BetsyB

I would like to add that, despite not having restriction, it's not a given that you will must gain or yo-yo during this period. You can choose to restrict what you eat, and begin the losing process. Did your surgeon give you a good eating plan to help guide you during this limbo period? You won't have to struggle indefinitely! But you only have 4 ccs in your band--your doctor is taking it slow. There are benefits to this, even though it's frustrating. You will get there...it just takes time. As for your question about Protein shakes, I really like the Inspire brand from bariatriceating.com.

Amazing post, Megan! Congrats on your anniversary, and a very successful year!

Ohm, I didn't read your response in a negative way--I was simply explaining why I am willing to (minorly) deviate from my surgeon's recommendations. Basically, it's 'cause he's just a guy with an opinion---albeit a guy who's very skilled at performing bariatric surgery. Now, it must be said that doing it MY way did not work well at all for a good number of years---if it had, I wouldn't currently have a band around my stomach! This is why I really do follow 99.9 percent of his recommendations. But I do make a 126 calorie, 30-g Protein, low-carb deviation each day. This form of "doing it my way" really does work for me--and for many of us.

I empathize with your anxieties, but would like to gently suggest that you take things one step at a time. Your loss will reduce the size of your thighs; it's impossible to say what the end result will be, other than that you will weigh lots less and be healthier. You can tackle the jeans issue as it arises--there are so many ways to conquer the problem. Many companies offer reasonably priced custom jeans, and you can never underestimate the value of a great pair of Spanx. Good luck! You're doing something wonderful for your body--thighs and all.

It's not an absolute no-no, but it's strongly recommended that soy Protein consumption be limited to 1-2 serving a day MAX---and this recommendation is not limited to those with thyroid disease. In addition to its thyroid suppressive effects, its phytoestrogens can cause problems if used in excess. (This recommendation is specific to soy protein isolate; soy foods like edamame do not pack quite the same punch and are safer in quantity.) This should not pose a problem for you, though; soy protein isolate is not nearly as bioavailable as whey protein isolate, which is readily, readily available (and often much less expensive). It will meet your needs better than soy protein. (I especially like the Inspire whey protein isolate from bariatriceating.com.) You will be able to meet your protein needs without compromising your thyroid health--no problem at all!

In general, people aren't malicious. They just don't get it. And there seems to be an epidemic of diarrhea of the mouth. For some reason, obesity is viewed less as a medical problem and more of a moral issue by many--and therefore, it seems to invite comment. I've been remarkably lucky in that those who know of my surgery have been tremendously supportive. But when I've been accosted by an unwelcome and/or inappropriate remark, I've found it very useful to calmly look the person directly in the eye, and pleasantly (but pointedly) say, "What would make you ask (or say) that?" I don't tend to engage in debates about my decision--but I'm more than happy to "encourage" the simple-minded and big-mouthed to ...reflect...on their intrusion into territory where their noses simply do not belong.

I was really nervous before the ball really got rolling, too--and I was very pleasantly surprised with the ease with which I was approved. Yes, it took time--but it really just boiled down to meeting insurance requirements. No groveling was required :thumbup: What requirements does your insurance contract spell out? Many require a BMI of 40, or 35 with 2 comorbidities. It sounds as though you meet the criteria. In that case, you have nothing to be concerned about. Chances are, your surgeon will require that you complete paperwork detailing your diet history. His or her assessment will include assessment of comorbidities---and you will see myriad other specialists for further examination of these (a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, a psychologist, and possibly sleep specialist). Your surgeon's office will know exactly what to do to get you approved. Furthermore, I really don't think that insurers are eager to deny claims--bariatric surgery saves them bazillions of dollars in the long run, and most people really do get approved; you simply must meet the criteria in your specific insurance contract. As for the supervised diet, when you are just starting the process, it seems like a terribly long time to wait. But I have to say that the time is VERY valuable. It gives you time to research, to get your head in the right place, and to get your body as well-prepared as possible for the surgery. It's been my observation that those who take the time to really get ready seem to do better in the immediate post-op period. That's not to say that others don't do well--there just seems to be a benefit, IMO, in terms of mental preparation when there is a sort of enforced "waiting period." Good luck! I will look forward to hearing about your progress. It's really very exciting--and worth any wait you have to endure. ETA: In regard to your question about remembering all the details of past weight loss attempts, yes; they DO know that we can't possibly remember all attempts and dates. What they want to do is establish a pattern of repeated loss (or attempted loss) and/or regain. In my case, this information was used by my doctor's office to complete the claim; it was not submitted to insurance in and of itself. (The information was used, but the surgeon and/or his insurance specialist made the determination that I met that criterion; the insurance company was then informed of his assessment. If that makes sense...) Anyway, my point is that you don't have to agonize over minutae. You have comorbidities that are apt to cost the insurer $$ over time--and the surgery will eradicate them. The cost-benefit analysis leans heavily in favor of approval for banding in cases like this. Having the surgery will save them money, and that's what they're all about.

