PhotoNut

I recenly posted some information on Protein in the food Forum entitled Choosing Protein Sources and supplements. An excerpt from that stated: Dietary Proteins are strong compounds that build and repair body tissues from muscles to hair and fingernails. In addition to maintaining the body's structure, proteins speed up chemical reactions in the body, serve as chemical messengers, fight infection, and transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. I agree that there are many things which can cause infections, however I think many of us don't understand the importance of getting our proteins in. My nutritionist had me eating high protein 2 weeks prior to surgery and Im supposed to be getting a minimum of 60 grams per day still (mushie phase). This was for good reason.. while we are eating low carb and low fat (those things which our body typically looks to for energy) our bodies will be turning to protein for energy, thus taking from our muscles. Since we have gone thru surgery, we need more protein to repair the torn (cut) tissues and to fight the infections. If we are not providing that with supplements, we run a higher risk of infection, longer recovery periods, and loss of muscle mass which will make us look older and unhealthy. Choosing protein supplements is important. Many are just a waste of money because they do not contain enough 'digestible proteins'. If you are interested in choosing a good protein drink/shake. Read that post. Thanks for letting me find another place to stand on my soap box. *laughs*

I am not a soda drinker, but this thread interested me because of the recent posts about erosions. It would seem to me that the carbonation would cause the lower stomach and upper pouch to swell, putting pressure on both the band and the stomach wall. Aside from the obvious discomfort that this could cause, could it not also cause stomach erosion? This is kind of crossing two threads now, but in the discussions about fills I noticed people saying that the docs in Mexico are far more aggressive with their fills. Probably because they want the restriction to last seeing that the patients live so far away. At the same time, we see more erosions coming from the bands 'installed' in Mexico. Which to me indicates suspicion of the band being too tight on the stomach, thereby rubbing through the tissue or possibly tearing it (erosion). If this is true, would we not be risking the same results by blowing up our stomachs with carbonate drinks or over-stuffing ourselves with food? How many times have I seen people talk about 'testing the limits' or 'pushing the band to see how far they could go before PBs'? I paid out of my own pocket for this extraordinary piece of plastic in my stomach. I am putting a huge amount of faith and hope into its success. I'll be damned if I want to test it or push it to the point of ruining what I feel is my last hope.

I told my husband about this thread, and he wanted me to correct a misquote. He didn't say fat people are happy, he said they are funny. His theory is that we know we will be the center of attention because we are the biggest person in the room. So, as a form of defense we develop a distraction from our size. We become comedians. Now this may not be true for everyone, but for those of us who know we will end up in the spotlight entertaining everyone (Just like ChefDiane said) it could be a very interesting theory. I read him Diane's post and he said, well yea, others will treat us differently that's to be expected. We won't be the focus of the room anymore. Do you feel like the focus of the room. Like a spotlight comes on and you have to entertain? Something else I think about is husbands of my friends. Right now, nobody's threatened when I'm the laugh of the party or a husband hugs me. What will happen when I'm 130 pounds? Will I be forced to tone down my personality so I'm not a threat? Good grief. I hope I can handle this. *bites nails*

Welcome 3loves! Encourage your hubby to join as well. There's plenty of support and encouragement for the both of you. Good luck on your approvals. I hope the go thru without any problems and that you are both on your way before you know it. Cheers!

I have a fear of everyone finding out that I'm really Elvis.

