Jim1967

My Doctor and everyone else at the Center spoke at great lengths about the liver and how working around it can be very difficult and that shrinking the liver as much as possible prior to surgery would make the risk more minimal and his job easier. They explain that liquid diet is not meant to be punishment. It is meant to help ensure a safe surgery.

Let us know how it goes. My first fill is scheduled for Tuesday.

During the two week standstill I was not getting enough protein. Once I started weighing it again and actually tracking ensuring I was getting between 80 to 100 grams daily and then the scale started to move. I have at least one shake a day and that is 36g when combined with simply smart milk. thank you all for the encouragement and good luck to all of you.

Taking time off of work for an appt and then being told they cannot do it and to just make another appt a week later is a bit of a big deal....to me anyway.

Hi All, So Tuesday I go in for my fill. I am going to have it done at the office but my concern is they won't find the port. I got a lot of fat...LOL. I only assume it is located near the largest incision which is slowly fading. Now I know I am not a medical professional but when I push all around the area I cannot feel the port. I really want this fill it being my first one. I do have the Realize band and the ports are low profile compared to the Lapband. Without an x-ray how are they going to do this fill?

I had an issue last night with dinner. I had 6oz boneless chicken and I don't know if I ate too fast or ate too much but wow I got major hiccups followed by some discomfort like the food was stuck and wouldn't go down. After walking for a bit the sensation went away.... I really need to concentrate on eating slow and pay attention to the signals. Perhaps a refresher from Bandwagon is in order

Had two solids weeks of no movement now finally down another 3lbs. I really need to stay on top of making sure I get the protein.

I have not yet had a fill. My first is scheduled next Tuesday. According to my insurance they cover it but I just don't know how much I will be responsible for. Typically my company pays 90%. This is in the Cigna policy: CIGNA covers adjustment of a silicone gastric banding as medically necessary to control the rate of weight loss and/or treat symptoms secondary to gastric restriction following a medically necessary adjustable silicone gastric banding procedure. Makes zero sense they would cover the surgery and not cover routine fills. I would definitely appeal the highest authority if I were you. Ridiculous....

Hang in there..it will get easier. Walking is the best thing you can do for the gas pains. You're not suffering from intestinal gas you're body is trying to push out the gas they used to expand your stomach so they could work on placing the band.

It's very normal...and I went through it even after a year of research and learning and attending classes. In the end I decided I couldn't go on the way I have been. I also decided gastric bypass was not for me. I had no interest in have my plumbing rerouted. It is a very personal decision that only you can make but yes it is perfectly normal to have doubts. Good luck tomorrow I am sure you'll do great!!

Typically that first month after surgery is really a healing time and weight may fluctuate or you could be one of those lucky ones who gets instant restriction and never need an adjustment. I felt restriction the first few weeks then it went away and I felt like I never had the surgery. I assumed it was nothing more than swelling from the surgery subsiding. Following a good diet is essential as the band cannot do all the work.

Congratulations!! Sounds like you have a terrific work ethic. Awesome.

I don't know why he didn't put me on all liquids. I wasn't about to ask him either. LOL...I know he was impressed with the fact I had lost 36 pounds pre-op so maybe he had confidence in letting me have the one meal a day along with two shakes and know I would follow through and not cheat. I don't really know for sure.

I think it really depends on the guidelines your Doctor provided. I didn't have to do a full liquid diet prior to surgery. My Doc allowed me to have one small meal a day with the other two meals being protein shake with either water, skim or simply smart milk.

is your surgery being done at a teaching hospital? If so there is a good chance the intern could be doing it supervised by your doctor...

Awesome Joel congrats!!

wow a fill at one week post op. That seems a little soon. You're still healing up. Strange the different ways Docs do things....

For a life long fat guy this stuff is confusing....I read a lot about calories on this board and when I asked my Nutritionist about before she tells me not to worry about calories and focus on getting protein in. She wants me to take in between 100 - 120 grams of protein. I think on my next appointment she needs to go in some detail so I understand it better.

You're an inspiration Joel. Thanks for sharing...

Congratulations Brad!! You are on your way to better health :-)

No pain at all. I was banded a month ago today. First few days were rough but mostly from severe gas which is normal. Incisions have just about completely healed up. I had surgery on a Monday and I felt fine to go back to work on Wednesday but I ended up taking vacation. You'll do great!!

I had something similar to this. I had blood drawn and lab work done two days before surgery and the band class went over everything in preparation of the day. Tell you when to arrive and what to bring with you and they basically go over step by step what to expect.

You're doing awesome!! Welcome to the banded club.

Congrats and best of luck...

Thanks Jennifer. I will stick with it as I am in it for the long haul. I think my problem is I am not eating enough. Strange how I lost all interest with food since surgery.