Sojourner

Thanks for sharing your experiences with your gall bladder issues. No, the doctor never asked me if I had recently lost weight, but I did disclose to him that I had a lap band... I know that medicine is an inexact science, and often there are no definitive answers, but when you are feeling poorly and you are not accustomed to it, it has worn me down. I will have the testing done, and feel certain that it will be one or the other of the two possible problems. I was interested to hear from a friend who had the original gastric bypass done over 10 years ago that they routinely removed the gall bladder as part of the bariatric surgery as the post op gall bladder issues were so common. Thanks for the feedback, and congratulations on your excellent and very motivating success with your journey!

Thanks for your words of encouragement...I always try to take a day at a time. And will remain compliant with what I am supposed to do...Like I said, my coping skills are compromised with the pain and just not feeling well. This is a journey of faith to some degree...I am down another pound today, so onward with this journey. Best of luck to you as well!

I have continued to have fruit as a carb choice for 1 meal a day since returning to eating regular food. I stay mostly with cantaloupe, strawberries and seedless grapes. I was told to avoid any fruit or vegetable which has large fibers in it, such an under ripe pineapple, asparagus, and celery. It may make a difference that I have yet to have my first fill...I was told by the dietitian that having fresh fruit with no sugar added was acceptable for my diet.

I am now 11 weeks post op, and during this time, though I have lost weight at the slow and mostly steady rate by remaining compliant with my diet plan. During this time I have had more medical issues present than in the previous 50 years of my life. This is no exaggeration... First, it was severe dehydration as a result of having a minor intestinal virus. I did not recognize the nausea as a symptom for dehydration. I attended my first post op appointment with my surgeon, and was sent directly to the ER from his office for IV hydration treatment. That has not happened again, life lesson learned. I am fanatic about getting all of the recommended fluids every day now. The week before last week I was admitted into the hospital again, with a sudden onset of a severe pain in the upper left side of my chest, and some mild nausea. The doctor could not do a CT scan because of my allergy to contrast dye, and instead did a VP (?) scan to check for a possible blood clot in my lung. I was very thankful that this test result was negative. I was given IV pain medication. Tests were run to check my cardiac enzymes every 8 hours, and they were also normal. The surgeon's diagnosis was that this was muscular/skeletal in origin, though I had no memory of injuring myself. I was discharged, and told to follow up with my primary care doctor who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. I saw my primary care physician last week, who requested and reviewed the records from the hospital. He immediately noticed that my pancreatic enzyme level was elevated, and asked me if this had ever been mentioned by the surgeon. No was my response...my doctor then pushed on several spots on the upper left side of my chest, under my left arm. I almost went through the ceiling the pain was so sudden and intense. He asked me if I still had my gall bladder; yes, I do. He said that there was no way for my pain to be the result of any injury, as where he pressed is where the tail of the pancreas is located. Then he told me that he suspects that I am experiencing a mild case of pancreatic inflammation related to my recent weight loss. His other suspicion is that I may have some gall bladder issues, as these are very common with significant weight loss patients. More tests need to be run... This week, I am scheduled for additional blood work, an ultrasound of the gall bladder, and an MRI of the pancreas. I still have the pain, though it is no longer constant, and not quite as intense. The periodic nausea continues...I continue to be compliant with my diet and Fluid intake. I am finding that not feeling well, the pain and nausea are wearing my coping skills down to almost nothing. Does this ever end? One issue after the last...instead of feeling better and having lower medical costs, I am experiencing the opposite. I was told by my surgeon last week that my rate of weight loss is by percentage well above the average for his patients, yet I was also told that I "need to get with the program and have my first fill"?? Thanks to all for allowing me to express my growing frustration and discouragement. I like to think I am a resilient individual, but now I am questioning the wisdom of my decision to have the band surgery. I never anticipated all of these health issues, but I did not want the complications my weight was creating either...

There are some people who feel restriction without having any fluid in their band. I have felt restriction from day one, and have yet to have a first fill, though that is due to medical complications, and not my choice. I agree that if you can't keep fluids in you, you are following doctor recommendations, and taking your anti nausea medication without benefit, it is time to consult with your surgeon.

I purchased the GasX strips prior to surgery so that I would have them post-op. The strips were the only form I ever read about that was recommended. To be very honest though, I felt that the GasX did nothing to alleviate any of the post op gas pain I experienced. The only thing which helped me to get things moving was to do plenty of walking. You are also helping to lower your chances of developing blood clots post-op by walking.

As I recall, just after my surgery, I did not have much energy, and was in a fair amount of pain, and with taking the pain medications, all I wanted to do is sleep. I was also advised that I needed remain active with moving around, and that every 45 minutes I needed to be up and walking around to decrease my chances of blood clots forming. This time is for healing, and following the surgeon's instructions about post -op care. To me, riding in a car is really not much different than a plane; you would need to be aware of circulation risks in your legs. There were exercises I had to do for the first 6 weeks post-op to help lower the risks for blood clots. Asking your doctor about their advice regarding a trip is appropriate...if it were me, I would not do it. I believe it is very important to get your rest, and go with a plan that there would not be any complications. If you stress your system through lack of rest and proper care, you may raise the risks for complications. Your mileage may vary...

