Sojourner

I agree that shame and guilt can be major players with our sense of self perception. Not every stray from our diet should be considered a full relapse. Minor lapses can and will happen. To believe they won't is to place a need for perfection in compliance can place an impossible standard of perfection as the only acceptable level of compliance. None of is is perfect. That's reality. That less than perfect belief can set some people up for failure.
It is a double edge sword, because a lapse can become the proverbial slippery slope towards a return to full addictive behaviors. Forgiving yourself for less than perfect behaviors seems a healthier approach towards addiction recovery than a demand to oneself for perfect compliance.

I agree that shame and guilt can be major players with our sense of self perception. Not every stray from our diet should be considered a full relapse. Minor lapses can and will happen. To believe they won't is to place a need for perfection in compliance can place an impossible standard of perfection as the only acceptable level of compliance. None of is is perfect. That's reality. That less than perfect belief can set some people up for failure.
It is a double edge sword, because a lapse can become the proverbial slippery slope towards a return to full addictive behaviors. Forgiving yourself for less than perfect behaviors seems a healthier approach towards addiction recovery than a demand to oneself for perfect compliance.

I believe that the concept of learning to eat so called "trigger foods" more responsibly is a positive goal for those who feel that they genuinely want to revise their relationship with food, and understand that their maladaptive eating habits and beliefs about the role of eating and food in their lives were core issues to the development and maintenance of obesity.
There are many people who are unable or unwilling to make the effort to create the necessary change to overcome their entrenched behaviors and/or beliefs. They will offer little or no resistance to the cravings resulting from carbs.
In my own experience, while I do not believe that I am genuinely addictided to carbs, I have noticed the irrefutable pattern of the connection of eating unhealthy carbs leading to craving more unhealthy carbs. I find it much easier for me to simply avoid the unhealthy carbs than coping with resultant cravings. Other "trigger foods" for me, such as Peanut Butter, are not a problem for me to manage.

I believe that the concept of learning to eat so called "trigger foods" more responsibly is a positive goal for those who feel that they genuinely want to revise their relationship with food, and understand that their maladaptive eating habits and beliefs about the role of eating and food in their lives were core issues to the development and maintenance of obesity.
There are many people who are unable or unwilling to make the effort to create the necessary change to overcome their entrenched behaviors and/or beliefs. They will offer little or no resistance to the cravings resulting from carbs.
In my own experience, while I do not believe that I am genuinely addictided to carbs, I have noticed the irrefutable pattern of the connection of eating unhealthy carbs leading to craving more unhealthy carbs. I find it much easier for me to simply avoid the unhealthy carbs than coping with resultant cravings. Other "trigger foods" for me, such as Peanut Butter, are not a problem for me to manage.

I believe that the concept of learning to eat so called "trigger foods" more responsibly is a positive goal for those who feel that they genuinely want to revise their relationship with food, and understand that their maladaptive eating habits and beliefs about the role of eating and food in their lives were core issues to the development and maintenance of obesity.
There are many people who are unable or unwilling to make the effort to create the necessary change to overcome their entrenched behaviors and/or beliefs. They will offer little or no resistance to the cravings resulting from carbs.
In my own experience, while I do not believe that I am genuinely addictided to carbs, I have noticed the irrefutable pattern of the connection of eating unhealthy carbs leading to craving more unhealthy carbs. I find it much easier for me to simply avoid the unhealthy carbs than coping with resultant cravings. Other "trigger foods" for me, such as Peanut Butter, are not a problem for me to manage.

I believe that the concept of learning to eat so called "trigger foods" more responsibly is a positive goal for those who feel that they genuinely want to revise their relationship with food, and understand that their maladaptive eating habits and beliefs about the role of eating and food in their lives were core issues to the development and maintenance of obesity.
There are many people who are unable or unwilling to make the effort to create the necessary change to overcome their entrenched behaviors and/or beliefs. They will offer little or no resistance to the cravings resulting from carbs.
In my own experience, while I do not believe that I am genuinely addictided to carbs, I have noticed the irrefutable pattern of the connection of eating unhealthy carbs leading to craving more unhealthy carbs. I find it much easier for me to simply avoid the unhealthy carbs than coping with resultant cravings. Other "trigger foods" for me, such as Peanut Butter, are not a problem for me to manage.