Kim8 and I wanted to share the following PMs with you all to bring you into this conversation. Please add your thoughts. A PM from Kim8 to PhotoNut: Sus - As I sit here and read your PM and laugh about the 12 course sonic meal, I start to contemplate skinny people. Do you think we'll lose our personalities along with our weight? If it wasn't for self-depricating humor, I might be humorless - what a terrible thought!!! Oh surely I can still laugh at myself about the big zit on my chin, or my extra stomach skin, or my saggy boobs, or, or, or - yikes... will this be different! I have such a smorgasbord of things to laugh at myself about ..... (Kim listed several things but I wasnt sure she wanted to share them - although, they were pretty darn funny) and the list could go on forever.... It seems to me that some of the funniest and most fun people I know are overweight - come to think of it, I know very few skinny people who I think have a really funny personality. Maybe I just don't know enough skinny people??? So - do you think we'll lose our sparkling personalities??????????? Please say no! PhotoNuts response: Wow, your question has really hit home. I have been wondering the same thing. Part of me wants to think logically and say, but but.. we only laugh because it hurts so much.. and.. wouldn't it be nice to have people laugh and enjoy our company when it's not at the expense of our inner sorrow? But I know exactly what you mean. Some of the funniest times I can remember, the side splitting laughter, tears and gasping for air from laughing so hard, were times when me and my fat girlfriends were laughing at ourselves. You know, I dont think we ever thought it was truly funny. I think perhaps it was just a release.. to laugh was a means of letting out the pent up emotions which weren't really funny at all. When I first started coming here, i told my husband that I enjoyed reading the posts because everyone seemed so happy and funny. And he said, well of course they are.. they are all fat. (He is too by the way. He's dieting on his own along with my changes. More on that later.) It hit me that he was right. Fat people have always been classified as happy people. But they arent happy at all, are they. Jovial Santa. Round belly, big smile. Aunt Jemima. Big old fat lady, with a big smile. Your favorite gradman image. Fat lady with lots of love and warm squishy hugs. Odd how happiness was ever linked to obesity. Perhaps at one time, it was a sign of wealth.. which would in turn make you happy? I dunno really. Maybe fat people are happier than skinny people, because fat people eat and comfort their stresses and sadnesses. Skinny people have no comfort. They just (let the stress) eat away at their own bodies? My hope is that the answer is no. We wont lose our sparkling personalities. My hope is that they will be magnified when coupled with the physical ability to get out and enjoy life to the fullest. You know, this would be a great topic for the board. If you dont mind, I think we should share these last two PMs in a post and see what others have to say. Kim8 repsonded: I dunno Sus - I think I'm happy??? I have a pretty good life --- I just think that it would be so much more fun to be able to live life a little more and do the things i'm too self-conscious to do now. Also - it is depressing to go get clothes - that's the only time I'm really not happy - that and god forbid pool parties . So I don't know what the answer to this one is. I'm agreed - you want to post it? It seems like a decent discussion topic to me.

