Bettina

Bettina: You sound hurt. No one was out to get you, that's for sure!!

This website is a forum for communication - I thought that was what we were doing. And everyone can jump in and do that anyway they want. The more the merrier, I say! But let's take all this in the way it is meant - helpful and supportive.

No one should have a problem if their knowledge base is different from anyone else's. But we should all be able to jump in at any time and share our own. Am I right? Or are you coming from a different place in all this?

BJ

Hurt, nah you can't hurt me. I'm an idiot. I didn't realize that because my doctor has a different way of doing things that it can't possibly help anyone at all ever on this board. (I must tell him and the dietician that they are wrong about what they told me because it doesn't conform to what everyone else was told) (He is gonna have to tell Carnie Wilson's doc that he is wrong also I guess-he trained with him) "and everyone can jump in and do that anyway they want" Apparently not me though. "helpful and supportive" that was my intention, never once did I say that anyone else was wrong and I was right.

"Just remember when you're throwin' around background and degrees that lots 'o people here probably have strong backgrounds and multiple degrees, but they just might not feel the need to share that. Um kay?

BJ"

I guess that is a problem with my "knowledge base" I only posted that I am certified to let others know that I am not some idiot spewing non-truths on the board (never once claimed that I know all -or that it meant that my way was correct and everyone else was wrong) Its called credentials.

Seems to be a prejudice here that because someone was told something different, that they were told wrong. I never meant to hurt anyone, just give a different perspective -thought it might be helpful.

Ya know, I was hoping that by posting what I was told that someone else may have been told the same thing and that I would feel good about what I was told. I too am looking for support. I see now I won't get it here!

I guess I will never be on "the team"

I wish everyone all the best.<!-- / message -->

Neither one is fool-proof...my sis lost a lot of weight with RNY but gained a lot back too!! So she lost the weight, gained it back, and still needs to get plastic surgery for the skin flaps. But the hospital told me on Thursday that a fireman had RNY and then developed Esophagus cancer...luckily he had that piece of stomach still there inside, they took the bad parts out and took the old stomach and attached it to his neck..and is now cancer free! Malabsorption is a prob with RNY. But not so much with banding. I would go to a support group and talk to the people there...it helps to actually meet with people in person.

Best wishes in your decision!!!

Dang!!

Hi Trish, I can relate, I lost several dogs over the years and cats too. Ugh my husband just can't seem to live without dogs and cats (me either but...we have 3 dogs and 2 cats...constantly) Hubby was making special dinner tonight for our male beagle, afraid he won't make it thru the winter..I dread this. My 9 yr old lost her hamster back in April...we both balled our eyes out! He was a truly unusual hamster..used to sit with me while I typed..odd I know) All our pets have "people" names because we treat them like family. My heart goes out to you and wish you the best. Parakeet huh, that is so cute, I was thinking of getting a Conjure, but I think the cats would have something to say about that!

Take care!!

Bettina: Hey gal, everybody should say what they want here. But Chatta seemed really new and it seemed to me that he should get input from several sources. Nothin' wrong with that, is there?

Just remember when you're throwin' around background and degrees that lots 'o people here probably have strong backgrounds and multiple degrees, but they just might not feel the need to share that. Um kay?

BJ

I was trying to be helpful.

Im just thankful that My surgeon allows more- You will possibly have it harder- Im telling you the sugar( from juice) and some fat has SAVED me!!

That is good to hear. I am just glad I only have to do one day prior. I will miss sugar. I wish you all the best!

I was on:eek: CPAP:eek: for 9 years:notagree preOp.....and I didn't have to prove :rolleyes I had the problem:tired :tired :tired .....

However....POSTop:omg: .....I have been off the nose hose for 10 months now....

YEA :kiss2: :kiss2: :kiss2: LapBand:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :amen: !!!!

Yay Jack...that is what I am looking forward to. I am finding the last few days that apparently I am taking my mask off in my sleep even turning the machine off!!! Yikes not a good thing!! I was better about it in the beginning...lately ...no.

I did not get those instructions- Bettina that must be your surgeon.

Apple juice is specifically ON my list of allowed as well as ANY unsweetened fruit juice.

Bettina your instructions on most everything have been VERY different from the majority of the others. Just your surgeons perferences Im sure.

A M E N !!! DITTO from my team!!

Heal first weight loss later!!

Sorry , that is what I am told, I don't have to comment anymore. It seems to be upsetting. Glad you can have apple juice.< /p>

Hello,

Isopure when you buy is it tjust sold in packets and you have to make it or does it come in bottles? Where is the best place to get it as I called GNC locally and they sell only by the case for like 36.00 no flavors and will not sell individual bottles. Hi, its not in packets, its premade in bottles, and i can't believe they don't sell it individually because they sell it like soda in a cold case..hmmm.

If you are in Chattanooga do you know where I can get them locally? So I have it ready for my surgery.

Try another sports shop

Hello All,

dI ecided to be creative and I put the vanilla glucerna in the blender with ice and added sugar free banana creme powder to it and boi does it taste good:Banane23: :wow2: What other kind of flavers can I add to it?

I tried the butter pecan and don't like it very much trying ot think how I can doctor that one up too? Also the chocolate ? It does not say I can add any fruit such as strawberries or bananas? Would that be considered cheating ? If put them in the blender as I am new so want to make sure that won't defeat the purpose or is sugar free pudding a better idea.

For a whole month out you can't have fruit until your throat is healing--from the irritation from the air tube--and you will have an air tube, they have to do it. I just asked that very same question on Thursday when I went to see the Dietician...and the Nurse at the hosp told me the same thing. You can't even have apple juice for a few weeks--got in trouble for buying apple juice today...lol.

Thanks Larry I know I have posted alot over the last few days but it is helping me to get through

<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________

[ Best Regards

Were you told to see a Registered Dietician? I have to for 14 visits...mandatory here or no banding. (I think that is also how they got insurance to pay for the banding too)

Have you tried unflavored Protein powder in juice? I mix it with OJ and some frozen strawberries, kind of frothy like an orange julius.

You can't have citrus until you are a month out.

The Isopure is a good idea thought, nutritionist told us to use it in place of cold Water when you are making Jell-O!

but my band opens up during the day and I can drink it quickly.

Its your esophagus that opens not your band.

I'm still crying. This is a long journey... I thought I would just have the surgery and viola the weight would drop off. It is a struggle with one thing or another every day. I have no regrets BUT it is trying my patience and taking longer than I thought it would. Good luck...just try to take everything one day at a time.

You might want to consider attending support group meetings. You will find everyone in the same boat as you, it helps to talk face to face with others who are going through the same thing.

Good Luck!

I consider finding out I have sleep apnea and getting it treated on of the best NSV of getting banded so far. I feel SOOO much better after about a month on CPAP.

Ditto on that!!!

Anyone thinking its a get rich scheme is totally wrong! Its a live longer scheme! (and my insurance paid for all of it, so as far as trying to soak me for money...nope didn't happen!!)

Is it just me?? My journal link is not working - anyone else having the same problem??

Hi its been down for days...I got a message that it was disabled.

IMHO... I think if the place is in partnership with the weight loss place... they just do it to get the money. I had NO signs or symptoms and refused to do a study until they refused to approve me for surgery until I did. Talk about duress.

I didn't have signs or symptoms either. I was totally shocked! I talked to another doc about it. Its true that its dangerous if untreated. (no you can't die from the sleep apnea itself) I researched it too. I have much more energy now. So glad I went for the study. I hope all goes well for you...take care!

I wonder why they do this test? If it diagnoses sleep apnea or not, how does that change your surgery?

Oh boy I could write a book on this!!! They need to know if you stop breathing when you sleep, if you do going under is dangerous. So if you have sleep apnea (which I do) and you stop breathing, they put you on the machine and pump the air in for you. My number is 7...omg blows my bangs back. Sleep apnea can cause weight gain, swollen ankles (got that) and you really don't get the sleep you need! I love my mask, I have been on it for a month now...I can run up two flights of stairs now without getting out of breath..couldn't do that before!! Oh yeah and my doc wouldn't do the surgery if I refused the testing, and I have to be on the cpap mask for 2 weeks..so I am good on that. I read of a woman who had the surgery (check the memorials on ObesityHelp.com) she had her bariatric surgery --they didn't know she had sleep apnea, she stopped breathing and they didn't know---she passed away. What a shocker! Under anesthesia, you are totally relaxed -that is how they put you to sleep--so your unable to breath again as easy as non-sleep-apnea people.

On the flip side, Sleep Apnea is a co-morbidity...so you should be approved for sure!!

My kids call me Scuba Steve when they see me in the mask..its not a whole mask..just a little thing that goes into my nostrils...no biggie really!

Take care, and best wishes to you!!

Can this really happen? :cry

I went for pre-surgical testing on Thursday and yesterday received a call that my white blood cell count was a little high (the nurse said 10 was normal; mine was 12).

They are going to test again on the morning of my surgery date and if my count doesn't go down, surgery could be postponed.

