sarabride2006

No sleep study for me either.....BUT, since surgery my fiance' said I don't snore anymore

Each doctor is different. My doctor had me on clear for 24 hrs then full-then mushies for week, then softs for a week then low fat regular diet. I'm very cautious about what I eat. I stop before I think I'm full. I just make sure to drink a lot of Water to keep me from getting full. Cream of chicken Soup is great for the liquid stage. Just make it with skim milk. Good luck--as a three week out bander, things are great and I feel WONDERFUL!!!

I was banded on 12/28 and have been "experimenting" with foods. I find that eggs don't have any problems, and I've eating small bits of steak, chicken and hamburger meat (thought it can be tough). I haven't had pasta/bread/carbs basically for 3 weeks. I feel like I've pretty much gotten rid of the cravings etc. associated with those carbs. I'm not filled yet either, but I stop eating way before I'm actually full, because I fear a PB. I think I chew each bite so much my jaw gets tired and I lose interest. I say do meat first, veggies second then carbs if you have room. A good Breakfast treat is eggs with some chopped up ham. It'll also keep you full!! Good luck

Good, fitting pair of jeans and some sexy underwear. Always a nice surprise under those jeans

I walk/jog on the treadmill for 30 mins then do the elliptical for 15. I also do some circuit machines and free weights. I used to work out HARD before I gained all of this weight, so when I set my mind to it, I got back into the groove. It was easier than I thought and it helps me fall asleep and wake up more easily. I tend to work out at night b/c I am NOT a morning person...

My doc's diet was clear/full for 7 days. Then on to mushies for 7 days, then soft/low fat for 7 days then on to regular. I'm on the soft diet now. I'm really afraid to eat too much so I stop as soon as I "think" I could be full. I haven't felt fullness yet. I've been drinking about 100oz of Water per day inbetween meals to make sure I don't get hungry. For some reason I'm hungriest at night. I've started exercising and just feel better. I have to learn the difference between head and body hunger, and I think I'm getting better about it...

I've been sticking to Protein first then veggies. I haven't missed carbs so much but I am afraid to eat them.

My coworker who's banded too says shredded wheat gets stuck. I tried Cereal in the mushies but it didn't make me full...

Emotional eating is hard. My FI and I got into a bit of an argument and I was ready to run for the icecream. Instead I went for a walk and felt better. Best of luck to you

I'm really sorry about your experience. I was so nervous this past weekend while out shopping with a friend. There was a Boston Market and we went in. I had creamed spinach--but I'm so afraid to push my band I stop eating after a few bites. My FI and I have decided not to eat out anymore--not only because he doesn't want me to feel like I can't enjoy dinner, but because we're saving money for the wedding :confused:.

I hope you get better soon, when were you banded?

My dad's Inamed eroded after 10 months. He had several port infections and had the port moved twice. I have an Inamed band. I don't know if there's a cause/reason why some erode and some don't.

I was banded on 12/28 and I haven't weighed yet. I decided to wait until I see the doctor on 1/17. I have to admit, I feel great. Today I went to the gym and walked 2 miles and road the elliptical machine. I'm waiting to get back into light weights until after my follow up. I haven't had the urge to eat anything "bad" and I can't believe my pick up in energy. I'm still on mushies and I'm trying to drink 2 liters of Water a day. I was unsure about my choice at first, but I am very happy now!

I guess I'm in the tell all category. I work with a fabulous group of people who are very supportive. We walk together during lunch etc. I even told some of my employees (I deal with healthcare professionals) and they thought it was really a great idea. Of course then you get 20 questions but that's okay. One of my coworkers was already banded back in September and two more are considering it. These people watched me eat burgers and probably wondered why I was doing that, so now they Celebrate small victories with me Of course my family and friends know too.

My doctor will not/would not operate on anyone who smokes.

I have Anthem BCBS and a copy of their new medical policy. Please email me if you would like it. I had my surgery 12/28, they denied me once and then approved it within 2 days.

sara.kattawar@cardinal.com

We had a last supper just about every two nights the three weeks before my surger from every genre of food I could think of. Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Creole....... The night before was a steak and salad!

I can't attest to anyone but Dr. Wilson and Dr. Scarborough with UT Physician's group. I haven't heard a lot about them on here but I am EXTREMELY happy with them and their staff. I was also able to use my insurance through them. Dr. Scarborough did my father's band and I commend him because my dad was an extremely high risk patient. He discovered my dad has stomach cancer (after the band eroded) and he is going to perform the surgery to remove part of his stomach. I went with Dr. Wilson because he was an Aggie and so am I . I also liked that they had a very good relationship with Hermann in the med center, and the bariatric coordinator talked to me and my FI at the pre op, as well as after my surgery. They are a very special group of people!

Dr. Spiegel wouldn't touch my dad when he originally went in for the band, and my father said he and his staff were unprofessional. I had originally made an appointment with them before my dad started his journey and when I cancelled the receptionist was rude and said "I guess you will be overweight forever." I found that humorous.

My coworker used Dr. Scarborough, my doc's partner. I have another coworker who is going with Dr. Marvin.

Try to go to two or three seminars by each group and see who you click with. Dr. Wilson did mine and I loved his energy!

Luckily with the boom in WLS you have a great choice in Houston! Good luck!

Dee Dee, thanks for that tune this morning!

Clementine, don't be so hard on yourself. You are doing great!

Good luck to you. Let us all know how it goes. Happy Tuesdays (as happy as they can be!!):Bunny

I think you going will be a great sign of strength to them! Make sure you have your medical evidence. I haven't heard of an appeal in person, my ins. company does them over the phone. Just be strong and make sure they know you can handle this surgery. Good luck and God Bless!

One thing my doctor and his PA stressed was to avoid liquid calories when you get out of the mushie stage. A Protein Drink will go straight through and won't leave you satisfied (as with any liquid). They suggested adding the unjury powder to food if it's not Protein rich. Once I get to mushies and stop with the Boost with Protein (blech) I'll start adding the powder. Good luck to you and let us know how it works..

Also, with the exercising, I agree with changing up your routine. I love the elliptical machine, and I like to vary that with the treadmill or stair climber.

Happy Losing for 2006!!!

Kerry8888,

I was just banded on 12/28 and have asked tons of questions about food/eating/diet. I've found that just about everyone had a different post op diet. One person told me to "listen to your band," and he was right. I may be wrong, but none of us are doctors and it's best to try to talk to your doctor. Do they have a nutritionist on staff? Are there any support groups? I'm phobic about throwing up too--I've been so cautious about drinking Water this past several days (even though when you're unfilled it seems to go straight through). I am just afraid of something coming up (especially at work). Read through some of the food threads, I had posted one called "how much do you really eat" and there's some good answers there. Everyone is definitely helpful but try to get some kind of diet/recommendations from your physician. Afterall, he knows your medical history best!

Take care and good luck!

Leenerbups,

I'd have a long talk with your surgeon and make a healthy choice together. My father was 450, severe heart and lung problems, severe diabetes and they still did the band. It was either lose or die...his band did erode, but he also had several port infections--which some may attribute to erosion. There's no real known reason for erosion.

There's lots of scary things on here--when I found this site my eyes were like saucers when I was done reading--"erosions, slippage, vomiting!". But remember that though are tons of members, it represents a small number of people who are banded (and have no problems or are not on a discussion board to discuss). With that being said, we will all support you, but remember that no one here is a doctor (that I know of) and we can only talk about our experiences.

I would strongly strongly urge you talking to your surgeon and your physician who treat the CFS and fibromyalgia. Make a decision based on the long term health benefits. It make take a little more TLC along the way--but they will be your best guides.

Prayers and hugs headed your way!!

If it tells you anything, I cried at Walmart while buying liquids because I was so scared, about surgery and losing my food friend. I'm 6 days out and I am slowly feeling happier by the second. Blessings and prayers to you!