BetsyB

IL, how FUN! When do you leave? Bon voyage!

Okay, skip the Instant Breakfast for now, and focus on Clear Liquids. Are you able to tolerate sips of clear liquid (for me, warm works best). If so, I'd give it a couple of days---just sipping away at clear liquids to stay hydrated---to see whether some loosening occurs. If you can't get liquids in, I'd recommend a trip for a little unfill---sooner rather than later. You don't want to risk dehydration. But if you can tolerate them, even with a bit of difficulty---hang in there. You might loosen up a bit over the next week or so. (A good gauge of whether you are getting enough Fluid is the color of your urine. It should be pale yellow. If it's dark, you need more fluid. If it's clear, you can ease off a little. If you find that you're veering toward dark urine, and can't get enough liquid in to remedy this, call the doctor.)

I know it's frustrating--after one fill, I was right where you are. But it gets better---you have plenty of "room" in your band, and you will reach the level of restriction that is right for you. Hang in there.

Aside from plastic surgery--which isn't so much a reward, to me, but more a completion of the journey---I don't really have any concrete plans. I'll need a new wardrobe, that's for sure :thumbup: I love the idea of an eternity band---just like our gastric bands, forever. Along the way, I am buying myself a Pandora bead & spacer for every 10 pounds lost. If you're not familiar with these, the concept is kind of like a charm bracelet, only they're beads instead of charms. For the bracelet related to my weight loss, I'm choosing beads that are relevant to the journey: I've started with a gym shoe and clover (because I was lucky enough to be banded). By the time I'm done, the bracelet will be full. Another thing I am doing (and that reminds me, I have some catching up to do!) is going to the bank after each week's weigh-in to purchase the equivalent weight of my loss---in quarters! Each roll of quarters is a half pound and costs $10. If I've lost just a little, carrying around a even a half a roll of quarters in my pocket for a little while makes it pretty darn apparent that even those small losses are significant. I toss the rolls I've "earned' in a canvas tote bag. When I get bummed about how "little" I've lost, I pick it up for a very real reminder of what that loss represents. I figure by time I get to goal, I'll have enough to make a pretty big dent in a good wardrobe.

I've been using fitday.com for years. I love it because I now have a database of custom foods that make it really easy to just click, click, click my daily intake. I have a Realize band and tried using their site (my surgeon's nurse accesses it to see how people are doing--I figured it would be useful to them)---but it's not nearly as user-friendly, so I'm back on fitday.

I know that the day-to-day messages from the scale aren't always encouraging--but I really encourage you to trust the process. Eating is NOT undoing what you've accomplished so far. It's the next stage in the journey--and everyone who's gone before you has experienced it, and had the same concerns. You know how people say the scale doesn't lie? They're wrong. Or, well, at least not giving you the whole picture. The scale just doesn't reflect everything that's going on with your body right now. Trust the process. Do what you're supposed to do....and it will happen for you. (((Hugs)))

Hm. I disagree with this. First, social isolation need not be part of weight loss. Learning to live among others who eat differently is very important. But also, self-isolating at mealtime during the workday can have fallout in terms of professional advancement. I've worked in environments where doing this would have been career suicide---being part of a team very much relied on being part of the corporate culture. There was never pressure exerted to eat or drink a certain way---but being present, at least most of the time, was critical. (I didn't read it, but Comcast had a cover story on their main page about this topic just a few days ago, too--the gist of the headline was that you shouldn't do this if you want to move ahead.) I'm all for eating differently than workmates, and even excusing oneself to take a walk (after inviting others to join). But if I'd done this at my last corporate job? I would have been pushed out. And I definitely would not have the freelance career I have now. Okay----going back to read more!

I'm not terribly surprised that your doctor hasn't discussed postop Protein with you. Mine is okay with protein supplements postop--but doesn't recommend their routine use. I can sub one for a meal, or use them when I'm having difficulty getting solid protein in, but they are not part of the standard recommended postop fare. I do use them. I have one each morning, and often one at night, too. (My calorie level is too low, with exercise, otherwise; even with 2 shakes, I barely hit 800 calories. I don't usually have difficulty getting enough protein from food, though.) The very best ones I've tried are Inspire protein powder shakes from bariatriceating.com. The bullets/shots are appealing, and I know lots of people here swear by them, but I would skip them. First, they're more expensive than many. And some will tell you that's because they contain so much more protein, proportionally. But they are not made up of the protein best absorbed by the body (whey protein isolate)---which greatly diminishes their value. A few years ago, they were the best available protein. Now they no longer fill the bill.

My insurance and doctor require it as well. And I was SO GLAD to have that time to recuperate unbothered by the responsibilities at home. Don't worry about things like Protein shakes. If your doctor wants you to have them, the hospital will provide what you need. While you're there, clarify with your doctor when he'd like you to start them at home. It might be right away, or it might be a day or so later. (I had my surgery on a Tuesday, and was told to resume protein on Friday; your doctor may well okay it sooner; mine is pretty conservative.)

