Apprehensive

Hello DanS,

You point out a very interesting topic. I had trouble getting insurance several years ago. Three major companies refused to insure me due to pre-existing condtions. I finally found this one insurance that my state has for those who have been denied insurance. Well, after reading your comments, I wonder if it would be wise to tell them about my surgery. Each year my insurance company sends out a question and answer sheet asking health related questions but so far, they have not raised my insurance payment. I pay an outlandish amount for the deductible and the monthly payment is very high as well.

After reading your post, I might just tell them so I won't be surprised if I have to use my insurance and there is a denial down the road. It is so sad that people like you and me who do pay a large amount of insurance have to be trapped and/or cornered when it comes to making this decision to have the bariatric surgery. I will bet this will put me in a different catagory and then who knows what the cost will be.

Thank you for bringing up such an important issue. I did not even try to run this by my insurance before having the surgery because I knew that they would never pay any part of this surgery. I agree with you. Why would the insurance companies not see this as an improvement of health yet still refuse to cover anything if you have this procedure done?

Another good point for Obama's healthcare bill. Something has to be changed so we are not driven to the poor house for medical reasons. I know there are many people who don't understand how important this change will be. I just wish it would go in to effect before 2014. I guess the reasons for some people who don't accept the need for the change is thinking it is "socialized medicine". What do those people think Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits are?

Once again, thanks for this important issue. Good luck with your insurance company and congrats on such a fantastic first year being banded. Please keep us posted if you find any other information about the ins and outs of insurance for those of us who chose this surgery.

All My Best

Apprehensive

Hello SteveD

I totally agree with what skinnyagain had posted. Especially what it says about the potassium and your electrolytes. These are very important and could be causing problems like you mentioned. But...you could be right too. If it were me, I think I would want to go to the doctor and check out the blood levels. Being a nurse, I have seen electrolytes that are out of whack really cause some problems for some people. And the suggestion about keeping a journal of what you consume daily would be helpful for you to know first hand if you are getting enough protein and carbs etc. Regardless...congrats on the weight loss!

Congrats!!!

Now you can share your experiences with all of the people on this site. Most of the people on this site really do go out of their way to offer positive suggestions and ideas to help overcome some roadblocks along the way. If you are anything like me, I just wish I had have done this long before I did. Again...Congrats!

Best of Luck!

Hello,

I have done it all...starvation diets, the little magic pills, the fad diets...then it came to a point when I had to make a decision about health and well being. This is when I decided that the OCC could provide a tool and instructions to help me get my weight down to what is acceptable. It is no quick fix so please do some research on this. If you are ready for a big change in your life, and understand that this is not a magic way to lose weight but mostly understand that even with a band, it takes some willpower then go for it.

For me this band and all the staff at OCC have been a big plus in my book. I have lost weight, feel better but I know I still have a way to go. I am also very happy that most of the people on this site offering suggestions and sharing ideas that really help. Like I mentioned earlier...check it out in detail and see if the band is for you. If you decide it is, then I highly reccomend the OCC. After checking out many different places to have the lapband surgery done locally, I quickly realized that the OCC was my best bang for the buck. The staff and professional care a person receives at the OCC can not be outdone by many...if any other clinics. So...good luck on making the right decision.

Best of Luck,

Apprehensive(no more)

I was banded on March 23, 2010 and I am 4 weeks post-op. I don't feel any restriction at all. At first I was chewing and chewing my food and worried that I would swallow something too big, but I tried chewing and swallowing like I used to and nothing happened. I am still eating the way I am supposed to and not drinking with my food. I am barely eating. Sometimes I am hungry but I have been sticking to 3 low calorie very very small meals. I didn't loose any weight in the last week and last week I started exercising too, daily. 30 minutes on the elliptical a day. I hope this will change when I get my first fill in 3 weeks. Please let me know if anyone else experienced this and if it is common.

Greetings,

I have read several post-op posts and have seen that his is common for many people. I have lost a bit more, but of course, I have had more to lose than you have. I remember one gal on this site lost a large amount of weight without having a fill at all. I guess it is how you react to the band. For me this is the point (I had my surgery 5 days before you had yours)when it is finding the foods that I can and can not eat. I watch the calories but follow the rules for chewing etc. I can not eat as much as prior to the surgery...and I don't feel really hungry but like you, follow the low calorie consumption. I am eager hear what others say as well. Like ValleyGirl says "hang in there" because I am sure we will start to get in the same boat with the other bandsters one day. Keep up the good work with your diet and please put up posts as to your success and things that help you. We are very close together in the time frame of sugery so maybe we can both get some good points and ideas from others.

