WshfullyShrnkng

Ultimately mine will depend on what they see when they get in there, but as of right now the plan is to do the sleeve. We just don't know exactly what damage my band has caused so that's the only issue, but my surgeon is very optimistic that he can do the sleeve as he's skilled at what he does. So fingers crossed it all goes well.

Glad to hear you are losing weight. 28 lbs isn't slow at all. That's fantastic! Keep it up.

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I am scheduled for VSG 2/4/17!

Got my surgery date!! February 4th! YAY!! Going from Band to Sleeve. I am so excited. I have also been shaping up my eating and drinking more Water and I am down 4 pounds in 4 days. Probably all the toxins built up in my body. I still can't eat most the healthy foods I should due to band issues, but I have been doing lots of Protein Shakes. Good luck to everyone and can't wait to see how you all progress!

I ended up getting a hold of the place I plan to have surgery and they did confirm that I did not need anyone with me at discharge...so YAY!! However, one of my old child hood friends said she may come up to at least be there when I get out to support me. How awesome. Thanks everyone for your insight I total didn't think they would contact me back so fast!

I went in for a band adjustment, hopefully finding a doctor who knew what he was doing, and instead he suggested for me to get a revision to a sleeve after studying my recent history of problems finding my sweetspot. He never brought up RNY. I'm happy with the sleeve. I think if he did offer the RNY vs sleeve, I'd go for the sleeve. I read Dr. V's book on gastric sleeve (good book), and he said in his experience, of all WLS, the sleeve is the most natural and has the least complications.

I'll have to check out that book! Thanks for your input! I was leaning towards sleeve a lot and now I'm going back and forth. Before my band I was going to have the bypass but I talked myself out of it and now I regret it.

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Just my experience: I definitely had to have someone with me to be dismissed from the hospital. They took me out in a wheelchair and made sure that someone else picked me up and was driving.

I was mainly asking since I won't have to drive at all. I don't have anyone to go with me since my husband will have to stay with our son. Thanks for your input.

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Lots of people do their Mexico surgeries without someone such as a spouse or friend accompanying them. The hospital or program you use will have someone to take care of you whenever it is needed. You are basically shepherded from place to place by local employees.

That's why I was wondering. It seemed like if I'm not driving I shouldn't need anyone with me but thought I'd see if anyone had any idea. Thanks for the response!

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The one I'm looking at does all of that, but I wasn't sure if I was expected to have say my husband or a friend with me in order to be released from the hospital or if I could check myself out.

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Hello Everyone,

Due to the holiday I am having to wait for answers from my hospital choice, but I thought I would ask here first.

Do you have to have someone go with you to the hospital and be there when you get dismissed? Normally when you check out from a hospital someone has to drive you home, however the driver would take me to the airport, I would fly home, and then I would get picked up and driven home. So is taking someone along a necessity? I can use my phone for emotional support during the process. What is your experience, thoughts, opinions, knowledge??

TIA

Hello Everyone,

Short story- 3 years ago I had a lap band placed. It worked pretty good for a few months when I began to have troubles eating foods like lettuce, chicken, veggies, etc. I have been fighting this issue this entire time, having my "stuck" episodes and constant adjustment with no sweet spot. Finally I had an unfill of almost all the Fluid and have left it. I still get stuck. I have finally hit a point where my weight is back up, I am tired of the pains associated with my port location and my band. So I have looked into a revision. I started out originally looking at getting converted to the Sleeve because the idea of not struggling with malabsorbtion is a bonus. Then after talking to the surgeon I plan to use, he stated I may need the RNY. I started reading up on both procedures and found lots of stories about people planning to get the sleeve but had to do RNY due to the damage their band caused. This is really opening me up to both ideas. I was just wondering what experience everyone had with revision and why you chose the surgery you did? I should mention that this will be an out of pocket expense for me and I will have to travel to Mexico, but I have a very good surgeon and know his nurse. My hopes are to have it done by the end of February. Feel free to share below. I wouldn't mind seeing progress pics or information from those who had revisions. Thanks!

