great post-op visit
I found out that I have an AP Large Lap Band -- that's the one that holds 14 mL. I guess I have a big stomach! Dr. Enochs said that the larger band might be why I was so hungry after surgery. My next appointment is in 2 weeks and I'll probably get my first fill then.Hope you're all doing well.
Shelli
Got a lap band in 2008. Tried hard, but didn't lose much weight & developed swallowing problems. Fought my insurance company for almost a year & finally had a band to DS revision on 5/11/12. Have now lost 125 pounds. Yay!
What great news - I would like his scales better, too... LOL
What did the doc say about going back to work on Friday night? Any other suggestions about foods to take?
Let me ask you - do you feel you have the stamina to work 3 nights in a row?? I agree with you about 12 hour shifts are not good for our bodies, but our employers look at the cost. And I like you have a travel time of 45 minutes, so we are looking at 14 hour days or more.
Keep in touch...
Shelia
We didn't really talk about my going back to work. Well, I did make sure that I understood my activity restrictions, but that's about it. It was completely up to me when I went back. I'm feeling good now -- my energy level is back to normal and I don't really have any pain. I'm actually working 4 night shifts in 5 days, which is going to kill me. But, I'll get through it. I'm just not going to be able to give 100% and people will have to help me. That's all there is to it.
I've had a few more suggested food items: refried beans, hummus, and mashed potatoes with gravy. I'm pretty limited during the pureed stage because of my taste buds. The recommendation is to eat baby food, but I just can't do it. I feel sick to my stomach just thinking about it! My protein goal is 50-60g a day and I think I'll do just fine. Remember, we absorb everything we eat so we don't have to go "above and beyond."
Thanks for your good thoughts.
Shelli
Got a lap band in 2008. Tried hard, but didn't lose much weight & developed swallowing problems. Fought my insurance company for almost a year & finally had a band to DS revision on 5/11/12. Have now lost 125 pounds. Yay!
Shelli,
I'm delighted to hear that your appointment went so well. It looks like you are off to a wonderful start.
Keep up the good work,
Barb
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
Warm regards,
Shelli
Got a lap band in 2008. Tried hard, but didn't lose much weight & developed swallowing problems. Fought my insurance company for almost a year & finally had a band to DS revision on 5/11/12. Have now lost 125 pounds. Yay!
I'm sorry that you've had so many fills and still don't have the restriction that you want. I haven't had a fill yet, so this is all new to me. My understanding is that my first fill will be at four weeks post-op and that I can "come back for more" every three weeks as needed. I don't know how much they put in at one time. I'm fairly certain that they do fills in the office, not under fluroscopy.
I imagine that Dr. Enochs and Dr. Moran handle things similarly??? They used to work together in the same practice. What has it been like for you?
Shelli
PS - I read -- somewhere -- that people who have the APL band require more fills, especially as they lose weight and the fat around their stomach shrinks. Like you said, we had no choice in the matter. Hopefully it will all work out!
Got a lap band in 2008. Tried hard, but didn't lose much weight & developed swallowing problems. Fought my insurance company for almost a year & finally had a band to DS revision on 5/11/12. Have now lost 125 pounds. Yay!
My understanding is that Dr. Enochs trained Dr. Moran, who then decided to start his own practice. Who knows what the "back story" is, though.
I'm so sorry that you've had such a frustrating experience with the band. I understand wanting to be cautious with fills, but if you're not losing weight and can eat large portions...um...Hello??? Stay strong and keep advocating for what you need. I hope that you get to a point where things aren't so difficult.
Best wishes,
Shelli
Got a lap band in 2008. Tried hard, but didn't lose much weight & developed swallowing problems. Fought my insurance company for almost a year & finally had a band to DS revision on 5/11/12. Have now lost 125 pounds. Yay!