I have seen many people asking about how to choose the right Protein supplements so I thought this might be helpful. My son is studying for his Personal Trainer Certification through a program accredited by NESTA (National Endurance & Sports Trainers Association). The other day we were talking about Proteins and he showed me a three page section of his study course which I thought was worth sharing with all of you. I will try to include the most important points while keeping this post as brief as possible. Protein Dietary proteins are strong compounds that build and repair body tissues from muscles to hair and fingernails. In addition to maintaining the body's structure, proteins speed up chemical reactions in the body, serve as chemical messengers, fight infection, and transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. The body uses protein only if carbohydrates and fat intake is insufficient. When utilized as an energy source, protein is diverted from the many vital functions it performs for our bodies. Therefore it is crucial that we intake enough carbohydrates and fat so protein is not pulled as a primary energy source. Proteins are made of smaller units called amino acids. Think of protein as the building block of muscle, and amino acids as the building blocks of protein. When we eat food high in proteins, the digestive tract breaks this dietary protein into amino acids. These amino acids are broken down to different size chains, or groups, to be absorbed in our small intestines. These chains of amino acids are called peptides. The human body can absorb only very small di and tripeptides (chains consisting of two or three amino acids). Larger peptides must be enzymatically broken down (hydrolyzed) before any absorption can occur. Most breakdown and absorption occurs in the proximal section (duodenum) of the small intestine. The human body has approximately one foot of duodenum. Once past the proximal bowel. there is essentially no further protein absorption. Undigested protein passes into the colon where it is a known health hazard. Beef, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, soy, grains as well as some protein supplements have no di and tripeptides. These proteins have average peptide sizes ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 Daltons which require significant breakdown time and limit average absorption to 30% at its best. People who do not eat animal products can meet their protein needs with plant proteins found in vegetables, grains, and Beans. However, plant proteins lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Therefore a keen sense of combining plant proteins to provide all of the essential amino acids is important. A good example is rice and beans. Each of these foods lacks one or more essential amino acids, but the amino acids missing in rice are found in the beans, and vice versa. Although considered complete proteins, the human body does not possess the necessary enzymes to break down vegetable proteins and most of it ends up in the colon where bacteria gain access to it. Research has shown that most of the gas once thought to come from the Fiber found in vegetarian sources of protein such as beans, is now known to be caused by the undigested vegetable protein instead. Animal proteins, found in such foods as eggs, milk, meat, fish, and poultry, are considered complete proteins because they contain all of the essential amino acids our bodies need. The following list will describe the different types of protein supplements available on the market today. Concentrate This type of protein has 20% to 80% purity, with the remaining consisting of fat and lactose. Could be 20% protein, and 80% fat and lactose; usually the case when not specified in a product. If the concentrate consists of mostly protein, it usually states so in the label. This is one of the cheapest and lowest quality proteins available in the market today. Calcium Caesinate This type of protein is even cheaper and lower in quality than “concentrate”. Isolate This type of protein has a purity of 90% and up—can only have 10% or less consisting of fat and lactose. Except for Soy Isolates – You should avoid Soy Isolates at all cost. (Here is an excellent article about Isolates: whey Protein Hydrolizates Remember that to “hydrolyze” something means to break it down to smaller particles; the key here is how “extreme” the hydrolyzation is. It could be 1/10th of 1% and can still be called “hydrolyzed” by law. If the protein is really high quality, the label will state 100% Whey Protein Hydrolizates. The best protein on the market today is made by Bio Nutritional Research Group (BNRG) and it is called Proto Whey. This is the only protein on the market that is 100% absorbable. Keep in mind that by law, all ingredients must be listed from greatest amount present in the product or supplement to the smallest amount present. If soy isolates, calcium caesinate, or a whey concentrate are one of the first ingredients in your supplements, you can be certain you are throwing away your money and being taken advantage of. Because of the types of protein contained in most if not all protein supplements (with the exception of Proto Whey or any other protein that is micro peptide protein complex from extreme hydrolyzed whey protein fraction), a maximum of 30% of its content can be absorbed by the duodenum or proximal bowel (where all protein is absorbed by the human body). The remainder goes on to the large intestine where it rots and creates gas and GI discomfort. If you are getting gas and discomfort from your protein supplement, you can be certain that it is a low quality protein that your body cannot break down and therefore cannot absorb. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- I am seeing a wound care specialist for an injury I recently got. We had a big dicussion on protein because of it's importance in wound healing and infection prevention. The doctor told me that most people can calculate the right amount of protein for them by multiplying .35 times the amount of weight you wish to sustain. Of course, I you are at 350 pounds and your goal weight is 125, you would want to gradually reduce your intake rather than a sudden drop. Example: I want to weigh 130 pound. 130 x .35 = 45.5 As in all things here, be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations for you. I know that right after surgery the typical protein amount is 60 grams. This is to help us recover from surgery, and because we are eating a very low fat/low carb diet - which means our bodies are going to be looking for more protein for energy.

Slim Fast has a great Cappuccino shake. I also enjoyed Swanson's vegetable broth. You should be able to have Jello too. Are you drinking Protein shakes? If not you should buy some all natural whey protien and mix it with skim milk and other flavorings. Its not so good alone. I used 1 scoop of strawberry flavored Whey protein and added 1/2 banana, 1 tsp Splenda and blended this very well. Until the banana was like pulp in orange juice. Just enough to chew on a bit. Then I let it sit in the frige so the banana would mix well and cover the whey flavor. Then, I stirred in an entire can of Slim Fast vanilla shake and this made two meals for me, with a total of 42 grams of protein. I've just purchased a huge jug of vanilla protein along with sugar free Hershey's chocolate syrup and some sugar free syrups that are by the coffee in the grocery store. I'm going to be trying a variety of concoctions so I don't get bored. Protein Shakes will be a daily part of my diet now, for I don't want to lose muscle and hair.. only fat!

