use eat beaters instead of real eggs - 1/2 the calories and just as good for scrambled - I will add onion & bell peppers to it and a little ham & cheese for an omlet - Also on the mushie stage I think lunch meats were allowed - oscar mayer turkey 5 slices like 45 calories and the same with the ham...

On the mushie stage I ate potatoes - instant and made it will 100% skim milk no Water to boost the protein - red potatoes are the best ones to eat lower calories (less starch than the reg bake potatoes)

Exercise was hard for me - still is sometimes - I tried the morning gym -but I have to be to work at 7:30 and to get to the gym by 5 am I have to get up at 4:30 - did it a few times in the begining when I was only working out for 1/2 but I found I was beat by the time I got to work - again this was in the beginning when I was 240 - I could do it now and may when it gets hotter - since i have a trainer 2 x week - i could go one morning early and then my usual saturday morning - hey thats a good ideal... I may just have to try that tommorrow morning (well will really depend on what time I get to sleep :drool:)

On the days I don't have the trainer - I have to talk myself into going or should I say I can't let myself talk me into not going - Saturday morning is no problem cuz I am fresh and don't have to be anywhere ....

I would love to be retired and go to the gym every morning when I am fresh & strong...

Everyone else Hi - sounds like you are all doing good - I have been reading just haven't had time to post... Been super busy at work and it's 7:20 and need to go start dinner - ck back later..

[IndioGirl55 32]

I think I should be starting a new thread because my questions don't have to do with diet, but I can't figure out how, so here goes with another line of questioning...

Re: Lap Band Slippage

I am scheduled for my Lap Band surgery in a couple of weeks. Right now I have bronchitis and a bad cough. I had whooping cough as a child and now whenever I start to get a cold, it goes to my chest. When I cough, it is deep and powerful, and I want to know if anyone else has had this problem.

Could it cause band slippage? For that matter, how do you know when your band has slipped? Is it painful? Can you feel it? Or is it something that has to be checked with ultrasound? I have heard of band erosion, too, as I have been trying to find out about band slippage. What's that all about? Sounds serious to me!

I'm really excited about getting banded, but after having a coughing fit a while ago, I began to wonder if this is really right for me. Can anyone help me?

Kathy - Ask your doctor these questions for a truly medical answer - I know of one person who slipped - got an unfill and then band went back into place - I would think coughing when you are 1st banded might cause a problem since your stomach hasn't healed yet - but i am not a doctor

You can post this question in the complication thread - they might know more there - but really your best bet is to ask your doctor..

Good Luck !!!

[phyllser 3]

Long, you are really close to your surgery date and I am excited for you!! I had mine done on May 23rd and it's the best thing I have ever done. My knees are bone on bone too and I couldn't even walk. I had one knee replaced but because of my weight it didn't do much good. YES, there is hope for us OA patients. GOOD LUCK

I need two knee replacements, too. I had a partial on one in 2002 but it's been giving me some discomfort. So saw an ortho surgeon a couple of weeks ago. After x-raying both he told me the one that needs to be converted to a total is more critical than the one causing me most of the pain!! I was surprised at that! He said that the weight loss is causing the hardware to loosen up. But he wants to do each one only ONCE, so he wants me to get my BMI down to 40 before he does them! That will take me quite a few months so I'm afraid I won't be doing this until next spring/summer.

[lynnt1215 1]

Got a call from my DR today. Apparently my recent lab work showed a few issues.

I was told I needed to boost my Protein intake by 20-30gms a day. I already have 60 or more daily.. guess I'll add some Isopure or a good size shake for breakfast..

Also, I am having more issues with low iron.... last summer I had to have an Iron inriched infusion to boost my iron and all was well, now it is dropping again.. have appt to talk with my DR on Thursday...

but on a better note, weight loss is going well and I am getting back into control of my portion size and trying to keep from eating too often...also, fill #2 is scheduled for Thursday..

[Great2BThin 5]

Woo HOO!!! I got the call today and my surgery was moved up a week, instead of the 12th, I'm getting banded on this Thursday the 5th!!!!! Tomorrow starts the 2 day clear liquid diet. Wed. is my pre op lab work and visit, then 1pm the next - SURGERY!! YIKES!! I'm scared, excited, anxious to have it done, etc.

As for my knees I am starting injections of something called Synvisc (or something like that) it's made from rooster combs and is a gel to replace cartlidge in my knee. I am hoping I get pain relief from that and then as I lose weight it gets better too. They say 1 lb is like 3 to 5 lbs on your knees. I feel a little difference already with my little loss before surgery. I already cleared the injections with my surgeon that they were okay to get and wouldn't interfer with my surgery and he assured me it was fine so tomorrow is the first one. I am going to be so poked and proded by the end of the week!

[Charlene K 1]

YIPPEE! I got approval from my insurance. Now I need to call and get a date. I am going to be bugging y'all with a ton of questions. I lood forward to being a part of the bandster journey. First question. Do any of you get cortisone injections for herniated discs? Does it effect the band?

[IndioGirl55 32]

Got a call from my DR today. Apparently my recent lab work showed a few issues.

I was told I needed to boost my Protein intake by 20-30gms a day. I already have 60 or more daily.. guess I'll add some Isopure or a good size shake for breakfast..

