urwhatueat

Just had my first fill yesterday and I didn't feel a thing. I really think it the individual person. So, I don't think it's fair to make those who haven't had it done yet worry.

I had my surgery 10/28, first fill 12/12 and I am down 21 pounds. It has been the best decision ever. I am so much happier.

I think it is better for newbies to go in knowing that it might hurt instead of being told it won't and then you feel a lot of pain. if someone had told me it might hurt then I would have been mentally prepared and then if it didn't I would have been relieved instead of in pain and doubting the nurses abilities when she kept telling me I wasn't going to feel a thing.

Just because you didn't have any pain doesn't mean that others shouldn't be prepared for it because some of us do. your not seeing both sides.

Does any one know why the doctor tells you to have only protien drinks, Water,and crystle light for three days after a fill? I have had two fills and I have not figured it out.

Thanks

bradley18

It gives the band time to get use to being smaller. I cheat and only do it for 1-2 days since I don't seem to throw up when I do. I think you have to try different things and see what you can get away with.

Thanks for the advice. I should have told you in my original post that I have a hard time with chewable Vitamins. For some reason anything chewable (vitamins, tums, etc.) activates my gag reflex really bad. I think it has to do with the texture.. I know that sounds crazy, but that's the way I've been as long as I can remember?? I found a liquid Vitamin mixture at GNC do you think that would be sufficient. Also what about liquid or shot form of B12? ?

As far as my hair falling out, I know two people who both have been banded and their hair became really thin and brittle and they lost alot of it in the intial months after the surgery. Both of their docs said that it could be attributed to Vitamin deficiencies. I've also read about the same thing happening to other members in these forums. I'm just trying to make sure that I do whatever I can to prevent that from happening!! I think Biotin is the vitamin to take to prevent that?? Any recommendations??

Sometimes about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This Hair loss is related to the stress of the illness. Also, to much Vitamin A can cause hair loss. I haven't heard anything about Biotin though. But I do know that Rogaine will help your hair grow back.

Regarding the liquid vitamins, I would check the back of the liquid vitamin bottle and compare it to a chewable/regular Centrum type vitamin and see if the percentage of each vitamin is the same. If not you may need to double your dosage to make sure you are getting the recommended daily dosage which is:

Vitamins Recommended daily intake

30 µg

400 µg

Vitamin A 600 µg

1,4 mg

1,6 mg

18 mg

6 mg

2 mg

6 µg

75 mg

5 µg

10 mg

Vitamin K 80 µg

Minerals Recommended daily intake

Boron < 20 mg

Calcium 1000 mg

Chlorine

Chromium 120 µg

Copper 2 mg

Fluorine 3,5 mg

Iodine 150 µg

Iron 15 mg

Magnesium 350 mg

Manganese 5 mg

Molybdenum 75 µg

Nickel < 1 mg

Phosphorus 1000 mg

Potassium 3500 mg

Selenium 35 µg

Sodium 2400 mg

Vanadium < 1,8 mg

Zinc 15 mg

Notes

I don't know your doctor or situation but can tell you many surgeons have really tight schedules. Depending on how late you arrived it's possible someone was waiting for him elsewhere. If you ALWAYS felt used, maybe he wasn't the right choice for you. If not, probably if you'd been on time (depending on how late you were) you would've gotten the service you expect.

AND if you didn't want a fill, why didn't you speak up? I agree 2 weeks is early but not all surgeons/docs feel that way. If they'd tried to do a fill on me at 2 weeks I'd have said "Uh. what?"

Sorry you're unhappy, no one deserves poor treatment. But if they treated you like this before surgery I'm shocked you didn't switch surgeons.

The doctor went to lunch.

Paid cash so I can't switch doctors.

I didn't go there for a fill but just a checkup and when the nurse mentioned it I asked her twice if it was okay, since it was so early, and she kept saying yes. I was more concerned that she was doing it and not the doctor. I felt the entire needled go in....I figure being able to sue for malpractise they wouldn't pull anything stupid.

Just needed to bitch.

I am still on full liquids, and looking ahead to the next stages for ideas. My paperwork says I should aim for 60-70 grams of Protein, 25 grams of fiber. My concern is that 25 grams of fiber. 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food, 4 oz of it hard Protein - what can I add that will bring up the fiber content of my diet? There are high fiber pastas out there - but I know many people have trouble with Pasta. Beans are a good source of both, so they can be incorporated. What else can I do?

