BetsyB

I'm would not consider exogenous HCG unless my levels had been measured by an endocrinologist and determined to require supplementation with exogenous hormone. I ESPECIALLY would not consider purchasing "HCG" from a diet promoter---it's very likely NOT human chorionic gonadotropin, or at least not good-quality hormone in amounts that effect a real change. As an obese woman, my endocrine system is already confused. It's more so as I lose weight; body fat is mildly estrogenic, and as it's lost, blood levels rise (temporarily). There's no way on God's green earth I'd add another hormone to the mix without the guidance of a very, very skilled endocrinologist (NOT one vested in promoting a diet and selling the "hormone" to the desperate). It's not something required for loss. You already have THAT wrapped around your body. How are you eating now? How are you exercising? How could you change? (Sometimes, getting past a plateau is a matter of simply tweaking what you're doing; others, it's simply a matter of waiting it out---as hard as that is.)

You went through a self-described hell (preop diet) in order to have a band wrapped around your stomach to help you lose weight. Think about that. You willingly subjected your body to general anesthesia, allowed another human to cut your body open, and had a foreign object designed to limit your stomach capacity wrapped around the organ. Doesn't it seem absurd to abuse that tool so early in the game? Seriously---think about what you went through to be banded. Think about the surgical risk---and the risk your doctor took, taking you on as a patient. (I know that last part sounds odd, but really---think about it. Another human put himself, his reputation, and his license on the line to provide you with this tool; don't you owe it to him/her to at least follow the recommended protocol during the immediate postop period, when your body is still healing?) Aren't there OTHER foods---foods on your doctor's approved eating plan---that would fill your stomach just as nicely as a grilled cheese? This isn't about hunger. Not bona fide hunger. It's about something else. You'll find the strength to fight it when you are honest enough to identify it for yourself. When you can say, "But I really just WANTED a grilled cheese (or cheeseburger or cereal or macaroni and cheese) instead of, "I was so hungry and deserved it after weeks of preop diet torture," you'll find the strength to stop. It's not about what you want or deserve. It's about what your body NEEDS. Give it that. Given what you've been eating, your cravings are very understandable; they self-perpetuate. Give your body a few days of good Protein (it doesn't have to be gross!), listen to it when it says, "I'm full," tell the devil on your shoulder to hush, and just white-knuckle it out until you become aware that, hey! you no longer are craving those things because you really ARE satisfied! (Even without restriction, you will have periods of satiety---and can make good choices when hungry.) (Sorry if it feels as though I applied a 2x4 to your head with my response; it really was done gently and with love; I just happen to be pretty forthright. Everyone wants for you to succeed!)

Even if he were in the United States, I wouldn't expect a windfall from a malpractice case. Medical expenses paid? Sure--probably in triplicate. A little for pain and suffering? Yes. But there will (thankfully!) likely be no permanent disability---so the damages are limited. And that's a GOOD THING! Still, it's lot of suffering to get 3x your medical bills (if you're lucky) in a courtroom. Particularly when you factor in what goes to lawyers and doctors! Still, that's not the real issue. The important thing is that Laura is now in competent hands. In THIS country, where follow-up is only a short distance away.

Some foods are sort of notorious for gas production--Beans, certain veggies, etc. So this may be a contributor, depending on what "normal food" means to you. I found, post-banding, that I've become lactose intolerant. Anything containing milk (except yogurt and cheese; the bacterial cultures in those prevent the problem) makes me terribly gassy. It's my understanding that this is not unusual post-bariatric surgery (but more common after RNY). I also have NO tolerance for sugar; I found this out when treating my just-discovered lactose intolerance with Rolaids---it didn't even occur to me to be concerned about the amount of sugar in a Rolaid, but it caused great gastrointestinal distress. So, two new intolerances identified at once! (Fun.) BUT--the most common reason for gas is swallowing too much air when eating. I assume you're not using straws or drinking during meals, since your doctor probably forbade these both. But also remember to chew slowly and carefully and don't talk while eating. (I don't mean don't talk during the meal--just not between putting a bite in your mouth and swallowing.)

Yes, it's normal--and you're right, it's aggravating!

It's great that you were able to talk, and give some boundaries, while leaving yourself open to other invitations.

Thank goodness you're in Houston, where there are excellent doctors very familiar with banding to assist Laura now. There are many places in the country where it would be so hard to find someone able (or willing) to pick up the pieces of a foreign banding gone wrong---but Houston is terrific, medically, and you have lots of great resources there. I'm really sorry she had such a terrible experience. Will her insurance cover the extensive follow-up care she'll now need? What a scary situation!

My doctor's goal is WAAAAY higher than mine; if I went with that, I would have been at <100, too, by the time I hit the OR. Still, my BMI was darn close to 40.

