BetsyB

I would wager they learned a hard lesson, and changed their approach for a very valid reason: your safety. Please do your best to stick to the plan.

I'm with BT: Your post confuses me! You say "I know I'm supposed to do a 2-week liquid diet." Who says you're supposed to? If you only have 7 days, the directive didn't come from your doctor---he wouldn't prescribe a 2-week diet if you don't have two weeks! Not all doctors have the requirement. When they do, they generally give pretty specific guidelines in terms of amount of carb, Protein, and fat. Moving to liquids doesn't necessarily mean moving to things that will (a) promote weight loss, and (:biggrin: stimulate your liver to give up its glycogen stores (making it smaller, and therefore easier to maneuver around during surgery). You need to stick within the parameters outlined by your doctor. Is the ten pound thing also a directive from your doctor, or did it come from insurance? Are you sure you understand it correctly? My insurance company gave conditional approval MONTHS before surgery. That was the "if you lose 6 pounds in three months" approval. Once I was approved, it was approved. No one weighed me before surgery to see how I did on the preop diet. Why? Because the preop diet is NOT aimed for weight loss. It's intended to deplete the liver's glycogen stores. Weight loss is BONUS, not the goal. I didn't lose 10 pounds on mine--and I was 100% compliant.

Chobani is awesome! I didn't realize it packed that much protein!

I was the biggest diet soda junkie on the planet preop. I gave it up, and am surprised & pleased that I don't miss it at all. I accidentally got a carbonated drink recently (it was a diet limeade; I didn't expect bubbles), and after the two sips it took me to figure out it was fizzy, I thought I was going to explode. NOT something I'd recommend. And doing it while eating? IMO, that would be sheer idiocy. You're not supposed to drink anything while eating---soda would be killer.

It IS hard--it truly is. But ALL of our bodies have more than enough energy reserves to sustain us during the preop diet. We don't get woozy from lack of food---our bodies are storing enough food to tide us over through a famine. We like to eat, and we're used to eating---and it's very hard not to. But this mostly comes from our minds, not our bodies. UNLESS you're accustomed to eating a lot of sugar and refined carb, and didn't taper off before the preop diet. In that case, you might be experiencing--as some people do---some degree of "withdrawal." It passes quickly. Be sure to take in your Protein at regular intervals; space it out over the course of the day/evening so that you're getting a good, steady supply. That will help get your blood sugar on an even keel. As your liver starts releasing its glycogen (carbohydrate) stores, you'll feel lots better. IMO, it's really important to stick to your doctor's plan---even though it's hard. If you really find that you can't, do give him a call to see if there is any leeway. But do remember that this is just the beginning of many changes that will be required of you; you CAN do it.

A few years ago, these were the most bioavailable (most easily absorbed and used) protein on the market. Today, whey protein isolate is viewed as the better choice. The shots/bullets are still good--don't misunderstand me. They are also very convenient. But whey protein isolate is often less expensive and more easily found.

This is such a great thread! I'm so glad you started it, Leigha. Your episode yesterday sounds miserable. I'm so glad Dr. Kim's nurse is meeting you today for a little unfill. I love hearing about good doctors---there are few enough of them that kudos are warranted. Everyone deserves a good doctor; I wish everyone had them. Awesome job with the weightlifting--and lost weight and inches! Ada, exercise is key for me, too. I hope the next fill's the charm for you. I'm one step behind you, just about to get my 2nd fill on Wednesday--with my 3rd already scheduled. It feels good to be moving toward it Heather, 48 pounds! Phenomenal! My doctor is a 4 oz. protein/3x day kind of guy, too. (Well, he works UP to 3-5 ounces; I'm still at 2.5.) It can leave a little extra room, no? :laugh: Still, it does the trick, weight-wise--and with restriction, it will be wonderful. Speaking of restriction, sorry you had to unfill a bit, but hopefully you are now in a better place. Illuminationlady, I'm SO glad you've reached the not-hungries! Your progress really gives me hope. Hummingbird, I hope your tight fill modifies itself to sweet spot fast. TJ--salt + no BP meds will add up to a gain every time. (Hm. Maybe soon, those meds will be a thing of the past; I'm pretty sure mine are on the way out...) That gain will be gone in no time. In the meantime, you're experiencing AWESOME NSVs! BT--How many hours now? I'm much like you; I can lose weight just fine (though being old and female makes it a bit slower going than you've experienced). It's keeping it off that I really suck at. The band is going to be an amazing tool for you. Have people really said that your opinions and advice don't matter because you're not yet banded? Dumbasses. Your advice has always been really solid, IMO. I am procrastinating--I really need to be working. I have a publisher's deadline on Wednesday, and I'm being bratty about it. I hate working through weekends, and this assignment was timed in a way that ensured I'd have to work straight through this one. (Got it on Thursday.) Of course, my protest is only going to shoot ME in the foot...but I still seem to be having a petulant temper tantrum. (I will buckle down and get it done in a few minutes...) I just wanted to add my NSV du jour: I teach Sunday school to first and second graders. I alternate with another teacher, and because of my surgery, have not seen the kids since before our very long winter recess. The first little girl who came in this looked at me really funny. I asked her if she remembered me---and after looking at me for a few minutes, I reminded her that my name is Betsy. She looked at me a minute more, and said, "I know. But you look completely different!" THAT felt mighty good! Have a great Sunday! Off to work. :biggrin:

I use a Magic Bullet. I have an immersion blender, but it doesn't blend ice in well. For just frothing stuff, it's fine--but I prefer the bullet.

They sent a sampling to my surgeon's office, too. I only tasted a tiny bit of one dessert (I was fresh postop), but it was delicious. The staff raved about all of the offerings. I just placed my first order (just a bunch of entrees to grab when I am in a hurry; I haven't yet added veggies and starches back into my diet). I'm very much looking forward to getting them. The chef from Bandtastic will be leading one of our upcoming support groups--can't wait!

If you want to shake up your eating plan, bariatriceating.com has some awesome recipes :wink2:

The one thing you MUST tell yourself--and BELIEVE--is that your behavior, including your weight loss, is not the motivator for your friend. You are in NO way responsible for awakening her demons. Anorexia is a very, very difficult disease to successfully conquer. Like many addictions (and it does have addictive features), its behaviors tend to creep insidiously back in, even after a long period of recovery. She's NOT in recovery now. You can't change her behaviors, but you can draw boundaries that protect YOU in the midst of her illness, if necessary. For example, when her food obsession shows itself you might tell her that you are concerned for her health, believe her anorexia to be in full bloom again, and will NOT participate in her obsession in any way--including discussion food, diet, and/or exercise. But that once she's back in recovery--in the care of a skilled eating disorders specialist--you will support her in any way possible. She needs ongoing therapy. And you need to stay clear of the vortex so you don't get sucked in to something that will be detrimental to your OWN recovery from weight issues.

Days 3 and 4 are often the worst for gas. I hope you feel better fast! Get up and walking as much as you can--it really helps.

Yep, I did, too. Even before I attended the seminar, I was working on my weight. To be honest, I've been doing that my entire life! But I did start paring out foods I knew would not be a part of my regular repertoire post op--not, primarily, to lose weight (though that's always a bonus), but so that I'd have good alternatives in place. I also bumped up my exercise. I didn't want to lose much more than the 6 pounds I was required to lose once the ball got rolling; I was afraid the insurance company would say, "Well, her BMI is too low, and she doesn't have two comorbidities..." (They're supposed to go by your starting weight, but I trust insurance companies about as far as I can throw them these days!) Anyway, I think you're doing a great job, and your motivation shows that you're a great candidate for the band. You will do SO well!

I think many of us have felt the same way. I berated myself for getting where I am, too---but that pretty much stopped once I made the decision to attend the first seminar. That was a turning point for me. I've made serious, serious weight loss efforts for most of my adult life. I gave myself permission to get help, and to put the self-blame to bed. I've had anesthesia several times, but I do understand your fears. That said, my banding anesthesiologist was a STEALTH anesthesiologist. He eased me out before I even knew what was going on---and I emerged very, very easily. Coming out easily is pretty typical of short procedures. You may be groggy in the recovery room, but you will do just fine :wink2:

Stretch marks form as you decrease size, rather than as you increase. And they form more easily on skin that has been stretched before, even if it's rebounded. The connective tissue beneath the skin only has so much "give." It's better to have a marked, deflated tummy than the alternative, though, don't you think? I'm not minimizing the psychological effects of these battle scars. I'm right with you, watching in horror as new ones appear on my body! But stretch marks do fade. Tummies can be tucked. And good health is so much more important. You're right, none of the stuff marketed to remove stretch marks will hurt. Wait--I take that back; they may hurt your wallet. Palmer's cocoa butter is inexpensive, as are shea and other high-quality oils. They are as apt to give you good results. I'd rather save my $$ for a good plastic surgeon!

Ruthie, it's an AWESOME letter! I agree that you don't owe any explanations for your decision. But you are a good friend for offering it and I would bet that, if you're anything like me, it was sort of good to get it down in writing. Seeing the reasons in black and white really does help solidify our motivations.

I am an RN. I don't often pull the RN card, but this time, I will. You need to go to the ER. NOW. The presence of pus and a foul odor is terribly concerning. I know you're in pain and afraid, but the only way to be rid of the pain is to have it appropriately treated. Not doing so can cause problems far greater than those you currently have. NIP THE INFECTION IN THE BUD NOW. This IS an emergency. If possible, go to the ER where you had your surgery, so that your surgeon can readily reach you. If that's not possible, notify his answering service that you are going to a closer ER. That way, he will be awaiting communication from the ER physicians.

