lmtorb

Seanmama, I had my band done by Dr. Adam Smith, D.O. His office is in Fort Worth right across from the Osteopathic Hospital. You might try calling him (he's listed in the phone book) and see if maybe they can help you. There is also a doctor in Decatur, Dr. Snow, who does LapBand surgery. Don't give up!! If you need more info on Dr. Smith, please feel free to send me a personal message and I'll respond and help as best I can.

Does anyone have some favorite foods that tend to stay in the pouch longer before passing through the band? I've learned that the mushy food really DOES pass through faster and I get hungry faster as well. I'd love to hear what some of you eat that really makes you feel full and KEEPS you that way longer. I know the "protein first" rule and do my best to follow it. Just wanting to know what others have experienced once they are eating "normal" food. I'm still having trouble staying full for very long and want to be sure I'm eating what will help me keep that full feeling the longest. Thanks for your help!!!

Seanmama, So sorry you're having trouble with UHC!! Is your BMI high enough to categorize you "morbidly" obese, or are you in the bracket just below that? Reason I ask is that you said you have 100+ pounds to lose with 3 co-morbidities. I also have 100+ to lose with 2 co-morbidities (high bp, sleep apnea) and got approved. But my BMI put me in the morbidly obese range, and maybe that's what did it. Have you tried having a different doctor write up a letter for you stating it is a medical necessity? I've read a LOT of posts here from people who fought for a LONG time with insurance companies but eventually won. I'd sure give another doctor a shot at writing that important letter for you! I believe Alexandra, who posts a lot here and helps A LOT, had to go through this, too. Maybe she can be of help?? Hang in there and do NOT give up at the first denial!!!

Bright, From what I've read, it's NOT common to have seven fills, but some people have the type of band that holds 9 ccs of liquid as opposed to 4, so it takes more fills. Then there are doctors who will only fill with 0.5 cc at a time, so even the 4 cc bands take more fills to get proper restriction. Didn't mean to scare you!! The more I read, the more I realize how INDIVIDUALIZED this can all be! Some never need a fill, most need a few fills, a rare few people need many fills. So I've just learned to do what is right for ME and not compare myself to what others have done as far as fills. Maybe you'll get lucky and not need many !!

Wow! What a great thread going here!! Babs, I live in Weatherford, so if you go visit Bright in Ireland, can my wife and I tag along? Wouldn't that be fun!! By the way, what doctor and hospital do/did you use? Bright, the fills, as I've discovered, are VERY individualized. I was told after surgery that I was VERY restricted and might never need a fill, but two weeks later, was already becoming unrestricted. Had my first fill a week later, and it did a little bit, but not much. I'm in the process of scheduling a second one. Some people never need one, some need 6-7!! So be sure you plan on the unknown, if that's possible! My fill was very easy and uneventful, but just didn't do the trick yet. I'm trying to be patient, but it's difficult! I'm hungry a lot now and eating too much. But I'm also told by experienced bandsters to just wait for proper restriction before I get too worried. I really think the doctors should stress that some people need to plan on waiting until several fills are complete before the REAL weight loss will start! I sort of thought I'd come out of surgery and hit the ground running on the wt. loss, but it isn't so with me. Lost a lot the first week, then it's slowed down considerably. So....just be prepared for ANYTHING, but know it WILL eventually work!! Let's keep up the great thread!!

My willpower is pretty much dictated by my band. It only allows me to eat a small amount, and if I overeat, I pay dearly!! I've learned through experience that eating protein keeps me feeling full MUCH longer than carbs. As for the drinking, I don't drink myself, but have heard it should be avoided mostly for the "empty" calories it adds.

Dear Bright, I am 5 weeks post-band and have more energy than I EVER imagined! I attribute it to switching out a large amount of my carbs (almost all I ate pre-surgery!) to large amounts of Protein. I add Sanalac ("premium" powdered fat-free milk) to the pre-made Slim-Fast to add protein to it. Slim-Fast DOES have a fair amount of carbs compared to many other "protein drinks", so I feel a bit better adding the powdered milk. For the Slim-Fast in the powdered form, I make it as directed, but also add the powdered milk to it. Does NOT taste bad at all---you just need to shake or blend it well. For Snacks I eat a lot of yogurt, lean deli ham and turkey, Protein Bars and low-fat string cheese. I did not have any diet restrictions pre-surgery except for the night before (nothing after midnight) and had no problems with my liver being too big or in the way. I've read both sides to this on these boards and it really sounds like it's a personal preference for individual doctors. Good luck to you and I'm sure you'll have more energy once you start adding that protein and dropping the carbs!!