Also, I am having more issues with low iron.... last summer I had to have an Iron inriched infusion to boost my iron and all was well, now it is dropping again.. have appt to talk with my DR on Thursday...

but on a better note, weight loss is going well and I am getting back into control of my portion size and trying to keep from eating too often...also, fill #2 is scheduled for Thursday..

Lynn- I hit my sweet spot on fill #2 and only had .02 added in January.

Make sure you take your vit w/iron and good going on food choices and portions :thumbup:

Woo HOO!!! I got the call today and my surgery was moved up a week, instead of the 12th, I'm getting banded on this Thursday the 5th!!!!! Tomorrow starts the 2 day clear liquid diet. Wed. is my pre op lab work and visit, then 1pm the next - SURGERY!! YIKES!! I'm scared, excited, anxious to have it done, etc.

As for my knees I am starting injections of something called Synvisc (or something like that) it's made from rooster combs and is a gel to replace cartlidge in my knee. I am hoping I get pain relief from that and then as I lose weight it gets better too. They say 1 lb is like 3 to 5 lbs on your knees. I feel a little difference already with my little loss before surgery. I already cleared the injections with my surgeon that they were okay to get and wouldn't interfer with my surgery and he assured me it was fine so tomorrow is the first one. I am going to be so poked and proded by the end of the week!

Long2bthin - Congrats on your date 6/5 will keep you in our prayer for a safe surgery & speedy recovery...

YIPPEE! I got approval from my insurance. Now I need to call and get a date. I am going to be bugging y'all with a ton of questions. I lood forward to being a part of the bandster journey. First question. Do any of you get cortisone injections for herniated discs? Does it effect the band?

Charlene - Welcome & Congrats !!!

[Charlene K 1]

Thanks,Indiogirl..... I have been marking all the good websites you gave for Protein Shakes. I think my doctor wants us to drink Optifast for two weeks. I'll know when they call me back. I am so excited and scared at the same time.

[lynnt1215 1]

unfortunately for me the over the counter Iron supplements do not effect my iron levels, i have tried that several times before. so now have to wait for a call from my pcp to see if it is back to the hematologist..

so far 4cc ion my 14cc band, so will see what Thursday's appt results are.

[Great2BThin 5]

YIPPEE! I got approval from my insurance. Now I need to call and get a date. I am going to be bugging y'all with a ton of questions. I lood forward to being a part of the bandster journey. First question. Do any of you get cortisone injections for herniated discs? Does it effect the band?

Charlene, I got cortisone in my knee and before I did I asked my lap band surgeon if it would affect my surgery at all and he said no. Of course, check with your dr. first and see what he says.

[Charlene K 1]

Thank you, I will ask. I go to the orthopedic tomorrow.....I need an injection before surgery so I can be more active after surgery. The kind of injection I get is called an epidural cortisone injection.

[bochs 0]

Hi bandsters, Well I haven't been on for a while but I have been reading every day. I went and had all my pre ops this morning. Next Tuesday I see the surgeon and then I start a five day fast. Surgery is on June 18th. I am NERVOUS$*U)#))Q$_)Q. I try to read alot and I have gotten different Proteins to try but I hope I can do this cause I do not want to fail. food is not a problem for me if I am not hungry but if I am then look out. That is why I hope the band makes me not hungry. I need for all of you girls to write me and tell me this is allgoing to be okay and that I will do fine. I have ben reading that alot of people have second thoughts in the last few weeks and start believing they can do this on their own. I just need alot of encouragement right now as I am scared, not of the surgery but how I will be afterwords.

Thanks girls

Beckyo:scared2:

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hi bandsters, Well I haven't been on for a while but I have been reading every day. I went and had all my pre ops this morning. Next Tuesday I see the surgeon and then I start a five day fast. Surgery is on June 18th. I am NERVOUS$*U)#))Q)Q. I try to read alot and I have gotten different Proteins to try but I hope I can do this cause I do not want to fail. food is not a problem for me if I am not hungry but if I am then look out. That is why I hope the band makes me not hungry. I need for all of you girls to write me and tell me this is allgoing to be okay and that I will do fine. I have ben reading that alot of people have second thoughts in the last few weeks and start believing they can do this on their own. I just need alot of encouragement right now as I am scared, not of the surgery but how I will be afterwords.

Thanks girls

Beckyo:scared2:

Beckyo

Your feeling are normal - ya you could do this on your own and you would get some of the weight off - but it would slowly come back on.

But with the band you will now have the tool to help you with your Portion Control - this tool will be with you for a lifetime... Not just for the whole losing weight - but to help keep it off in the future...

[beckn 2]

Hi BeckyO, I can only speak for myself but I have no regrets about having the LB. The whole experience was pretty easy for me. A few days of discomfort is so worth the fact that now I have a tool for life to help me control my portions. I hardly realize that I have the band until I forget and eat too much, then it just kind of comes back up. It is a great behavior modification tool. I have been in many social situations lately with lots of food and drink options but I am able to join in the festivities and just have a small amt of the foods. I think this is just a liberating experience. I don't feel deprived in any way, just in control. I feel better mentally and physically since I had my LB on May 12th. I will have my first fill June 11th. It all comes down to you making your own educated decision and then letting go of the fear and just go for it! If you decide this is not for you then be ok with that decision. I am so happy that I went for it and have no regrets. Best Wishes, Becky N