LMS383

also, I was told no cream of wheat, cause it goes right through the opening into the stomach, and u won't feel full......

Linda

First off, this place is great, I've already had so much help from this board the last few days, it's hard to express.

This post might be a little "gross/TMI" so I apologize in advance.

I was banded on 1/18/11. I've been doing quite well the last few days. I've been sticking quite closely to my doctor's diet.

The only things I've consumed is:

- Water

- flavored water

- vitamin-water

- poweraide

- low-fat hot-chocolate

- caffeine-free tea (only the first day or two)

- Protein drinks

- pudding

- chicken broth

- cream of wheat

I've lost quite a bit of weight already, much more than I had expected (10 pounds in a week) however I figured most of it is Water weight. Some days I only get in 30 grams of Protein (one drink) but most days I get 60 grams (two drinks). I walk between one to two miles a day, for the last 4 days. I don't think I am getting enough Fluid, maybe 40-50 oz a day (not including protein drink)

Ok, on to the gross stuff:

My urine has looked fine most of the time, sometimes more dark yellow than others, but nothing to surprise me. My stool is the item I'm concerned about. I had extreme Constipation the first two BM, I chalked it up with the barium I had to swallow post-surgery. Today, I had a BM at my normal time a little before lunch. It was much more normal, so I was quite surprised, yet happy. Just a few minutes ago, I had extremely watery diarrhea. It was quite dark in color, and it did have what looked like coffee grounds in it.

Earlier today, I did feel a little faint once or twice, but I figured it was low blood sugar (I'm not diabetic, but I hadn't eaten much in the morning). Before the diarrhea, I had felt some of the stomach twisting/gurgling feeling that I feel normally (a.k.a. "pre-band") before diarrhea, but otherwise I have felt fine. I don't have any pain anywhere, with the exception of shoulder pain.

I have a tendency to over-react (I have a bit of an anxiety problem) but I'm trying to tell myself I should wait it out and see if it happens again before doing anything. Is that a good idea, or do I really need to take 'evasive' action? I would think something serious would come with lot of pain, which is why I'm hesitant to do anything.

Thanks for your thoughts / God Bless!

HI,

Don't worry I have the same problem, but mine started day of surgery. I have it everyday a couple of times a day......It is part of it, as I have read. I was banded on the 20th. I got dizzy a little, but I think it is lack of food etc.......not to be gross either, but just make sure at this point, if u feel gassy, and want to let it out, it might not come out as gas, so be careful. Had that 2 times....thank god I was home.......It is in my info. about diarhea, so don't worry.....

Linda

My BMI is only 32 at this point. I was at 35 two years ago. My husband talked me out of the surgery and I went to Duke Weight Loss center for 2 months and I managed to lose 30 pounds. I kept if off for about a year, but never reaching my goal of losing 60 pounds. Lasy year 2010, I started CEAHOW (which is like overeaters anonymous) and again, lost 30 pounds but never reaching my goal. I want to have the surgery now because I know this disease is progressive and I really dont want to wait until my bmi is 35 again. I would like to avoid the problems I have at that weight, which are lower back pain, and slight incontinence along with the problems I currently have, which are, high blood pressure and acid reflux. My insurance will not cover it so I am going to pay myself. Here in South Africa, it is only about $10,000.

So, I am hoping I am not the only one in this boat!!

HI,

My BMI was 34, they didn't want to cover me, but if u have comorbidities, i.e. high blood pressures, cholestrol, etc. unless ur insurance won't cover period. My insurance is covering 12,500. and surgery its 17,500 not counting hospital bill......so rest is up to me......it does suck........keep trying with insurance though unless it is not covered, they try everything to try to have u not do it......

keep me posted.

Linda

So, today I am having a bad day. My car got broken into last night, I'm

exhausted and my weight loss has been at a stand still. So, I got

on LBT to get encouraged and I have read so many discouriaging things! I was banded 12/7/10 and have lost 17 pounds. Not great, but a success just the same. I get my first fill Monday and I am ready! I need tro hear some success stories! I have read the words "I just wasted 15,000 dollars" too many times today. Somebody, please tell me a success story! I need it!