Stretch marks are actually scars in the connective tissue beneath the skin. Things that are applied to the skin can make the skin softer, but they cannot remove stretch marks; they don't penetrate deeply enough. Time, however, does improve them. (That's how the purveyors of stretch mark oils convince people they work---they tell us they work over time.) There are laser procedures that improve stretch mark appearance. And abdominoplasty can excise many of them. But I would not count on relief from a bottle or jar. The appearance of scars on the surface of the skin can be lessened, though I'd check with your doctor about timing; mine does not want his patients to use things like Mederma until 6 months postop. Another alternative that works well (and is reusable) are silicone scar Patches (available in the first aid aisle near things like Mederma)--they apply pressure to the developing scar and improve their appearance over time. Again, for these, I'd check with the doctor about timing. Things like Bio-Oil don't really have any special properties. You could likely save a lot of money--and achieve the same benefit--with Palmer's Cocoa Butter or Neutragena body oil, or any other lotion/cream/oil you like.

What a loser. Um, literally. You've done a phenomenal job! Thank you, Denise--it's odd how the camera phobia has vanished. Now I want to document the changes. (I think all Labs are putzes; Truman is half Lab, and the putz side is dominant.) Elfie, I hope the pain Patches work for you. Don't be shy about asking your doctor for help managing the pain, though. Life is hard enough without sleepless nights and battling pain. Hi, Gloria :wink2:

Chews are good---gummies kind of concern me. They can't be chewed all that well, and can conform to the shape of a stoma---I would be nervous that I'd have a stuck episode with them, at least once restriction is achieved.

Awesome, Liz!

Ask and you shall receive, Denise :wink2: Do you check your blood sugar at home? I ask, because a one-time four-point fluctuation in fasting blood glucose may be completely insignificant. Has your doctor ever done an A1C? That gives a better overall picture of what's going on. The walking will help a LOT. My putz dog (Truman) and I walk a ton---it's great exercise, and great stress relief. He is pacing right now because we've yet to take our morning walk. Guess I'd better go do that! Hummingbird, HOORAY for entering a new BMI category! That is a real milestone!

Comfort-wise, a filled pain med Rx, Gas-X, and lip balm. Food-wise, it will depend on your doctor's recommended eating plan. I was advanced to pureed Protein on Day 3, but was glad to have protein powders (chocolate and unflavored--for the latter, I use PURE from Bariatric Eating--it can be added to foods and liquids) on hand as insurance for getting all my protein in. Beyond that, I just needed a lot of broth and easily-pureed protein: chicken, ground beef, tuna, etc. Stock up on bottled Water, too, if that's what you drink. If you like it, Crystal Light is nice to have. sugar-free Popsicles are good for getting Fluid in at the beginning, too. (SF Jello was too sweet for me--which blew my mind, because I used to have a major sweet tooth!)

Yay! I'm so glad to be here! I've had a good week, too. The scale was stubbornly sticking, but I salved my wounded ego by checking measurements: 7.5 inches down in the past month. The scale then rewarded me with a 3.6 pound loss. I've slacked off on exercise this week, though. Snow buried my usual walking path---and I also got buried by work. NOT GOOD EXCUSES. I need to step it up again; I really find it difficult to lose without DAILY exercise. How long has it been since your last fill, Leigha? (I know I should know this.) Is there any chance it you will still loosen a bit? My sister used to live in Tyler, and only liked making the drive to Dallas for FUN stuff! :wink2:

Name*********Starting****Current******Goal******ToGo Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254...............254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265...............265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6.............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BobbieND..............224................212...........150..... .......62 Bree99.................259................259...........155..... .......104 Brigette................198...............198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157...............157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217...............217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274............200....... .....74 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5..........150............65 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............309.............250............ 59 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5..........130......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............189............145........... ..44 HummingBird..........204...............190............150........ ...40 jenibeni.................224...............212............165....... ....47 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... ......102 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... .....90 kyleegirl01.............211................209.............160...... .....49 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... .....95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... ......20! Liz........................193.4............187..............155...... ......32 lotzasunshine.........247...............245..............175........ ...70 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... . ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... ......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............183..............150........ ....33 RAYNE913.............234...............234..............160........ ....74 RobinAnn.............232.4...............224..............160........ ....64 scoutmama...........270...............270..............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............317..............217........ ....100 skinny31................261...............255..............182..... .......73 SNDYCNRD.............207...............199.5............150..........4 9.5 sueinne.................220................220.............180.... ........40 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............294..............225....... ......69 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... ....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40