I don't have a date yet but I'm hoping for February if finances work out. I will be heading to Mexico as my insurance doesn't cover anything related to weight loss. I will be a band to sleeve revision. Eek! So many issues with my band it's time for a change. Looking forward to seeing everyone's progress!

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So did I read correctly that they picked you up in San Diego at the airport and transported you to the hotel/hospital and back? I would have to fly into San Diego if I were to go the route of surgery in Mexico and was stressing about how I would get down there.

I too am looking at a revision to VSG. I have been researching because I have struggled with my band since I got it. I can't eat a lot of the healthy foods even with my band almost completely empty! I have gained back all the weight I had lost and then some, some of which happened with pregnancy and some of which I was already struggling with. However, my insurance does not cover anything related to WLS. So I am on my own if I want to pay for it. I am looking into loans and maybe the option of traveling to Mexico for it. Looking forward to following your journey.

Wshful, love your haircut!! So cute!! You look great!

Thank you! I actually cut it myself...as the weight started coming off...I said "time to change my hair"...out came the scissors and boom! I ended up like it is in the pic...haha great job on your weight loss...I am so jealous! keep up the good work.

So, where do I but spaghetti squash?

SandyM - you can buy them at Walmart, grocery stores, farmers markets. They are delish.

The Shirataki noodles are made from a kind of Japanese yam. Because they are watery after washing they do well in a Soup -- lots of ginger, shallots or scallions, in broth or miso along with the noodles. I haven't used them since WW days. Nice winter food -- hot noodle soup. There are dried Shirataki in Asian markets that don't have the odor from the Water but I haven't tried those yet. The tofu Shirataki noodles have tofu in them but are still very low calorie, low carb and gluten free.

I have never seen them dried but that would be cool. I normally rinse mine and then dry them with a towel then cook them with spaghetti sauce and it mask that weird smell. I like them...I actually bought more of them jjust the other day haha.

Everything on this thread resonates with me. I've even started seeing a professional because I just don't know who that woman I look at in the mirror is. I never saw how big I was except when I saw myself in pictures....and now, I don't even see me at all. I see a stranger staring back at me.

I knew I was fat, but didn't see it, and now I am not fat but still think I am. I went shopping with a friend a few days ago and went for the XL and L sized tops...she said they were too big and to my surprise, I took home medium and even small sizes. I still worry about fitting into booths, or squeezing past tight spaces, and just today on the subway, I saw a smallish spot where I could sit and the woman moved over a tad and I sat down. I fit fine but still apologized as I had always done because I thought I was squeezing her in. I wasn't....I could tell there was enough room for me, but again, the fat girl in me is often front and center.

I'm at the stage where I am relieved that I'm not morbidly obese anymore but I'm not enjoying my new smaller size yet. I guess that will take some time. I also want to do whatever I need to in order to make sure I don't gain the weight back. I've lost alot of weight before but put it back on. There are times when I'm eating and I know I'm done...I get that too full feeling and I stop even if it's in mid forkful but there are other times when I know I could eat more than I should and I have to tell myself...it's enough...stop now. Losing the weight is just part of the journey...keeping it off is the real deal.

Thanks for posting everyone...it always helps to know that what I'm feeling is not unique and many are going through the same thing.

You mentioned one of my biggest problems. I can't enjoy my body as it is now. I am not anywhere near my goal weight by any means but I should still feel happy with how much I have lost already. I should be enjoying the lighter me...but I am not. I am held back. Unfortunately for me I can not afford to go seek help on the subject so I pour my heart into pages like these. Never feel like you are the only one...I am sure you could make your own topic about any number of issues you face and there will be several others right there with you. Keep up the good work and know that you are amazing and in time that feeling and ability to accept it will come.

Great thread, thanks so much! I am just two months out and trying to figure out what my food mode should look like. I've had three fills and go back a week from today for another then two weeks hence we will reassess. I am not in the green zone and still hungry, a bit preoccupied with food and feeling restrictive -- as in I find myself setting rules, outlawing things, saving up for later, etc. And I know that's not healthy for me and not the point of the band. So, working on getting to the green zone!