Hi,

I think as usual, there is good and bad....are you following the diet, and doing excercise? I have a friend who was banded over a 1yr ago, she should have lost more as she said, but hasn't been eating right, and she has lost over 70 #'s ......she said she would do it over anytime......maybe you need an adjustment?

Linda

Hi,

Yea, I know about crushing the pill's have been doing, adding with applesauce. One of my meds. Meformin for Diabetes, have no problem swallowing now, but they are large and concerned when I get my first fill. I was informed that the meds that could not be crushed would have to be exchanged for something else, have to see what they replace it Will. As regards to pain level it has been extremely low..........but that being said, I have a very high tolerance for pain to do to 3 spine surgeries, RA and Spinal stenos,so what I feel versis what someone else might be different. But over all everthing went well for my surgery have only taken pain Rx's a couple of times.

As to the pre-surgery diet, I know it sucks, but just think the pre/post diet is such a short time in your life and so important with healing and preventing complications in the future! I am so happy to have it and have lost about 20lbs already..................

Wish you the best of luck, let me know how you make out.

Hi,

Thanks for the info. I will keep u posted..U have lost 20 lbs in how long?????? Is the post op menu easier to toloerate? How much weight are u looking to lose? I want to lose at least 60 lbs,

HI,

Having mine this week, but I was told that they need to be crushed and if they can't because of the instructions not to crush, than they have to find you another one to be able to be crushed...............how do u like it.....were u in alot of pain after.....this preop diet is killing me .......

Okay I went to my first appt on Dec 7, they called yesterday 1/13 saying I was approved then 2hours later they called back to schedule my pre op, So now that is scheduled for 1/21 following all is well I will get banded the next Friday she stat ed which would be 1/28 okay I have not had a chance to tell my family Im 36 I dont want them to talk me out of this an Im not sure if im being fair to tell or not to tell, things are going so fast whaat do you think when everyone else around you is skinny or healthy an makes like it is all so easy who needs this type of help how do you deal with them or do you shut them out "including hubby"

HI,

I had the exact feeling, must be common, they approved me and than was called to schedule and get this done and that done.....I hate that even though u know its what you want, u still need time to think.....about what not sure but its just how u feel. My Husband is very supportive and the only other that knows is my mom....everyone else thinks I am having a gallstone removed.....for same reason, my mind was set and I didn't want to hear peoples comments.....My kids think it is for the stone also, because I just want them to say ...mom you don't need that, or mom why would u want to do that etc........I have about 60 lbs I want to lose.....so as far as everyone else around you, thats why u just make up something simple like a gallstone, funny part I don't have a gallbladder, but I checked and you can still get stones........I will tell people when I am done if I chose to, not sure what I will do about after, maybe nothing.....no one needs to know how u lose it!!!!

Does any one have any suggestions for liquid diet. I am so hungry I feel like Im gonna throw up?I feel fine but have a few more days before surgery and dont wanna get sick. thank you!

Heck I wish I had help for you, I am STARVING with this pre-op crap diet.......what they tell you to have?

Hi All,

I have a surgery date of 2/11/11. I have a BMI of 35.9 with several comorbidities. I am hoping to hear soon that I have been approved. I have been medically cleared by everyone except the Pope, himself.

Is there anyone out there who is scheduled for February?

Hi,

Not Feb. but on the 20th and very nervous.......I got turned down the first time, cause they say they never recd my medicine list. But once they did I got approved immediately, cause my BMI was just 35....so was on the line with it......

Just had surgery this past Fri. 1/14, wanted to see if anyone out there had problems swallowing there meds?

Thanks..........

HI,

Having mine this week, but I was told that they need to be crushed and if they can't because of the instructions not to crush, than they have to find you another one to be able to be crushed...............how do u like it.....were u in alot of pain after.....this preop diet is killing me .......