QuasiTova

So far in my journey, I have had very little restriction. I have been able to eat almost everything except chicken and bread. I have been very satisfied with my progress.

I told my doctor that I wanted to take the slow and steady approach to this, and did not want to be very aggressive with fills. He agreed.

On Wednesday, I had my third fill. My doctor was not there, and one of his associates did the fill. It seemed to be fine, as I could drink Water afterward without any gurgling or pain.

However, a few hours later, I started feeling VERY tight... like a golf ball was in my throat. I was able to sip about a 1/4 cup of Soup, but nothing else for the rest of the day. Even Water seemed to make me get that "slimy" feeling, and I was gurgling A LOT. Did not eat anything in the evening at all... and barely even sipped any water.

Thursday morning, I drank a small amount of hot tea... and a 1/4 cup of broth later in the day. But nothing else. Went to bed again without anything in the evening,

Friday (yesterday), I was able to continue with tea, Soup and I added a few bites of macaroni and cheese... which seemed to go down fine at the time.

When I got home last night, I started sliming so bad that I was spitting saliva every few seconds. I could not even drink water without it coming back up. I had chills, started gagging, and "threw up"... twice!

My daughter said I looked like a cat hacking up a hair ball... but it was more like a slime ball.

This was the first time I have vomited since having the band, and although it was not acidy like normal vomiting, it WAS somewhat projectile. There was a lot of slime in it, but then again, I really didn't have anything inside me to come out except saliva.

I have only had water since then... and although I have not vomited again, I am still burping, and the water is coming back up into my throat. Not EVERY drink, but more than half of them.

I am not sure if I am too tight... or if the stress of work was just too much this week (it was a rough week)... or if I am getting the flu or something.

I also tend to have anxiety attacks, and that might be making me feel tighter as well... because I tend to panic.

I am belching and burping A LOT... (and farting)... like I have massive amounts of gas in my stomach. This surely cannot all be because of the fill. I didn't have this reaction to either of my other two fills.

I tried to call my doctor this morning to see if I need to be unfilled a little, but the office is not open until Monday. I don't really think I am in an emergency situation where I need to go to the hospital or anything, but I will if I have to.

I am so hungry (and thirsty) but I am afraid to eat or drink anything because of that damn "golf ball in my throat" feeling.

I read on other threads that COLD water might help... so I am trying that now... because hot definitely isn't helping.

Has anyone had the flu and been sick with the band?

Does anyone have any suggestions that might help relieve this hell I am in until Monday?

Update:

I talked to my doctor today about these tablets, and he supports the use of them when things get stuck but not on a daily basis. He thinks it is important to develop new habits, but in the meantime, they can be very helpful.

We should not use them to just to make food go down so we can eat more, but in the case of an accidental too big of a bite, or something just getting stuck because it does not agree with us, he said this is a great "tool" to have available.

He also said that something in the tablets reduces the sliming when something is stuck, relieving the need to "spit like a guy" every two seconds while having something stuck.

He also said they mostly work on Protein type foods (i.e. meats), and will help break them down and pass if they are stuck... therefore relieving a lot of pain... and sliming.

But, even with non-protein items that get stuck (i.e. breads), they will still help some by relieving the sliming.

He also said that these were better to use than pineapple juice... for a few reasons.

1. Less calories

2. They do not make you gag or PB like pineapple juice can if you take too big of a drink or are "too stuck".

3. They are easier to carry in your purse.

4. They are not as acidic as pineapple juice.

Anyway, I bought some. chewable ones at Walgreens that taste pretty good... and they are buy one get one free until Friday if anyone is interested

I have heard people talking about these, and would like to get more info...

What are they used for?

What do they do?

How many do you take?

Preferred brand?

Strength (if applicable)?

Any complications associated with taking them?

Anything else I should know?

Personally, I do not like the "milky" type Protein shakes... I have always been more of a gatorade type girl. I tried a lot of Protein drinks before I had my surgery so I would know what I liked and didn't like.

You can buy samples of Protein Drinks at Vitalady.com - Protein supplements, Vitamins & Minerals, and Safe Snacks!. I think she has a few hundred different types. I paid $1.50 for each sample (which was one serving... 34.5g of protein). The "Nectar" lemonade flavor is really good

She also sells this really cool battery operated mixing/drinking cup. I bought one... just to try... then went back and bought FOUR more!

I absolutely L-O-V-E "CytoSport" Protein drinks (the tangerine tastes just like Sunny-D). This brand also has the highest amount of potassium that I have found. 40g of protein per bottle, zero carbs, 160 calories (I think). You can buy them at the VitaminShoppe, GNC, etc.

The "ProteinSLAMs" are also pretty good. I like the peach flavored one. Sometimes they seem a bit too syrupy though and I have to dilute them.

I also make popsicles out of these protein drinks for when I am feeling "snacky". I have discovered that diluting them with a little with Water before pouring them into the popsicle molds prevents them from melting too fast.

I try to "eat" at least 10-20 grams of protein each meal... and then drink one or two protein drinks to reach my goal of 100 grams per day.

Have you searched this board for posts about these two doctors?

I would think SOMEONE on here has used one or both of them; and if not, I would be very hesitant.

I was very relieved to hear all of the wonderful things people on this board say about my doctor.. and now, I join them in their praise of him.

But, all things being equal about patient care, I would go with the one who offers free fills for life. You never know when you are going to need to be filled or unfilled (they charge for these too).

Also, if you are self pay, you should check out these threads...

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f15/money-issue-52282/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/poll-self-payers-50953/

Good luck

My insurance covered all but about $78... two copays ($30 each) and $18 for one of the post-op meds.

If my insurance would not have covered it, I definitely WOULD have self-payed! I love my band :cheers2:

And, if I would have had to self pay, I would have charged it on one of those credit cards that gives you airline miles for every dollar you spend... so I could treat myself to a wonderful Caribbean vacation when I got skinny.... all compliments of the band (both physically and financially).

If you are wanting to pay it off immediately, I would suggest opening an account (just a regular checking) at Citibank.com. Make sure you get the AA Advantage Card, not the Thank You Card that comes with the account automatically (You have to pay $65 for the year for the Premium AA card, but it is WELL worth it! Get the Premium card, not the Basic... it will give you double the points)

You do not even have to go into a branch to do this. You can do it all online if you want to. Apply online, even make the initial deposit, and all other deposits.

You use the card like a regular credit card, but it is really a debit card so the funds come out immediately. Just make sure when you use it that you select CREDIT and not DEBIT on those little checkout machines in the stores. They have to be signature based transactions. Otherwise you do will get any points for that transaction.

I opened this type of account about 10 months ago because of their Reward Debit Card (no interest like a credit card). I use this account for everything (I never pay cash for anything). I even pay my bills with it. I figure I have to pay them anyway, might as well get something back. I am getting AA miles for EVERY dollar I spend. Going to Alaska this summer as a reward to myself for losing weight. And, I still have enough miles sitting there for another trip at a later date :ohmy:

One more thing, after you get the card, make sure you check out AA.com. They have lots of other ways to earn extra miles. I switched to Reliant Energy because they were offering 40,000 bonus miles just for switching. You can also shop at hundreds of retailers directly from the AA.com website and get bonus miles for purchases you would be making anyway. Sometimes as much as 10 per $. I have even seen a few 25 per $. And these bonuses are on top of the miles you will already be getting for paying with this card.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask... I have become an expert on racking up AA miles... lol My daughter wants to go to the Olympics in London in a few years, and I want to get free flights!

Another option:

I met a girl who had been turned down for the band three times by her insurance company, and she had no financial means of paying for it herself, so she and some friends did a fundraiser to raise the money she needed for the surgery.

She raised enough to pay for the entire surgery by selling candy bars. We laughed about how candy bars had prevented her weight loss in the past, but now it was paying for it... lol

The average weight loss is 1-2 lbs a week and you're averaging better than that. Why would you be jealous? It's better to concentrate on your progress and following your prescribed plan than to compare yourself to others. You're a success!

Oh no.. I am not REALLY jealous... I just seem to forget for a moment that I am on the Bandwagon too... it's just that feeling of "dang, I wish it was ME losing that weight" and then I remember that I AM losing that weight!

Sometimes I get so JEALOUS when I read these forums and see how much weight people have lost with their lap bands... and then I shake my head and think, "YOU are one of those people".

It is still hard for me to believe that I have lost as much as I have in such a short time.

I still seem to beat myself up sometimes in my head that I "could" be doing better... but overall, I am very happy with the progress I have made :biggrin:

chicken and bread are EVIL in my world now...

I tell everyone I meet! Everywhere! In WalMart... at work... the hairdresser... you name it... lol I just cannot contain my enthusiasm and excitement. I have already encouraged over a dozen people to visit my doctor (only after they ask of course).

Also, my reason for not keeping it a secret was because it is normal for people to "talk" if someone loses a lot of weight (especially at my job). I did not want them whispering stuff like: is she on drugs? is she sick? does she have cancer? etc.

I preferred to have them KNOW why I was losing weight, and be encouraging and supportive of my efforts... and they have been :thumbup:

Today during dinner my husband said two things that I wasn't quite sure how to feel.

I was embarrassed and bothered.

First thing - As I was eating some lasagna he says "You aren't suppose to eat that much. Are you?" :crying:

2nd thing - Wow! Nothing to drink? You use to drink 15 glasses of soda during dinner. :thumbup:

Actually, it sounds like he was TRYING to be sympathetic and caring.

It sounds to me like he was concerned in the first statement, and possibly (hopefully) proud of you in the second statement.

Sometimes it is hard to understand men...

My teenage daughter actually makes similar comments, and I know she is just being supportive (in her own way).

She is proud of my efforts, but also critical of my shortcomings... both of which I need.

Maybe you should respond with:

1st comment - I am actually eating A LOT less than I used to, dear. Thank you for caring enough to ask :smile:

and

2nd comment - Yes! Aren't you proud of me for doing so good? Thank you for noticing :smile:

If he is sincerely trying to support you, these types of comments might encourage him to be even MORE supportive.

If not, they will surely shut him up!

My doctor prescribed liquid Vicodin, and Phenergan in a lotion form for nausea.

I took the liquid Vicodin the first day, and the Phenergan as a precaution, but after the first day, I switched to only Liquid Tylenol PM. (They sell it in a vanilla flavor).

I thought this was the perfect time to catch up on my sleep! Man, it was a peaceful weekend :thumbup:

I have always said I have a skinny person inside trying to get out... now I wonder if when I finally get thin, if I will still have a fat lady hiding in the closet.

I also have UHC-Choice Plus. I was approved in about 8 days. But i did have all my ducks in line. Psyc / 5 years / Stress test done / MRI of back and neck / 6mo Doctor diet / letters from my PCP

Wow, they required a lot from you.

I see so many variations of what is being required. I am starting to think that it is not the insurance company itself who sets the guidelines, but rather the plan that your employer chooses.

I am having problems getting approved through UHC but not because of UHC, because the Dr.'s office submitted it with an out-of-network Dr. and facility. It was originally submitted Jan 29th, found out on Feb 8th it was denied because of the out-of-network thing. That same day I called the Dr.'s office and had them resubmit it with their in network Dr. and as of this morning "it's still in review". I had read about the quick approvals with UHC so I'm disappointed that it was submitted it wrong to begin with and that just drug it out another 10 days. Otherwise, I think I would be getting banded tomorrow if it had been done right in the first place.

BTW-I'm now using Dr. Marsden but originally went through TrueResults in Dallas.

Good Luck!

I am sorry for your delay. This is the perfect example of how it is a lot of times the Doctor's office and not the insurance company that causes the issues and delays. I think a lot of people tend to blame the insurance company when they should really be looking at the physician's office. (I am not saying that YOU are doing this, just that I see a lot of people who talk bad about the insurance companies when maybe it isn't their fault).

I found my doctor through True Results too... Dr Adam Smith in Fort Worth. He is AWESOME!

I have heard good things about Dr Marsden too :cursing:

Hopefully, you will hear something soon!

*keeping fingers crossed for you*

So, I have UHC with LapBand being covered. Only thing, I have to have 2 co-mobidities (which I do). I submitted my medical records yesterday to LBS that show the High Cholesterol and shows where they decided to put me on BP meds due to high BP. How long should I expect to wait for UHC to approve the surgery?

I am going thru Lapband solutions, so they should work pretty fast (from what I am understanding). The lady at LBS told me 7 to 10 days, but I'm so hoping it's sooner then that.

What has been your experience with UHC and LapBand Solutions?

Are you going to Dr Adam Smith? That is who did my band :cursing:

He is INCREDIBLE! As is everyone in his office!

I also have UHC.

Nancy submitted my claim to UHC, and handled all of the correspondence. I never even had to talk to UHC. I was approved in a WEEK! I did not know it had even been submitted, and I got a letter in the mail saying I was approved. SHOCK!

MY UHC did not require 2 co-morbilities, just 5 years history of BMI over 40 (I only had four years history because I never go to the doctor) or 35 with co-morbilities. I was worried that I might have to wait another year, but I didn't

They also required one visit with a psychologist, and one with a dietician. I did both of those appointments within two days after my first appointment with Dr Smith.

You will L-O-V-E LBS. I cannot say enough good things about them.

I have already recommended several others to them from my job, and people I meet on the street.... I carry his business cards with me... lol

Ok, I LOVE the idea of putting it on a card that gets rewards and then paying the card off immediately. I only have one card and I'm not sure it's a reward card so I need to check on that.

If you are wanting to pay it off immediately, I would suggest opening an account (just a regular checking) at Citibank.com. Make sure you get the AA Advantage Card, not the Thank You Card that comes with the account automatically (You have to pay $65 for the year for the Premium AA card, but it is WELL worth it! Get the Premium card, not the Basic... it will give you double the points)

You do not even have to go into a branch to do this. You can do it all online if you want to. Apply online, even make the initial deposit, and all other deposits.

You use the card like a regular credit card, but it is really a debit card so the funds come out immediately. Just make sure when you use it that you select CREDIT and not DEBIT on those little checkout machines in the stores. They have to be signature based transactions. Otherwise you do will get any points for that transaction.

I opened this type of account about 10 months ago because of their Reward Debit Card (no interest like a credit card). I use this account for everything (I never pay cash for anything). I even pay my bills with it. I figure I have to pay them anyway, might as well get something back. I am getting AA miles for EVERY dollar I spend. Going to Alaska this summer as a reward to myself for losing weight. And, I still have enough miles sitting there for another trip at a later date :cursing:

One more thing, after you get the card, make sure you check out AA.com. They have lots of other ways to earn extra miles. I switched to Reliant Energy because they were offering 40,000 bonus miles just for switching. You can also shop at hundreds of retailers directly from the AA.com website and get bonus miles for purchases you would be making anyway. Sometimes as much as 10 per $. I have even seen a few 25 per $. And these bonuses are on top of the miles you will already be getting for paying with this card.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask... I have become an expert on racking up AA miles... lol My daughter wants to go to the Olympics in London in a few years, and I want to get free flights!

I THOUGHT I had good restriction after 2 fills, and I did for awhile. But I was still doing the too big bites, feel miserable thing (stuck, pbing, sliming), warm liquids the rest of the day thing. NOW, after my third fill (which was 5 weeks ago), my restriction is still good. I am eating the right things (generally), small bites and small portions and feeling satisfied for 3 or 4 hours. I still don't think I am at my "sweet spot", but as long as I am loosing (albeit slowly), I will stick with this awhile longer. My measurement is white bread, if I can eat a PBJ on white bread I need a fill. Now, I can't even NIBBLE white bread without it sticking (tried yesterday for the 1st time since my last fill, just as a test). HOORAY!

So, you had PBing, sliming, stuck, etc. after the 2nd fill, but not now after the 3rd?

Do you think it is the restriction or that you have just finally trained yourself to take smaller and slower bites?

I know that I am still eating too fast sometimes, especially when someone is talking to me while I am eating... and if I do not take the time to cut my food up BEFORE I start eating, I end up taking too big of bites.

I have not even tried white bread... but I did try a pinch of a biscuit a week or so after my first fill, and I was so miserable that I have stayed FAR AWAY from white bread products ever since. I am not much of a bread person, so I do not miss it.

How do you do with popcorn?

The area you have circled on the photo is where my PORT is. Are you sure your port is not there?

I thought my port was by the large incision, but my doctor confirmed that it is under my left breast at the under my rib cage... (the same place you have circled).

