BetsyB

The concrete medical consequences may include: 1. Wound dehiscence (this means they pop open. In severe cases, evisceration can occur; this means that abdominal contents push out because of the pressure); 2. disruption of your band, which has not yet had the opportunity to heal in place; 3. disruption of your port; see #2. Were you not aware, in advance, that abdominal surgery would impact your ability to care for small children?

Nope, my "secret" goal is right down below, in black and white. My surgeon hasn't given me a goal--though the printouts that come with every weigh in have me around 128-ish. My goal is lower--for a number of reasons. I am open to revising it if I reach a weight where I'm comfortable sooner. But for reasons unrelated to appearance I really want to get as low as possible. (I have orthopedic stuff that really does benefit from weighing as little as healthily possible.)

Not putting it down at all. Though I would recommend that it not be done at weights that harm the body. And running while obese does stress joints in ways that are best avoided for many. I wish I could do it. I can't. I have found alternatives. That's not putting it down--or "justifying" for why I don't run. If I could, I would--but being hit by a freaking truck sort of took it out of my range of options. I know it's your passion, Jacqui. I wish I could do it, too. But not every opinion that is the slightest bit contrary to yours is a put-down of you or your avocations or justification for not doing things the right way. Sometimes it's simply conversing about a topic. I simply offered the perspective of someone who can't share that avocation and has modified it for a body that cannot do it in just the way you do. You know, in case there is anyone else who needs to modify a run to what his or her body can withstand.

It's really, really hard to pick up the new habits you need. All of us understand that. That said, you just have to do it. No excuses. Eat what you're supposed to eat, and when you're supposed to eat it. Write it down. The band will require you to follow rules. Starting to establish the habits now will help ensure your success. Your nutritionist knows this. But I wonder: is the nutritionist affiliated with the doctor? What makes her think that your insurance contract is not binding? I would focus on finding the right surgeon. Input from your PCP's nurse is all well and good, but you're putting the cart before the horse. Seeing a nutritionist is great, but only if she promotes what your particular surgeon emphasizes (and all surgeons have their own dietary quirks). Furthermore, if your insurance excludes bariatric surgery, it's probably inappropriate of her to lead you to believe you will somehow be able to get around what amounts to a contract written in stone. The VERY first thing to do is get your hands on your policy, and read it for yourself. What does it say about bariatric surgery? If it excludes it, and you want coverage, the way to make THAT sort of change starts with your employer. That's who has the power to change coverage. The nutritionist does not. And all the journaling and great eating in the world will not change it. An alternative is to locate surgeons who accept Medicaid. Here is a link that shares some. (Dr. Huse in Carmel--near you--is one of them.) MEDICAID AND MEDICARE SURGEONS LIST!

Try not inviting her comments by not making self-deprecating comments about yourself.

It can be hard to get it all in at the beginning. Hydration is far more important than getting the Protein in----your ability to do that will come with time. But if the protein is a liquid, and you're able to sip on liquids, you can probably sneak some more into yourself that way. If it's a struggle, work up to it. But choosing a liquid other than apple juice--which has enough concentrated sugar that it can actually dehydrate you (by drawing Fluid into the colon and causing loose stools/diarrhea)---would probably be a good idea at this point.

I don't think so, either--there's a huge range of "normal" in terms of response to the band. Just look at how broad the different physician recommendations are! There's no right way, no wrong way (other than wholesale noncompliance)--and no right or wrong way to feel.

You really do end up being pretty vigilant about food choices, long-term. However, food doesn't occupy the same level of importance. I mean, sure--you have to be careful to choose foods that will (a) promote weight loss (or not work against it), and (:bored: work with the band (not get stuck). You have to take small bites and chew carefully. But as the constant hunger dissipates, it becomes so much easier to put food out of your mind most of the time. So, it kind of loses its prominence in everyday thought---except at mealtime, when you do have to pay more attention than you might have preoperatively. Did that make any sense whatsoever?

Whiterabbit, I understand. I really do. I was prepared, too. But if your insurance contract stipulates the supervision, I think it's realistic to expect that you will be spending that time waiting, no matter how well-prepared you are. Insurers don't care about your preparation; they care about the contract they have with you. And they stick to it. So the timing of your approval hinges on that---100 percent. Hopefully, your contract stipulates that supervision need not be by the surgeon. With luck, the work you've done with your PCP will count. Most of us had this same wish--and for most of us, it has not proven to be the case. A single phone call to your surgeon's insurance specialist, though, will give you an answer about this. S/he will know what your specific policy requires, and put an end to the speculation. I hope you don't have that wait. But if you do, the time can be a gift. Because mastering some of the post-banding skills (not knowledge, but behaving in the ways you'll behave post-banding) will give you a real leg up in terms of postop success. There is plenty to learn and practice. Have you started eating the way you'll eat when you're banded? Have you started taking tiny bites the size of a pencil eraser, and chewing each very thoroughly? Have you stopped drinking with meals, and for at least 30 minutes after? Have you asked your surgeon his stance on snacks---and eradicated them, if he's a three-meal-a-day guy? Have you started sampling Protein supplements to find out which you can stomach? (I recommend Inspire powders from Bariatric Eating.) Have you cleaned out your pantry and freezer, and restocked it with band-friendly foods? Again, I hope you get the news you want. But if you don't, it will be okay. Before you know it, you'll be banded--and you'll be in great shape to succeed. Good luck!

No. I may be an anomaly, but for me, the band has always represented success. I've never doubted that I will lose with it. And remaining positive about it has helped me lose even without restriction. Even when it hasn't been doing its job, knowing it's there has been enough of a light at the end of the tunnel for me to stick to my plan. I always knew it would work. I always knew it would take time. So I made the best use of the time possible, knowing that, in the end, it would do its job and take the burden off me.

I've felt my port wiggle around a bit---but the good news is that its position is just fine, and doesn't interfere with fill-ability at all. I think it's normal to feel all kinds of odd sensations as we heal. Our ports take a while to become nicely seated in the muscle, and there is a bit of movement. Most of the time, it's nothing to be worried about. If you are worried, by all means give your doctor a call.

Laura, please don't be afraid to eat. Be careful, but don't be scared. It wasn't until I got to 7.3 that I had any difficulty with food, ever. And even now, the problems are few (and related to user error rather than overtightness). I understand your concern--but it'll be okay. What are you cooking for Easter?

I think your doctor has given you a really skewed sense of what to expect. (This is not particularly uncommon, since most surgeons have not been banded, and many really do not pay a great deal of attention to their patients' aftercare, and therefore don't have a realistic view themselves.) Restriction is likely quite a way down the road for you. I have 7.3 ccs in my 11 cc band and can still freely drink fluids. Other people get restriction sooner, but I have only, with my most recent fill, experienced difficulties with any foods at all---and they've been very few and very minor. Still, in this working-toward-ideal-restriction phase, I've been consistently practicing the things I need to do---taking very small bites, chewing well, etc. (You sound like you're doing this, too.) Do try to make use of this time to build other good habits with your band (like choosing the right foods in the right amounts). I know you've only described a couple of incidents, but it does sound like you've got a tiny bit of push-the-envelope-itis going on. You say that you "don't feel anything," and describe behavior in response that seems to almost challenge your band to see what you can get away with. This is not a good idea so early on. Stick with okayed foods in the amounts recommended. If you ever do run into difficulties getting enough Protein, I think the Inspire protein powders from Bariatric Eating are really, really good.

I know it seems like an impossibly long period of time, but really---with all the other stuff you have to get done (clearances from cardiologist, pulmonologist, psychologist, etc.) ---not to mention all the learning you have to do---the time will pass quickly. I had years of documentation of weight-related doctor visits, as well as documentation from Weight Watchers. For my insurance plan, the clock for the period of supervision did not start until my first appointment with the bariatric surgeon. The stuff preceding did help establish the need for surgery, but did not reduce the wait. In retrospect, this was a good thing. I really geared myself up for the surgery, and was very well-prepared when the time came. It will be okay--you can use the time well, practice all the behaviors you'll need after surgery, and be all set for success.

Thanks, everyone, for the good thoughts and prayers. Mark’s hanging in--he feels awful, but isn’t really admitting it (most of the time). He’s been home a lot this past week, rather than at the office; this is largely driven by how he’s felt, though he’s couched it in getting-ready-for-holiday terms. He hates being sick! It’s been a good week otherwise, though--both kids are home from school, and it’s been nice. We’ve had great weather (well, except for this morning’s rain), and everyone’s been in good spirits. (Read that: the offspring have not spent the week at each other’s throats.) Bobbie! I love your picture--it’s great to have a face to go with your name! I have the opposite problem that you do. Veggies are no problem. It’s protein that’s giving me trouble since my last fill. Well, chicken. I think I may finally have to bid chicken breast adieu. (Dark meat’s not much better.) Still, no sweet spot quite yet, I don’t think….this is going to be like a tight wire walk, isn’t it? Elfie….oh, Elfie. Snakes. <shudder> My sympathies. I love good compost…but I don’t think I could endure a snake farm---even if it was cute little garter snakes. Seriously---you should see my face right now. HORROR! Illuminationlady--Welcome back! I’m glad you had a great trip, despite the untimely demise of your laptop. Tell Becky we’re all thinking of her as she recovers--what a good example she has in you. Denise--you look fabulous! I love seeing the transformation in your pictures. Jacki- You are adorable even in your “before“ picture! I wish I could find good “before” pics. I know there are a handful out there….but laying hands on them would require asking my in-laws--who take enormous delight in catching the most unflattering photos of everyone for their own private arsenal---for them. Oh, well. I have my huge fat pants as evidence, if nothing else. Speaking of pants, I broke down and bought new jeans yesterday, primarily because the ones I’d been wearing fell off. I tried on 2 pairs, a 16W and an 18 (regular). Both fit. I surprised myself for going for the larger number---because I JUST WANTED THAT DAMN “W” TO GO AWAY! So, I have a “normal” size pair of jeans. And am now looking forward to a lifetime of buying clothes off the rack, easily, and HAPPILY. (I almost cried in the dressing room. I took them off. Put ‘em back on to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. And did it over and over.) At my highest weight, I wore 24W. This is a BIG change, and really, very sudden---I did not lose weight this past week (I don’t think), but something changed! Okay, back to the regularly scheduled programming… Leigha--Yikes! That pollen! It’s bad here, too--I know this because my contacts seem to get glazed by it by noon every day. Blah! But it’s NOTHING like what you have! Oh, fresh eggs! They are so, so good. I am looking for a local farm to get organic eggs and meat----we’re buying in to a CSA for veggies and herbs, too. The quality is so good. The tulips are gorgeous--they are my favorite flower, and I wonder, every spring, just why it was that I forgot to put bulbs in in the fall. I have a feeling that THIS season, I will find myself with a great deal more energy to do things like that. Hummingbird--My scale NEVER cooperates on doctor visit days! In my earlier life (you know, LBB: Life Before Band), this really threw me for a loop. Now it just…well, is. How did your fill go? Are you feeling good? Karen! 170 pounds---that’s AWESOME!! Liz--Thanks for the Jillian info. I really like her. Something about her being a former fat girl really … I don’t know…it just makes me respect her more. I don’t always agree with her approach or rationale, but she gets really great results. One of these days, I am going to break down and get her Shred DVD. Laura--Congrats on Fill #2--Wow! That was a BIG jump! How are you feeling? Anne, I’m so glad you’re getting such awesome feedback from the nutritionist. You are going to knock their socks off, post-op. I really think that the wait (and preparation that goes along with it) paves the way to success. I don't have to teach Sunday school in the morning, so I am (horridly) contemplating sleeping late rather than getting up for church. That would be really bad, wouldn't it? :bored: Okay, enough blammer from me. Have a great day, everyone. I am hoping for the rain to end so that I can go for a walk and then play in the dirt. I am so eager to do my garden "spring cleaning."

Phentermine's not really safe (or particularly effective) without the band---no safer with it. Have you ever heard of anyone achieving lasting weight loss success with diet drugs? No, because it doesn't happen--ever. People may lose---and the minute the drug is stopped, they regain. It's a terrible thing to do to the body, and particularly so to a banded body (which is confused enough already!). Alli works by removing fat from your body before absorption. At this point, your intake is low enough that unless you're really overeating (and *ahem* if you are, stop), your body NEEDS the fat you take in. Alli's not a good choice at all. Never mind the oily, uncontrollable diarrhea; you will be robbing your body of a needed macronutrient that only is given very finite real estate in your new stomach. Look, you have a built-in appetite suppressant wrapped around your stomach. You're so close to banding that you haven't yet realized its benefits, but you will. Commit yourself to achieving a good level of restriction. That will guide your food choices in a way that you lose without introducing potentially harmful drugs to the mix. Will it take care of the head hunger? No. But numbing that out with drugs really isn't the answer to that problem, either. I know the early days are really frustrating. But make and keep appointments with your doctor, follow his or her eating plan, and you will get the results you want. It will be hard, at first. But it will be worth it.

I have an 11-cc Realize band. It was placed with no fill, and was left empty for 4 weeks. I've had 3 fills, and now have 7.3 cc. I think I will need one more to hit the sweet spot, but am still adjusting to the changes from my most recent fill (just a week ago), so we'll see.

Yes, you can hurt yourself by advancing too fast or eating too much, but no, you probably didn't. salad really does kind of chew down to nothingness. The main problem I have with it is that the leaves of lettuce (or spinach, or whatever), if not chewed very, very, very well (and it's hard to do this, because it tends to slip down your gullet pretty easily) can find themselves lying across the stoma just so....not really "stuck," but blocking the way for anything else to move through for a while. It can be really uncomfortable. It happens to me after fills--I have to be really careful. BUT, chances are you don't have much in the way of restriction right now, so by now, you've probably determined that you are just fine. (The pouch is more elastic than most of us think---you won't cause a slippage with a bunch of chomped-up greens.) Kelsey, if you're starving between meals and your doctor has a no-snacking rule, call his office and ask for guidance. You will very likely be given a broader list of acceptable Snacks than the one you have (which, I bet, has broth, sugar-free Jello, and sugar-free popsicles on it). If they refuse to help you figure out snacks, look at the foods you are allowed to have at mealtime. If you're genuinely hungry between meals, choose something that would be a wise choice for a meal, and have a small, measured serving. Then, tell yourself you're done until mealtime. But please, don't start down the bread and milk path.

Most orthopedists really discourage running until goal weight is well within sight---otherwise, there is too much extra stress on the joints. That said, even when thin, I'm not designed to be a runner. I love the idea, but my body simply does not do it well, even at normal weight. I'm made to walk FAST and LONG--so that's what I do. I can bypass joggers, and get a good workout--but there's just something about changing my gait to a run that turns me into an oaf. So much for the dreams of elated gliding through the air! If anyone reading is not cut out to be a runner, either, please know that there ARE other ways to be fit, and that they, too, carry with them the endorphins that make running appealing to those who love it.

If she's acting like a petulant child, use the standard petulant child response: "If everyone else jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?" Seriously. It matters not one whit to your wife's health if every single person on the planet other than her cheated on their preop diets. Their survival is not proof of safety. It's not a shield to protect her from the harm it might do to her. It's time for her to start following the rules. There are an awful lot that travel along with the band, and now is as good a time as any to realize that they need to be followed.

If you plan to eat, I'd do a "trial run" at home, first. I would not make the food eaten at the wedding the first food you eat post-sticking incident.

When I read the OP yesterday, my first inclination was to say that I'm not all that concerned with what others eat. But last night, when my son and daughter served themselves up (too much) ice cream, I did comment---and my son told me, "You know how some people go to rehab, and then think everyone else is an addict? That's you, with food." (Okay, maybe---but I'm their mother, and it's my job to do whatever I can to prevent them from making the same kinds of mistakes I made.)

I induce vomiting, too. If something's stuck, it's stuck---waiting it out prolongs the misery and leaves me with a sorer stoma. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence for me.

I'm so sorry--what a disappointment! I am glad they are committed to helping you find a solution--but wish there were no need.

The first fill often does not effect much change in terms of restriction. I was on solid foods by the time I was filled (no mushy phase per my doctor's plan), and was still able to eat without any real discernible difference, once the swelling receded. (I had a day or two of feeling some restriction.) The second fill gave me a bit more restriction. But it wasn't until my third that there was a really palpable difference in how my body responded to what I ate/drink. Everyone is different. But if you're not feeling restriction with liquids, you may not feel them with food.