Sojourner

Different surgeons use different guidelines with their patients...and I was advised to make good choices for foods; only lean Proteins and Fiber carbs. I have to measure my portions to keep them the correct size; for my surgeon this means 3 oz of lean Protein and 2 oz fiber carb for every meal. I have never counted calories, but I read nutrition labels to know the content in everything on my diet. In my experience it's just as important to make appropriate food choices as it is to stay with the right sized portions.. Your surgeon or their staff will be the best resource to give you the dietary guidelines you should be following. Try not to become too obsessed with your scale; small variations in weight are common, and the number on the scale often creates unnecessary negative thoughts. I still work on resisting the urge to weigh myself every day. Best wishes...

Exercise is essential, and definitely watch your intake of salt, as that usually adds to Fluid retention. I had to be under the weight set by my surgeon by my pre op appointment which was 3 weeks prior to my surgery date...otherwise, surgery would be rescheduled. He enforces this policy strictly. I lost 14 pounds in 3 weeks, with increased exercise, high protein/low carb diet and strict portion control. I was 8 pounds under the weight I needed to be by the pre op appointment. Best wishes...I hope everything goes as planned!

My concern is that unless you are truly aware of the psychology behind your binge eating, a mood disorder may develop post op. With bulimic patients there is a tendency to use unhealthy excessive methods to purge themselves of the extra calories they ingest. Self loathing, guilt feelings about out of control eating behaviors are all possible to develop post op, unless you are aware of how your thoughts may eventually lead to bulimic behaviors. Having a band, the purging behaviors would definitely place you at higher risk for complications with your band. Post op, it is not uncommon for some degree of mood disorder to develop. Hormones are gyrating as your body adapts to a different way of eating and diet. Some individuals even go through what seems to be a grieving process as they change their relationship and beliefs about food. I would definitely recommend you remain in treatment for your eating patterns. It may be more beneficial for you to attend individual sessions for a time with your counselor if you feel that the group dynamics are unhealthy for you. Best wishes...

I have had to take the "medrol" dose pack of prednasone tablets (sp) a couple times since being banded for systemic inflammation. I have not experienced any complications with the medication, but my physician has told me that he would not prescribe it if I also was not already taking Prevacid daily. I've never had issues with Fluid retention when taking this medication. Best wishes...

What is the focal point of issues in this therapeutic group? What has the group facilitator done in response to your concerns? These would be important information items to know about for sharing additional information with you. Unless this is a group devoted to mood disorders or focusing on eating disorders, it does seem that bariatric surgery would be way off topic for a therapeutic group discussion. Most importantly, do you believe that you will be at risk to develop bulimia post op? Again, you did not disclose some important information about this group setting and focus to really give an informed opinion. What I will write is that it is the group facilitator's responsibility to keep the discussion on topic, and to redirect the group as necessary. No individual in the group should ever feel "singled out" or in the "hot seat" when the discussion topic is focused on them. The group looses it's therapeutic benefit if that happens. Ultimately, the decision for surgery has to be between you and your physician. If you provide some additional information about the group focus, it would be easier to share valid insights about your situation. Best wishes...

My surgeon's office has 24/7 coverage for medical issues to be addressed...I've only called once, (very late evening) when I was experiencing the intense pain from pancreatitis to ask for instructions. It's much better to have answers than to get stressed from a lack of information. When my son is on call for his practice, he just has calls forwarded to his cell phone from the answering service, and deals with the problem as necessary. I've overheard him call in prescriptions to the pharmacy on weekends and give the patient instructions to deal with the situation if it is not an emergency. It's just a part of his career...and if it is an emergency, he instructs them to go to the ER. That said...call your surgeon even if it is a weekend. If you have concerns it's a valid reason to call. This episode may also provide some key medical information to the physician. I hope you will feel better fast...

One more bit of information to share...the "gold standard" Protein for bariatric patients is 100% whey isolate. It's important to become a label reader during your journey, as all our foods need to deliver big on good nutrition. Products like the Atkins shakes, Carnation Instant Breakfast, and Muscle Milk do not have the whey type of protein in them, as per the instructions from my surgeon. They fall short on the best nutrition for our needs as bariatric patients. Finding a shake that you like is imperative, as you will periodically need to return to a liquid diet, usually post fill. As others have written, not everyone will have the same tastes. I have used the GNC Wheybolic Extreme chocolate flavor since day 1...only 1.5 scoops has 30 grams of protein. When mixed with 1%milk you have 37 grams of protein per shake. I like to make them thicker by adding 1 or 2 ice cubes to the blender. I am sensitive to aftertaste and the "chemical" taste, and do not have that with the GNC brand. Another product which has strong positive reviews is the "Unjury" brand. I have never tried this brand, but it does contain whey protein, and highly recommended by surgeons. I have tried the Muscle Milk Light (again, need to read the nutritional label...only the light formula meets calorie criteria); thought I was drinking a bottle of chemicals...horrible! I have used the Atkins shakes on occasion while traveling and had no access to a cooler or blender. They tasted pretty good, with no aftertaste, but they don't have all whey protein in them, so for me they are not for everyday use. Best wishes...

I still have to respectfully disagree with you...if you are on a low carb diet, the white potato (along with foods made with white flour) is not a good choice. The carbs they contain are the ones which lead to the carb high and crash, and for many people that only leads to the craving for additional carbs. The result is a prescription for weight gain. I did not write that white foods are "worthless", only that they are lacking in nutritional value. With a band, everything one eats has to deliver big on nutritional value. Yams (sweet potatoes) have more nutritional value, high Fiber, and are a complex carb, thus a better choice for the low carb diet. The sweet potato is considered to be a potassium super food, ranking well ahead the white potato in nutrition and potassium levels. Other good sources of potassium are yogurt and tomatoes. I'm certain there are more... I'm a label reader, and question the wisdom of the manufacturer to see the list of chemical ingredients added to the over processed foods in general. Why process all of the nutritional value out of the ingredients, and then use chemicals to add some of the nutrition back in? If white bread and white rice are so nutritious, why would so many dietitians and surgeons leave them off their recommended food lists? I find that simple and fresh foods work best for me, and what I was advised to use...I control what, if anything is added to them during preparation, and know what I am eating. It's a simple way to grocery shop; I avoid the middle of the store (only go there to get my coffee...), and avoid the bakery. On the periphery of the store you will find the produce, meat/fish, and dairy products...where the fresh and simple foods are. Your mileage varies...

I had to 6 additional pounds to loose before my pre op surgery appointment. I found out about this when I returned home from a cruise...and had 3 weeks to get below the required weight. I went on a low carb, high lean Protein diet, and began walking 4 miles a day. At the end of the 3 weeks, I had lost 12 pounds. The surgeon's office was blunt and to the point; if I was not below their target number for my weight, I would have to have my surgery rescheduled. After over a year of delays, there was no way I was going to let that happen. It's rather amazing what we can accomplish when we have defined goals and the motivation to be successful! Best wishes...you can do this!

Everyone has shared some excellent and valid advice with you. For me, this weight loss journey has allowed me to develop the life skill of patience, which had eluded me for years. My weight loss has been slow, and I've had some weight loss related complications, but nothing caused directly by my band. My health is improving...much better mobility to walk short distances and lower blood pressure. Try to be compliant with your diet everyday...don't expect perfect compliance because you are human. Tomorrow does come with a "restart" button...don't use it too much, just get back on track and avoid the guilt feelings. Success requires staying compliant with your diet, and keeping your eyes focused on your goals while you take a day at a time! Don't become obsessed with your scale...it's normal for minor fluctuations in weight to occur. I try not to weigh myself every day. Yes, it can be difficult to resist, but sometimes the reading can contribute to unnecessary discouragement. This forum is an excellent place to get emotional support, and has many knowledgeable members who willingly share their insights and solutions to issues which are encountered by bandsters. Congratulations on your band and the beginning of your journey!