They let my wife have the "special privilege" of watching partially because she used to work at that hospital and has been in the medical profession for 20+ years. Also helps that she's known the doctor since he was a resident! They did make her wear a lead apron for her safety, though. It went so fast I'm not sure she would have been able to take any pictures, tho! I'm just glad she could see it all and describe it to me since I wasn't able to see the screen from where I was on the table. I'm thinking I already need a 2nd fill, so maybe I'LL get to see it this time!!

Nicky, Glad to hear your fill is helping. I had my first fill of 1.0cc last Friday and it didn't do much at all. I'm waiting to hear from my doctor if/when I can have another one done. I don't like this business of feeling unrestricted when I KNOW there is a band in there!!!! Hopefully fill #2 will help!!

Nicky, First of all, don't beat yourself up!! We ALL have had times like this and you just do your best and move on. I am a BIG animal lover and was very sad to hear about Molly. When I have lost dogs in the past it took me a long time to recover. food was the last thing I thought of for awhile, then I started eating everything in sight. I eventually was able to substitute things for it, like long walks or reading or renting a movie. Maybe you could try something like that. As for your husband and friends, I hope things get better with time. Do you have access to counseling just by yourself? Maybe talking through everything with a third party would help. There are also lots of "self-help" books out there that deal with pretty much every emotion you can think of! Do your best and know that you WILL recover and feel better. You've come this far and will surely be heading in the right direction again soon!!

Alexandra, Woooo-hoooo!!!! You did it!! As hyped as you are about this whole think, I just KNOW you'll be Bandster-of-the-Century! Keep up the positive attitude! But please, if you NEED pain meds, please take them!! If you sit there in pain, it can actually slow your healing. But if not, then good for you!!! Take it easy and let us know how you're doing in a few days!!

I wonder if some people are like me and are unfamiliar with boards like this. I just accidently found a personal message to me one day when I clicked on "pm". So I didn't really even know the message was there or how to find it. Are you emailing them to their personal email address, or just through here? Hopefully it's all honest mistakes because I sure haven't run into anyone here who doesn't truly seem to care about other people in the same situation. Maybe we need a place on this website to click that says "How to use this website"???? Or is there one and I missed it ?!?!

Jennifer, I had my first fill three days ago, and I'm already able to eat way too much without feeling real full or even that satisfied. So in MY case, I'm sure I'll need another fill real soon. But everyone is different! If they'll let you make the appt and then cancel if you don't need it, I might be tempted to go that route "just in case". Seems from reading all the other experiences, most people need more than one fill to get the proper restriction, but I really don't know if it's recommended that it be done in such a short time period. Again, everyone is different and apparently I don't swell much with fills! See what others have to say. But if it won't hurt anything to schedule that 2nd appointment, why not do it so it's there if you need it?

How many mls does the typical band hold? I don't know what kind I have, but it is probably just a "normal" one....

Does anyone have this same problem: It sometimes takes me an HOUR to feel full. Supposedly it should take 20 minutes, plus or minus a few. But I can eat and never really feel full or satiated until about an hour later. It's difficult for me to tell when to stop because of this. If I stick to the 1/2 cup, it usually isn't enough, but I'm never sure how much more to eat without overfilling. I've always been this way, which is probably part of the reason I always overate. I could sit and eat a HUGE amount of food and not feel too full.......until it hit later, then I was miserable! I just had my first fill and I am NOT drinking during a meal. Any suggestions or anyone else experience this either pre or post banding??

I stuck to clear liquids all day of the fill, but felt HUNGRY. I had some soreness at the port site and felt sort of like someone had punched me in the stomach. But not too bad. The next day I was supposed to be on "full" liquids, but was just too hungry, so I ate mushy stuff. Did just fine! I'll keep moving forward. Just hope I notice a difference!

Had my first fill today and it went so smoothly!! I was very pleased. Only pain was the anesthetic they inject first, and that only lasts about 3 seconds. The doctor hit the port immediately and successfully injected 1.0 ml. My wife got to watch the whole thing (in fluoroscopy) and said she could see the band and see the barium I had to swallow hit the band then trickle on down. It's really in there!! It really works!! I feel sooooo relieved now that I've gotten my first fill overwith. Let the Games begin!!!!

