Taz

This last week I've been slipping on taking my vitamins.

I have a computer consulting business on the side, and did some work for a chiropractor friend of mine. The place I had to work at had no heat and were I had to work was up against a brick wall.

Bricks, stone, and concrete will leech body heat, (just for future reference).

Now, that being said, one of the functions of red blood cells is carrying oxygen, but if you're iron is low, it can also make you feel colder. (Also why old people always complain that "it's cold in here") If your hematocrit count is too low, it means that your blood doesn't have a very high red blood cell count (37-49% is normal), and low grade anemia will cause you to feel the effects of cold more readily....

Needless to say, normally that room wouldn't have bothered me, but my hematocrit count must've gotten pretty low, because after only a couple hours I had uncontrollable shivering, teeth chattering, and my temperature got down to 94%...(my normal temperature is around 96.5-97.4....)..while two degrees doesn't sound like alot, that's a sign that your body is having a hard time keeping up with the elements. So it can be concluded that your iron is low, because you're body is does not have enough nutrients to perform their metabolic processes to generate body heat.

Afterwards, I ran a low grade fever for 2 days, (almost flu-like symptoms...but trust me, it wasn't flu)...and had to drink copious amounts of fluids..(I was sweating like crazy, once I got my body back up to temperature.)...you can really knock your internal thermostat out of whack and it's not fun.

So the lesson here....TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!!!!

Good advice.

Taz

I'm on day 10 post-op, and I have been feeling restriction since day 1. Much more so on days 1-4, but I do have restriction, and can only drink certain amounts at a time.

I was curious how much, in terms of volume, others have been able to drink at this point after the surgery. The maximum amount of water I can drink is 4-5 glasses, and then maybe 2-3 cups of liquid (in the form of soups, shakes, etc.) on top of it. I can drink more than 1/2 cup of liquid at a time, but not more than 1 cup. And I have the uncomfortable feeling when I get full.

You need your 8 glasses. Sip throughout the day. Try flavouring the water with CrystalLite if you get bored. Hydration is critical. If you don't... you will feel weaker than you need to. Remember.... you are letting the band and your body work together and heal. Give it every opportunity to.

Taz

Calgary: Dr. Paul Mitchell 403-264-6720

Ask him if he does hair too ;-)

Taz

Hi Taz...I am very interesting in WHAT lits they have you? If you are impress, then I am sure we would be too. Is there a way to share any information you have?

I would be happy to share. I have the folder at home, so will have to wait till I get there before I can put anything together. I'll keep you posted.

Taz

I thought this was going to be the end to my yo-yo dieting! Any advice would be great.

Please remember that as you lose weight, you generally lose fat around your band too. As that occurs, your stoma generally gets more relaxed, and the opening increases. The answer isn't that complicated. Go in for another fill. The sweet spot for your band's cc for weight loss will need to be adjusted. This is a GOOD thing. It means its working!! The whole point of the band is you can ADJUST it as you go.

A few other considerations. The band is a tool... not the solution. YOU put the food in your mouth. YOU decide on the portions. When its working, the band will aid you and remind you of the fact. But YOU have to control it. Don't INCREASE your portion sizes. Find better foods that fill you up. Make better choices. If you don't, it makes no difference how tight you make the band... you are in for a miserable ride.

Aligning your mental control with an adjustment in the band, you will find you can get back on track. Go slow. Don't fret about huge fills. Make smaller fills and find that spot. This is a journey to get a better relationship with food, and truly make a difference in your physical being. Don't give up. You WILL have plateaus. Sometimes they may last a few weeks. For some people... it could be months. But you will drive through them if you work at it.

Taz

What was wrong with the quality of the website? What would you change to make it more appealing to people who had never been a patient or heard so much word of mouth?

I come from a computing background. So I find it difficult to trust websites that try to have me install components like the Microsoft Office component. (Chances are the page was made in Word, which is what causes some issues).

I would also update the page to deliver more trust for the patient. I learned so much as their office, but I couldn't see that they have experience until I met with them. I was going into this blind... and if I had not known of a friends success already, I probably would have left when I arrived to see the state of the building. I am sure it will look great soon, but this weekend it looked like something out of a horror movie. And with them moving, I am sure the new location will be better.

Things that could be included on the site to build that trust would include:

• More patient testimonals
  
• Success Photos (happy patients smiling with Kitty)
  
• Up to date information. Kitty's vacation info is still on there from a few weeks back
  
• A google map of the location
  
• A blog sharing some of Kitty and Robin's experiences. They have a wealth of knowledge, and sharing it would show this.
  

This is just my opinion though. If you compare it with many other sites, it lacks a level of polish and professionalism I would expect as a patient. Their actual service speaks otherwise... but new patients won't know that.

YMMV.

Taz.

