Brian

Hi, You've spent a lot of money and had a significant surgery so calling the office is best. After my banding, my esophagus felt like it just hadn't been stretched very much over the last month due to the pre-op diet, liquids, mushies, etc. Swallowing just seemed to be a tad uncomfortable. I was unused to the very small portions, and slow eating. I soon got over it. A fun thing you will discover is just how long it takes for food to get from your mouth to your band. I thought it would have been faster, like it dropped down or something. Because of the slower than expected transit time to the band, you can get gradually stuck- it sneaks up on you. So now, you have to be very careful about that. You have to avoid stucks and stresses at the operative site. This is why the nurse who talks with you can ask all the right questions and give answers that are best for you and your case. I called once and learned that the doctor put in a small fill during the operation. I was wondering why my band was acting so unforgivingly and quickly returned back to a liquied diet for a couple days to give it a rest and just did a better job with instructions. I have been banded for 5 years, have done very well, and had absolutely no complications. The relief from my terrible heartburn (despite all meds) has been worth the cost of the surgery. I have #20 pounds left to reach goal. Started #325. Hope this helps. Brian

Hi, I was scared to death of drinking pop because I'd heard the same thing and was ready to give it up. It turned out to be very healthy and broke me of a lot of bad habits. It was a year before I drank anything, and that was some bubbly on New Years. You would have thought I was drinking poison- I was so worried and took the tiniest of sips. It wasn't worth it. I think if someone has rather tight restriction, then the release of the carbon dioxide gas from solution expands the stomach and for some reason, there is no burp- as we would normally do. The pressure, I recall one bandster saying- sent her to the ER. I have fairly loose restriction, and have cut myself off of all soda- except diet root beer (the least favorite) giving up all my favorites so I don't drink much anymore. No more trips to the 7-11 for a gazillion ounce Big Belch. I'll pour a glass of root beer on special occassions. I think there is so much in the press these days about insulin, artificial sweeteners, etc, that just that alone would steer people away from sodas. If you are a recent bandster, I would not start drinking soda- even if you can without problems. I can't give you specific advice on your question, but as a newbie, I found it very empowering to follow my doctors orders precisely and that gave me a sense of power over my addiction that I sorely needed. I'm not nearly as strict as I was, and then again, am still about 15 pounds from goal...... 3 years banded, down #80 lbs.

Hi, I had a small fill at surgery and I did just fine for about 2 years, 75 pounds lost. I went back at that 2 year mark for 2 fills. Nurse says that as you loose weight, the band can and does become a little looser, so to keep the past restriction level + a bit more, I had 2 fills. I've never had a lot of restriction, but I'm 13 pounds from the (doctors) goal. I hope this helps.

HI, One of the biggest surprises I have had since being banded June 2008, has been the ability to keep the weight off. Unfortunately I'm stuck at about #20 pounds from goal, but am down 70-75 pounds. I lost all my weight in @ 14 months. I have modest restriction, but enough to remind me of "stucks" and "sliming". Like you, I'll keep track of any weight gain, and then go back to "first principles" of the band. When I hit my plateau I got another 2 fills. It didn't do much. Sadly to say, I've not pursued the fills and have not kicked it up to the next level, but I'm working on it now. Treats around the house don't seem to matter. We live with 3 teen-age boys. It is best when I totally eliminate eating many of the treats,, (like the cheese cake in the fridge), and limit myself to small portions of my favorites, like maybe a cookie or a small brownie. I'm more of a volume eater. One thing I don't do anymore is make the rounds of the fast food places. That is certain death. I don't ever have "total pig outs"; it is like psychologically giving up. You may want to decide what 3 or 4 "first principles of banding", have helped you the most, and go back to them from time to time. It may be waiting 20 minutes to feel full, no drinking for 2 hours, no soda pop, record keeping, meal planning, lots of regular exercise, or trying to psych yourself out for "looking good' at the next family gathering. I do think you are on the right track with the regular weights and self-evaluations. My friend who gained back over 100 pounds, just stopped keeping track, and stopped thinking about what he was doing, and it was very easy gain weight. He also quit his daily walking, and his wife gained back her weight. Vigilence is the price of weight loss, and maintenance. Personally, the greatest tool for weight loss, has been a calorie diary, and planning. I've quit doing that, (until now), and things will change. There is a great satisfaction with total control. It is very empowering. For me, it lasted about 14 months, but the weight maintenance has been nearly as fulfilling. Good Luck, Brian

HI, I notice you've been a member for 3 years. I was a fence sitter for over a year and finally understand that I wasn't going to lose weight- ever, and saw my health deteriorate. I've gone from 322 to 250, hit a major plateau, but doing well. I have no regrets. On the other hand, no complications and I've been moderately successful. But here is the deal: you have to be READY, and that for me was hitting rock bottom; being humbled! I knew that even if the band didn't work as expected, I had to ready to eat better, exercise, and carry-on until the band did become helpful. You can sabotage your band, and your "diet", so easily. I had to have all those issues resolved before I started this journey; and it has been wonderful! (banded June 2008)