The best exercise for YOU is one that you will do, consistently, forever. Yes, you will modify your regimen. But you need to choose something that works for you and grows with you. That may be very different for you than it is for me. But I love walking. I up my speed/intensity and distance--but it's something I look forward to doing every single day---often more than once. I also do weight lifting at the gym---which is something I'm less enthusiastic about, but committed to nonetheless. In the immediate postop period, I think it's probably the "best" for just about everyone--but as you work into a new regimen, you might choose something different. The possibilities are endless!

Congratulations! I just know you will do great :sad:

BT's right--like any other health behavior, it's just something you have to ritualize. It becomes habit. None of us waits for motivation to brush our teeth, or wash our faces, or any of the myriad other health behaviors we have to carry out each day. We just do them. I'm really, really glad that you're well on your way to making exercise a habit. One good day leads to another...and so on. Don't worry about what the psychologist will say. If you are questioned, focus on the positive. It's okay to say, "You know, I was having a really hard time motivating myself---but then I realized I simply have to just do it. It took me a little longer than I would have liked to reach that realization, but I'm really happy that I'm in a good groove with it now. I plan to keep it up."

Leigha, did you say you're doing weights FIVE days a week? Are you making sure that there's a day of rest in between each time you work a certain muscle group? (In other words, if you're working out M-F, are you doing upper body on M, W, F, and lower on T-Th?) I ask, because it's really important, in terms of building muscle, for you to give this time. When you lift weights, the muscles form tiny micro-tears; during the day of rest, these heal, thereby building new muscle tissue. If you don't have that rest time, they don't heal---and it can cause damage. As for the relationship between the scale and lifting weights---well, it takes about 8 weeks of consistently working out to build a pound of muscle, so you're not likely seeing much fat displaced by muscle yet. BUT, weight lifting causes gains for another reason. When you lift, your muscle cells need more oxygen than your body can get from breathing. So, they use a process called lactic acid fermentation to derive oxygen from materials they have. The byproduct, as the name suggests, is lactic acid. This is the stuff that makes you sore after a workout. It's also the stuff that makes weight lifters get that "pumped" look right after working out. How? It draws fluid into the muscles. What happens is this: the body likes homeostasis. When there is more lactic acid in the muscle cells than there is in the surrounding fluid, fluid moves (by osmosis) into the cells to even things out. The kidneys ultimately do an exquisite job of ridding the body of both the excess fluid and the lactic acid (the day of rest plays in here, too), but in the meantime, the scale shows a gain. I always am up a little after a weight workout. For my own home weigh-ins, it doesn't faze me. But if I'm having an "official" weigh-in, I make sure my last weight workout was at least 24---and preferably 48--hours before. (I will schedule my appointment for early on a day when I'm due for a workout, then do it after I've been weighed.) It's just water---but if it's getting written down in my chart, I don't want it!

Good morning, everyone--I'm sorry I've been MIA, but Mark was admitted to the hospital on Monday after his appointment with the transplant dudes, and I spent most of Monday and yesterday either at the hospital or driving to and from it! He's home now, with a few med adjustments--and will return on Monday to find out whether there are other options for him. Waiting is NOT my strong suit---perhaps this is why it is a recurring theme in my life. Anyway, I'm waay behind, and will now go read everyone's news and progress. Elfie--I did see your new baby on your other thread...how cool! Congratulations! What a great idea. It has made me start thinking about the new things I can do----isn't it cool to realize that we CAN DO THINGS?! I don't know why I've allowed my beliefs about myself to be so constricted by my weight, but it's exciting to feel that sense of limitation subsiding. Well, off to read---and then to take a long, long walk. I am much in need of the interaction with nature.

Lots of Proteins have a gross baby-formula-ish smell/taste. The tubes are, IMO, among the worst. They also do not tend to contain much of the most bioavailable Protein. I strongly prefer the Inspire proteins from bariatriceating.com. They totally lack the protein-y smell/taste, and can be mixed with just 4 ounces of Water, if getting volume is a problem for you. They taste great. I mean, not "I can tolerate this" good, but "this is something I'd actually choose to eat" good. Even postop I continue to have their dutch chocolate protein in warm almond milk every morning. A scoop of Pom Razz Sangria in Crystal Light lemonade is really, really good, too. Their PURE unflavored whey protein isolate is also outstanding--it can be mixed into food and liquid and is undetectable. (It does turn clear Soups cloudy,but that's all the evidence of its presence it leaves.) I think the bullets are gross, gimmicky, and subpar, protein-wise. I know lots of people rely on them, but protein supplements are expensive---I'd rather spend my $$ on protein my body can absorb (and that does not make me gag!) ETA: There's a definite technique for adding protein to warm/hot foods. First, you have to mix it into a paste with cool/room temp water. Then you have to very slowly temper the protein by v.e.r.y slowly stirring in the warm liquid (or gradually stirring in a bit of warm food at a time). This prevents the protein from clumping up and forming an inedible blob of grossness!