I had my first fill this weekend, and I have to say, I am REALLY happy with the decision I made with going to "Fill Management NorthWest" in Arlington, WA. (www.northwestfills.com)

From Canada, it was only a 2 hour drive, and 40 min of that was the damn US border delays.

I was leery based on the quality of their website and the location of their office. In the back of a pharmacy. In the middle of no where. And when I arrived, the place was getting a huge construction make over. I will admit I was a bit concerned. But I know someone that speaks highly of the place, so I went it.

The initial trepidation was soon lost when I went inside, and actually met the staff. They were GREAT. Pleasant. And knowledgeable. And there was lots of bandsters to talk to who had great experiences. They were doing 15 to 18 fills that day. Never realized how many bandsters were in the area.

The fill itself was simple, quick and painless. They gave me a small shot to numb the area, and then put the fill needle in. I thought from pictures and info that it was huge, and would hurt... but I felt nothing... thanks to the shot.

I didn't know where my port was, but they found it easy enough. It is RIGHT at the large incision for me, deep down. That was interesting snice so many other people have it elsewhere.

Afterwards was the real benefit. I got a folder with tons of useful information on what I can and can't eat, what I should be eating in terms of protein, carbs, calories, sodium etc. That was refreshing. I was under the impression I was supposed to be around 1000 calories with 50g of protein. I was way off. 1400 - 1600 calories and 80g of protein. Might explain a bit why my weight loss has slowed. There was lots of information about bandster myths, and some contradictory advice from some people on this board. That was interesting as it shows advice comes with many different opinions. The one that surprised me most was about papyus enzyme. Surprisingly there is no actual medical proof it will help you with PBing. Yet many on this board swear by it. Lots for me to experience myself I guess.

And as a last note... the greatest benefit is I FINALLY feel a bit of restriction. I am sure part of that is the swelling at the band, but it was interesting to see that I couldn't even finish a single bowl of chilli. I felt full, satisified with what little I ate. This is the amazing part of the band... and I am SO happy to finally get to experience that. I didn't have pain... just a "full" feeling.

All is good. And I recommend bandsters in the North West Washington area to consider these guys. Was very inexpensive, with great people doing the work.

Taz

So did you guys get some kind of a handbook from Inamed (?) at OCC after your surgery? I was reading a post earlier today and it was suggested that if you had questions to refer to this handbook. Also that Dr. Miranda in meeting with some people, suggested target weights. I never discussed that with her. I wasn't weighted, norhing like that. Do you think if I called OCC, I could get a copy of that handbook? I'm getting my first fill Dec. 15 so maybe I can pick it up then.

Sometimes I feel like I'm out in the cold on some things I should be aware of. I'm grateful to all of you for sharing your experiences. I really appreciate it.

I did meet with Dr. Miranda, and we discussed my goals and what I wanted as a target weight. She put me on a special scale that measures both weight, and body fat, and determined what my best weight would be, and suggested I reduce my target weight. I'll be happy with either number ;-)

I never received a handbook about the band, but did receive a card with info about the band to give a doctor in case of problems. I also received a folder with guidance on post-surgery (21 days) diet and life after the band advice.

After my first fill (which I had this weekend), I got a bunch of after-care information. However, that wasn't through OCC, and instead the NorthWest Fill Center in Washington.

Taz

...of a bandster. I was wondering if a bandster could give a sample of their menu for a day (i.e., drinks, meals, snacks)? What types of food are you preparing to make sure you get all of the needed protein in?

Thanks, Kristy

These days I am on a pretty simple menu:

Breakfast: Glass of OJ and my liquid vitamin (Centrum). Half a cup of granola mixed with half a Banana YOP. Drink the other half of YOP.

Lunch: Soup to Go - Cream of Tomato or Cream of Mushroom. One small ambrosha apple with an individual packed slice of cheddar cheese. Not fake kraft singles... actual cheddar cheese. Alternatively, if I have more time around lunch I go for a walk to the local Wendy's or Tim Hortons and have a bowl of chili.

Afternoon Snack: Small mandarine orange or a small bottle of gatorade.

Dinner: This is where it varies. Sometimes its stuff like steak cubes rubbed in montreal spice (steak bites). Other times it grilled chicken. Others a good crock pot recipe. I have to give my wife credit for taking care of this particular meal for me. I eat what she makes. And she is doing great to be supportive and concious of what I can have.

Evening snack: Either a sugar free popsicle, a cup of popcorn or lately I have been craving chips and having the 100 calorie Old Dutch Dill Pickle Baked chips.

Water: 9 glasses. I try to be religious about this. I drink nothing else, except the odd cup of Earl gray tea with sweetener.

On the weekend as I have more time, so breakfast may include eggs and ham or sausage. Lunch is something like a grilled ham and cheese (but only 1 sandwich instead of 3 like I used to eat, with low carb bread that has significantly less calories and more nutrition) and some tasty soup (like Tomato and Black Bean, Garlic Mushroom etc).

I rarely feel deprived. But I am not eating 7-11 nachos and a hotdog at 2 in the morning either.

Taz

I woke up with a sensation in my upper left chest today. It doesn't necessarily hurt, kind of feels like a burning or maybe heart burn.

Has anyone experiences anything like this?

I had the exact same thing a few days after my surgery. Thought it was the start of a heart attack or something. I went for a walk, and it disapated, only to come back when I sat down for a while. I took a GasX strip, another walk... and it went away.

Yep... it was pressure from the gas.

Taz

I went back to the OCC for a barium swallow. Looked completely normal, but he said I had a huge amount of gas both inside my digestive tract and inside my abdomen. so every time I take a sip, it is causing the gas to push up and causing a heartbearn like sensation.

Then this morning I figured out that I was very constipated (sorry, TMI) and once I was able to go to the bathroom, it has helped the gas pass quite a bit. I feel MUCH better.

Now I'm still having sever heart burn and plan to get come mylanta as soon as I cross back over the border. Still having the shoulder pain, so I know the gas is not relieved.

I'd still go back and do it all again, even though yesterday was totally miserable.

I'm doing the shoulder rolls now!

I was very relieved that my band looked great. The baruim swallow was so cool.

Also I was impressed with the OCC's response. The driver was here within 10 minutes of my call. We went straight to the clinic, the Dr. saw me immediatly and we were back to our hotel within an hour!!! Great service!!!

Thanks everyone for your support!

Cindy

Walk. Walk. Walk. I found moving seriously helped get rid of the gas. Especially the first few days after surgery.

It is most effective the night of the surgery (some of us were doing what seemed to be rounds through OCC.. they have a nice circuit you can follow ;-) ), as that is when the gas is really trying to escape. From everywhere in your body.

Keep at it. The gas will go away in time. Enjoy the GasX strips and walk it off.

Taz

The bariatric clinic I'm using insists on my attendance at a support group 1x a month. They told me if I don't want to go that I could use the internet. Is this a good site to use as a support group?

If you have access to a support group of peers that are going through the same trials and tribulations as you, why WOULDN'T you want to do it?

I have found this board to be a great asset as I go through my journey, but wish I could actually talk one on one with other people going through the same experiences. If you have that as an option, I would highly recommend it.

Taz

I'm on day 15 and have been strictly liquids til yesterday. How can I lose 5 pounds in 1 day and then gain 3 back the next. I have had only about 300 calories a day intake and thought i would be losing more. Can someone explain this please!

If you are following the diet your doctor gave you after banding, you should be getting a hell of a lot more calories than 300. If you are now having creamy soups and liquid yogurt, you should be having 150 - 300 calories PER MEAL.

You body weight fluxuation is due to the fact your in a starvation mode and its trying to store whatever it can.

Your band is a tool, not a toy. To help it succeed you need to ensure you gain a better relationship and understanding with food. You HAVE to eat to survive. You do more long term damage if you try to starve it. Your goal is to eat about 1/3 the amount of food you used to eat... and that the food you put in your body is conciously better choices. Dr. Ortiz suggests you challenge the band and eat as little as you can. However, I am sure he doesn't mean to a point of starvation.

Here are some thoughts to increase your caloric intake while still on the liquid diet:

• YOP - Liquid yogurt is a great meal for breakfast. Its around 150 calories. Lots of different flavours to choose from
  
• Gatorade - I drank the Gatorade Fierce Grape and Orange... was really good. 180 calories
  
• Campbell's Soup to Go. Cream of Tomato was my favorite. Around 150 calories per meal.
  
• Campbell's Gardenay speciality soups. I would strain them to get the chunks out, giving me different flavours to try so I wouldn't get bored. I would have one full bowl (2 servings) at dinner... giving me somewhere around 300 or 400 calories.
  

During the liquid phase my meals tended to be:

1. Breakfast - YOP, and a glass of orange juice (approx. 300cal)
   
2. Lunch - Soup to Go (approx. 150 cal)
   
3. Mid afternoon snack - A gatorade (approx 180 calories)
   
4. Dinner - Garden Harvast soups [approx 300 cal]
   

My total was under 1000 calories. And I consistantly lost weight each week. I also only weighed myself once a week so I wouldn't see the swinging my body would do if I was retaining water, etc.

YMMV of course. But you are DEFINITELY not getting enough food. You are punishing your body, and your body is punishing you back mentally on the scale.

As a reminder... you are in a time of healing. Starving yourself isn't helping. I am not saying to gourge yourself... but make sure you get the nutrients it needs to heal.

Taz

Good info. Thanks for sharing.

Taz

Hi Taz, thanks so much...you are great!!! It has passed!! The scale moved down a pound this morning...I was patient and continued on my high protein diet plan, had a filet o' fish for dinner as a treat and boom!!

I have also been adding ACAI to my diet as well. It's an all natural cleansing chewable pill. Seems to work!

See. I knew it. Awesome news! Now don't let McDonalds marketing and advertising find out. They will spin it some how... I can see it now...

"Eat Filet o'fish and lose weight. From our healthy alternative menu".

Taz

Today is a HUGE milestone for me. I weighed myself this morning and I was 199.8. This is the first time in over 20 years that I have weighed under 200lbs. I cried. As a woman who has always been fat it was a litlte overwhelming/emotional to see that I weigh under 200lbs.

The band DOES work! It takes time and work but it does work!

Thanks to everyone for being with me through this journey. Here's to reaching my first goal of 190 b/4 2009!

What a "one"derful story. Congrats.

Taz

That is the best NSV ever!!! Good for you!!!

I didn't realize it got that cold in Florida that you would need a winter coat? We sure do need one here..it's -9c today!!!

Keep up the great work!

-9? Guess you don't want to know its +12 here in Vancouver eh?

Taz

Hi: I am new and still confused; just had my surgery on 11/4 and have been told to go in for my first fill on 11/21. Is this too soon. I have been taking Centrum vitamins an they make me very hungry, any suggestions? Last night I ate a barbecue chicken breast with no problems and only being post surgery 15 days.

Wow. You might want to watch the YouTube videos by Dr. Ortiz about letting your body heal. 15 days after your surgery you SHOULDN'T be eating solid food yet. You should be eating creamy soups.

Normal recommendations, as others have already mentioned, is usually 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. Your stomach needs to adjust to the band before restriction is applied.

Talk to your doctor. Get a clear indication of the menu he or she has for you, and when the fill is supposed to happen.

Taz

I took Tara's advice and went to McDonald's for dinner and ate 1/2 filet o' fish and a few fries..I doubt this is going to get me over the plateau, but it was good!!

I am going back on creamy soups for a few days and increase my exercise and see what happens!!

You guys are the best, thanks for your help!!!

Let us know how you do as you blow through this plateau. I'm confident you will get past this. You have the right mindset to go back to basics and get going again. Try the Mexican Chicken Soup recipe. It's really good.

Taz

Thanks so much, Taz! New clothes are a VERY COOL NSV absolutely!

Yup, breaking it out is way easier for sure. The second round you are refreshed, your muscles are warmed and you're good to go again! I could have actually gone a third round but I didn't have the time.

YAY for you! 20K in a single hike! You and Jude totally rock!!

Jann

Ya, it was great to get pants that didn't look like I was a white rapper. Still a ways out from getting a pair of Levis 501 button flys (my favorite jeans), but its progress. Went from a 50in waist to a 46. Only 6 more inches till Levis time!!!

Walking in the 10 miles was good. And my wife and I are considering doing that hike on the weekends. The destination was a Starbucks in another neighbourhood, where they make great tea. I think though I will focus more on 3 or 4 5mile events during the week. Just too hard to find the time during the week. Like today I only got 6800 steps in.

Taz

I am a racquetball lover and was banded on 10-23. Does anyone know how long i have to wait until i can play agian?

I am a squash player, and played my first game last week. A bit of soreness for some of the lower dive returns, but overall, didn't kill me. I was banded a month ago.

Taz

WTG Jann! That is just AWESOME! Goodness me, you are inspiring me to really tread on more!

Yesterday I did 19,689 and today did 19,893. I was close! Also, this is only walking steps I've planned and not the normal, everday walking. I am sure if I added those, I would have gone over 20K both days.

Going to have to find some kind of arm exercises because I don't want to have muscle bird legs and heavy flappy wings!!!

WALK ON!!

All right!!! Great job. Two days of 29K is just amazing. 10 miles a day. How cool is that!!! Way to go!

Taz

YAY! I did it!

That makes today's total 24K. I didn't include regular walking around because yet again I've lost the damned pedo. I just bought them like two weeks ago, and in pairs no less! Sheesh!

Jann

Awesome Jann! Way to go!!! Breaking it down is an awesome idea. I tackled my 20k today in a single hike... and I think I would have done better doing it in 5 mile spurts.

Again, great job!

Taz

Hey guys,

So yesterday I passed 15,000 steps walking with my family at the mall (got new clothes finally)... and today... thanks to GREAT weather.. blew past 20,000 steps by going for a serious hike. My calfs are killing me... but it was well worth it.

Here's the proof:

Taz

Does that mean 20k in one day or for the whole weekend?

Yes.

I was thinking 20K in one day. However, I think we can all agree two days of 10K+ isn't anything to be disappointed with! So choose your poison. Or see if you can do 20K one day.. and 10K the other ;-)

The idea here is to blow past whatever barrier you currently have. I am getting to 10K a day on weekends. So I am going to drive past that. YMMV.

Taz