Laura_MD

Turler, YOU ROCK! And I cried too. What an amazing story from an obviously amazing woman. Your children are very lucky to have you and your strength as their role model. You can do this and I have no doubt that you will do it well. Please keep us posted on your journey. Good luck on Thursday! Laura

Stinky, rotten, can't put it in the tank gas! It sucks! Now that we are all in agreement, I hope, what do you do about it? Has anyone tried either Nullo or Devrom? Does it work? Any side effects? Thanks for your help! Laura

Here is a recipe for Protein shakes that I think actually TASTE GOOD, and no runs. The majority of people in the world are actually lactose intolerant (it's been said the the lactose tolerant people are the odd balls not the other way around). Once you go on liquids or reduce your solid food intake and ramp up the Protein Shakes (most of which have high concentrations of lactose), you can easily end up with the runs and gas you can't put in your tank. The artificial sweeteners in many of the PS can also wreak havoc with your inerds. I use American whey Protein powder from American Sports Nutrition, because: It is lactose free It has less than 1 gr of sugar It has no artificial sweeteners It has 20 gr protein per scoop (I use two scoops per shake) It actually TASTES GOOD! I used to buy it from my Dr. but I found it cheaper on-line at Bodybuilding, weight loss supplements, protein shakes, fitness supplements, muscle building supplements (tell them Laura Mitchell sent you). Here's how I make them so they taste like a Friendly's milkshake. In a personal blender (I use the Hamilton Beach w/travel lid), combine: 2 scoops of vanilla (or 1 vanilla and 1 chocolate) protein powder 3 healthy teaspoons of Hershey's baking cocoa (has only 50 calories, no fat or sugar) 4 ice cubes 1/2 - 1 banana (broken into small pieces) Water to fill (or milk if you prefer or need the calcium) Blend until very smooth. Enjoy! The banana and cocoa combine with the protein powder to thicken the shake and the ice makes it like a milkshake. The water makes it thin enough for me to drink, but if you add milk or if you have trouble with the thickness, use less ice. I am telling you, I hated these things at first and practically refused to drink them. Now, I have one for Breakfast and one as my "treat" for my last meal of the day (usually around 10pm to ramp up my metabolism before bed at 11/12). I look forward to shake time and will forgo most any food to have room for my shake. I have max restriction now so I eat very small amounts of food (2-3 oz per meal), yet my blood work is "perfect" according to my doctor! As for the calories, because I eat such small amounts it is not a problem for me but you should talk to your nutritionist. I am 15 months post-op and I have done this for most of that time, with a weight loss of 108 pounds. So it is working for me. As for the runs, I have never had them from this protein powder, but when you are on liquids only, it can contribute to the problem. Oh, my husband, who was not banded, does the same thing and he has lost 45 pounds too with no side effects. That's my story. I hope it can help someone. Best of luck, Laura

Good news, you are perfectly normal! It is unlikely that there is any problem with your band if you are not vomiting or having acid reflux or anything or a regular basis. So relax. What happens is this, just like every other part of your body, your stomach has a fat layer around it. As you lose weight, that fat dissolves just like it does in other regions of your body. Think of it like the waist band of your pants around your mid section, when you lose fat in the mid section, your pants get big and you have to buy a smaller size or take them in. The fills are the way we "take in" our bands as our stomach shrinks. There will come a time when you hit your "sweet spot" which is where you have just enough Fluid in your band to give you enough restriction to control your food intake, but not too much so that you can't eat or drink enough to sustain your healthy body. That said, you may find a sweet spot with one fill and then a couple of months later, you are back to eating larger portions (although they should get increasingly smaller than where you are now). That is your signal that you need another fill. Then, magically, one day, you will stop requiring fills as often (if at all) because the fat layer around your stomach is gone and your stomach doesn't really change size much anymore so the band stays snug! I am 15 months post-op and I have had 5 or 6 fills and I have a total of 10cc in a 14cc band. Life is sweet! My restriction is jjjuuuusssstttt right (I feel like Goldilocks). I have lost 108 lbs and I have 24 left to go, but it is really slow going now (boo). I caution you not to wait until you have"perfect" restriction to get moving though. Your best weight loss opportunity is in the first year, but it can take 8, 9, or more months to find that sweet spot. Also, the faster you get that fat off of your stomach, the faster you can get you band to just the right size. It's tricky, but it all works out in the end as long as you do your part. Just because you CAN still eat a whole pizza, doesn't mean it's a good idea. I would sometimes do things like that just to see how much I could eat, but I would be very unhappy with my choices afterward. Eventually, I decided to do my portion experiments with healthier foods so at least when I overate, it was good for me food. A really good book to help you figure out how to eat in your new lifestyle is Body for Life by Bill Phillips. It basically uses portion sizes versus weighing and measuring or counting calories, emphasizes a high Protein diet to boost your metabolism and energy levels. It works! See if your local library has a copy to examine before you buy it. You can also get basically the same info from Eating for Life which is also a cookbook. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have more questions and I miss your post. Laura

I pledge to only weight once a week for the month of March! Anyone else with me? I will focus on my NSVs, (non-scale victories). All the wonderful little things that happen to my body as I continue to lose weight and get healthier. Things that I won't see on the digital scale readout. Things I might not see at all if I am only looking at the arbitrary number on the scale. I will be a loser, not a number. Who's with me?

Rapid "weight" gain like that is just Water weight most of the time. If you are eating a lot of canned Soups and the like they have a LOT of sodium (salt) in them, which will make you retain water. You are probably struggling to get your water in as well, trying not to drink 30 mins before, or 30 mins after eating and eating every 3-4 hours is a real challenge (but you'll get the hang of it). This also contributes to the water retention because just as your body stores fat when you don't give it enough food, it stores water when you are not getting enough fluids in. Now you're saying, "How can I not be getting enough fluids if I am on a liquid diet?" Right? Well the liquids in your diet, the soups etc., are going to fill your nutritional needs and while they are technically liquid, there is not enough liquid in them to properly hydrate and nourish your body. Lastly, the surgery and pain medication coupled with the lack of solid foods and reduced amounts of liquids can constipate you in a big hurry. You don't really want to use a laxative but a stool softener is an excellent idea and maybe a little Fiber supplement to clean house and lighten the load a little. So, what to do: 1) Try low sodium soups, etc. 2) Drink as much water as you can during your windows of opportunity 3) Keep things moving in the lower GI (the softener) 4) Most importantly, and most difficult, put away the scale! You should not be worried about any significant weight loss/gain/daily fluctuations right now (or ever for that matter). I used to weigh myself everyday and I was driving myself nuts and often times not doing the things I needed to because I was either mad at the scale if it went up, or scared of it going back up when it did go down. I even convinced myself that I shouldn't workout as much (or at all) because my weight went up every time I went to the gym. Not significantly of course, but it went up because muscle weights more than fat and I didn't like it. Try to focus on what we call NSVs, or non-scale victories. Tying your shoes on the top of your foot, getting a towel to completely cover your body (even if it is a beach towel at first), having your pants fall down when you put your cell phone in your pocket, being able to breathe when you reach the top of the stairs....Priceless! All the wonderful little things that will happen to your body as you lose weight and get healthier. Things that you won't see on the digital scale readout. Things you might not see at all if you are only looking at the arbitrary number on the scale. Be a loser, not a number. I am 15 months post-op and down 108lbs! I started in a size 24 and I just bought a size 10 jeans for the first time since I was 12 years old! The band is your tool belt, but you still have to build the house, patiently. Good luck and feel free to e-mail me anytime.

Whaho! I just saved a ton of material on my jeans! I went to by a pair of size 12 jeans and all they had were 8s and 10s, so I though what the heck, I'll try the 10s. AND THEY FIT!!!!!! :tt2: :rolleyes2: I have not worn a size 10 jean since I was 12 years old. 30 years ago, wow. I love my band. I love my band. I love my band. I cannot believe this, its an incredible journey, lately I've been on the scenic route but I think I just found the car for the fast track. Vrooom!!!!!!!!

Go here and do this! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker...ictures-41782/ (Ticker TUTORIAL (WITH PICTURES!))<!-- google_ad_section_end --> Good luck!:rolleyes2:

He knows every time I lose an ounce because I proudly announce it (ok, sometimes I yell) before I even get off the scale! I always tell him, but I guess that does not really mean that he KNOWS. Ok, I just asked him, it seems he does pay attention, and he's kind. He came in two pounds light! Thanks Honey.

I got a regular skimpy hotel around my bod without any gap! OMG! I cannot believe this is really me. I love NSVs! :eek::tt1::smile2::biggrin:

Be careful about the amount of artificial sweeteners you are consuming, especially if you are not accustomed to using them. They are a major migraine trigger for me, right behind second-hand smoke and sulfites (like in red wine). Low pressure fronts also do me in, so if the weather is wacked, that could be contributing. Just make sure you don't have a sinus infection, that could delay your surgery. You never want to have any surgery if you have any type of infection of course, but you did not mention any stuffiness or drainage so I hope that isn't the deal. Good luck and welcome to the losers' club!

If there is another WL doc in town, go to the ER and tell them you are in pain and your doc's out of town. They will call in the other doc to help because they probably know little or nothing about the band. at the ER Best part, you get relief before you cause a slippage. Bonus points, they have to bill your insurance that way! I have read way too many posts on here about folks who were too tight a waited "just a few days" to get it fixed and ended up with major problems!!!! Also, remember that the key to quick ER treatment is to say the pain started very recently (max 4 to 8 hrs). If you say days, they figure that you waited this long and you are still breathing, so you an wait until they get around to you. Tell the ER doc the whole truth so they can treat you properly, but NEVER tell the admissions clerk or triage nurse that you have been suffering for more than a few hours (if that). Good luck and please, go to the ER!

Wow! These are great. Some are very funny but I know they mean a lot. Every time I realize that I have done something new or realize a milestone I am just amazed all over again. Keep the NSVs coming, please! I haven't had one in a while, so I'm counting on you guys. Laura

TA: Several things come to mind from your posts. 1) Watch the sodium level in those power drinks. They can cause additional swelling which you really don't need right now. 2) I would suggest that you go back to your band surgeon for help if he is close by still, or the teaching hospital is a great idea. Even though the bariatric surgeon primarily does bands, he is still a surgeon and they are often the best ones to deal with your innards once you have the band because they know where they placed it and how to work around it if they have to go in. 3) I agree that you must be your own advocate. If you need help, take someone with you. Make a list of questions/statements that you have and make sure your friend has a copy to make sure you ask everything and get answers. They can also help record the answers that you get because sometimes we hear something that catches us off guard or gets our minds churning and we don't hear anything after that. 4) Flat out demand a complete GI series (upper and lower). You need to make sure that there are no ulcers, obstructions, etc. anywhere along the way. 5) Have your physician check your gall bladder, both for stones and for proper function. The heartburn, nausea, fever and resultant dehydration and weakness sounds very similar to what I had when I had stones and my gall bladder was extremely infected. Some people have pain in their back or stomach as well, but I never did. Things like cheese and milk made me really sick though. I still can't eat pizza and that was 15 years ago! Yo-yo weight gain/loss over many years or just weight loss is a major trigger for the creation of gall stones so it would make sense. Just my ten cents worth for the day. What ever you do, don't give up. Make the docs figure it out! I wish you luck!

I have never heard of the port being that close to the belly button. How odd. It seems like that would be a particularly sensitive spot for fills. Also, what if you decide to have a tummy tuck later, wouldn't that interfere? Hhhmmmm! Very interesting.

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I have two incisions, one for the band on the left and one for the port on the right, directly under my rib cage. I took for granted that this was the "norm" until I changed doctors and learned that the new doc only makes one incision and places the port on the left side much closer to the band itself. It seems that the latter is much better because there is a lot less tubing between the band and the port, which may explain why I barely have any restriction with 10ccs in a 14cc band, because the band has to be filled in addition to the band. This all made me wonder; Where's your port located and how many incisions did you have (not counting the tiny ones)?

I was very lucky, BC/CS accepted my Weight Watchers booklets as proof of my following the plan for 6 months and I only had to wait long enough to do all the pre-op evals and stuff! Definitely ask if what ever you have been doing counts and ask you regular doc when the last time you were there was. Most of us have co-morbidities that require monthly (at least) visits to the doc. If they weighed you (which they almost always do), then it may count! Ask questions, check records, there are lots of things that count toward your six months that you might not think would. Weight Watchers for instance is a little known exception because it is designed and managed by a team of physicians, it is considered medically supervised. I don't know about curves or any of the other programs but it is worth checking it our if you have been attending. Eigna, why are you getting cold feet? If you can share, maybe we can help. Laura

Please tell us about your favorite, newest, or most memorable non-scale victory! We have many little victories in the war on obesity and I think it is important to recognize as many of them as we can to sustain us when we get in a rut. That's where I am, stuck in a rut! I am trying to remember some of my NSVs to sustain me trough this, but it sure helps to hear from you guys too. Often times I can read them and go "Oh yeah, I can do that now too!". It really does help me and hopefully it will help others too. So let's hear them! :biggrin:

I only got 3 responses to the meeting poll. :cursing: Is there anyone else in the Maryland group (or surrounding area) interested in meeting for dinner in Baltimore? Secondly, my husband has to have some tests done on the 18th in Salisbury so I can not make it over there that day. However, I will be in Baltimore on the 19th & 21st for an upper GI and a fill (hopefully). Is anyone interested in meeting on the 19th or 21st? Thanks, Laura

Chrissi, Here is what I wrote previously regarding insurance coverage when you have complications with your band. Please read this and I really hope it helps. Drop me a PM if you need help or have any questions. I have been dealing with insurance policies and companies for a long time so I know a few tricks of the trade and I will be glad to help in any way I can. Laura Previous post: I have seen many posts on this site regarding "self-pays" worried about paying for subsequent surgery when they have a problem such as slippage. You should all be aware that even though the Lap-band surgery was elective and may not have been covered by your insurance, problems that arise later are very different! If you have a slippage for instance, that is potentially life threatening and MUST be corrected. That means it is required, not elective, surgery and your insurance must pay for it. Go to the mat with your insurance company, even call the insurance commissioner's office for help if you have to, write the appeal letters and ask your doctors' office to help you if need be, but make them cover it! Don't take no for an answer, and DO NOT put off proper care because you are worried about the cost. Besides, any doctor worth their Hippocratic Oath will do the surgery regardless of your coverage, if your health is at risk. Please take care of yourself first and the details later.

I just posted a poll to help organize a meet. Vote at http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f41/md-meeting-where-when-51700/

What part of Maryland is your friend moving to? :biggrin:

Hi Molly Brown, That's so funny to say that name after all these years because I went to school in Delaware with a Molly Brown who was named for her mother who was one of my teachers. Anyway, it would be great if some of your old friends found us here. What ever we can do to grow our group is great. I would love to get some activities going if we can, especially when it warms up.