RestlessMonkey

I don't think it is a lack of common sense...or not for most! Some don't GET much direction from their docs, some are flooded with info and forget, some want an excuse to "cheat" (me me I was in that group LOL) Common sense I've got. Except when I'm hungry! Concensus doesn't rule when we're talking preop and post op for the band..don't ask the audience. Go with what your doc says!

WOW drinking 2 hours after? That's madness! Good for you sticking; I don't think I could (and after my first fiasco with my liver and no band, I DO try to do what my doc asks of me!) To be honest, as I've gotten more and more restriction (FINALLY!) It has gotten easier to not drink with meals because it hurts like the dickens if I do. And sometimes I clock watch for that 15 minutes (my timeline per my doc) if what I ate was too salty, but often I forget and its 30 minutes or more before I go get my water/tea/whatever. I'd think as the time passes and you get more familiar with yourself and your band that 1 hour or 2 may be adjusted down a little, but it will also get easier. And some do drink soda but I think...wow, of all the things to do to make our band fail, why would you? It's possible once you've lost and are really used to the band you can add carbonation back in but for now, hang in there. You MAY ask your doc if you could have some flat (yuk to me but maybe not to you?)

The configuration of your stomach is altered. It isn't one nice big bag any more. That's one reason some docs say "no straws" (although once I was 6 months out I started using mine...gum disease...but don't notice more/less burping) It will get better over time and you'll get used to it but things are not like they were in there; you'll burp and gurgle more and some foods will produce more gas than you are used to. This is also a big reason we're to avoid carbonation...something carbonated in the little pouch...or trying to escape through the smaller opening in the stomach, can be a recipe for pain at the least. Hang in there! And yes if you had a bad PB (esp at just 2 months out) it is good to let things calm down before you go back to "normal"

Just remember that you won't have restriction until you get filled and for some people that takes 3-4 fills (or more). AND...even really filled odds are you can still eat many sweets like Cookies, candy, shakes, cakes. The band is a tool, not a total prison guard. We still have to use restraint (unfortunately!) and that old bugaboo "healthy choices". (bah!) It does get easier as you get restriction though. One month out is WAY to early to feel lilke you're a failure (remember, this is not a diet, its for life unless you get another surgery!) So be nicer to yourself (don't expect perfection!) and be tougher on yourself( sweets don't solve anything, sigh...I wish they did) It will just get easier. Really, it will!

These lists are really helpful BUT...remember to follow the pre- and post-op diets your surgeon gives you. There are things on that list my surgeon did not want me to use or have at 3-4 weeks, and other things that he definitely wanted that seem dicey from above (ie the Water...he said water is first/imperative, and I could drink it easily. It was no trouble getting 64 oz down, esp since I was to have it and not any other beverages like crystal light, coffee, etc) SO this is a great "guideline" but newbies please do what your doc says; if you're in doubt get clarification from your doc. They know what works best for "their" clientele and for you. :crying:

I hope your doc reiterated to you that you should NOT eat ahead of his post op diet (ie the turkey) Many docs (mine doesn't but many do) put a small fill in during surgery so that as you heal and can eat real food you have a little restriction and don't freak out (as I did...as many of us do when we realize we are able to eat ANYTHING) So I think your doc was probably trying to help you and you ate ahead of the game and hurt yourself. I know you must've felt terrible; it hurts to have food stuck. Just follow your surgeon's directions from here on and you'll probably be fine. My doc told me that patients advancing their diets too quickly is a major cause of slippage so you're really lucky! :crying:

I love sugar free iced tea. And you might want to reconfirm the drinking thing? My doc's instructions were similar to yours but he revamped them to be no liquids 15 minutes before or after meals and non during. I am a firm believer that we should do what our docs tell us, but one hour BEFORE meals almost makes no sense, especially since the liquid just "goes through" our stoma. See if he won't relent a little

You mean like for the last donut? LOL sorry couldn't resist actually I THINK you can...but hopefully a diver will answer you.

Good; don't give up if you want the procedure. It should be illegal how some insurance companies drag their feet and "never get" files etc!

Most important is to find out which surgeons are in her network or covered by her insurance. For example my primary sent me to a group that my insurance wouldn't cover! LOL Fortunately I thought to ask them before I started all the paperwork etc. She needs to start there, and then can narrow it down to a surgeon she likes. You want one who has done a lot of lap band procedures, who offers good after care (is accessible) and whom she likes.

Depending on how in shape you are and so on 5 days may not be enough. In my doc's office most nurses take at least a week off. I was a nursing student when I had the band done and had an easy easy surgery and recovery but wouldn't have been ready to work as you describe in 5 days.

Then you need to find out what they consider "medically necessary" and prove that your are. Your experienced surgeon should be able to help you; I have different ins. but my surgeon has an employee who just handles insurance for us! See if your doc can help.

You need to find out WHY you were denied and then address those points. It's often just a paperwork snafu; most of them are infamous for quibbling over dotted i's and crossed t's when it comes to lap band surgery.

Most people are off a week or two, some more, some less. Your surgeon should be able to tell you how quickly his patients recover. It also depends on what type of work you do.

I don't know any docs in Indiana; but why don't you 1. check with your insurance to find in-network surgeons 2. check a phone book and/or 3. google "lap band surgeons in Indiana" or whatever your city is? If you can't find "lap band" try "Bariatric".

I am not an insurance agent (you'd need to call an independent agent, I'd think, to get coverage) but the facts as I know them are this: 1. It is VERY hard for obese people to get insurance without paying a small fortune, unless you get it as part of a group (ie an employer) and 2. many personal policies (like just buying it on your own0 DO NOT cover weight loss surgery. In fact, not all insurance through employers etc cover lap band surgery.

Just curious, why would she always be subject to fluctuations of weight? Not everyone retains water and some who are obese, once they lose, are not as prone to the fluctuations. ? And usually those that do fluctuate can track it to either hormonal issues or excess salt...or exercise/heat.

Many people either don't lose or gain until they have good restriction and many docs will NOT do aggressive fills (mine's one of them) because of reports of severe issues like esophageal spasms etc. I think you need to just chill, honestly. The band is a process and for some of us it's slower than others. Just try to make healthy choices, watch your portions, and let it happen. My doc won't do a fill any sooner than 4 weeks apart either. It took me 5 fills to get restriction of any sort.

Check with your surgeon, that's safest.

Honestly I am a firm believer in therapy. You are a "new" person. You may need to grieve the loss of the "old" you (it's not that uncommon) and find things to love about the new you. A good therapist can help you navigate those murky waters. I too am happier and feel better and more like "me" with each pound I drop, but I can understand how you feel very different now and aren't familiar with "yourself". Get some help if you can; what a great problem to have! Many people who have this issue face it because of something sad like losing a limb or suffering burns and scars etc; but the essence is the same. You aren't who you were and the new you isn't a familiar long-lost friend but a foreigner. Therapy will help you love the new you.

I lost 32 pounds in 5 1/2 weeks following my doc's preop diet so yes you CAN lose 30 by August. I had to follow a high protein low fat low carb diet and the weight fell off. My doc, though, is adamant about only 3 meals a day and no snacks! funny how different they all are

According to what's in my docs office you are too tight. You have to take small small bites and chew well. A small amount (a cup or so) should "satisfy" you for up to 5-6 hours (as the food slowly trickles from your pouch through your band to your "lower" stomach) If you ARE taking small bites and chewing well, not drinking during meals, and still can only eat oatmeal, you're too tight.

How lucky you are! I had to do a preop diet for 3 weeks! And I cheated and so had to do it another 2 1/2 (even though I'd lost 15 pounds) It's hard but it isn't for long; and to be honest post op it is vital you follow docs orders which will probably entail more "liquid diet" while you heal. Hang in there and keep your eye on the goal; it's just a short time in a long life!

It's an "incentive spirometer"....or at least that's what we call it here in the USA. You inhale and it keeps your lungs clear, and prevents the development of pneumonia, post op. If you don't have one, buy a bag of balloons and blow up balloons (about 5 balloons, every hour or two) until this passes. Blowing up the balloons will require deep breathing and help clear, and keep clear, your lungs. Once the balloon you are using gets stretched out and doesn't resist, toss it and get a new one If it doesn't get better in a day or so, or if you develop a fever, call your doc.

I think once you exhaust insurance and/or paying for it yourself (either by saving or financing) you're pretty much out of luck. Maybe your situation will change soon.