Dozy

Thanks for the link!

I found at GNC.com: Biotin is a Water soluble B-Vitamin found in brewer’s yeast, cooked egg yolks, meat and poultry. So I guess if our Protein intake is OK, Biotin supplements aren't necessary... GNC.com: GNC - Vitamins A-Z BOGO FREE: GNC Biotin 2500 But it's good to know that there's something natural to help. Thanks Libby!

Would it be possible to have a sticky for those who are banded and over 300 pounds. My doc really wanted me to have gastric by-pass thinking it would be better for me. I was too terrified of it, and my husband didn't want me to go so radical. My BMI was 59 for a 5'4" shorty. If 60 or more, the doc would have considered a NO, but since I'm self-pay, he felt that the outlay could be my incentive. Meanwhile, I'm wondering about the struggles of the 300 plus gang. Whether you're newly banded, in between, or a success, please chime in with your issues, and triumphs. Thanks!

I kind of cheated too. I had tuna fish but with an extra scoop of mayo. I pulverized it in my Magic Bullet. I was like a think tuna shake. Although my doc's nurse said "yuck", and I think my doc turned a bit green, it was acceptable. AND so I got my Protein and a taste for something different plus some much needed texture. (I was craving tuna fish like mad because my son made himself some, and when he drained it, he did not wash out the sink. The smell was everywhere.) Canned chicken is a little harder to liquify, but it's possible. I have purchased a stick blender and have opted to make my own mayo (the store bought is high in calories and devoid of any nutrients). And the recipe I found is pretty good, plus it' contains a bit of protein too, with 'good for you' extra virgin olive oil. I have since put some chunky Soups in a blender, meat based, and it tastes great. As long as one of the first 4-ingredients of what I'm eating isn't a sugar word, it's OK by my group. OK, all this hasn't passed my nutritionist yet, but I feel that as long as my doc says I'm not doing any band harm, I'm OK, and she'll get on board with me, hopefully... (I'll know Thursday).

The two that fell off I covered with a band aid because I couldn't stand my clothes touching. The two that were left the doc took off on day 8. Doc was mostly concerned about my port incision because it was the largest (about 3 inches), but when I saw him, it was doing just fine. No more strips and itches.

I was banded 11 days ago... I got 4 hours sleep (had to be in at 5:30 am for prep). So, I truly recommend sleep to save off some of the nervousness. For me, it's totally surreal. Although I remember the day, but it's like a distant memory. The people were great, there as no trauma, just in, op and then out the next day and home to recover and begin life again. A big congrats! to you! sleep and be well!

That's me. I loathe holidays because it's always around the table, and feel like everyone is watching how much I eat. I kind of gave up my family and make excuses for not coming to holiday events. It's been years. I'm only on Day 11 post-op. I'm hoping to find a buddy in my support group, but most are going by-pass and banders and by-passers are quite different. It would be hard for me to befriend a by-passer who is losing twice faster than me. I'm in Pennsylvania. Send me a private message. Maybe we're close in miles. I'd love to have a bander I can hang out with every now and then.

I am required to keep a daily journal of food intake counting the liquid, Protein and calories because I have to turn it in to my doc and my nutritionist when I have my appointments. 1) It gives the doc an idea of how much to fill, 2) It gives the nutritionist an idea of how and were I can improve my diet, if necessary. Only a journal can tell you if you are sabotaging yourself and not losing. So for the first time in my life, I'm keeping it real. I was told by my nutritionist to keep protein between 50 and 65 per day. AND to NOT forget that multi-Vitamin. When 1/2 the day is over, I should have at least reached 2/3 of my protein goal through food. If not, then I have to supplement with a shake or two. I have just enough hair and I want to keep it that way. (I have an appt this week... I'm going to ask about the consequences, if any, of too much protein, and how much is too much).

Could it be the difference between staples and steri-strips? I had steri-strips and no-pain whatsoever. The only time I had staples was after my C-section and they were definitely painful and healing took over a month.

Could it possible be your menstrual cycle? I got mine day 3 after surgery and on day 4 I had full blown cramps. My doc nixed the Ibuprofen I used to take for the pain, so Tylenol was my only choice (in addition to the Percocets I was taking which helped me to sleep). Once I passed my first 3 days of my cycle I felt human again. But what troubles me is that your port is bothering you. If it were me, I would call the doc's office and tell them the concern. They'd either say it's normal, or "if not better in a few days, call back", or they may want to see you right away.