What I have been taking is Fiber One chewable tablets. You can have 1-2 of them a day as a supplement and since they are chewable you can have them during your liquid phase. If you are looking straight for foods when you are on a regular or soft food diet, instead try these:

High Fiber Food Chart

(more than 7 grams per serving)

FOOD AMOUNT TOTAL FIBER (grams)

Avocado1 medium11.84

Black Beans, cooked1 cup14.92

Bran cereal1 cup19.94

Broccoli, cooked1 cup4.5

Green peas, cooked1 cup8.84

Kale, cooked1 cup7.20

Kidney beans, cooked1 cup13.33

Lentils, cooked1 cup15.64

Lima beans, cooked1 cup13.16

Navy beans, cooked1 cup11.65

Oats, dry1 cup12.00

Pinto beans, cooked1 cup14.71

Split peas, cooked1 cup16.27

Raspberries1 cup8.34

Rice, brown, uncooked1 cup7.98

Soybeans, cooked1 cup7.62

I've been educating myself of the diet phases. But I'm fuzzy on Full Liquids vs Mushies vs. Puree.

What I'm thinking is that Mushies (if more liquid is added and stuff is strained) could constitute as full liquids? (for example: you make a chicken vegetable Soup and blend it then strain it, if it is too thick add a bit more Water and .... waaalaaa - full liquids?)

And Mushies and Puree sound about the same. Or is Mushies a mix of solid and liquid that isn't pureed?

Also, on the Protein shakes...they are considered liquid for the 1st stage? And you can add things to them (such as SF pudding) for the full stage?

And what are you feelings of crushed supplements mixed into Water or Protein shake .... would that be considered Liquid/Full Liquid?

Thanks so much for offering to help!

What kind of supplements are you taking? If they are the size of a pea or smaller you can take them normally with a glass of water or liquid. I was taking my meds the same day as my surgery (pills are small) without any problems. Crushed and put into milk, ect... is also fine, but I am curious to what supplements you are taking.

Protein Shakes are always considered liquid and you need to have at least 3 of them a day to get your 1200 calories or you body will go into starvation mode.

I wouldn't worry to much about mushies and purees. Full liquids are:

Protein drinks

milk

chicken broth

Mushies and Purees are:

cream Soups

chili from Wendy's

pinto Beans from Taco Bell

applesauce

OJ

smoothies

and you can puree anything you like.

Mushies and purees are almost the same thing. You will know if your body can handle it and if not then I would just experiment with different foods. I was having soft foods by my 3rd week (though I wasn't suppose to), but I didn't have any problems and at my doctor visit everything was fine. Is is more of how your body feels after eating versus the pages of guidelines of "what to do" from your doctor.

I have found on this website that everyone's doctors give everyone different instructions on eating, so I would definately experiment with what feels good to you when eating it.

Hope this helps.

I am getting banded at the end of January and I'm worried about Vitamin deficiency after surgery. Do you have a recommendation for a liquid Vitamin that I can take?? I'm really worried about maintaining my energy level for work and I'm also really worried about my hair falling out.. Any suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

You can use a chewable vitamin. Centrum has them, though they taste like sh*t. I am a transplant patient so I was taking my medications the same day as my surgery (the pills are small), so a chewable vitamin is fine. Also, what I have found is great for energy that you can also take with Water at the same time is dried bee pollen. You can buy it at a health food store. Taking just a 1/4 teaspoon a day gives you more energy. Dried bee pollen is a natural form of an antioxidant. Antioxidants get rid of the free radicals or bad stuff that hangs around in your body.

Why are you worried about your hair falling out?

I used Dr. Jay at the Dallas Bariatric Center in Dallas, Texas. I showed up late for my appointment and the Doctor walked past me in the hall and said "Hi" and then left. Leaving me with the nurse to do my first fill. He didn't even bother to check my surgery area. It was my 2 weeks checkup and the nurse did a fill???? Thought you had to wait 6 weeks.

Anyone else out there being treated just like a number? Like we need these doctors more than they need our money.

I've read and read on here that it's not too bad, it doesn't hurt, well, IT DOES. It did hurt a lot more than I expected, but it wasn't so much or so prolonged that I couldn't handle it. So, for all of you waiting to get your first fill....IT WILL HURT. Just take a bunch of little breaths, close your eyes and wait for it to be done. I think the doctors probing and pushing around with their fingers hurt much worse than the actual poke did. My port is right under my longest incision on the front of my stomach, and that one is still tender anyway. I had my surgery 9/12/08 and my first fill today 11/4/08. I had 4cc in an AP standard band, which I think holds 12-14cc. I made an appointment for my next fill in three weeks the second I got home. With the holidays coming up, I wanted to make sure I got in again before everyone was to busy.

BTW-Did you know there is actually Fluid in your band now? They test it for leaks first and inevitably leave some in. SO--there was already 2cc in my band, they sucked that out and put 4cc in. So I actually only have 2cc more than I started with. Kind of a bummer. I wish they would have put it all in so I'd have 6. Just seems like a way for them to make me come back more to make more money.