I am quite large busted, and if I slouch, I can feel it. I experience all of the feelings you mentioned.

When I asked my doctor, he said it was normal.

I tell everyone I meet! Everywhere! In WalMart... at work... the hairdresser... you name it... lol I just cannot contain my enthusiasm and excitement. I have already encouraged over a dozen people to visit my doctor (only after they ask of course).

Also, my reason for not keeping it a secret was because it is normal for people to "talk" if someone loses a lot of weight (especially at my job). I did not want them whispering stuff like: is she on drugs? is she sick? does she have cancer? etc.

I preferred to have them KNOW why I was losing weight, and be encouraging and supportive of my efforts... and they have been

Sorry to hear about the chicken!!! I don't eat a whole lot of meat. And i was definatley going to look for a good protien shake. I do NOT want to lose all my hair!!! :tt2: Congrats on the weight loss!!!

I was never much of a chicken eater.... and now I eat even LESS. No big loss there though.

I do not drink Protein shakes. I just can't stand the taste or texture of them. But I do love the fruity flavored ones that are more like gatorade. I tried a lot of Protein drinks before I had my surgery so I would know what I liked and didn't like.

You can buy samples of Protein Drinks at Vitalady.com - Protein supplements, Vitamins & Minerals, and Safe Snacks!. I think she has a few hundred different types. I paid $1.50 for each sample (which was one serving... 34.5g of protein). The "Nectar" lemonade flavor is really good :tt2:

She also sells this really cool battery operated mixing/drinking cup. I bought one... just to try... then went back and bought FOUR more!

I absolutely L-O-V-E "CytoSport" Protein drinks (the tangerine tastes just like Sunny-D). This brand also has the highest amount of potassium (160mg) that I have found. 40g of protein per bottle, zero carbs, 160 calories (I think). You can buy them at the VitaminShoppe, GNC, etc.

The "ProteinSLAMs" are also pretty good. I like the peach flavored one. Sometimes they seem a bit too syrupy though and I have to dilute them.

I also make popsicles out of these protein drinks for when I am feeling "snacky". I have discovered that diluting them with a little with Water before pouring them into the popsicle molds prevents them from melting too fast.

I try to "eat" at least 10-20 grams of protein each meal... and then drink one or two protein drinks to reach my goal of 100 grams per day.

I won't even try anything on in a thrift store for that exact reason. It must be laundered first. And I can't imagine buying anything like a swimsuit or bra/panties there, I can't believe they even take the donations of them. EWW!!! I get the willies just thinking about it.

Do you realize that people (even smelly people) try on clothes in regular department stores too? I have seen some nasty, sweaty people in coming out of the changing room at Dillards, Nordstrom, etc.

I am an avid thrift store shopper, and all of the stores I go to LAUNDER the clothes that are donated before selling them.

Over the years, I have found some amazing deals... and my teenager would rather shop at thft stores than the mall any day. I call her a "mall snob"... but she doesn't like to see everyone else wearing the same clothes she is... she likes to be unique... and she has figured out that she can get a lot more for her money too

I am not a self pay (so I didn't vote), but I wanted to share a few things anyway... I hope that is okay.

If my insurance would not have covered it, I definitely WOULD have self-payed! I love my band :smile:

And, if I would have had to self pay, I would have charged it on one of those credit cards that gives you airline miles for every dollar you spend... so I could treat myself to a wonderful Caribbean vacation when I got skinny.... all compliments of the band (both physically and financially).

I met a girl who had been turned down for the band three times by her insurance company, and she had no financial means of paying for it herself, so she and some friends did a fundraiser to raise the money she needed for the surgery.

She raised enough to pay for the entire surgery by selling candy bars. We laughed about how candy bars had prevented her weight loss in the past, but now it was paying for it... lol

I had this happen this past weekend. Went to buy some new, smaller clothes, and was still looking in my old size. My daughter had to remind me (after I got to the dressing room) that I do not have to shop in the Plus sizes any more! Yay!

It feels weird...

Personally, I have not had any trouble with nuts. However, chicken... that is a whole other story! chicken is EVIL in my world these days.

As far as Protein, you could always drink Protein drinks. I love the ones that taste like gatorade. CytoSport is my fav.. the tangerine tastes just like SunnyD :smile: