My_o_My

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I get this pure Protein bar - with 20 grams of protein and only 2 net carbs. I like the slim fast low carb shake with 20 grams of protein and 6 carbs. I've used 'ultra met' with about the same amount of protein/carbs in powdered form when I'm at home.

Insurance would not approve me. I sold my car, and drove around a pile of junk so that I could have the band. My whole family sacrificed, I have three little mouths to feed, and pets who depend on me. I buy all my clothes at second hand stores. I would have sold anything - I wasn't even at the point you are where my health was adversely affected to the degree I could not work - but I know the burning I had to get it done, because I could feel my health fraying at the edges, beginning to unravel. So keep plugging away, and stay positive, I know you want it YESTERDAY, I sure did. But I started doing all the little things I needed to do, working all the little angles. I agree that weight loss will help many physical conditions, and health care companies should look at it that way - I wonder why they don't. I have GREAT insurance - and they absolutely would not do it for ANY of us with the policy - NONE. It was mind boggling. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Insurance would not approve me. I sold my car, and drove around a pile of junk so that I could have the band. I would have sold anything - I wasn't even at the point you are where my health was adversely affected to the degree I could not work - but I know the burning I had to get it done, because I could feel my health fraying at the edges, beginning to unravel. So keep plugging away, and stay positive, I know you want it YESTERDAY, I sure did. But I started doing all the little things I needed to do, working all the little angles. I agree that weight loss will help many physical conditions, and health care companies should look at it that way - I wonder why they don't. I have GREAT insurance - and they absolutely would not do it for ANY of us with the policy - NONE. It was mind boggling.

I'm going to give that a shot - I haven't tried those. I get such great ideas here!

Talking to you guys has made me look at this issue quite seriously. I was worried initially, but now, feel GI Jane about making sure I'm not harming myself. I feel a little trapped in that I work M,T,W,F of this week, and my one day of is the day my doctor is out of the office. I know a local bariatric doc personally, and I know if I get in any trouble, he would help me. UPDATE Yesterday I didn't eat, I drank Protein shakes and hydration - I probably had 3-4 litres of Fluid without any problem. The pills that I take at night I could tell (even broken up) were an issue. I broke them up in pieces and took them over the space of an hour. <b>I am happy to report I am without reflux!</b>. I didn't feel any of that choking and gagging and didn't have to throw up. I slept well, and I was sleeping like usually. I'm still on the fluid only. Went to the store yesterday and bought a whole bunch of different kinds, protein, broth, Water - I bought v8 (and realized how stupid that was). THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I won't feel bad if this becomes something bigger than me - I will seek help. I feel like with you guys support I was able to stabilize - and I really appreciate it.

I had an experience, where I didn't feel comfortable or understood, and I was looking for solace. It's very difficult when that happens, but I'm glad you kept looking and found a place where you can find what you are looking for. I have always felt supported here, but we are all so unique, Perhaps when all is said and done, you might let us know how things worked out for you.

OK you guys - THANK YOU so much! I don't want to fiddle around with my physical health, but know my access to my physician is limited, and if not absolutely crucial I'd like to stick it out for a short period. I HAVE totally been drinking coffee which I will stop, and I will also go back to purely Protein and Water, and sleep sitting up. I think with some slight weight loss, good nutrition, solid food restriction, positioning so as not to aspirate, I can stick it out another week. First full week in March I work only two days, and so if it continues, I can see my physician. I am thankful for your support, and will use the unfill if necessary and not feel bad about it. :clap2:I am so glad this forum exists. I haven't been able to be as involved as I might related to work - however, it is my ONLY support, other than my sister - and I am very thankful!

I'll try not to feel so stigmatized. My doctor is at least an hour and a half from me in GOOD traffic, and I work every day except thursday next week (his is in surg on Thursdays) - so I'm not certain it's even an option for an unfill. Waiting another week - do you think it would be ok?

I've been toying with that as well. But I keep thinking if I can just keep this up long enough, the band will become loser with weight loss and I won't need to unfill. I'm struggling with feelings that I will fail yet again, and an unfill makes me feel even moreso. And then I think - what if it doesn't work - what if I've damaged myself and even an unfill won't work. Then it will be harder to lose weight, as well as having GERD. I had the fill on Monday and it's now Saturday - the symptoms started Wednesday night. I'm really torn.

My weight loss has been stagnant, so I visited the doctor. A new, extemely pleasant, caring physician helped me. He said his fill would be .2-.3 cc - I beged for the latter. He gave it to me. And I am REALLY restricted. mostly liquied, but if I chew really really good, I can tolerate about 3 tablespoons of Beans, or Cereal, or salad. I'm grumpy, about not being able to eat, but excited that I can't at the same time THE PROBLEM Two nights ago at about 1:30 I woke up, and was drowining in Fluid in my esophogus. I went to the bathroom and threw up this <b>thin, clear, sweet yet EXTREMELY acidy fluid.</b> I went back to bed and was fine. The next night, more aware, same thing, earlier on, but all night I struggled to sleep feeling stuff in my throat. Last night I took my anti seizure medication in tiny fragments (in case that was doing it) over a period of one hour, with Water, No food 3 hours prior to sleeping, and I sleep sitting up. I was uncomfortable, but no acid puke. I don't want to sleep sitting up. Have I puked too much in the past and ruined my diaphram, or my valve? I want to sleep lying flat, but it feels like somethings wrong - any ideas...suggestions???? HELP

I totally get what you are going through. My doctor looked at me, pointed to his head, and said - you have to change this. I got that - but it's hard. I've been without food this week because of a big fill (or what seems like one) - THIS is what I expected - someone who would FORCE me not to eat. I could eat all day long, but really, I'm worried. I think about how tight that band is on my stomach - and I feel a NEED to lose weight so that there is no erosion. I don't want to dislodge it so I'm not taking PB's so lightly. I only had one PB this week, but I had two disturbing middle of the night throw ups. Very acidy, the kind that makes you wince - nothing really in them, just phlegm and a little bit of sediment - it was disturbing, and I worried about esophageal erosion. So - I'm scared to cheat - but it's making me lose weight - I can see it. Make the doctor fill you - tell him you need it.

I went a year without a fill, and this past time 5 months between apts due to a new job. It's been a struggle, and this week I went to the doctor - I had gained 2 lbs - I was soooooo distressed - I've never gained. I'm so dissappointed in myself. I cheat, and I'm failing. My physician spends literally 1-2 minutes with me each and every follow up. This past time, a new doctor spent time with me and I can't tell you how amazing it felt. He asked me questions, encouraged me, and spent more time with me than my original physician did if you combined all of my post op appointments for almost the past two years. So, this physician gave me a fill .2-.3 cc - I made him put the .3cc in - and I am tight tight tight. I can barely eat. Perhaps a couple tablespoons of salad. I'm drinking my protein shakes, and my coffee (it's my indulgence - drip in the morning with coffeemate and a small mocha in the afternoon). I'm tempted to blederize everything and let it slide down, but that's what I did before. I could eat a whole can of chunky soup if I blenderized it. I also ate things with LOTS of dressing so that it would go down. I'd eat more in the evening because I could. And I started eating candy, not a lot, but it exists in abundance at my office and I'd been so good for over a year - I just broke. So I'm in the doctors office this week and there is this woman who got banded 6 months ago and has lost 80 lbs. I ask her what she does. She weighs all of her food, she rarely cheats, keeps all banned food out of her house. She just did what they said. Why can't I be like that. There have been moments when I am, but I haven't been able to keep it up beyond a few months at a time.

Yep it went great. I was researching the band manufacturers (because last night it was too late to call my doc), but they confirmed this morning MRI was ok - I have Inamed. I was so embarrassed to say it. I've lost over 50 lbs now - and most would consider that a failure, so I'm embarrassed to tell people because it makes me feel bad that I had this done, plus, even worse, I'm a failure at it. Lord have mercy - I need some cheese!

I never received a card. I have no idea what I have in my gut. I'm having a brain MRI, and I work at a hospital - I DON'T want to tell the technician (it's too small of a world). Are all lap bands alike?