It may have been too dry for you...it would help if you mashed it and added some broth for moisture. Small bites and chewing every bite to paste helps to avoid stuck episodes. Be careful with the carbs you choose. White potatoes, like other "white" foods are lacking in nutrition value and their carbs are quickly converted to sugar by the body.

Happy belated Birthday!! You've done an awesome job with your weight loss, and your will power is nothing short of amazing... Have another healthy and happy year!

You are awesome...and a true inspiration for me! I can so relate to your challenges with exercise and trying to recover from injuries sustained in a car accident. I had to delay my band surgery for over a year due to unexpected medical complications...and recovery from a near fatal car accident with multiple pelvic fractures was one of those unanticipated medical events. That accident has left me with impaired ability to walk the long miles which I used to do and enjoy...and without meloxicam to assist with keeping the joint pain tolerable I have to get my exercise in the pool with Water aerobics classes. I admire you to be able to tough it out through the pain. I've tried, and just can't do it; it's still painful for me to drive. I hope to someday reach my goal weight...I know it will take more than a year for me, but I'm encouraged that I'm a bit more than half way there. Best Wishes...

I chose the band because it is minimally invasive, and did not like the concept of having my GI tract permanently rearranged. The rate of complications is less, mortality rates lower. I don't mind loosing weight slower, and the required diet has not been difficult for me to follow. I never liked carbonated drinks, and the only real changes in my diet are the major reduction in the type and number of carb grams every day. I still struggle with getting enough exercise in; without meloxicam my arthritis has limited my abilities to walk the miles I used to. I ride my recumbent exercise bike on the days I don't attend a Water aerobics class at the "Y". I have experienced weight loss related complications, but the band is not a factor for those. As with all WLS, there are some risks. You have to work at weight loss...the band is only a tool. If you learn how it works, you can be successful with your weight loss. I believe many of the complications and issues with the band are induced by the patients themselves as they are not compliant with the rules needed to avoid stuck episodes, are not following their diet and are eating the wrong type of foods, or their amount of restriction is too much. Good luck as you weigh your options...I don't regret my decision to have the lapband, and see it as an opportunity to reclaim some of my health that weight was taking from me.

I predict that you will be changing your assessment of pain when you are older...that it will no longer be "welcomed". Pain is your body's way of telling you to back off, or stop what you are doing to stress it. I hope you never have the unfortunate experience of coping with chronic pain, you will choose other words to write about pain when you do. Your goal to let nothing stop you is admirable, but can easily be derailed by torn ligaments in your knee. "Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage"...as per International Association for the Study of Pain: Pain Definitions Best wishes...

You can have anything you want...just be prepared to accept the consequences for your choices. It's not a sin to have alcohol...it's just not advisable. And when you had your band placed, you should have been aware of the need to stop having carbonated beverages. There are medical reasons for these rules. Carbonated beverages have gas in them...the gas in your pouch has the potential to distend it, thus creating pain, and the possibility of causing harm to the placement of your band. I believe I have also read that over time carbonation can also be a factor for erosion around your band. Can't you enjoy the beach without the drink? An additional consideration is that once you give yourself permission to break the diet rules, it can become progressively easier for you to do that in the future. Some people have the willpower to avoid that scenario...if you believe that choosing to have the drink will place you at risk to begin a new pattern of risky behaviors, just say no.

There is a huge difference between pushing yourself to your "full potential", and pushing yourself to the point of injury. Of course the trainer was "nice" after the fact...they have some "CYA" issues such as liability to be concerned about, and a business reputation and income to protect. The trainer acted in their own best interests...not in those of their client...IMHO. Knee injuries are not to be taken lightly...one injury can lead to a lifetime of pain and impairments with mobility. The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body, and the impact which we place on our knees just with the activities of daily living is immense. It's much easier to avoid a potential injury than to recover fully from one. I guess people vary in the way they are programmed ...I am goal oriented, and don't need anyone else to "push me". Most importantly, I believe everyone should know their limits, so they don't get injured. If I thought I needed to be pushed like that, I would have joined the Marines and attended boot camp at Parris Island...just saying. Your mileage varies...best wishes.

