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@Betsy B Boy oh boy are you right about that! I have learned over the years that you really have to be your own health advocate -- which is why I am trying to track down some answers (since everything is closed until Monday). I thought the Flintstones thing was pretty odd, too, but what do I know, lol - I'm no nutritionist, and the bottle does have adult dosages listed. The only reason I don't run out and get Vitamin D OTC is because it is my understanding that this is one of those Vitamins that build up in your system, and that can be as bad a thing as not having enough. I really do need to talk to my doctor (good luck there, lol), or maybe to my regular GP. @Humming Bird - Hm, that could be it - the elastic thing. And it could be a piece of popcorn kernel that has slipped out of the reach of my floss/water pick. Either way, I think I'll call my dentist on Monday and make an appointment for another cleaning. And good to know about the gingivitis thing - thanks!

@flychica: Since I didn't read the comments you are referring to before they were apparently deleted, I cannot speak to any intention on the OPs part to purposefully defraud her insurance company. All I have to go on is what I have read, and what I have read does not provide enough information for me to judge what she is or is not trying to do or why. I will take your word for it that she stated she was attempting to defraud her insurance company, and that being case, then yes, I would have to agree that her actions are wrong. You can, of course, do what you feel you need to -- However, I think that sending her insurance company this thread is a bit of overkill. Again, if she is lying to her employer about this, then she has more than likely done so in the past, and chances are she will be terminated. I believe that goes around comes around and dishonest people will get what they deserve in the long run. @ElfiePoo I choose to believe that you did not just infer that I am a dishonest person, simply because I do not choose to string someone up by their toes and set them afire, based solely on a handful of poorly thought out posts. Instead, I choose to wish you much peace. @nobody in particular -- I find it interesting how much rancor this thread has stirred up and as a student of human nature, I cannot help but wonder why. Did I miss something? Did she flame someone or make some personally derogatory comments?

Yes, I've had them a good while now. I even skipped my December appointment with the orthodontist due to my surgery, so no major movements expected there either. It's a mystery, lol!

I am SO in on this Tina, because my birthday is April 2. I would really like to get below 200 by then, but that might be too much, as it's only 13 weeks away. At 2 pounds a week, 26 pounds would be average, so I'll sign up for 30 pounds (and secretly hope I do much better). BTW : The Valentine's challenge was picked up by LollyMoe and is now on the main forum, for people who still want to shoot for that goal. No sense in doubling efforts! Best of luck to ALL of us!

Thanks for the info! I think I'll wait until Monday and call my surgeon's office. I need to contact them anyway about the Vitamin D supplements I was supposed to get. I suppose I could go get my teeth cleaned again, though it's only been a few months. It is after the first of the year, tho, so my insurance should pay for it. Never hurts to have your teeth cleaned! Thanks again, I appreciate it!!

You've received some really great advice, but if you're still having trouble ... When my kids were small and had gas, I would get so upset because I didn't know how to stop their pain. One particularly gassy day, I thought I would lose my mind from the crying. Nothing I did helped my daughter. She just cried and cried and cried, and I was getting close to a nervous breakdown. My husband's grandmother came over, took the baby, folded her knees up to her chest as high as they would go naturally and just like that, the gas came out. Tada! Happy Baby Apparently, this position helps the body to pass gas naturally. If you're having trouble, and if this does not cause you any pain, try kneeling on all fours, then slowly roll back onto your knees, bringing your knees into your chest as far as they will comfortably go. Sometimes the old remedies, as simple as they are, can work miracles!

Oh I have no intention of starting again, LOL. I've made sure of that: I bought an electronic cigarette and given myself full permission to use it anytime I feel like I need a hit of nicotine. Problem is, the electronic cigarettes taste like dead people in your mouth. I do not like dead people in my mouth, lol, hence, I do not smoke. I still believe it has more to do with nutrition, but I'll definitely keep your advise in mind. Thanks again for your input!

