A New New Dawn

Best wishes to you. Glad you have answers now.

Sorry to hear of your struggles. Did you ask this last time how much is in your band? I know it isn't relevant in the big picture and it is about how you feel but just so you can have a mental note of where you were, were you are, etc. Not to compare with others but to know your own progress. I say this because, I recently had to get an "unfill" and I know where I was at before and now am working my way back up to my comfort level. My doctor doesn't like to tell me how many cc I have as he feels it is irrelevant too and doesn't want me getting fixated on that. So, the good news is you don't have a slip (it sounds like) from the scan. I was concerned as that could've happened and esp. from the vomiting. They should have been able to see how restricted you were though by how fast the Fluid was going down. My dr. showed me this on the scan as the barium "funneled" through. Lastly, as earlier mentioned by TMF I believe, are you focusing on your eating? For me it makes a HUGE difference if I follow the "rules" and eat my SOLID Protein first, then veggies.... For example, I can eat salad like a slider food and not fill up. I can eat Soup, etc. same thing. However, if I eat 3-4 ounces of chicken or fish first, then veggies.. I do get "full" and am satiated on that. Whereas the other foods, I will keep grazing and not feel full. In the a.m. I have an egg white omelet I like to make w/ veggies, ham, etc. that is lowfat/cal and keeps me full all morning and also a low/fat and cal oatmeal w/ eggwhites (sounds gross but is YUMMY) and filling. Perhaps, if you try to change some of your eating habits it will help. Can you call their office and speak w/ the nurse to get your questions/concerns answered rather than having to go in each time? Explain that as a self-pay patient it is very difficult to make several trips in. If you do have questions or concerns of your dr. it is also your right to speak up and address those with him/her (respectfully, of course). Sometimes just having a frank "crucial" conversation will help. Best wishes to you!

also this is where you need to really focus to understand head hunger vs. true physical hunger. If you are really craving something, ie. chocolate then I would suggest either finding a healthy alternative (ie. a 90 calorie Fiber one brownie) or having a SMALL quantity of it, such as 1 or 2 hershey kisses and savor them or Missy has a yummy mocha drink that's low on cal/fat. SO there are ways to satisfy the craving or really focus on if you are truly hungry.

http://dailyhealthpost.com/are-bananas-as-bad-for-you-as-cookies/?utm_source=taboola#axzz2NXmpdREq

I love bananas too, even in my protein drink too Though I have been sharing 1/2 one w/ my daughter.

Gosh, I watch pathetic shows... I love all the stupid housewives of ___ shows. I'm with Floridays on Sister Wives (and no clue why), I also love NatGeo programs (cuz I LOVE animals), and I love watching cooking shows like Chopped, and singing competitions (American Idol, and The Voice...) Best of all, I love having the DVR so I can forward through them and skip commercials. Most of these shows are not on all the time so I actually don't watch that much tv.

Uh huh... just as we suspected. one week can be a stalemate, then wham... Congrats on your success thus far!!

I agree. I was too tight and kept thinking it was just me and not eating slow enough or small enough bites. I was delaying going to the doc as I kept thinking I just needed to do better with my eating. Well, after 2 weeks of struggling and many visits to the porcelain god, I went in and got an unfill. I could barely get Water down my tummy was a mess. I just found out yesterday from my doc that I had a slight slippage. He wasn't concerned as it was slight; however, it sure was upsetting and knowing for me it was self-inflicted. He is hopeful that since I was unfilled and had no issues since then that it may have corrected itself but to watch out for any symptoms (reflux or band feeling way too loose). After 6 wks I was able to get a small fill again yesterday. I hope all goes well for you and this resolves itself for you as well. Hang in there!!! CG, this is what I was explaining a little yesterday.

Well, I hope it goes through easily for you!

I have bcbs of IL and it was approved pretty quickly on my first try. I do have a couple comorbidities (sleep apnea and blood pressure). Good luck to you getting approved. Are you in the Chicago area?

I cannot speak about the surgeon as I had mine done here; however, please keep a few things in mind if you go to MX to have it done - inquire what size band they are using (make sure it isn't the "old" 4cc bands), ask if they use the newer "low profile" port (thinner than the former models), and also make sure you have a doctor lined up locally that will take you and see you upon having the surgery. Not all surgeons will take you if they didn't do the surgery. Also, aside from getting fills afterwards, in case there are any issues post op, you want to have someone accessible right away. Best wishes on your journey and with whatever decision you choose.

Girl, update that ticker to show 61 lbs! Great job!!

If you like flavored/sweetened coffee, I recommend trying CoffeeMate's sugar free creamers (found in the dairy section). My fave - Carmel Macchiato!! Yum. Only 15 cal. per Tablespoon. I can still enjoy my cup o' coffee without the guilt or calories!!! Any foods/items you have found to replace high calorie ones you used to enjoy?

I love teas too and they have a bunch of those too... YUM

Uh oh, that could be dangerous I will ck it out!

You should consult your doctor for what they recommend. For me, I have been able to take all the same cold medicines as before. Also, the best thing you can do when you are sick is rest. If you force it working out, you may end up really sick wearing yourself down. Feel better soon!

sorry, couldn't resist.. I just saw this picture on FB.

oops posted this topic 2x

best wishes to you. i am so happy you haven't given up and are getting back on track. you CAN do this!

* darn autocorrect. Sip water/liquids

Congratulations to you. As able remember to set the water and try to walk around. I wish you the best on this journey.

Do you have a costco nearby? I like their premade premier Protein chocolate drinks. They come in a case and have 30g of protein per drink. I think Walmart carries this brand too.

I agree with the posters above and I also don't recommend waiting until Monday to call your doctor. From what I was told by my doctor, you aren't going to stretch your pouch overeating once or twice. However, your stomach is not healed by any means yet and you can tear your sutures or have a slip because of it being so early and not healed, which can lead to serious problems. Your stomach needs to be resting now (with liquids and whatever stage of food your doctor advised now). The churning of eating solids too soon and the pressure of overeating is dangerous at this point. To CG's point earlier too, you don't have to answer to US why you did it, but you should answer that to yourself so you can avoid potentially harming yourself and find ways to prevent it happening again.

congratulations!!!

Did you actually ask the insurance company? I would not rely on your office or what you read and call them for further clarification. Perhaps they may cover it if there are outlying comorbities (high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc..). Best wishes to you.