Very exciting! Dr. Rumbaut has an excellent reputation.

Pammy, can you access your insurance contract online? That's what I did---and I read its specifications regarding bariatric surgery. I found that I was required to use a Bariatric Center of Excellence. That narrowed things down for me. A simple Google search identified a couple in my area. I visited the websites of the bariatric surgeons at those facilities, got a bit of a feel for them, and chose one group's seminar to attend for starters. I ended up LOVING them---just really, really impressed with the surgeon's manner. I found out that the same surgical group had banded the father and grandfather of one of my son's best friends--and they gave glowing reviews both of the group and the hospital. I know LOTS of the area hospitals intimately--the one they used was one I was not familiar with. I would not have been inclined to choose it if I hadn't done this research--not because of reputation or anything, but because it's human nature to go with things we're already comfortable with. I am SO SO SO glad I read the contract, found out my options, and went in the direction I did. My experience has been nothing but positive. So...what it all boils down to is finding out what is specified within your insurance contract, then doing a simple search to find surgeons who meet the necessary criteria. It seems daunting, but the field narrows itself pretty nicely when you know what criteria you have to meet. Good luck!

I understand your concerns---truly I do. But when you do a risk-benefit comparison, getting banded comes out WAY ahead of the alternative: remaining obese. The risks associated with obesity are just far, far higher. I wasn't nervous preop. Well--I take that back. My surgeon was running a tiny bit late, and during those last few (extra) minutes, when I was already premedicated, I thought, in my wonky haze, "Hm. I could just go to the cafeteria for a Diet Pepsi and forget this whole thing!" But I didn't--and really, even immediately postop, I was certain I'd made the right decision. But I do, truly, understand your fears. And I promise you, it will be all right. You will be happy with your decision---most of us really, really are. Good luck! You will do great.

It depends on what is specified in your insurance contract. I struggled with my diet history, too. Getting each and every attempt down on paper would have been impossible---I couldn't remember it all! But getting enough to show a repeating pattern wasn't too difficult. That information was primarily for my surgeon. His office used it both to determine my suitability as a candidate and when generating their reports for the insurer. Have you read your insurance contract? Mine very specifically spelled out that I needed a history of failed attempts at loss--but did not give parameters for that. (This determination, really, is made by the surgeon. And that's why you don't have to worry too much about it. The surgeons are in the business of doing surgery--they're not going to turn you away unless you've clearly NOT tried to lose in the past.) Beyond that, the insurance contract spelled out other requirements, including documentation of 3 months of supervised weight loss. I had YEARS of fitday.com journals. My PCP had documentation of visits, over the course of years, for weight-related concerns of mine. And I had documentation of long-term Weight Watchers membership. NONE of this was adequate. The clock for the three months started ticking with my first weigh-in at my surgeon's office. Your insurance contract may be different. It may require no supervision (not the norm), or six months. But it will tell you what you need to provide. In the meantime, don't agonize over each and every attempt you've made to lose weight. It's not humanly possible for anyone who's been in this battle long-term to remember each detail. The goal is to establish the pattern. If they determine it's not adequate, chances are they've got something else in your contract that must be met. Your surgeon's office will help guide you so that all of the conditions are met. In my experience, insurers are NOT eager to deny bariatric surgery. In the long run, paying for these surgeries saves them bazillions of dollars. Yes, we have to jump through a lot of hoops. But most of those are designed to ensure that we are good candidates---not from THEIR standpoint, but in terms of our own likelihood of doing well during and after surgery. It can be a frustrating process--but you will be approved. You just have to play the game for a while. Good luck!

I just went down the path with the bariatric surgeon, bypassing my PCP altogether. I wasn't really avoiding his response, though I wasn't sure how supportive he'd be. There simply was no need to involve him. My insurance required 3 months supervision, and that clock started ticking when I first saw the surgeon. (I had documentation of years of visits addressing weight with my PCP, as well as of WW membership; they didn't care. The clock started ticking with the surgeon.) When I did tell him, though--when I was in the office for another reason, and was in the waiting-for-final-approval phase--he was very supportive.

My doctor did tell me that the typical loss with the band is 50 percent of excess weight---at ONE YEAR postop. He went on to say that those who went on to use the tool wisely do, in fact, achieve the same results, long-term, as gastric bypass patients. His patients tend to achieve their ultimate weight loss goals more than the average doctor's. And I really do think that the reason why is that he helps us understand that it is possible to do so. If someone tells you, "You're only going to lose half of what you want" (or if that's what you hear--because, really, we don't know what your friend's surgeon actually told her), then a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy is apt to take place. If you are told that you have a tool that will HELP you reach your goals--but that you will have to persist with the hard work ...well, forever---then I think your expectations are nothing even resembling unrealistic. As long as you approach this as a real change in your life---something YOU will do, rather than something your band will do---I think your goals are attainable. ETA: I guess what I'm saying is that, while your friend seems to be working against herself, it may be partly due to mis-education about (or deliberate obtuseness & refusal to "understand") the proper use of the band.

Yep, what Elfie said :biggrin: No matter what the size of your band, you just have to get to the right level of fill. It's a frustrating journey, to be sure. But you'll get there! Can you talk with your surgeon about accelerating the fills, a little? Either in terms of timing, or in terms of volume?

The diarrhea is, indeed, normal. It will taper off. As for bandster hell--well, yep. It's hell! I'm only now beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, restriction-wise. How often you eat is dictated by a couple of things. You can go with what your doctor "prescribes," if s/he does that sort of thing. (Mine did.) Or you can listen to your body--but with caution. If I ate whenever I was hungry, I never would have stopped eating. I'd STILL be eating far more than would allow loss. Why? Because I was hungry all the time at the beginning. (Face it: a couple of ounces of food just isn't going to sustain you for many hours, if your stomach empties at almost the same rate it did preop.) But my doctor is a three-meal-a-day kind of dude. No Snacks. And that isn't particularly liveable when there is no restriction. (It does help build good habits, though incorporating healthy snacks is not exactly inappropriate, either.) I've done my best to stick with three meals a day, but I do give myself permission to have between-meal snacks when genuinely hungry---as long as they are nutrient-dense and primarily Protein. I stick to things like string cheese, a Babybel cheese, Parmesan crisps, or a bit of Greek yogurt with unflavored protein, vanilla, and Splenda stirred in. Nothing that adds tremendously to my daily calories, but enough to bump up my protein a bit and tide me over in a satisfying, healthy way. Despite lack of restriction, my loss has been really quite good--so this works for me. As I approach good restriction, I find that the snacks are falling by the wayside; by the time I get stomach-rumbling hungry, it's usually only 1 to 1 1/2 hours from mealtime, and I can talk myself into waiting. One thing that helps tremendously is adhering to the no-liquids-for-a-specified-period-after-eating rule. For me, that's 90 minutes. (My surgeon is TOUGH!) If I wait that 90 minutes, then I have an awful lot of Fluid to push in the time frame remaining between meals. Focusing on that helps take the focus off food. It gets better--truly! And things do become more intuitive and more manageable. At the beginning, we devote SO much time and effort thinking about food, but just a little later on, a little good planning/thinking about your daily schedule, and you're good to go :biggrin:

I just use the real deal---only much, much less of it. Not because I'm concerned about the fat/calories--I'm not eating enough for that to really register. But because it can take a good, solid, stick-to-your-ribs Protein and turn it into a slider REALLY fast. A teaspoon of good mayo has around 33 calories. I'd rather use that than try to find something else that just doesn't do it for me.

Good morning, y'all! Elfie, I'm glad you're back--and were off conquering cobwebs rather than something ominous! I need to harness some energy to do the same---we've got three parties in the coming month and a half or so, which is usually good impetus to do some serious cleaning. Christie--prayers for James. My daughter Abby's lobster (the boy she will love forever, no matter what) is heading to Afghanistan soon, and she is heartbroken. James will be in our prayers, along with Josh. Bob, your dogs are gorgeous. What are their names? I bet they love their new pool. (Yes, I said their.) Yes, I am on BP meds--went on low-dose lisinopril shortly before surgery, and don't think I need it any longer. I have to see my PCP... Denise, I LOVE Butters! What a cutie. He looks like he has a spirit similar to my doofus's. He is significantly more restrained around ice cream than Truman is, though. Liz, I think it might be, in some ways, just easier to be out of the closet as a bandster. I don't freely volunteer the information to everyone I encounter, but do find myself telling more and more people. I thought it would be harder, but it's not. Leigha--a bike! FUN! My sister--who is in your neck of the woods--loves hers. I find them terrifying. Today's transplant surgeon day. I have had to lecture Mark about being too stoic. Today's the day to be a wuss, to whine, to do whatever it takes to convey the message that it's time to take some action. I am numb rather than scared/nervous today...sort of inured to the process. It's been a long road, and I'm just not feeling very optimistic that it will end soon for us. (Of course, there is a silver lining to that: "not ending" means that life goes on...) Anyway...I hope everyone has a wonderful day. PS--My cats were pissed I posted Truman's pic without showing them. This is Chloe (sorry about the size, I resized it to "tiny", but the code for posting isn't changing...): And this is Phineas, who thinks he is a dog: