oh jinkies. i'll be happy to answer all your questions but i really do hope that this isn't the only source of information you're using!! have you checked out
www.spotlighthealth.com? www.obesityhelp.com? and the nurse who ran the obesity program i was in has her own website at
www.partnershipinweightcontrol.com
and you can ask her all kinds of questions.
but, let's get to your latest ones.
first of all, everyone's reaction to this surgery is different. for example, i can't eat scrambled eggs. they come right up. but a deviled egg made with hot chili sauce is just fine!!! others have trouble with chicken, some with beef. there's no rhyme or reason to it.
and believe me, it takes awhile to get to the point where you're eating regular food. and the protein goals vary from doc to doc. the smart ones want you to eat a lot of protein, and use protein shakes. the inexperienced ones suggest that you use carnation instant breakfast. and i'm telling you, it's not enough protein.
the amount of protein depends on how much weight you need to lose. those with less than about 150 to lose were told to eat 60-80 grams per day. becuase i had so much to lose, more than 200 pounds, i had to eat 80-100 grams a day. now that i have less than 100, myprotein goal is 80 grams.
and remember, because the digestion and absorption are now altered, we don't absorb all the protein we eat. and apparently we can absorb only about 25 grams at a time. so those 50-gram protein shakes are a waste of protein.
don't let anyone tell you that this is easy. you MUST keep up with your fluid intake to help the weight loss and keep your kidneys working. but you can't drink 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after eating.
so, most folks who are successful at this have rather regimented days. they always carry water, often an insulated bag with protein snacks, or they know what they can get where. and they know where ALL the bathrooms are.
as for dumping. i really don't know if i dump!!! i've been too scared to try!!!! rule of thumb: most people don't dump on less than 15 grams of carbs or 15 grams of fat. so read the labels and watch the portions!!
one important point: make some effort to conquer your food demons beforehand. some people react with anger, others with sadness, and some even go into mourning over their lost best friend [food] who's no longer around.
and some of us approach it as just another eating plan, but this time it's one that actually works for us.
and i have no idea how many calories a day i eat. some wacko dietician said that we have to eat 500 or less, and i'm sure i did for the first month or so. since then, i 'know that it's increased, but i doubt that it's as high as 1000.
my main goals for the day are to make the protein and water goals. a piece of fruit, some vegs/salad, it's a second thought. we have to eat our protein first.
any good surgeon will set you on a regular schedule of follow up visits, with blood work along the way. some folks return to their PCPs for their follow ups, but i prefer the surgeon. this one really knows what he's doing.
in fact, i'm seeing him in two weeks for a 9 month follow up, and i had the bloodwork drawn this morning. lots of b complex levels to be tested, and iron. and this is the third or fourth time since the surgery that they've been checked.
last visit, he told me that my b12 levels had dropped, and i'm on oral b12. and might have to switch to the shots. not sure.
if you're still interested in the lapband, here's a thought. right now, the only one approved for placement in the US is made by Inamed, a california company. they're the ones who run the training. not quite sure why your doc is going to tijuana to learn, although i think there's a fabulous surgeon down there [i think one of the lapbanders here went to him].
anyway, maybe inamed could help you find a surgeon.
johnson and johnson has bought the swedish lap band company, and has filed for FDA approval on the basis that this lap band is the same as inamed's. no approval yet.
has this helped??? keep looking. make the right decision for YOU.