Best of Luck!

I ate semi-mushies the first few days and did not give up liquids completely for some meals. For example, I was still doing soups for lunch or dinner. My "first" meal?? Split Pea Soup from Whole Foods

I gradually intoduced solids over the course of a week.

Thank You!

With your suggestions, I will work on this until I get it right. AngieB gave me an interesting way to look at this too. I am going to take both suggestions and work this out. Thank you so much for your information. You folk are GREAT!

All My Best,

Appy

Sounds to me like you may want to chew chew chew a bit more. AND....you may have restriction from the get go, which is more of a learning curve. For me, eating was easy breeze. I had no heavy, or stuck feelings. Did have those issues till a few fills down the line.

If it is true that you have restriction now, you will need to slow down. I realize I will be repeating myself, but CHEW CHEW CHEW your food. For me, each fill was a learning curve. With each fill I learned to chew better and better....you may not have the time I had with the learning curve and may need to master the chewing art early on. Even when you think you have chewed your food great, you may be surpised to see that is not so.

I suggest you do something icky. Take a bit of something and chew it up as well as you would before swallowing. Instead of swallowing spit it out and give it a look over. See if there are chunks left from chewing....if there are....you will know you need to kick it up knotch.

HTH,

Angie

Thank You Angie,

I think I am going to take your advise and chew chew chew, and then do the "icky" thing you suggested. LOL I thought I was chewing quite enough, but after reading your suggestion, I think you just may be right. I chewed and chewed but something is causing that "feeling" and I will do what it takes to do this right.

Thank You Again....you don't know how helpful you wonderul folk are.

All My Best

Appy

I was wondering what others felt like on the solid food right after the liquid diet. My first day was yesterday and I was able to eat very little. When I ate, I would have this very uncomfortable feeling. It was not really pain, just uncomfortable...feeling like the food took forever to go down and it was so intense, I was finding that I would stop eating because it was not worth it to me. Originally I thought that since I had not had solid food for so long, this was my body saying "what is this stuff"? I followed the rules of chewing, small bites dooh da dooh da...but could not get passed that feeling while eating. This feeling soon passed after I stopped eating. I was not hungry, but I know I did not eat enough yesterday. This could be good or bad. I will watch to see if this continues but would really appreciate any information anyone has about their first meal(s) after the liquid diet.

Thanks in Advance

Hello Again,

I forgot to let you know what to buy before leaving for Mexico. I stocked up on the Vitamin Water, and different non-carbonated drinks. I paid close attention to the electolytes that the drinks contained because it is very important to keep those at the correct level. When I was shopping for those, I just made sure that they had no calories (or very few) and purchased which flavors I liked most. Coffee was also a big help for me...and tea.

Chicken Bullion will be your main course...There are other bullions that will be OK but I liked the chicken. When you are are at the motel after your both before surgery and after surgery, the motel resturant will know what you can have. Remember you will not be able to have anything to eat or drink the night before surgery. The doctor will allow certain medications for blood pressure etc, if you are on them...but NOTHING ELSE but a sip of water. So...once again, good luck at the OCC...they will treat you like family. Let me know how your trip goes.

Best of Luck,

Bogiesmom,

Thanks for the suggestions. I do not own a George Forman grill, but I will purchase one. I know fried foods are off of the list, I have been away from them so long, I probably could not tolerate them at all.

You have been very helpful since I began my journey...and I thank you for all of your support.

All My Best

Greetings Bogiesmom:

No offense taken. I see I did not put down to use reduced fat cheese. I know it is rather high in my "estimated" calories...but this is only a guess with the calories. I can only consume 4 oz at a time and it is totally acceptable for me and my diet. You are so right about being able to use more Fat Free bullion to make it more calorie friendly. One thing great about this soup recipe, it is easy to alter and adjust. You can also play with the amount of Cheddar Cheese you decide to add. Granted, I am not a nutritionist...but the "proof is in the pudding", I have been losing weight and have had two servings of this during the day when I chose this for my "main course". I am glad you are looking and offer lesser calorie versions of this recipe. I did however make a typo...it is supposed to be a 4 oz serving. SORRY. And...there are always variations which you pointed out, and I really appreciate the revision. I went back in to edit my version. Thanks so much for pointing this out.

