marjon9

Mark--I know what you mean about taking small bites and eating slowly. I still have trouble doing that--especially now that I am in need of a fill--I can eat fast, and take big bites and it doesn't bother me(although I wish it would!) I can't get a fill until the 26th of Feb though, because my doc is out of the country right now! But it is so hard to re-train yourself after so many years of eating a certain way. Well, try and stay warm! By the way, will you have to come back to Denver for your fills, or is there someone in Maryland that can do them? Semms like that could get a little expensive if you do!

I'll probably get my fills in Maryland even though they cost $150 or $200. I can get them for just about free if I go to Denver, but the time and trouble is probably not worth it. At this point, though, I feel like I may never need a fill.

I am a huge salad eater and lover! I have never had a problem with salads or raw veggies--I think the key is to take small bites, and chew well, just like with everything else! And like Mark said--you just have to try! By the way Mark--do you live in Denver? I am in Pueblo--and really getting tired of the snow and cold weather.. I want it to go back to being in the 50's like it used to be in the winter here! And don't worry--things will get easier for you-just be patient!

Actually I'm from Maryland. I just went to Denver because Dr. Kirshenbaum has such a great price for the surgery - and a reputation as fine surgeon. It worked out well for me, although I am still struggling a bit because I have so much restriction still. It's very hard to learn how to eat tiny bites in slow motion. I still find that eat too quickly all the time even when I'm trying hard not to.

I know what you mean about the weather. I was dodging airport closings to and from Denver to get to my appointment. We made it through OK but it was touch and go. We've been going through a major cold snap here as well. It's been 5 or 10 degrees at night and between 20 and 30 during the day. That's cold for us here. We're not really prepared for it here so it takes its toll. Quite a number of our Metro stations, for example, are outdoors. But it is, after all, February, so I guess I can't really be too surprised if the weather is cold.

I was scheduled for 1/16 but I had a small glitch and had to move to 1/17. For that reason I consider myself to be an honorary 1/16 bandster. I started at 340 and I'm down to 318, so that's pretty good in just a few weeks. But I have to say, it is likely that this is attributable mostly to the liquid diet and the fact that I've had a lot of restriction since day one and can hardly eat anything even now. I doubt I'll continue losing a pound a day. In fact, I certainly hope I don't continue losing a pound a day.

Once you have the band, generalities with food really have to go out the window. Some people can eat salads with no problem, but it is also true that salads cause a problem for many people. Just gotta try. I've always loved salads so I'm hoping I'll be tolerant of them. I'm only three weeks out so it's too early to tell. I'm still having trouble eating anything and everything.

As I am sitting here in a full knee immobolizer I wonder how the hell I am going to keep up this great loss I have going currently. Luckily... I should be back on skates in a week.

Good luck with your fill!

So, did I miss the announcement of your new roller derby name, or is the search still in progress?

Those turkey pepperoni chips sound like a great idea. Thanks Wheetsin

GOSH.....you all inspire me! I'm 10 days out...and just miserable. For any of you who have read my posts, I'm just not feeling well. I want to feel good, plan dinners out, heck, I even want to have an appetite! I have no desire for food, Water, Protein shakes - nothing at all. Funny, isn't it!?? I've done walking around the house, too cold/icy here to go outside. Got on my rebounder just one day and walked for 5 minutes, thought I'd die afterwards. There is definately something to say for taking it easy!!

Well, hopefully I'll head toward my two week mark feeling alot better, by next Tuesday. My first appointment for my after visit with the Doctor is on Wednesday.

I think any day now you are going to turn a corner and start to feel better, and then the worst will be over and you will then be able to start dealing with creating your bandster journey. Many people feel like crap for quite a while after surgery. I felt awful for a good two weeks. I got a bad cold, had extreme diarrhea, and felt weak and unmotivated.

Once you start to feel better it will all fall into place quickly. Hang in there!

I was banded on Jan. 29th.

Although things are going very well, I have these thoughts that I cannot shake.....FOOD! Not the eating part of it all, but the social part. Already I am faced with having to attend a birthday party for a friend next week, and of course, it's a BBQ. This does not bother me in particular, it is just that it has we wondering.....a lot of the things that go on in my life have food involved.