My husband has not had WLS, but he has been a mealtime sneezer for the 17 years that I have known him. When he gets full, he has a sneeze attack. I've done some research and found others who have sneezing related to eating, and there are quite a few people out there who do, but the answers are more assumptions and guesses rather than any proven medical fact. The most common theory has to do with food in the esophagus, and the nerves therein being connected to the nasal passages. Apparently, so goes this particular theory, when there is food in the esophagus, it triggers a sneeze response in some individuals. I would like to find a definitive answer on this tho, and maybe see if there is something that can stop it -- my husband is an incredibly LOUD sneezer, and it can be quite attention drawing in restaurants

Sure do. Brush at least four times a day, floss daily and use my Water Pic every day as well! I have OCD issues with oral hygiene. Maybe I need therapy Yes, but no new Rx meds. The same ones I've been taking for several years. No and No. :glare: Sort of -- about 12 weeks ago, but my gums didn't start bleeding until about 3 weeks ago. Yearly. :cool2: No. The hygienist always comments that my teeth are in excellent shape -- and is usually amazed at my total lack of plaque, so I know it isn't gingivitis, as it is my understanding that this is caused by plaque. My meds haven't changed, so I don't think it has to do with that either. Considering that I was basically eating Jello and broth for twenty-five days, I'm thinking it's probably a nutrition thing. I'd like to know which ones it might be, so I can try to eat foods higher in those nutrients. I was hoping that if someone else had a similar problem, then could share what their doctor told them, or maybe someone knows someone else who had the same issues and can throw a clue or two my way. Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!

Isn't personal accountability one of the things we all need to learn? Aren't we supposed to be learning to take responsibility for the choices we make, rather than make excuses? And in making someone else accountable for our progress, isn't that a way to put at least part of the responsibility on others? I really don't want to be flamed for this, LOL, but lets be honest here, we've all read the threads about how this one or that one is failing because their spouse is not supportive. That isn't the best situation, to be sure, and yes it makes it harder, but unless my spouse is shoving slider foods down my throat, I am responsible for any weight gain. I own my successes -- but I also own my failures. This was my decision to make, and it was not predicated on whether or not the people in my life would act as my Diet Police or what have you. Honestly? I would be pretty upset if someone told me what I could or could not eat, or made little remarks if I cheated here or there -- regardless if their intentions were pure. I am not an idiot, nor am I a child. I would feel that these "good intentions" were implications that I was weak of mind, and I would resent that. A lot. The decision to have this surgery is not one that can be made by a weak minded individual! Speaking only for myself, and not for anyone else here: If I cannot exercise a little willpower, after everything I've gone through with this surgery, then I feel like I wasn't ready to have the surgery. This is my body. This is my health. This is my life. Fail or succeed, I alone am accountable for it. I totally respect those who told everyone, and that's cool if their relationships are such that spreading the word would mean a more positive experience. I cannot say that this would be the case for me, which is why I was upset that my personal business was discussed -- especially because I specifically said that I wanted it kept on the down low, and requested that they keep the info to themselves.

Okay, so here's the thing ... Before surgery, the internist said that my bloodwork looked good, but I had a Vitamin D deficiency, and that she would tell my doctor I needed some RX strength supplements. Those never materialized, and while I realize I should have asked the surgeon, to be honest, there was so much going on at the time and it all happened so fast, that I just plain forgot about it. I was on a liquid diet for ten days before surgery, then again for fourteen days after surgery. Including the day of surgery, that is 25 days of liquid dieting. I've been on full foods for about a week now, and I'm really trying to get my Vitamins and Protein in. I'm taking two chewable Flintstones vitamins each day, as per the PA, and I'm taking in at least 50 g of protein each day but ... My gums are bleeding. Everytime I brush my teeth, which is about four to five times a day (I know, I have issues, lol), my gums bleed. I know this is not a gingivitis thing, because I have braces (yes, I am 45 with braces, ha ha) and I'm at the orthodontist once a month. My teeth are in good shape in terms of oral hygiene. This must be a nutrition thing. My question: Has this happened to anyone else? And does anyone know which nutrient deficiencies cause bleeding gums? Thanks so much for your input!

