Eileen C.
11/07/08:
for newbies ............
Welcome!
Four years ago I started data collecting to help make the decision as to whether or not the Band was the right option for me. With the help of many OH members I created a website (jointhebandwagon.com) and this "newbies" post for all to share in what I have learned during my journey.
Please feel free to email me questions or let me know if any of this is out of date now. Also let me know if you want me to add your profile to the list below. Most of these people in the list were the folks I met 2 years ago when I was banded. It would be great to get some new faces listed!
Cheers, Eileen
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~Bandster Rules~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
These are just some of the "rules" pertaining to Banding
. No drinking with meals - 30/30 rule - no drinking 30 minutes before or after so as to not "wash you food down" or over extend your new stomach (which hurts like hell!). What is the point of the band if you just wash the food down and never "feel full.". There are also some Doctors who feel drinking with meals may stretch the smaller pouch.
. Take teeny tiny bites of food when chewing; they suggest getting a baby spoon initially after surgery
. Chew your food to a mush before swallowing (25 to 30 chews). A meal should last about a half hour.
. No carbonated beverages
. Exercising regularly
. No sugar or sweets
. After healing eat only solid meals and not "easy foods" the band does not work properly with liquids and you cannot measure "TRUE" RESTRICTION
. The band is a forever tool. Think of it this way: The band is to help you KEEP the weight off. Getting to your goal weight with the help of the band is just a bonus :-)
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~Tips~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
The following tips were compiled by the folks of Obesityhelp.org
- 1 out of 200 people die from Gastric Bypass
- 1 out of 10,000 has an adverse event (NOT DEATH) from Gastric Banding (LAP-Band)
- WLS is in addition to watching what you eat and exercise ... for as long as you have it!
- You may not have restriction until your 3rd of 4th fill or even 6th! Do not get stressed about this. You are still healing! (I had 11 fils before I started to feel "true" restirction and yet I still lost 80 pounds before the "restrictive feeling kicked in.)
- If you get an infection DEMAND an infection specialist!
- Many insurance claims are rejected the first or second time. DO NOT give up! FIGHT and it's very likely you will win. Ask for ideas on Insurance letters and how to work with a particular agency. You can do it.
- Not everyone drops dramatic pounds... most (diligent) bandsters lose about a pound each week. Studies show at the 5 year mark weight loss is the same as RNY!!)
- Be sure to exercise even if that means walking for 15 minutes two times a day.
- Since we are talking about walking. During the surgery they fill you with gas in the insertion points. After surgery be sure to get up and walk every few hours. This will move the gas out and you will feel better!
- Let me repeat ... Many people do not have restriction until their 3rd or 4th fill. Be patient!
- It's not an easy overnight solution it takes time and dedication (but worth it ... read the stories link)
- Be sure to check your doctor out thoroughly! There are stories about doctors who have never done LAP-Band doing them for the first time without a proxy. As this surgery becomes more common more doctors will offer it. Check their history on the AMA website. (Note: That all doctors using Inameds equipment are SUPPOSED to be certified. CHECK and make sure they are. There are some that have NOT go through the certification process. Call Inamed if you can't get confirmation.)
- Inameds bands are the only US based approved bands (right now). Other countries have other options. You can go to Mexico and get the French and Swedish bands.
- Some people after a 3rd or 4th fill hit their "sweet spot" feel more "tight" in the mornings. This subsides.
- Ask many questions, this is your body and your life!
- Get details of post op care in writing and ask about any associated costs (don't get caught by surprise! - some horror stories about this!)
- Get all the information upfront as to what your Insurance agrees to pay for. Some people have found out that THEY have to pay for fills. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!
- Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for anything they say in writing. I know you want this more than anything but don't get jammed up down the road!
- Think twice about the people you tell about your surgery (not everyone reacts positive and may try to bring you down or talk you out of it.).
- After surgery you may not feel normal for up to 6 weeks. Try not to get down. Everyone goes through this and almost everyone is 100% happy they did it!
- Join a support group OH (ObesityHelp.org) is great but an in person meeting can be better!
- Prepare to be out of work from 1 - 2 weeks depending on how well you "bounce back". Talk to your Doctor. Some people have gone back in 3 days ! The author of this post went back in 9 days ... but she wishes she had stayed home for 2 full weeks.
