Sojourner

Yes, I had just returned from a family cruise the second week of January to have a letter waiting for me with my pre- op appointment, and the specific "number" on the scale I had to be under in order to have my surgery scheduled. That just after the holidays...I went into a panic mode. I had less than 3 weeks to loose 6 pounds. I became more strict with portions, and walked several miles a day with the intentionally fast paced music on my iPod. Because my surgery had to be postponed for over a year, I was determined not to fail. I ended up loosing 10 pounds, just in case the scale at the doctor's office and mine at home were not in sync. The motivation helps so much...it becomes a driving force for success. Best wishes to you as you begin your journey...

It seems to me that only 1 month between surgeries is a bit too soon. I had to have abdominal surgery unrelated to the band before I could have the band surgery. My bariatric surgeon would not schedule my pre op appointment until the other surgeon gave his medical clearance, which he did at 3 months post op for my first surgery. He told me at the time that 3 months time between surgeries was the standard he followed to allow for proper healing. Hope you feel better soon!

There is some logic to the term "bandster hell"...but the band being the tool that it is requires something called portion control also to work. And it does require development of awareness of everything you put into your mouth and will power to manage your hunger between meals. We are also supposed to make healthy food choices, with lean Proteins and Fiber carbs. The only real tool I have found which works for me is to drink the free fluids (FF & SF) we are supposed to have every day. Doing that helps me stretch the time between meals to 4 hours, sometimes longer. Again, as others have previously mentioned, some surgeons want us to measure our portions, some advise to count calories. I have been advised to measure my portions by volume for every meal. Either way, all the exercise in the world will not make much difference if the amount of food you eat exceeds the number calories you burn. Best wishes to you as you continue on your journey!

Yes, we have had a rather heated discussion on this topic before, and there are differing instructions given by different surgeons to their patients. My surgeon has advised not to drink while eating, and not for a full hour after finishing my meal. I have not found this practice to be a hardship for me, especially if I hydrate myself properly prior to taking my first bite. If you keep your mind aware about eating, as I have also been advised to do (aware to take small bites, chew every bite well, etc) it became an adjustment that was not difficult for me to incorporate into habit. "Mindful eating", as mentioned above, also helps to avoid many, not all, of the stuck episodes that many forum participants have posted about. I find that my level of stress may occasionally create a sense of temporary increased restriction with my band...so I make an effort to identify what the stress factor is, and take measures to de-stress and relax my mind prior to eating. IMHO, I do feel that it is important to thoroughly discuss this issue with your surgeon. I would not recommend going against their medical advice without the knowledge and approval of your physician. Other's mileage on this topic does vary...it's an informed choice you have to make for yourself.

I had something similar to what you are referring to...and was told pre op that this would be most likely scar tissue. I used Mederma on my incisions after they had closed with initial healing, and following the instructions, massaged the gel into my skin. The knots did eventually resolve, as the healing and massaging over time helped the healing process. I would ask your surgeon about this before using the Mederma or massaging your incision sites...

Proper nutrition would be a concern using the pattern of eating and taking vitamins you write about. Vitamins are not properly absorbed if you are not eating a balanced diet every day, as some vitamins are fat soluble, and others Water soluble. My surgeon tracks fat loss, as well as any muscle loss. We definitely want to loose the fat and not the muscle. Short term fasting is not harmful if medically supervised, and that it worked for you is a positive. I know that my surgeon would not approve of the diet you followed. Another of the many examples of the differences of instructions a doctor will issue to their patients...

Going out to eat, and attending parties are always going to be a challenge to diet compliance...learning strategies to avoid going way out of control with the food choices I found that it helps to keep a glass of iced Water in your hand at all times. This worked well for me recently, when I attended 3 day long my class reunion out of town. The most temptations came the evening of the formal gathering, when there were servers walking though the group with every imaginable delicious looking finger food you could ever imagine. I allowed myself to have 2 of the most interesting selections, and then found my way over to a table loaded with vegetarian choices, and chose 2 of them. The rest of the evening was taken up with a focus on speaking with classmates I had not seen in years, and sipping water. The following day was a catered picnic with Mexican food...instead of a taco or a wrap, I chose a right sized portion of lettuce, chicken chunks, and topped it with a bit of salsa, avoiding the rice and deserts. I had not lost any weight over the 3 day weekend, but I did not gain any either. Even in a party situation, it is possible to not destroy your diet. Just stay aware of avoiding the foods you know you should not have and it will help. And, as others have mentioned, it does not do any good to beat yourself up over days where you don't maintain your diet. The motivation must come from within. The most important thing is that you were aware of a need to get back in focus and follow your diet again. That event is now in the past...keep your eyes on your goals!

Phentermine, taken alone is safer alternative to using it in conjunction with fenfluramine, which was associated with some significant cardiac risks in the 80's. I had used it several times over the 10 years prior to my band surgery. Your body does build a rapid tolerance to it, so it was effective for only about 3 months, and then I would have to go off of it for another 6 months. A three month prescription was all that my physician would prescribe. I lost about 30 pounds during the 3 months, and did manage to keep most of the weight off after every 3 months off of it. "Rebound weight gain" is common, when the patient needs to go off of the medication. This can happen if the individual does nothing to maintain a long term adjustment in life style with changes to smaller portions and exercise. I have not taken it for several years now. I recall that I did like the increased energy associated with it, and though I took in in the morning, I did not like the insomnia which I also experienced while taking it.

As others have posted earlier...this forum is a valuable resource for information and insights into the band, and more importantly the real life experiences of individuals who are living with their bands. Some are going to have problems, an inescapable reality with the law of averages. This forum is an excellent resource to read from others who are actually on the weight loss journey, and to visit when they have questions and/or problems. Post op anxieties that you are describing are normal; there are numerous adjustments that you are going through now. Everything from hormones to a radical lifestyle change can cause anxiety, especially when it all comes at you at the same time. The anxiety should resolve as you continue to live from day to day, and discover that you are able to be successful with your weight loss journey. If in a few weeks time the anxiety is still with you, then it would be advisable to consult with your surgeon or a therapist. Another important insight into anxiety is that we create it in our minds...because we create it, we can also control it. This takes some practice, but is readily "doable". Yes, there are risks to just about everything we do, or don't do in life. The risks of obesity related/caused health issues are real...for some of us more real than others. I also side with those who chose a path to restore some of the health that my weight was stealing from me. The single most important thing you can empower yourself to do is to remain compliant with your surgeon's instructions...and to not hesitate to get in touch with them or the office staff if you have questions or concerns. I have experienced a couple of complications which were band related, but nothing related to not following the surgeon's instructions. I also have never had a stuck episode with food or vomited (knock wood )! In time, after your anxieties are in the past, you will understand with better clarity the opportunity you have to become healthier and happier. Best wishes to you as your journey continues...

The reason you should strongly consider returning to diet compliance is that your current weight loss rate will most likely not be sustainable over the long term. The band is a tool, and redefining one's relationship with food and how much we remain compliant with the rules bandsters need to follow for a successful weight loss journey are at the core of the life long changes we should have begun to make when we opted for the surgery. There won't be anyone to "police" you for compliance...so the motivation for change needs to come from within. When one gives yourself "permission" to cheat on the diet, and use the reasoning that there is "no real incentive" to follow the prescribed diet, it may place you on a "slippery slope" to continue to "cheat" on diet compliance, as you may rationalize your thoughts to give yourself additional permissions to cheat at other points along the way. Depending on your personality type, this may open the door for compromising your long term success. Best wishes as you continue on your journey...

I began having fruit while on the pureed diet, cantaloupe and strawberries were my favorites. I limit fruit to once a day; somehow it is difficult for me to break a lifelong habit of having fruit and no veggies at breakfast! I was never advised by the dietitian to avoid strawberries, and in fact they were listed on my approved list of fruits allowed during Week 3 post op in my manual, provided by my surgeon. When I returned to solid foods, I have continued to eat melon, strawberries, and blueberries. I find that the Fiber in apples is a bit harsh for me, and I have eaten some of the skin, but chewing it for so long begins to make my jaw hurt. So, I really avoid apples when I can. Pears are easier to ingest, and I still eat them, but not always the skin. As for oranges and grapefruit, I was never told to avoid them, but was cautioned that they are like a slider food, as is apple sauce. You can eat much more, and have very little in substance and nutrition, higher on carbs, and therefore get hungry faster after eating. The dietitian advised that drinking fruit juice was like drinking sugar Water, so I continue to limit fruits, and try to eat mostly veggies. I still like to have some cold red grapefruit sections as a treat on a hot day... I hope that this information helps...best wishes as you continue on your journey!

Very sorry to read of your father's death...a very difficult event to cope with under the best of circumstances. Being just post op I'm certain made it more challenging. You have gained some insight into the triggers which contribute to your eating choices, and that is valuable to know. Change is a process, when it comes to revising old habits and patterns of thinking. It takes time, patience, and practice. As others have written, there is no valid reason to beat yourself up with feelings of guilt...you had some difficult events to cope with. Most important is that you recognized that you were not in compliance, and then made the conscious decision to get back on track quickly. Condolences, and best wishes...

Taking a detailed history of the patient (which would include asking if/when you had been at a normal weight, and also a family history) is an important part of the assessment the dietitian was supposed to do. The only way to obtain that information is by asking the questions. I'm not saying she did not act in an inappropriate manner, only that the patient history is the foundation for the assessment. I agree that which type of WLS one opts for is a very personal choice. They all require developing healthier eating habits and changing your relationship with food.

For this stage, Protein shakes are best to stave off hunger. I also manage my hunger now by drinking Water as the staple to have for the free fluids (FF & SF) we're supposed to have every day. For someone just at post op, that may be a bit difficult. As far as choice for Protein powder, it's important to look for 100% whey Isolate Protein, which has the best form of protein for bariatric patients. Many of the premixed shakes fall short on protein grams, and often have increased amounts of carb grams. I was advised to avoid shakes which have fewer than 20g of protein. There are variations on instructions given to patients by their surgeon. It's always best to either follow their instructions, or ask questions for clarification.

Yes, I have a sensitivity to all medical adhesives; they cause itching and red welts where they come into contact with my skin. I tell the doctor ahead of time to use paper tape when at all possible. It's not as good as the newer adhesive products, but at least there are no welts or itching for me.

Another of the Many Examples of the Different Instructions surgeon's may give to their patients, and I have written about this more times than I can count! Weight measurement does not accurately represent volume (ie: the disclaimer on many packages of dry foods - contents may settle in transit); and with a pouch substituting for a regular sized stomach, volume becomes critical. That's the reasoning provided to me by my surgeon. The 3 oz line on a measuring cup is exactly halfway between the 1/4 and the 1/2 cup line. I was also advised to avoid processed meats, select only lean Proteins, and a basic Fiber carb for each meal. For one meal, I can have a complex carb choice. If you follow those guidelines, there is no need to "count calories", which I have never done. I'm going to continue to follow my surgeon's instructions...they work well for me. Your mileage does vary...Best wishes.

Yes, the gas does dissipate... and the time it takes varies as everyone is unique. You are definitely doing the right things to get through it. By the end of the second week, I was feeling good again, and only knew I had the surgery because of the changes in my eating and continuing healing of my incisions.

It's important to always measure your food by volume, not weight, after cooking; 3 oz of Protein, 2 oz of carbs. Since protein is most important, have all of it that you have room for first. Then you can have your carbs. When you feel full, stop eating, no matter what is left on your plate. Use mindful eating skills (avoid getting distracted, be aware of small bite size and chewing everything very thoroughly), and meals should never go beyond 20 minutes. Keep up the great work!

Definitely go back on on liquids, and definitely make every effort to stay properly hydrated. It would be good to try to have your Protein shakes if you are able to tolerate them. I would also obtain after hours contact information for my surgeon's office. My surgeon's practice has 24/7 coverage for just these type of situations and any other type of emergency. You should not have to wait an entire weekend for some relief and answers. Hope you feel better soon!

We never know the extent of our inner strengths, until they get tested. It is only then that we discover we are capable of managing so much more than we believed. The worst is behind you now...focus yourself on the future. Best wishes for continuing success with your journey!

Getting the band is about physical and emotional/psychological adjustments...some people actually go through somewhat of a "mourning" process as they adjust their thinking about food, and have to say "good bye" to it as they initially change their relationship with food. In addition, there are many physical changes we go through...hormones are adjusting, metabolism is adjusting, so many changes that feeling "down" is not uncommon. And the physiological basis for depression is really in imbalance of the neurotransmitters in the brain. No wonder they can get out of balance temporarily with everything that's going on. The key is that this is temporary as you adjust to your new sense of "normal". These feelings should resolve within a few weeks. If they don't, consider speaking with your surgeon. Oh, and exercise promotes the serotonin and dopamine in the brain...so continue to something active as tolerated, within reason!

Terrible to read of your experience...I don't recall reading about this from other;s prior experience. I felt a minimal restriction immediately from day one, and as the healing progressed the sense of feeling that the band was there went away also. So glad that you are feeling better, and now the real healing and journey begins!

Not true, according to my surgeon. Any bariatric patient, including the bandster, will absorb alcohol faster than someone who has not had surgery. We were cautioned that 1 drink could easily put you over the legal blood alcohol content for driving. He emphatically told us all that he will not write letters to law enforcement to intervene in any DUI cases which may happen as a result of not heeding his warnings.

I lost approximately 16 pounds during the month I spent on liquids, though for the pre op diet I was also required to have 1 cup of raw salad veggies for Fiber every day. Wanting to eat a normal diet decreased at some point during week 2 pre op, but I did not keep a journal. I know that for me it was a bit more challenging, as my husband continued to eat in the same room as I was in. And then left the dishes for me to clean up. Post op, I really did not have my hunger return until about mid week on the second week of liquids. I never cheated on the liquid diet, as I had a number of pounds to loose pre op, and then definitely did not want any episodes of getting anything stuck or risk vomiting if I ate before being allowed to. My surgery had to be postponed for over a year due to medical reasons, and I kept my focus on how long I had waited for the opportunity to have the surgery and regain some of the health my weight was taking from me. That helped me, too. I hope that this information helps you...Best wishes to you as you continue on your journey!

Yes, it is possible to loose 100 pounds and more...but the band is no magic solution. The successful weight loss journey takes perseverance and determination...and a good deal of patience. Keep in mind that you did not gain all of the weight you want to loose overnight...and it will take months or more to reach your goals. Take a day at a time, and try to avoid becoming obsessed with your scale. Good luck!