I believe that the concept of learning to eat so called "trigger foods" more responsibly is a positive goal for those who feel that they genuinely want to revise their relationship with food, and understand that their maladaptive eating habits and beliefs about the role of eating and food in their lives were core issues to the development and maintenance of obesity.
There are many people who are unable or unwilling to make the effort to create the necessary change to overcome their entrenched behaviors and/or beliefs. They will offer little or no resistance to the cravings resulting from carbs.
In my own experience, while I do not believe that I am genuinely addictided to carbs, I have noticed the irrefutable pattern of the connection of eating unhealthy carbs leading to craving more unhealthy carbs. I find it much easier for me to simply avoid the unhealthy carbs than coping with resultant cravings. Other "trigger foods" for me, such as Peanut Butter, are not a problem for me to manage.

Wow...more sweeping broad generalizations again...please provide a link to validated research to compare/contrast the incidence of patient infection post surgery in hospital facilities vs those of reputable surgery centers.
Inquiring minds...want to know.

The choice of facility for your surgery IMO should be driven by where the best level of medical care will be given. And equally important is where the best level of medical after care will be available to you. IMO, one's important health decisions should not be driven by my convenience.
I have seen the difference first hand between a bariatric practice recognized as a Center of Excellence, versus a general surgeon who does not specialize in bariatric surgery. There is no comparison. The aftercare provided through the Center of Excellence provides the level of care post op with the methods they use to do fills and monitor your general health state along with how you are adjusting to your band.
I was fortunate to be referred to a surgeon who is the head of bariatric surgery at a Center of Excellence. I felt no hesitation with proceeding with my band due to the level of both pre op and post op care available.

There is a significant connection between our emotional health and physical health. Many people have posted here about being "emotional eaters"...negative thoughts directed inward will result in depression, which for some is their trigger to make poor choices with their eating. I'm not saying that this is what you are doing, only want to raise your awareness about what may be going on...
We also engage in many thoughts which are not accurate...and I encourage you to give some thought to the reality that you are interpreting what others have said, or done, or the "looks" others direct towards you. Interpreting other's thoughts is a slippery slope...and we can easily misinterpret the spirit of what others do.
Focus your thoughts and efforts to regain control and progress in your own life...and be alright to be who you are. If we try to live to conform to what others want us to do, or frequently attempt to make other's happy, then we often miss out on our own happiness.
Best wishes...

I've had a similar series of events happen to me...initially I was hospitalized, and later diagnosed with pancreatitis...the very scary part was that my bariatric surgeon tried to pass off the symptoms I was having as a pulled muscle. When my PCP got the hospital to fax him my lab results, he immediately asked me if my surgeon had mentioned my elevated lipase levels, which he had not. My mild pancreatitis was caused by my gall bladder, and additional testing did not show any traces of gallstones, but that my gall bladder was not working at all. My PCP said that the gall bladder issue is likely related to my recent weight loss. Who knew??

I'm trying to delay surgery to remove it; 3 abdominal surgeries within a year is just too much to cope with. I continue to experience intermittent waves of nausea, and sporadic series of sharp pain in my upper right side. The general surgeon was ok with me waiting, as we have no idea when my gallbladder quit working, and my hope is that the symptoms will subside over time. A concern I have is that not everyone who has their gall bladder removed has their symptoms resolve post op.