There are times when I can 'feel" the port, sort of a pressure, not really pain. This happens if I'm out in the yard doing a lot of work like chopping and stacking wood and doing a lot of bending. I wouldn't say I am "paranoid", but my exercises, (i.e.elliptical) are all geared to avoid stress on the abdominal fascia to which the port is sutured. Far more important, is my concern not to stress the band itself and risk slippage. I have the Lap-band and I prefer the method of attachment that the alternative; so does my surgeon and that closed the deal. Finally, I would not do abdominal crunches, nor sit-ups. Remember that a lot of abdominal surgery consists of sutures, such as the repair of my hiatal hernia. Thus sutures in the abdomen for the port are not a unique or risky procedure. Banded June 30, 2008, weight loss #75 lbs, and feeling great.

I'll join the club. I was banded June 30th, and down 51 pounds, no fills, and really no true restriction, very mild really. My "gas tank", seems to be filled eating about 1/2 of my usual meals and that maybe is 1 of 2 saving graces. The other, I've sworn off a lot bad foods, and if I splurge, eat only something like a 1 inch square of cake. I do figure at some point I'll back-slide and will need to put the band to use with restriction, like I thought I would right off the start. I've been pleased that either my will-power is high, or the band is lurking and working behind the scenes- probably both. It seems that one way or the other, self-control still has to be a major component to success. What I'm doing now truly seems preferable to major restriction. Unfortunately, I've lost weight before and didn't keep if off. But my motivation increased this week, when the results of my last echocardiogram showed mild LVH and mild bi-atrial enlargement. Yuck. In the end, I'll do whatever it takes to get healthy.

Hi, Google "telogen hair loss" and you will get a lot of good info. In short, it can be caused by the stress of surgery(s), or most other pronounced stresses on the body- physical or emotional. You may feel better consulting with a dermatologist. Zinc tablets and zinc shampoos are commonly used. For bandsters, consider low intake of protein as a cause, or perhaps medications? I think I'm having some of it and my surgery was 4 months ago. It often starts about 2 months after surgery. Consider a check of your thyroid and other metobolic conditions- that is why the MD appt is good. Good luck!

No fills yet, so take this into consideration, but I do lots of salads, especially at work, at lunch. I drink a lot before the meal, then make sure I have some canned chicken or tuna or something like that in the salad, or maybe some other meat. The meat slows the transit time into the stomach. I've even tried first the meat separately, then the other stuff- that works too. The lettuce "flows" throught the stoma, esp iceberg, and if you aren't careful, you can eat a ton of salad, tomatoes, onions, etc, and really not feel too full, until you are too full and feel crampy and uncomfortable. With the meat, I feel like I've had a meal and stay satisfied. Cottage cheese tastes great, but is rather high cals and isn't really fillilng, but I eat it. I have to use a measuring cup or I take too much! I do the bacon bits, or turkey bacon, or Salad Fixins. With salad, I also like the Egg Beaters, (Costco brand is fine), microwave 1/2 cup, with onions, top with tomatoes, etc. You can put the omelet on a 30 cal slice of sourdough crisp bread, (buy at store with rye crackers, etc). That way I feel llike I've had a "sandwich". The crackers go through good, bread is little sticky and I've sworn off bread anyway. Top with a tsp or two of hummus, or a taste of garlic pesto, and is delightful. for me, I have to keep nothing but fat free Italian, (or similar) and the 15 cals/per 2 TBL is fine. The Kraft Zesty Italian is my favorite or the Free Caesar Italian (25 cals) is great, or the Vinegriatte etc. Pickles are always great, but watch the sodium. I've had to stop the olives- too many calories for routine use. Fresh sliced tomatoes are good, with a bit of salt and pepper, and with fig balsalmic vinegar is heavenly, absolutely wonderful. I've peeled my tomatoes, but if i'm careful, I do OK, too much work peeeling. A nice snack is tomatoes with a dab of Italian salad dressing. I also like to keep some cucumbers and onions in a jar of vinegar. I've tried different vinegars, but the cheap stuff is just as good, though the exotic stuff like champagne vinegar or pinot grigio is fun. Happy salads!

One way or the other, we have to make decisions and choices how we are going to lose weight, band or no band. Yes, I suppose you could say that I can (swallow) anything, and this, for now is by design. But I'm doing well, down #50 pounds in 4 months, so I'll keep doing what is working. I

Hi, a very nice person is keeping track of the June 2008 bandsters. I had surgery June 30, 2008. Here is what my computer says is the site: Google Docs - LBT Jazzy Junes Chart spreadsheet I can't complain because other than trying to double my usual activity, I've not been exercising. Good luck!

