Sojourner

Most pills can be cut, whether they are "scored" or not. You have to be careful not to alter any pill which is a "timed release" or "extended release" formula, as you risk an overdose on the medication if it is crushed. Capsules are generally not meant to be broken open. If you have questions or concerns, it's best to discuss them with your physician or a pharmacist.

No, and I pray it never does...I have numerous allergies, so sneezing is a regular event for me. Sincerely sorry you had to deal with that...

In my experience, eating carbs contained in processed foods adds calories, little nutritional value, and leads to craving more carbs. I was so close to a Type II Diabetes diagnosis that my PCP sent me to a training at the local hospital to learn how to eat a healthier diet, and the dietitian stressed the importance of limiting carbs in your diet. Even limiting the carbs contained naturally in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products...way beyond cereal and Pasta. Brown rice is not a poor choice, but as a complex carb, I need to limit myself to only 1 - 2oz serving a day. Sweet potatoes are allowed, white potatoes are not. For bariatric purposes, my surgeon has made the distinction between the natural carbs and the added carbs. He advised that we should never eat foods which have sugar added to them. My PCP also recommends a low, natural carb only diet. I have never counted calories, only measured portions, and tried to make a tradition of making healthy choices for meals. If you are insulin resistant, you need to be aware of carb intake so that you can avoid the extreme blood glucose spikes and falls which are typical with a carb loaded diet. These levels of blood glucose can also contribute to an appetite that is out of control and/or contributes to counterproductive cravings. It's been fairly easy for me to limit my carbs, and I don't miss them. When I discovered my husband's stash of potato chips in the trunk of his car recently, I laughed and told him he should not be concerned about tempting me to cheat on my diet as I have lost my craving for them. Everyone is different...and physicians will give their patients varying instructions. For my surgeon, he advises low carbs, and I followed his instructions. You should follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon, and if what you want to do with following your prescribed foods list differs from them, I would have a discussion with them to share your thoughts.

Not appropriate to make your "own rules" on a public forum...the forum exists and operates for all who choose to participate. And, like a democracy, there will be different perspectives. What is different is not necessarily wrong... If you want to make questionable posts, send a PM...

I have a Realize band, and felt some degree of restriction from Day 1...and I was 14 weeks post op before having my first fill. Surgeon preference and one's individual anatomy I believe are the influences which drive the decision about which one is used...along with the patient, if they are given a choice.

Protein shakes at this stage are considered to be "meal replacements"...and proper nutrition is essential for healing. You should be having the full serving of the Protein shake to get the protein you need. I have gotten in the habit of reading nutrition labels...and if your surgeon has not mentioned the need for high quality protein, you should definitely continue to follow the instructions from your surgeon. However, whey isolate protein is still considered to be the "gold standard" protein for bariatric patients, as it is a complete protein containing all of the essential amino acids. Carnation products do not have this higher quality protein. Also, as per my surgeon, the minimum amount of protein every shake should provide is 20g of protein.

You should definitely look into the new insurance providing coverage for a "pre-existing condition", which after care for WLS might be defined as by the insurance company. Also, would your surgeon be considered "in-network" for your new coverage? A valid topic to research , because if they are out of network you could be having to pay a higher percentage of the cost for visits to your bariatric surgeon or insurance may not be willing to provide coverage at all for those services.

You would want to keep the chili on the very mild side as far as seasoning and spices. Also, for the mushies stage, essentially all foods should be processed in a blender or food processor. You're still healing from your surgery and need to be gentle with your new pouch.

The best practices for me were to to keep focused on a project, sip Water, or get out of the house for some exercise. This is one of the more challenging parts of the weight loss journey...but totally doable if you have the proper mind set for success!

Fifty pounds is a significant amount of weight...how about going shopping for a new, reasonably priced item of clothing that fits with your positive mood? Think about adding some color...

Feeling the way you are describing is normal...you are still newly banded, and are still in the process of healing. This is a time to focus on healing, and not your scale. Your weight loss will come in the months ahead. Fear of failure is quite common, not just with weight loss, but also in virtually all areas of one's life. You never know what successes you are capable of achieving if you don't make a decision to go after what you want... Don't over think this...follow your surgeon's instructions and you will be successful. Best wishes...

I would say that your thought process is normal...but that comes along with a word of caution as to the need to begin the process of changing your thinking to align with the bandster way of life. Though there will likely be few foods you will not be able to tolerate post op, just because you can eat them does not mean that you should. If you want to have a successful weight loss journey, you won't be able to continue to overeat on unhealthy carbs and have an diet with excessive fats in it. Pre-op is the time to begin this process of change, so that post op you are in the right mind-set for success... Best wishes for a successful journey...

Though it may not seem to get you any immediate results, definitely file a complaint with the FL DOH in Tallahassee. The state definitely needs to know about this sort of ineptitude, both on the part of the hospital and the surgeon. All medical and allied health professionals need to be held to a higher level of accountability...to their patients and to their profession. I'm sorry you had to experience this nightmare...hope everything's improved now...

Mederma is sold OTC at many pharmacies...or you can consult with your dermatologist about topicals which are designed to fade scars. My dermatologist recommended "Kelocote" or (Cotz for Face), available at many pharmacies and also of all places Amazon. I'm recovering from facial skin cancer surgery...but am waiting until after vacation to search for the last product. Over time, the scars do fade considerably, even without treatment. I had 5 scars from another abdominal surgery during summer, 2011, and can only still see 1 of the scars.

I can relate to living with someone who has no issues with weight...and it's difficult, but at least your husband seems to be making an effort to be supportive of your efforts. If you are experiencing difficulties with eating, and if you are vomiting at all, you need to consult with your surgeon, because this is not normal and could actually harm your band. There are a number of items you listed on your diet which are expressly forbidden on my post op diet. It would be helpful to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to get some understanding of ways to improve your weight loss and to feel better in the process. Best wishes...

I had all of my medications that were available in alternative forms (liquid or soluble tablet) changed prior to my surgery...the few that had no alternatives had to be crushed for 2 weeks post op. Variables to consider are the size of the pill, and your surgeon's instructions. Even after 2 entire weeks had passed since my surgery, the first thing I got "stuck" on was one of my pills just after receiving the go ahead to resume swallowing them. Not very pleasant...and I've made certain not to let that happen again...

This journey, and the hoops many are required to jump through, requires patience and perseverance. My band surgery was delayed for well over a year after I had completed my PCP supervised diet...he was kind and understanding enough to "keep the approval window open" for me to work my way through numerous unanticipated medical issues my husband and I had to cope with. The delay only served to make me more determined to do this and get really healthy again. Don't give up...and just stay on top of the requirements and understand exactly what the insurance company needs for your approval. This is not mission impossible...good luck!

You've certainly had some major mitigating circumstances to contend with, and no doubt your treatments have impacted your system. I would hope that any doctor would be sensitive to that and not "judge" a patient. I feel it's important for you to explore your options; perhaps your band is no longer placed properly, some of the medications may be contributing to your ongoing issues with eating. Having a consultation with your band surgeon just seems like a good idea before you choose to remove it. Best wishes for continued health...

Many surgeons require you to be "smoke free" for 4-6 pre op and 4-6 weeks. There are valid medical reasons for this, as smoking does interfere with the healing process. Many people do "cheat" and don't adhere to that policy. I know that my surgeon runs the nicotine metabolite specific test during your pre op labs, and if that test is positive, no surgery. Remember, when you don't follow your surgeon's instructions, you harm only yourself...and if you can stop smoking for that length of time, why not get serious about your health and quit tobacco for good.

Yes, there can be complications...if and when they present, you will deal with them. I've had some which were weight loss related, but we already know about the complications which arise from being morbidly obese...so loosing the weight is definitely the better choice, IMHO. Oh...don't forget your Chapstick...it was the only item I brought to the hospital with me...and I was so thankful that I had it! Place this journey in God's capable hands...and focus on your goals and the healthier you in the future... Best wishes...

Sip Water and keep yourself distracted away from feeling hungry...this part of the journey (pre and post op liquids) is definitely the most challenging, but there is an endpoint. You can do this...

Sip water to keep yourself properly hydrated...feel better!

Sliming would never be considered to be "normal"...citrus juice and coffee are both known stomach irritants. I would try a Protein shake; if the pain and/or sliming continues, call your surgeon.

No, it's not normal...you should notify your surgeon. The acid can cause lesions and scar tissue over time if the reflux is not controlled.

My surgeon advised that to have cereal, it needs to be high fiber and Protein, and you would need to drink the milk first...I can't tolerate yogurt. Somehow soggy cereal is not appealing to me...but I do miss my favorite granola.