jen_1381

Everlag - you should have a WLS coordinator who will get all of your benefits in writing before you begin the process. In my case, she got the policy details at the beginning of March. When they applied mid-May for auth, UHC denied it because I didn't have two comorbidities (even though the three different people we spoke to said 1 comorbidity was fine, as did the paperwork she was able to reference). I technically did have two, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, but when the surgeon submitted paperwork he didn't put "Uncontrolled Hypertension", just simply "Hypertension". The surgeon had to do a conference call with the approval board at UHC and they approved it - - the DAY before surgery! I totally believe that the patient is responsible for knowing their benefits, but the technical stuff I left to my coordinator. They actually told us in our WLS Seminar that most times if you call and talk to two different people you will get two different answers.

I haven't thrown up once since surgery. The only reason I could potentially see you getting sick right post-op would be from the anesthesia/meds. If you're really concerned just let the anesthesiologist know that you'd like some anit-nausea meds. If you're thinking that vomiting will come further down the road with being "stuck", then the best thing is just to be cautious while you eat. Chew, chew, chew! I'm almost 11 weeks post-op and haven't ever been stuck or vomited. I used to HATE throwing up. I would make myself utterly miserable to avoid it, but started having intense migraines when I was 21 and vomiting came way too often (had the migraines 2-3 days a week - horrible!). I got really used to vomiting and now it doesn't bother me, but I only do it when it's necessary (hope I didn't set off any bulemic alarm bells - - I've said many times I could never be anorexic because I'm too hungry or bulemic because I can't stand vomiting!).

My surgeon does them every 4 weeks until you hit the green zone. Last time he did a 1/2 a fill because I was losing fine on my own (I have 4.5 cc in a 10 cc band). The hunger doesn't bother me so I'm fine waiting the four weeks.

We're on neutral terms, only because it's not really helping me so far. I have no restriction. But, it has inspired me to make great choices and be active. I do feel more full, for longer (most days) but I'm still not getting my "full" signal. It's just a matter of time though. I appreciate my band, and will even more when it comes into full affect!

I did the HCG diet last year. From January to May I dropped 45 lbs. BUT. I gained it all back plus 5 lbs once I started eating normally. Honestly, the drops did absolutely nothing for me. They're supposed to supress your hunger - they don't. It's ALL in the diet. You're on a very strict 500 calorie a day diet. Your body goes into starvation mode, and after a while you plateau, then if you bring your diet back up to "normal" the weight piles back on. They don't recommend doing it more than a certain time period then you go into "maintenance mode" where you are at around 800 calories a day. Still, not enough for the typical persons body to keep functioning and losing weight. The weight loss was fun while it lasted, but I do NOT recommend this crash diet. I fully believe all of my weight loss came from the diet alone, not the drops...and honestly the diet felt dangerous (but I was desperate). I would never do it again.

I set monthly goals along with my big overall goal. I want to be at _ _ _ by the time I have my next fill (since I'm still going in monthly). My doctor would like a 4 lb loss between each fill, so I like to at least double that for my monthly goal. Setting goals really helps keep the vision! Plus, a little competition never hurt anyone

Now is the time to start practicing that will-power that we all need post-op. You can do this!! The shakes are giving your body the nutrition you need. The hunger is most likely head-hunger (even if your stomach growls disagree!). Be strong! You will have much larger temptations as you adjust to your new eating life-style, so start resisting now!!

I take a liquid dose of a multivitamin, vit B12, and vit D every morning with half a glass of low cal fruit juice. I also take the pill form of Biotin (I wasn't losing hair post-op, but thought preventatively it may be a good idea). Your surgeon and/or dietician should tell you specifically which vitamins you need.

First of all, congrats on making such an important decision! I haven't regretted one second since having my band placed. The nerves are completely normal. The weight loss journey is different for everyone. What drives everyone to be successful is different. Really, the outcome lies all within you. You'll hear the bad and the good from everyone, but it all boils down to choices. My "drive" comes from a total fear of failure. My best advice for pre-op is make sure your head is in the right place. I did a lot of soul searching before having surgery. What drove me to overeat was stress and always feeling like I needed to be busy. If I wasn't actively moving, I was eating to keep my hands busy. I had to sort out my stress and triggers before I had the band placed. In the end, it was a complete blessing in disguise because I've never been happier in my whole life than I am now. My journey has been relatively easy so far. I sailed through surgery and recovery and have been successful so far in losing weight. I know it may not always be this easy but for now, I'm thankful. I've been very strict with myself though about following my surgeons recommendations. Protein, Veggies, then Fruit. Exercise daily (some days it's only a 10 minute walk, other days a 45 minute run, just do SOMEthing every day). Good luck to you, I wish you nothing but success!

Yes I love my yoga ball at work! I switch back and forth between the ball and my chair. When I'm on the ball, I lightly bounce to give my legs a workout, then lean back and sit up to work my abs. I work in a very relaxed atmosphere though, they don't mind me rolling around on the ball

This part still challanges me - eating small bites and eating slow. When I put something on my plate, I cut it up into small bites. Then, before popping it in my mouth, I will cut it again. When I'm starving, and really just wanting to shovel food in, I cut bigger bites than I need. When I'm in the moment and actually getting to fill my stomach with food, it's easier to rationalize my bites. I still eat fast though. Slower than I used to by a long shot, but still fast enough to give myself indigestion after the first few bites. My body is REALLY good at reminding me to slow down.

I nearly cancelled the day before. I had a little snag with insurance and was SO relieved when they said they may need to cancel until we get authorization. When the doctor came through at the last minute and forced the approval, I was scared to DEATH! I had the thoughts of - - I can just do this on my own. I've done so well on the liquid diet, I can do this! Do I really want this? I went home and sorted everything out in my head. Reality hit, and the fact that 1) I was only losing because I was not eating, and 2) if I could do this on my own, I would have years ago and wouldn't be in this situation. I decided to put on my Big Girl Panties and do it. I've never regretted it for a minute since getting out of surgery. I wish I would have done this years ago. Nerves are completely normal - - it's real now, it's actually going to happen! Just take a deep breath and think of why you're doing it.

Are you logging everything you eat? I found that REALLY helps. Is your dinner high enough in Protein to keep you full? Or are you just used to grazing afterwards and that's what feels normal? Sometimes it's really hard to seperate hunger, thirst, boredom, and routine. If you feel like you really are actually hungry, try doing some exercise or something active to distract your mind. I'm sorry you feel like it may be a waste of time. It's easy to get discouraged when the scale isn't moving. I'm working through a plateau right now, 14 days of absolutly no change. Try upping your exercise and logging everything you eat (myfitnesspal is amazing!) for a while and see where you can make changes.

If you haven't had a fill, you won't feel any restriction. Even after a few fills you may not. You most likely felt some restriction for the first week or two post-op because of swelling. Plateaus are completely normal (I have to keep reminding myself this!!) especially after such a durastic adjustment in your diet. Your body goes into conservation mode and also can adapt to your new eating style and exercise routine. From what I hear, if you have a band slippage you KNOW it. There is pain, and an intolerance to food and liquids. My best advice is stick to your eating plan, measure and weigh everything you eat, and log all of your food. Stick to the plan, and eventually your body will realize it can start letting go of some of the weight. The first month or so is all about healing not losing (which is frustrating since you are so excited for your new band and want the weight to just fall off!! That was my hope anyways...) If you're really concerned about your band, it never hurts to call your surgeons office. Better safe than sorry.

Any time you have chest pain, it doesn't hurt to run it by your doctor. That being said, every time I have a fill I get pain that radiates from my chest to my back shoulder blade. The position of my band irritates my vagal nerve and causes the pain. It goes away after a few days, will be worse after I eat, but the only option is surgery to reposition my band so I just try to ignore the pain.

Coffee actually supresses my appetite! I find that having my daily cup between breakfast and lunch really helps me avoid snacking. I did okay for the few months I quit coffee, but man, life is SO much nicer with it I didn't want to deprive myself of everything good!!

Shellabee - Honestly, I'm just following my surgeons rules. I base my meals on Protein first, then veggies, then fruit. If I need a snack I'll do one of the pre-packaged slices of cheese (80 cals.) I drink between 100-120 mls of Water every day. I also jog/run for at least 20 minutes and do some calnistetics (sit ups, push ups, yoga ball exercises) for 10 minutes every day. I feel very blessed that I've gone down lbs so quickly, but at the same time, I don't FEEL at all inside that I am any different...such a struggle. I don't want to reward my loss until I hit my goal.

It was strongly discouraged that I quit coffee, just because it can dehydrate you, but wasn't really ever advised about caffiene itself. The nutritionist was fine with unsweetened tea. I've unfortuantely started drinking coffee again, about two weeks ago, but just one cup a day. I was drinking a whole pot of coffee daily before I started my WLS journey.

Well it can't come off fast enough for me! My surgeon said he would be pleased with a 1 lb loss every 7-10 days, so I don't feel like the bar is set too high by him but by myself, it's pretty high up there! Starting weight: 243 Current weight: 193 Surgery date: 5/18/12 Total weight loss: 50 lbs Weeks since surgery: 11 Weeks Average weekly weight loss (lbs/weeks=average): 4.5 lbs Keep in mind though, I'm just (hopefully) coming off a two week plateau. The scale sat at 194._ for two weeks, and this morning I was finally back down at 193. I've been lucky to lose like I have so far but I have a feeling it's slowing down.

Weekends are by far the hardest time for me. During the work week I stay very structured, drink plenty of water, and exercise daily. Weekends are a free-for-all. I don't usually slip up too bad diet-wise, but my meal times are crazy. I'll get busy around the house and realize it's 11 and I haven't eaten breakfast! Yet another area of my life that needs more discipline.... Carolinagirl is right though, the days are over, and luckily every new day gives us a new opportunity to do right.

I'm totally Type A, so when I started seriously considering the procedure I researched the heck out of it. Going through the process I asked a ton of questions - but I also listened very carefully to the answers! I think a lot of people only hear what they want. But, on the other hand, my surgeon didn't go into very much depth about the process. I was thankful that the other WLS team members did very well teaching their part because he gave me the "nutshell" version.

Another great article Jean! I asked my husband to questions my impulse food decisions. I actually baked him Cookies yesterday (punishing myself I guess!) and when I told him that I REALLY wanted one, just one bite, he asked me if I needed it, or if I just wanted it. Want isn't necessary. Need is. It really helps me resist my temptations.

This peaked my curiosity so I did a little research. From what I've found, there shouldn't be any reason why you can't have an MRI. Nothing in the band set-up should react with the magnet of the MRI. As always though, check with your surgeon. There's a reason they put it on the card.