I don't feel like I have a cold, or anything wrong with me at all, but I guess I'm fighting off something. I'll be so bummed if I get another date.

I'm going to take zinc lozenges, drink lots of fluids, and rest this weekend.

Sounds like you have a plan, feel better soon!!!

I have to disagree with you guys..

You got the band, so can eat whatever you want in small quantites, and be satisfied, not to follow WW or other diets. Getting the band is a total change in your eatings habits, so if you kept doing the WW you will never change the your REAL habits.

I eat everything I used to like. chocolate, KFC, some fatty foods, and still loosing weight BIG TIME. Its all beacuse the band helped me to do the quantinty control unlike before getting it.

Wow, who told you that you can eat whatever you want on the band??? You are supposed to change your habits -its the whole reason for getting the band! Seriously, who told you that?:phanvan

Okay I just checked and you are only 24 yrs old...still should have awesome metabolism. And, I have had French food, so I think I understand...but no doc could have told you that, could they?

Not trying to argue or anything, just shocked by that statement. :biggrin1:

Bettina,

I was banded on Sept. 12th, so I'm 4 days post-op. My dr. says 3 4oz. Protein shakes per day and in between meals Clear Liquids only, i.e., broth, sf. Jello, sf. ice pops., diet snapple, crystal lite. That the same diet I was on 2 weeks pre-op. Honestly, I can't even choke down the 3 Protein drinks per day, I feel very full. I know that will end soon though. Also, my whey protein is 140 calories, 2g. fat, 95 mg. sodium, 60 mg. cholesterol, 2 g. carbs., 1g. sugar, and 27 g. protien. I am going to look for that Isopure stuff that you are talking about for when I am on solids and mushies. For anyone that is interested, I just noticed a great recipe on the back of this whey protein bag. It's for a creamsicle smoothie:

8 ouces of orange juice

1 scoop Vanilla SportPharma Whey Protein Powder

1 Ripe Banana

3-4 Ice Cubes

Blend until smooth.

Holy cow! You were on that diet 2 weeks pre-op!!!! I only have to do 1 day...i thougth I was gonna have to do 2 weeks too after reading the boards, Hubby said, you do that for 2 weeks and you won't need the surgery!!

Your Protein shake sounds good. I talked to a few people a few weeks ago who were doing body building shakes (not yours) and they couldn't figure out why the scale wasn't moving. Yours is nice and low in the bad stuff.

That smoothie sounds good. I plan on using my Juicer alot when I am off clear liquids. My mom and sis are the gadget queen and princess, I couldn't be bothered. But I do have two and luckily they will both come in handy for me!! The Magic Bullet and the Jack LaLanne Juicer.

11 days till banding...can't wait. Here in NJ I had to go to "Bariatric Bootcamp" got a pillow for my stomach, a nice huge tote (like LL Bean's) and a little contraption to practice on to keep my lungs clear. Tour of the hospital, had to try out the bed (they made you do it) and saw everywhere you will be in the hosp and gave you the nitty gritty details of the surgery. At the dieticians office she made us try the liquid Vitamins, liquid Calcium, chewable vitamins, powdered protein Soup, and protein pudding made from the shake mix (chocolate). Did your doc make you do all that too?

Bettina,

I'm confused. My whey Protein only has 1.5 gm. of fat and 2 gm. of carbs, that isn't much at all. Right now all I am allowed to drink is 3 Protein shakes per day with clear liquids in between, so I don't have much of a choice.

No, your's sounds good. Low fat, low carbs...that means the calories have to be low too. I was commenting on someone who was drinking 11grams of fat and 11 carbs!! Yikes! And, as long as its lower in sodium than others, your okay.

You aren't on a clear liquid diet are you? (can't be if you are drinking shakes)

I was wondering...why are you not eating jell-o or broth to supplement?

I was even told to do sugar-free ice pops. I am confused as to whether you are on clear liquids or full liquids.:cry

Yeah I start regular liquid today/this evening!!:bolt:

Yay that is great, and your weight loss so far is great too!! You must be so psyched!!! :puke:

Bettina: Thanks! I will try to locate some Isopure - although I hate, hate, hate diet, artificially sweetened foods. Yeah I can relate, but we want this to work ..especially in the beginning -before we are able to eat regular foods, we have to "suffer" a little to keep us on track.

The Protein powder I use is from my doctor's office. It is Peak Nutrition. It is "bioengineered ion-exhanged whey protein" with 3 g carbohydrates. Also contains potassium, Vit A & D, Magnesium, Phosphorous and essential amino acids. "Lactose Free Whey"

It is really good tasting - even though it has no artificial or natural sugar added. The chocolate, blended with ice and Water, tastes like a real chocolate shake. I mix the vanilla with a little s/f instant Banana pudding mix, blend it with some ice and water, and it is delicious. In fact, the shakes are so good that it makes me very unhappy that I do not tolerate it well. I'm reading the label and see that per serving it is 125 calories and 48 grams of protein. So it may not be the number of grams of protein that my doc likes, but the type of protein it contains.

Yeah I am familiar with this brand...not too bad. No way near as bad as some of the stuff I have been reading the last 3 months on these boards. Its low in calories...low in fat. I am not sure about the sodium, but only 3 carbs per serving YAY!!

I peeled off a little sticker and found the web address: www.peaknutrition.com.

The doc charges me $30 per 2 lb. container. Everyone seems to think that it is expensive, but when I consider each drink either a Meal Replacement or a drink of important nutrients for my health, I don't think it is expensive at all, especially when I compare it to some of the outrageous amounts I've paid for fast foods, sundaes, Starbucks drinks, etc. (There are approx. 30 servings per container.)

I wasn't gonna buy anything from my doc either....but hubby said, you need to be well and follow orders (which make me feel good because he is waiting for the union to call him back to work so there isn't a lot of money right now) But here is the real thing.......this is for you! You banded for you!! I don't know if you have kids, but I do and I am always doing for them and neglecting me (hence the weight gain) so treat yourself, you deserve this! You won't always taking these supplements.......so pamper yourself for now!

There are other things on the market that are good too, just research it though. I am certified in Holistic Health, Sports Nutrition (this is why I know all about these shakes and supplements) and (ugh-sad to admit) I am also certified in Personal Training. I didn't mean to come off as a know-it-all.......but, I do know about these things and was trying to be helpful...hopefully I have not put anyone off by my comments.

Honestly, I will not even use Protein Shakes after surgery..just not worth it to me. I will use the Isopure clear (remember must be zero carb) and mix it. I bought very low sodium no carb, no fat, chicken broth. But when it comes time for mushies, I have figured out how to "Magic Bullet" my chicken and fish...and even steak (which we must be careful with because red meat is naturally fatty--ha ha and it lookes like cat food!!!)

Anyway, that's the scoop, so to speak, on my shake mix. Let me know what you think - if you have some imput. BJ.

Take care!!! :biggrin1:

Actually, the Isopure I'm drinking IS a powder mix. It's called Isopure Perfect Lo Carb, with whey Protein. BJEan, I bought my first container at my local GNC just to see if I liked it, but then I bought 3 more from this site: http://www.bodybuildingoutlet.com/zercaris1.html (much cheaper than GNC, where it was about $50 :puke:)

Gotcha, yeah another bodybuilding supplement. I thought you were on the liquid bottled protein. The liquid only has 80 mg of sodium instead of the 320 mg that the powder has. The nice thing about the bottled stuff is that you can replace the cold Water in jell-o mix, with the isopure...get your protein and it tastes better. And then you don't feel so much like you are on total liquids...and the jell-o has the hair growing benefit -which will in handy when the hair starts to fall out. (ugh)

New whey by IDS Liquid Protein is 3oz, 25protein, 0carb 0 fat pre op it was great, I need a few more days before I can do the consistency. If you stick it in the freezer for 30 min its like a snowcone! I got it because of the small volume and I limited right now.

Oh yeah I know that stuff...they are coming out with a new formula that will have 42 gms Protein.

Have you tried soy protein shakes...lower in fat and carbs. Muscle milk is too fatty and too many carbs. (that is why it tastes decent..lol)

What stage are you working on? My bad, I didnt check before I replied. Regular liquid diet, right??

jgandg: I have a problem with the whey Protein powder mix that I buy from my doc's office. They said one alternative is Isopure, but that it doesn't have as much protein as the mix I am having a problem with. But since you're saying it tastes good, I'm thinking I should find it and try it b/c I am not getting enough protein with this other stuff. I just don't tolerate it well at all so I don't drink much of it.

My question is, and I know we probably live in quite different locales, where do you buy it? I am thinking I will give it a try on your recommendation! Thanks, BJ

Isopure is nothing like the stuff you are drinking...it is not a powder mix. It is clear like apple juice...comes in many flavors has an after taste while you are drinking it, but not when you are finished. No biggie though if you are used to consuming diet products...Isopure is the only think drinkable I have found that has 40 grams of protein...you found something with more?? What is it called?

You can buy Isopure at GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, or any place that sells body building supplements.< /p>

Good luck!!