Will I never be able to enjoy food again? When I go to Mexico in April on vacation, how am I supposed to enjoy the local menu? When my hubby and I go on that yearly cruise in November, how will I enjoy my dinners? STUFF LIKE THAT! I guess I am just thinking too far ahead of all this.

Like I said, I am really doing quite well so far, and do not regret my decision to be banded.

My mind is working overtime about all the future food scenerios in my life.

Charlotte, most people go through what you are describing. You are certainly not alone. Just the other day my company had a little get together at a restaurant. They ordered a variety of Italian appetizers and passed them around. I really did not want to eat them but I took some so I would not generate a lot of questions. I tried to eat some, ate too fast in an effort to appear normal, then I had to go to the restroom an PB the whole thing up. I really don't know how to recomment that you deal with this type of situation. Next time I guess I'll just say I'm not feeling well.

And, yes, all of us connect food with social events. It is hard to relearn all these things, and train ourselves in a whole new direction. That's part of why I waited until after the holidays to get banded. I don't think there is an easy answer, but it is one of the things that we bandsters have to learn how to handle.

On a positive note I can say that I'm finding that even though I am eating less, I do enjoy it more. Rather than wolfing down anything I could find indiscriminately, I'm actually choosing quality items and taking the time to enjoy how they taste. You may find that you have the same experience.

because others are more experienced than I am, I feel like a dork when I'm on a date. In my ex-boyfriend's case, I sort of got taken advantage of physically and then emotionally. Now each time I go out with someone and then they don't call me back I sit there and agonize over what the heck is wrong with me.

There may be a few people who are experienced and mature "daters" who have everything in perspective and take everything in stride, but if there are I don't think they are in a phase of life that is open to a meaningful relationship. If you are truly open to the real thing, dating is hell. By its nature it makes everyone feel like a helpless, out of control dork, no matter how "mature" you are.

So try to keep that in mind. You don't need to pile on to yourself and feel not only like a helpless, out of control, dork, but a dork that is wrong for feeling that way.

Shaved, what are we wimps? Shaved = Less infection. Call me a wimp, I do not want infection problems to prove that I am a guy. How ever the panties that I was given to wear for sugery about killed me.

I think if we were real men we'd just tear off the hair with our own bare hands while lying on the operating table.

hiya cascadian good for you ! i think the band is like a little peice of willpower strapped in if you work with it then you cant help but win xx sammy xx

Nice way to put it. It is like that boost of willpower that puts you over the top and in control. Now, instead of having to work really hard to lose weight, a person has to work hard not to lose weight. It is possible to defeat the band, but it takes effort.

I know I'm only three weeks out, but my experience is that I need to struggle to get in enough calories so I don't get weak. Man, is that ever a change. This morning I ate half a portion of oatmeal and 1/2 a chicken thigh and I'm still stuffed.

Yes, there is time. When food won't go down it hurts, but it just sits there until you "let" or "encourage" it to come up in the restroom.

lisah25 is right. The thing that can be confusing is people sometimes use the terms vomiting and PBing as the same thing. So when someone with the band says they vomit all the time it's hard to know exactly what they mean. Many people with the band PB pretty often (although it should definitely be avoided). But on the other hand I don't think there are really very many bandsters who truly actually vomit very often.

It's a difficult thing to define, because to a lot of people, when they PB it seems to them very much like vomiting. When I PB it seems really different from vomiting because there is little or no convulsion in the stomach, and the material that comes up does not taste bad. So it seems really different to me.

I would just be a little careful with "pureed" foods. That word can mean a lot of things. If you are pureeing a little chicken in a lot of broth, that's probably OK. If you are throwing a steak, baked potato and a tablespoon of tobasco in the blender and eating a thick paste, that's probably not so good at one week out.

I can just say that I tried to move past liquids a bit too fast at the beginning and my stomach swelled up in response and I could barely drink Water for a couple days. I think it's better to take it easy at the beginning.

Above all follow your surgeon/nutritionist's advice.

From my own non-expert opinion, I would say be sure you are taking in plenty of Water. Beyond that don't worry to much at this point. If you are up for it at all drink some broth, eat some popsicles and Jello if you can/want to.

Over the next day or two try to incorporate some Protein shakes, and possibly some liquid Vitamins.

But again, try to stick with the plan your surgeon provided for you.

It's great to see someone take their life by the Mountain Oysters and just make it into what they choose for it to be. Congratulations puddin

I realize this is your surgeons policy, but many were not given any sort of pre-op diet at all, and most surgeries simply require nothing by mouth after midnight. Will it ruin your ability to have surgery, I wouldn't think so. However, you cannot eat the last while before surgery, nor following surgery! It is dangerous to do so then, you can rip the stitches holding the band in place. So while we all understand the hunger and the feelings of being out of control with food, you are going to have to dig deep and hang in there for the time remaining before surgery, and then following it!

I wish I had good easy answers, but if you can find the strength to get through those times, it does get much easier!!!

Hang in there---good luck on your surgery---I hope it is smooth and uneventful!

Kat

Kat is definitely right about this. But I want to add one thing. I think you will find that not eating for a while after surgery is much easier than not eating before surgery. After surgery most people don't seem to have much of an appetite. I wasn't hungry at all for at least a week.

Also, the doc wants your bowels cleaned out because the surgery and medication they give you after surgery can cause Constipation. They want you to start with a "clean slate," so to speak. I don't think a spoon of noodles is going to cause a major problem in this area.

Good luck on your big day!

Hey all,

I thought I was getting better, but got hit with this cold. I'm 1 week out today; and really haven't any desire to eat or drink. Is this b/c I have restriction? I eat maybe 1 cup MAXXXXXX at any given time. I'm really trying like mad to get my liquids in; but haven't reached 64 oz yet.

I know, I know, its just a week. But at this point, I'd for sure think that I'd be hungry for SOMETHING. Heck, pizza wouldn't even float my boat right now. I just feel like I should be at another place. I see my doctor in 8 days. I guess my biggest complaint is feeling sort of weak due to not eating. THOUGH, I know I'm dying...lol - plenty of stored up 'fuel' on this hiney!

Bugs me too, that burping has a different feeling, it almost hurts - definately uncomfortable. Maybe still gas bubbles from surgery? I just want to get up and GOOOOOOOOOO. Want to feel 'normal', I want to feel 'well'. I guess I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired this past week. :think

I was feeling pretty crappy all around for about two weeks after surgery. I never had much pain at the incision points, or pain from gas. But I had just about everything else. Bad cold, diarrhea, lack of energy. Think of it this way, you have an excuse to explore the intricacies of day time television. Don't worry too much. You'll feel better soon.

For energy, I found that Protein Shakes were helpful. The pre-mixed kind in the can are easiest.

Hi everyone, I talked with Dr. Kirshenbaum today and have my surgery date of Feb. 28th:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I can't believe it, I am so Happy:) Thank you Shesha for all your info and ground work for us from Wisconsin , I guess people from anywhere. Anyhow I think his bussines is really growing just from the people posting here alone. He certainly offers a good deal for us self payers. Thanks so much everyone, I find this site to be so informative and helpful. What did we do before the internet???:omg: Sunnysea:target::pray2::banana:cheer2::):grouphug:And I turn 50 on the 27th!!!!:rolleyes :speechles :eek: what a nice Birthday present.

Congratulations on the surgery date. It's just around the corner, you'll be on the Light Side before you know it.

And that's a good question about what we did before the intenet (and that was just ten years ago!). Can you imagine trying to do all this on your own? Trying to get information from the occassional medical magazine or whatever? Amazing to think about it.

It's true most people find that there are certain things they can't eat. I'm still not able to eat much that is solid but that's because I just had surgery. But the thing I am noticing is that I am experiencing about twice the flavor in the things I do eat. I used to just wolf things down. Now, I savor everything I eat (because the band forces me to do that) and I'm finding that I really enjoy the actual flavor of the food much more than I used to. If this is a permanent change I'll consider it a good trade off even if there are some things I can't eat.

I just thought I'd pass along my story on this in case it might be useful to someone else.