Thanks Again!

Apprehensive:

300 calories for 3 ounces (or 100 calories an ounce) is NOT okay. That means 1 cup would be 800 calories Even on a 2,000 calorie per-day diet that is recommended to maintain your current body weight you are looking at almost 1/2 of your recommended daily caloric intake in 1 cup.

I am going to put you recipe in my WW on-line Recipe Builder to see if I can come up with a healthier alternative.

I am not trying to be mean or rude, I just am concerned that too much of this stuff (even on the liquid phase) could bring you into the danger zone of "drinking liquid calories" that slip right through the band and can cause weight gain in the long run. Maybe this was a typo on your end and I am totally over reacting to the typo.

Post Script:

Assuming that this soup makes a total of 4 servings at 1 cup each, it would be approximately 250 calories per serving if you used 2% reduced fat shredded cheese and fat free chicken broth. However, if you can get 5 cups out of this you are looking at 200 calories per cup, 6 cups = approximately 160 calories per cup. Either way, not bad if you stick to using fat free or reduced fat ingrediants & you could always add water or FF broth to up the serving size & reduce the calories per serving

Creamy Carrot & Cheese Soup

main meals

POINTS® Value: 5

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 0 min

Cooking Time: 0 min

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Course: main meals

Ingredients

1 cup(s) Kraft 2% Milk Reduced Fat Natural Shredded Cheese Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese

4 oz Parkay Spray

1 small onion(s)

4 medium carrot(s)

2 tsp olive oil

3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cup(s) fat-free chicken broth

2 cup(s) fat-free half-and-half

2 large stalk(s) celery

This soup is the only reason I was able to stay on this post-op diet without being locked up in a nut-hut, or being wanted in at least 5 states for a capitol crime. I hate soup...but this is actually good. And... when it is cold... it would make a terrific dip. I am not sure, this is only an educated guess, but the calories for a 4 oz serving would be approximately 300 calories.

Ingredients (I don't really measure these, all ingredients are approximate)

1 small onion

2 stalks celery

2 tsp olive oil

4 medium carrots

2 cups chicken broth (fat free)

8 oz shreded Cheddar Chesse (reduced fat)

4 oz Parkay Spray Butter

3 tbs flour (ubleached preferably)

2 cups of Fat Free Half&Half (evaporated Milk may be substituted, fat free of course)

In a small sauce pan, heat chopped onions and celery in olive oil, then turn heat low and "sweat" the veggies in a covered pan for at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile chop the carrots coarsely then add chicken broth and carrots to the well "sweated" veggies and simmer for at least 20 minutes. In a separate large sauce pan mix the spray butter and flour and heat for at least two minutes. Add the half & half and whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth/thickened and a bit bubbly. Puree the carrot/vegetable mixture in a blender and add to the white sauce(what you made with the flour/butter and half&half ) bring to a full boil and add the cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheese is well blended. Check seasoning for salt and add pepper if desired. Bon Appetit!

NOTE:

If the flour/Parkay Spray does not blend well with the half & half, the hot mixture may be smoothed in the blender.

The white sauce is much easier to make using real butter or margarine but of course that adds unnecessary fat/calories

For even less calories, omit the cheese...for a good but not great soup. I have found that the cheese is like a reward for being on this damn diet. Go ahead, I am still losing weight.

Greetings to All,

Seems like I have not experienced REAL food for months. Actually it has been quite a while and it makes me wonder. What is a good type of food to start with and what types of foods are best to introduce slowly? Right now, I can come up with numerous foods I want but stepping back and realizing it has been some time since actual regular diet foods are going to be available to me...I don't want to eat things that will make me wish I had not eaten. The pre-op diet was a hassle, but workable. The post-0p diet seems like it is taking twice as long as the calendar says. Not so much that I am that hungry...I just want something different. You know, things that might have a crunch, or something to CHEW. And...not salads...not at first anyway.