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 see these comments/topics a lot. You don't explain why your doctor thinks you aren't following the rules? Why did he say you need to learn how the band works? You're leaving out some very important data it seems?
I can see why some docs won't fill if a patient is eating slider foods, sugar/high carb foods and drinking band unfriendly beverages?
If you are following the rules he should give you a fill. But if you're misbehaving, maybe not?
tmf

I made 2 decisions when I decided to do lap band .
#1 I WOULD NEVER COUNT CALORIES AGAIN.
#2 I WOULD NEVER SPEND A DIME MORE ON ANY DIET GIMMICK, NO Patches, NO pills, NO EXCERCISE EQUIPMENT . NO DIET books, NO MIRACLE ANYTHING.
Having said that I decided for the first time in my life to eat what I was told {Protein first} and I would eat it in the quanity I was suppose too . {Up to one cup 3 times a day} And I would haul my a$$ around the neighborhood in a fast walk at least 5 days a week. I have lost all the weight, I feel great and I look a darn sight better then I did as that diet chasing and fad crazy woman always looking for the answers .
I had to rid myself of all my theorys ,calorie counting and worries and listen to what the experts said and it worked for me. And it was so much easier to just eat when I was hungry take my Vitamins and stop when I was suppose to. I am so much happier and free .

What an inspiration you are...and a wonderful NSV! Well done!

It seems positively ridiculous your doctor won't fill you until you lose weight. That's like telling a car that's on empty "I won't put gas in you until you drive a couple miles". It also bothers me he says you need learn what the band does- why the heck isn't he teaching you?
I would get into a nutritionist who works with bariatric patients. They can help you establish food guidelines to help you be successful. I would also strongly urge logging all your food between now and then, not only so you can see where your calories are coming from but so you can show the nutritionist and they can help you make healthy changes.
I would also remind your doctor you're the employer, he's the employee, and if he's not willing to do his job you can and will fire him in favor of someone more competent.
Best wishes to you.

Thank you all!!!
Never could have done it without all of you guys and your encouragement!!

We're always going to be our own worst critic...you can't expect to have significant restriction with a first fill. It likely will take several fills before you will be close to your "green zone", and some bandsters never get there. For those, hunger will always be something they need to work to manage...
It's not unusual to focus on the negatives...what is positive may be overlooked or taken for granted. It's a major positive that you are able to recognize the upside with your progress.

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.

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.

Not quite the same experience...but ended up in the ER with severe dehydration.
I went to my first post op appointment, complaining of nausea for 3 days. I had been drinking, but had also been ill. I did not realize that I had not replaced the fluids lost while ill, and also did not realize that nausea is a symptom for severe dehydration.
So, instead of going home after the appointment, the surgeon said he was having his nurse call the ER and to expect me there right away. I did not get to go home until hours later...but I did start drinking Water and with the IV infusion the nausea did resolve.
Life lesson learned...I structure my time to also include the amount of free fluids I need to stay properly hydrated. It is easy to forget to drink your fluids...this way I know that I need to have 30 oz by lunchtime, another 32 by dinner, etc.
I never want to go through that again...

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.

No matter what stage you are in post op, you still need to follow the diet recommendations of your surgeon. For me, that means to measure portions (3 oz lean protein, 2 oz fiber carb) for every meal...and yes, even while on mushies I measured all my portions.
It's essential that you recognize that everyone is an individual. and no two bandsters will have identical experiences. I can share my experiences, and you may have entirely different feedback to share.
Mushies are supposed to keep you from feeling hunger for longer than your protein shakes. You still need to comply with the diet instructions of your surgeon.
Getting to the stage with regular solids did mean that it usually took 3.5 to 4 hours before I got hungry again, but not always. I still drink over 80 oz of water a day to help manage my hunger, as "free fluids (SF/FF)" do help with lessening feelings of hunger.
It is unlikely, though not impossible that you will feel much restriction with your first fill. I felt restriction without having any fluid in my band. I just had my third fill, and hope that it will lessen my hunger between meals.
My surgeon has advised me that there are some bandsters who never get to the point where hunger is eradicated entirely, so the patient's responsibility for their weight loss is greater.
As is often mentioned, the band is only a weight loss tool...we have to learn how to use it properly for weight loss success.

Wishing you success...

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.

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.