I had my surgery about three weeks ago. After about 10 days the steri-strips came off. The port incision was still a bit open/unsealed, and draining a thin, pink, clear liquid. There was no sign of infection so I figured I'd just put some Neosporin on it, cover it with gauze, and go on my merry way.

Well, the darn thing never would close, even though I kept dressing it and changing the gauze twice a day. The draining actually started to get a little worse. So, I called my doc and asked what was going on.

He said that the Neosporin was my problem. He said that stuff is great for an abrasion or some other surface injury, but a surgery incision is deep, and Neosporin is not the right thing at all. He said it gets in the wound and makes it into a swampy thing that will never close. He said stop the Neosporin, cover it with gauze, and see if it will dry up and close.

Well, I cleaned off the Neosporin and covered it with dry gauze. The draining stopped in about 3 hours, and the wound sealed in a day. It looks great now and I am no longer worried about a port infection.

Moral of the story: Neosporin is great for healing a port incision - NOT!!

Well, I'm really the opposite. I was banded on the 18th and still have a lot of restriction. I usually eat about 1/2 cup of food and I'm done. HOWEVER, I am not losing. Here comes all those fears, "will this work", "it won't work for me" etc. I'm just praying this is not yet another failed diet attempt for me. Even though I've lost in the beginning, I've lost nothing in over a week.

I'm still really restricted, too. It's starting to bug me. I want to get to the point where I can eat some solids that will fill me up. When I try to eat solids sometimes they go down OK, but I still have problems inadvertently eating too fast or not chewing enough. It's so hard to get used to the new way we have to eat. Who has 30 minutes to eat a one-egg omelet? So, anyway, when I eat too fast I PB, then have my stomach swell up again, and I'm back on liquids and I have major restriction. I know this is bad. I feel guilty for doing things that result in a PB. I am just having such a hard time with the tiny bites and endless chewing. I'm just going to have to get a grip on this.

Nykee, this is serious situation that you need to get resolved. You need to work with your doctor about it.

I'm no doctor and no expert, but this is what I understand: When you slime and the food comes up that is a PB. When the food is stuck, it is just that, stuck, it is not a PB.

You need to get the tests back from your doctor so you can see what is going on. It is true that the band can slip to the point where you can't get anything down. Perhaps when that happens the band is slipping "up," I don't know. But it sounds like you might have a slip.

If the band is not slipped, but just "placed very high," then that can also be a serious problem if it causes these symptoms. It might as well be a slip, because it makes the band unworkable for you.

I can also say that you are supposed to take at least a day or two of liquids after even one single PB before you try and eat again. When you PB the stomach swells and it needs to heal before you try to eat anything. It sounds like you don't give it that rest and just continue to try to eat at a time when the stomach is swollen. Nothing will ever change if this cycle continues.

It sounds to me like you need to get a complete unfill (assuming the band is not slipped), drink liquids for a week to heal up, then start the band filling process again from scratch. I know you are afraid you will start gaining weight if the band is unfilled, but you just have to go through this process if you are ever going to be able to get it to work for you. If you just continue trying to force food down over a swollen stomach this is going to lead to more and more serious problems.

Above all, work with your doctor to get this fixed right.

Maxdog, as Ted said, getting a fill does not mean there is a problem. That's the way the band is supposed to work. You are supposed to fill (and sometimes unfill) the band until you get the level of restriction that allows you to feel full on a small amount of food. You are definitely not supposed to go around feeling starving. It sounds like you are doing great with the weight loss. Congrats! So go ahead and start getting fills until you find the point where you get full on a small amount of food, and then sit back and watch the scale keep dropping.

Hi terry, If you mean should your wife go with you to Denver, yes, she should. It's possible to be alone when you do the surgery. Some do it. For a while I thought I might need to go alone. But my wife was able to come with me and I am very glad she did. Some people are fortunate and recover almost immediately from the surgery. Others take longer. If you go alone you are gambling that you'll be one of those who can recover quickly and get home. But if it turns out you are not one of the fast healers, then what? I recommend bringing someone.

And by the way, Dr. Kirshenbaum requires that you bring someone so that you are not alone for the first 24 hours after the anesthesia. You can make arrangements to come alone, but if you do you must stay overnight in the hospital, which is an exta $500.