bluekerry

I was banded on June 9th. I haven't had a fill yet. I stop eating when I feel satisfied (don't measure an amount) and stick to mostly protein. I am rarely hungry. My Doc says I don't need a fill. This confuses me a little as I worry how I will know when I need a fill. Any advice?

The name of the cream is Emla cream. It's by prescription. It's a little expensive but does work.

There has to be other Docs in Houston that will do fills for a fee. I would look for one. This site is a good place to start. I am sure there will be some recommendations. You need a Doc that will support and listen to you. Rapport with your Physician is important for success. Docs sometimes forget that patients are "customers" and customer service is important! Luckily you're in a metropolitan area with other fill Docs. I am self pay and my fills are 150 too. I think that is standard. Good luck and congrats on recommitting to success.

I have major depressive disease but have been stable for the last 10 years. But I know I have to be consistent with my meds. I take 2 different medications and one of the meds is the size of horse pills. I bought a pill crusher (at Walmart). I crush both pills and put them in sugar free pudding. It works and I've been able to stay on my regular dosage. Before you crush your meds, check with a pharmacist or your Doc to make sure it's OK to crush your meds. Some meds are time released and can't be crushed. Also a lot of anti-depressant meds come in liquid form. Check with your Doc or pharmacist to see if there is a liquid form of your meds. As a last resort, you can go to a compounding pharmacy and they can make your meds into a liquid suspension. I chose not to do that as it can be expensive and I have to buy my meds in a 90 day supply. Please increase your meds to the prescribed dose, it will make a difference. I wish you well and I hope the info helps.

I agree. Why go through major surgery if you're not going to do everything possible to get the weight off. I would rather exercise than lower my calorie intake. I try to eat 1000-1200 calories a day. I walk a route in my neighborhood that includes some "killer diller" hills. I just bought an elliptical machine and I'm going to add that to my routine as well as the walking. I need to add some weight training but I'm at a loss as to what to do. Any suggestions for a beginner? My weight loss is still agonizing slow.

I'm sorry you are struggling. But I have to agree that exercise is as important as changing your diet. Even if you walk 10 minutes at first it is a beginning. I started with 15 minutes. I now walk an hour everyday. I just make it part of my day and don't allow any excuses. Good Luck.

Having 2nd thoughts and being nervous is normal. I almost backed out! I'm glad I didn't. Good luck, you will do fine!

I agree that you shouldn't rely on any laxative or enema. Just use them when the constipation lasts more than 4 or 5 days and you become very uncomfortable. Some people only move their bowels 3 times a week and that is normal for them and not considered constipation. Again the Benefiber works wonders for me.

I am self pay. I am 6 weeks post-op and it was the best decision I've ever made. I had 2nd thought too before surgery. I'm glad I went through with it. Good luck.

I think constipation is somewhat normal. I've had a problem with it. It's terribly uncomfortable. Take a laxative like Milk of Magnesia when the constipation is really bad. You may have to take the Milk of Magnesia several days before you see results. If you are really desperate, you can use a gentle enema likes Fleets. After you get results from the Magnesia or enema, start adding Benefiber everyday plus a stool softner. That is what works for me. I know I don't get enough fiber anymore so that is why I added Benefiber. I add it to my Diet Cranberry juice every morning. I can't even tell it's there. My constipation issues have resolved if I stick to this plan.

If you don't want to talk to a "real person" ask for a copy of your new insurance policy. It may be listed in the "covered" items. I am a self pay as my BMI was too low for coverage. It's a tough decision to pay that kind of money. I rationalized that eventually I would spend that money dealing with complications of being overweight. It is truly an investment for my future and my health. Good luck.

I am on bipolar meds too. My Doc said a realistic weight loss for me is 5lbs a month. It seems you are in that ballpark. It is agonizingly slow. I know you will make the right decision whatever that may be. Good luck.

Yesterday I worked through the pain of sore quads and after 15 minutes they pain let up. I was able to do 45 minutes very slowly. I will try again today but my husband recommends resting today. We'll see how it goes.

I know that blood vessels contract in the cold, that's why you ice an injury instead using heat. Not sure how that translates with the band. I'm going to try the iced drink idea before eating and see if I feel a difference.

I just invested in an elliptical machine. I was very excited! But I got on the thing and after only 12 minutes (disappointed) my quads were killing me and I had to stop. Anyone else experience this? What is your advice concerning working up to more time. 12 minutes is not enough so I walk an hour too.