It might be time to look for a different doctor...there is no valid excuse for a physician to be rude to a patient who is in distress. It would be nice for everyone if everything, including emergencies could be scheduled in advance so that no one would ever be inconvenienced. The fact is that you are paying for the services of your physician, and they have a responsibility to care for your medical needs. No excuses.

Congratulations on reaching your milestone! Sorry to read of your most recent surgery...I am also dealing with some unexpected complications, but I am taking one day at a time. Hope you feel better real fast!

No, I was not apprehensive about the band surgery, but then this was not my first abdominal surgery either. I had to wait so long for the medical clearance for the band surgery, there were no second thoughts to finally having the opportunity to loose weight and get my health back! It is totally normal to have some doubts and concerns about the surgery, and if it is your first surgery to be feeling apprehensive about it. All I can say is that the recovery from the band surgery was a breeze compared with my earlier surgery. All surgical procedures come with some risk factors, but there are so many members on this forum who have done well through the surgery and recovery. Also necessary to consider are the very real risks to your health and well being if you stay heavier and don't loose the weight you need to. Just ask questions, and come back often...you can do this!

Not only does Protein make you feel full for longer, if you don't have enough protein, it will actually slow your weight loss! The Protein shakes are formulated for low carb and high protein. I also was hesitant to use them, but I found several that I like, and that part of my diet has gone well. Make certain that the Protein powder had 100% whey isolate for the best nutrition. Try not to become obsessed with the scale, and I know that is easier said than done. Along the way, you may hit plateau's where you are doing everything right, but the weight loss stalls. Discouraging, but stay compliant, get some exercise, and the scale will begin to move in the right direction. And from what I have read, it is normal to regain a pound or so when you return to eating solid foods. Sounds like you are doing a good job...so keep your focus! And, I have yet to get my first fill...

I never experienced this with the liquid diet...please let your surgeon's office know what is going on with you, and ask them for advice! This likely is not serious, but better to be safe with accurate advice...

I would advise you to find a way to distract yourself from that craving...carbonation and the pouch do not get along! I know how difficult it can be to give something like soda up, but for your own well being it would be a good idea...I had to wean myself off of Coke Zero, and still miss it, especially when my husband sits across the dinner table from me and enjoys his...

By 4 days post-op, all of my troublesome pain was resolved. I only took the prescription 1 time, and spent 2 days taking Tylenol. By day 4, no pain meds were necessary at all! You will feel better every day!

Having this surgery meant that you were aware that changing your relationship with food was going to be necessary if you want to be successful with your weight loss. Sounds like it is time to look into other interests and hobbies...so many to get involved with. I can relate to the concept that it can be a chore to fix meals, and eat the same things for several days. If you change the beliefs you assign the things you now find distasteful, it will help you to transition to healthier beliefs. If you look at how much simpler it is to have the same food for several meals, it no longer is something you "hate". It does take some practice to get there, but all things are possible to achieve if you want to strongly enough!

Yes, it is important to remember that no two individuals will have the same weight loss journey...too many factors figure into the equation. Though I am still waiting for my first fill, ( medical complications have created the delay I also can still eat anything I want to in reduced quantities...including bread, pasta and brown rice. I know that I should not have had even a tiny bit of these foods, but the opportunity was there. Compromising behavior like that can place me on the "slippery slope" towards going back to previous unhealthy habits, and I definitely do not want to go there! It might help you to keep a food journal so that you can track everything you eat...sometimes it may surprise you to read it. It can also shock you if you see some unhealthy patterns, but that way you know what you should work on changing. Best insights I can share are to get your metabolism to increase are to exercise, and make certain that you are getting in enough free fluids and Protein every day. It never hurts to share your concerns with your doctor either! Don't get discouraged...keep focused on your goals and take one day at a time.

You have missed the reason that the psychological tests are administered as part of the pre-op process. There is no pass/fail. These tests are for assessment purposes only.

I't's always a good idea to let your doctor know what is happening with you, though in this scenario I understand why you would not want to...Are you chewing your food at least 20 times a bite? Are you eating very slowly? Both of these practices need to be followed religiously as you begin to eat mushies. Another potential issue is that you are having too much at your meal...are you measuring your food for each meal? I am allowed only 3 oz of Protein and 2 oz of carbs for every meal, and each meal takes 20 minutes to eat. When you measure that out by volume, it isn't very much! For the second 2 weeks after being banded, I pureed everything...even my egg salad went in the blender. It might help your constipation to incorporate some fruit into your diet. I really loved pureed fresh strawberries or cantaloupe at that stage. Constipation seems to be an ongoing issue, especially for me as I can no longer have the Fiber my system was accustomed to. Making certain to have all of your free fluids will help with staying hydrated and should help the constipation also. I will take a stool softener if I have not gone in 2 days. That seems to help stave off constipation for me. Hope you feel better fast...but get in touch with your surgeon if you are not feeling better within a couple of days.

