TylerDurden

45mg Actos (which is corrosive to the liver) 100U of Lantus (daily insulin injection) CPAP machine (which bothered my sleep almost as much as sleep apnea)

My surgery was done the exact same way and was given the same explanation. Fine with me, whatever helps!

Good job, man. Can't wait to be where you are. Thanks for the inspiration!

Not sure where you're getting your coleslaw but there's no sauce that I'm aware of. The only things (that should be) in coleslaw are carrots, green cabbage, red cabbage, mayonnaise and a little apple cider vinegar (optional, for spice). Maybe they are putting something else in it. If so, I'd stop buying it from there and make your own. So much better and some grocery stores carry a pre-made bag of the veggies. I hope I don't have this issue when I get to the stage where I can eat coleslaw. I LOVE that stuff!!

I completely agree. My point was that your friend was not (as you stated) "on a steady regiment of medication for her bi-polar disorder." I did not intend to insinuate that your friend wasn't taking the meds diagnosed or that bi-polar disorder automatically disqualifies you. But (and this is just a guess on my part) I think they want candidates with a verified record of being on the proper meds for a significant amount of time so the surgery will benefit them most. Laparoscopic surgery may have a great success rate but it's still major surgery and the benefits should outweigh the risks. I also agree with Betsy that they are also looking for behavioral patterns like compulsive overeating, bingeing, and things like hiding food. My guess would be those with more issues would require therapy before surgery or in conjunction with it. However, I'm not at all suggesting the band cannot benefit people of any diagnosis, provided they are given the proper support and healthcare.

It depends on the recommendations of your nutritionist. How many grams of protein were you advised to ingest per day? Using your breakfast shake as an example, you'll only get 51g of protein today. Perhaps you should find a whey protein supplement you would be more comfortable with. There are several that are flavorless. Best of luck!

I'm almost certain the bi-polar issue was the deciding factor in your friend being rejected. From what the psychiatrist that questioned me said, they are looking to weed out anyone that wouldn't or couldn't accept the responsibilities of the surgery and new lifestyle. Basically, so it wouldn't be a waste of the insurance company's money to put someone on such a drastic course. I've known a few people who were diagnosed as bi-polar and some are very grounded, provided they take their meds. But for those that do not, expecting them to adhere to their nutritional needs is just too much. If they aren't responsible enough to take their meds, how responsible will they be to eat right, exercise, and follow the rules?

My surgery was May 11th. I find it strange that it seems many of you already have fills scheduled. I have a post-op appointment on Monday but nothing about a fill was mentioned when I made the appointment. Not to question any of your progress but shouldn't fills only be done when necessary? I'm pretty sure I am not ready for any fills. I don't get to progress from full liquids until next week. Please reply if your surgeon has some different plan or strategy that mine may not be considering. Seems they are all vastly different in approach. Keep up the good work!

I don't know how much this is going to help you but I care more about my body shape and size than what any scale can tell me. When you're walking around, can people see exactly how much you weigh? I don't think you're going to tattoo what the scale shows on your forehead. I'd be much happier in the knowledge that my clothes fit more loosely, I am wearing a smaller size, or that I look healthier when I see my reflection. Also that I can exercise longer or at a higher intensity. I hope this encourages you not to despair and continue becoming a healthier person. Don't take what the scale reads as your only indication of success or failure. I wish you the best!

I've lost 14 lbs. in the first week post-op so I don't think you're losing it too fast. Going by the majority on this board, seems we're right on track. I just know it won't last at that rate so I'm happy for the kick start! Best of luck on your journey.

I'm on my 7th day. Unfortunately, for the next week I'll be on nothing but protein shakes. I'm not complaining. Anything to be free from those damn Profect protein tubes. That stuff is horrible.

My BMI wasn't as high as yours but my surgeon WAS concerned about blood clots. In recovery, I had to wear TET socks (compression hosiery) and pressurized Sequential Compressor Devices on my feet that stimulate blood circulation in your legs. I did not have issues.

I also have diabetes so I sympathize with you. Are you still taking medication or insulin to help control it? Perhaps it's the food choices you're making. Do your blood glucose readings go up after carb-heavy meals? Maybe there are hidden carbs in your meals that you are not accounting for. I know for me, starches and breads send mine upward. I noticed during the pre-op diet of Protein shakes and 1 meal of chicken or fish and veggies, my numbers were consistently down and I only used 1/3 of the insulin I was normally taking. If it were me, I'd try eating the same meal several days in a row then switch to something else for another few days. It's likely your comparisons will tell you which meal is causing the problem. Hope that helps!

My surgeon told me no swimming or even baths for 2 weeks. Showers are ok but I assume the standing water creates the possibility for infection. I love to swim and am having the hardest time avoiding the pool for another week and 2 days!

From your description, my port site is in the same spot. My site is also hard and bruised. Seems reasonable to be contused considering there is a foreign body there and hard from scar tissue. As far as being normal, I hope so because if it isn't, we're in the same boat.

There are a few powders that I hated. I found one called Any whey that is unflavored and mixes well in anything. The smell doesn't bother me; I'm not too sensitive. Pre-op, I was putting it in skim milk and on chicken, fish, & veggies. Try a small tub if you have a sensitive nose and good luck!

Right after surgery recovery I started on clears (profect, broth, jell-o) the 1st week. Next week will be 3x protein shakes.

I feel exactly the same way, so you're not alone. Just push the Protein liquids as best you can and keep it up. Being a man, I need to keep my protein intake at 75-80g per day. Think of it this way, would you rather be hungry all the time?

Yeah, I am pretty happy with mine as well. Don't forget the Biotin (5000 mcg daily)!

I don't know about wanting to throw up but I'm certainly not interested in food of late. I only force down the Profect for the Protein. I am really scared about my hair falling out. My surgery was only a few days ago and I was certain I'd be hungry all the time with the diet recommendations but I really have not. I keep my spirits up reading from the success stories on this forum and how someday soon I will join them. Hang in there with me.

Lip balm Hand lotion Something to soothe your throat Gas-X strips

Wow, these ladies have some great suggestions for chocolate cravings. Any ideas on a substitute for beer? It's really the only thing I miss. Sweet, delicious beer... What could make anyone feel better than grabbing an ice cold bottle from an ice chest? So chilled that the ice clings to the smooth bottle. You pop that top, allowing some of the carbonation to escape and you can just smell all the aromas of the beer. Slowly pour it into a glass, allowing its golden tint to fill the cylinder with a nice white, foamy hat on your new friend. Watch it for a few moments as the tiny bubbles float to the creamy surface while the outside of the glass gets all sweaty cool. It can't wait to get in my belly. Finally, you raise it to your lips and enjoy a big, bubbly sip of goodness with a malty finish. My esophagus gets tingly just thinking about it.

My surgery was Tuesday (5/11). The doctor told all of us, nothing but clear liquids (Water, broth, Jell-O, and 3 Profect per day) the first two weeks. Then after that, we can drink 2 shakes and one meal consisting of a 1/4 cup. It seems strict but honestly, right now I could not eat anymore than I am. The Profect is ghastly so I pour it into 16 oz of water which makes it go down much easier. Funny, but the jell-o seems to stay with me and I'm not hungry at all. Maybe it's the healing process and next week I'll have a voracious appetite. All in all I cannot complain. So far, none of the post-op symptoms have affected me (pain, gas, nausea, etc.).

Wow, that's incredible. One of the nurses told me she knew of someone who lost 75 lbs in 3 months. I thought that was nearly impossible. Any tips to share that played a part in your terrific results?