- Any signs of advanced pain see a doctor. (pain scale 1 - 10 ... anything above a 5 see the Doc! Even on the weekends!)
- If you are unable to swallow or can only partially swallow call your doctor!
- When in doubt call your doctor!! - this is your life not theirs - and don't be afraid to call - that is what they are there for!
- Many people who have had to have their bands removed becuase they did not seek medical attention soon enough. For instance a woman who was over tight thought that it was ok becuase she was losing. Rather than see her doc about her PBing she let it be for a couple of weeks. Sure she lost weight but in the end when they removed the fluid her stomach prolasped. DO NOT wait to see a Doctor! And if you can't see you Doctor go to the ER. Do not "wait the weekend" or "wait to see what happens". If you really want to keep this tool you will do what it takes to remain healthy!
- Do not rely on you medical from people on the internet. See a Doctor if something doesn't "feel right". An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~Things to ask your doctor~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
This list is a suggestion. You may have more questions or different based on your health needs.
. An article at : http://www.journalacs.org/article/PIIS1072751505005351/abstract said “Change from perigastric to pars flaccida technique reduced slippage rate.” Can you explain this? *
. What should I do about my current Meds?
. Can I get my surgery meds pre filled?
. When will I know if my insurance will approve me? What can I do to speed up the process?
. How is it determined what size band I need?
. How is it determined when I need a fill?
. Port placement. I sleep on my stomach. What options are there?
. There is a recent study showing that port placement under the right breast onto of the rib cage has a faster healing time, shorter cable and drops down was weight comes of. Has this been your experience? What are you thoughts?
. I have a dental appointment the day before the surgery. Any issues?
. Are there any issues if I get my period the day of surgery?
. What have you heard about the gastric pacer versus the band?
. I've heard that gas pains can be a problem right after surgery. How can I minimize this? Please explain the difference between belching pains and surgical gas pain? How can I minimize the potential of pain in my shoulder?
. How many surgeries have you done?
. When and where were you certified?
. What can I expect for post care and follow-ups? Will I have tp pay for these appointments?
. Can I get post care follow-up care in writing?
. Can I get the post op diet in writing
. Do I have to pay for fills? if so how much are they?
. I live in another state how can I find a "fill" doctor in my area?
. What is the pre and post surgery diet? Can I have this in writing
. Do you have a nutritionist on staff that I will work with pre and post surgery?
..... come up with some of your own!
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~Terminology~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
This is a short list of terms commonly used
. Restriction = When you have a fill and your band is tightened you will feel restriction.This replicates a "full" feeling and "restricts" you from eating.
. PB = Productive Burping. This happens when you eat too much and your esophagus "burps" the food back up.
. Slimeing = When you eat too much food it backs up into your esophagus and your body produces saliva/mucus to help move it into your stomach. Because you have the band it doesn't move into your stomach and you end up spitting up the "Slime".
. "Dumping syndrome" = Whereby stomach contents move too rapidly through the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and, occasionally, diarrhea after eating, as well as the inability to eat sweets without becoming so weak and sweaty that the patient may have to lie down until the symptoms pass. DOES NOT HAPPEN TO LAP-BANDSTERS!
. Malabsorption = Impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients, causing food to be poorly digested and absorbed. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WITH LAP-BAND!!
. Hernia = The protrusion of a loop of an organ or tissue through a weakened opening. 10 to 20 percent of patients who have weight-loss surgery develop a hernia.
. Panniculectomy = The removal of the tissue and skin from the abdomen; a tummy tuck. (Never use the term “tummy tuck” when communicating with an insurance company. They like to deny this surgery!)
. Laparoscopic = Abbreviated “Lap.” Operation performed using a laparoscope, a thin fiber-optic scope introduced into a body cavity through 4 or 5 small stab incisions.
. Incentive Spirometry = After surgery, you will be given a small plastic device with a flexible hose attached to it (kind of like a snorkel). The nurses will teach you how to suck air in through the device to exercise your lungs. This will help you to avoid atelectasis and pneumonia following surgery. You should take your incentive spirometer home with you, so that you can continue your breathing exercises at home.
. Gastric Banding = A restrictive operation in which a plastic band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. Recently, adjustable gastric bands have become available that can be placed laparoscopically.
. RGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
. VBG = Vertical banded gastroplasty
. Bariatric Surgery = The word "bariatric" comes from the Greek word baros, meaning weight. Bariatric surgery is another word for weight loss surgery, which is surgery designed to treat severe obesity.
