BetsyB

I see Botox in my future, but am not quite there yet. I do think it can be horribly overdone---but in the right hands, with the right motivation, can be really effective (as can many of the fillers). I do think that the face often looks quite gaunt as a result of weight loss--AT FIRST. Almost everyone I've known to have bariatric surgery has had a period of re-distribution and most end up looking really great, facially. Still, I'm old--so I see lots of plastic surgery in my future!

My stomach makes a sort of bathtub-emptying noise these days--it really is kind of amusing :thumbup:

I'm really sorry you're having so much pain. I lucked out in that department, but the port site really was the site where I felt--and continue to feel!--a good deal of pain. It's not a complication--it's an expected phenomenon. I wish you'd been told of this in advance, because knowing what to expect makes it less scary! (It wouldn't be a bad idea to let your surgeon know, when you're next in, that mention of this should be added to their preop seminar so that future patients aren't taken by surprise.) It takes a good while for the port to get nicely established in the muscle--and it HURTS! And so many things seem to trigger it---leaning against a counter while doing dishes really jolted me just yesterday. It's just a very tender, sore spot for a while. But unless you see worrisome signs such as increased redness, drainage, fever, and so on, it's just one of those things that relies on time to heal.

You're anxiety is totally normal! You're about to undergo a big change--and there are so many unknowns for you. It's normal to be nervous under these circumstances. The one thing that popped out at me about your post was that you're worrying about what you will eat. Just to be sure: your doctor DID give you really thorough instructions about what to expect for the next several weeks, correct? I am reading it as though you're just sort of last-minute worried about what you'll be able to tolerate. But if these questions have not been answered for you by your doctor or nutritionist, be sure to get general guidelines for the first few weeks before leaving the hospital--and consider asking for a referral to a nutritionist experienced with bariatric patients to discuss your ongoing weight loss needs. GOOD LUCK--you will do great. My best advice is to take pain medication if you need it. It will help you get up and moving, which is the best way to feel better.

I know it's discouraging--but the cardiologist really does need to make sure that the ECG change is related to your hypertension rather than a blood vessel occlusion (that can be corrected BEFORE surgery). I know it's a cliche, but it's for your safety. A morning in a doctor's office can make a huge difference for your future health. In the end, you will still get your band! (But yes--anything that prolongs the wait seems agonizing!) Good luck with the testing! I am sure you'll be green-lighted, and sitting on the banded side of the fence soon.

Not a ton. I had a three-week supervision, and was required (by insurance and my surgeon) to lose 6 pounds. Those with a six-month supervision were required to lose 10. I lost right about in that range--I didn't push for tons more because I was teetering on the brink of a BMI that would push me into self-pay territory; no one could give me a really definitive answer about whether the insurer would go with my FIRST weight, or the weight after the diet, so I lost what was required. I should add that my group had NO specific recommendations for the supervised diet. Supervision consisted of monthly weigh-ins--diet and exercise decisions were left up to the individual. (This changed dramatically once approval was received from insurance; my surgeon has a VERY stringent, prescribed diet for postops.)

It really is hard---no doubt about it. But it will be SO worth it to stick with the diet. Your surgery will be uneventful, and your recovery easier. There will be time for pizza later in the game. Right now, you need to get yourself in the best possible condition for surgery. When you reach the point, post-op, where you can have solid Protein, let me know and I will give you information to order a really good CRUSTLESS Chicago pizza that will make your heart sing---and do NO weight loss damage. But for now--keep your eyes on the prize. Your liver will thank you!

It's nice that your husband wants to spare you discomfort, but his logic is a little fuzzy, IMO. You can achieve restriction and avoid PB and sliming and all of the unpleasantness, at least most of the time. Over-restriction is something to be avoided--but achieving appropriate restriction is sort of the band's raison d'etre. Otherwise, why even bother with it?

I'm sorry you haven't had a good experience, but a lawsuit isn't apt to achieve anything for you other than to rack up legal bills and make you feel stupid for not doing homework pre-op. I'm not calling you stupid--I am telling you that opposing counsel, if you are able to even find representation and the case even gets off the ground, WILL do its best to make you (and a judge and jury) fully aware that you were ill-prepared for the surgery and had unrealistic expectations. Should your surgeon have informed you fully? Certainly. But as both an RN and a patient, I can tell you that patients (myself included) do not always hear the stuff we don't want to hear. What did you do to educate yourself about the procedure and what would be required of you? What are you doing NOW to ensure your success? In light of the difficulties you've had, what changes have you made? Do you REALLY think it's your bariatric surgeon's (or the manufacturer of the device's) fault that you've encountered difficulties?