In pre-surgery counseling, I was told there would be no follow-up, BUT, if I should feel depressed, should I reach a plateau, need someone to talk to, or even ask for medication, I CAN and with open arms, but it is up to me to ASK, and to ASK was stressed about a half-a-dozen times. I wanted my surgery very badly, and I was determined not to appear depressed in any way during my counseling session. I had to pass to get to the next level. When it comes to depression, thin people are just as depressed as large or obese people. Everyone has issues and there's no magic to solve any of them. But when there's severe weight loss, and then weight gain after all that, I just can't imagine not being being even more determined to keep it off. But it does depend what kind of self-medication is used by post bypass patience. BUT correctly said, food is our (my) "drug of choice". It made me feel good, it made me feel bad. We're the opposite of those who choose to starve themselves as their drug. Those who starve themselves get the "awe" media attention and "what a pity", while large people get "they just don't have any self-control" snipers. AND not all large people are large because of over-eating. My metabolism went wonky 20 years ago, and Synthroid for hypothyroidism helped to slow my weight gain, but it could not put the brakes on weight gain altogether. I'm up to 250mcg /day dose, (doctor's say it's high), with a metabolism that's way whacked out. If it remains the same once I achieve my weight goal, I will be the perfect candidate to put all my weight back on again. So I not only have to be goal oriented being banded, I have a lifestyle to change and maintain forever and I hope my forever is at least 40 more years.

I'm wondering if age has anything to do with the fact that some of you were in and out on the same day. I'm 48 and was in for 1 night. I passed a stress test. I don't have any other problems, like diabetes or high-blood pressure. I was told that 1-night was standard policy. I didn't ask anything further. Plus, the next day, I had a barium x-ray (Yuck!!!) After that went OK, I was good to go.

USA, Pennsylvania, $17,500, self-pay Recovery for me: fantastic! I had absolutely no pain, just some hunger pangs in the beginning (probably because I got my period 3 days after surgery so I had some munchies and cramps). Some gas pains, lasted about a day and a half. Today I feel great, I'm back in the world and have to have a timer remind me to eat. I was just working on my food diary, making sure that I don't go below 700 calories a day (cuz I feel woozy if I do.) I try to maintain 800-900 calories a day and pay critical attention to my Protein, Calcium and hydration. I currently eat 4 oz of something every hour. I have an appt. with my nutritionist next week who hopefully will end my totally liquid phase and move me on to mush.

I'm only 10 days post-op and I have to set timers to remind me to eat, or else I forget AND then suffer to catch up on my Protein. My doc saw my food scheduled and only wanted me to increase my Water. Regarding Calories, he suggested at around 1,000, saying "keep in mind, if you maintain 1,200, you'll be pushing to do more and therefore slowing your weight loss or even stopping it." So I'm just supposed to record all of my foods with the protein and calories and drink lots of water. I'm going to try to stay comfortable at 800 calories.

I had my surgery 8:30 am 10-11-07, and was out by 2 pm the next day.

I was banded 10 days ago and I feel great. I've already lost 10 pounds... granted it's probably mostly water... but that's really good. A lot of my problems were from swelling and all the swelling is gone already. Meanwhile, I am happy with my decision. Advice: have your Phase 1 foods ready at home for when your op is over. Don't expect to shopping after the fact... or be happy with someone else's choices. Purchase a blender or a Magic Bullet (I love the bullet). After that, just concentrate on your lifestyle change. It gets easier every day. I'm so excited at just losing 10 pounds... I just think of it as a sack of potatoes. I went shopping the other day and decided to pick one up; 10 pounds feels heavy when you hold it. I've just lifted that heaviness from my knees and my knees are grateful. All the best, Good Luck, and be prepared,

Yeh, in pre-surgery meetings, group, appointments with the Nutritionist... that's what they stressed most of all... that it's a lifestyle change. You had to begin to document what you ate pre-surgery and then slowly or radically (like I did), eliminate and replace. I was not allowed to gain any weight whatsoever or the surgery would be off, and proof that I could not do it. If I maintained, that was acceptable. I lost 5 pounds. All junk and temptation left my house (my husband son had too loose too). I began REALLY reading the food labels. Choosing what my nutritionist suggested. Now we ate out all the time, from fast food to restaurants. The more weight I gained, the harder it was to stand at the stove or run around the kitchen to cook was. I think I gained my last 50 pounds from eating out way way way too much AND I think that's my son's problem too (who's working on losing 30 pounds). So once I stabilize my legs, I'll be back in the kitchen cooking (I loved to cook). AND that won't be until I'm at the solid food stage.

May I add that when I mean "creamed soups", they are Campbell's creamy like Brocolli and cheese... but it's severely blenderized to where it's just a drippy liquid. Right now, I don't care about the consistency, I care about taste (plus ingredients like low fat, low sodium, low carb, some Protein, etc). Yesterday I blenderized "ham and bean soup" by Nutrasystem. It has great ingredients and taste. Good luck, Bekkie... it gets better with each day. What I needed was work, to get my mind off food for 45 minutes between meals. And that's what I did. I'm still at home, so I found a project and I'm working it every day. Suddenly the alarm goes off that signals "time to make your food". That's also my break-time to avoid sitting for long periods. I make a pilgrimage around the house, or I set and do my arm and leg exercises, then make my food, eat at the table , clean and wash the dish and then go back to my work. The day goes by quick, I feel like I didn't veg in front of the TV, but I actually got something done. My Project: making new curtains for son's room (6 windows!).

Thanks Weetsin... you've Enlightened me on many facts I wasn't aware of: on this and other threads; THINGS I ACTUALLY should have know BEFORE my banding. BUT, maybe, if I had known, I would have talked myself out of it, probably becoming too scared of the restriction. I've had a great post-op, from no pain to a not-so-bad liquid stage. I'm only on day 7 and I feel tons better. I feel like I've lost 15 pounds. (will know better when I see the doc tomorrow and find a scale that goes up to 350). Good Luck, Darnell

I didn't know that a second bi-pass was possible.

Keep forcing yourself to eat. For me I had 2oz of something every half hour. That kept away the funny stomach 'empty' feeling. I made a 16 oz Protein shake in the morning and sipped it all day long. I have to finish it 2 hours before bedtime. Meanwhile, I ate something of substance every half hour (extra creamed Soups, Jello, yogurt), until that feeling passed. As of day 5, and today (my day 6), I still sip my Protein Drink all day long, but I now eat once every hour (4 oz at a time), and almost feel like jogging. (patiently waiting for my "get up and go")

Hi Whisper, My doctor recommended to me at least a week off and that was in front of my husband. I think that's usually because most women/mom's have to do most everything at home for their family. The doc has no idea what demands the spouse places on his wife at home. Actually, I know plenty of families who can't function without the mom; and plenty of husbands who use their wives shamelessly. So while the doctor was giving orders, the nurse was there too. She specifically mentioned: no laundry (excess bending), no lifting more than 15 pounds (I think that's the laundry basket). No vacuuming, unless is a lightweight vacuum (I'm OK there). AND NO driving until I see the doctor (which is this Thursday). So basically, take it easy and concentrate on yourself. BECAUSE getting into a new way of eating can be difficult (as you may have read here, for many, there's intense hunger during the liquid stage). My family is great. All I have to do is ask. My husband is creating all of my liquid concoctions for me and keeping tabs on what I eat so that I stay on track; and my son is doing extra house-cleaning and laundry. My doctor called me yesterday to ask how I was doing. I was shocked. I've had other surgeries, including two more major than this one, and for the first time ever, the doctor (not the nurse or assistant) called to see how I was doing. AND this is the best recovery I have ever had, really, ever! Absolutely ZERO pain from start to now. (Gas pains don't count because they happen with all surgeries, but that too, passes pun intended) I'm self-pay also, but same-day surgery was not an option. I had my surgery 8:30 am 10/11 and was discharged around 2 pm, 10/12. I enjoyed it, the care was great. I'm not into walking yet, my left side of my body has been swollen for such a long time, that walking has been difficult. Left knee pain, plantar faciaitis (left heal and arch pain), lower back pain, swollen ankles, swollen instep, swollen knee. You on the other hand, are 100 pounds less than me. So I'm confident that your bounce back should be quicker. Just carrying that much less weight, walking should not be a problem. I know that my dog will be happy when I start taking him to the park again. BUT out of all of this for I have my first Good News: I cried this morning. I looked at my ankles and for the first time in a very long time, my left ankle was almost the same size as my right ankle and me left foot actually looked normal. I truly wish the best for you, and the best recovery ever! (I've got you in my Buddy List), Stay in touch,

All the best Whisper! I haven't posted much here (5 or 6), I'm really new. I'm participating in some of my experiences, but am reading a lot. I hope to have lots of encouragement to give when I have it go give. The hardest thing for me has been to stop speaking DIS-couragement to myself. So I am making every effort not to speak or write IF or HOPE. TIP that worked for me. Bring a house dress or thick nightgown to the hospital to change into. You'll enjoy it more and possibly feel like yourself faster 'cuz they're going to make you walk. Plus a pretty one gets compliments. Mine was floor level (purchased at Lane Bryant). Make sure it goes over easy, and a zipper in the front really helped. I just looked mine up and it's the trapeze dress here: Plus Size Wide-sweep trapeze lounger at Woman Within®

A hearty congtrats!!! I was just on another thread where the loss is going very slow. The last thing I need is discouragement 4-days in. Or rather... was Lapband the right choice? I can't second guess this, it's a done deal. I know that the losses are with me, in my hands. I know that bypass is different. In group, I met a man who has lost 70 pounds in 10 weeks. I figured, If he could do 70 in 10, I can do 40 by Christmas. But I'm not sure it's realistic anymore. I'm still too heavy to hit the gym or walk about. I'm only doing arm exercises and knee lifts. My cardio is from bending down to pick something up (or laundry). I was hoping for a quickstart and then a regular moderate loss. I know that reaching my goal is about 2 years away, but that's just the goal. I need "get up and go" relief asap. Thanks for the encouragement.

steri-strips for me. I'm day 4, but I can' sleep fully on either side... sort of half. I have to prop my head up more than normal. The 4-way pillow works well for me (you can find it here: Four-Way Pillow )