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~Links~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
Please email me if you have new links to add
JoinTheBandwagon.com believes that the sites and organizations linked here may be of use, benefit or interest to peopleseeking gastric banding knowledge, but we do not necessarily endorse any views or opinions expressed on these sites or by these organizations. Nor can we accept responsibility for their content or links.
. Are you a candidate: www.lap-band.com/lapband2/eligibility.jsp
. View the Surgery here: www.or-live.com/BrighamandWomens/1372
. How safe is your hospital http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/
. Someone here posted an online article/video diary of "Roberta's Surgery" a multi-part video presentation on weight loss surgery using the LAP BAND method, performed by Dr. Rudolf Weiner in Frankfurt Germany. I believe Roberta is the marketing directory for OBGYN.net and she underwent this surgery in 1999 before it was approved in the US. I found this very informative and wanted to post it again for those of you who may have missed it the first time. - posted by Jennifer A. www.obgyn.net/displayarticle.asp?page=/english/pubs/features/roberta-surg/roberta-surg
. Inamed Band Data Sheet: www.inamed.com/pdf/health/94800-12_LB_Product_Data_Sheet.pdf
. www.lapbandsolutions.com/faq.html
. www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/
. www.lap-band.com/
. www.fda.gov/cdrh/mda/docs/p000008.html
. laparoscopicsurgeon-online.com/
. www.lapsurgery.com/BARIATRIC%20SURGERY/LapBand.htm
. www.lapbandcenter.com/
. Reduce heart disease! www.obesitycare.com/
. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/11/26/48hours/main530882.shtml
. Adjustable Gastric Band: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adjustable_gastric_band
. The International Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery Team: www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com
. Lap Band Surgery: http://www.lap-band-surgery.org/
. What Happens After Adjustable Gastric Lap-Band Surgery: womenshealth.about.com/od/fitnessandhealth/a/weightlosssurg_3.htm
. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi - Type in Gastric Band
. www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand
. www.lapbandtalk.com
. www.lapbandtalk.com
. www.lapbandforum.com
. www.lapbandtalk.com
. www.wlsforum.org
. www.jointhebandwagon.com
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~Fill Centers~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
http://www.aftercareprovider.com
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~ Other Websites ~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
. Hungry Girl
. Smart Bandsters http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters
. Black Bandsters: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheBlackBandsters
. www.theroadtothin.com
. www.hungry-girl.com
. Poly cystic ovaries: http://www.soulcysters.com
. Medical Alert Bracelets: http://www.beadin-beagle.com
. Magic Bullet = http://www.homelandhousewares.com/bulletrecipes.php
. www.cookingcache.com/crockpot.html
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~ Related Articles ~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
. http://womenshealth.about.com/od/fitnessandhealth/a/weightlosssurg.htm
. http://womenshealth.about.com/od/fitnessandhealth/a/weightlosssurg.htm
. http://adam.about.com/care/weightloss/weight_surg.html
. http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/007199.htm
. http://experts.about.com/q/983/4155421.htm
. http://weightloss.about.com/cs/gastricbypass/index_2.htm
. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DFWBandsters
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~Find a Surgeon ~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/professionals/findadoc.php
~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~ Bandster Stories ~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~
Below is a list of profiles that might offer you great inspiration and diversity of experiences. Each of the profiles listed are in great detail and share a personal journey. This is a good place to start here at Obesity Help! It's considered common courtesy to sign their "Support Page” when you visit their profile. Link in the upper right!
Are you happy with this post? It took a long time to make so consider signing mine: http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/status.php?N=K1074048735 (Gota a detailed profile? Email me the link!).
Diana Herman
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=H1096248192 century club
Teresa G's
http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=G1114113157 (she's got a great list of liquids and purees. -Jamie)
Kim S.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=S1118963469 (Ghost-Hunter down 29 pounds!)
Stephanie F:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=F1082642384
Jessica Miller:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=M1099093466 (79 pounds in 6 months!)
Wedding Lady aka Amy K.:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=K1119030551
Naomi B:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1125169362
Irene Garcia:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=G1050030996
Vanessa P:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=P1092753639 (Wait til you see her!)
Dori:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1073426677 (She looks great!)
Linda P:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=P1120451847 (Doesn't eat to hide emotions anymore!)
