CCBSTX

Yes, I do have the gas and burping...I think, after 3.5 weeks of having the band, that it has to do with my eating (kind of foods and way I'm eating). As far as gurgling...I did that my first week only. It was like I have a clogged drain and then gurgle gurgle my liquids would go through the band! Now, since the swelling has come down, it's much easier. I am also on soft food now. Lucky, I try to hid the burping and farting. Shawn

I decided to tell only my close family and best friend. It's worked out great! That way, people I run in don't ask "how much have you lost or how's your surgery working out?" I am a private person and prefer to keep it that way. My husband, kids, sister and brother in-law, mother-in-law and Mother know. Yes, I'm glad that I have the band (now 3.5 weeks). I feel better, healthier, and hopeful! Shawn

I feel like I can drink normal amounts at normal speed. Im supposed to be on liquids for 3 weeks. banded 9/15/05 Dr. Jossart Laparscopic Associates of S.F. 215.5/???/140 Well, at first I would hear my liquids girgle down into my stomach. It was like a clogged drain, then girgle girgle girgle. Now, since the swelling is down I can eat, but feel full on less amount then pre-surgery. So, now I do feel a restriction so far but not as much as in the beginning. It may be that I am still a bit swollen. Shawn

I'm 10 days out from my banding. I think all of us have different instructions regarding our eating. I've been on full liquids since banding and will be until 2 weeks out. Then I go to the soft mechanical stage. You are sounding alot like me regarding the amount and calories. I'm able to get around 600 calories a day. I was worried about Protein as well and my RD (registered dietician) said don't worry too much about the protein, at first, you have plenty "stores" that your body can withdraw from. Just listen to your body, eat slow, and drink as much as possible. Take care, Shawn

Wow, I can't believe that you can already sleep on your stomach. I'd love to be able to do that, and I've been banded since 9/8/05. Actually, I probably could but am kinda scared. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but I see my surgeon on the 20th and plan on asking him if it would be alright if I slept on my stomach. I do have a little shoulder pain, even this far out, but mostly when I lay on my back. Of course, it's the gas from the surgery. It should get better each day. You're pretty recent so it's to be expected. Shawn

My surgeon is clear that sodas are a SCURGE on society! He feels it is one of the main contributors of obesity. Yikes... He told me preliminary studies have shown that even diet sodas are triggers to bad eating or even sweet eating. He wants me to avoid them like the plague. Although, I have heard other doctors give the "ok" for diet sodas, as long as the carbonation was released (flattened). I wasn't a huge fan, but I did enjoy an occasional soda, when we go out to dinner. I do find that they are triggers for me. Shawn

I am so happy to have my very own thread....Everyone, that has had their band in place, seems to be doing wonderful! Those of you who are coming up, I have thoughts and prayers for you. I am just over a week out (banded 9/8/2005). I have 5 incisions and everyday seem to be doing a bit better. Driving seems to be uncomfortable for me. How are you feeling when you are up and about? Are you sore, slow, achy? I find myself, in the late afternoon, to feel my energy is drained and sore. Shawn

I was also banded on Thurs. (9/8). At this point I'm feeling like a newborn baby, having to eat every few hours!! Watery oatmeal and watery cream of wheat has been my savior during the full liquid stage. Shawn

So sorry for you and your family. You're in my prayers....Shawn

I also have United Healthcare and was approved in 4 weeks. I am also 5'6" and was 260 pounds. I have to admit that I ate my way to 260 from 251 (no problem)!!! I have no comorbid conditions. From what I gather is either UHC and your company has exclusion against weight loss surgery or it doesn't. Give them a call and ask a general question. Good luck.

Thanks you for this website ALEX! It' really helped me gather support and information. Shawn

I finally got sick of the extra 100 pounds on my poor body! I'm getting banded this week and I love this thread...I've been kinda nervous, but these posts have reinforced that fact that whatever I weigh, post band, will be better than now! Shawn

Yep, I have a date for surgery..Sept. 8th! I am quite nervous and hopeful. I hope this works for me, although there is a little picture-of-doubt that likes to creep into my mind... Shawn

I sympathize with you. I have a 10 and 16 year old. My 16 year old has been a difficult child to rear. He's ADHD and when he was a youngster drove me nuts. Here's a simple method, in which I've been using and still use to this day. Once you ask them to do something and they don't respond: It's called "Choices." Give the child a choice, it puts him in control. Examples: "You can either put your toys away, in the next 10 minutes (set timer) or you can give me the Gamecube for the day." "You can either brush your teeth now or go to bed early." Another way to phrase things, puts them in control (later on, once choices is down-pat) Examples: "If you brush your teeth now, then you can stay up 15 minutes later." "If you pick your toys up now, I'll go outside and play ball with you." Always be consistent in your choice. It can take up to 1 week to work. Never put time out or grounding in his bedroom. It's his playground! If you have to pick up toys, put in trash bag and hide. Good luck, Shawn