Actually, the relationship dynamics you describe are quite common...anytime that one of the people in a relationship changes the equilibrium of that relationship, insecurities can be expressed. Change is a word that frightens many people. It does seem that you are going to "rock his world", and he is not too happy about it...

I am in the same situation; 2.5 months post op, and still waiting for my first fill. The fill had to be postponed due to medical complications. I am getting very hungry between meals, usually about 3 hours after eating. I find that drinking the free fluids (for me mostly water) and distracting myself with something physical to do (exercise, cleaning out drawers. etc.) helps. I can usually wait 4 hours between meals if I am mindful to use the tools! I don't advocate eating anything extra which is not on the list of allowable foods or in the quantity allowed. If you are seriously hungry, and feel you have to have something, go for a small amount of lean lean Protein or a Protein shake. Protein takes the longest to digest and alleviates hunger for longer.

Protein grams per serving are way more important than the calorie count. How does it measure up to regular skim milk on protein?

I'm one of those people mentioned who have felt restriction from day 1. My band is still empty 3 months after surgery, due to some complications I had post op. I have not gotten any food stuck, but I did have one of my prescription pills get stuck. It was pretty awful...I could feel a burning sensation for about 10 minutes until it finally went down. Since then, I am extra careful to eat slowly, take small bites, and chew each bite many times!

The band is only a tool to assist with managing your appetite and to help control portions. The band works by providing restriction to the stomach and creates a small pouch which fills when small meals are eaten. The pouch will eventually empty into the rest of the digestive tract. While full, the hunger is controlled. After being banded, your surgeon usually will periodically adjust the the amount of restriction (amount the band is filled with saline) to increase the restriction, and thereby increase the length of time for your meal to be digested. Someone with a band does get hungry, but the pouch limits how much you are able to eat, therefore the portion control helps to loose weight. The diet consists of lean healthy Proteins and Fiber carbs, and each meal is measured by volume not weight. Patients are encouraged to make healthy food choices, and avoid any added sugars or over processed foods. Patients are also encouraged to exercise, and generally modify their lifestyles to healthier practices. What helps me control my hunger is to continue to drink necessary fluids between meals to stay properly hydrated. There are restrictions on the kinds of food you should have, but most people find they can eat most anything, just in greatly reduced amounts. The goal is to make better choices and avoid the type of foods which contributed to your weight issues. This forum has many members who are informative and knowledgeable. Best way to learn is to ask questions!

You appear to be doing well with your weight loss. Are you certain that you are getting all of your Protein? Having a good protein with every meal will help to stave off hunger longer. I use hunger to make certain that I am drinking enough free fluids every day. After the 1 hour mandatory waiting time to drink after eating, I will continue to drink mostly Water. When I feel hungry between meals, I will continue to sip water. It usually gets me through a full 4 hours between meals, I am not consuming too much water, only meeting the high end of my daily recommended amounts of fluids. I'm still waiting for my first fill...keep your eye on the prize!

For an individual who states that they are a mental health professional who does not seem, at least from what you have disclosed to date, to display any motivation to have the surgery other than for cosmetic reasons, ("don't like double digits") you certainly do seem to lack valid understanding of the medical rational for the pre-op testing. Your writing shares what appears to me as excessive criticisms of the medical professionals who are involved in aspects of the surgery approval process. If indeed you are in a medically related career as a licensed professional, you should understand that if something is not documented, in medical and allied professions, "it never happened". We learned that during our training, Yes, it may superficially seem to be unnecessary to complete some of the testing, but you should be able to understand the principle of CYA (cover your a**). As with any surgery, there will be risks, and all patients are required to sign documents prior to surgery acknowledging the associated risks. Another CYA. Do you really believe that "people fail to recognize that this fat surgery industry (as you referred to it) is a multi million dollar industry"? Do you really believe that the only reason for the psych eval is to rule out the possibility that the patient has "u r truly mentally I'll or have significant cognitive deficits." Give others credit for the intelligence they possess. From an earlier post you made, I believe you have no real understanding of the reasons why or how the MMPI and any subsequent editions of it are constructed. The psych eval is also looking for any potential factors for development or history which relate to eating disorders, along with mood disorders which might need to be monitored post op if the patient experiences possible mood swings. This is a community of supportive individuals who are on a journey of health restoring and life saving weight loss. There are many individuals who post about their success, and share their wisdom gained from the success with others who are working towards their goals. Your bashing of the medical community is unnecessary. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, including me. In my view your writing seems to infuse a toxic and skewed perspective to others who are not as fortunate as you view yourself. Just saying...IMHO. Your mileage may vary.