Patty;
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=T1069903083 (Using WW to reach goal!)
Helen Muguire:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=M1118321904 (Great tenacity and sticking with it!)
Jo Ann R:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=R1121958146 (You'll make it!)
Sally:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=G1115575567 (Glad your heart is OK! Can't wait to future posts!)
Jao:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=G1091034025 (Great story how she found out about the Band!)
Sherri:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=W1122354275
Sharon:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=T1063671913 (very cool font!)
Chelle:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1119748452
Bette :
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1061853329 (Amazing before and after!)
Alyssa L:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=L1110581019 (Great detail on Fills)
Gail:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=M1089999864 (Loved the disco look!)
Bonnie:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=R1060312440 (Wait 'til you see these before and after photos!)
Jeanie:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1028912254 (Great Before and after photos)
James:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=S1096421136 (Down 60 pounds since June!)
Kiera B:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1048455056 (Very detailed and great photos!)
Bill Welch:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=W1090183214 (Down 100 pounds his son is down 130lbs !!!)
Elizabeth D:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=D1124164492 (Life long weighloss battle finally beat!)
Rose:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=a1060873542 (very detailed and a fellow Boston area resident!)
MaryAnn T:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=T1102888534 (off all of my diabetes medications!!)
Teresa G:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=G1114113157 (she has links to post op diet!)
Tammy Branham:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1114368217 (Regrets right after surgery but now is very happy!)
Cherblues:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=E1077558236 (Very Detailed!!)
Kristin J
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=J1090710474 (Includes picture trail)
Raquel Grinnell:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=G1127829953 (scary how similar our stories are!)
Iris DeVine:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=D1121896152 (started at 343lbs and 5'3)
Lili B:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1083050620 (60lbs ~ 7mnths Post Op But only 4ths of fill)
Learn more here: http://www.jointhebandwagon.com
HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE RESTRICTION?
1 - Are you able to digest 60g of protein a day?
2 - Are you able to get in all your water for the day?
If the answer to this is yes then I would stay where you are at seeing you need to lose more to reach goal. (If you were at goal I'd suggest getting a slight unfill).
If you are only on liquid protein for more than 5 consecutive days call you doctors office and see what they suggest.
The stage you are at where you still have plenty of fat on your body you've likely got fat pads around your stomach. The secret is to lose enough fat to loosen the band up again by shrinking those fat pads. That's why banding patients lose in increments. You get a fill, you lose, you maintain for two weeks at same weight, get another fill ...the cycle continues until you reach goal.
So what to do ... Start drinking liquid protein. Start moving you body. I will tell you that the days I exercise - really exercise.. all sweaty heart pumping exercise. Are the days my band really gives me some latitude to eat.
Let's also look at bites. Go out and get a baby spoon. I'm serious. You are in the behavior modification process and maybe you need to relearn what a bite is. Use that baby spook to create a piece to bite. No bigger than the spoon. Once in your mouth CHEW. I mean chew until it's liquid. CHEW.
OK. so what else ...
What is it you are eating. If you keep tossing eggs down your gullet or every time you eat steak it gets stuck. Well then you have "lost" that food for this stage of your weight loss.
For people new to this. When you lose a food it doesn't necessarily mean for ever. For instance I've lost eggs. Lost weight, Loosened band, got fill and able to eat eggs. Many people when they reach goal find they have no issues with any foods like they did during the losing phase.
Patience.
As a side note, I use my software to track what foods I am having trouble with and I can print out a weekly report and know ... wow I can't eat read meat for right now. It's been super helpful.
Anyone who has read my posts and blog know that I believe that this all comes down to patience. If you cannot be a patient person. This just ain't the option for you. Seriously it drives me nuts to hear "I've been banded for 2 months and I've only lost 15 pounds". ... really? 15 pounds wow! That was 15 you'll never see again. That's 30 sticks of butter gone from your body! .... Patience this is a slow process.
Also, if you are having trouble getting meat down. One trick I was taught very early own was to eat a veggie with what ever mean I was eating. In my situation it was chicken. Every time I take a fork full of chicken I take a little salad or a boiled veggie in my mouth with it. I am unsure as to the actual reason for this but my stomach is happier and I get full.
And finally, if you are not "feeling" full. Really listen to your body and make sure it's not head hunger. Our minds are tricky and it's really important to learn earlier on what is body hungry and what is head hungry.
