BetsyB

Awesome loss! I've already talked with a couple of plastic surgeons, and I'm nowhere near goal! (I just plan ahead :frown:) I've been told that they like for weight to be stabilized for a few months prior to surgery. It used to be recommended that you wait 12-18 months (after reaching goal, when you're maintaining weight) to see how things "redistribute." The thinking was that this might change the need for surgery or change the surgical approach. Now that WLS is more common, they are finding that the long wait is not necessary. If you need skin removal, you need it--and all the waiting in the world won't change that! I'd start narrowing down your surgeon choices now, and go in for interviews/initial consultations to see who you like. Once you've made that decision--have a surgeon you really trust--then you can get the answers specific to your needs.

Bariatric Eating does sell a protein sampler--it's a great way to try a handful of different proteins to see what you like.

It usually boils down to what is written in your specific insurance contract. Most seem to require comorbidities only for BMI less than 40, but your employer may have had the contract written differently (to save money---which is stupid, because obesity costs SO much more!). You can try to find a doctor who will identify comorbidities that don't really exist---but really, I'd approach it differently. (No matter how much you want something, fraud is fraud.) You may even find that you DO have comorbidities that "count" ---did you have sleep studies or see a pulmonologist? I'd approach HR to tackle it from their end. When renewing policies, they have the power to effect changes. In the meantime, it would be a really good idea to start the weight loss journey you had planned anyway. Your BMI is high enough that you will NOT get ruled out for approval if you lose. I know it's very hard without restriction (just ask any of us who haven't yet achieved it!)....but it can be done. You can start NOW to adopt the habits you will require once banded. It's just healthier--emotionally and physically--than adopting the fatalistic attitude that gain (and further development of comorbidities) is inevitable. Good luck!

You can do it. Really, you can. It's just a week--and really, you're heading into a lifetime of changed eating habits, so you might as well get used to it now. It's true that weight-lifting can cause you to retain Fluid in your muscles. But that's no cause for concern. What the doctor's office is primarily concerned with is (a) reducing the size of your liver as much as possible before surgery, and (:frown: reducing the bulk in your bowels. Both of these make it far easier for the surgeons to maneuver around your innards when placing the band. Really, the liquid diet then translates into an easier surgery--and easier recovery--for you. It's just a week. It'll be hard, but you can do it.

Ditto. It's very slightly to the left, just below the last rib. And though it's not front-and-center, it still is easily annoyed by laundry baskets and hugging children. It's just one of those things...whereever it is, there will be minor annoyances.

I get hungrier during my period, but am not able to eat more. My band seems tighter then. (It's pretty normal to be hungrier during menstruation--the body uses more calories then. )

Bypass can be great--for some people. Loss is rapid during a honeymoon phase (when patients lose, pretty much no matter what they do). Your surgeon sees those results day in and day out. But what he doesn't see---because unlike band patients, bypass patients get discharged from their surgeons' care---is that after that honeymoon period, bypass patients struggle every bit as much with making the right food choices (and eating around their procedure), etc. The 3-5 year success rates, comparing band to bypass, are very similar. So, you've got a doctor who likes immediate gratification---and is more than a bit of a douchebag about it. Good thing it's not about him and his body, huh? You have every reason to be proud. You also have every reason to switch doctors. I know you're trying to find a reason why he's being so obnoxious. It might just be because he is obnoxious!

What an a-hole. Seriously. What matters is that YOU are happy with your progress. Is he not aware that the band is designed for losses of 1-2 pounds per week? That it's not geared for fast loss, but for lasting loss? (Many of us have more trouble with maintenance.) It sounds as though he's become a Bypass Man. Many surgeons do have preferences. They don't tend to wish to make their patients feel like crap for making the decision that's right for THEM, even if not what they'd choose. I'd switch doctors. (I am so thankful for my doctor---so, so, so thankful that he is supportive of individual choice. (And also thankful that he agreed with my decision from the outset.) YOU deserve a doctor every bit as good as mine. (Oh--and statistics can be skewed however the person with an agenda wants to skew them. You're doing great, and don't let him tell you otherwise.)

