FLORIDAYS

Today is almost over.... But the next time you are tempted to over induldge why not identify the reasons you are considering it.... And get out your phone tracker and count the calories you are planning on eating..... Usually that is enough to make me stop in my tracks and make healthy choices.

For me the gas was just the first week or so.... Duri g surgery your abdomen is pumped up with gas and it takes a while for it to get out of your body. That was the only discomfort I had. I didn't have any other pain.

Congratulations on making the decision to get healthy! I had surgery and was back PT on the following Tuesday. FT on Thursday. I couldn't lift more than 10 lbs for the first two weeks per dr instruction and it was just about then I started feeling normal.

Not very often,... And I love it but usually it's too tough no matter how much I chew..... unless it's a very very high end steak like a filet and even then the pieces must be tiny and I have to chew the heck out of it.

I limit mine to a 100 calorie portion.

Just as a point of reference... No one at work knew about my surgery. I am not close enough to have told them....but no one even really noticed until I had lost about the first 80 lbs anyway so I wouldn't worry about it too much. If someone says something just reply... A healthy weight loss is 2 lbs a week...with or without the band. I ended up averaging a 10 lbs loss each month so it takes a while for people to really notice. In fact it's more so now that they notice.... And I gave lost 221 lbs!

My dr said its imperative to track calories and measure out the proper portions. Honestly during the losing stage I do not feel I would have been as successfull if I hadn't... But that's just my opinion...certainly not dismissing what your NUT or dr recommends. I just think I would have been way more tempted to eat stuff I shouldnt had I not done it that way.

Your bariatric dr may know a plastic surgeion who could join him in surgery...mine offered to join my PS to install a low profile port when I had my tummy tuck but I would be surprised if a removal and tt could be done together...as the band removal surgery would most likely be done like it was going in... which didn't require a hip to hip cut which the tummy tuck does... They are pretty different procedures. But it doesn't hurt to ask.

I was banded in December 2010 and have lost 221 lbs. I chose the band because I didnt like the idea of rearranging my anatomy or doing anything that could not be reversed should the need arise. I follow all the band rules to a fault and so far it hasnt failed me. If it does in the future I will deal with it.

If you can let the beer go flat before you drink /sip it that would be best. Over a period of time carbonation can cause havoc to your band. My dr strictly forbids it.

you might want to call the Dr before you take any OTC drugs and see what they approve. Just a thought.

You bet....! I had a 4 day road trip the weekend before I started the pre op liquid... I ate and drank my way up and down the west coast of Florida. I almost welcomed the liquid!!!

For me it was day five before I stopped the shakes and headaches......and somewhere along the line I lost my desire for food ..... Hang in there...it gets better. Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!!!

I spent the entire winter holidays ...thanksgiving to new years on liquid. Between the pre and post op liquids. It was no fun but I dealt with it.... And today I am attending my 3 rd super bowl party since being banded 25 months ago ......221 lbs lighter in my size 6 jeans. Hang in there..Keep your eye on the prize!!!! It is so worth it!

I have not had that experience but I cannot imagine why it would not work for you. If you follow all the portion rules and track your calories.... It will work. No different than any other diet you have been on. I know no one likes the DIET word but in my opinion you must follow a stict food plan to see a loss during the losing stage. I ate 3 oz protien, 1/2 c veggies and 1/4 c starch three times a day for a total of 1000 calories. Check with your dr to see what your calorie count needs to be. Best of luck to you.

Hello Nathan .... Since everyone has said everything I would have I will just add this... Testing your limits for food intake is about the silliest thing I have ever heard. You obviously have no regard for your health to try to cram down the buffet of chicken fingers and cheese balls you outlined. As for the Soups.... They are liquid and go right through the band so they aren't a good measurement of tolerance. Either you are serious about losiing weight or you aren't. If you are then stick to eating no more than a cup of food and bide your time until your dr feels its time for a fill. If you aren't not serious please consider getting the band removed because at the rate you are eating you will have all kinds of problems in the future.

i dontk ow what your drs take is nor what type of pre op diet you were on but The best thing to do now is re commit yourself... Or reconsider. There is no harm is putting it off a week. Make sure you are ready because if you cheat on the post op diet it can be harmful to your band nor will you have the loss you desire.

For me in the begining it was a wonderful source of motivation and place to ask the unkown as thats the biggest hurdle when getting started. I still enjoy hanging out here because it's a constant reminder of my band. There is no one in my everyday who understands what it's like to live with a band...except one friend who I don't see on a regular basis. It's a nice source of accountability for me and now I can help newbies stay motivated, provide my experiences and enjoy talkiing to veterans who "get it"...

i had my last meal before i started the pre op diet. Yes the 2 week liquid diet was hell...and that is putting it mildly... it was the hardest thing I have done... But I didn't cheat because i wanted a successfull surgery and couldn't be prouder. Nothing worth having is easy. If I couldn't stick to a lousy 2 week liquid diet I wouldn't have been committed enough to have the surgery and live with the band. I am not judging...just telling you my experience. Best of luck!

It will be the best money you ever spend. It was for me!!! Congratulations!!!

It's time to learn to become one with your band. it is possible learn to live with your band instead of fighting it. I hope you chose to get back to basics, count your calories and track your food. Get back to monthly visits with your dr. They have seen it all and are there to help you not judge...even tho it might feel like it. Only you can decide to use your band as an effective tool. It's not a "set it and forget it " mode during the losing stage. That happens when you are maintaining. Best of luck in your decision.

I had my gall bladder out years ago. The pain from lap band surgery doesn't come close!!!! Both were laparoscopic so I don't know why but with GB I was down for 3 weeks... With the band I never took a pain pill!! And I was 22 yrs younger for the GB surgery As for the drinking with meals... It's hard..very hard. You just get used to it. I know that's a lame answer but it's the truth.

My mom has been gone since 2009.... I miss her just as much as i did the fist year...just differently.....so I get that. If you want to name your band Mom then go for it. It's kinda like... You were carried by her for 9 months and now you are carrying her with you always. Nothing wrong with that. My band doesn't have a name but I do refer to it as my permanant reminder of a temporary feeling.