Corrigan

What would life be without Jalapeños? You'll just have to see what you can eat. It's different for everyone. I don't have any problem with peppers, but some people do. You wouldn't want to try them before five or six weeks, though.

Ann, your choices for a decent surgeons are Riverside, Orange County and Beverly Hills. I went to Cedars-Sinai and had the best care I've ever had in my life. The drive is horrendous and it requires eight to ten trips. I have a ranch, not too far from you and I did a lot of research before deciding, my doctor's recommendation made up my mind. I don't have any idea what Tricare might do for you, but please find the best surgeon and hospital you can. Not all weight loss facilities are equal so choose wisely. I know I sound preachy, but I hate to see young people get less than the best care possible. If I can be of any possible help, feel free to PM me, and the very best of luck to you.

This is going to sound like something out of left field, but I have sleep apnia and for the past three years I have had sinus problems, it seemed worse in the winter. My PCP suggested I get a humidifier for my CPAP machine and immediately my problems were gone! I wonder if a humidifier would help you. You probably don't have apnea, but maybe a little humid air might give you some relief. worth a try. Hope you find something that helps

There have been complications with plication alone so be sure you make an informed decision before you choose one or the other.

Here is an explanation of "banded plication" : http://www.riverside...d_plication.htm

That's called plication and several people here have had it (including me) and so far, everyone seems happy with it. It's fairly new so there's no long term info on it yet. I guess we're all going to have to wait and see. There are people here that have lost well over 100 lbs with the band alone, in a year or so. the band is the safest, most dependable of the WLS. Weight loss is a little slower initially, but in a year or two all forms are about equal. Speaking for myself, I have had no problems of any kind, yet. I have very little hunger and although I'm due for a fill Tuesday, I'll probably pass until, and if, my hunger returns. Read all you can and talk to all the medical people involved, inform yourself as much as you can, and best of luck to you

The tablets are just glucose (sugar) to raise your blood sugar to proper levels. They work the same as orange juce, table sugar or any carbohydrate. We can't live without some carbs, we just need to keep the levels low. Your body will probably adjust to your new levels, but you need to be under a doctor's supervision if there is any question about blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn't anything to fool around with. I hope this helps.

I think if you find a Center of Excellence, and talk to them, you'll be able to get what you need. Look on Google, there are many listed. I hope you find what you want. Good luck

As a recovering diabetic I can tell you those are the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar sounds like it's getting low. Very unpleasant. I use to get it when my blood sugar got below 100. Now that I've lost weight, a reading 70 to 80 doesn't bother me. Walmart sells glucose tablets, but a little candy will work until you get used to it. Hope this helps.

Zana, I don't know if you'd be interested, but there is a new method to help people get back on track. It's called the "five day band test". Look it up (on this forum), and if you want to give it a try, it might help. Best of luck.

I can only assume you know what your diet should be and choose to do your own thing. Best of luck and I hope things work out for you.

Everyone here has had those problems to one degree or another. You just have to decide whether your weight is more of a problem than giving up some of your favorite foods. The band has lessened my appetite to the extent that, although I still like things I use to like, I'm happy with much less. You'll hear a lot of stories about how people here, have conquered, what they call "head hunger", and that's what you'll have to do to make any WLS successful. It takes some sacrifice and a bit of work, but thousands have done it. You wouldn't be here if you didn't want to lose, so give it a try. Whatever you decide, best of luck.

Good to meet you, this is the most lap band friendly site on the net. I hope you've researched your surgeon and made sure your hospital has a good WLS program. There is a Center of Excellence in Rockford, and I hope you talk to them to see if you think they meet your needs. Whatever you decide, all the best and good luck.

Blood sugar spike? We diabetics know it well.

I hope I'm not spoiling anything, but I am painting a bright, shiny picture. I had surgery at a Center of Excellence and had no pain, the best treatment I've ever had at a hospital, the educational portion was excellent, and to date, I have so little hunger, I don't think I'll bother with fills. I know this thread was to point out problems with the band, but I haven't had any. I'm not selling the band and I think anyone considering WLS should explore all types, and research each type thoroughly. This is for life and an informed decision is important.

Congratulations Cassie. I think you'll find this to be a friendly, helpful, group full of good information and a place to make good, virtual friends. Welcome.

I had the band plus plication done six weeks ago with no complications, almost no pain and to date have lost about 50 lbs. My surgeon explained it in detail and it sounded good at the time. I haven't seen any downside yet. I have an appointment Tuesday, for a fill, but with my current lack of hunger, I think I'll pass. I'm not recommending this to anyone else, you'll have to make up your own mind with the information you have, but I'm happy with it.

I hope this helps: This was sent to me a while ago and seems like a good explanation for stalls. This is FWIW. Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet. As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a sabertooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

We buy the big bags of Costco meatballs, thaw a couple, put them in a blender with sauce and cheese, blend and enjoy. There is a recipe for potato soup in the food section using dried potato flakes, dried onion and garlic that's fast and easy. You're only limited by imagination.

We fry them in a nonstick pan with a little "healthy margarine". I like them better than baking and the pan is really easy to clean.

It sounds like you pretty well have a handle on your problem. It might be a good idea to have your exam under a fluoroscope to let you know for sure, what's going on. I'm not having any fills for the foreseeable future. I'm still losing and hunger isn't a problem yet. You've done an amazing job with your weight, I hope you can get the help you need to keep it up. Best of luck.

For most people with good insurance, it usually takes about two months from day1 until surgery. Self pay is usually faster and marginal insurance that requires six months or more weight loss can take up to a year. you should start eating pizza and ice cream to get your BMI up (that's a joke).

Try drinking at least two quarts of water a day. It usually works and doesn't cost much.

Joyce, I'm surprised you have staples, most surgeons use Dermabond glue these days. At five days out I'd think you should be on liquids. My Nutritionist recommended: First week Clear Liquids and Protein drinks. Week 2: Protein Drink and thick liquids. Week 3 & 4: pureed and mashed foods-oatmeal, Greek yogurt, mashed Beans, etc. Week 5: Chopped foods Week 6: You're home free! Just cut in small pieces and chew well. This diet is recommended by the major bariatric medical groups. Walking is important to prevent blood clots, and reduce effects from surgical gas and just for exercise. If you do get on a treadmill keep it slow and comfortable, this surgery takes a few weeks to heal, give it a chance. Depression seem normal for a lot of people, but it seems to go away quickly, don't let it get you down. Where you told to take a chewable Vitamin with Iron? You might get some vitamin B12 tabs to put under your tongue for fatigue. Tylenol is good for pain. You'll get a lot more ideas to help you recover, just remember to take it easy for a few weeks and allow yourself plenty of time to recover. I hope you do well, best of luck.