MMyers1
This is simply a cut and paste from my old profile.
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6/13/2005
I guess it is time for me to actually start documenting this journey I am starting!! As a bio, and a reminder to myself, I am a 43 y/o male, married to a wonderful, patient, and loving woman; Sherri. I have 3 step kids and 2 cats! I have always been overweight, having grown up in a home that treated food as a reward, and also used the 'Think of the starving children...' line to convince me to clean my plate. I spent many years working as a Paramedic, so I understand the risks associated with obesity and actually resent the common lectures I get about weight loss.... It is not like I have not tried!! I now drive a desk, and that has been my downfall. My weight gain has accelerated to a point I cannot even fathom. The most successful weight loss I had was when I was at Jenny Craig. If I followed the plan to the letter, I was pretty successful, but my lowest weight in ten years was still very high at 257 or so. I have done weight watchers, medifast, phen/phen, redux, Jenny, SBD, Atkins, and the list goes on...with no lasting results.
I am now at 336, 5'10", with sleep apnea (successfully treated with CPAP), aching & popping knees, aching feet, lower back pain when I walk any distance at all, and other more personal issues that I will not disturb your mental images with...
Yesteray, 5/12/2005, I announced to my mother, sister, niece, and stepson that I am seriously considering WLS. My wife was there too, and stood beside me while I discussed my research. She makes me very proud. My sister, the nervous type anyway, was not initially supportive. She was concerned about the risks having known someone who died having the procedure. I reminded her that on my present course, I would not be living very long anyway, and if I was going to die, I wanted to die fighting this... and not die from failing to take every option available to me! My neice was very supportive, and my stepson kept his mouth shut...which is kinda rare, he usually is pretty opinionated. :)
I am changing jobs next month, and my new employer's health coverage includes United Healthcare. From what I have seen on OH, that is a VERY WLS friendly insurance provider which will be nice, since I am getting tired of jumping through hoops for Cigna!
I ask for your prayers, thoughts, good wishes, and thank you for each and every persons support. It is so greatly appreciated.
MM
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06/15/2005
I am scheduled to attend another informational seminar for Dr. Kim July 20 at 7:00pm. It is going to be at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens in the Rose Room. I am hoping that this time I have more intelligent questions to ask!!
MM
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07/01/2005
OMG... I just posted this on the Texas Message Group:
OK, I love my sister and mother dearly, but right now they are ganging up on me regarding WLS. I am freaking 43 y/o, and have been fighting obesity all of my life. I am now on a CPAP, with painful and creaky knees, hypercholesterolemia, morbidly obese with BMI of about 49. I have dealt with this for so many years and nothing has been completely successful...
I have been researching WLS for 2 years. I have talked to and messaged many WLS patients, been to countless seminars, talked to multiple surgeons, had my physician and cardiologist both agree that I am a WLS candidate that would most likely be successful.
I know that at my current rate, with my family history of AMI, diabetes, and youthful death (my father died at 51), I am not long for this world.....
I would rather die on the table trying to fight this than die wishing I had done something...
They are asking me to try ANOTHER diet... give it another year... put it off, drink more water, eat more veggies and fruit, driving me nuts suggesting what I have been doing for so many years...
How do you go about handling this? I don't want to be rude, but part of me is wanting to yell at the top of my voice to leave me the hell alone... support me or get out of my life!!... of course, since they are family that is unreasonable.... which makes it even more aggravating!!
HELP!!! :)
Thanks guys, I already feel better just getting it out!!! ;)
GRRRRRRRRR
MM
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1/30/2006
Latest update - I have finally moved from Cigna to UHC! I faxed my initial paperwork to Kim Pham at Dr. Richard Carter's office in Arlington, Texas around 10AM. I called them around 2 to make sure they had everything. She has already sent the paperwork to UHC and feels confident, since I readily qualify, that if there is no bariatric exclusion, we should be able to schedule surgery in the next 2 to 3 weeks!! She also stated that we did not even require a psych eval!! WOOT!
MM
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2/5/06
Alright!! I have completed the initial paperwork and submitted it to Dr. Richard Carter (Arlington, Texas) office. The same day I faxed it to the office, they submitted it to UHC for approval!! There should be some word by next week sometime.