I'm not hungry in the morning and have enjoyed Protein shakes to get started late AM, so that may be early lunch for me. I know those are liquid not food but it may work for me.

I love fish, too -- and I grew up in Maryland and am also a complete crab cake snob. We should start a club! I love to cook and I'm glad I can still enjoy that even though I may not be eating much. We have a lot of stews, curries and thick Soups at this time of year. I've been enjoying Beans and lentils. Every holiday party and event had foods I wanted that worked well for me and I'm happy not to be limited. Yesterday I had lentils and a yummy Soup at a party, thick with winter veggies. Did not even look at the dessert table or long for the lasagna. That is progress.

I am very wary of bread as I've had that chest tightness as a result -- swollen stoma? Even gluten free. I made stuffing with GF bread and loads of veggies but I had trouble with that, too. So I'm learning. Last night we played board games and had popcorn. I was shocked at how easily that went down. I had no idea! But I didn't deny myself. We don't have sweets much so that's good, and I can forgo the chips. Nuts are tough for me, too, but four almonds go a long way if I don't try to go back for more (unsalted so I don't trigger salt cravings). cheese was troublesome as it went down so easily. I have it out of the house for now. I have to be careful of Greek yogurt, etc. as that can qualify as comfort/boredom food for me.

Looking forward to figuring it all out in the coming weeks/months, the green zone and how to get enough Protein in, how to stop denying foods and the whole dieter mentality, being happy with my success and focusing on the fitness aspect.....it's a process but I certainly feel ahead of the game. I recall in my research phase that people often had a slump about now and that is happening to me. Losing and gaining back same few pounds, still quite nibbly and feeling impatient with myself, etc. I think this is common post-band and pre-green zone. I want to get there and not stop short -- no orbiting around these same old issues for months because I just wasn't quite filled yet!

I myself drink a Protein shake in the morning because I am not hungry and will never reach my protein levels without some assistance. A lot of people will say no don't but it works for me so I will continue. I was in that stopped too soon part that you describe and had I stayed on track I would weigh a lot less by now. So keep going until your green haha. I am getting there now and doing much better and the weight is coming off again. Best of luck to you and feel free to check out my blog or my youtube videos. I am beginning to talk about my journey. Seeing as I am 9 months out. wshfullyshrnkng.tumblr.com (has a link for my videos.) Good luck on your journey and keep it up! and stay away from bread...it just gets more evil as your band gets more tight lol

I never felt that "full" feeling either but I also didn't really feel hungry. My doctor had me only eating 4 oz of food (liquids included other than water) per meal. Make sure that you are not eating just to eat. Maybe you are not feeling full because you were never really hungry...maybe head hunger. Just an idea. Hope that helps

So, I went to the top of this page(if you use a PC) and clicked on patients and then searched for Nebraska patients and clicked on surgery date so I could align all the most recent patients.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/patients/?sort=surgery&state=NE&country=US&from_form=1

Be sure to click on the arrow under "Surgery Date" to make the row ascending.

Thanks!

That's what I figured, and responded as such. :-)

I also think it interesting and helpful to see what other folks are eating.

B-52 is correct in saying that the further along in the process you get, you are able to stray from the strictness and still maintain; ie, early on I restricted carbs, now I don't. Simply because I can't eat enough of them anymore to cause a gain! Well, maybe I could force them down in pain, but what's the point of that!

:-)

I had gotten to the point that I was eating around the band. I went and got a fill and I knew I had to get back on track. Its a learning process that's forsure!!

I should mention that when I say "diet" its not a bad thing. I am asking what everyone is eating also refereed to as a "diet." Even if it is just I eat whatever I please. That is still a form of diet. Just so everyone has an idea of what I am talking about.

di·et¹

I'm thinking about starting Atkins again, too. I know I can lose weight using the band correctly, but since the holidays I've succumbed to my sweet tooth. Atkins helps stop the cravings for sweets and jump starts weight loss after a stall. I'll only do it for a couple of weeks then start adding in carbs. My plan is to have 1 scrambled egg sprinkled with shredded cheese for Breakfast, a chicken caesar salad (3 oz chicken, 1 cup lettuce) for lunch, and then some sort of meat (3-4 oz) and veggies for dinner.

I am the same way. I need to get myself straight before I can go off and eat or I will just continue to crave loads of carbs and sugars. My Doctor and his nurse actually recommend Atkins in order to get eating under control. I was hoping this post would be more helpful but I can see the fact that Atkins is followed by diet is throwing it off. My mom did Atkins for a few weeks to get herself back on track and ended up dropping 50 pounds in a few months. (She is a WLS person too).

The whole purpose of the band is not to need those diets anymore. No I am not being rude when I say this. All the things that didn't work for us preband will not work post band. Let your band help you. There is no need to diet anymore. Just eat Protein filled foods and good carbs such as vegetables and the weight will come off. You don't need Atkins, slim fast, south beach, weight watchers anymore. Eat what your doctor told you too and you will be just great.

My doctor told me to follow Atkins. In order for me to eat properly I have to follow some kind of plan to get me on the straight and narrow. I am still learning how much I can eat. Now I may be doing Atkins but If I get full while eating my meal I stop. It is just a basic line for me. Reminds me that Ice cream is not a viable option...haha

For me, I rely on my band to dictate my food intake, so I do not follow any "Diet" plans anymore such as Atkins, etc...

Since My band will allow me to eat just so much, all I need to do is make sure that what I do eat it is the most nutritious foods I can, starting my meals with something that is high in Protein....because once I get through the Protein portion, I usually do not have the ability to get through the sides......

If I was to start with the mashed potatoes first, I will not be able to get through the protein....one of the rules I was taught early on...protein first...now I know why....

I also tart the day with a home made high protein smoothie in my blender...have been doing that ever since surgery...I am unable too eat any solid foods in the morning....

Plus, my smoothies are 35 gm protein, plus all the other nutrients, I would be hard pressed to eat anything in a small portion to match that....

So i am starting my day with 35gm protein, right out the gate.

There are foods, again because of the band...I no longer eat.....Meat, just about anything made from flour such as breads, pastries, do-nuts, Pasta, cakes and pies, dinner rolls.....also rice, globs of melted cheese. The list does go on....

Foods that are deep fried give me problems....

When I sit back and look at the foods I no longer eat, I realize they are foods that are not that good for me in the first place....so actually I am pleased....

So....because of the band, I can only eat a certain portion size....AND there are foods I no longer eat, which are not good for me in the first place.....all I need to do is choose high protein, non fatty foods...then there is not much room, if any at all, for much more....

I do not count calories, nor do I measure/weigh portion sizes...I used to in the beginning...there is not much else you can do when you're just starting out and still trying to get the band (and yourself) properly adjusted.

I also CANNOT drink with my meals....again, because the portion sizes are limited, I do not want to increase the volume by adding Water.....I have, only to experience pain, and have it all come right back up having no where else to go....

So, I do not follow any "Diet" Plan.....what I do is "Listen" to my band....always looking for high protein foods to eat such as fish and chicken.....avoid the foods that are not band friendly....

Also, if I do not feel like eating, I don't....which can be often because the band has taken away hunger and desire to eat...simply no interest anymore...my tastes have also changed...

To me, it is ALL about the band.....and I have not been disappointed....and I recognize that everyone will have different experiences...the band is adjustable. What path someone else follows to loose their weight is not important as long as it works for them....

I am simply sharing my experience, and NOT saying you must do the same, or that this is the ONLY way the band works....

There are people like that...I am not one of them...

I have to follow a eating plan to help control my habits. If I don't watch myself I fall back into bad eating habits. Now I may follow Atkins but I don't make myself eat. i only eat when I am hungry and if I am hungry and get full while eating then I stop regardless of how many carbs I need. My body is weird. haha.

You might want to rephrase your comment and specify which panhandle? Many states have a panhandle. Use the edit button at the bottom of your post to add information?

BTW-When your topic pops up it doesn't indicate what state or forum you're researching.

tmf

I see well I posted it in the Nebraska Bandsters page so I did not realize that it wasn't showing the state. Oops