RestlessMonkey

Until you have restriction (fills) you don't really "have" a pouch yet. Think of a loose belt around your middle...until you start really tightening it, you aren't getting "cinched" in. So IMHO right now not drinking and eating is pretty unimportant. When it becomes almost vital is once you have a pouch and restriction....then liquid can wash food through and ruin that feeling of satiety we're going for. How long it takes food to "trickle" on through again will depend on how restricted we are. The "sweet spot" that most surgeons aim for is restriction that is adequate to allow you to eat almost anything if you take small small bites and chew chew chew, and remain full for 5-6 hours. So until your first fill, unless your doctor specifically told you from day 1 not to drink, I wouldn't worry. You are right; Soups and broths are liquid and go on through (as will almost any food right now) Some few people feel restriction immediately; either from swelling or whatever, but once we start to heal, most of us can eat pretty normally until those wonderful fills start happening. And remember it can take 4-5 fills (or more, and unfills) to hit that "sweet" spot so most of us don't really feel restricted right away even with the first fill or two! Sorry that I can't address the nausea. Were you nauseated often before the band? Could you be pregnant? Is it before you eat (when your stomach is empty) or only after? Maybe you should discuss it with your surgeon when you see him again...they take nausea very seriously! I was banded 8/29 so we are at about the same stage!

Just remember Roxieroo...employers can (and often do) modify policies by excluding certain types of coverage, so that one person's UHC coverage isn't the same as another person's. Sad but true. If your new policy will be similar to Morgan's it sounds good but you are safest to do what PattyK said. Since you are getting the job etc mostly for the insurance; make sure it covers what you want! (I sure wish it were easier, don't you?)

NOT that I'm recommending this, but some people just gain a few pounds so they meet their insurance company's pre-requisites. Some of the companies are so rigid that if you miss the mark by even a LITTLE bit (like a BMI of 39.7 instead of 40.0 for example) they reject you. (don't know about your company either) But if you are really close, maybe eat a salty meal, drink a lot of water, wear your heavy clothes...whatever to help you. Not to recommend doing anything illegal or fraudulent! Just warning you some companies don't "think" or do what's logical, they just follow the rules and charts.

That MMPI thing? They ask you the same "true or false" question about 15 times...for example (and I'm making this up; I don't remember the exact questions) I'd KILL for pizza. Then later: People who kill for pizza are like me. and then later I think killing for pizza is a good plan. (then they flip it) People who kill for pizza need therapy LOL So just be honest. You'll do fine!

I understand! People kept asking me if I was excited and I kept saying "When I come to in recovery and the band is in place, THEN I'll be excited!" And thanks for your kind words about my WL....I lost a LOT of it preop , 9 post op, but I get my first fill on Oct 9 and things will start to pick up then! Good luck and keep me posted how it goes for you, ok?

I googled "Is chewing and spitting an eating disorder?" and got this. Can't attest to it's veracity but it sounds logical...I think you guys may be hurting yourselves unintentionally: Yet people with these disorders can experience swollen glands, mouth sores, cavities, cracked teeth, sore throats, and irritated or ulcerous stomachs. This is because when a person thinks about or begins to eat the salivary glands and stomach acids kick into action. The salivary glands work on the food in the mouth to break it down into simple sugars and make it easier to digest. Some argue that the breakdown allows the sugar to be absorbed through the mouth into the body, thus causing actual calorie ingestion. Others argue that this would be minimal as the food does not stay in the mouth long enough for this to happen. Some claim that it's impossible to not swallow some of the food, but again this is usually minimal. When the salivary glands and acids are frequently working it can lead to the complications mentioned. It can also cause a spike in insulin levels, which regulate blood sugar, and make it harder to lose weight. A real danger for a person who chews and spits is that it could develop into another eating disorder, such as anorexia. They might feel they are getting satisfaction from the food they chew and spit out and therefore eat less or nothing at all. They could also move on to bingeing and purging. It's a warning sign of self-destructive behavior that may worsen. If you or someone you know practices this behavior consider getting some professional help. Eating disorders can be very difficult, if not impossible, to overcome by yourself and generally grow to govern your entire life.

Like everything else, they all seem a little different! Mine was about 300 questions (taken from the MMPI test) and then a brief interview. They want to know if you might have a problem w/alcoholism, gambling, sex addiction etc to replace "food". (I think) Just answer everything honestly and you are sure to be fine!

Thanks! I'll add you too. Unfortunately I got in a spat w/a poster earlier so it's nice to know I can play good with the other kids! I DO try! LOL Good luck on your surgery...so soon now!

I'm not sure but it sounds like a good idea, to just do liquids and give your stomach and "self" a chance to settle down! I think i'll do that whether my surgeon requires it or no...2 days liquids then 1 mushie. I really feel great; I don't know why (LOL) but I do. And I had 2 surgeries in August to boot. I just REALLY was ready to get the band and so glad to have it once it was actually placed. Are you excited too? I know some people get a little anxious but I was just afraid they couldn't place it the 2nd time after my 1st fiasco (liver was too fatty. That was a bummer, let me tell you!) I feel so good post op it's hard to remember its in there.

Sweet G I WISH I had restriction! In fact, now that I'm 4 weeks post op, I'm going back on the preop low fat low carb hi protein my surgeon had me on. I'll probably get a few more calories than the 600 his called for, but want to try to do something! I know this is a time for healing etc..but good grief I'm tired of potatoes and other mushies! :thumbup: My WL so far was preop (32) pounds and the 1st 2 weeks post op (9 pounds). I haven't lost in the last 2 weeks and in fact have gained a bit, but I think it's water (judging from the fact that I have cankles instead of ankles! LOL) I feel great, though, and get my first fill about 3 days after you get your band! Are you anxious or just very ready?

Sure! Glad I could help! :thumbup:

I found this info on the TSA (Transportation Safety Admin) website.....should tell you what you need to do: TSA: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine

Good luck! :thumbup:

I agree cmcallister2...whether pro or con this is a public board and we should all be able to voice our opinions. If they are unpopular, the reader can just bypass them. If a person ASKS for opinions, info, etc then we all can state our case. That means all of us; not just the "popular" opinions! :thumbup:

Snowbird you don't know me from Adam, nor I you. I was honest in my reply. I grew up in EL Paso and have heard horror stories that would curl your hair. If you don't like what I have to say, I suggest you don't read it. But do not dare slander me. I am who I say. I don't own a bariatric center, I don't work in one. Do YOU own one in Mexico? Of course not. What a patently ridiculous thing. Just pass on my posts and I'll pass on yours. How's that for a nice compromise?

Yes I think I get your drift. Each surgeon puts his or her own spin on things. My best advice to you is to do what YOUR surgeon tells you to. You will trust him or her with your life on that OR table; you trust him to place the band, so trust him on the rest of it, too. On line is great IF you take the info with a grain of salt! (just a grain though; don't want too much salt LOL)

Medicare does cover lap band surgery so they may cover fills. Don't know for sure though!

I'm glad JWRN chimed in since she's one who appealed successfully! So....what SHE said! LOL :thumbup: Good luck. You can get this if you want it!

And I don't adress Mexico's clinics etc in every post; that's hyperbole. I address it when people ask for an opinion about Mexco based surgeons and clinics.

Firstly I don't ever say anything that isn't true. It IS hard for many to find aftercare locally once going elsewhere for the initial band. AND if one has a 4cc band, per my studies, that is the small band put out in 2001 and since replaced with newer versions. Finally I grew up in El Paso and lived on the border, and had many friends who lived across the border. There was a reason they would come to the USA for medical care. Just because something "looks" clean and safe doesn't mean it is. I have no personal experience with ANY physician in Mexico but I know what I was taught and what I learned and observed being in close proximity. Many of the pharmaceuticals are expired or formulated differently from American ones, etc. Bottom line, if they mess up, they are protected from legal recourse. Good for you going there and having a successful surgery. But remember, you get what you pay for. There's a reason it's less expensive. If the cost savings outweigh the risks then by all means proceed. We are all adults and can make up our own minds. But that doesn't mean one should pretend there ARE NOT risks, because there are. Regardless of where you have your surgery, here, Mexico, Brussels, Tahiti! wherever...risks ensue. A good consumer will weigh the odds and proceed. Surely you must agree with that!

You were apparently unhappy with your weight before....if you kept on eating like that, you'd still have been unhappy. I think you need to chill out and give yourself a chance to heal. I'm sure you had your own good personal reasons for getting the surgery; perhaps you might take a quiet moment or two and write them down and remember them. Life is more than eating junk food. I'm sure your kids would rather you play with them and be around a long time than have a big Mac with them. When you go to their weddings, will you be there for the love and joy, or for the cake? LOL It will get better. Trust yourself.

My center just got like $25 from me for my visit....the hospital $150 the day of my preop tests. If you do have "good insurance", use them!

Then, call your insurance. Find out if they cover bariatric surgery and if so, find out what centers/surgeons are covered. Then go to a FREE seminar, and get moving on the band!

Here's a link to a website that might help; bands that hold 4cc's appear to be the ones manufactured in 2001.... Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band

If it only holds 4 cc's that's the old style band (another down side of having surgery done in mexico) since the new Lap Band AP's are now sized and hold 10 ccs or 14 cc's. Try google for info on yours. Good luck!