I very much like (really--I like them!) the Inspire Proteins from Bariatric Eating. The Dutch chocolate flavor is really good if mixed with almond milk. Their PURE unflavored Protein is also very good.

pre-breakfast: warm chocolate protein made with almond milk breakfast: 4 oz. homemade chili made with ground chicken and black beans, sprinkle of cheddar cheese lunch: tuna salad with yogurt dill dressing dinner will be: 1 small piece crustless pizza (from local pizzeria--it's delicious) & 1/2 cup salad with red wine vinaigrette evening: maybe another protein shake; have to check fitday to see where I stand on protein for the day

Stomach capacity is less, with an unfilled band, than it is with no band. But gastric emptying occurs at almost the same rate as preop. So, I got full more rapidly, and with FAR less food...but was hungry again very rapidly.

Don't borrow trouble, bigpops! You may be dealing with a complete non-issue. Has Dr. K expressed concern? I ask, because enlarged liver is very common in people who are obese, and while steps are taken to reduce size prior to surgery to increase maneuverability, most people do manage to achieve sufficient reduction to move forward. Also, some people simply have larger organs than others---and that probably will not be an issue; a skilled surgeon can work around the innards that present themselves. That said, Atkins--especially the induction, but also OWL, if done conservatively, carb-wise-- is pretty consistent, carb-wise, with what is recommended for liver reduction. Dr. K may prefer that you do something like my doctor recommends: 2 meals consisting of Protein shakes, then one meal consisting of 4 oz. lean protein and 1/2 cup nonstarchy veggies. But wait to see what he says. It really may all be a non-issue. Certainly, you want to stay as safe as possible, but you may find that it's not a surgical concern. Good luck!

I don't quite have restriction yet, so I do rely on measurement/weighing of food, and I journal at Fitday.com. I usually get 800-1000 calories/day, and 80-100g Protein. I exercise each day, often twice, and have lost just over 30 pounds since my banding on Jan 12. "pre-breakfast": warm chocolate protein with almond milk between "pre-breakfast" and breakfast: 1 liter noncaloric Fluid, 1 hour walking @ 4 mph pace Breakfast (after exercise): 4 oz. homemade chili made with ground chicken and black Beans, sprinkle of shredded cheddar between breakfast and lunch: 1/2 liter noncaloric fluid lunch: 3-4 ounces solid protein (chicken, shrimp, tilapia or other fish, etc.); sometimes, 1/2 c. nonstarchy veggies between lunch and dinner: 1/2 liter noncaloric fluid; most days, another 45-60 minutes walking (thanks to my dog!) dinner: 3-4 ounces sold protein, 1/2 cup nonstarchy veggies evening: warm protein shake made with almond milk (as I add more veggies, fruits, and legumes, I will phase this one out, most likely.) snacks: I try to avoid snacking, but if in dire need, I grab a string cheese or Babybel cheese. As I add veggies to my repertoire (my current focus), I will use them as Snacks. This list doesn't include condiments/sauces such as mayo, mustard, sugar-free barbecue sauce, hot sauce, marinara, vinaigrette and so on. I do prepare my meals using sauces, and account for them in my journaling.

I couldn't agree more with the statements that (a) balance is important (and that veggies and fruits should not be sacrificed in order to make room for yet more protein), and (:cursing: nutrients from food are more available for the body to use than those from capsules (or shakes, or whatever). That said, with finite space, the "insurance" from both Vitamin and Protein supplements can be useful. Particularly for those of us who've not yet achieved restriction and really need to be extra vigilant about what goes into their mouths. For me, the protein supplements are used not as meals, but as planned Snacks designed to help me reach protein goals. And I use them specifically to keep my fat/sat fat intake lower than it would be if I focused on meat and cheese. Now that I've added legumes back in, however, things are waaaaaay different for me, and the need for supplementation---in terms of meeting protein needs, keeping fat down, and satiety--has changed tremendously. I suspect that many who use protein supplements are not as far out as either of you---and that, as they are able to add foods in and get a better handle on what foods give them the best bang for their tiny little buck, they will phase them out.