I stopped by Anne Penman Laser and got zapped to help me stop smoking. I do not smoke much, but enough that I need to quit before surgery. That is some pretty neat stuff.... no pain, leather recliner, soft new age music, and Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Australian Chewing Sticks in Cinnamon!! WHOOT!
Has anyone dealt with Dr. Carter? I have heard mixed messages about him. He seems quite genuine and experienced, but would really like to hear about any first hand experiences. OH.COM does not have much about him.....
I am going for the Lap-Band.....wish me luck!!!
MM
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2-6-2006
I am not sure if this is as good as it sounds... I got the following letter from United Health Care today:
"We have completed our review of your request for coverage of unlisted laparoscopy procedure, stomach --LAP BAND under the ****** benefit plan.
Based on the information reviewed, we are pleased to inform you that coverage is available. All covered charges are subject to screening for allowable charges. The final allowabel charge will be determined when the bill is submitted and will be based on the actual service(s) provided.
Please note this letter does not guarantee payment. Benefit payment is based on the provisions of the *******benefit plan and is subject to the guidelines, plan design, and policies effective at the time of service.
If you should have any questions, regarding this matter, you may contact our Customer Service Department at ***-***-****.
What do you guys think??
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2-9-2006
I HAVE A DATE
My Lap-Band is scheduled for March 22, 2006!! My UHC plan covers 90% of costs, so my out of pocket should be VERY reasonable!! WHOOOT!! I told the coordinator that if they had a cancellation, I would consider an earlier date too!! Everyone say a prayer of thanks and protection for me please!!! ***HUGE GRIN***
MM
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I saw this today and felt the need to post it here as a reminder to myself as I start this ride!! I ganked it from David Witschorke's Profile
There is No Crying in Baseball
That's the sentiment (scenario) that comes to mind sometimes when I hear some of the comments from people who've already had the surgery. In case you haven't made the connection, that's a line Tom Hanks made famous in the movie "A League Of Their Own." Resorting to tears or just giving up every time the going gets tough is NOT going to make you successful or keep you healthy. I see so much whining sometimes that it's hard to decipher the kids from the adults.
ENOUGH already, it's time to get "TOUGH" on YOURSELF!!!
First and foremost, you have to keep it POSITIVE. As with everything in life, if you think you can't - you WON'T! Simple enough?
I have to wonder when "we" (as adults) finally take ownership for our actions, our life and our health? We have been given a gift, a second chance to actually LIVE life again instead of merely existing in it. It's up to each of us to do that as healthy and productively as possible.
We're ALL statistics waiting to happen and the insurance companies are chomping at the bit. The bean counters are eager to drop Weight Loss Surgery ("WLS") from the policies; some already have. Don't you know that any negative feedback thrown into the mix only strengthens their cause? I may not be able to control every thing that happens to my body after WLS, but most things I can. I CHOOSE to take control and I will be a positive statistic when the numbers get counted.
We live in a spoiled society, expecting everything in life to come with a buncha really cool choices. Well, guess what? When it comes to your health, you're not always going to get a choice. You either DO IT and stay healthy, or you DON'T and your body pays the price.
The way I saw it, I had a 90 day healing and adjusting period after surgery. My 'super morbidly obese' body had more then enough stores to survive the learning curve. In turn, it gave me plenty of time to heal, adjust and learn. For those of you OVER 90 day's Post-Op, the probation period is over - its time to get serious and LIVE what you've learned.
~*~ You say you can't get in enough liquids through out the day, don't like the taste of water, or just keep forgetting? -- TOUGH! It's not an option anymore. Find a way to do it, get suggestions and tips from others in support groups, message boards, etc. Read, learn and JUST DO IT!! Why do you think there is a choice here?
~*~ You say you don't like the big horse pill type vitamins, or the tart chalky chewables? ...it's, just too many to bother with? Or maybe you just can't remember to take them? -- TOUGH! You gave up the option NOT to take vitamins when you agreed to have your insides rerouted. FIND a way to get them in; crushed, minced, chopped, liquified, in a shake, etc. No exceptions, your health depends on it.
~*~ Protein is a must. So you can't get it all in via foods and you don't like the way the shakes taste? -- TOUGH! Either get it through your meals (and there are a gazillion food choices out there) or supplement it with protein shakes and bars.
Trust me, I don't drink my protein shake every morning because I think it tastes like a chocolate blizzard from Dairy Queen. Ive tried many varieties over the last 2 years. I'd even venture to say 25 of the top sellers/flavors have crossed my lips. For the record? I've yet to find one that is as 'delicious' as boasted by the distributor. So what!!!! I still drink one every morning. My HEALTH dictates that I need "X" grams of protein per day. If I'm not getting enough from my meals then I supplement a shake. 'Nuff said!!!
I've actually walked the walk and reached my goal. Yep, I've stumbled a few times with my food choices and you know what? I'll trip a few more times. BUT, some things I will never fail at -- Vitamins, H20 and Protein. This surgery is a gift, I owe it to me and everyone else fighting the approval process, to do it right! I will continue to choke down my vitamins, my water and my protein every single day, for the REST OF MY LIFE. Some days will be easier then others, regardless, no days will be missed.
It's all about discipline. Create a routine, set a timer, develop a pattern, tie a string around your finger, glue a note to your forehead, whatever it takes.
You're an adult - take responsibility! If this surgery doesn't slap a back bone into you, not much will.
Leilani ~*~ [June 2004]
MM
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3/16/2006 - Well Ladies and Gents, I had my consult today. Dr. Carter is awesome, friendly, but very business focused. He asked me the routine questions, and then sat by very patiently as I asked a whole list of questions I had on my page. He reiterated how important MY part of this journey will be....
I went ahead, after sampling a few protein mixes settled on the Reclaim RX Strawberry Cheesecake and French Vanilla. Both were very good, even mixed with water only.
My boss is very understanding. He even offered to purchase a blender to keep in the kitchen just for me if I wanted it. At first I declined, but am reconsidering the offer now!
I attended my first Yahoo Groups DFW Bandsters get together. It was wonderful getting to meet this great group of people. It is funny, only at a Bandster get together would you have people pulling up their shirts to show each other their port scar! HAHAHAHA
Good night.... 6 days and counting.
MM
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3/17/2006 This is some good info!
Weight-loss surgery, band-specific, and general medical terms:
PB: "productive burp" -- what happens when something eaten can't go down due to restriction has to come back up
NSV: Non-scale victory -- a weight-loss achievement that has little to do with numbers
WLS: Weight-loss surgery
MO: Morbid Obesity (or morbidly obese)
BMI: Body Mass Index
GBP: Gastric bypass surgery
RNY: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (the most popular type of bariatric surgery)
DS: Duodenal switch (another type of bariatric surgery)
BP: blood pressure
PCP: Primary care physician
GP: General practitioner
NP: Nurse practitioner
PA: Physician's assistant
BC: Birth control (or BCP: birth-control pills)
OTC: Over the counter (i.e., non-prescription medications)
NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (a class of painkillers--which includes ibuprofen--bandsters should try to avoid because they can add to ulcer risk).
AF: "Aunt Flo" -- menstrual period
GERD: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
#/#/# in signatures: weight pre-surgery/current weight/goal weight
And some general abbreviations used here and elsewhere on the web, not related to banding or weight loss:
LBT: LapBandTalk.com www.lapbandtalk.com
OH: Obesityhelp.com www.obesityhelp.com
SH: Spotlighthealth.com www.spotlighthealth.com
BIL, SIL, ILs: Brother-in-law, sister-in-law, in-laws
BTW: By the way
DH: darling (or dear, or danged, or use your imagination) husband
DW: darling... wife
DD, DS: darling... daughter, son
IMHO: In my humble opinion (and its cousin, IMNSHO: in my not so humble opinion)
IIRC: If I recall correctly
ISO: In search of
LOL: laugh out loud
OMG: Oh my God
OT: Off-topic
ROTFLMAO: Rolling on the floor laughing my a** off!
TMI: Too much information
WTF: What the f...?
WTHIUWT What the H*ll is up with that?
WTG: Way to go!
YMMV: Your mileage may vary
MM
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3/18/2006 First off, here is a link to the Yahoo Groups DFWBandsters Group. They are a local Dallas / Fort Worth area group of bandsters that get together for socializing and support. If you are in the area, visit the next time we meet!! Join the group and get the next meeting info!!
Second, I will be posting information to my profile that is for my reference and not meant to be instructional in any way, shape, or form. I will be including documentation, diet schedule, etc. that is specific to my case, and my physician. You may use this information for reference, but please do not use it or consider it medical advise! It is specific to my medical case only!!
:) Thank you for your understanding! :)
MM
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3/18/2006
Day of Surgery
1) Keep ice pack on port site (this is on the left side below left breast)
2) Drink 2-4 oz. of water at a time every 30 minutes all day long (only room temperature)
3) Take medications as needed for pain
4) For nausea from surgery, take your phenergan suppository (MM NOTE: Check with pharmacy about making phenergan a transdermal cream instead. With abdominal surgery, getting in position to insert a suppository might not be so easy!!)
Day 2 after Surgery
1)Take a shower (remove covering over incision sites, leave steri-strips on) If you have any blood on these sites, clean with soap and water, pat dry with towel)
2) Drink your recommended water and start drinking your protein shake.
3) Start walking around every two hours for 5 minutes
4) If you experience any fever, take Tylenol if continues, contact office.
5) Follow diet that was given to you at the office consultation.
Office number: 817-557-5036 8:30 - 5:00
Change Destructive Weight Loss Behaviors:
At the very core of all your weight goals is the one very important piece of the puzzle -- YOU. The degree to which YOU are committed to your goals makes all the difference in the world. After all, who's going to be dragging your butt out of bed in the morning to hit the gym? YOU ARE! Who's the one that has to muster up the courage to say NO to the donuts in your office's break room? That's right -- YOU ARE! No one is MORE IMPORTANT to your success than YOU are.........
RULES:
1) Eat two small meals a day - generally lunch and dinner
2) Supplement twice daily with protein and fiber - generally early in the day, and after dinner if you are still hungry.
3) Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Put your fork down between each bite.
4) Don't overeat! Stop eating as soon as you are full.
5) Do not drink while eating.
6) Do not snack - do not eat between meals.
7) Eat only nutritious food - protein first, vegetables second, carbs last.
8) Drink as much as you want one hour after meals, but stop 30 minutes before the next meal.
9)Aerobic exercise at least 20 - 30 minutes per day.
Diet after Lap Band surgery:
Day one - Drink WATER at room temperature only drinking 2-4 oz at a time. Will need to drink every hour of the day the first day.
Day 2 - 5 - Liquids only 5-8 glasses a day everyday and always water, liquid protein, Gatorade, broth juice, any non-carbonated beverages
Always drink your protein
NO CARBONATION
Day 5 - 10 - Low fat yogurt, skim milk, cream soup, pudding, applesauce, soft vegetables, pureed meat, hot cereal (malt-o-meal, cream of wheat) NO MORE THAN 4oz per meal
Always drink your protein
Day 10-15 Soft Diet
Baked or mashed potatoes (no skin), soft scrambled or folded eggs, beans, soft casseroles NO MORE THAN 4 - 6oz per meal
Always drink your protein
Soft to regular progression diet
Eat three meals a day, DO NOT snack, if you are drinking your protein drink you will not have cravings to snack.
We recommended following the South Beach or Weight Watcher. It is healthy balanced diet.
Fluids are to be used up to 1/2 hour before meals and 1 hour after meals to maintain fullness.
Avoid high calorie foods and drink empty calories (water)
Start exercise program walking for the first couple of days start slow, but be consistent every day if you have never exercied at all start with just 10 minutes a day everyday and work your way up to at least 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week.
We want you to be successful with your weight loss.
MM
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3/21/2006 21:42 Ok, it is less than 10 hours before I have to be at the surgery center. I am suddenly loaded with a mix of anxiety and disbelief! Very unusual for me, I am generally a stoic type guy, but for some reason this really has me freaked out. I want to thank everyone for their support and kindness, inspiration, and general community that each of you have given selflessly.
I will see y'all on the other side!
Mark
MM
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3/24/2006
OK, here I am, 2 days post-op and actually feel like spending enough time sitting at the computer to update some.
On 3/22/2006, my wife Sherri and I arrived at the Speciality Surgery Center of Fort Worth located in.... drum roll..... HURST! WTF? Anyway, the staff was WONDERFUL. Everyone that I spoke to from the receptionist, to my nurses, were banded for various lengths of time. The receptionist was 3 weeks post-op!!
They took me back and gave me a gown to get into that would have swallowed a horse! I am a big guy at 334.... but this gown was freaking huge!! They started an IV in my right forearm, gave me a shot of Heperin in my belly (I told the nurse I no longer liked her at that point...laughing of course), BP, LEAD II EKG, etc. Dr. Carter came in to make sure everything was good with me, verify procedure, etc. Anestesiologist came by, did the same thing, then gave me a bolus of "Happy Juice" in my IV. I have no idea what that was, but it was GOOD!! I remember getting wheeled from the pre-op area into the surgical suite area.... and I woke up in recovery!
I woke up, no pain per say, just general abdominal soreness. Kinda like having a stomach virus where you throw up a lot and your belly gets a workout and sore....
They had me do a barium swallow in a flouroscope C-Arm, that was kinda cool to watch. Barium was not THAT bad, but it does stick to your lips and looks like toothpaste!
I came home, and spent the first day in a kinda fog, I did have my wits about me enough to get in my walking.... just around the house. I had a cane with me just in case I became unsteady. That might be a worthwhile investment for others to consider. I also made sure to drink my room temp water on a regular basis. I also use the incentive spirometer they gave me. This device is to get me taking deep breaths again. Sherri went and got my meds, 'sippy' cups to help me regulate intake and avoid swallowing air. She also got me some chewable vitamins, gas-x chewable, tylenol chewable, grape flavored gatorade, and sugar free popcicles.
3/23/2006 was spent walking around the house, napping, and generally recovering. I started my protein drinks which really are not all that bad. I have pretty much stopped having pain except for the incision that I assume is where my port is located. That sucker still feels like there is a knife in me! It's location makes getting up and moving a challenge, but not impossible. Still using spirometer 3 x Q 3-4 hours.
I decided that perhaps I would get better sleep in my bed, instead of the couch. I was right, but getting out of bed this morning was a contortionists nightmare. I had to work my way around, and I bet it took 15-20 minutes to work it out!
This brings me up to current time. Hopefully, I will be more diligent about updating here. I also keep a written log so I can take it into the office with me. It will help me, clinical coordinator, and Dr. all stay on the perverbial same page!
MM
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3/29/2006
My first NSV!! On surgery day, I could not have gotten my wedding ring onto my finger and my short were tight. 7 days after surgery, the ring fits like a glove, and my shorts are falling off!! :)
MM
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04/03/2006
Wow...lots of catching up to do! I have proceeded through my mushie food stage and am now getting to eat soft foods. This was an interesting transition. On 3/31 my eldest step-daughter, Stephanie, had her wedding rehersal and of course the obligatory rehersal dinner! The dinner was at Cousin's Barbeque in Fort Worth. I had been pondering what in the world I would eat so that I did not stick out or cause undue attention to me, when it was all about her and Paul! My wife, bless her heart was so supportive, she said I should order, and she would share with me to help support and encourage!
Well, I settled on the sliced turkey plate, but had them chop it finer than they would the chopped beef for a sandwich. They thought maybe I wanted a sandwich but I explained I just wanted the chopped turkey with sauce on the side. I selected the mushiest baked beans they had, a glass of water, and obtained a bowl of sweet pepper juice from the salad bar. With a small amount of sauce in a spoon, I scooped up a bit of turkey, chewed, chewed, and chewed some more!! It went down and stayed down!! No PB, no slime!!!! Mix a bit of the pepper juice with the beans and mush with a fork.... it too stayed down!! My wife and I ate off the same plate, and we had a HUGE amount of food left over!! WOW I LOVE THIS BAND!!
The next day was the wedding! Beautiful service....and quite a cute couple even if I am biased! Reception meal for me was a single turkey medallion, a spoonful of mashed potatoes with butter, and a spoonful of spinich dip. All stayed down with no PB and no slime!! Another victory!!
Today is my first day back to work. I am on weight lifting restrictions, but able to handle lightweight stuff. My site manager even bought me a blender to keep in the fridge for my protein drinks!! I work for a great bunch of people! Two laps around the building is a mile, so that was how I wrapped up my lunch.
I still have not weighed, but I can feel a difference in my clothes and number of chins! HAHA. Folks here can already see a difference too! I have my first follow-up appointment Thursday.
MM
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4/6/2006
This was posted on the Lapband Message board today. Good Info!!
TIPS AND TRICKS TO KEEP YOU OUT OF THE DOCTORS OFFICE
Tighter in the mornings and cannot eat breakfast or lunch? - solution - drink more water at night!
Does your food go down really hard the first bite? To prevent PBing daily arm yourself with something warm like clear soup or warm tea before eating, also for newbies get Papaya enzyme tabs from your local GNC store, they help ease digestion, they are MUST HAVE for bandsters to keep your band healthy to PREVENT VOMITING, WHICH IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF BAND SLIPS. BTW: I keep them in my purse all the time in case I get pain in my pouch...
Think you need another fill because you are not losing weight? Is our diet chips, soups, candy and ice cream...DON'T EVER GET A FILL WHEN YOU CANNOT EAT MEAT OR VEGGIES....you will only make things worse...you are probably ALREADY TOO TIGHT....Only get a fill when are eating almost like pre op..meaning too much regular solid food and hungry between meals.....
PBing daily? Drink more water between eating and chew your food well and stop screaming at your kids/hubby while eating and focus on your meals, this helps clears out pouch and keep things from backing up.....
Urine a dark color or very orange? - you are dehydrated! You need to drink at least 8-10 glasses per day! Newbie�s you probably cannot get in this much, but try to get in as much as you can, sip, sip and sip....
Have you reached a plateau? Put those chips and candy down and quit snacking...and get off of your butts...move move move....
Vomiting everyday? Either your band is waaaay too tight or you need to quit taking those big bites and slow down...you don't want big chunks going down your teeny tiny pouch, which is the size of a pencil tip.....otherwise we will see you on the regrets forum...with a band slip... so be careful.....
Have a great day gang!
Naomi
MM
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4/6/2006
My first scale victory (SV)!! Went to see Paige, the care coordinator, and weighed in for the first time since before the surgery. 316!!! I have lost 20 lbs in 14 days!!
MM
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4/17/2006
More notes to Ensure Success!!
1. EAT THREE SMALL MEALS PER DAY- Make good choices and supplement between meal cravings with a protein shake.
2. EAT ONLY GOOD SOLID FOOD- Healthy foods will fill you up faster than junk food. Likewise, solid, dense protein foods will keep you full longer than quick burning carbohydrate foods.
3. EAT SLOWLY, SENSE FULLNESS AND THEN STOP- Remember this is a tool. Let it work for you.
4. THERE MUST BE NO EATING BETWEEN MEALS- Grazing behavior can easily add over 1000 calories a day to your intake.
5. TAKE NO LIQUIDS WITH THE MEAL- Liquids will empty solids from your pouch quickly and you will feel hungry sooner. Drinking after a full meal may also induce vomiting.
6. ALL LIQUIDS MUST BE ZERO CALORIES (except protein supplements.)- Liquids pass right through the small stomach and do not produce a feeling of fullness. It is easy to consume several hundred to a thousand calories a day by drinking alcohol, fruit juice or other non-diet beverages.
7. EXERCISE FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES EVERY DAY- Regular physical activitywill keep your weight loss going, reduce stress and help you feel better all around. It will also help you maintain your weight loss in the long run because it helps to rebuild muscle which has a positive affect on metabolism.
8. CONSUME YOUR PROTEIN- You need to get in at least 80 grams of protein a day. Some specialists in nutrition suggest you get a minimum of 100 grams of protein per day, depending on your build. Taking in adequate amounts of protein will help prevent fluid retention, muscle loss and will definately keep hunger at bay. Patients who consume adequate amounts of protein for their body size will enjoy a much greater weight loss.
9. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER- This may be taken in the form of any non-calorie, non-carbonated beverage. Try Crystal Lite, Diet Snapple drinks or decaffeinated coffee or tea. Aim for a MINIMUM of 64 oz. of water per day. Keep a bottle or glass or water within reach at all times as a reminder to sip. Blend a 64 oz. pitcher of Crystal Lite with 3-4 scoops of Nectar and keep in the fridge for all day sipping... takes care of protein and water in one fell swoop.
10. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS RELIGIOUSLY- This includes a multivitamin with adequate iron and B-12, and calcium supplement. These are vital to your staying healthy in the long term.
MM
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4/20/2006
First Fill!!
Well, geez, this was uneventful! I went to the office, checked in, waiting room.... got weighed... down another 3.5 lbs in 2 weeks!! Then I got shuffled to the flouro room (My doc has his own C-Arm flouroscopy unit.... very nice one I might add!) Got the initial pics with barium, laid down on the table, Dr. stuck the port (no lidocaine needed in my opinion, it was no worse than a blood draw stick), and he inserted 2 cc in my VB band. Then he withdrew the fluid, verified quantity, inserted fluid, withdrew fluid to verify quantity, .... he did this several times, for which I am thankful. I am sure this is to check for leaks, verify that the bladder is not kinked somehow, etc. Stood up, got another flouro, again with barium swallow, and saw a marked restriction!! I go back for another fill in June!! I have to be on liquids today, then I can return to regular food tomorrow, just much smaller amounts!
I actually have a copy of the pic after my fill. Once I get it scanned, I will post it to my profile if anyone is curious as to what it looks like!
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4/23/06
Experiences after first fill - may be TMI
1) Saltine crackers (even just one) --- BAD IDEA! First PB since getting the band... back to liquids for the rest of the day....
2) Make sure you continue to drink LOTS of water! --- constipation on a grand scale.... OMG!
3) Cream of Potato soup----BAD IDEA! 2nd PB since getting the band....
4) Make sure you eat tinsy tinsy bites... after 44 years of wolfing food, this is a hard one! I wound up eating about 1/2 of a scrambled egg for breakfast this morning... took one bit that was a little to big I guess... near 3rd PB!!
WOW.... I am really having to concentrate now. Before the fill, it was pretty easy sailing.... now is when the work comes into play! I still love my band though... I can almost see daily changes in my facial features, the way my clothes fit, and the overall way that I feel.
Party on Bandsters.... just take little bites!!
MM
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06/08/2006
SECOND FILL!! Total of 4 ccs in my VG Band. Down 45.5 lbs and 4 pant sizes!!
Yup, I am pumped!!!
That is all.....
MM
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06/14/2006
OK, what is the deal. I seem to have a correlation between getting a fill, and severe constipation. I drink plenty of fluids, I eat according to bandster rules, but I will be danged.... I thought I was going to die, or give birth to a cadillac last night! :) I missed the first half of the Mavericks game!!!
Feeling better today, but geez...
MM
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08/24/2006
UPDATE
Went for another fill. Initially got 2cc, but after a couple of adjustments, wound up with 1cc. Current weight.... 276!!!
60lbs gone since March 22nd!!!!!
By the way, I am now just obese, not extemely obese!!
You have a BMI of 39.6.
This indicates that you are Obese.
Your BMI is generally high enough to qualify you for bariatric surgery if you have comorbid conditions such as diabetes (type II), hypertension, sleep apnea or other potentially life-threatening diseases.
The table below shows value ranges and what they mean.
Range Meaning
less than 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Normal
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight
30.0 - 39.9 Obese
40.0 - 50 Extremely Obese
over 50 Super Obese
The BMI Formula:
(Weight in kilograms)
(Height in meters)2
That is all!
MM
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