From previous surgeries, not weight related...I have tried fried chicken and wished I had not taken the few bites I did. Stomach said "NO". With this band (without a fill yet) I am curious to see what and how people worked back in to eating regular foods. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have seen some of these wonderful recipies but want to "wade in slowly" because I don't want to make an error my first day out of the gate. I would really like to hear from some of you who have been there and know the ins-and out. OH no...that is my favorite burger place. In and Out Burger...only in California. See, I am really clutching now. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Thanks for sharing your information about fills. I have not had my first fill and now after reading what you have posted, I am so glad I decided to go back to OCC. It is something that everyone should consider. If one stops to think about the process, how will anyone know without the fluoroscope? Sounds like you really dehydrated quickly. Many people don't realize how fast a person can become dehydrated and then the real problem begins. So...thanks again for your post. Maybe this will prevent others from taking the wrong method for their fills.

Thank You

Apprehensive

Sounds like a winning recipe...I am REALLY looking forward to the day when I can actually eat something solid. Keep up with the posting of these goodies...they all sound great.

Thanks

Hi everyone. I just wanted to let you know that as of today March 27th I am in WONDERLAND !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have not been here since I was a teenager. What an exhilerating feeling. Only 24 more pounds and I will be at the goal weight Dr Miranda gave me.

It is hard to believe that I was banded on September 29th, 2009 and my entire life has changed in 6 months.

All I can say is Thank you Dr Ortiz and staff. And thank you to everyone on this forum who has answered my questions, supported and encouraged me through this process . You all Rock !

Debbie

It is so great to read posts like this one. CONGRATS! You have done something so many of us dream of. With seeing that you have come this far, makes it more realistic for the rest of us who have just started the journey. Best of luck on your final goal...but by the looks of things, you will have no problem acheiving your goal. Again...CONGRATS!

So I came to TJ with Mom this time. She got banded and I got my fill today. She is doing fine, in the hospital room, lonely haha. I am here in the hotel switching from spanish television to movies I brought with me; oh and writing my college graduation thesis paper... sort of... haha!

I got my fill this morning and it went better than I could have thought. I wasn't sure actually what to think, but I was nervous that it was going to be like the surgery for some reason. Nothing like it. I went into the room and had to drink a white thick liquid that showed up on the xray machine. It was cool to see my band, my stomach, and the liquid pass from my throat into my 1st stomach and then into the 2nd stomach.

I had my surgery in January, so my stomach has had more than enough time to fully heal with the band in there. This also means that I got the maximum for a first fill, 5cc. So I will have liquids for two days then jump back into eating; however I think it will be less than before.

We shall see...

I have just been banded and wondered how people did after the first fill. 5cc's does sound like quite a bit for the very first fill...but I would trust the doctor's to know what was best. I will check back to see what other posts you put up on your new fill. Good luck and Congrats to your Mom for her new band.

'

I have read many diet suggestions and recipies...I have to admit... yours are more towards my liking and I am writing down some of the ones you have posted when I can eat real food again. Some people would say it would be hard to think of this food when you can't have it. I find it helpful to know, there is good food that won't kill you in calories. So...keep the good recipies coming. Snickers Pie....I will be sure I have the ingredients ready to go on the FIRST DAY. I don't know if I will fix them then, but at least I know I can.

Thank you

Appy

Great decision Brian. I am new at this band thing...my surgery was March 18th 2010. I can tell you that the pre-op diet left a litte bit to be desired...mainly because I am not a salad fan, but the drinks I was able to have were great. They were the meal replacement that is on the site recommended by OCC. I had one for breakfast, one for lunch with a salad...then for my dinner I had a lean cusine and a salad.Was not long I opted to skip the salad at dinner and was perfectly content with the Lean Cusine. At first I thought, this is not much food...but in no time, I was pretty satisfied with the entire meal thing.

In just this short of an amount of time, I feel much better and that gives me the incentive to keep going. And...with the band in place now, it will be easier. The post-op diet sounds hard too... from first hand information on that, it is much easier than I thought. You have to keep telling yourself that this will be the last real diet you will ever have to be on. I hear horror stories about people who don't follow the post-op diet and I don't want to be one of them. Dr. Ortiz will tell you the same thing. It is not the band that failed, it is the person that failed. So, keep that in mind and keep a positive attitude. When you see the weight start coming off it will begin to make more sense to you. So....Best of Luck on your journey with the new way of life. If I can answer any questions, don't hesitate to ask. People on here have been great to me and I would like to do my part too. keep us posted on your journey to this NEW YOU.

All My Best

Apprehensive

(that is just how I felt at the beginning but not any more!!!)

I am curious to know if anyone has experienced The OCC in Cancun?? Does Dr. Ortiz do surgery there as well as TJ??

