kabeerah

Dylansmom and Kathy thank you so much for your support. Elizabath, I would love to hear from more bandsters outside of north America.

Don't you just love these type of questions. Today my nephew and i were discussing problem foods for bandsters. He was like, what will happen if a bandster eats such and such until I eventually was like you know, I wonder what would happen if I eat pop rocks with coke...we got a good laugh out of that one. Any idea?

Alex thanks alot. I really should be sleeping now, while the jids are asleep, but I need to get some more fluids in! I'm sure I will bore my kids with stories of how much I sracrificed for them later!

Does the same rules apply? If I don't drink before and after my liquid meal, I don't get enough water in. I have noticed that after drinking the water I do get hungry again. I try and wait a bit so that I am not in the habit of drinking atround my meals once my liquid diet is over.

Awww Cookinjille I am so glad that you found some benefit in my post!

Another overnighter! I stayed overnight too. I dranked a picture of water right before midnight the day before surgury and was only allowed ice chips post op. They sent up chicken broth, a drink box (not a real juice box but the sugar and water junk stuff), two milk boxes, and some jello for lunch the next day (still on no food for breakfast). I guess the dietiacian needs to be educated better about post wLS diets.

Miper the support here was priceless so I am glad to be able to pay it forward. Paulax, that is exactly what is happening, he is taking his food from me and it can be exhausting on the body. Oh well...i'm use to it. I have nursed two other children well into two other pregnancies...God-Willing these deeds will please God and He will put me in paradise for it! At least that's what I keep telling myself

Thank You Elizabeth. I noticed that Stateside the follow-up is usually two weeks, my doc saw me at one week. He actually was shocked to see me yesterday and said the appointment should have been for thursday (a week after my release). I wonder if this is because Stateside it seems everyone has staples, but here they use sutures.

Hello Everyone, God is The Greatest! I can not praise Him enough. I thank Him for giving me a chance to improve my life. An a life improvement it has been... I was banded a week ago today (3/29). To be honest I planned on coimng in here posting a few observations I have made on a NSV caliber. However, I did a no - no and got on the scale a few minutes ago (I was weighed in yesterday at my docs office too). I did not do a pre-op diet. NSV 1. There is no slippage or oozing out of fat from my bra....last week it was disgusting, now everything fits in. 2. I can clean my backside with ease. Last week I was in tears because I have short arms and it was getting very difficult and it depressed me because I new a gfew more gained pounds and I would need a home nurse to bath me! 3. My backpains have disappeared. I truely do not understand that as I did not expect this until I lost at least 75lbs! 4. My endema on my hands and feet are gone. There are no indents left from my socks or shoes. 5. My anxiety and stress is decreasing 6. I can wash and moisturize my feet better. 7. I enjoy taking my children to the corniche and playground again. SV I have lost 17lbs! I'm sure this is Water weight and that the lost will slow down and I might even have a gain, but I feel so much better in just one week. Who would have thought that just a fraction of this weight coming off would alleviate so many of my problems. I have not had any complications. I have no real complaints, but I am nursing my son and am concerned I may not be getting in enough calories. At night my brest are full when I put him to sleep and he nurses thriughout the night but in the day time they do not feel as full. He is eating food and I still nurse him several times during the day (today I was tired and felt a bit drained). Nursing him and co-sleeping with him have also been my most physically uncomfortable moments. Not a big problem and well worth the scrafice. Well that's all folks:)

Hi Kristi, we were banded on the same day! I can't help you with your problem. The worse for me is dealing with my baby (nursing him and playing).

I use to have so a low tolerance for pain. I now think of it as a mind over matter thing. This was my 5th operation. I have had 3 c secs and my gallbladder removed. So far the band is similar but because I am ann old pro I can handle it better. The hardest part is nusring my baby. If I nurse him laying on my right side it is ok. However, lying on my left side puts pressure on my port. If I nurse him on my lap its not so bad either because I put a pillow there. I mean it's manageble...but what to do the boy has to eat. The first night home I slep in my bed with him. Last night we slept on the floor of the play room because I was afraid he would wake up and fall out of the bed because I couldnt move fast enough to get him. Actually I nursed him on the floor then I slept in the recliner. My dh asked me this morning, "when can we do it?". I said do what trying to play dumb cuz I truely thought it was insensitive and how could he be thinking about something like that while i'm in pain. I handle my pain well but maybe I should be more dramatic around him.

I use to have so a low tolerance for pain. I now think of it as a mind over matter thing. This was my 5th operation. I have had 3 c secs and my gallbladder removed. So far the band is similar but because I am ann old pro I can handle it better. The hardest part is nusring my baby. If I nurse him laying on my right side it is ok. However, lying on my left side puts pressure on my port. If I nurse him on my lap its not so bad either because I put a pillow there. I mean it's manageble...but what to do the boy has to eat. The first night home I slep in my bed with him. Last night we slept on the floor of the play room because I was afraid he would wake up and fall out of the bed because I couldnt move fast enough to get him. Actually I nursed him on the floor then I slept in the recliner. My dh asked me this morning, "when can we do it?". I said do what trying to play dumb cuz I truely thought it was insensitive and how could he be thinking about something like that while i'm in pain. I handle my pain well but maybe I should be more dramatic around him.

I had basically given up hope of being able to lose weight until I found out about the Band. I have steadyly gained weight since marriage and having children and IO can't believe how big I am. I am an American living in Saudi Arabia. The most jope I had for losing weight was to go back on Atkins after weaning my son. Problem is I usually nurse my kids for two years and he isn't even one yet. Then I discovered the band. Not only did I discover the band but I was informed the the surgeon who laproscropically removed my gallbladder was being trained to band and would soon be in charge of the WLC at his hospital. He is a family friend soI consulted with him in January about the band and he told me that as soon as the Mininistry of Health sent them all the equipment, he would band me. I was excited because this would be free at the Government hospital. I was so excited that I really didn't even care that he lacked experience. I figured he could put it in and I would do the rest. Well the hospital was taking to long to set up the WLC and I was still gaining weight. Actually my eating had gone crazy after finding out about the band. It was as if I was trying to have everything just one more time before being banded. I started caling around to other local hospitals to price the band. They were more affordable than abroad ($6500) but I still could not afford it. So I tried to patiently wait. In the mean time I had a nasty ineffection from an ingrown toenail. I got it around the same time I found out about the band. I basically went into depression and stayed home off my foot for 3 months. In a away I stayed home after finding out about the band avoiding people until after the band. I don't want to meet any new people until I loose weight and I do not want to see any old friends until I have lost too. Well my depression started getting bad once I found out my surgeon was on vacation for a month. At that point I said I couldn't wait any longer, called another local hospital and found out that their package was much more affordable because it was a semi-government hospital. I made an appointment for a consultation a little over two weeks ago. Met with the doc. Did all my testing the same day and scheduled to be banded two weeks later. I am now 3 days post op and have no complaints. The first night in the hospital I was only allowed to eat ice chips. They were great, I actually miss them. I have tried to blend up some ice cubes at home but it's not the same. I went to GNC and bought some Ready To Drink Myoplex Protein Drinks. Some are CarbSense some are regular. So far my favorite flavore is cookies and creame. I also have some Slim Fast Optimum and Carnation instant Breakfast. I am on a liquids only diet for 4 weeks. So far this is what I have eaten. March 29th 2006 (weds day of Surgury) Ice Chips March 30th 2006 (thurs) Ice chips bout 2 spoons of chicken broth from hospital 17oz myoplex 16 oz water March 31st 2006 (fri) Breakfast- 8oz myoplex Lunch- 1 cup of vegatable stock Dinner- 8oz Myoplex Snack- 1 cup of Chicken broth Apple juice- 2 8oz cups water- 5 8oz cups

