mrsto

I think Saboo has left the building...... But if not, Saboo, if you ate food yesterday, that doesn't mean that you can't resume today. I didn't think I could do this either, and packed on another 10 pounds over the months getting back to the place where I knew that I needed to take serious action. If I didn't, my weight would continue to climb until I finally dropped dead of a heart attack. Whatever you end up doing, I hope it brings you to the place where you want to be.

Our addiction is the hardest one to overcome. You can stop drinking, you can stop drugs, you can stop gambling. You can't stop eating. Every day, every moment, we are faced with our addiction and forced to make a choice as to whether or not to give in to that addiction. So true! People who don't share any particular addiction, have a difficult time understanding why we can't "just stop". We need food for our survival, so we're always having to "dance with the devil" (so to speak). We can never completely leave the dance floor

GREAT!! I know how exciting that is

I have the band with plication. I looked into all of the surgeries prior, and out of all, the sleeve was never an option. It's way too extreme, and any possible issues of leakage from the staples, is life threatening. It could also require 4-6 weeks in the hospital, which I cannot afford. I chose banded plication because I wanted the least invasive of all surgeries. Plication gives the added restriction of the sleeve, without cutting & removing 3/4 of my stomach. Once it's gone, you can never get it back. The band can be removed, and the sutures on the plication can be taken out. I was banded on 3/25/13, and have not regretted it for one minute. I'm not going to lie......it's hard work. But it's hard work with ALL of the surgeries. They are a tool, not a cure. The difference with the band over the gastric bypass, is that the work begins as soon as you open your eyes from surgery. With the bypass, there is a honeymoon period where the weight comes off very quickly. But after 12-18 months, that stops and you're in the same boat as the band; having to control what you eat, and make healthy choices. There are other food limitations with the bypass; like sugar. But it doesn't sound like you're considering that procedure. My vote is the band. But it's a very personal choice, and you have to do what feels right for you. But just know from the get go, that whether you go with the band or sleeve, it will be up to you to control portions and food choices. Good luck

Sharpie - I'm with you on ALL counts!

I was also told, no straws. They say that they can cause discomfort, because you take in a lot of air. But I haven't found that to be true, and I use them every day. The only way I can drink all of the water, is through a straw. Otherwise, it's not going to happen.

LOL

PS: Are you having soups as well? They were a life saver when I got so sick of the sweet protein shakes. Before starting all of this, I thought the shakes wouldn't be an issue. Hey, they're sweet, and I'm a sugar freak! But in reality, I got VERY sick of them; wanted to puke just thinking about it. So I had soup. Or V8 juice was another saving grace. I put in some unflavored protein powder, and it was a nice change.

This is the hardest part. I only had to do two days of full liquids prior to surgery, but then I had to do 14 days after; some of which were Clear Liquids only. Saboo, I'm not going to try & push the surgery on you; it's not for everyone. And I know how difficult it is getting through days of liquids. I also got nauseous after awhile, and didn't think I could take another minute. But ask yourself this....... If you don't do the surgery, where will your weight be in 6 months to a year from now? Most of us get to the point of surgery, because all else has failed. Failed over and over and OVER again. If you don't take serious action to get your weight and health handled, where will you be months from now? This is not an easy avenue, but it IS effective. But at the end of the day, we still have to do the work. The band doesn't do anything about our heads, and we still have to exercise control. Before you throw in the towel, really think about what's next, if you decide against WLS. Good luck - I feel for you!

Four pounds a week is a lot of weight. Is that how it's been coming off so far?

I will not give up good cheese pizza. I have found in the past when I gave up foods I quit all sensible eating and I won't let that happen again. I'm totally with you on this. If I give up all things that I love, it's a setup for failure. And I won't let that happen again, either. I've learned SO much over the gazillion years dealing with this curse

CG - when you say that you have Sammy Hagar in your thoughts, is it the music looping in your head?? From time to time, I get this, where the chorus of a song loops in my brain all day and night long.....for days! The only way I can stop it, is to blast a different song. It doesn't stop the looping, but at least I get a brake from one song & switch it to another

Steph - I agree.....I think it's a good idea for you to track your calories. I've had some days where I didn't, and when I go back and put everything I ate into MFP, I'm surprised how quickly they add up. Even if making healthy choices. You might feel more in control as well. Something about seeing it in black & white, makes a difference How are you feeling today?

I was told that ultimately I should stay on 1200 calories per day. Right now I'm at 1000. They say, in the beginning we're usually between 800-1000. But in time, we're able to eat a bit more. I would recommend calling your doctor's office, to find out their protocol.

