A New New Dawn

Everyone is different. I have BCBS IL but my dr's office submitted it for approval so I had an estimate of the charges/coverage ahead. I believe I paid (still paying) a couple thousand for the hospital/surgery and a few hundred for the surgeon. Also, just so you aren't surprised... Ask your surgeon's office if you have to prepay. Mine never told me and a few days before surgery they called asking for my credit card # to pay his bill (the few hundred) before the surgery. I had no problem, just hadn't expected it. Also, confirm w/ your surgeon's office if the surgery includes any of the follow up visits or how those will be billed after. Do they include any of the follow up visits and will you be billed separately for fills, etc. I didn't think to ask that. Best wishes to you on your journey.

I agree w/ Chez, a protein shake should be easy on the tummy and keep you fueled. Make sure you are at least getting liquids in and if it doesn't improve, I would suggest you call your dr.

That is very sad. Count your blessings every day!

Definitely worth celebrating!

Having fills is not meant to cause pain when you eat. Truly, it is just for you to be able to go 3-5 hours without feeling hungry but you shouldn't have pain. Most people will likely not feel much restriction or feel like the band is "there" until after 2-3 fills (give or take). Some people never need a fill; however, most require a few fills before they start feeling it. Until then, it's very important to make good food choices even though the band isn't fully optimized yet. You can do this!!

Other flavors of soup broth (chicken, veggie, etc.), teas, sf popsicles... congrats on being banded!!!

Looks like you recently had surgery. It is normal for site to be sore/tender for first 4-6 weeks. That site takes the longest to heal. I think it's perfectly normal. However, if you are concerned, doesn't hurt to check w/ the medical professionals.

The drinks are good to help get in extra protein but they aren't going to fill you up. You should be taking in solid protein, if you can. To really feel satiated between meals solid food/protein is what will work. For breakfast, better choices would be eggs, oatmeal (after I cook mine I add a couple egg whites and cook for 2 minutes.. sounds gross but is yummy, then add a couple pecans or walnuts and fruit pieces), there are high protein cereals, Greek yogurt (Dannon Light & Fit is good).... I think that is what your dr. is suggesting, not another drink but an actual meal.

I think you may be chancing it so soon. Many of us don't do too well w/ Pasta. Just make sure to sauce it up and have very tiny bites. I don't think it will make a difference what kind you have. Also, bread may cause an issue if you are thinking of having any of their bread sticks. Baked ziti really isn't the healthiest choice though... why not go for the minestrone Soup (yum) and/or salad? Also, they have a new lighter fare menu. Whatever it is, remember your portions and focus on your bites and pausing between them. It is easy to get caught up in conversation or enjoying the food and forget the guidelines which could make for a miserable evening. Have fun!

I am in the Chicago area and have seen Ken's Steak House dressings in the aisles... I wondered where the name came from, lol.

Drink lots of fluids. I had this problem but upped my liquid intake and it improved.... Hope you don't mind my warped sense of humor but I thought this video was funny, as many of us have been here...

Missy, what a great transformation in your health, mobility, and appearance. You have so much to be proud of and a whole new life to enjoy!!!

Much of this is a learning process. For example, salad for me is a "slider" food and goes down realllly easy yet many others have trouble w/ salad. We are all different. You will also find as you get fills that you will need to be more and more diligent about taking small bites, waiting or putting your fork down till that bite is fully chewed, then next bite, etc. If you feel any discomfort stop before trying to go to another bite until it fully passes. Otherwise the next bite may do you in. Also, I struggle w/ scrambled eggs and cannot eat them. I can; however, eat eggs over easy or over medium without an issue. So perhaps try them again but chewing more and waiting or try other methods of preparing them. Don't rule them out completely. Also, the first 2-3 months are often referred to as "bandster hell" until you get more fills and aren't feeling the hunger between meals. Some people require no fills and are fine, others require several. Are you getting 3-4 ounces of Protein in and starting your meals w/ the protein? Protein will really help fill you up and keep you satiated longer.

I was told that it may fill me up and since we already are eating so little they didn't want me to feel full and not be able to eat my proper amount. Personally, I do drink sometimes before eating (not recommending you to go against your surgeon's advice, it's just what I do) and haven't had any issue. In fact, sometimes if I am feeling "tight" I will have a cup of coffee or hot tea to help loosen it up a bit. I don't drink right after a meal though.

Very exciting!!!! It will be a great journey!

Also, not that you cannot ever give into a craving, but being strong will get easier each time you are able to not give into the craving. It's empowering when you can pass something by knowing you were stronger than the temptation. You can do this. It really does get easier as time passes.

I wish you the best. Also, I know weight watchers meetings seem to work well for many to change habits and learn healthier eating habits. Maybe that would work for you.

Sounds like you have a great attitude as well! Best wishes to you!

Yah, sadly this building has reignited as mentioned above. Grateful I have a fenced yard so I don't have to try to walk my dogs in this weather! They do their business and come right back in, even my Shiba that loves the cold normally.

Wow, that is awesome!!! Very happy for you and you look great too!!!

Try not to fret too much as that can increase it too. Definitely watch your sodium intake and avoid adding salt to your foods, if possible. Many processed foods are very high in sodium too. Lastly, there are many different kinds and brands of BP meds. Not all work for everyone. Also, it takes a lot of tweaking (kind of like getting fills w/ the band ) till they find the right dosage for you. It will come down. They just need to do it gradually to find the right level. I have been on 3 or 4 different ones and doses till they found the right mix for me. Also, when they added one w/ the Water pill for me that made all the difference.

I really feel that most of the battle w/ food is the emotional aspect. I know it is hard right now, but it does get easier. If it's too much to be around your friends w/ food, then do what you are doing and avoid it. You have to do what works for you. Now, longterm it wouldn't be realistic to avoid everyone/everything but while you get through this initial stage you have to do what works for you. People who aren't going through it don't always realize how much of a struggle this is. As for the shakes, I like premier protein (premixed drinks) in chocolate and have seen others say that too. Another suggestion (and these are GOOOD) was from my nutritionist. I buy the Carnation Instant Breakfast (chocolate) NO SUGAR added (comes in a blue box or container), mix it with 8 ounces of skim milk and 3 T of powdered fat free milk (for added protein). It is about 20g of protein and very yummy.

That's awesome!!! That will help you be stronger post-surgery too.

I agree that I think a call into your dr. is in order. Sometimes stress, illness, etc can cause the band to be tighter and if you cannot keep anything down, there is a chance it has slipped too (sorry, don't want to scare you) just think it is very important like CG said too to call your dr. and find out what's causing it. I hope you feel better soon.

Have you had any fills? I have noticed that when I have a minor "stuck" moment it feels different now since I have had fills than before. It sounds similar to when I have had one of those and then it's irritate for a day or two. For me it isn't pain either but more discomfort. Have you had trouble getting food down when it feels like that? If it persists, perhaps a call into your surgeon's office. I bet the nurses could help.