I got on at about 8:10 CST and there ended up being at least 10 people in the chat room at a time!! It was VERY fun chatting with these folks! Some did mention the power outage, so I'm sure that kept some others from logging on. Hope we can set a time like that again. One suggestion......some of the topics became rather "non-band" and it made it a little tough to talk to others who were also there to discuss band topics. Maybe we could suggest trying to stick to band topics as much as possible to make the best use of our chat time??? Lots to talk about last night, tho, with the power outage, so I certainly understand! Hope to find people on there again soon!!

The most difficult for me was to realize that I really, TRULY could not eat that big plate of food anymore! I just could not imagine getting full on 1/2 cup of food. But guess what?? It really happens! I'm now 4 weeks out and the swelling has gone down so I can eat more, but I'm getting my first fill tomorrow. I think just adjusting to eating SOOOOO much less yet still feeling full and satisfied was the biggest change for me. I'd often take too much food thinking "this can't POSSIBLY fill me up" and I'd end up putting half of it back in the frig as leftovers! It's sure cut down on our bill when we eat out at a restaurant.....my wife and I now split meals and both come away feeling totally satisfied, not stuffed, and not as broke!!

Do you like Cream of Wheat? If so, make that, but add a couple tablespoons of Sanalac powdered milk. It adds a good bit of Protein, makes it taste creamier, and makes it more liquid so it will go down easier. For things like cream soups, I also add the Sanalac. It was recommended by my dietician and really does seem to make my "full" feeling last longer! If I eat something that is NOT dairy based, I add some Knox NutraJoint Gelatine powder to it. Adds no taste, but adds protein! Also recommended by my dietician. You can use it to add to Jello and even your jello will have protein. I also add it to the pitcher of Crystal Lite I make every few days. There is also a Slim Fast powder out made with soy protein that has 15 grams of protein per serving versus 5 grams you get with the "normal" Slim Fast powder. Hope these ideas help!!

Hi--Before I was banded, I suffered from low blood sugar a few times a week. After banding, I haven't had a single episode! The reason?? I have cut WAY back on carbs and have increased my protein. The protein takes longer to break down than carbs and helps me maintain a more steady blood sugar level. I also have LOTS more energy and feel WAY better than before when I was eating carb after carb after carb. I also make sure I have a high protein snack with me during the day "just in case". If I start feeling pretty hungry between meals, I eat it to avoid wolfing down my food at the meal later and paying dearly for it! I DO still eat carbs.....not doing Atkins by any means.....but just am sure I eat the protein first as recommended by my nutritionist. It really does work!! Good luck to you!!

Hi--My dietician recommended that I buy Knox NutraJoint Gelatine supplement and add it to all my "clear liquids". I also add it to Jello--just dump some in during the dissolving phase. It's in a powder form and comes in a medium sized can. WalMart carries it. It adds NO flavor, but adds a good bit of protein. If I drink a milk product, such as Slimfast, I add some Sanalac, the "cadillac" of powdered milk, and that also adds protein. Also available at the Super WalMarts and some grocery stores. Even tho these won't add flavor, they WILL boost your protein intake and make you feel better. Worked for me, anyway!! Have you tried real runny Cream of Wheat? Somehow that seems more like "real" food when you're on liquids. I've not heard of the 40 day clear liquid diet, tho. Does the doctor watch you carefully during that time? Easy to get too FEW calories!! Good luck to you!!

I didn't do real well on just clear liquids, but didn't have to stay on them long. I would try some real runny Cream of Wheat with Sanalac (powdered milk) added to the water to add protein. What makes ME feel so much better during all this is protein, protein, PROTEIN!! I have tried various protein drinks to supplement my diet, and they really do help. Tomato soup is comforting as well as tasty! Those cream soups did the trick to satisfy me when I was still on liquids. Good luck!

I would DEFINITELY call your surgeon ASAP!! You could have a buildup of fluid around your port or something else abnormal. Whenever a surgical site does strange things like that, it's a sign that something might be wrong. Better safe than sorry, so PLEASE call your doctor right away. As was stated before, that's what they're paid for! Let us know what happens......

We're all cheering for you!!! You're such a help on this website that you deserve to have the surgery covered and THEN some!! Please keep us posted!!