Good luck and welcome to the bandwagon,
Eileen
5/26/06: Wow, has time flown by! I have lost 36 pounds in 3 months and I feel great!. I've been stuck at the same number for 5 weeks and need a fill. But Ia m OK with this since it's giving my body and skin time to bounce back.
I'm looking forward to the next 3 months and losting another 30 !!
1/17/06:OH'er Family,
I have to admit at this point I am in pain, tired and sleeping for long stretches. Lotta pain in the port site (he put it just under my right breast I like the placement but still healing, when done healing it will be perfect! - I could even wear a Tankini and you wouldn't see the port scar.)
I do have a touch of fluid in my lungs. Can't cough it up because it hurts the port site too much. I hit the spirometer as much as possible but it's so painful. I just have to force myself, ya know? I'm sure I will be great by the end of the week. I only hope I don't have pneumonia or bronchitis from not being able to cough .... you know what the Nurses and Docs are like, they like to scare you with that to make you cough. - it's working!
Also, I get cold then super hot not sure if that's me or the liquid percocette? When I take it my face is on fire. and every now and again my body shakes very badly from getting vry cold. I'm off it now. I do get up and walk & drink plenty of fluids, try to cough but still sore and tired. NOTHING like my friends experience. She breezed through it. So jealous of her!!!!! She came to the hospital and she couldn't believe the condition I was given that at the same time of her experience she was up and feeling great. She admits if she hadn't seen me she would never have believed it !!!)
This has gone much tougher than I anticipated ... But, I am positive it's because of the allergic reaction and them taking so long to figure it out, well actually I figured it out when my face swelled up and my hands and feet were itchy and I demanded they call the Doc 11 hours after the surgery. I mean I did stop breathing twice and was pumped full of that drug for nearly 11 hours!!! I think that it just threw my whole body into a tail spin. I know if it hadn't been at 1 in the morning and someone (friend or family) had been there that it would never have gone on like that. (For crying out loud the gosh darn nurse button didn't work and I nearly blacked out in the hallway trying to get help because my throat was closing up and no one was responding to me to pushing the button - can you see me... my naked fat ass hanging out of a gown, doubled over pushing my IV unit using it to hold me up and trying to scream with barely air coming out ... Thank goodness that a nurse from another floor was walking by and carried me back to my bed where a few people worked on me... (Did I mention I had a Jay Leno chin and a Ted Kennedy nose from the swelling it was bizarre! - it went away MINUTES after they shot me in the arm full of benedril. - Thank god, I thought I was dieing. And it happened twice!)
Did I tell you that my blood pressure crashed and all these alarms went off? That was scary too. They started pumping me full of something in my IV. After day 2 it came back up to 60 over 44.... !! (Can you believe they said that was good numbers! - I'm normally 110 over 70) Also, after they tested my blood they came back and said that my potassium was dangerously low and had me drink liquid potassium. (Low potassium causes heart attacks.) That is NASTY nasty stuff. Much worse than a barium drink. (I do have to admit my sense of smell and taste is amplified from not eating all the spicy & highly flavored foods I normally eat so that might be part of why I can smell a french fry three miles away. hee hee) -I dream for the day I can go back to Anna's Taquira for a SMALL bean burrito and fresh guacamole!!!
Why did they make me drink the potassium? I asked and they said it was because of the severe reaction I had to the pain meds that drinking it would get into my blood slower rather through an IV. If I did have a reaction it would be much easier to contain than if it went IV. (mystery solved) - believe me it went slow. It took the entire day to drink it because I kept mixing it was massive amounts of water, and they wouldn't let me leave until it was ALL gone. blech!
One last thing, I am down 15 pounds which I am not sure is good or bad? I'm happy because my face is showing up, but gosh isn't that fast? The protein drink I got which tastes good has given me BRUTAL gas pains. So I have NOT been getting my 60g of Protein daily, maybe 30g if I am lucky. And I feel GI sick all the time too. The gas is from the drink not the surgery gas. The surgery gas moved out real fast because I forced myself to walk every 2 hours starting 7 hours after surgery (until the reaction but I started right back up as soon as I could!) and I never got the painful shoulder gas a lot of laproscopic surgery patients talk about, in fact I felt it move out as soon as I started walking and pumping my arms (lucky me!!! I paid attention to all the posts from people who were banded before me!!!) ... I do need to find something my stomach can "stomach" The gas in turn makes me so nauseous. grrrr... I couldn't stomach the protein drink so I went and bought a case of ISO-pure and there is something in it that is making me feel so ill. But I keep drinking it becuase I am not getting enough protein.
