Cocoabean

Liquids won't stretch your pouch. It actually takes a lot of work to do so. Liquids leave the pouch pretty quickly. Think of a funnel. Unless it is totally closed on the bottom, the fluid will drain out in fairly short order.

You still get all the credit! I would not have looked for it without you posting it.

http://all-about-lapband.com/post-op/fill-chart.html Found it!!

You don't have to have a formalized program. Just be more active. Park at the far side of the parking lot for starters. If you have a desk job, when ever you print something walk a few steps further before picking up the document. When you get your mail, walk half your block first. I hate exercise, too!

Be aware, too, that band after-care is not cheap. The band is not a set it and forget it process. Fills cost money. Some places charge upwards of $300 for a fill. Banding has a higher rate of re-operation than bypass or sleeve. Any time you have an implanted medical device, there's a risk of it having a complication. Many surgeons include fills for the first year in their fees. That will take care of most of them. But I've had 2 fills and am considering a slight unfill since my 1 year mark. I don't say this to discourage you from being banded. I love my band, but to give you what you need to make an informed decision.

Your band may not be as tight as others' as well. If you are losing well, not getting stuck, and feeling satisfied, then you are doing it right! What others are eating is not the best measure. Until my last fill I could eat about 1 1/2 to 2 cups total. Then suddenly about a month ago this fill tightened up to where I can only eat a few bites. I tell you what, I don't like it. I am getting stuck quite often. I am scheduling an appointment to perhaps have a bit taken out.

Oxy is a narcotic, there are many. Yes, the are by prescription, but my PCP understands that I am not to take NSAIDs continuously. They can cause constipation. Just offering up alternatives.

Well done! Thanks for sharing!

Not all surgeons require one for all patients. Be happy! Rest up and we look forward to seeing you on the losers' bench!

Can you see your coverage online? I have BCBS California Acess H M O. I can enter my member # online and log in to see exactly what my coverages are. http://www.anthem.com/wps/portal/ca/member?content_path=member/f1/s0/t0/pw_a103465.htm&label=Member%20Home That is the portal for Anthem BCBS, it has a link to login or register. Take a look at what your coverage is, exactly. It may be different if you use in-network vs. out-of-network. It also appears that your surgeon must have privileges at a Center of Excellence. http://www.anthem.com/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053317.htm That is Anthem's Medical Policy for bariatric surgery. Best wishes!

Are you talking about during a 6 month supervised diet or the 2 week pre-op?

My doc puts a tiny shot of lidocaine in. It stings just a bit, then I feel a bit of pressure with the fill needle. I've used the cream for other procedures before. I think it would be overkill for a fill. The needle used for a fill is just teensy tiny.

He will not put a stitch in it. I had an incision on my foot open after surgical stitches were removed. They just slapped a bandaid on it and said they only put stitches in fresh wounds of less than 24 hours.

You have to love it when a doctor won't listen to you, don't you? When do you see the new doctor? I hope it works out for you!

Does your school offer any type of counselling? You need to find other ways of coping with your emotions. There are other skills you can learn. If you have insurance, it might cover it, also. You don't have to suffer. See if you can get help!

Hiatal hernia repair does make the recovery harder. The first few days are the worst, you should be turning the corner now. Use a heating pad for the shoulder pain. It really helps. Walk, walk, walk as much as you can. That will help the gas disperse. As will gas-x strips. Hope you feel back to normal soon!!

I have had liquids upset the balance of my meal and cause a stuck! Before I reached a certain level of restriction I could drink with meals and noticed no difference. But now, if I drink while eating, it is almost a sure-fire method to get stuck. So, I almost always have a glass of Water at the table, I just cannot seem to break the habit, but I never touch it. Aversion therapy does, indeed, work.

My surgeon doesn't have a problem with carbonation as our digestive system is not a closed system, the gas will escape. The problem is that it can be an uncomfortable process. For me, soda is too carbonated. I'll sip it sometimes, but usually it gives me the hiccups. yuck! Beer I am generally OK with. The thing with alcohol and non-diet soda to remember is calories. Diet soda can increase your appetite due to the chemicals in it.

Was just popping back in to say narcotic pain relief is another option. Does nothing for inflamation, but is an option. I see someone beat me to it!

Even better to be in a meeting, and be stuck and sliming. Been there done that! Also been in a jury box stuck and sliming. Oh yeah.

Green tea and broccoli have anti-inflamatory properties, there are other foods as well. Otherwise, ice and rubs are about all you can do. My surgeon allows occasional use of anti-inflamatories for band patients. No so for sleeve or bypass.

My personal favorite, by the way.

Thanks for the post! It is good to hear from longer term bandsters!

Walk, walk, walk. It can help with the pain. Some swear by papaya enzymes, which you can get in the supplement section. Which won't help you now. For me, if I gulp some water, it will trigger a regurgitation of the offending item. Not a true vomit, just an urp and out. If it doesn't come up, you have no choice but to wait it out, or call your doctor for an unfill.

There is no list for slider foods, they can be different for everyone. They are foods that "slide" through your band easily, paying no attention to whatever restriction you may have. chips and ice cream/milkshakes are fairly universal, though some people have trouble with the cold of ice cream. Generally highly processed foods go down easily. For me the list is chips, chocolate, liquids, yogurt, cheese, Cookies, and sometimes nuts. I need to be aware when I am eating these foods and limit myself so that I don't brainlessly eat.