Thank you for sharing your experiences...quite difficult for me to read. These must have been difficult and rough lessons for you to learn. I sincerely hope that you have not permanently scarred your esophagus...there are many medical complications which can result. From what you wrote, it seems to me that these issues went beyond the reflux and speed with which you would eat your meals. It does seem that through all of your success, your thinking about food and changing your relationship with it did not really transition to healthier eating patterns, save for what the band was able to control. Your journey has been difficult, I'm certain, and you have shared valuable insights gained. I hope that your health will continue to improve. You have an opportunity to catch up with your learning now...put those lessons learned the difficult way to work for you. Good luck and best wishes...

Encountering a weight loss plateau is frustrating...and breaking through a weight loss plateau is doable. I've read that some have done it by changing up the number of calories they have (usually raising the number) for a day, then going back to the number they had been having before. Also, change the type and rate of exercise helps to get your body out of it's predictable routines. Best wishes...been there, done that!

Water should not be causing you any stomach issues...are you drinking bottled water or tap water? I keep a bottle of water with me most all of the time, and sip from it frequently. The only issue I had with water was getting on a schedule to make certain I drank enough of it.

If you are intentionally purging after eating, you are exhibiting symptoms of a serious eating disorder, not to mention the possible harm you may do to your stomach and band. It would be in your best interests to let your surgeon know what you have been doing, and seek professional help from a counselor who specializes in eating disorders.

I have such a difficult time understanding how and why so many people are banded without the nutrition education needed to be successful with their weight loss journey...Thank you Center of Excellence for my pre op education! It's excellent that you have been able to loose weight without the guidance from your surgeon. Keep up the good job! There are many variations to the post op diet recommendations, and they do vary by surgeon...and I do recommend you begin with a call to their office and ask for contact information for the dietitian or nutritionist to schedule a consultation with them for guidelines to follow. That said, my surgeon's guide lines are to measure portions by volume, not weight for every meal...you are allowed 3 oz of lean Protein, and 2 oz of a Fiber carb (fresh fruit or veggies - can be cooked or raw). He recommends 3 meals and 2 Snacks (1% milk or FF yogurt) daily. My surgeon requires a very low carb, high lean protein diet. Your surgeon my have different guidelines...so check with their office to get their recommendations. Best wishes...

I had my surgery approved through Aetna, and there were long stretches during the required 3 years of medical documentation where there was no weight recorded for me. What is his BMI, and what, if any comorbidities does he have? These numbers figure substantially with insurance companies and the decisions they make. I was asked to write a letter to Aetna to explain why there were substantial gaps in my weight records, which I did, and did not have any problems with having my insurance approve my request for surgery with the first request. What also helped was that in his letter of medical necessity, my PCP did include the length of time he had been my doctor, that I had been obese for the entire time he had been my doctor (9 years), past failed attempts to achieve permanent weight loss, and listed my weight related comorbidities (I have 4, BMI at time of approval was 38). This is one reason why it is vital to have a professional relationship with a physician. They can substantiate your medical history, and help with filling in any "gaps". Don't give up...but begin the process to provide the required medical documentation while you request Aetna to reconsider their decision. Good luck...

That depends...what type of salad are you referring to? Moist meat salads, which include tuna, egg, dark meat chicken or turkey mixed with mayonnaise were on my allowed foods for the soft foods stage, Weeks 4 and 5 of my post op diet.. Raw salad veggies were not on my approved list of foods until I was 6 weeks post op. I was advised to have only dark leafy greens, so I began returning to raw vegetables with raw spinach. I have since transitioned to romaine lettuce for my daily salad. Every surgeon seems to have some variation of their approved list of foods; it's always the best idea to consult with your surgeon about your diet.

You should not be swallowing pills at this stage of post op recovery...to be safe, you would need to crush the pills and then mix with a very small amount of liquid or applesauce. I would definitely check with my surgeon before taking any medication that they did not prescribe for you.