Whatever happens as long as I am still here it will be all worth it !!!
Back to bed right now but thanks to everyone who has sent me well wishes! Sorry it has taken me so long I'm just trying to focus on rest (Can you believe work emailed me and asked if I could come back this Thursday! Even though I am "off" to recover until next Monday. --- And they know about the reaction, not breathing, blood pressure and potassium, and having to stay in the hospital longer!!!)
Brig and Rose have been fantastic Angels checking in on my everyday. Thanks girls!
- What can I take for gas pains that are not from the surgery gas?
- What can I do to not feel so hungry? (I just ate a fudgcycle but I am paranoid I am going to do something wrong. - I'm hungry damnit)
- I lost another 5 pounds between yesterday and today... isn't that bad.
- Making matters worse. One of my incision sites is BRIGHT red itchy and painful when I breathe in. I called and told them I needed to come in tomorrow.
This has been so much tougher than I thought. And I am not taking any pain meds (I'm much better off due allergies to them) and I am so tired and starting to get real hungry. Ya know? I am starting to get emotional and crying and I am TRYING to not question what I have done but gosh this is been the week from hell.
Even with all the preparation and data collecting and talking with bandsters ... nothing prepared me for the last week.
I'm keeping it positive and hope in the next few days I make a turn for the healthier. Please send your prayers & healthy vibes my way! I need 'em.
2/2/06: Surgery is at 7:30am
1/17/06: I was approved today for insurance. Surgery is on in one week. I CANNOT believe it! I never thought it would get here and yet it got here to damn fast. I am happy, anxious, joyous, afraid, giddy, sad ... 8 days to go!
1/17/06: I wrote a very long detailed letter to my Endocrinologist and asked her to write a letter to UHC asking for preapproval. I cannot believe the nightmare insurance companies put people through!
1/14/06: I scoured my computer and found the worse photo of me possible! So I have a new face and hopefully my old face will be back soon !! - Peace, Siobhan
1/12/06: I cannot believe this !!! I Called UHC becuase of what Tanya had suggested about how hard it is for them to OK this surgery. So (read below) I found out that I need to have "pre approval" have my endocrinologist call UHC and explain whwy she referred me to surgery. So now I have to track my Endo down after EIGHT months of jumping through hoops for some many other people. I could spit nails I am so annoyed!
1/10/06: I had a meeting with Dr. Brams today. Personally being Type A I think I overwhelm him a bit. He is a mellower person. When he was explaining the surgery to me he tended to not recognize that I already knew what he was talking about. I think this is because he is just used to saying the same stuff over and over to people who haven't by and large done their home work.
He was annoyed with me that I had lost 6 pounds and gained back 4. When I suggested I had "Last Meal Syndrome" he said he hadn't heard of that before and when I explained what I was talking about he got really annoyed with me. He impressed upon me that if I do not lose at least 10 pounds and shrink my liver I will NOT have this surgery. Even if that means when they open me and find my liver swollen they will stop. GULP!!! I know this!! So why am I having such trouble or to be more precise why am I sabotaging myself self. (... I know it's anxiety but geesh get over it Siobhan!)
Anyhow, regardless of his bedside manner I still feel good about him performing this surgery and I think him very competent. I'd rather a competent surgeon than some Doctor that sugar coats things. Hell, Pam, Tanya and Leslie make me feel good so I'm all set :-). Dr. Brams is there to make sure the surgery is done right and I am healthy enough to have it!!
Right after, I met with Tanya and she said they had an opening on the 19th , which was just 9 days away! But the thought was my insurance being UHC takes a month to get approved. She she pened me in for Feburary 2, 2006. (i'm anxious just typing this!)
Later that night I had my "post life" training with Tanya and Leslie. Tanya started off the group meeting talking about what surgery will be life, preparing for it and all the details of anything outside nutrition.
Then Leslie came in and told us about the nutrition and meals after surgery. To be honest while she was telling us what we would be required to do and eat post surgery I started to have a mini anxiety attack! It wasn't until she got to week 5 that I saw the light at the end of the tunnel
It still does not surprise me this far into the program how many people have not been listening nor doing their own research. They have no idea what they are getting into and it's because of this that some of us who do the research have to go through these repetitive classes. grrrrr.
Wish me luck... I need it :-)
12/30/05: Met with Leslie the nutritionist and I am down 6 pounds which means she is going to get me on the surgical schedule! I am meeting with Dr. Brams on Jan 10th and will have a 2 hour class scheduled to "prepare" me for post op life. She told me they are booked up until March. But because of my insurance concerns they are going to keep me on the list for any cancellations. I can't wait!
Oh yeah, www.jointhebandwagon.com survey is doing awesome!
11/30/05: I called UNH today and I am covered for surgery!!! Whoooo hoooo !
11/29/05: I had my full day consultation. Met with Pam the NP, Leslie the Nutritionist, and John the Psychiatrist. They all gave me the thumbs up and said I am a great candidate for surgery! I have to lose 12 - 15 pounds in the next month for when I go back and see Leslie which she will weigh me in. If I have lost the weight I will get a surgery date!!
Dr. Brams is so gosh darn great! I went to the support group tonight and he showed up and he is so knowledgeable and really (seems) to care.
I did find out that United Healthcare tends to reject LAP-Band. But some of the ladies on the board said they were approved. We shall see. I am not at the insurance stage yet.... soon :-)
11/14/05: Went to info session. It was ok. The Doctor commented that I was "well read". I was surprised that more people didn't come armed with SOME knowledge.
In fact I went to a support class for bypass after the info session (you need to go to support groups before your surgical consult). One woman got up and told this HORROR story about her by pass, almost died among other issues. In the end she was happy but then a guy who was in my info session raised his hand and said “I never heard of complications like this. It sort of scares me”.
What???? Dude… weren’t you in the info session I just sat in where the Doctor said there are 1 in 200 deaths with Gastric by pass and 1 in 10,000 deaths with LAP-band? ugh.
Well I guess that is why they make everyone go through this whole drawn out process.
I called this morning and have my “full day” consult December 13th. I asked them to do it earlier because I am worried about my insurance running out when I change jobs in January. They also told me check once a week for cancellations. Will do!!
11/02/05: I launched www.jointhebandwagon.com today. It's all the information I have collected ob Gastric Banding!
10/24/05: Received a confirmation email from Lahey today that I have to take an intro session on 11/14/05. Planning on going.
10/10/05: Wow , can't believe it's been almost 2 years since I started with Lahey. I fully gave up on the Docs and I thought I would be able to do it on my own. Nope. So here I am. Anyone who has chosen, done or tips about LAP-Band please send them to me! Seeing the Docs tomorrow after near 2 years of failure on my own. :-(
As for the HMR I am allergic to aspartame and there is a ton in it. I ended up very ill from it!
01/13/04: For about three months now I have been trying to work with the Lahey Clinic Obesity department in Mass. They prescribed me Meridia on which I lost 11 pounds in two weeks but my head was so fuzzy I couldn’t function at my very intense sales job. So I stopped talking it. Two weeks ago I met with the Doc again and she suggested that I try taking it every third day which after reading some posts about the side effects of long term use I have opted to nix Meridia and drugs all together and take a different approach. So this past week I met with a nutritionist at Lahey and we discussed the safety of the HMR 500 meal replacement program. I had my blood work done on Tuesday and was OK Thursday. I got my prescription and picked up 8 boxes yesterday 93 Chocolate, 1 Vanilla and 1 Soup). (I’ve seen a couple posts her that say they spent upwards of 70 bucks per box!! The Lahey only charges $23.50 with a script…!).
So here I am Saturday with $200 bucks of food replacement and I don’t know what the hell to do. I haven’t been to a support group, no one gave me any plan or program to follow just a script and I was told “you’ll get a date to join the behavior modification group soon”. Not really the great support I have been reading others on here have gotten from their obesity docs …etc.
So, Ladies and Gents with this being my first ever post I hope to hear back from all of you who know about this program and give me some idea on how to make it work. Did it work for you? Have you kept it off? Did you lose so fast that your skin sagged? How can I protect my skin from getting too saggy while still losing??
ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED!I am going to update my profile right now if you want to read more about where I am coming from and trying to get too.
Peace and much love for oneself!
Photos
 260 The worse photo of me I coud find! |
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