When you say "no carbs," what does this mean, exactly? If you're allowed veggies and milk, then some carbs are allowed--did your doctor give you a max number of grams you can eat per day? Knowing that can be really helpful when you're planning! (Or, did s/he just mean none of the white, processed, refined stuff? If so, then the possibilities become even more limitless!) Off the top of my head, non-carby snack-y type stuff includes stuff like cheese (I like Babybel and Laughing Cow--easy to grab for a snack), nonfat cottage cheese (yes, dairy--but not carby), edamame (these do contain some carb--so knowing your limit is good), jerky, etc. Bariatric Eating has a pretty good selection of Protein foods in their online store---it might be worth checking. (There are other sites that offer similar, too.)

I understand your feelngs, but agree that you're not a failure. Two years without gaining is a victory, in my book. It will be hard, but you seem very motivated to get back on track and achieve your goals. Good luck! (And thanks for the link!)

Yikes! I am so glad you listened to your body and got medical attention!

Your port is removed from your stomach, so I would not expect to feel pain from eating improperly near your port, necessarily. That said, my stomach pain is now referred to my back and shoulder--just as it was when I was experiencing the immediate post-op gas pain. (I still feel gas this way, too.) Our anatomy's been changed a little, so things do feel quite different. Just because you don't have restriction doesn't mean it's okay to advance your diet beyond what you're supposed to eat in each stage. If you're experiencing pain as a result, it's a sign to STOP. Even foods that are okay from a weight loss perspective may be irritating and/or gas-producing. I'd get back to basics, eat the way you've been told to eat, and move forward at the rate recommended.

We all have busy schedules. How long do you think an drug is doing to take the place of the exercise your body needs? Do you really think taking this drug, until you feel like exercising, will benefit your body? I hate to say it, but I'd run far and fast from my doctor if "knowing what a full schedule" I had, he prescribed me Meridia rather than tell me to carve out 30 minutes to move my butt each day. Mine approaches exercise as a non-option---it's part of what I'm obligated to do, having received the benefit of his surgical expertise. I would do it, anyway--but I am so grateful that he's so no-nonsense. To the OP, I understand your situation is different, that you're awaiting revision and want a boost. But (a) you're experiencing pain, and (:thumbup: you do not make clear who prescribed the drug, and whether your bariatric surgeon okayed it. We can't okay it for you; our feedback can't do anything more than confirm or refute that we've done the same thing. The pain you're experiencing, in and of itself, is worrisome. You say you won't give up easily--does this mean you're planning to continue with the Meridia despite the pain? I think you might wish to rethink that: while I understand your frustration, causing yourself further difficulty seems ill-advised. I'd go back to your surgeon, see if he's learned anything new in recent months that might be applicable to your situation, get plans for revision underway (even if they are long-term), and formulate the best and SAFEST plan for the meantime. I suspect it will NOT include Meridia. Its long-term benefits are next to nil, anyway.

I'm really sorry you've experienced this! I think it's to be expected that, if you decline several invitations, fewer will head your way. You need to accept--or extend--a few invitations; I'll bet you'll find, when you do, that things return to status quo once again. I suppose it's understandable that, in the immediate preop and postop periods, you'd want to limit your exposure to restaurant food. But I strongly disagree that it's rude to ask for what you want in restaurants! They're there for YOU---and to FEED you. You can very nicely and politely request that foods be prepared a certain way, or simply order foods that fit in with your way of eating (you can find Protein and veggies in ANY restaurant)---and they are MORE than happy to comply. If it makes you uncomfortable, remember that--at the end of the meal--you are paying them for this. Because you won't be demanding, imperious, or unpleasant, no one will bat an eyelash. I think you can very likely remedy being left out of occasions by extending yourself just a little. You may have to issue the first invitation, and put up with a little of the "Can you eat that?" at first, but it won't take long for your family and friends to see that you are able to self-assuredly order from a menu, eat an appropriate portion of something prepared by someone else, and box up the rest. The "box up the rest" part is the BEST--one restaurant meal can mean another one, two, or three meals for you! I promise, it gets easier. Peoples' responses do, too. They will see you as "normal" soon. You just have to give them the opportunity; staying away doesn't allow them to see that, but rather perpetuates the, "She's different" mentality. Only YOU can change it.

800 calories a day is fine---the goal with the preop diet is to reduce the liver's glycogen stores, not cause massive weight loss. So, no-sugar and low-carb is REALLY IMPORTANT. There are LOTS of Protein shakes that offer FAR better nutrition than Carnation Instant Breakfast. Some are really good. I'd recommend Inspire from Bariatric Eating. There is no protein-y smell or taste at all, they mix with Water (and blend great with ice, if you like frosties), and have 0 carb. You can buy them in small or big bags--and they're reasonably priced. Try not to get caught in a fear of trying new things. You're about to embark on huge changes that really WILL require you to change the way you eat and try new things. Places like GNC will blend up some of their Protein powder for you to taste before you buy. If you do that, remember that often, letting them sit (and chill) for a while after mixing can hugely improve flavor and reduce that sort of baby-formula-y protein smell. (But really---you can save yourself a ton of angst if you start with a good protein that doesn't need it; the Inspire stuff is outstanding...the best there is.)

Awesome post--and congrats on your HUGE milestone!

While adequate Protein in the diet is crucial, skin elasticity is far more related to genetics, age, and how much it's been stretched (and how many times it's been forced to rebound) than it is to what you eat, do, or rub into it. I think most of us can expect to have some skin laxity. But those of us who've lost and regained in the past, been pregnant a handful of times (obviously, not you, AC!), are a little older, etc. may have more than others. Or not!

It hinges almost completely on what your insurance requires. Mine required a 3-month diet supervision (checking in with the surgeon every month x 3). During that time, I took care of all of the other clearances, with specialists (cardiologist, pulmonologist, psychologist). After the 3 months was wrapped up, it took almost a month to get approval from my insurer, then another 3 weeks or so for a date (it was holiday time). So, all told, about 5 months from the surgeon's seminar to the operating room.

It used to be common practice to remove the gall bladder at the time of banding. Rapid weight loss is a known factor for the development/worsening of gall bladder disease, and the thinking was, "Why not just take care of it now, since it will likely need to be done later?" In fact, it has been found far safer to do the surgeries separately. Recovery from banding is complicated by cholecystectomy; removing an organ that might not require later removal is not justified, in light of this. I know you're frustrated and angry--and I would be, too. But be sure you appropriately direct your anger. Your doctors did gall bladder studies prior to your banding, and determined it was not diseased. The fact that it is now, while likely related to your weight loss, is not really germane. It's not appropriate to increase surgical risk by removing organs that don't require removal. I'm really sorry you have to have an additional, painful surgery. Add gall bladder pain on top of it all, and I am sure it's miserable. And that sucks. But it's not any surgeon's fault, really. No standards of practice were breached, and your safety was really the primary concern.

I have to say: I am actually finding the mind/behavior retraining to be really gratifying. It's somehow reassuring to me that I'm...I don't know, trainable LOL

My band was placed empty. I did have restriction for about 10 days or so, due to postop swelling. After that, I was h.u.n.g.r.y. Not head hunger, but bona fide hunger. It's frustrating, but all you can do is stick with your program, knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel :confused:

A vacation with my family would be a trigger for me, too--but cruise ships are BIG and the day is long--there is plenty of time to do what you need to do for good health and still meet family demands for your time. food is trickier, but really---you have a finite stomach capacity, so food pushers just can't enjoy all that much success with you. "No, sorry---I've eaten; you go ahead and I'll meet you at [the pool][the gym] [port]" is more than enough explanation. If you WANT to indulge, you have room to finagle that, too. But remember, you're responsible for YOU--and your behavior is not going to change the behavior of others. It may influence it, however; your sister is struggling--what better thing can you do than show her, by example, how well the tool can work? Do what you need to do to be comfortable with yourself---and the rest will take care of itself.

What are you eating? If you're having difficulty eating without vomiting, I wonder whether you're too tight, and compensating with (higher calorie) sliders. Look, you've lost forty percent of your excess weight. That is a HUGE accomplishment that you need to recognize. Yes, you can build on it. But you MUST see your doctor to ensure that your band is properly adjusted. You're not a failure; you're simply in need of the medical attention you signed on for when you agreed to be banded. GO GET IT.

Not sure why the vehemence, particularly in this thread, but while I agree with you re: safety of faster loss (particularly when you have a lot to lose), you really may need to adjust your expectations. You may WANT to see a particular number each week. This surgery may not be geared to provide what you want, week after week. If you're preop, you may want to reconsider banding. Additionally, while I think that a faster than 2-pound-a-week rate is probably safe for most who are in the position to require bariatric surgery of any kind, your list of risks of rapid loss is far from complete. (For example, rapid loss can precipitate gall bladder disease which at best is inconvenient, necessitating another surgery.) And your nonchalance about serious health risks such as malnutrition is worrisome enough that, if you're preop, expressing them to a surgeon or psych responsible for clearing you might just cost you approval for surgery (ANY bariatric surgery--not just banding. Respecting the very real risk of malnutrition is necessary as you head in to any weight loss procedure.)

Since banding, I feel general, run-of-the-mill gas in the way you've described. It's not related to the surgery per se, but is a new thing related to the altered anatomy, I think.