Cocoabean

Renee, What are you supposed to be eating now? During my pre-fill days after I'd healed I didn't really have an eating plan. Just to not worry a lot about my weight. I even went on a 10 day Panama Canal cruise during that time. My doctor said to enjoy myself. I postponed my first fill until after the trip so that I did not have to worry about complications. You are nearly a month out. Many people are back on solids by then. I am not saying to not follow your doctor's orders, but some doctors let their patients back on a full diet by that time. Mine did. Please don't beat yourself up over it. You will also find as the days go on that the band is a fickle thing. Some days food doesn't want to go down, others NO PROBLEMO!! You are down 20 lbs! That is awesome! Accept that and let your body adjust to being banded. Glad you put the scale away.

Call your insurance company and ask what they require, IF they cover it. Some don't cover WLS at all. They will let you know what their requirements are. Until you know that, there isn't much to be said. You may have a supervised diet requirement you might not. You might need 2 co-morbidities you might need 1. You might not need any, you don't state what your BMI is. Do they require a referral from your PCP or can you self-refer? Do you need a 5 year proven weight history? These are all questions we cannot answer, but they can. Give them a call. Or look online, most companies have their medical policy available to their members on the web. Best wishes.

Stacie, I was just thinking of you on my drive into work today. Good to see you! Yes, my life is a true soap opera right now! A friend said I should write a book about the shenanigans of family on the way to Hawaii. So DH last night -- while I was eating my dinner (we were having pork chops, so I was eating slowly) says, what are you doing? Eating each pea one at a time? Damn, it's taking you forever?!?!? Uhmmmm......you know I have to eat slowly. You know when I eat drier meats I eat even MORE slowly. I got started eating a tad late because like a dork I had forgotten I started a load of laundry after work and needed to get it into the dryer. And YOU ARE BEING A JERK!!! Ok, none of which I said, because I am being a supportive wife. But I really did want to smack him. Instead I tossed what was left on my plate, did the dishes, put away the laundry, and went to bed. The weenie.

Why I chose this tool? Because I had tried the uninvasive tools over and over again. WW, pills, diets. The definition of insanity, do something over and over and expect different results....at 43 years old and after some 33 years of "dieting," I was done expecting different results. So, I looked at more permanent tools. WLS. At the time when I first started looking, my choice was bypass, insurance would not cover banding at the time. That scared the heck out of me. My BMI was on the "low" end of obese. I considered bypass very drastic for my condition. My DH was dead set against it. When I attended my very first seminar, they said that bands would be covered by insurance soon. So, I did more research and waited. Sure enough, insurance companies started covering bands. I decided I liked the fact that none of my digestive tract would be re-routed, no malabsorption would be involved. My biggest issue pre-op was portion control. I knew banding was a restrictive procedure. I did some grazing, but getting my appetite under control has allowed me to get the grazing under control. I also didn't have any problems with diabetes. My surgeon will not do a band on a diabetic. He feels that bypass is a much better treatment for diabetes because it has an immediate effect on blood sugar. So far for me, it has been a great decision. The sleeve was not an option for me at the time, I hadn't even heard of it. I don't know if I would have considered it if given the chance.

Venting is allowed. Glad things are better for you! Also glad you clarified for any potential patients of the doctor. Get darts and a pic of the ex and enjoy!

I went to "full liquids" at 3 days post-op and was on a regular diet at about a week. Every doctor's orders are different. Just because you see something different here does not mean your orders are wrong. If you are concerned, call your surgeon's office and discuss it with them. Your primary care doctor probably won't be able to tell anything by looking at you. I believe slips are diagnosed via an Upper GI. Are you have any problems with reflux or vomiting?

What are your doctor's orders? Pre-op diets vary dramatically. I did Medi-fast. It wasn't great. In fact it was pretty horrid tasting, but I got through it. Mine lasted two weeks. With the focus on doing well for surgery, I could get through just about anything. My surgeon told my hubby that he could tell I followed it very closely because my liver was nice and small making the surgery very easy for him to perform. That felt good to hear!

I agree with Reverie, if you cannot see your band surgeon, go see a band surgeon. Not all gastro doc's are real familiar with bands. Go see a doctor who is.

Heartburn can be a sign of overfilled. As can the back pain. Weak and dizzy? Not sure about that one, are you eating very little due to the pain? As in not eating enough? I'd check in with the surgeon's office just to be sure, especially if it is all coincident with the fill and unfill.

Oh yeah! Saggy bottom. Been there! Isn't it a great feeling? I had baggy bra, too..that was sad! AquarianCrab, you might also be able to sell them at a consigment shop and get a little more than at a yard sale.

Do double check on it. Also check about liquid, it might be less irritating than a pill form (not at all sure on that one). Most surgeons say no NSAIDs. Some say it is OK for bandsters because the stomach is not cut with banding vs. bypass where there is a higher risk of irritation. My surgeon is middle of the road, I can take them periodically, but not daily.

Do you still have your gall bladder? Was the pain toward the right side? If you are still in pain, give your surgeon a call to check in. We make mistakes. Our old eating habits were xx years in the making. They won't be reformed over night...well, ok, maybe on your case, they will be (sorry, could not resist teasing!) At three weeks post, your band should be able handle some chips. The fact that you didn't experience pain until the next day....well, the food should have emptied from the pouch. If something is going to get stuck it usually happens pretty rapidly. I don't think you'd have slept through a stuck episode, but maybe you had some reflux that irritated things overnight. Stay on your current post-op plan or on mushies/liquids till it calms down and you feel better. I hope that is soon.

Were you on liquid pre-op diet? Did you lose a pretty good amount during that time? If so, then this week has been a continuation of that diet plan. 2 pounds is a good loss. Do keep in mind that band surgery is not mal-absorptive. 1-2 pounds per week is all you can expect. As Reverie said, you just went through major surgery. Your body is healing and adjusting. I remember a similar post I made during my first couple of weeks. I was afraid it was not going to work for me. Give it time. Here I am 3 years later. For me, this was the easiest weight loss plan, ever. I've had to do my share, but the band has helped and I am maintaining my loss with ease. I am a slow loser, I averaged 3/4 pound per week (yes 0.75 pounds). It was frustrating, but over the long term, I got the weight off and my blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol down. You CAN do it. Don't give up.

Renee, welcome to the thread! You are not even a month out. Don't panic!! I didn't start losing until my second fill. Until you get to good restriction, you are relying on the old-fashioned form of dieting that got us to needing a band in the first place. I was back on a regular diet by three weeks, but if you are not supposed to be, get back on track! Immediate post-op is for healing. It's tough, cause you're hungry. Also, what Shad said! Did anyone else's content disappear?????? Crazy site.

It's a tool means that it won't make most food choices for me. It won't stop me from grazing. It won't make me exercise. It will help me with portion control. It will help me with grazing from the standpoint that my physical appetite is under control, so I am less likely to graze on snack foods. The band doesn't do the work, but it sure helps!

Welcome everyone! Didn't mean to hijack your thread or forum. But I feel a kinship with other Feb bandsters even if from a different year. Sort of like Homecoming! Today is my 3rd Bandiversary! Woot Woot!

Elfie, you will NOT be ignored! I was just trying to be helpful in my suggestion of periods and preggers. Speaking of which I hadn't had a TOM since Nov 20. Until last night. Thought maybe I was done...maybe not. Thank you very much. Do take a break from the weight loss focus. Diabetes control is nothing to take lightly either. Keep doing what you are doing and stay away from the scale! Oh, Happy Bandiversary to me!!! 3 years ago today!! Wow, so many changes. We are going out to lunch to Celebrate. That somehow seems wrong to do a food celebration of my band! tee hee! DH and sister talked for a bit yesterday. Sister cannot accept that Mom is in final stages of life because her brain is still sharp. Ok, denial is not just a river in Egypt. But who are we to say what is right or wrong. The doctor did say that without the hospice type of program Mom will be in and out of the hospital with one crisis or another. Mom has stated she does not want that, but I don't believe she understands what she is choosing by turning down the hospice program--Doc told her that it will be done in the home with priority on symptoms and comfort. However, Mom has decided to do what the sisters want, and we have to graciously accept that. The sisters will just have to understand that we will not be a party to it. DH told sister #1 that we will be out of town for two weeks. She did not ask why-probably assuming it is for my work, as that is usually what takes us away. He left it at that. So, now she will see another round of specialists. Hematologists and nephrologists (sp?). More poking and prodding. More trips out of the house to doctors. Good times!

Yay! Glad to hear things are well. Maybe it just became more of a reality for them when you had a date. I turn the tides on my hubby all the time playing Devil's Advocate. It drives him crazy. I am just trying to make certain he is sure of things.

Hi Smokey, thanks! I keep shakes around but they aren't a common part of my diet. My surgeon prefers I not drink my calories. (Let's keep the beer between you and me, ok?) I drink them if I am just too busy to eat something, if my band is irritated after a bad stuck episode, or I am otherwise bored with my diet. My biggest problem with my diet pre-op was portion control, so my diet hasn't change a whole lot other than how much I eat. My favorite breakfasts are oatmeal, graham crackers & Peanut Butter, and Cereal. Lunches are sandwiches, salads or an half an entree from the cafeteria at work (I put half away for the next day). dinner is some kind of meat, veggie, and a little starch. The only thing off the menu permanently is chicken breast. It just gets stuck too often to try any more. My surgeon is not against snacking, as long as it is not brainless eating. My Snacks are usually fruit, cheese, or yogurt. Sometimes a treat like a some cashews or almonds. Extra special is some chex mix...yum! Gotta have the treats in life! On weekends DH and I often make Breakfast, mine are now cut in half, but I still have eggs and taters. Half a slice of bacon, no toast. We also go out quite a bit. We either share, or I order off the appetizer menu. To me it was important to not dramatically change my life, if that makes sense? The surgery was a huge change, and I have cleaned up my diet for the better with adding more fruits and veggies. I've cut down on fast foods, but I did not eat them a whole lot to begin with and I can still have them from time-to-time. Nothing is off limits. My choices are better. But I still eat meals with my hubby. He was not interested in a huge change to his diet, so we've made small changes over time, and it's worked for me. My blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar show that what I am doing is working! Along with the size 10 clothes in my closet! Hope you are healing up and losing fast!

There will always be naysayers. There will always be those who don't understand. There will always be those who truly worry for you. My sister has severe stomach problems. She could not understand my willingness to risk ANY possible complications to my digestive tract. She still thinks I was nuts. But she loves me and supports my decision to take care of my health as I see fit. You need to say thank you for your opinion, but I have made my decision. food addicts cannot go cold turkey and avoid food as smokers and alcoholics can. Not that the road to sobriety is easy. It is different. Quitting smoking is no easy thing, either. I am assuming you are not entering into this lightly. You have tried all options that are easier than major surgery to help you get your health under control. If they had worked, you would not even be considering this last step. Diets fail. We have proved it over and over again. WLS succeeds. You have to do your share. But you should have done gobs of research by now, and know what you are getting into. Tell them you appreciate their concern, but you are well aware of the risks and the benefits outweigh them. You are ready to proceed in this next chapter of your life!

Hi Everyone, I am a Feb bandster, too...just Feb 2008, not 2011. Glad to see all the good attitudes! I named by band Bandit back in the day cause at the time he was stealing meals from me! Now he is behaving like a good band. You'll find they have their own personality, and sometimes talk back! Wishing you all speedy recoveries and healthy futures.

Smokey, sip it slowly at first. Every once in a while I get a nasty case of the hiccups from beer. A shot of tequila with no training wheels (lime and salt) will cure it though. Do keep in mind the calories you are consuming, and the impact on your overall calorie count. I am where I want to be weight wise now. I drink beer on the weekends. Yummy!

Hi Elfie, I truly believe she is feeling very poorly. Her kidneys are failing and she is not making red blood cells. Week before last when she was admitted her hemoglobin was 8.5. Normal should be minimum of 12. Even with 2 units of whole blood they could only get her to 11. She is retaining over 20 lbs of Fluid. After her appt on Friday, DH took her to the medical supply store to look at lift-chair recliners (Doc is on board with her getting one of those). She wasn't interested in getting out of the car, especially after she heard the price ($600-700). This is not a destitute woman. She can afford that without breaking the bank. She is not rich, by a long shot, but deserves to be comfortable. But her daughter can drag her to the casino! Oh oh oh...get this! Same sister doesn't want to take her to the doctor because her car is too small and Mom prefers to ride in our car...oh? But you can drive her to the freakin' casino 30 minutes away???????? Taking her to the doctor stresses my DH to no end. He worries that she will fall and break a hip. Worries that she will get a germ to land her with pneumonia again. Worries that it is too taxing on her limited energy. Add to that, anything medical freaks him out, and the day is just shot for him. He doesn't need to be involved in that when the sisters hold more influence over her decisions. I don't believe she is incompetent. And, really, when it comes to the end of HER life, who are we to say the sisters are wrong. My problem is that Mom doesn't make any decisions. She does the deer in the headlights and lets everyone else make them. So, seeing as the two sisters want to do everything to keep her alive, at whatever expense, it is 2 to 1. The 4th sibling has removed himself from the drama by moving to Las Vegas (smart man!). We have decided to remove ourselves from the equation as well. There are the two sisters, 1 son-in-law, 4 adult grand children, 3 grand children-in-law all in the local area. So, us being gone for two weeks is not abandoning someone in their time of need. Ok, rant over..thanks for listening.....er, reading Elfie..is your period coming?? Are you preggers?? It is probably just a temporary readjustment in fluid levels. Sort of like changing your oil in your car. Drain 12 quarts, you weigh less. Filler back up and you weigh more.

Dave, my opinion. You answered your own question. You are losing weight. I drink with meals, also. My surgeon is not against it if it doesn't bother me. I don't find that I get hungry sooner.

Hi Everyone!! Ok, DH's family is whacked! His sister dragged his mother to the casino today. After DH told the sister that doc said its a bad idea for her to go anywhere right now, she takes her to a germ infested smoke stack. Whatever! We booked a two week cruise to Hawaii. DH is done. No more fighting with them. No more trying to make them see through their denial. Drag her around the world, put her on a ventilator to keep her alive. Live off her social security. Enjoy. We'll have friends house and dog sit and we are outta here! We got a great deal, and couldn't pass it up. Mini-suite, here we come!! We leave in a couple of weeks.