It is not unusual to still have pain, so no worries, you're on track. Goodness, you just had major surgery three days ago! Of course you're going to be in some amount of pain! The tightness **might** be more gas, but it also might be congestion. Did you do your breathing exercises? Have you coughed up any congestion? Are you feeling short of breath? My hospital sent me home with a little plastic breathing thingie, that I had to breath into and make the level go to a certain height. I couldn't do it, so I had to keep at it all day -- finally, I coughed up a couple of alien life forms, and then I could hit the level on my breathing thingie (breathing thingie being the technical term ) Why are you ashamed to be hungry? Hunger is a built in response to keep us from starving ourselves to death. It is part of the way we are created, and pretty cool if you think about it. Having said that, you really do need to follow your doctor's advice on this count (regardless of how you feel about him). Remember, he is the only one that was poking around inside of you, so he's the guy that knows what you need. However, the pill thing does sound odd. I would for sure question him about that. I would also be more foreceful about the pain meds. There is nothing wrong with saying, "Dr. SoAndSo, I respect your advice, but the way that you are delivering it makes me feel stupid, and I don't like that. I will be more likely to follow your instructions if you listen to my concerns, take me seriously, and not laugh at my questions." Plain, simple, to the point. That is your right, to expect to be treated with respect. Sure, he's a doctor, but he's also a human being, and if you bring to his attention that he's being an arrogant a$$ (without saying as much, of course), then I bet he'll think on it ... and treat you with more respect in the future! I have a HORRIBLE surgeon, so I know what you're saying. It's a different situation in that I've met my guy for a total of maybe 10 minutes. That's it. I wouldn't know him if I passed him on the street. It isn't that he's rude, he just doesn't care -- so I'm going to be looking at changing doctors as soon as these holidays are over.

Yay! Count me in, too! I want to lose 12 pounds -- that's 2 pounds a week and totally doable. @LollyMoe -- I posted a similar challenge on the December Bandster's group, but since you took the initiative here, I'll let those people know that the challenge has moved here under this thread. Thanks! Looking forward to this!

I was "outpatient" and stayed overnight. "Outpatient" is defined by a stay less than 24 hours, so if your surgery is at 2 pm, if you are discharged at 1 pm the next day, you're still considered "outpatient." My advice is to stay at the hospital if given the choice -- especially given that you have small children at home. You're going to need as much recoup time as you can get before the demands of motherhood are upon you. Full time Mommyhood doesn't come with sick days -- take advantage of the time if you have a choice!

My understanding is that Short Term Disability is **usually** a benefit paid by the employer, not the employee's premiums -- so putting aside for a moment whether or not this is considered fraud, chances are pretty good that it will not mean an increase in premiums to employees, it will mean an increase in the premiums paid by the employer. :huh2: So if the premiums for STD increase, then the OP is sticking it to her own employer, not her fellow, premium-paying Metlifers. Additionally, most employers make you use all of your sick time before you file for STD, so that tells me that the OP is pretty desperate to have this time off, yes? If it were as simple as fraud, I don't think she would burn all of her sick time, just to spend a few weeks off that she didn't truly need, but then, that's just my perspective. I think that ymjackson1 is right in that we do not know the situation. We don't know where the OP's head is right now. It could very well be that she needs the time off due to mental or emotional strain caused by some situation on her job. God knows I've had jobs and/or projects on an otherwise wonderful job that have caused me much emotional distress, and I would bet that there are some here who can say the same. It is very possible that "I hate my job" actually means, "I need a break before I jump on my desk with a staple gun and go postal on everyone." :eek: The point is that if the OP feels she needs to take a few weeks off, then I'm not going to tell her that she doesn't, because I don't know what her situation is; and if she really feels she needs a mental health break, well -- that would qualify as a medical need, and that is what the insurance is there to help with. :cool2: Having said that, if the OP truly does feel like she needs to take some mental health time, then to be totally above board, she ought to have her doctor approve the time on that basis -- mental health. But really -- is that likely to happen? Lets be honest here -- Employers tend to think that "mental health" equals "weakness" :sad: so it could mean the kiss of death to any potential career advancement. So I agree again with ymjackson1 -- IF the OP truly needs the time off, then she should be allowed to take it without being judged. If she does not need it, and she's truly sacraficing all of her sick time for an entire year, simply to pursue some nefarious plot to increase the STD premiums paid by her employer -- it will out, eventually. This scenario would be more indicative of the way in which she approaches her life and work on a daily basis, and that isn't something her boss is likely to overlook for long. :glare: If this is truly the type of person she is (and we can't possibly know that she is, but if so ...) then eventually, her boss will tire of her excuses and lies and fire her. So in the absence of any actual facts, I'm giving the OP the benefit of the doubt, and assume that she needs the mental health holiday and hope that she gets what she needs.