I had basically given up hope of being able to lose weight until I found out about the Band. I have steadyly gained weight since marriage and having children and IO can't believe how big I am. I am an American living in Saudi Arabia. The most jope I had for losing weight was to go back on Atkins after weaning my son. Problem is I usually nurse my kids for two years and he isn't even one yet. Then I discovered the band. Not only did I discover the band but I was informed the the surgeon who laproscropically removed my gallbladder was being trained to band and would soon be in charge of the WLC at his hospital. He is a family friend soI consulted with him in January about the band and he told me that as soon as the Mininistry of Health sent them all the equipment, he would band me. I was excited because this would be free at the Government hospital. I was so excited that I really didn't even care that he lacked experience. I figured he could put it in and I would do the rest. Well the hospital was taking to long to set up the WLC and I was still gaining weight. Actually my eating had gone crazy after finding out about the band. It was as if I was trying to have everything just one more time before being banded. I started caling around to other local hospitals to price the band. They were more affordable than abroad ($6500) but I still could not afford it. So I tried to patiently wait. In the mean time I had a nasty ineffection from an ingrown toenail. I got it around the same time I found out about the band. I basically went into depression and stayed home off my foot for 3 months. In a away I stayed home after finding out about the band avoiding people until after the band. I don't want to meet any new people until I loose weight and I do not want to see any old friends until I have lost too. Well my depression started getting bad once I found out my surgeon was on vacation for a month. At that point I said I couldn't wait any longer, called another local hospital and found out that their package was much more affordable because it was a semi-government hospital. I made an appointment for a consultation a little over two weeks ago. Met with the doc. Did all my testing the same day and scheduled to be banded two weeks later. I am now 3 days post op and have no complaints. The first night in the hospital I was only allowed to eat ice chips. They were great, I actually miss them. I have tried to blend up some ice cubes at home but it's not the same. I went to GNC and bought some Ready To Drink Myoplex Protein Drinks. Some are CarbSense some are regular. So far my favorite flavore is cookies and creame. I also have some Slim Fast Optimum and Carnation instant Breakfast. I am on a liquids only diet for 4 weeks. So far this is what I have eaten. March 29th 2006 (weds day of Surgury) Ice Chips March 30th 2006 (thurs) Ice chips bout 2 spoons of chicken broth from hospital 17oz myoplex 16 oz water March 31st 2006 (fri) Breakfast- 8oz myoplex Lunch- 1 cup of vegatable stock Dinner- 8oz Myoplex Snack- 1 cup of Chicken broth Apple juice- 2 8oz cups water- 5 8oz cups

Thanks Everyone! VQ...lol! I am known to go shopping directly from the hospital. My 2nd child was born 3 weeks early via c-sec. As soon as I was released I was at a mega mart getting all my baby needs...then I went home. Same with the band. I only bought a few Protein drinks and slim fast optimum last week because I did not want to waste my money on them. So after my dh picked me up from the hospital the next day, I had him drive me (one long and bumby way) 1 hour away to stock up for a month. Doc. has me on full liquids for 4 weeks.

Hello Everyone, I was banded yesterday 3/29/06. So far so good, no complaints and very optimistic!

Oh these were examples to show you how ferocious my appitite is NOW (pre-banded) I do not plan on eating the fast food items. I just wanted examples. Like if I can eat 10 nuggets now, with prper restriction how many do you guestimate I can eat...1? 5? I have no problem eating healthy. My problem is p[ortion control and if I am not full and healthy items are unavailable then LOOK OUT! I actually think the band is ideal for me. I fantasise about eating small healthful foods. I am disgusted with stuffing my body with junk. This is why I asked others to post their now and laters. I just want an idea. Lemme try this again using healthful bandster choices. Now 4 deviled eggs 1/2 grilled chicken huge greek salad pint sugar free icecream (one sitting)

Hello, I am to be banded with the Swedish band, Go-Willing! Of course most of the bandsters here are lapbands. Do you find it difficult to relate to them or is everything basically the same. If you were banded abroad (well outside of U.S) and most of the bansters in your area are Swedish bands, do you hear of the same rate of complications that we hear of here (LBT)(erosions,slips, port infections, etc). Also, to reach your 'sweet spot' is it easier or about the same. Are the fills more agressive since the band is bigger. If there is anything that you think is unique about the Swedish band please tell me. Heck tell me if you love or hate your band and why. Looking forward to reading your responses.

I know there are many food threads here, but I am still trying to make this realistic. I will tell you guys what I can eat now and for each item please tell me what I should be able to eat later. If anyone else whAt'a to post their own Now & Laters, please do. Now KFC - 5 peices (one of each part and then an extra!) BK- Double whopper w/cheese supersized meal Subway-Footlong sub meal deal Pizza- half of a large Rotisserie Chicken- half (on Atkins induction I could eat the whole thing) Ramen noodles- two packs Mcdonalds- 9 peice chicken nuggets Biggie size meal Breakfast- 4 scrambled eggs, 4 pancakes

Five there is nothing I can add that hasn't already been said. I hope you are encouraged now and no longer discouarged.

that's wonderful. i'm glad you are there for her. i haven't told my mom.

fiveholts that was excellent advice! my dh understands my desire to this and has accepted it. i think the biggestest factor for him are trust issues. he trust that our friend will look out for my best interest. he is not so sure of the other doc. superdoc has the most experience out of everyone because he is a training doc. however, i wonder how many complications he has had. i mean he has banded over 5000...i fiond it hard to believe that they have all been perfect. not to mention many of them are seeking private docs for their aftercare so there is nobody to keep track of how many slips/erosions or other complications he's had. the doc who is scheduled to band me was trained in australia and has only banded 90 and does their after care...he claims no slips or erosions. i really appreciate you offering another perspective to balance things. on one hand i have legallykristen saying that this is typical of surgeons to ewant you to take their recommendation and on the other hand i have you saying...listen and take heed. whAT A DESICION! i really what to do this and had my hopes up high for this week, but i do not want a riskier procedure than neccessary. at the same time their is no ganrantee that super doc will band be or when/where. i'm desparate. my kids are bored and tired of me being to tired to do things with them. i hate being to tired. i cant even stand up and prepare a meal for my family. i have a live inmaid who does everything and i hTE IT. I FEEL LIKE I AM DISABLED BECAUSE of my weight. i do not think i am in the right frame of mind to make this desicision. i still want to do it but now i'm scared.

carlene congrats on your success. roberta, if i askedwhat u just asked me (because i dont know, but doubt there is one for the public), i would receive a smile and a "this is not america." thats what i am always told when i an talking about standards. my american friends say, "there u go thinking like an american again" lol

Photonut, I thanked my friend and told him that if he could get back with me with a definite date (in the near future) that his hospital will be equppied to band and super doc will be available to band/assist/proctor, then I would go with them. I tried to get something concrete from him, but indirectly, I didn't want to push it because I know that it would not have been professional. I know this doc cuz he took out my gallbladder over 3 years ago and has been a friend of our family every since. We had his son with us all day today. Both our families are expats here so we are like family. I know he means well but I want to go ahead with my plans. The problem with dh flying me to wherever super doc is, is that who will do my aftercare? My friend's hospital is not prepared yet. He has been telling me since december that he was waiting on equpiment, and it was months before that that I recall him telling my dh that he was appointed to set up a WLC. This is a government hospital and the procedure is free so its no telling when they will have it set up...O you have to be in this country to understand how it works...somebody could have that requisite just sitting on their desk and forgot all about it. Does anybody think that there is anything else I should discuss with my surgeon before being banded?

Carlene, i'm not exactly sure what he meant by the band failed. After he said that I told him that out of the 90 patients that the surgeon banded, he has had no cases of erosions or slips. When I told him that he just said trust me. It made me recall my original consultation with my surgeon. He took one look at me, saw how much I needed to lose and recommended the bypass over the band. Said from his experience his women patients gave up and did not do well. He said you must diet and exercise and lot of my women pastents are excited in the beginning but it doesnt last. Perhaps these are the patients he had to eventually switch over. If this is the case I understand, but i'm thinking my friend may not. The band is new to him and he is a great surgeon who has learned to put it on but admitted to me himself that he would not be doing my follow up (well only %20 he said), he said I would work mostly with the nutritionist. I am taking these surgeons for what they are...surgeons..if I could put the band on myself I would but I can't so I need them...the rest will really be up to me...I am prepared for that, God-Willing. About the culture thing. Dh and I are American. Dh is a true blue American as apple pie. Former Irish catholic, but reminds me of Archie Bucker all the way. The most opionated, sexist, racist, everything eslist person you could meet. Though he denies it. He comes off as a good ole boy...the boy next door...but I see right thru it...lol