I was informed that since Tijuana was doing so many surgeries, they could not give Dr. Ortiz the time needed to go from one place to the other because travel time was wasted when he could be doing the sugeries here in Tijuana. I was informed of this when I first began to look for a place to have my surgery done. The first place I looked in to was Cancun.

Cancun would be nice but just knowing all the success stories coming from this clinic...I think you would be very happy coming to Tijuana for your sugery. I had mine done yesterday and am feeling pretty good about it today.

Good luck with your future banding. This site has numerous people that are very kind and can answer most if not all questions you may have. I know I am very appreciative of everyone helping me along my way.

Best of Luck

I'm sorry, I thought I answered this already but it must have been from other posts. It's been a common question and my experience wasn't bad at all. My first words to my husband when I woke up from surgery were "I feel full" and I felt that way the entire three weeks. There was one evening I craved chicken. The day I could eat solids I wasn't hungry but I ate. So, for me, the three weeks went well. Oh, the one night I was hungry my husband came home with pizza and I chewed a piece of sausage and spit it out. I don't recommend doing that because one might not spit it out.

Gosh, I know I've written this out a few times. Maybe my blog. Anyway, I hope that puts your mind at ease.

Yes, you probably have answered this questions before, but thanks for doing it again for me. There have been other kind people on this site that have given me piece of mind too. I figured that since you are all over the board with suggestions, comments, and just being there for people (which I find admirable) you were the one to ask. So, I thank you very much and best of luck with your continued success. And a BIG thank you for all the others with suggestions for this journey.

This is a great place for answers from people who have been there.

Well, I am not Brown Eyed Girl, but I recently finished my 21-day diet also (this is day 22), and the biggest thing to remember is that if you don't stick on this liquid diet, it could cause problems for you in the future because your band can't heal into place correctly and it could slip. That is what helped keep me on the liquids, knowing that I just CAN'T cheat. It was not an option. Like Dr. Ortiz said, yes it is hard, but this is the last diet of your life! Just figure you will be miserable at times, and you just have to deal with it. That is all you can do is drink good liquids and once you get to creamy soups a lot more options open up! Smoothies, etc. I even had a milkshake one day when I was feeling sad about only liquids. Milkshakes are not recommended but are better than cheating and eating real food... I only did it once. Anyway, you CAN do it, just believe in yourself!

Thank you for your note. I am glad you saw it...I was beginning to think no one reads my questions. I know deep down, if I pull everything I have together, I can do it. I guess I just wanted it to be easier. I am like you...knowing that cheating is not an option and could cause more problems, I won't cheat. I really do appreciate your reply. Good Luck to you during the rest of your journey and thank you big time for being upfront and honest.

I WILL DO IT

Apprehensive

I have typed several different notes, then delete, write again, delete... I guess I just want to say..HOW IN THE WORLD DID YOU STICK TO THE 21 DAY LIQUID DIET? I am due for my surgery on the 18th of this month.. I have been able to sick to the diet Dr. Miranda suggested, but here comes the surgery, and then TWENTYONE DAYS of LIQUID???? That is like having a three week colonoscopy!! I really don't know how you did it and any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. I am having even more doubts about this surgery...as I said in another post...I think Murphy was an optimist. Congrats to you for being so strong and able to get through this. And...good luck on continued success.

Apprehensive in KC

That was one of my very first questions...what type of band do the Doctors at OCC use. I was informed that it depends on what you as an individual need. Not really having the answer I wanted, I looked around for information. Johnson and Johnson has been around for some time now. The Alergan Lap-Band is the newest of the two. I am not sure how many there really are. My concern is the number of times going back to Mexico for fills since I live in the KC area. I have tried to contact doctors around the KC area and have not had any luck with a return call. I am very new at this so I am not sure. My biggest concern is IF I go with the Johnson and Johnson brand of band and here in KC the most popular doctor doing this surgery is a BIG advocate for Allergan Lap-Band...am I going to have problems finding some around here to do the fills? I was also informed that before a doctor is able to use certain bands, they must be certified in the correct use of them. How do we find this information? I am not being negative, I just want to know the rules before I begin. Any information about the different bands and why one is better to use? I am so glad I read the information from you folk who have been facing the same problem I am facing. I will be asking many more questions now. Thanks for all the information and should I find more information, I will let you know.