Hi, I currently live in CC. I've been here since I was 8 years old, except when I moved away for 10 years and came back in 1994. If you have any questions just e-mail mail me. I am chalk full of info. and advice!!!! Shawn

Has anyone been banded by Dr. Chang at Citizens Bariatric Center/Victoria TX? Let me know if you have and your opionions of course! Thanks, Shawn

Nana, you are doing awesome on the band! You must feel amazing at this point. Have you been mostly good with your eating...protein first, staying away from junk, etc? Shawn

I've been to (2) consults w/ different doctors. They both have given me the same statistics, even though one does primarily gastric bypass. RNY has a greater chance of complications and death, at the beginning. The lapband is the primary weight loss surgery, in Europe and elsewhere. RNY deal with restriction AND malabsorption (your body absorbs less calories). The Lapband just deal with restriction. Keep reading these message boards and gathering your information. You'll figure it out. Doctors who make you feel like a moron, should not be your doctor in the first place. Best of luck, Shawn

Well, I did my consult among other things (nutritionist, psych eval., and group). Dr. Chang's staff was excellent and very friendly. Dr. Chang was direct and to-th-point, as expected. I felt confortable with his skills and experience. I've done my homework as well. The insurance paperwork was to be sent out. I've decided to go with Dr. Chang vs. Dr. Spivak, in Houston, as the distance that I have to travel is less to Dr. Chang's. Although I believe Dr. Spivak is a wonderful choice as well.... Dr. Chang did say that he wouldn't do the surgery if I gain ANY more weight. I am not too worried about that, as I tend to be a slow and steady gainer....Although, my luck I'll be downing the calories due to anxiety. Well, just an update. I love this message board. Shawn

Thanks for the replies...I have a consult on July 6th w/ Dr. Chang. I'll let everyone know how it goes! Shawn

I attended his same day seminar and consultation. His seminar was very informative and took about 1 hour or so. He has his marketing director there, Tracy, who has the lap band. She was also very informative. Most of his staff has had either gastric bypass or the lap band. He wasn't trying to sell you any (1) procedure. It is a very personal decision with risk and rewards! I found him warm and a good listener. I didn't feel rushed during the consult. He's very experienced and skills using laproscopic tech. and has about 1000 lapband procedures to his name. I have another Dr. that I have a consult with on July 6. I'll pick the best for me and go from there. Good luck

I am going to Victoria on July 6th to meet w/Dr. Chang of Citizens Bariatric Center. I've been to our local support group in Corpus and most folks have used either Dr. Chang or Dr. McDanial (in group practice). They all have wonderful comments on both of them. The support group here is mostly with folks who've had the gastric bypass. I am looking at the lapband procedure. I'll know more after the consult.

Fortunately, I am the ONLY one with a weight problem in my household...except the dog. I have a slim 10 and 16 year old. I vowed to myself that I would make food a nonissue in my childrens lives. My son has been the finicky eater, but along with age he has added a variety of foods. They both eat and when they are full simply quit. I never say "clean your plate" or "would you like seconds" or even that "I am on a diet." I've always admired then both as if they have a cookie and are full, they can take a bite and not pop the whole thing in their mouth. I am grateful that my kids don't live to eat. I am sad that I do. Shawn

Of course I plan on having no serious complications, but I think it might be safer to travel the 1 1/2 hours vs. 4 hrs. Having kids and making arrangement for fills/unfills might be a pain at the greater distance. The main thing is emergencies and can I get to my surgeon. In my town we have no surgeons that do bariatric surgery. I'd hate to put my body in the hand of the unexperienced! Hmm.

I have scheduled (2) consults w/surgeons. I live in Corpus Christi, Tx. I surgeon is 1 1/2 hours away, and the other is 4 hours away. The one 4 hours away has tons of experience (part in the FDA trials, etc.). The closer one also has a good reputation. Has anyone out there had to travel far distances (2 hrs+) to see their surgeon? I am worried that something may go wrong, when I am at home and my surgeon is so far away. I am also thinking of the travel time to do fills and unfills. Also, do many folks get overfilled only to have to return to the surgeon the next day or so... Thanks, Shawn