Dear 2nd2none1; it may be best if I revisit the issue of PCOS, if you don't mind, as my earlier note was abbreviated and left false impressions. When I read your note, I was struck by your statement that having PCOS, (constrained) "how much weight I can and can't lose..". I infered from that statement that others (or perhaps your physician) may have given you some unhappy, (or perhaps incorrect) news as to how much weight loss is possible, and not possible, with PCOS. That is why I suggested another opinion may help clarify the issue. I had written a much longer version of my earlier note, and in making it much shorter, I see that all I ended up mentioning was the Water retention vis a vis hormonal changes- and that of course is a gross mischaracterization of a complex syndrome- missing the point entirely about the metabolic consequences of PCOS. Stated more clearly, symptoms may range from the mild to severe and I apologize for implying that weight managment with PCOS is all about water weight; I think it is obvious that is incorrect. Having said that, the question remains, "can people with metabolic problems lose weight, how much, how easily, and will weight loss correct or help reverse the condition?" Similarly, can Type I and Type II diabetics lose weight? Again, in my opinion yes, though it may be harder, take longer etc. But the diagnosis of diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS, metabolic sydrome, etc, should not keep someone from getting the band, or attmepting weight loss. (It is likely a greater motivation.) Should you get the band? I don't know. If your weight is #225, but fertility is really the issue and you can do that with 25 pound weight loss, that is one thing. If you want to get to an IBW of #145 lbs, needing 80 pound wt. loss, well, that is another. I hope some of this is of interest.

As a side issue, you may want to get another opinion on the idea that your weight loss is significantly effected by your polycystic ovarian syndrome, (if I understood your comment correctly). In my opinion, while it may be peripherally related in terms of hormonal- and thus water retention, it is not something that has a significant impact on your ability to lose wt, and keep it off. (are you on metformin?) I would tend to agree that you should not go in debt at this time. Not only do you have to have the finances for up-front costs, there may be complications (god forbid), and that must be considered as well. I know my doctor was actually trained by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico, (he proctors a lot of US doctors). You may have a doctor in your area that trained with Ortiz and would be willing to have you in his practice.

Hi, I am post-op 22 days, and still pretty much am on mushies, but I still use the puree and liquid foods. This is a key question for me as well. I hate to think what "full" meant to me over the years. What ever it was, I got up to 322 pounds. The stomach sits up fairly high in the abdomen and wherever the satiety center is located, (in the brain I guess), I must have overridden whatever impulses my stomach was sending. I never really thought of it as a "lower sensations"; it did seem to be higher up. Now over the years when I've been truly hungry, I felt it all over the abdomen, with attention to the "pit of the stomach" hungry; whatever that is, but probably just under the end of the breastbone (sternum). A couple of months ago, as an experiment, I ate (2) 12 inch Subway meatball sandwiches. At that time, it was really about all I could eat without getting sick feeling- and even that was pushing it. Did I feel full? Yeah, sorta, I just felt uncomfortable, and full, and felt it in what I thought was the stomach. In the pre-op diet, for those 2 weeks, I really felt the hunger more in the "stomach", or as you say "higher up." I got, it seemed, more "in touch" with true hunger, and true satiety, - the stomach filling up. But then, it isn't like you can drink Water and feel true satiety- the brain can't be fooled that easily. I also felt my brain was rebelling at the lack of calories, more light-headed, more easily fatigued, jittery. It seemed to get better. Then surgery, post-op liquids, etc.. I did ok because I was recovering from the band, and a hernia repair. Not a lot of appetite. I feel "normal" now. So I meet with my doc 3 days ago and he says, showing me the rubber stomach with the band on it, "you have something like this..." You have to make sure you don't over-eat" ".....think of the volume of food you are supposed to be eating.. and don't exceed it..... you have some restriction, ( I've felt it)...." So I go home and eat some cream of wheat/grits, (that I combine). Well, bandsters have this hour-glass effect, and the fluids and mushies tend to zip past the "pouch", into the big stomach, so I get down this 200 calorie creation, combined with 1.5 cups of milk. I'm pretty full, but not for very long. Well, in another meal, I follow the Protein principle, and eat finely ground tuna, with minced onions and pickles, with non-fat dressing. Wow, what a difference. I really feel as I eat this, that I'm eating something that is staying in my new stomach. I ate 1 serving of tuna, and stopped. I had to listen to my stomach and brain, and tell myself, you know brian, you really for now, feel full. I tried that with scrambled eggs, less feeling of satiety. but still full. It seems like you have to take the time to slowly listen, just like listening for sounds in the dark. And that is where I'm at. I'm motivated now because I am fearful of damaging my insides or vomiting. But I think we all know that Cookies and ice cream and stuff will go down just fine, and that will kill weight loss, just as lots of liquid nutrition. It has to be real food- next week I'm off a formal post-op diet- the doc was preparing me for that. But- my pants don't fit, my belt has no more holes, my shirts are looser, (27 pounds down) and when I walk through the grocery store, THAT is what I think about rather than all the goodies on the shelves and the smells from the deli section. I guess we will just have to figure it out together! Best of luck.

Hi, I am on the pre-op diet consisting of protein shakes and protein bars and one diet frozen dinner, for 1120 KCals. I find that if I put the shake in the freezer for about 1.5 hours, it starts to get just a bit crystalized/frozen on the top at least, and I find it more palatable ultra cold. I also freeze my protein bars, and it takes longer to eat. Had one today last a whole 10 minutes. good luck!

Hi, I think all of us looking at the LB, get antsy about making the "right decision". Other than a general internet search, I have no specific sites to recommend, but I'll give you my impressions. The VGB is a nifty procedure because it does not create the malabsoption syndrome of the RNY. It is however a permanent surgical procedure and has only been out in US since 2002. There are surgical side effects; it is not benign therapy. There are very few physicians that do the procedure. It was popularized in the UK, etc. etc. just as you can read on the Internet. For me, my medical co-morbities and BMI just don't warrant that option. My specific problems with it: I am not willing to undergo such surgery, RNY, VGB, etc. There is, for me, a much better alternate, the LB. My health insurance does not cover any WLS and more importantly costs of complications. I am willing to take the small bites, the chewing, the reduced food choices, PB, etc. As a pre-banded person, let me say the lapband it is not an elegant solution to weight loss. It will be a hard task-master. Indeed, it is rather "crude". And you know, if it doesn't for some reason, work for me, it will come out. Maybe some day there will be a magic pill. But if the banding is "crude" and inelegant, the surgery is drastic, however you cut it.

Hi, I too am getting banded June 30th and am plenty nervous. I started the pre-op diet today. With my BMI of 43.1, he has me on 1120 Kcal/day, but if I was just a few pounds lighter, I would have been in the 820 range. I'm doing protein shakes and bars, with an evening (diet) frozen dinner. I think this is what I needed psychologically. The doc (general surgeon) has done these for 5 years and never found the surgery technically difficult, but has in the past year started everyone on pre-op diets. I think it does make things a little roomier, he can use less C02 gas, regulates carb/protein metabolism a little tighter, and gets me ready for liquids, mushies, etc. Good luck. You could call the office and tell them you are placing yourself on a diet, and go from there!

Hi, I've started my pre-op diet today and over the past weeks have kept my ear out for talk about it. My doc has me on an 1120 kcal diet for my BMI of 43.1. I asked the RN if she happened to know how much the liver actually "shrank', ( would be from loss of triglycerides found in the liver cells) during these 2 weeks and she had no idea. I'm going to ask the doctor, what % volume is lost. I don't think he will have an answer, but maybe an estimate. I can't imagine the size of the liver would be appreciably reduced- (in consideration of surgical benefits). I think intuitively, (as the nurse reports), the diet helps to reset our carb/protein metabolism and adjust to the lowered calorie intake, all in preparation for the post-op diet. I have found that some doctors prefer their patients not to be in a deteriorated condition at the time of surgery and are willing to adjust the diet as needed. Psychologically, I think the pre-op is a very important feature of the procedure. I also think the the diet does provide a little more "room", meaning less carbon dioxide gas has to be pumped into the abdomen, lifting the muscle, fat, and tissues up and away from the stomach. Less gas, means less surgical "gas' (CO2) pain, post-op. The surgeon does try to remove as much CO2, as possible, but there is always some. Putting the shoulders lower than the abdomen helps, as does, I've heard, getting in the "stink bug" position. i.e., putting your rear-end up in the air! Ha!

The definition of a "nanosecond" is the interval of time between the receptionist asking you your name, and then for the money. They do a "wallet biopsy", before they do anything!

Sometimes a trial of nitroglycerin will relieve the esophageal spasms; it is somewhat diagnostic, (along with your EGD, etc) Yes, this is the same NTG used for cardiac pain, (angina). It relaxes the smooth muscle of the esophagus. Very unfortunate.

Hi, you may wish to look up "MMPI-2", (Google it, or look it up on Wikipedia). You should know that it is a very comprehensive personality profile. It screens for true psychopathology, (Axis I) but also reviews and tests for personality disorders, (all the Axis II stuff). It is a fairly competent test and usually is valid. It is rather intrusive, and personal. I would recommend you place in your medical file, a letter that under no circumstances is the test, or the findings to be released to any to other person, doctor or organization without your written approval. The psychologist that interprets the test should explain his/her credentials, and the test results. If you think a gynecological exam is personal and private, this test is doubly so.