I think there's a difference between "drinking excess calories" and having planned, accounted-for Protein shakes. I have two a day. They allow me to reach my protein goal. I have 3 well-planned, protein-based meals, as well. I don't approach a calorie level my doctor could even muster an eyebrow-raise about--even though he is a three-meals-a-day-no-snack kind of dude. I'm meeting my needs. It's not beer, it's not a milkshake, and it's not Coca-Cola. It's protein. 126 calories of pure, unadulterated protein. I don't know about UK physicians, but I do know that in North America, medical schools address nutrition almost not at all. (This is gradually beginning to change, as the link between nutrition and health becomes ever more obvious.) It is the purview of allied health professionals, and even doctors in specialties for which nutrition is unquestionably linked often are not well-schooled enough to offer advice that is sound. Why? Because their very rigorous educations are full of other things that are critical to their practice. The stuff that is the purview of allied health professionals is icing on the cake, and many of their cakes remain un-iced. Some physicians do seek extra education on the topic. Others are savvy, and do give good, solid advice. But the fact that a guy has an M.D. after his name does NOT make him an expert on nutrition---our surgeons are expert at performing surgery. They have opinions about the proper diet--but for many, there is little basis for their opinions. Because, really--there are many "right" ways to eat, and as long as nutritional needs are met (and not exceeded), you're a-okay. I am lucky. I have a doctor who really does know what he's talking about, nutritionally. (I know this, because I am an allied health professional who does happen to have a fair amount of nutrition background.) I respect what he tells me and, for the most part, follow it explicitly. But I also know that MY BODY requires the 126 extra, pure protein calories twice a day in order to function (and lose) optimally. So I choose, independently, to have those 2 shakes a day. Your mileage may vary--it seems that there's a lot of variance and yet, so many success stories from all different kinds of journeys :thumbup:

I got stuck on a pill a couple of days postop, too. I haven't yet had any incidents with food---but pills still give me trouble. Gelcaps? No prob. Capsules? No prob. I guess they dissolve before they try to move through. But tablets/caplets? Those hard little pellets still plague me.

I have no idea! I haven't even tried. I'm not yet at the place of good restriction, so I imagine I'd have no problem at all...but I'm not going down that road quite yet. Not because I think they're bad, but because I need to get a better handle on band basics---eating slowly, chewing well, etc. before I experiment with something I know gives many/most people trouble.

I'm with Elfie; my morning tightness is only discernible when I eat. When not eating, I am not even aware of my band--except inasmuch as it reduces my hunger.

Karen, you look amazing! Leigha, my sympathies. I have to say, though, that I've really enjoyed my kids as they get older---there's something really satisfying about the kinds of conversations we have now. Still...car, girlfriend.... Not sure I'm going to like the whole girlfriend thing when it's Preston's time. Bob--ouch! Sorry you got stuck. I just had a near-miss with chicken, which has never caused me trouble before. It was a tragedy narrowly averted. Denise--when do you leave for N'awlins? Do you perhaps need an assistant? A luggage handler? If so, I volunteer.

Different doctors have different philosophies/approaches. Those who recommend the preop diet generally do so in order to help ensure that the liver--which is a storage site for carbohydrate (and therefore fluctuates in size) is as small as possible before surgery. This makes it easier for them to move around inside your belly & install the band. Other doctors don't find this to be critically important. While it was difficult, I am personally glad my doctor did require it--I think it's a safer practice.

I am a HUGE fan of the Inspire Proteins from bariatriceating.com. I have tried forty bazillion proteins in the past--and these are really good. I especially like the dutch chocolate cake flavor. The Pom Razz Sangria (out of stock still, I think) is great mixed with Crystal Light lemonade, too.

Here's a third reason: If you fill your stomach with fluid, you don't have the space for other necessary nutrients. We have finite stomach space, so at mealtime, we need to concentrate on meeting nutrient needs---getting our protein in, getting our veggies, and so on. Liquid takes up space and prevents us from meeting those needs.

To be honest, I don't think it's ever really permanent. Even once you achieve a more lasting restriction, you have to return, periodically, for a "tune-up." As we lose weight, the stomach around which the band is seated becomes smaller, necessitating adjustment in fill. And this can continue for as long as weight loss continues. Beyond that, periodically having a fraction of a cc added here and there is pretty common, too. For whatever reason, Fluid finds its way out of even the closed system making up the band, its tubing, and the port. Or, our bodies shift just a little, and need a tad bit more. But if you're asking what I think you're asking, you're wondering whether this will be the fill that gets you to the sweet spot that allows you to go a good long time before another is needed. I hope it is! It's different for everyone, but this might just be the one that "sticks." Good luck!

How frustrating! I can understand how you'd want to try anything. But really, our bodies cleanse themselves pretty darn well without any help. The acai itself won't hurt--but cleansing can, if it involves diuresis and purging via laxative, which they often do. (If this is the case, then free or not, I'd skip it.) I wonder if your doctor would be willing to extend credit for a fill? You've done so marvelously well that having you as a wonderful success story in his waiting room really must boost the morale of other patients--and their confidence in him! Seriously---I'd ask about this. You're a walking testament to the success of the band (and by extension, the doctor). He may well be willing to cut you a break.

It was March 3, wasn't it? Or am I losing my mind? Anyway, welcome to bandster hell! I was in the same boat----4 ccs seems to be the standard 1st fill with our group. It doesn't stick very well, does it? It gets better--I promise! They're generous with Fill #2, too--and while I'm still not all the way there yet, it's light-years better, and there is a much brighter light at the end of the tunnel. Still, waiting is H.A.R.D. I know what they told us in the class, but did you ask Dr. J himself whether he'd consider another fill sooner?

Not to be snarky--but you asked what we think, so I'll share my opinion: if things like this worked, I don't think that many of us would have bands around our stomachs. I've never known anyone to have good, long-term results from things like this. I'd rather save my $$$ for a fill, and eat lightly in the meantime.

Chris, the gain is temporary---truly. A lot of it is simply bulk---liquids don't hang around in your gut long enough to change what's on the scale. solid food does. But it would probably be a good idea to prepare yourself for the idea that you will NOT be seeing daily losses. The loss rarely is a straight line down. There are fits and starts--and especially for women--times when the scale will inexplicably go up, completely unrelated to what you are eating.

I'm going to answer a bit differently. While I think it's quite normal not to lose during the time when you have no restriction, I don't think that gaining is something to be expected, except in the immediate postop period, when Fluid from IVs and meds is being retained. Yes, the postop period is a time for healing, not losing. Loss is a bonus. But if you're gaining, I think it's time to take a look at what you're doing. It's one thing to supplement the recommended half-cup of food (which simply is NOT satisfying!) with healthy foods that satisfy you more. It's quite another to eat enough extra food that your body gains weight. I understand your fears about whether this was the right thing to do. It's easy to wonder that when you're hungry and seeing little reward. But be careful that you don't stuff that fear down with food your body does not need. It's time to start working on a new relationship with food.

Denise! That is AWESOME! Congratulations!

At this point, my fills (with fluoroscopy) are 100% covered. At this point, I don't even have to pay a copayment for the office visit. After a year (I think), I will have to resume with the copay--which will cover the fills, as well.

What your doctor sees on fluoro as he fills your band is a tiny snapshot of the entire picture. My doctor saw good restriction, too. And I had it--for a couple of days. Then a couple of things happened. First, swelling subsided. Second, the size of the stomach around which the band is seated decreased. This happens with weight loss--and it causes loosening. How long has it been since your fill? There's a good chance you don't have restriction, even if you appeared to when last checked. If that weren't the case, we wouldn't need to go back for incremental fills over time. I hope you reach a comfy spot soon!

May I address this portion? I chose the band because I wanted to learn to live healthfully, and it provided a tool to help me do so. It allows me to meet my nutritional needs in a way that bypass does not (because of the malabsorptive issues the surgery creates). And it does so with the smallest set of adverse effects as tradeoff for the benefits. The sleeve intrigues me, but it was easy to rule it out; it's still considered experimental, and insurance does not cover it. If I ever require revision (something I do not anticipate), I would consider the sleeve. I think that it will represent a great option for many. I prefer longer-term data (and insurance coverage!) though, so I ruled it out. Bypass is a good option for many, as well. It just wasn't the one for me. I am not interested in both malabsorption and restriction; I wanted restriction only. I know many, many people who've had bypass. The difficulties they encounter are harder to manage, IMO. And really, in the long run, they don't seem to enjoy success greater than can be achieved with the band---if you use the band well.