Sojourner

I was very sorry to read your post...however yours is not an unsuccessful story...your story is not yet completed. One strong positive is your awareness of your issues with food and a lack of constructive and appropriate coping skills to manage your emotions. You can't resolve issues which you have no awareness of... Yes, you should definitely see a specialist in counseling who is a specialist in working with patients who have eating disorders. Not all therapists specialize in this field, and I believe you would benefit in seeing a specialist. I does read to me that your band may be too tight...you did not mention how much Fluid is in your band, or when the last time was that you had been in to see your surgeon. In the meantime, a Protein shake has way fewer calories and better nutrition than anything from McD's. I'm very sorry you are having these issues...but please take steps to care for yourself and get your issues addressed... Best wishes to feel better...both emotionally and physically...

I guess I would be considered to be "old fashioned" as my perspective is that nursing a child is a priceless window of opportunity which once it is passed, it is gone forever. I also had to postpone my band surgery for over a year due to unforeseen medical conditions, which meant I had to wait longer for my band to be placed, however I did have my surgery when I was finally medically cleared to proceed. My sons came first during those crucial formative years of their lives. I would not have chosen to disrupt that time in our lives. If that meant that I would need to postpone my plans, I would not have hesitated to do so. IMHO...your mileage may vary. Sometimes we set aside out timeline to accommodate others...

What a wonderful way to share your success! Congratulations...an inspiration for all of us...

What others have already posted pretty much tells the story of the philosophical division which exists on this forum when it comes to what amount of carbs you choose to allow for your diet. The above poster has some good points which she references lightly as those who are advocates of a low carb diet are those Bandsters "who have a fear of loosing control or going back to poor eating habits". In my opinion, that is a simplistic view of the unhealthy behaviors which contributed to our obesity. Carb addiction is real; it is as pervasive as an addiction to drugs. If we want to ensure that we do not "relapse" into old maladaptive eating patterns, then we do need to be aware of our "trigger" foods. As others have written, eating starchy carbs will tend to increase craving for carbs. Yes. We do need carbs for our bodies to function optimally, however there are major differences between carrots and while grain Pasta or bread. I am not concerned about reverting back to unhealthy eating patterns, but I understand that I feel better with fresh fruit and vegetables, rather than pasta, rice, or bread of any description. I also understand the risk factors which can place an individual on a "slippery slope" to return to poor eating behaviors. I don't deprive myself of any foods, I have made a conscious choice to embrace a healthier lifestyle. That included an entirely new focus with food choices. And I have not experienced any cravings since my pre op diet began. I attribute this to eliminating all starchy carbs from my diet, and all white carbs. Ultimately, you should discuss with your nutritionist or medical team what their instructions are for acceptable and healthy food choices for you, and adhere to them as best you can. Learning "what works for you" is a trial and error process...we have all been on this learning curve. It's all about the choices you make. Best wishes...

I also am sorry to read that you have been experiencing difficulties with your band. The age of your band does make me wonder what fill capacity it has. The outdated 4cc bands are no longer used in the US because of the rate of post op problems with them. As others have already written, many advances have been made with anesthesia, and informing the anesthesiologist ahead of time of your prior history can avoid issues with this procedure. From what you have written, you do seem to be motivated to move forward with reaching your weight loss goals. And you also have a good grasp of some of the barriers you have faced with your present band. Ultimately, this decision has to be yours. Part of your decision should include what your future will likely include without the loss of excess weight. There are many healthy people who are overweight, yet over time the orthopedic and other medical issues will increase as risk factors. That factor is what made my decision easier for me. Best wishes...

Do have any medication for nausea? If so, use it. If the nausea persists, get in contact with your surgeon or their staff for additional information. Don't forget, you're still in the process of major adjustments with your new way of life and eating. Be certain you are eating slow and chewing every bite 20-30 times. Try to remember to stay properly hydrated. I hope you feel better...fast.

"Bandster Hell" is typical, and does have an end point. Reflecting back, the initial pre op and post op weeks were the most difficult part of this journey for me. Get busy with projects to keep your mind and interest away from your hunger and desire to eat. We all have been there and survived. You will, too! Best wishes for a successful journey...

You will likely need to try several different brands to find one or more that you will like. That's important, as shakes will. Be a part of your life fow awhile. My surgeon advised to only use shakes which have 100% whey isolate Protein, which is considered to be a complete source of protein for bariatric patients. I like GNC products, but there are many others to choose from. I'm certain that other "vets" will chime in with their favorites. Best wishes for a successful journey...

I've also heard such dire predictions from the so called "nay sayers", and also that on average an individual will loose only 66% of their excess weight with the band. My weight loss has also been basically stalled over the past few months, but I do attribute that to the 2 surgeries I have had since December, 2012. I will reach my first "bandiversary" short of my goal, however also 78 lbs less than I was, and much healthier from a clinical standpoint. I have little doubt that I will reach my goal, as I know how to work with my band and how to eat a healthy, band friendly diet. The carb addiction which was a major factor of my weight gain is in the past, and I am vigilant to keep it there. I know from my history, it will be the exercise which will help me reach my goal. It helped me to begin to use a "Fitbit", which helped me see how many calories my activity level that day had burned, and it motivated me to get on track and exercise more regularly. I still lack the patience to participate in "My Fitness Pal", at least I believe that is where you log your foods daily. I just try to stay with basic and unprocessed foods, and that has worked for me. I also believe that motivation for success and maintaining focus on goals are integral parts to successful weight loss. We will all get to where we want to be weight wise, if we are sufficiently motivated to get there!

As this surgery involves a life style change, along with having an awesome tool to use for weight loss, I believe that there is no time like now to begin to change your relationship with food and adopt the guidelines designed for a healthy weight loss journey. Though initially I could easily eat much more than I knew I was supposed to have, I chose not to as in the long run not having healthier habits in place would work against me. I did go through the notorious "Bandster Hell", and I used that time to get into the habit of making certain to drink all of the sf/ff fluids I was supposed to have daily. As is commonly written on the forum-just because you can eat more doesn't mean that you should. We do have to figure out through trial and error what best practices are going to work for each of us, and understand that this weight loss journey is a process and not an event. I did discuss with my surgeon the "green zone" which is also often referred to. He shared that not everyone will get to that "zone", and will power will have to be in place to manage hunger. I still get hungry between meals, and I still use Water as a means to tide me over to the next appropriate mealtime. It is just habit and second nature to me now. Best wishes...

As other posters have mentioned, success with the band for weight loss I'd directly related to your willingness to follow the guidelines and your level of motivation for success. We all have had reasons for choosing WLS. For me, I realized that my weight was slowly but steadily stealing my health, and I was on the glide path to a Type II diabetes diagnosis. WLS to me was an opportunity to regain my health, and to embrace a healthier lifestyle in the process. It's now nearly a year since I had my band placed. This time has not been without medical challenges, but the band did not cause any of them. I will reach my first "bandiversary" short of achieving my goal weight, but on track to get there within the next year. This is not because of poor lifestyle choices, but rather physical limitations which limited my abilities to engage in exercise. Overall, my band and my motivation to work with it through life style changes have, I sincerely believe, added years to my life, and enhanced the quality of my life beyond measure. I would encourage you to do a deep self assessment and really get in touch with your motivations for considering this surgery. Too many people on this forum have shared their anger about a failed experience with their band. But many more have shared their successes. There is a wealth of valid information contained within the threads of the forum. Do some additional reading. Assess what your level of motivation is. Are you being realistic with your expectations? I had to delay having my band placed for over a year after completing my required 6 month supervised diet. I never gave up on my motivation, or my goal to regain my health. I have never looked back, and never had regrets for my decision to have this surgery. Whatever you ultimately choose to do, best wishes...

Count this as a life lesson learned...you can't eat 2 cups of food at a meal with out risking stretching your pouch, which can contribute to still feeling hungry after a meal. We are not supposed to eat until we feel "full", only until our hunger is satiated. Some people never find their"green zone", as per what my surgeon has told me. Throughout this weight loss journey, we need to accept responsibility for our weight loss success. That means we comply with the diet prescribed to us from our surgeon. I experience hunger every day...but instead of eating, I start drinking water and get focused on a project or go for a walk. When you make poor choices to eat when you are not supposed to, you only end up hurting yourself. Our bands are only a tool to help with weight loss, we have to work the program if we want results. I believe it would help to have a good and honest discussion with your surgeon, and get back on track. We have to ask ourselves how badly do we want to regain our health...if you want it enough, you can make it happen. Additional fills are not always the answer.

Protein powders tend to be high on protein content, and low on carbs. The reality is that our brain needs carbs to function properly, so I have always chosen Protein shakes which fit the low carb profile. whey protein is considered to be a complete protein source, as it contains all of the necessary amino acids. Whey protein meets the nutritional needs of bariatric patients. Carbs which are present in good food choices are acceptable ones as long as they are not used in excess. I use 1.5 scoops of GNC Wheybolic Extreme for my protein shakes, and mix it using 1% milk. Everyone's tastes are different, and some companies will send you samples. GNC has a consumer friendly return policy for their products, which is why I prefer them. Best wishes for a successful journey...

I'm not certain what your concerns are...are you experiencing problems with acid reflux? From night 1 post-op I have slept in bed, as I have never slept well anywhere else in the house. If you are experiencing difficulties with reflux, I was advised by my medical team to take all evening medications at least 15 minutes prior to going to bed and laying down. It will be best to get a clarification of these instructions from your surgeon's office.

What were the instructions given to you from your surgeon and medical team? These need to be followed...and if you were not given any information about the size and preferred types of food for a healthy "Bandster" diet, I would contact them for that information. At your stage, my meals consisted of 3oz lean Protein and 2 oz of a healthy non- starch Fiber carb. I don't recall the amount of weight I lost during my first months post op. We are all individuals, and no two Bandsters will experience an identical journey. Best wishes for a successful journey...

Though I did not gain weight during my required 6 month medically supervised diet, I did not lose much either. You did not mention any co-morbidities that you might have. My BMI was not 40 when I was approved for my surgery, however I had 3 serious weight related co-morbidities documented for several years. I was approved for my surgery with my PCP's first letter of medical necessity. Best wishes for your success...it is a long process to get started, but so worth the effort!

I can relate...the other evening as I was rinsing plates and silverware for the dishwasher, the regular sized dinner plate and regular fork that my husband had used seemed huge to me, as I have used a smaller salad plate and smaller dessert fork for over a year now. Sometimes you have to experience these epiphany moments to realize just how far you have come along your journey towards health!

If the Tylenol was responsible for your upset stomach, you would likely be vomiting closer to when you are taking it. Through it all, try to make it a priority to stay properly hydrated, as dehydration does make one nauseous and my require hospitalization if not dealt with in a timely manner. I hope you feel better fast!

As others have mentioned, it is being able to eat your allotted portions (or sometimes less) for your meal, and being able to go for 4-5 hours before feeling hungry again. In discussing this with my surgeon, he shared that not everyone will get to a "green zone", and that program compliance with diet and exercise will need to be part of one's successful weight loss journey. My band seems to have a mind of it's own...some days I can go 4-5 hours without hunger, other days it will be only 2 hours. I can't identify any patterns associated with the "mood swings", I just know that there are days when I have to take more of the responsibility for working with my band to loose weight.

As information, this is a WLS forum; the term "obese" is a medical term relating to the percentage of fat a person has within their anatomy which is beyond what would considered to be healthy for that individual. If you are offended by the term "obese" used on this forum, perhaps you are also in denial of your own obesity, yet you opted for WLS. So, you and me, and other participants were/are OBESE. I believe that all participants on this forum would have at some point been obese, otherwise they and you included would not have opted for WLS. Who are you to tell others to apologize to someone? Just because someone who has a medical background (aka Cheryl) used correct medical terminology in responding to a post...you get offended?? It is transparent and obvious to me that you do have some personality issues with Cheryl...however it is inappropriate to allow them to affect the content of a post. j/s Our mission on this forum, as I understand it to be, is both weight loss and improving health, and also sharing emotional support and best practices along the way. Not everyone, myself included, believe that it is the correct approach to "sugar coat" and "coddle" others to get the results they desire. Cheryl IS a class act...an educated individual who tells it like it is...if you don't like her style, so be it... Telling another to apologize for speaking in honest medical terms is simply immature and inappropriate. IMHO...your mileage obviously does vary...

As per my surgeon, after a recent encounter with a stomach virus, if you are ill and going to vomit, then that is what is going to happen. No, it's not the healthiest event for someone with a band, but single incidents should have no long term complications with your band. I got my virus from my grandsons when I had been banded around 9 months...I had to have a small unfill to give my stomach an opportunity to calm after the irritation. Post illness and prior to the unfill, I stayed on liquids, and could not eat any solid food after 2 days, so I realized that intervention from my surgeon would be required. I recently had the same amount of Fluid replaced and thankfully there was no significant aftereffects from vomiting. It does happen, just do your best to minimize the incidents is what I learned through my experiences.

Nausea can be a symptom of dehydration; I ended up in the ER as a result of not recognizing this. It's positive that you spoke to your PA regarding this and they are aware of your situation...perhaps sipping some Water would help? I hope you feel better fast...

I actually know that the quote was from the Jedi master "Yoda"...who is a fictional character, and I felt many others might not know what/who a Yoda was...however most remember the "Star Wars" trilogy. What type individual posts something of that nature to "verify the accuracy of information? It was not necessary to comment about me "being right"...that was not the spirit of the topic. I just believe it is healthier for people to be their own advocate and think for themselves... Others mileage may vary...

I've been a member of this forum for just about a year now...and have definitely found that reading about the experiences of others and discussing topics related to best practices about adjusting to the new way life with your band to be beyond helpful. They have saved me many a phone call to my surgeon's office. My concern is that there are some forum members who seem to have taken it upon themselves to venture beyond the spirit of the forum and write in terms of "this is the way you do that". My perspective, which I realize is tempered by my professional training and experience, is that each of us has the right to read what we choose, and can either accept/try the "advice" of others, or ignore it and move on. When it comes to the area of the "bandster diet", there are many variations, and the best approach will be to follow the instructions you were given by your surgeon. You can choose to modify them, however I feel it is important to discuss your concerns with the physician or nutritionist, and only proceed with major changes with their knowledge. My concern is that the "low carb" or "doesn't matter carb" or "cheat day" regimen has the risk of confusing newer members of this community as to what guidelines they should follow. This is a good topic to discuss with your own nutritionist. I have great concerns when someone posts definitively that "your doctor does not care"...or "all insurance companies follow the same practices", is just simply inaccurate. Stating broad generalizations about the guidelines each insurance company follows is way off the mark of reality. I know that much definitively...as I have dealt with them for years as both the consumer and the provider of services. Most concerning to me though is crossing the line to give medical advice in response to some of the questions posted on the forum. I believe that we have paid for the medical expertise of our medical team, so we should utilize their knowledge. I understand that some of the members of this forum have received different levels of pre op and post op education, however it is important to understand that we are not physicians here, and all medical questions are best discussed with your surgeon or medical team. Your well being and health are far too important to be entrusted to other forum members. Peace of mind is a priceless commodity...so call your medical team for your answer! In the medical field, and other allied professions, we are educated to understand that we must remain within the scope of our specialty. To go outside those boundaries and advise patients in an area beyond your expertise is considered to be unethical. Such actions are considered to be serious violations, and one could possibly jeopardize their professional license to engage in such practices. The bottom line? Unless you have the proper credentials issued by your state's medical oversight board, it is advisable to not give medical advice to others, even if offered in the spirit of well meaning and only wanting to help others... IMHO...others mileage may vary...

As B-52 mentioned, if you have restriction, you will not be able to chug Water and have it stay down. Another lesson I have learned, is that your band can feel tighter at different times of the day...for me it is when I get stressed (like while driving in traffic) or first thing in the morning. Sometimes I can only sip water, other times I can drink faster...it depends on the mood my band is in. Because there is so much to learn with life with your band, they want you to sip water and develop the habit of doing it so that you don't forget sometime in the future and exceed the limit of how much water can pass through your band. I used to take all of my prescription pills at once with a big gulp of water. One morning I was rushing to get out of the house...forgot and took my pills the "old way". It wasn't pretty...not going to do that again. Now it is rote memory to take them 1 at a time, and wait a minute between each pill. Life lesson learned at last...