BetsyB

I mix some of them with Almond Breeze almond milk (the kind that's in the refrigerator section with milk). The powders are meant to be mixed with 4 oz., but I use 8---which is really good, especially for the flavors that are a bit much otherwise. I *really* like the Dutch chocolate mixed with warm almond milk---there's a process for tempering the Protein so it doesn't get clumpy from the hot liquid, but if you do it right, it's excellent. (In short, you make a paste with the powder and a little tepid or cold liquid. Then, you add the warm liquid very slowly, stirring the whole time.) I start most days with this--I needed something warm to replace my coffee! Speaking of coffee, a lot of people who post at BE add coffee to their Proteins.

It really depends. I got a call telling me my insurance covers banding the day after the seminar. That, however, was only a conditional approval. At my first meeting with the surgeon, I learned that a great deal more was required, including a three-month supervision. Endoscopy was not required for me, but all of the other testing and time for final approval added up to about 5 months, total. Your mileage may vary--you'll get a better feel for it when you have your first appointment with the surgeon. If that doesn't happen until a little farther down the road (some have you do the other prelim stuff first), give his/her office a call and ask what you should expect.

Bariatric Eating (BariatricEating.com - BE, Inc. The number one bariatric website for protein, vitamins, and success.) has a very good unflavored protein called PURE. It really disappears into whatever you add it to.

First of all, I am so sorry you're experiencing first bite syndrome. That must really compound the problems you're experiencing, and make it just so much harder to cope. From what I've read, it does not tend to linger forever---so there may be hope on the horizon for you. Does level of restriction affect it? I know it involves the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach rather than the band, so logic would say that it would not. But we all know that the band's behavior is not always logical. Has your doctor given you any good input about ways to cope? (Just a thought, which is purely an anecdotal observation rather than based on anything I know factually. Do you think the fibromyalgia is connected to the first bite syndrome? It seems to me as though many with FMS experience FBS....I wonder why? I wonder if any of the meds contribute.) You say that you're eating less than before, but I wonder: what are you eating? Are you tracking it? I know it's a chore, and not necessarily one you want to maintain long-term---but for the short term, it might give really useful information about ways you can tweak your intake to bump up your loss. I have fibromyalgia and a handful of other orthopedic/neuro issues, as well. My fibromyalgia responds very well eating "clean." I did away with processed foods a few years ago, and it made a HUGE difference. Really, huge. If I focus on lean Proteins, fresh veggies, heart-healthy fats (and these are really important not to pare down too much), and fruits and whole grains in moderation (I have yet to add these back in post-banding), I feel so much better than when I focus only on quantity of food. Quality is really important. The pain from fibromyalgia can be a real obstacle. Do you have a really good pain specialist? That has made all the difference in the world for me. My flare cycle has really calmed down. While pain is a very real, very strong presence in my life, I no longer really view it as a disability. It's something that requires a different focus, and a less-punishing approach to exercise as many are able to carry out. But when you hit on the right regimen, it really can make you feel so, so much better. I really had to work hard to make myself accept that working through the pain would ultimately provide benefits. Exercise does not injure me---though it sometimes hurts. With time, though, it reduces my pain. I honestly believe that walking daily (for several miles, at a brisk pace) is the best medicine I have. Without it, there is no doubt in my mind that (a) I would consistently be in more pain than I now experience, and ( I would experience severe flares more frequently. I think I'd probably consider myself in remission now; the pain I have is, in general, from other sources. Obviously, what works for me might not work for you---you have to work within your own limitations. But I really, really strongly recommend that you try to rid yourself of the disability frame of mind, and instead view exercise as potentially therapeutic rather than something destined to make you feel awful. You feel awful anyway, right? It was a huge struggle for me to decide, "Hey, I really don't have anything to lose. I feel like hell--what's the worst that could happen if I try this? That's right--I'll still feel like hell." Luckily, I found that it helped. But I was diagnosed over 25 years ago---and it took me almost 20 of those to convince myself---so I totally understand the reluctance to push. And I totally, totally understand the frustration and depression associated with it---chronic, cyclical pain packs an emotional wallop that keeps on giving. I'm sorry you're feeling so frustrated---you are dealing with an awful lot at once, and it must seem bleak at times. But I have a feeling you'll find your way around these obstacles and enjoy great weight loss success again. That will help you feel lots better, pain-wise, too. ETA: It does not sound like you are making excuses. It sounds as though you are contending with a number of really tricky obstacles, and doing the best you can to overcome them.

How frustrating! I hope you get good news today. (I would be pulling my hair out!) I'm kind of surprised they scheduled you without clearance. There's still the same wait, but it's a little less nerve-wracking if you don't already have your hopes up (and plans made).

I'm with Cindy on this one--I'd baby it with liquids for a few days, advance my diet slowly, and then call the doctor if problems resume.

I can't really aim for a size, not knowing what that really means. The last time I was the weight I'm aiming for, I wore anywhere from a size 6 to a size 12. I have no idea what that will translate into in today's sizing. And because sizing is not uniform ---designers tend to lean toward vanity sizing even more than most other US clothing manufacturers---I just can't even begin to figure out how to create that goal.

It is very normal to be able to eat more than four ounces before you achieve restriction. You did not likely stretch your pouch. OTOH, overeating to the point of discomfort is NOT a good idea and can, over time, do just that. Good luck with your fill. I don't mean to discourage, but often the first is just a stepping stone, without much discernible difference in hunger. Yours may be different--but either way, know that it DOES get better.

I wish I could burp. My body doesn't seem to know how, any more! As for ...intestinal gas (phht like I'm ladylike!) ...well, I have a 13-year-old son and a big dog. I blame it all on them. I don't actually have as much of an issue with gas as I did preop. It's just harder for my body to get rid of. Walking a lot helps tremendously.

It often takes a few fills. I felt very little difference after my first--and only for a couple of days. Fill #2 gave me some relief. Fill #3 seems to be getting much closer. It's frustrating, but it takes a bit of time. (I wish this were more thoroughly addressed in the preop education our doctors offer!)

What you should do is stick with the diet. It is time-limited, and you can do it. If you really can't, call your doctor to find out what you can safely add. You want to be sure your liver is given the opportunity to rid itself of its glycogen stores, so it's important to eat in a certain way. ETA: Yes, lots of people do cheat. Some of them find, after their abdomens have been opened for surgery, that their doctors are not able to proceed with the surgery. You don't want that! Make sure that you make wise choices--including calling your doctor if you think you need to modify the diet.

My psych evaluation was a 3-visit, pretty intense thing. I have no psych history, but just happened to choose a very thorough psychologist. (I'd recommend going with one of the ones your doctor recommends; I went to one who is highly regarded, but NOT in "the loop" bariatrically speaking, and my doctor was floored by the unnecessary depth of the report.) Anyway, the first visit involved an hour of talking about my history, and one brief pencil-and-paper test. The second visit involved the MMPI and another written test, as well as more talk--what seemed to be an oral questionnaire/assessment. And the third visit involved yet more talk, and being told that based on his assessment, I was less likely to succeed with the band than most people. (He was not able to point to what led him to this conclusion, other than that I was too positive. I pointed out that some people view motivation as a positive attribute--that while I know there will be struggles, I don't tend to view minor struggles as major hardship---as might be evidenced by the way I handled the other changes in my life that we'd discussed.) ANYWAY---I got clearance, but determined he wasn't the therapist for me, if I decide I want ongoing therapy! (I'm secretly pleased he made so much unnecessary extra work for himself. He was a pain, so thinking of him poring over 14 pages of report that could have been taken care of with three sentences kind of amuses me.)

In the face of such huge change (and when confronted with a super-restrictive preop diet), feelings of grief and depression are pretty common. For me, they passed before surgery. For some people, they linger during the period of getting used to the band. It'll be okay--these feelings will pass. You're about to make big changes, and your mind is processing that.

The fill is so fresh that, if you're able to get fluids down, I'd baby it for a week or so to see what happens. (If you're concerned though, check with your doctor to see what s/he thinks.) I was filled on the 26th, and still am babying mine---my doctor's view is that, if you can get fluids down, it's a good indicator that within a few days to a week (or so), food will be tolerated. For me, warm drinks help.

I wasn't suggesting you don't eat well. Really, chitosan doesn't work for cholesterol--that was my only point. But if milk is a staple, can you pare down on servings or switch to something like soy or almond milk (less fat, no cholesterol)? Sometimes, little tweaks and shifts to non-animal sources makes a big difference. (The Almond Breeze and Silk almond milks in the refrigerated case with the milk are awesome.)

I'm experiencing this right now, I think. My allergies are flaring, and I've been seemingly tight. But what I really think is going on is that the very thick mucus is obstructing my recently-filled (and therefore a tad bit swollen) banded stomach. I've found that taking plain guaifenesin (plain Robitussin or Mucinex) helps tremendously with this problem. I have not had to go for an unfill...but on days when I forget to take it, I do have real difficulties. I'd check with your doctor about this--it's worth a shot.

No, the needle cannot be reused. Lack of knowledge of this very, very basic tenet of aseptic technique makes the fact that you are doing this on your own worrisome. Are any of your healthcare providers privy to your activities? I ask, because if you've gone maverick, you may well void any sort of possibility of gaining medical care related to the band in the future. It's scary, for physicians, to care for patients who practice medicine on themselves without a license. And for good reason! Also consider that you may queer your possibilities of having care for any complications that may arise covered by insurance. I'm glad you're feeling wonderful, and hope you do well. But in your shoes, I think I'd work on locating a nearby professional to carry this task out. Look, if you can do it, your PCP---whereever you are---can learn to do it. Have him/her phone the doctor who banded you for instructions.

I have lost 35 pounds, and regularly do both cardio and weight work (and have, long-term). I am about ready to move into smaller clothes---but the ones I have still stay on my body. That said, everything looks baggy and awful. Still, the last time I checked, I wasn't quite ready to move down. Clothes sizing is really weird. If I had more time and/or inclination (and money!), I am sure I could find brands/designers for which the clothes fit just fine. But I just want to pick up a few tide-me-over things, and haven't been able to do it. When I was going up in weight, I stayed in sizes a really long time, too. This made it easier to deny the gain!

Judy, I'm so sorry I didn't see this until now. I order it from bariatriceating.com. I really love it as an alternative to the chocolately, vanilla-y proteins :thumbup: As an unrelated aside, I posted earlier about Bandtastic Meals, and have seen some posts on this thread about them since. I've ordered, and while the food isn't awful, I've found it to be really disappointing. It's not gourmet, and it's nothing that can't be easily and inexpensively recreated at home. Worst, even though the website assures that items are sent frozen and packed with dry ice, they arrived thawed and without dry ice. I was told that the FAA no longer permits air shipping with dry ice. The result was food that had been frozen arriving fully thawed and cool at very best. (The shipping charges have not been changed to reflect this change in policy.) It refreezes okay--but the quality just isn't as good as I'd hoped.

I agree that professional guidance can be really helpful---knowing that it can be quite difficult to locate a therapist you really "click" with. My story is a bit different---but in a way, not so very much. My mother was sexually abused, and insulated her daughters against similar attention with fat (while making the dangers of men and sex well known to us). At the same time, she was incredibly appearance-fixated (and thin and gorgeous herself)--so there were very confusing mixed messages sent to us. To my father, a woman's appearance (and bank account) was her only value. He is a sociopath, and the messages he sent were downright creepy. I was on diets from early elementary school---and did maintain normal weight until I had children of my own, when it became a battle again. However, the sex-is-dangerous message planted by my mother so early in life started playing in my mind again when my husband was unfaithful and, subsequent to that, developed a serious illness that wrought havoc with our sex life. THEN, I acutely felt that other men posed a danger to me. I saw myself as vulnerable to infidelity myself---and started hearing those Mom-messages in my mind. The result? A large weight gain that lingered for almost 15 years. It's only recently, after really pinpointing what was going on in my head, that I became ready to let go of the insulation. It sounds ridiculous, the idea of letting FAT go! It's FAT---of course I don't want to be enveloped in fat! But really, it served a purpose for my battered psyche. It protected me, admittedly in a maladaptive way. It made me invisible to the men who were a threat to me. It worked! Find a way to work through this---a good therapist, journaling, talking with those who understand...whatever. It can be done. Good luck to you---you will feel so, so good being yourself and saying goodbye to those who have injured you but are now lingering in your mind.