I've only lost 19lbs since surgery, and all of that in the first 2 weeks, so I hope this will start things up again. Good luck to all:smile2:

I just had my first fill today and I am beginning to think that some people are just idiots. The nurse (Dr. left for lunch and couldn't be bothered - Shout out to Dr. Jay at Dallas Bariatric Center). The nurse used the lidocaine to numb it and then all I felt was the big huge needle going into my stomach. I have had lidocaine before for IV's and afterwards I have never felt any needles. I think your person and my person came from the same stupid college. Next time if it hurts I am going to tell the Dr. he needs to do it or I will file a complaint against them.

It shouldn't hurt. Don't let them hurt you! Make someone else do the fill next time and then if it hurts then maybe there is something else to look into as to why.

Why is there so much emphasis on having no sugar/no fat pudding (and overall in general no sugar/no fat) lol. I hate the stuff. I'm on mushies right now and totally not getting in enough calories/protein. I feel like I'd be able to get in more if I could make regular pudding with skim milk.

Most people don't realize that the body converts sugar into blood sugar very rapidly. Having a high blood sugar level can eventually cause diabetes and other problems. Sugar isn't a natural food item that our bodies were meant to have. It is a nice man made treat.

If you don't feel you are getting enough calories I would focus on carbs/protein like a bean burrito and scrambled eggs.

If you must have something I would recommend using a small amount of Splenda instead of regular sugar and always remember that a small amount of anything is always better than a large amount. Just keep your portion size to 3-4oz once a week. I wouldn't do it daily.

Hi,

I am a nutritionist and I can answer any of your nutrition questions.

Just ask!:biggrin:

I am from the monroe area and a nurse myself! I use Rita Zuber for my fills. She has a clinic in Calhoun Louisiana. I just LOVE her. She is the sweetest woman. I had my lapband in February in Dallas and she does my fills. I have since moved all of my records to her office and she is now my gp! Ms. Zuber also does the pre-op work ups at her office and refers you to doctor of your choice! she does have her reccomendations also1 She likes to use Dr. Cribbins in Dallas. Thats who is used and he is the nicest man you will ever meet! However if you have someone else in mind she will send your pre-op things to them. She also does the post op care and the Fills! SHe uses a flouro machine to look at your band and port. You can also watch while she is filling you and she gives you a picture to take if you want also! I have had no complaints with her at all. like she told me from the get go---this is not a miracle surgery.YOU have to do your part and work with it!!! That is so true! The only bad experience I have had is with the surgery centers guy Michael Stamper....he never returned my phone calls and i think he was somewhat misleading. With that being said he is not at all affiliated with Rita. He is employed by the surgery center! I highly reccomend her and she is also cheaper thatn anyone else around this area!!!:thumbup:

I haven't had my first fill yet. Does it hurt? Also can you feel it afterward - the restriction inside or only when you eat?

What are the rules to eating?

As you can tell my doctor hasn't told me anything since the surgery two weeks ago. :girl_hug:

If your band slips does that mean you need to have another surgery to fix it?

Also, if my band did slip would it be really obvious because I would be in a lot of pain? I have been banded for 2 weeks and I read a few stories on this forum.

For those of you who are actuively losing or on their way to goal, believe they are at their sweet spot and comfortable with their band control - please take the poll about where your sweet spot is/was.

thanks

What exactly is a "sweet spot?" Also, when you can eat more food does that mean you need to get a fill? I haven't had my first one yet, but I have noticed that i am eating a little bit more. Does that mean my stomach has adjusted to the band and is stretching out? I have been banded for 2 weeks.

I have a question about calorie intake. Can you really put your body into starvation mode if you eat too few calories? If it is true and you can, how long does it take for that to occur (i.e. 1 week, 2 weeks on fewer than 1000 calories)? Thanks!

Whenever you have less than 1200 calories in a day your body goes into starvation mode. It takes probably 2 days. That is why I don't agree with fasting because you are only losing the Water in your body and then your body will start using your muscle as fuel if it isn't getting it in the proper form of food. :whatchutalkingabout

I have a question ... i am allergic to milk and so i am eating my Protein powder rather than drinking it ... also i am a vegetarian ... am i doing right by eating the powder and give some good suggestions so that i can get my Protein from my deit

They have lactose free milk, soy milk and goat's milk. Even if you are a vegan you should be able to use soy milk mixed in with your powder. There is also a lactose free yogurt that you can buy that you can mix in with the powder. Just eating the powder does give you the same nutrients, but that has got to taste like crap????

Here are some examples of vegetarian foods with high sources of plant protein:

PROTEIN IN LEGUMES: Garbanzo Beans, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Lima beans, Navy beans, Soybeans, Split peas

PROTEIN IN GRAINS: Barley, Brown rice, Buckwheat, Millet, oatmeal, Rye, Wheat germ, Wheat, hard red, Wild rice

VEGETABLE PROTEIN: Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green peas, Green pepper, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard green, Onions, Potatoes, Spinach, Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini

PROTEIN IN FRUITS: Apple, banana, Cantaloupe, Grape, Grapefruit, Honeydew melon, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, pineapple, strawberry, Tangerine, Watermelon

Also, which stage are you in with the lap band (liquid, mushy,soft foods?)

I have had my surgery, on Nov. 20th. I have lost 13 pounds. I don't have just Protein shakes, per say. I usually make mine in a smoothie with fresh fruit, lowfat yogurt, and orange juice for sweetner. Because I am on the mushy phase, so I am now having potatoes, mushy vegetables and so forth.

Sounds like you aren't losing so much that you should be alarmed. I have lost 10lbs since the 21st. I would still count your calories for one day just to have a better idea of where you are at. I our eyes can deceive us on whether we are eating way to much or way to little.

Hi I am a dietitian also. Did you have the surgery? If so when, and how has it gone for you? Thanks a bunch

I had the surgery on 11/21, but my situation is a little bit different. I had a kidney transplant in 1995 and the medication that I have been on for years (prednizone, ect) overrides the Grenlin in my body that is suppose to tell me when I feel full. So I could continue to eat and never feel full. ( I started as a size 3 and ended up a size 16). I know that isn't that big, but when you are a size 3 for you entire life it is a big shock. I have been dieting for years and I finally realized that I needed something else to help overcome not feeling full. The band has been that extra thing I needed and I should be able to get back to my size 3 by next June. I find it embarrassing to tell people I am a dietitian when I am overweight. You tend to lose credability.

So far in the past two weeks I have lost 10lbs. The band is definately worth it for me.

Is anyone able to eat sushi? I'm not banded yet but I LOVE sushi and I really don't want that to be taken away but I will give it up if I'm not able to have it.

I was thinking about how to eat a california roll and I have decided to get a california HAND roll without the rice. Then you would have the soy paper (or seaweed paper) crab meat, cucumber and avocado.

They can make any roll into a HAND roll without the rice.

How about some recipes for the mushie phase?

Put the meatloaf and chili in a blender1 :smile2:

Just kidding. Actually the meatloaf and chili can be used during the mushy phase. I know in the beginning you always hear about people throwing up because they eat something that wasn't on the list, but I have found that when you chew up the food (not counting any meat) it goes down pretty good and I have been banded since 11/21.

There is always french fries - small amount only though

I have several recipes that are healthy and taste great!

The first one is your basic chili. I use ground turkey meat, but you can use regular. Ground turkey is better for you and doesn't taste that much different.

1 medium vidalla or sweet onion chopped

2 cans of red kidney Beans - drained

1 lb of cooked ground turkey

1 T of chili powder - make it mild or hot - your choice

1 can of diced tomatoes - you can add pepper or chilis if you like

1 cup of Water

mix all together and top with some cheese. Great protein!

============================================

Tex Mex Meatloaf

(again I use ground turkey, but you can make it beef)

1 1/2 lbs of ground turkey

3/4 cup uncooked oatmeal

1 egg

2 T onion flakes or you can use fresh chopped onions

2 t chili powder (make it mild or hot)

1/4 cup ketchup

Mix all ingredients together except for the ketchup.

Put in pan.

Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Top with ketchup and bake another 10 minutes.

Cut into small slices so it last longer and your body thinks it is eating more when you really aren't.

I am newly banded since Nov. 20th and all though I have not been hungry at all, I am drinking the shakes with Protein in them and also now adding mushy foods to my diet. However all my friends keep expressing concern over how little I eat, saying it can't be healthy and that this seems very unhealthy for me. I am also taking a multi Vitamin daily. Am I getting enough nutrition? And what can I say to my friends who are constantly expressing concern over the small amounts I am eating? I feel great and have energy!:cursing:

I would count your calories for one day to make sure that you are getting at least 1200. If not, I would add in more Protein. I find the chili at Wendys (beans, meat, ect) goes down easily and also makes you feel full. It carries about 190 calories for the small and 280 for the large while the Protein Shakes tend to carry around 180 calories. Also having scrambled eggs is a good source of protein. I would really try to stick to mushy foods that are high in protein. You can check the internet for a possible list (high protein foods).

How much weight have you lost since the 20th?

As for your friends, tell them you have a personal nutritionist (me) and that she said you are right on track!

What about salad? I would figure that a chopped salad would go down okay, but I have been told that lettuce doesn't like the lap band.

Anyone try eating a salad?

Awesome. I can put the gun down now. :cursing:

Thank you!

joey

Congratulations on losing 75-80 so far. That is a big accomplishment in itself.

First, I need to know what kinds of cardio you are doing 5 days a week. Also, please give me 3 days of exactly what you are eating.

You are able to lose the weight. It just sounds like your body is leveling out and needs a good kick in the ass. I can tell you exactly where to kick it, when you provide the information requested above.

Good job so far! :cursing: