GreenChrysalis

Many drinks are empty calories, so I can completely understand that. But milk products, especially low-fat ones? I don't see an issue there (although low-carb fans would say to get full fat; I don't do low-carb, so this is just me). I eat low-fat (but not non-fat) yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese and have skim milk on a regular basis. I need the Calcium and Protein. Obviously I have to watch the portion sizes as with everything else. I would ask your doctor about having low-fat, high protein dairy products in small amounts.

Just wanted to say welcome to a fellow Georgian -- I hope you'll speak up in the Georgia forum too. Good luck and keep us updated!

Hi and welcome! If you search for "Hart" up in the searchbox on the right there seem to be a lot of results...can't say what they are because I haven't gone through 'em. He does have a profile on ObesityHelp and the patient reviews look good. Dr. Hart may just become my fill doctor if he'll accept me, as he seems to be the most reasonably priced of the ones I have seen so far (I was self pay also and went out of state). Good luck and keep us updated!

Many surgeons say no or very, very limited intake of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which includes aspirin and ibuprofen, because they can irritate your stomach. Excedrin contains aspirin. I'd suggest asking your surgeon.

I was startled when my N S V abbreviation was changed to "Non-scale victory" (which shouldn't be capitalized in the middle of a sentence, but whatever). I wasn't aware of this feature until then and thought that I could see where it would be helpful, but I could also see where it could cause even more confusion... Such as when I was reading a thread in which a poster mentioned adding P B to a shake and the expander decided that she was putting in productive burp. I'm fairly sure that she meant Peanut Butter. Ew. :puke: If it could be optional, I think that would be ideal. That way newbies could see what productive burp means and people talking about peanut butter wouldn't inadvertently conjure up a disgusting image in my mind. I'm of course appreciative of the site and enhancements in general, just my suggestion/experience with it so far.

I think you have to come to a compromise. On the one hand, it is rude to continually eat junk food in front of you that you can't eat, knowing that it is tempting you. But on the other, the lapband surgery is your choice and you can't expect others to change their eating habits just because you have to. This is a struggle for me. I cook dinner, so my husband and I always eat the same thing for that meal. He just eats a lot more of it than I do. We were always nighttime snackers and that has not changed for him. A few hours after dinner, he gets a bowl of potato chips. Or some candy. Or both. I do buy him baked chips at the grocery store, but I don't buy any sweets, so he buys this stuff on his own. Sometimes I am tempted, especially by the candy (since it's mini Peppermint Patties, Rollos, etc), but I have not given in. That pretty much amazes me since there are at least 2 bags of candy in the fridge right now. When I was on my pre-op diet and for the first few weeks after surgery, he kept all of his Snacks elsewhere. Then he asked me a few weeks ago if I minded him putting them upstairs and I said no, I think I can resist them. If I legitimately feel hungry while he is snacking, I will have a healthy snack (although I'm trying to do away with all snacking of course). But most of the time I just get a big glass of Crystal Light or tea and focus my attention elsewhere. I won't say it's easy, but I know that's what I have to do. It's messed up to me, because seeing my husband eat reminds me that's how I used to eat. That's how I got to 300 pounds. He is a good 50 pounds overweight himself and has diabetes type II that is managed pretty well via medication. I would like him to change his eating habits, and it would be to his benefit, but I can't make him.

I was banded out of state and am looking for a local doc to take over my fills. Not much luck after searching on here, so I am contacting doctors and plan to post the results here to assist others (this list is partially in the Georgia forum as well). Please understand this is simply what I was told by the doctor and/or office staff via email or over the phone; the costs, requirements, circumstances, et cetera, may change at any time. I have cited the person who gave me the information. Not Accepting Outside Patients Dr. V. John Bagnato - according to Jeni Stone Dr. J.K. Champion - according to Susan Champion Dr. Dennis Smith - according to Karen Gonzalez Accepting Outside Patients Dr. Bryan Freeman 822 Leighton Avenue Anniston, AL 36207 (one hour from metro Atlanta) (256) 236-1300 Ponce Dalton Surgical Group, P.C. 1504 Broadrick Dr Dalton GA 30720 (706) 278-6403 Dalton Surgical Group, P.C. $2500.00 for 4 visits or 1 year which ever is sooner. Adjustments after 1 year or the 4th visit are $625.00. According to Brooke

Just wanted to say hi. Still plugging away. Right now I find myself wanting to snack and knowing that it's not allowed...struggling a bit with head hunger and reminding myself only to eat when hungry. It's a challenge. I lost 2 pounds after my first fill (3/18) but I'm back at a standstill again. Finally got an exercise routine going so I hope that helps. I have had the NSV of fitting into a pair of jeans that I haven't worn in six months at least, so that's something. I am still looking for a local fill doc. I have a few choices but haven't finalized yet (or found out if they will accept me -- need to send my surgery report). I'm ready to have that second fill lined up. Hope all of my fellow Georgian bandsters are well!

The band size is determined by your surgeon at the time of your operation, based on the size of your stomach. If your band holds 4 cc, that is on the small end of the scale as there are others that can hold 10 cc and 14 cc. Check out this thread about band types/sizes.

I wasn't a huge soda addict, but I did have at least 2 Diet Cokes (or Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Mountain Dew, et cetera) a day. I was sure I would miss that terribly. I decided to stop them when I started my pre-op diet, which was 2/4, so I'm coming up on two months without soda. And honestly, it hasn't been that bad. I do crave it sometimes, especially since DH drinks almost nothing but diet soda. But it's firmly in my mind that the potential problems aren't worth it, so I just do without. I drink mostly water. If I really need flavoring, I go for Crystal Light, tea with Splenda or a mix of juice and water. I find it harder to go without drinking while eating...I watch the clock after I eat so I know when I can get something to drink!

Dynamo, hurray for your new romance! I hope it continues to blossom. Spring is the perfect time for new beginnings, right? Welcome mamato3. I have only been here a short time but everyone has been so supportive and thoughtful. I envy you moving back to Colorado -- what a beautiful state. Wish I could convince my DH to move! Hey skyblu79, I have seen you on OH. I went back to Dr. K for my first fill. It made me feel better to have him check me out and make sure everything was OK. But I know a lot of people don't ever go back to their original surgeon when he's out of state and don't have a problem. I can't afford to go back to Dr. K for every fill, so I am narrowing down my choices for a local fill doc. I am wary of FillCentersUSA for whatever reason although a lot of people seem to love it. I didn't know you were near my neck of the woods (Georgia). Have you been going to the fill center in Roswell? Linz I will continue to keep you and your husband in my thoughts. Good for you for doing things for yourself and having alone time. It's really important. As for me, I have exercised for the past three days in a row and intend to do it again tonight. I'm on a roll! I have a new dance workout DVD and I love it -- it's so much fun that I don't get as bogged down in the "I hate exercising" mindset. Constantly changing things up is the key to keeping me interested. I get bored pretty quickly! Happy Monday to all...although it hasn't started off that great for me. DH's car wouldn't start so I had to take him to work and was 15 mins late to work myself. Oh well. It can only get better, right?

I emailed Dr. Bagnato's office yesterday and got the following reply from his office manager Jeni: Unfortunately, Dr. Bagnato is busy taking care of his own lap-band patients and does not have time to take on patients banded by other physicians. So he is not an option for fills, unfortunately.

Hi there! A "fill" is when you get saline put into your band (via a port) to make the opening to the stomach smaller. Some doctors call it an "adjustment." This is the essence of how the lap band works. Bandsters try to find their "sweet spot" -- the perfect amount of tightness, or restriction, that allows them to lose weight while eating healthy solid foods. The amount that works varies for everybody, which is why it's so great that the band is adjustable. You can learn more here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f73/how-lap-band-actually-works-fills-refills-45563/[/url]

My main blog is on LiveJournal, but most of my friends there don't know I have been banded. I have a blog just for band/health stuff on blogspot here: Growth Stage. :smile:

EVERYBODY CALLS ME: On this board, "GC" or "Greeny" MY PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS INCLUDE: Husband of almost 13 years MY NON-HUMAN FAMILY CONSISTS OF: Three cats I LIVE IN: Metro Atlanta area, Georgia OCCUPATION(S): Library assistant, freelance writer/editor, someday a grad student AVOCATION(S): Blogging, surfing the 'net, traveling, attending plays & operas, forensic science, history, literature, singing, dancing, cooking, obsessing about the color green, secretly reading gossip sites/magazines, shopping online FAVORITE EXERCISE: Dancing, walking I COLLECT: Books, books and more books!

Mal, it is nice to see you around. Hang in there. Linzchavez, I am so sorry about your husband. I will be thinking of you. Congrats on doing so well in the face of so much stress. As for myself, I couldn't be happier that it's Friday. What a week. I must find a way to make myself exercise. I did it last night and felt so good afterwards -- why can't I remember how good it makes me feel when I'm sitting on my butt on the sofa? Selective memory I guess!

I was never in very deeply with Mickey -- we just dallied occasionally. Sometimes his love was smothering...it was just too much, and I only found out later that his love came with a very steep price. Like heartburn, indigestion and this truth of this poetic gem (thanks to one of my old favorite shows, "Daria"): the greasy fry it does not lie its truth is written on my thigh I still flirt with him. A McNuggets happy meal with apple dippers here...a few stolen french fries there. But I won't let him hurt me again. I have to be strong.

Dissolving stitches and Opsite dressings. My doc used to use steri-strips but said that many of his patients got rashes because of them (which has happened to me with past surgeries). The Opsite was great, it started peeling up on its own in a week and I took it the rest of the way, because I couldn't deal with the dirty half-peeled-up sticky stuff. My incisions look pretty good. I have been putting Mederma on them but I have so many scars and stretch marks already that it's not a huge deal to me.

That's pretty odd re: Dr. Hart, since I just spoke to Mildred in his office yesterday. I wonder what the truth is? Well, I have emailed her asking where to fax/send a copy of my surgery report so I guess I will find out. You are welcome -- I have not had much luck finding listings like this here for fill doctors so I hope that we can share our information! Seems like the most active Georgians on here are the ones who went to Dr. Bagnato. Since so many doctors have high fees to join their practice (upwards of $500 in many cases), it may be cheaper at some point to fly back to CO. It cost me around $500 to fly in, rent a car and stay in a hotel for a night. I also upgraded to business class though, because coach is just too tiny for big ol' me! The issue for me is time as well as money. Dr. K prefers that you stay at least a few days and get your fill in as early as possible into your trip -- that way you have time to see if you need more put in or some taken out. That means at least 2 days off work, which I can't always spare. It is beautiful out there though, so if you can have extra days and make it a vacation that would be ideal. If you haven't already seen it, please come and join the Dr. K thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f11/considering-dr-kirshenbaum-26213/ There are a lot of nice people there and many of them are out of state also. Good luck!

Edited to Add: I will keep this list updated in the Fill Doctors section -- title is "Fill Doctors in Georgia." Hi schewy. We are in similar situations; I was banded last month by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Colorado (you are right about cost in Atlanta for self-pay). I have had one fill by him but am looking for a local fill doctor. Here is what I have so far based on exchanges with people in the offices of these doctors (YMMV). I also contacted the office of Dr. Jaime Ponce in Dalton but he charges a lot upfront -- $2500.00 for 4 visits or one year -- so I did not list him. Dr. J. K. Champion and Dr. Dennis Smith do not accept outside patients. Dr. Christopher Hart Johns Creek Surgery, PC 3890 Johns Creek Parkway Suite 240 Johns Creek, GA 30024 770-232-2911 Welcome to Johns Creek Surgery Will accept patients on a case-by-case basis pending a review of surgery report and other medical records. Initial consultation of probably $75 - $100, and fills are $150 each. Dr. Paul Macik Northside Bariatric Surgery Center 960 Johnson Ferry Rd Ste. 228 Atlanta GA 30342 404-252-2220 Atlanta Surgery Center - Northside Bariatric Surgery Center, PC - Bariatric Surgery Center in Atlanta, GA Will perform the adjustments for you as long as you can get the records from your doctor. There is a $550.00 program fee to take you on as a patient. The initial office visit/fill is $200.00 and all subsequent visits/fills are $95.00. Dr. Bryan Freeman 822 Leighton Avenue Anniston, AL 36207 (one hour from metro Atlanta) Phone: (256) 236-1300 Freeman & Company Bariatric Center Will accept patients on a case-by-case basis pending a review of surgery report, type of band, et cetera. Cost for initial fill is $500 but this may decrease with subsequent fills depending on complexity of case.

As a fellow emotional eater I can relate to this. I really can. I have been there and I know how hard it is. But here's the thing. Even after you're banded, you'll have a choice. If you want to eat around your band, you will find a way. The band can make you think but you can choose to ignore what it is telling you. It is only a tool. It is not a quick fix. It won't get rid of whatever leads you to eat emotionally. That's why I am glad that you are getting a therapist and I hope this happens for you ASAP. If you choose to work with your band, it can help you with portion control. Your surgeon will give you guidelines as to what you can eat after you are banded. You have to change how you think about food. It is no longer your best friend; it is there to fuel you. You can enjoy it, but you can't look to it for comfort, love and entertainment. You have to find new ways to deal with your feelings and hopefully therapy will help you there. I write a lot, read, take walks, call someone, come to LBT. It is completely normal to be anxious and scared as the surgery date looms closer. Only you can decide that you want to take control. We are here to support you and many of us have been where you are. Take care!

jbflorida, that has happened to me too! I lose interest. I guess that means I wasn't hungry anymore, right? Sometimes food gets cold before I finish it and then I'm just done. Bea1128, that's a shame about salad. I love a good salad too. This thing specifically happened to me when getting lunch at Chik-fil-A. Used to be one of my favorite fast food places -- their signature item is a well-seasoned, fried chicken breast fillet on a bun with pickle slices. I got some nuggets there for lunch last week because I was really craving that taste. I took a tiny bite of one and started chew-chew-chewing. Then I discovered that the texture of the coating, with the grease on it, was absolutely disgusting and it was way too salty. I have always been a salt fiend but I guess since I used to eat the nuggets in one or two bites, I didn't notice how salty and greasy they were. I was so disappointed! I gave the other nuggets to my DH.

Dynamo, it really felt good to be that controlled. I am not perfect but I was so proud of myself for doing it. I hope that it becomes second nature at some point! Taynuh, I think that makes sense to have your planned indulgences. You're still in control, you're not denying yourself anything but you're also not having a free-for-all. I got so caught up in the "bad" foods and "banned" foods when dieting that it always led me to ruin and binging wildly on whatever I was really craving. Tied, I did enjoy my leftovers from Outback, very yummy for lunch the next day and then I just had a small dinner because it was so filling. Not the healthiest place but there are some decent options and modifications you can make here and there. They're pretty good about substitutions and leaving things off/out. Good thing since it is DH's favorite restaurant. Your advice to Shelbi was so great. I have been saying the same thing to my mother who is going through difficult times trying to quit smoking, take care of her own health and deal with her sisters in relation to caring for my elderly grandmother (they expect her to do everything regardless of her own issues). I have seen her give of herself over the years and end up exhausted mentally, emotionally and physically, time and time again. I hope that we can all remember to take care of ourselves first. Well, I think it is safe to say I won't be one of those lucky few who can get by with going a long time between fills. I know mine was just a week ago, and I have heard that they can take awhile to "kick in," but I'm already back to eating more than I was right after the fill. Tracking everything (I love SparkPeople!) helps me to keep the amounts/calories reasonable but I get hungry between meals. Maybe I didn't get enough of a fill to begin with but since it was my first one, I'm still figuring all of this out! I'd better get on scheduling it now since it can take awhile to get in no matter where I go.

I use a toddler-sized fork and spoon for meals at home, that definitely helps me to take smaller bites. I also cut all meats up before I start eating. If I'm eating something that I didn't cut up (or something handheld), I just have to be very mindful. I will look at what I'm putting on the fork and then take half of that. I will consciously take smaller bites of the burrito or whatever it is. I give myself 30 minutes to eat and make myself put down the fork and rest between bites. If I don't chew enough or take big bites, then, OUCH, I get an unpleasant pain in my chest. My DH has also gotten into the habit of watching and telling me to slow down when I need it, which I appreciate. Obviously, I used to gobble my food. One interesting development is discovering that some things aren't as tasty when chewed so thoroughly. Or they're too salty or overly seasoned. Never noticed it before when I was stuffing my face!

Welcome pbpunisher. I hope that you find help and support here regardless of your decision. I just wanted to address wimpys comment about the "bans" on meat, ice cream and carbonated drinks. First, the "no meat" thing -- I have never heard or read that anywhere and am surprised that a surgeon would make such a blanket statement. All bandsters are so different in what they can tolerate. Some can't eat certain types of meat, or meat cooked in certain ways. I'm sure there are some who can't eat meat at all, but I would say that they are in the minority. To say that getting banded means never eating meat again is simply not true. I've only been banded for about six weeks and have had one fill, but I eat meat. I have discovered that I can't eat very dry, tough or fibrous meat, which was something I was aware of as a possibility pre-op. But I have eaten all kinds of meat -- including steak, chicken, pork, shrimp and fish -- without problems as long as they are moist and I take small bites and chew well. As for ice cream it is discouraged because it goes through the band very easily and provides a lot of sugar, calories and fat without much else. But never again is also incorrect. Finally, the carbonated beverages. I have noticed that surgeons vary a lot on this one. Some say nothing about it. Others, like mine, say to avoid it because they believe it can inflate the pouch and cause excessive gas. Some people take little sips or open a can of soda and let it go flat before drinking (which I see no point in doing because the carbonation is part of the enjoyment, but there it is). That's again something that differs from person to person. Personally I decided to just give it up. Yes, I liked my Diet Coke, but I drank maybe one a day if that. I haven't had it in over two months and it's not been that big of a deal. So basically, what I'm saying is that there aren't that many universal absolutes when it comes to post-op diet. It's all about your surgeon, your body and what you choose to do with the tool that is the band.