I'm so exicted for you! And I'm with Paula.. the anticipation is already killing me! Wow, how exciting to see one of our own on the Biggest Loser! *crosses everything that will cross, and forces some things that won't* We're rootin' for ya! PS Eh.. 5 pounds is no big deal when youre looking at the big picture. Don't let that get you down. It will fall away before you know it. *hugs*

Yay Mandy!! Size 12s! You go girl!! What an inspriation to see you all celebrating these victories. I can't wait to be overweight again!! *hugs*

Wow, so many people getting banded! It's an epidemic I tells ya! Grats Emily!

Welcome, welcome all you new bandsters! I wasn banded on Jan 9, 06 and am already feeling like an old timer here. And that's because everyone here is so friendly and eager to help out. It's a great group. I agree with Kathy, you all be careful not to push that band. Give it time to settle in as the swelling goes down. Dont risk pushing it out of place or anything by eating foods that you can have in a few short weeks. Why risk screwing up such a blessing (your band) for a piece of bread? Hang in there, do exactly what your doctor tells you to, and before you know it you'll be well on your way to safely eating normal foods again. Grats to you all for your weight loss so far! Keep up the great work and keep us posted on your progress.

Welcome to the group Jennifer! I get my tickers at www.tickerfactory.com Simply design the one you want, then copy and paste the code into your signature. (use the first code under the finished ticker)

OMG this is my big Five O year and I soooo wanna be under 200 pounds before then (Dec 3). I don't want to be old and fat! *sobs* (My inner voice is now saying: well, stupid, you had enough years to prepare for this and what did you do eh? You sat around getting fatter, whinning about how old you felt and how much you hated it. What did you expect??)

Grats on crossing over to bandland! I remember so well that feeling of thirst. They gave me a sponge on a stick that I dipped in Water and swabbed my mouth out with. After drinking the barium, they gave me a sip of water to wash my mouth out with. How hard it was to spit that out and not swallow it! My hospital stay was only overnight but it was awful. I know how happy you are to be home. Keep up the great recovery, and keep us posted on your journey to good health.

Grats Steven, and welcome to the best support group Ive found. Everyone here seems to be open, honest (even if it does hurt) and so willing to help each other out. Ask lots of questions before your surgery, which will be here before you know it. Im sure you'll find lots of support here. And Im SO glad you chose the band. The bypass makes me cringe for so many reasons.

What an incredibly strong person you are. Don't give up hope now. Like Banded for Life said, you can still follow the same rules you would have with your band. And stay connected here for ongoing support and encouragement. Try to trust that all things happen for a good reason. My heart goes out to you. I would be devistated too. *big hugs*

I think we might be missing something important here. Being fat is typically not something that we sat down, thought over, and decided to become. I'm fairly certain that all of us would choose being thin over being fat. We are fat because we have issues we are unable to overcome. Some of us have physical issues, but most are fat because of emotional issues. About a year ago, I began having panic attacks. I showed up at my work, sat in the parking lot and bawled my eyes out, unable to go inside, feeling as if I was being forced to walk in there butt naked. I was mortified. I'm still not sure why this happened. It's a great place to work, my husband and I have worked there together for years. Anyway, I went home that day and still haven't gone back to work. While I was working, I showered, did my hair and put on makeup every morning. I didn't dress up, but my clothes were neat and clean. After the first panic attack? I slowly stopped caring. How many times can you put on that make up, fix your hair, get dressed and put on perfume, only to look in the mirror and feel your heart sink when that voice in your head says to you, "Yeah, and you're still ugly and fat.. why did you bother?" I began wearing the same clothes everyday, not showering for days, keeping my dirty hair slicked back in a pony tail. And, I stopped going out of the house or letting anyone in. I had crashed and burned. My point here is this.. perhaps being a "slob" or not bothering to make yourself look the best you can be -even if you are fat- is more than just a choice to be a slob. Maybe, just maybe, that person you are turning your nose up at is hurting so much inside that they can't even find the will to care. I'm happy for those of you who can enjoy dressing up and feeling good about yourselves. But dont snub your nose at those who can't. Someone on here recently started a thread called something like, 'What do you do to feel sexy?' I just sat here staring at it wondering what it would be like to even feel good enough to go out in public. We are all struggling in this world to find a way to feel acceptable in one form or another. Let's not add to the struggle by treating others as if they are intentionally being less of a person than they SHOULD be.

I am 49 and have had no complications with the surgery (band related.. the rest is another story). Prior to my surgeon giving his approval for the surgery, I had to undergo a gauntlet of tests ranging from a psychological evaluation, to $600 worth of blood tests, to a sleep study. I also had to get a seal of approval from a Pulminologist (heart/lung specialist). By the time I laid on that gurney to be prepped for surgery, I felt 100% confident that I was in good shape for surgery and that the odds were very low that I would suffer from any avoidable complications. It was an added expense to go thru these pre-tests, but also a great comfort to my family and me.

I had hernia repair done at the same time, but mine was not located anywhere near the stomach where the band is located. I just read the following about your hernia: Hernias occur when one part of the body protrudes through a gap or opening into another part. And although a hernia can theoretically develop almost anywhere, most are in the abdominal area. This includes hiatal hernias — also known as diaphragmatic hernias — which form at the opening in your diaphragm where your food pipe joins your stomach. I'm no docotor, but it would make sense that he wants to avoid doing both at the same time because of the additional swelling below the band. While I can certainly understand how disappointing it would be to wake up without the band, I would say trust your surgeon, he knows what he's doing.. that's why he gets paid the big bucks! And, the two week pre-op diet is to shrink that liver so he can safely get to your stomach, that will be important even if he does only end up repairing the hernia. Best of luck to you. I sincerely hope all goes smoothly and youre banded without a hitch. *hugs*

I had this same sensation. I attributed it to gas under the diaphram. It went away in less than two weeks, but during the time I had it I was miserable. It seemed to hurt the worst when I first sat up. Anyway, it should go away soon. But as Cheri said, if it persists or is severe pain, call your doctor for your peace of mind and your well being. I also wasnt very hungry for that first week and a half. Then suddenly I felt the swelling go down, the band around my upper chest was gone and I was starving! heh Stick to liquids for a while, get plenty of Protein for healing and you'll be feeling different in no time. Grats on your band! Keep us posted on your progress. Everyone here loves to Celebrate with losers. *smiles*

I can give you just about the same story as the rest. From crying over the thought of losing my precious comfort food, to the fear of not being soft, cuddly, me anymore. I persisted thru the fears for one reason. I want to live.. really live! Im sick of settling for an existance inside my house. I'm sick of being pissed off about how I look. I'm sick of feeling like it's time to give up and accept what life dealt me. Bah! Am I still afraid of the future? Do I miss my foods? Do I still wonder if Ive done the right thing? Yep, I sure do. But Ive made an agreement with myself that you might find helpful. I told myself that when I weigh 130 pounds and look 20 years younger, I'll decide whether or not to have the band taken out so I can trade in health, self confidence, mobility, and a happy spirit for all the foods that took those things from me. If I dont like being thin and healthy, then I can choose to go back to 307 pounds and living in my house with aching feet, knees and hips, while pressing onward to diabetes and a young death. And you know what? I have a feeling I already know what my choice will be.. dont you? *smiles* Hang in there, go for it, we all faced the same fears. They are just the same lies that got us in this unhappy, unhealthy state we are in today.

hm, not sure you copied the right one.. there is one that is for boards (just under the ticker you made) be sure to copy it all. :thankyou: