Sojourner

Yes, I did gain a few pounds post op with my band surgery, and 2 weeks ago gained 4 pounds post op with my gallbladder surgery which is also gone now. Your body is likely retaining fluids...that's what it felt like for me. This is a time to focus yourself on healing, and not your scale. Do your best to remain compliant with your post op instructions, and the weight will come off.

Aetna covered the cost of my surgery...however I had to complete a 6 month medically supervised diet which was supervised by my PCP, who also wrote my letter of medical necessity. I met with him monthly, and did not have a "prescribed exercise regimen" from him. He documented my compliance with this requirement in his medical notes required at every appointment. My exercise was not required to be documented. I was not required to see any behavioral health professional for behavior modification...only had to meet with her one time for my psych eval. I met with the surgeon for the first time only 1 week prior to my surgery date for my pre op appointment...the insurance coordinator at the surgeon's office made certain that all of the required documentation was available to submit everything together. I also had to submit 3 years worth of medical records to document my weight history. I'd be speaking with the insurance coordinator at your surgeon's office; they seem to be quite knowledgeable about the approval process. My surgeon's coordinator and I spoke on the phone several times, and she told me prior to her submitting everything that she had no doubt that Aetna would approve my surgery. Hope this information helps...best wishes for a smooth approval process!

I had no side effects...it did help with pain management as it is designed to do. I minimized my time using it though, only for 1.5 days post op...not concerned about addiction issues, but it does slow the workings of your "insides down"...so I only use opiates when I really need them. After 1.5 days post op, liquid acetaminophen was all I needed to be comfortable and pain free. Best wishes...

Sending positive thoughts and prayer your way... I had a similar set of circumstances occur a few weeks post op...PM me if you want to chat... All will be well...

PB refers to "productive burping"...

You definitely need to try a few different brands to find one that you can tolerate, and perhaps even like... I just wanted to add that you should be reading the nutrition labels...whey isolate Protein is still considered the "gold standard" protein for bariatric patients as it contains complete protein with all of the necessary amino acids. My surgeon was strict about using Protein Shakes which contained only 100% whey isolate protein. Shakes are generally more tolerable if you put them in a blender, and I even add a couple of ice cubes to make the texture thicker. That said, I am also sensitive to the smell and after taste issues. I've been using GNC Wheybolic extreme, and actually like both the chocolate and Cookies 'n cream flavors. When I mix 1.5 scoops of powder with 8 oz of 1% milk, I get 37 grams of protein. I've used the Atkins shakes, which do not contain the acceptable forms of protein as per my surgeon for short intervals while I was traveling and had no access to a cooler or blender.

You look mahvelous!!!! Congrats...well done!!

If you have been taking opiate based pain medications, they can interfere with all bodily functions...I really dislike taking them for that reason. It makes everything in me seem to "shut down". I'm pleased to read that you are doing better now...

Well, none of my sons (ages 36, 33, 31) were very enthusiastic or supportive of my choice to get the band, especially the one who is a pharmacist who flat out said "Don't do it Mom!". Now that I've been able to loose some weight, the middle son (an endodontist) compliments me about how good and healthy I am looking every time he visits. My eldest son (IT manager) tells me I'm looking healthier, but doesn't say much. He is obese, and I would be so thankful if he were to get motivated to loose some weight, but as his mother, I can't really say much. His wife who is an RN has also pleaded with him...to no avail. I learned an enlightening bit of information last week while attending an appointment at my PCP's office. Our son has continued to see the same family doctor that his parents have had for years...( we have an open understanding between all of us about HIPPA). The PCP is also trying to get him to loose weight, and the doctor told me that my son told him that he is inspired by seeing my success with weight loss, and is slowly changing his attitude towards weight loss. Sheer music for me to hear... Got way off topic...as for how much to disclose to your children...I would not say anything about your diet or procedure, and wait for them to ask any questions they may present. Keep your answers basic and age appropriate to what they can understand. Children are resilient beyond what we often give them credit for. If they ask, then share what you feel is appropriate with them. There's no need to create any needless fear or anxiety.

While corn does contain a high percentage of carbs, it also is a great source of Fiber, and not on my "forbidden foods" list that was given to me by my surgeon. I've had a few bites of corn on the cob twice since being banded, chewed it very well, and had nothing negative happen.

It might be a good idea for you to try a few different brands of Protein Shakes to find at least one which you are able to tolerate. We continue to have to return to a liquid diet periodically post op (i.e. after fills), so the Protein shake will likely be a part of your life for awhile. Hope you feel better...

Patty... Try to remember to get yourself properly hydrated before you begin your meal...it makes waiting for the entire hour post meal much easier to cope with. Best wishes...

I believe it would help if you went back to "Square 1", "Step 1"...and begin by measuring your portions. You understand the poor choices you are making, and that's a major piece of the success puzzle. You have to get back in the front of your thinking that you need to focus on lean proteins and basic fiber carbs for meals, and measure what you are eating. If you get hungry between meals, start drinking your fluids you should have daily...there are many FF/SF choices out there. I prefer water. Distract yourself with projects, a book, exercise...whatever will help refocus your thoughts away from food that doesn't involve eating... It reads to me that you have strayed back to some older behaviors which contributed to your obesity...it only takes your focus and motivation to reverse this trend. Best wishes...

I've not been to a Chinese restaurant since 2 months prior to my surgery...too many carb filled temptations for me there...however one of the best bets for bandsters would be beef and broccoli, a dish usually found on the menu. I would not even attempt to eat this until you are at least 6 months post op, as it does contain beef, which many cannot tolerate.

You are still in the process of adjusting to a new lifestyle...and actually it's just about impossible to be 100% diet compliant every day. The most important step you have taken is your awareness that you did not comply with what you know you are supposed to do, and seem willing to make the effort to correct yourself and get back "on track". I was without a fill for 14 weeks post op, and it's essential that you develop some coping skills to facilitate your diet compliance. Restriction in your band will not help you make better food choices, so having the coping skills in place will be part of your success with weight loss. It's essential that we understand our unique "triggers" to what makes us lower our defenses and will power to allow for cheating on our diets. Then if we are confronted with that situation again, have a different set of coping skills to substitute for poor food choices. I have come to realize that stress causes me to want to cheat on my diet...so I use distraction to focus on other things than eating. I have even gone to the mall at times to look at smaller sizes and it has helped my mood to look at what I have to look forward to when I'm at my goal weight. Tomorrow does come with a "reset" button...just try not to use it too often. Best wishes for your success...

It becomes increasingly easier to find menu items at restaurants the further out you are from your band surgery. I look for basic salads with grilled chicken, and order the dressing on the side to use only a very small amount. If there are no salad choices, or you are not able to tolerate lettuce yet, there are usually grilled chicken options. Become familiar with sauces and seasonings to know beforehand what options are still flavorful yet don't have an abundance of carbs. Instead of potatoes, I always ask for the vegetable of the day to substitute for the potatoes. We also now limit our eating out to one evening a week, so I have more control over what I am eating for my meals.

This is not a time to beat yourself up over noncompliance with your pre op diet, but it is a time to come to terms with the reality that perhaps you are not sufficiently motivated to have your surgery. If you want to be successful with weight loss with the band, then it will require your daily compliance with the diet that your surgeon recommends and exercise. I'm not trying to discourage you, only to share the realities of how much accountability for weight loss is placed on the patient. There will not be anyone but yourself to comply with your diet. I do understand that we are human, and as such we will not be 100% diet compliant every day, however, if pre op you have not been able to change your eating patterns, my concern is that post op you will be one of the posters who becomes discouraged and angry at yourself for not loosing the weight you wanted to. As we all know, the band is only a tool to use to assist with weight loss...you have to make the commitment to be successful. At this point in time, you seem to have not made that commitment. Best wishes...

