catfish87

Agreed there is no such thing as a "FMLA provider".....unless you're talking about congress. NO employer "provides" FMLA. They just have to follow the law. Your company may have a third party they use to help them follow the law, but they don't dictate what is/is not covered. If you work for a covered employer, and you're a covered employee that hasn't exhausted your 12 weeks of FMLA protection, then the surgery and recovery time WILL be covered under FMLA, provided you give the proper notice to your employer. You stated you'll be an overnight patient, and I'm pretty sure you'll have a continuing regimen of treatment (prescriptions for example). PAID time off is something entirely different....

If I ever have any band problems, I want to have some sort of procedure done if possible. I know from years and years of experience, I can NOT control my eating by myself. I'd hope your surgeon will give you plenty of info to help the two of you make the best decision possible for you. Best wishes!

Who told you you have the decision choice? Your surgeon or the tech that did the barium swallow?

@@LessOfMe0503 @@fitme Congrats on your decision to improve your life! As I mentioned earlier in this topic, I often attend support group meetings where there are every type of surgery patient's in attendance. I see people ( even some I consider friends ) who have had Sleeve and bypass surgeries who are as big (or bigger) than pre-op. Not to say every band patient is 100% sucessful either, but at least we have another option except being told to diet. You'll see people on this site who get on here and say things such as "my surgeon doesn't do lapbands anymore because they don't work", yet EVERY one I've personally contacted ( and I have contacted several over the years ) tell me quite the opposite. I'm sure there are bariatric surgeons who don't perform band surgeries, but the reason isn't always what is thought. This site used to let you see each person's surgeon, experience level, etc....not anymore. Best wishes!

6 years post op with no band caused problems for me! 46 years old, NO medications, NO pains. Very happy living and enjoying my NORMAL life I attend support group meetings where all surgeries are represented. I'm here to tell you, from what I personally see.....I'm still thrilled with my surgery choice.

@@B-52 Congrats again! You continue to inspire many on here and I'm sure in person.

Way to go!!!! Congrats on a fantastic accomplishment! ☺

At Cracker Barrel they have a dessert called an apple dumpling. Back when I was keeping track of calories, I looked it up. 3229 calories Years ago, I'd eat a whole one....AFTER my meal.

@@Elode Great Hike!

pizza isn't what made me fat.....Eating a whole large pizza(s) in the past, was one of the reasons I was over 300 pounds. I'm 6 years post op now and I eat pizza occasionally. Matter of fact we had some this past Saturday evening from a local place that makes them in a wood fired oven, super thin crust...with a nice cold beer. YUM! Things that would make a dieter cringe! But I'm way past all that.... My lapband has helped change my life PS. My "skinny" friends eat pizza, they drink a beer, have some wine, eat ice cream, etc. It's all about the VOLUME of calories I used to eat...day in and day out. Many, many more than I was burning.

I have been working rotating shifts for over 20 years now, so "night" time is always changing for me. I usually just have a Protein shake/smoothie about an hour or so after waking up (whenever that is), then will have a light meal about 6 hours after waking up, then a more substantial "dinner" about 4-6 hours before bedtime. I don't really think it makes much difference what time the clock says. For me.....snacking before bedtime is more of a concern.

The whole Protein thing PRE workout doesn't work so well for me....sure I might have a little bit of protein in something, but thats not my goal. If I'm going for an hour or less, usually nothing except water/coffee. More than that, I'll have some carbs about 20 minutes PRE, and every 30-45 minutes during exercise. Then some sort of RECOVERY Protein Drink afterwards....or maybe just some fish! It seems to work for me.

Just curious....do you take a 70 gram PRE workout protein shot? If so, why? I'd be sick to my stomach taking that much protein beforehand too! Thanks!

@@ChelleChi1969 The gurgling sound is quite normal for me too.....6 years post op. As far as words of advice....sounds like your surgeon was spot on to me. 84 pounds in 10 months = Just continue everything you've been doing! Best wishes for your continued success

Just following the rules, but since your post was addressed to me,..... "These guidelines do NOT forbid disagreement and candid discussions on BariatricPal. Members may discuss and defend their points of view in respectful manners. " I suppose we can just agree to disagree, because I do not agree with your opinion. My band has worked to perfection! Just like it was intended to. I lost 130 pounds with my band. I have had it for 6 years in September. My surgeon, who is an expert, seems to think bands are long term....maybe you've got better info? And I don't consider myself a rare success. I personally know people who've had their bands in for over 10 years...I played golf with one weekend before last. He just did a 10 year checkup..."everything looks perfect". PS...I enjoy going back and reading people's post from years back....kinda gives a different perspective sometimes. Best wishes TO ALL!

@@AvalonNeeCee So because you say your surgeon doesn't do lapband anymore, you think that's a reason not to get one?????? Who is your surgeon? Why doesn't he/she do them? I find it almost comical you would post such a reply to someone who is asking for advice on HOW WE. ...THOSE OF US WHO HAVE IT, selected our surgeons. Some of us are very successful and HAPPY with our lapband results. I think it's relevant because if the OP dismissed out of hand any surgeon who no longer does lap bands, just because he or she is considering a lap band, he or she may not get the best surgeon/procedure for him or her. If you narrow the pool you skew the results. BTW, I was sleeved April 20, my surgeon does not do lap bands (that I am aware of), but does revisions. Also, the Lapbanders I talked to said that if they were to have surgery now, they would go with the sleeve. I really tried to ignore and not respond to this thread again, because this back and forth is hyjacking the OP's thread, BUT....thanks for making an important point for me once again. You are not aware if your surgeon even does lapbands.....yet you say he/she "does not do lap bands"......which is it? Who is your surgeon? Why doesn't he/she do them? I really, truly like to know these things. I've asked the owner of this site several times to reinstate the surgeons profiles again, so we can understand the experience level, knowledge of some members surgeons.... You see, people get on here and say these things, yet when I do a little checking.....most every time I get told something different from the surgeon. I wish you well in your WL success...I've had great success with mine.

I think I should have copyrighted my nickname back in the 90's...... $$$$$$$$$$

One thing to keep in mind and consider: the lapband is the only adjustable surgery after its done. Maybe a pro, maybe a con. ...depends on your viewpoint. I often reflect on the MANY years I've been to support group meetings where I see patients with each type of surgery. Those who have done well and those who haven't been quite as successful....yet. ( I hope they all will be! ) When I hear from and speak with/to those with lapbands, we can get an adjustment. Others get told to diet. Just keep that in mind. I'm not talking what I've read or heard. ....just what I've seen. Best wishes on ANY surgery type you choose.

I should add. ...I do not swallow them whole. I usually have them on a cracker. Mmmmm Mmmm! @@meggs353

I had some day before yesterday. I'm 6 years post op and I have my band adjusted for me. A few things cause me difficulty, but oysters are not a problem for me.

IF I'd have had that many problems, I'd be looking to revise as well. Surgeons included!

I have lapband, so pardon if this doesn't apply to bypass. Why are you concerned that you have no desire to"eat" protein? Lots of times I dont wanna eat anything solid.....but I still get my protein in no problem. I use protein shots. 42 grams in 3 ounces. ...been using them for years. But again, I'm lapband.

I've been on here for over 6 years now, and can not remember one instance of anyone getting denied because of the psyc evaluation. I'm sure it happens, but I think its really....REALLY seldom. As others have stated, just be honest! Everything will be fine.

@@PCrabby If you're getting enough Water in, which it sounds like you are....just enjoy the loss. Your body may be shedding some excess fluids post op. Everyone loses ( or doesn't lose ) at a different pace. Hopefully you continue to be happily surprised! Best wishes!