Lisa, good for you! I'm so glad you discussed your concerns with your doctor. I have a feeling you're on your way to a much more constructive working relationship with him.

Nah...the reward (loss) will come, either way. My more rigid diet is helpful to me as I learn what this band does. A year-long commitment to a particular surgeon-recommended regimen may not bring any greater loss, but it will let me sort of brainlessly adapt to life with the band so that, as I do incorporate other foods, I will be able to really "hear" what my body tells me about them. I don't know if that made sense. Let me give an example. I haven't had bread post-banding yet. Will I? Of course. But for now, I'm not having it. Why? I am new to the band, I am learning how to eat with it, and I still---as I do a little dance with restriction---am not 100 percent sure what will go down well and what will not. Even the sure-thing foods sometimes miss the mark. If i ate bread now, and it got stuck, it very well may have absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it was bread, but be entirely due to the fact that it's 9:14 a.m. on Monday when I have PMS, and my band just didn't feel like it right at that very moment. I want to learn to listen to the band so that I can determine what is a problem, what is due to the band's sort of capricious nature, and what is generally a sure thing. That's all--no reward for being "good" (other than not experiencing discomfort), because frankly, a vanilla slice sounds pretty damn good. But right now, I'm going to focus on reliably getting solids down --and on achieving a level of restriction that permits me to do so without difficulty while still controlling inappropriate hunger. THEN, I will feel equipped to approach food differently. Like you, I ate healthily preoperatively. I ate too much, but I prepared healthy meals from healthy ingredients. Things really aren't going to be all that different once I figure out this little device. And now that I think about it, maybe that is the reward I'm hoping for.

I'm really sorry you're having such difficulty! As the PP said, saline is likely not the issue. The saline used in medical procedures is 0.9% normal saline, and has the same composition as our bodies' fluids.

It's not the same as Alli---it's made from crustacean shells that are alleged to glom onto fat and remove it (and its calories) from the body. Only, it doesn't do this--the claims are false. I would be very reluctant to take chitosan---not just because it causes things to clump up (and therefore might become stuck), but because it's claims regarding fat are unfounded. Well, not just unfounded---proven false. The FDA routinely issues warnings to its makers/promoters regarding this claim. It does NOT do what it is purported to do. Further, it may interfere with the absorption of Vitamins and minerals that you DO need. Look, you have a gastric band. Your stomach space is finite. First, you don't want to fill it with crustacean shells when your body needs other things. Secondly, wouldn't it be a better approach to tailor your eating to fit your fat/cholesterol limits? There's not that much space---you can fill it with healthier food, and do great! If cholesterol is a huge concern, and does not respond to diet and exercise changes, it's time to talk to your doctor about medications that have passed muster and are known to reduce cholesterol. (Chitosan does help blood clot. It's used in bandages. That is its only real medical use.)

I wonder: when you went back to the doctor, did you still have something stuck, or were you dealing with swelling? (Does your doctor use fluoroscopy?) I ask, because after being stuck, I've experienced swelling that feels like the stuckness, long after the problem-causing object was removed. I moved to liquids for a couple of days--let the swelling from being stuck recede---and avoid the doctor altogether. I know some people swear by the enzymes. I haven't tried them (only gotten stuck on meds, so that wouldn't work). But if you've got persistent issues after sticking, I really wonder whether it's obstruction by swelling rather than a persistent food plug. If you can get liquids down, I'd baby your band with those for a couple of days. (Warm ones are especially good) and see if things calm down. If you can't keep fluids down, do call your doctor and go in ASAP, though.