Some surgeons do "prime" your band with 1 to several cc's of Fluid at the time it is placed. Many surgeons leave the band empty until your first fill. My surgeon left my band empty until my first fill, done 14 weeks post op. And remember, as I used to tell my students, the only dumb question is the one you wanted an answer to and did not ask! That's what this forum is for...to get information and get educated about the band.

Just wanted to answer to your concern about being seen in your "birthday suit" during your surgery. The answer is "no"...during surgery they use sterile sheets/drapes to cover you so only the areas they need to have a good "visual on" are exposed (in this case, only your mid section of your abdomen). This is done to minimize any unnecessary exposure to possible infections during your surgery and time spent in the OR. On the day of your surgery, be sure to have a chapstick with you. My lips got incredibly dry, and I was thankful to have it to sooth my dry skin. Best wishes...

I had to wait 14 weeks post op for my first fill, and still have only 3.5 cc in my band. It's important to understand the difference between "head hunger" and real physical hunger. The band does nothing to help with the "head hunger". The only way I was able to loose weight initially was to use drinking Water and other SF/FF fluids to try to trip the hunger signals in my pouch to turn off. And I got skilled at using distraction as another tool to assist me. Every drawer, cabinet and closet in my house is clean, organized, and has only our essentials in them. It's been a real win-win for me. Best wishes...

I enjoyed reading your post...you've discovered early on my way to manage and cope with both the pre op and post op liquid diets...to structure your time and "meals" ( Protein shakes). And having broth is an excellent idea; I got cravings for salt several times and was so thankful for chicken broth! Very good to read that your glucose levels are already responding favorably to your new diet...and the positive rewards will keep coming. Best wishes for your success!

It would not hurt to meet with your surgeon for an additional check up. It might even be a good idea for you to ask their advice about seeking out a new surgeon in the area you will be relocating to. Other than that, you will need to make some phone calls to locate a surgeon who will accept patients whose surgery was done elsewhere. I know that mine does, but from what I've read, he is the exception and not the rule for this policy. Best wishes...

No doubt, it is a major decision...one to be made only after careful deliberation and conducting considerable research. If you want to be successful with weight loss, it will require a life long commitment to change your relationship with food, eat healthier, and exercise. If you are young enough, you are fortunate that you have no weight related comorbidities...but generally they do present with age and the physical toll of extra weight through the years. It would help for you to write down a list of the reasons why you want to have this surgery. And, if you've done your research, then you already understand that the band is only a tool; you have to learn to use it as it was designed to be successful with weight loss. It might also help if you were to locate a local support group and attend a few meetings. This forum is also a place to come and ask questions...there are many knowledgeable and successful participants here that are willing to share their best practices and information. Best wishes as you consider your options!

I usually drink between 80-90 oz of water a day. I believe that is a bit more than would be considered average. Directly post op, it was impossible to drink the amount the surgeon wanted me to but over time it became much easier. I just structure my day/evening and know by a certain point in the day that by this time, I should have 1 bottle of water down, then another 2 hours, another 18oz. and so on. And just an additional tip...it's never been difficult for me to wait an entire hour post meal before being allowed to resume sipping water if prior to beginning my meal I have had sufficient water. Some bandsters have a difficult time with this...and not having anything to drink during your meals would be an additional skill to develop as you approach your surgery date. Best wishes...

These questions would be best answered by yourself after conducting additional research and having a sincere discussion with your bariatric surgeon. The band holds me more accountable for my weight loss...and yes, it's only a tool. I believe that there are ways for you to minimize complications with your band if you are motivated to follow the bandster rules and make those necessary adjustments to the lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise. I've known more people who have failed with weight loss with other WLS than I've known to fail with a band. Other's mileage may vary...Best wishes as you consider your options!