I'm not seeing a stall, either--your rate of loss is excellent! I was cleared for exercise without restriction at 4 weeks postop. Check with your doc, but this seems to be a pretty standard waiting period before beginning ab and/or weight work.

Congratulations on your great loss so far! Chances are, your band is just fine. Vomiting can cause a great deal of muscle soreness---and hopefully, that is what you are dealing with. Still, I'd check in with your doctor, to be sure. Good luck! You've had such tremendous success so far!

Yup, it's hard. It's especially hard when you still feel cruddy from the surgery. It does get easier! Call your doctor to see if you can advance your diet. Even if the answer is no, they may have useful guidance for you. The one thing I would suggest is NOT to choose fruit as your first mushies. It causes a blood sugar spike, followed by a plummet--which serves to increase hunger. I'd aim for Protein or, at least, a good balance between protein, carb, and fat. But first, get the green light from your doctor. Do you have good Protein shakes on hand?

CONGRATULATIONS!! That is an awesome accomplishment!

Anne, I'm glad today is better. Weather affects me, too--just a handful of gorgeous days makes all the difference. I've found that walking outdoors, even on dreary days, really helps me, emotionally. There is something about observing the changes in foliage and animal life this time of year that is so spiritually renewing. Elfie, I'm SO glad you're going to ask your doctor about your pain. It really should be investigated at this point--and hopefully, until its cause is pinned down, she can offer some relief. I have chronic pain issues from a long-ago accident, and good pain management is actually pretty crucial to my weight loss. First, pain ups cortisol---which interferes with loss on a number of levels. And secondly, pain makes exercise so much more difficult. (For me, I should list those the other way around--for me, exercise really is critical.) It's good to see you, Gloria! Count me in on your no-hands challenge. My incident last night involved eating with my hands. Ordinarily, I cut everything up into tiny pieces. Last night, I got cavalier with cold shrimp. BIG MISTAKE. So yes--I will join you, and let you know how it goes. I suspect that after my fill next week, it will make a huge, huge difference. Plus, it just feels like "official" eating when it's not done out-of-hand. I am finding that being mindful makes a big difference, emotionally. Okay, the furry beast is telling me, "Time to walk, woman!" So off we go....well, maybe after a little more hydration.

:lol:Bob, you crack me up with your slime/PB porn. I would add last night's tale, but will save it for a day when there isn't abundant....stimulation. ROFL Pizza...that sounds good. My favorite pizzeria does a crustless pizza that's actually pretty good on the nutrition front. (Yeah, too much fat..but hey, it's pizza.) I think I know what's for dinner tonight. I know what you mean about getting bored while eating, and just throwing in the towel. Too much work, sometimes, all that chewing. Larae--Welcome! Congratulations on your jeans NSV! Bree-Banding does feel like a miracle, doesn't it? Leigha--Too loose?! AWESOME! Congratulations--you're melting! Yes, my Pharmacology book is a textbook. Christie-Your upcoming week sounds so, so heavenly! I know you'll hit 40 pounds by then! I hope you loosen up a tad, so that you're more comfy eating---I bet that'll happen. As for me, well---I do need to learn patience (like you, Anne). The couple of pounds I was up are now gone, and took 1.6 with them. :cursing: Have a great day, everyone!

I was very hungry--not head hunger, but bona fide hunger hunger--and that persisted until after Fill #2. Since I don't yet have good restriction, it still lingers, to a certain extent. When you don't have restriction, your stomach capacity is smaller, but it still empties at a near-normal rate; the result is hunger. The thing is, you don't really have to eat in response to the hunger! I'm not saying you shouldn't ever, but you can lose weight during this time if you choose to eat in a way that permits it. Yes, it is dieting. But it's a short-term thing---there is a light at the end of the tunnel that will relieve you of the need to be super-vigilant. Not everyone views this time of bandster hell as a time for losing. You'll hear a lot of, "It's time to focus on healing." And that is very true--to an extent. But you can work with your body instead of against it. You can make sure that the foods you do choose don't work against you, hunger-wise. You can measure your food to make sure you don't overdo. And so on and so on and so on. PLEASE don't get in the habit of chewing and spitting food--that is disordered eating, and can really lead to more issues down the road. The idea is to form a new relationship with food--not continue on a destructive path.

Hepatic encephalopathy is, indeed, a terrifying thing. But I've never seen anyone afflicted with it who did not have severe, severe liver disease---usually compounded by (of all bizarre things) constipation. The buildup of ammonia (which dietary Protein does increase and constipation causes to linger in the body) causes the dementia, and it is horrifying to observe (and of course tremendously dangerous if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Most people who've experienced HE find themselves on at least short-term protein restriction and on long-term (as in lifetime, if not transplanted) laxatives. I would not even think to consider hepatic encephalopathy a risk of excess dietary protein in a healthy individual with a healthy liver. I do realize you're just thinking this through, not attempting to influence people. I think that this kind of mental exercise is really important---for everyone. ETA: I bet a little bump in protein will help you feel better. It's not a panacea, but getting enough is a good thing. You've got a lot on your plate!

If you've just had a port put in, does that mean you currently have a band with no fill? When I had no restriction at all, I felt satisfied only very briefly, and had to very carefully listen to my body's signals for that. And I had to tell myself, "No!" a good deal--because I, too, was very hungry shortly after eating. Thankfully, approaching restriction solves that nicely. Instead of relying on that, I weighed and measured my food. I still do, because I'm just shy of restriction. (I probably will continue to do so long-term--just because I'm not a good judge of quantity and need a reminder.) As for the wine--well, lots of people would tell you that there's room for that in the bandster's life. I'm really not among them--at least not when there's still weight to be lost. An occasional glass, sure--but routinely drinking it offers your body nothing it requires, and also causes disinhibition that can make it difficult to put the brakes on eating.

It's far better to advance your diet as recommended by your doctor. If you really can't tolerate the hunger any longer, call your doctor's office for input; you may be happily surprised to be told to advance. But foods like applesauce, which are relatively high in sugar, might not be the best choices right off the bat; they cause a sharp spike in blood sugar (as compared to, say, protein), followed by a plummet---and worse, cravings for more. Every doctor is different, in terms of postop "rules." You can choose to take or leave yours (though again, if you were to call his/her office, you might find that moving ahead is okayed---and you might get good guidance about how to do so in a way that is least apt to bother your new stomach)---but if you do deviate, try to do it in a way that will really give your body what it NEEDS.

What risk to health concerns you, with increased Protein intake? A body with healthy kidneys is able to deal with any potential protein overload. ETA: Bone loss is generally not an issue unless protein is eaten to the exclusion of other necessary macronutrients. But eating a high protein diet that includes vegetables and/or fruits--which tend to buffer the acidity of the urine produced by a high-protein diet--prevents the "withdrawals" from the body's calcium stores and bone loss.) But the point is, really, that for many of us, there IS no overload. Getting 80 g of protein permits maintenance of muscle mass while losing weight (when combined with exercise), helps with healing from surgery, and may help prevent the hair loss that plagues so many bariatric patients. My doctor monitors kidney function routinely, so I'm not concerned about potential health risks from protein. But then, while I do think it's tremendously important, I don't think that achieving a set number of grams is the most important thing on the planet. I aim for it, but if I don't get it, I'm comfortable that most days, I do.