I've never been a fast food junky, but the rare time that I do drive through, I'll choose one of their healthier options. Carl's Jr. has a great turkey burger. I'll eat maybe half of it. I do not have any issues with bread, but even so, I eat very little of it. I've found that I'm satiated for longer when I omit carbs. If I don't omit them, I eat a tiny portion. Like parisshel, my pre-band diet was the old pyramid; Protein, starch, fruit & veggies. I think there was also milk on that pyramid, but I really only drink it when there is Cookies or cake to wash it down - LOL!

I haven't had any issues will pills so far. My meds are small enough; one is a big capsule, but it slides right down. I do take a chewable Multivitamin, but one day I decided to try one of my pre-band multis. It went down fine, but it sat in my stomach & made me nauseous. I won't be doing THAT again! While we're on the subject, can someone recommend a smaller size calcium tablet? Right now, I'm taking a cal/mag liquid, but I don't always have the stomach for it. I have the chocolate & carmel chews, but hate wasting calories on them. If there is a small calcium tablet out there, I would opt for that.

Donna - the plication is a secondary restriction, and reduces the amount of food you can take in at one time. For instance, if you go for a lot of slider foods, they may get through the band okay, but your stomach isn't going to hold a lot. For me, it was the choice to have the second tier of restriction, in case anything went wrong with the band. It's also supposed to reduce some possible band issues, particularly, less fills and slipping.

I felt the same. I was in pain for a good two weeks, and it took a month before I turned the corner. During the first couple of weeks (mostly the first week), there were nights that I'd get up at 2a.m. & take a swig of Lortab. The doctor had told me that this surgery would be nothing compared to the hysterectomy. NOT! The surgery took a lot out of me; I was surprised how long it took to recover completely. But I'm SO glad that I did it! It's doing everything I hoped it would, and I've never had a day with regret.

When I had my hysterectomy last year, the doctor gave me Percoset. It worked really well, and I didn't get sick. Although, I don't seem to have a problem with any of them. If you're still having a lot of pain, even with the Tylenol and codeine, then maybe they can give some to try? Just a thought. I hate being in pain, and have little tolerance for it. Feel better!

Nina - I had plication done with my lap band surgery, so I can't really comment on the pain. I had that done, along with removal of my gallbladder & a hernia repair. I was in a lot of pain, but I can't say which thing caused what. Logically speaking, it was probably a combo of everything. That being said, I would love to hear back from you when the pain subsides, and you're up and running with the new plication. I'm interested to know how different it is, other than the band alone. I don't have a reference point since both were done together, but I always wanted input from someone who had them done separately. As far as the pain, it will subside. If it's off the charts horrible, then call you doctor. But remember, they just folded in your stomach and sutured it. I'm not surprised that you're in a lot of pain. But I do know that it subsides with a bit of time. When I woke up from surgery, I could barely breathe. And it was that way for a good two weeks. I hope you have some really GOOD pain meds! I had Lortab (liquid Vicodin). SAVED me! Hang in there.......

YES - see a doctor. You don't want to mess with that, and possibly turn it into a permanent injury. You may need a brace in order to do that type of workout. Or, possibly that workout isn't right for you. Not to worry, though.....there is so much else you can do. But let your doctor (preferably an orthopedic/knee specialist) assess and prescribe.

Yes-I-Can.......very sweet of you

Stephanie - I also went through something. I don't know that it was depression, but definitely some emotional changes. It has passed now, but it was rough there for a minute. For me, what I think it was, was a sense of mourning. Doing this surgery is a huge life changing undertaking, and we change our relationship with our one true love.....food. There is a ton of emotional baggage that goes along with that, and not being able to sit down and self medicate with food, at a time when emotions are running wild, is very hard to deal with. Also.....there is a lot of build up and excitement prior to surgery. Then....it's over. A bit like a letdown after you've been planning a big vacation....or a wedding, etc. Steph - you are still pretty new. Allow yourself to go through the emotions that you need to go through. Honor those feelings. This is a big change, and it takes time to come to terms with a new way of living. You'll come out of it. If you find that a lot of time has passed and you're still in a funk, then it might be a good idea to talk with a therapist. Doesn't mean that you have to be in therapy forever; just to get over the hump. But honestly, it's too soon. Just allow the feelings to happen, and you'll start to notice that you're getting back to......you

YES - I'm totally with you on that! As much as we somewhat get to know each other on this site, I love the anonymity. There is a lot of support here, and a good group of people

Welcome! And congratulations on making a huge decision to improve your health....and your life You sound just like I was.... I went to the free seminar, and the next morning I was their first caller; setting up every possible appointment I could. Like you, I was SO excited, and beyond ready for this life change. Again, welcome to this group. You will find so much valuable support. I joined about 3-4 weeks prior to surgery, and got a lot of support pre and post op. Now I love being able to give back, as I received so much.