That's good to know. I hadn't expected that I would be able to feel the port under my skin so well. It's sort of creeps me out a little, to be honest. But it's good to know that it's normal -- thanks!

Hang on a second ... You had to cough so the doctor could locate the port?? I can totally feel mine under my skin. It's very prominent -- is this abnormal??

Thanks! I think I will take your sage advice and tell the physician's assistant that I really would prefer not to rush into a fill. Maybe give myself another two weeks before we try a fill, and see how things are going then. Thanks again for your input!

It depends on your doctor's orders. I was still on Clear liquids on day six, so it was pretty much broth for me, I'm afraid. Day seven was full liquids, and tomato Soup never tasted so good! Day fourteen was mushies. That opens up quite a few options. Scrambled eggs are a good source of Protein, as is cottage cheese and yogurt. Just make sure you're following your doctor's orders for your post op diet. You don't want to push yourself too fast. Good luck!

Rats -- I was afraid you would say that, lol. I guess the best I can do is to plan on staying with the inlaws the night of and day after a fill and see how I'm feeling. If I have a reaction a week or so after a fill, I'll just have to make the long drive down to the city and hope I don't toss my Cookies in the car, ha ha. To answer your question, I think I'm having some restriction -- it's hard to say because I'm new at this and not really sure what it's supposed to feel like. I know that I get hungry, and I eat regular foods for the most part, but I'm eating a lot less because I get fuller faster than I did before the band. On the other hand, I can eat more than I had envisioned that I would be able to. For instance, I could not sit down and eat an entire hamburger. MAYBE half before I felt full. I stop there, but for illustrative purposes, if I was determined to eat it all for some reason, and if I chewed it really well, I could probably get it down over the course of, say, an hour to an hour and a half. I have not felt the need to toss my cookies yet, which is a real blessing, but there have been two times that I felt something I ate was hung up. Not sure that it would classify as being "stuck" because there was no pain, just a feeling like something wouldn't go down all the way, but I walked around a bit and in a few minutes the sensation went away. Both times, btw, it was tuna salad, which is weird, because it was pretty moist and minced up before I even began chewing on it, and I chewed the daylights out of it before I swallowed it. Not sure what that was about. So yeah, I guess I'm feeling some restriction, just not sure if it's as much as I'm supposed to be feeling. How does one know these things? How can you tell if you're restricted enough? Or if you need a fill? This is all so new to me. Thanks again!

Why is it that these things always happen on Fridays? I have the same luck -- nobody in my family gets sick unless it's the weekend. Makes it difficult to decide what to do. I would absolutely call your doctor's office and explain the situation, and ask them what they think you ought to do. If you can't keep any liquids down, and it keeps up over the weekend, then by Monday, it'll be going on 4 days with no Fluid -- and that's a long time. Better to get your doctor's advice on this one, I think. Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon!

I have no idea what kind of band I have, or how big it is. My doctor didn't tell me that there were different kinds or sizes :biggrin:

That's great advice, I think I'll do exactly that, and plan on staying at the inlaws, as well. But normally, if someone is going to have a "gut reaction" to a fill, is it right away, or do a few days pass? I'm just trying to get a grasp on what to expect the week or two after a fill, with the obvious understanding that everyone is different. I'll feel much more confident about a fill if I know what I might expect. Thanks again, I really appreciate the input!

I should add that the physician's assistant said they will only give me 2 to 3 cc fill the first time, and subsequent fills will only be .5 ccs. Don't know if that will make a difference -- seems like some people get really big fills the first time.

So I have to see my doctor on Jan 16, and I was told that I "may or may not" get my first fill, depending on how well I'm doing. After reading some of the threads here, I have to tell you, I'm more than a little nervous. I have something just short of an actual phobia about regurgitating, but it seems like after a fill, the majority of bands are unhappy with their hosts for a few days. Questions: Does this nausea/queasiness/vomiting/pbing/sliming/what-have-you usually happen the same day as a fill? Within 24 hours? 48 hours? And how long does it normally last? I ask because my local ER is completely inept (truly), and my doctor is 2 hours away. If I can expect to be ill right after a fill, then I need to make arrangements to stay with my inlaws, who live closer to the city. It will make me feel better and stress less, to know that I am close enough to medical care to get it if I need it in an emergency. Thanks!