How far post-op are you? Frequent diarrhea stools, often in response to eating, are expected in the early postop weeks. Though "dumping" does describe it, it's really not the same kind of dumping that occurs post-RNY--so there's no need for regret over choosing this surgery over that. Dumping is a different phenomenon, caused by a different mechanism, that is accompanied by nausea, palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and often vomiting. I'm about 3 weeks out, and have found my diarrhea has improved with time. Fat, however, really does trigger rapid stomach emptying. I suspect that as I gain some restriction, everything will slow down! (And really, cutting down on fat is a good thing, anyway ) Banding hasn't always been dumping syndrome-free; back in the 90s, one of the more popular techniques had dumping as a hallmark side effect. I worked at the hospital where most of these procedures were performed, and several of my nurse colleagues had had the surgery; they experienced dumping in response to sugar (and sometimes fat) just as many RNYers do. Banding has come a LOOOOONG way. (I swore back then I'd NEVER be banded--but the procedures, as well as the support, including the advent of really good quality bariatric Vitamins and Protein supplements---have really evolved.)

Ask him about it. A good surgeon will welcome this kind of dialogue if not asked in a matter that seems to attack. You might simply say, "I always check my doctor's histories, and see that you have had 2 malpractice claims in the past 9 years. That doesn't seem excessive, given the patient population you work with--but I wonder: can you please tell me the kinds of problems these patients encountered, and what the outcome was?" It's also perfectly acceptable to ask about patient morbidity and mortality--the percentage of their patients that experience surgery-related complications and/or die within a period of time postop. All this said, it's REALLY rare for any surgeon, in this day and age, to have a record free of malpractice claims. Often, they are more related to a disparity between patient expectations and outcome. In the world of WLS, the potential for disappointment is high---we're all told about the potential for erosion, slippage, failure to lose weight, etc. We all sign the papers acknowledging we know this when we give our informed consent. But when you go to your post-surgical support group meetings, it will become painfully evident how many patients really DID go into the OR with very little understanding of what was going to happen, the risks, and what would be expected of them posto Surgery performed on morbidly obese patients carries fairly substantial risks. These surgeons willingly place themselves in the position of encountering complications and poor outcomes in order to help their MO patients. It's reasonable to expect that, during the course of a career, that one or two families will lose a loved one and file suit. Just ask your doctor. S/he'll tell you, in very general terms (can't be too specific due to HIPAA considerations) the source of the claims, as well as the disposition. The reports only give part of the story; give the doctor a chance to supply the other. THEN you can make a fully-informed decision.

Thank you for the suggestion. I understand your rationale, but my goal is only going to change if that's what's right for my body (and I will be mindful of that--because my goal is set pretty rock-bottom for my height.) I've spent LOTS of years battling my weight. As long as things are moving in the right direction, another 6-12 months doesn't faze me. But thanks--I can totally see how your approach would be very helpful for many.

Bariatric Advantage has chewables designed for band patients. I used them for the first couple of weeks, but then discovered the capsules my doctor's office provides go down just fine. If you're not able to get them down, thought, there are lots of alternatives. I WOULD be sure to get Vitamins designed for bariatric patients.

The rationale behind the low-carb, higher-Protein preop diet is that it depletes the liver's glycogen stores, reducing its size to make access to the stomach safer and easier. I don't know why some doctors recommend it and others do not. I am glad mine did--better safe than sorry!

It does seem to be senseless, but for many of us, there is more at play than simply energy in/energy out. Starvation mode is heatedly debated in the medical community. Many believe in it, and just as many do not. There is no dispute that metabolism slows during starvation. But few of us are really starving. Most of us are experiencing the normal and expected slowdown of metabolism that occurs as a function of decreasing body size. A smaller body burns fewer calories. Some people confuse the need to eat less as they lose with some sort of metabolic failure when, in fact, it's just the way things are supposed to be. That said, some of us really do have bodies that are particularly disposed to cling to every kilocalorie of energy stored as fat as they possibly can! (They say this is an evolutionary advantage...phhht. I'd rather devolve, thank you very much!) One issue I experienced that really influenced my ability to lose was Vitamin D deficiency. When my levels got to a good point, then I no longer gained at 1200 calories (with 7 miles of walking 3.5 mph/day plus alternate days of weightlifting). I also did not lose; losing required me to drop down to 800-1000 calories/day. And 800 calories is right about where I'm doing well right now, post-op (and pre-restriction--can you hear my stomach growl? :confused:) I am exercising (not lifting weights yet; I hopefully will be cleared for that at the end of next week), taking Vitamins, drinking tons of Fluid, and getting a HUGE amount of Protein (my surgeon's plan is very low carb)---and feel terrific as I lose at this level. The one thing I know for sure, though, is that right when I have it figured out, it will change! That's where the band comes in. Stubborn bodies that demand no more intake than the typical picky preschooler eats really benefit nicely from the restriction it provides! (I can't wait to reach that point!)

"Thanks for your concern, but this is a decision I'm making with my doctor. With all due respect, he's far more familiar with my medical history and difficulties with losing weight, obstacles to weight loss, and difficulty maintaining loss. He has an experienced staff qualified to give me nutrition and exercise advice. At this point in my life, I am NOT open to alternative solutions; I've been spending my entire life trying 'solutions' that haven't worked for me--and I have no reason to believe the 'solution' you propose will be more beneficial than any other I've tried. AND I HAVE TRIED. I have devoted most of my adult life to attempts to solve this problem! Your pressure sends me a mixed message: first, that you care about me, but second, that you don't trust my judgment. While I'm glad you love me, the support you offer REALLY needs to be on MY terms this time. I am proceeding with this surgery because it is what is BEST for me."

Even for diabetics, 15-20 is tremendously low. Really, the number of grams is FAR less important (for diabetics---or, really, ANYONE) than proportions and QUALITY of carbs. If eating in the context of a meal containing both Protein and fat, tolerance for complex carb is much higher than most people imagine. In answer to the question about which South Beach diet I referred to, I meant the original one--which promotes a diet that is protein-adequate (not high protein), very RICH in the complex carbs found in vegetables and legumes, encourages the use of heart-healthy fats, and permits fruits and whole grains in moderation. Really, it's just about exactly the diet recommended by all of the major health-promoting agencies (American Heart Association, ADA) and is well-suited for diabetics, as well. Most endocrinologists I know recommend it ---or something very close to it--for their diabetic patients. My surgeon advocates a much lower-carb approach during weight loss phase. It's fine if you have restriction, but would probably push anyone who did not to gnaw on the limbs of furniture! (I'm heading to that point right now, waiting for my first fill.) I log my intake on Fitday, and my net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) usually come to less than 25 g/day. It would be a ridiculously low amount if my pouch weren't new enough that it doesn't care all that much about food, anyway.

Updated for weight Name***********Starting****Current******Goal******ToGo Adjua.....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Astrasmom.............254...............254...........170............. .84 Babe......................265...............265...........199.... .........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............163..........158-148..........5-15 BetsyB..................226.6.............215.2.........109...... ......106.2 BobbieND..............224...............218.0..........150..... ........68 Brigette.................198...............198.............150.... ........48 crzytchr.................217...............217..............180.... ... ....37 Dana36.................233...............229..............160...... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274..............200...... .....74 destined4thinness...215.5.............215.5..........150............65 .5 ericanda1973..........198.5............198.5...........130......... ...68.5 HummingBird..........204...............195..............150........ ....45 jenibeni.................224...............221.5............165....... .....57.5 Jennih...................232................232..............130.... .......102 KDEE....................240................240...............150...... ......90 Lisa65...................174.5............168...............145..... ......23 Liz........................193.4............193.4............155...... ......39.4 lotzasunshine.........247...............245...............175........ ...70 newdicarlo.............187...............180................135...... . ...45 ol55andahalf..........184...............184................144...... ......40 RandaPanda...........194...............187................150........ ....37 scoutmama............270................270...............180........ ....90 skinny31................261................258................185..... .......73 SNDYCNRD.............207...............202................150......... ...52 TARASGIRL.............305...............298.5...............225....... . ....73.5 TeriLu....................215...............212................150.. .... ......62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... ......94 Tabithan...............244...............234................190....... ......44 unshackled............277...............277................180....... ......97 Valerie.................190................190..................150... . .......40

You're in a rough situation, but you CAN choose to exercise control. You can pull out a portion of Protein before the rest of the family's meal is prepped, and cook it appropriately. Since you're participating in the cooking, then you can exercise a great deal of control over what goes onto your own plate. You can also ask the food shopper in the family to allocate some resources for foods that are appropriate for you. (Or you can offer to do the shopping.) I realize you're in the position of relying on others financially, but really---accommodating your needs (which, given your reduced stomach size, really are not overwhelming) would not likely affect the family budget much, if at all. Is it that you PREFER your family fare? If so, you need to be honest with yourself about that--because then, you can tackle the head stuff. If you truly want to eat differently and see no possible way to accomplish it at home, I'd get a restaurant job to tide me over until I found a job in my field. Most give staff a free meal per shift---if you work one shift and get a restaurant-sized portion of meat and steamed veggies or salad, that can easily sustain you for the full day--just pack the leftovers up and take them home to eat while your family eats poorly. I cringe reading about your diabetic father. It's a shame the rest of the family isn't behind you in encouraging him to eat properly. As the wife of a diabetic, I know that you can only lead a horse to the Water, you can't make him drink. BUT you can make millions of really good, really healthy diabetes-friendly meals.

This is something I anticipate I'll have to work VERY hard on as I lose. I've always felt fat, from childhood, with the exception of a very brief window, after college, when I felt healthy and fit, and thin. In reality, I was not fat. It was weird, because when I got fat, my mind and body meshed---and I honestly did not see myself any differently than I always had. (It was harder to admit the fatness, that way, too.) Lots of work to do.

I'll let you know in two weeks :biggrin: So far, I'm down around 7 pounds since surgery, 15 pounds total, with preop diet. And down 31.4 from my highest. (Sorry; you didn't ask this, but I just needed to see it so that I would e reminded of how far I've come rather than of how far I have to go!)

Beck Diet Solution--I liked the workbook. (Same content as the book, but with room to respond) The food and Feelings Workbook by Karen R. Koenig Neither is specific to banding or WLS--but both help with the emotional aspect of eating and overweight. Even more esoteric is Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl--about finding happiness in even the worst situations (the author was a concentration camp inmate who managed to find meaning and beauty even there). I have read this book probably 100 times; I always seem to return to it when I need a nudge to see difficulties more positively.

I'm excited for you---it makes me feel hopeful! (I'm freshly banded--no real restriction to speak of.)