FLORIDAYS

Its anyone's guess why Dr's differ in their recomendations. My Dr is a calorie guy so that's what I decided to try and its worked for me. I like counting calories because it offers me the choice to eat basically what I want up to my calorie allotment. Of course I make good choices by eliminating most junk food and all fried foods... but bottom line is its simple for me. I have tried other diets counting carbs, fats, and whatever else and it was just too cumbersome. So its my personal choice which happens to mirror my Dr's so it works!

I eat cheese for a snack occasionally. I just track the calories like I would any other food. However my number is 1000 calories a day so cheese is a little luxury.

For me seeing the Dr was expected by him. He told me up from he would expect to see me monthly until I was at goal. He relaxed it in March when I was still 80 lbs away from goal because I was doing so well. I agree that he is not the one putting food in my mouth... or making bad choices... thats all me. But If you know you have an appointment monthly... it means you wont let it get away from you if you do stray. Of course whatever works for the indivual is best.

Its just a plateau... I had one for 3 weeks ...Try upping your water intake. Sometimes that sparks a movement... Or do something physical like cutting grass if you dont have snow on the ground....

I guess I dont understand.... If you are not losing or starting to put weight back on... why wouldnt you return to the Dr as a start to getting back on track? Maybe I was Dr dependant but I credit him with much of my success. I saw him every month for 18 months.... I asked questions, I discussed challenges, I got advice on portion control, discussed to fill or not to fill....... Maybe I missed something in the post but if it were me I would start there.

Whats a typical day of mushies for you? What kind of foods are you eating and what are the portions like?

Wonderful news....you obviously did everything right ! My goal was to lose weight. I know that post op is all about healing but there is no reason people wouldnt still lose if they are following the directions! Great Job!

Early on its important that you just sip. And to tell you if it will be a forever thing... well its up to your band. As will alot of things about the band its a personal issue. For example... sometimes I can gulp Water. Other times I cannot. I have tried to figure out when I am more likely to gulp and when I can sip. Just when I think I have it figured out.... it changes. So to answer your question if you are one of the ones who isnt able to gulp... then you need to sip all day and evening to get in your water. I pretty much have to do that. A few months ago I had a medical test not related to the band. They handed me 32 oz of water and said.... drink.... I was like... how much time do I have? She said... 5 minutes. I just laughed. I needed 20 and that was pushing it. But I did drink it... of course I felt like a brick was leaning on my chest.... but thats irrelevant! LOL

Week one I was on clear liquids. So not for me until week 2 as it was considerd creamy liquids. Either way I do not care for either so didnt concern myself with it.

Kudo to you.... I know first hand what a difference 2 years can make. You should be very proud of yourself!

I was advised not to drink 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after eating. As I have become one with my band I find I am fine drinking before I eat. But if I try to drink after I eat, the liquids tend to push up my food and I get to taste it again or worse have to dispose of it... not pleasant. My Dr and I discussed drinking before eating and he is fine with it but mostly because I have been pretty successful and know my band very well. If I get stuck which is rare... drinking doesnt help at all and the liquid just comes back up;. But as we all say...best to check with your Dr. Thats what he is there for.

Maybe I need more info but why does it need repositioned? Why not just a fill?

So true... When I broke it down... It would have cost me more in the long run with the travel and fills/aftercare.

....greetings from sunny Florida . I started my pre op 2 years ago this coming Wednesday at 377 lbs with a BMI of 55. 2 years later I am 162 lbs.... I have lost 215 lbs and my BMI is 23. Congrats on your success and welcome.

I have spent the last 2 holiday seasons drinking Water in a pretty glass with lots of lemons... It's doable. . And this year I am at goal and will still drink the water but may induldge in a glass or 2 of wine. Of course my stomach isn't used to it anymore so add lots of ice to water it down.... I know ... wine purists will strike me dead....

Ask your dr to prescribe liquid medicines. Or use a pill cutter available at drug stores for about $5

I have to buy premium for my vehicle... It was $3.56 yesterday in Tampa

I would first call to see If your insurance covers banding. If so ask them what their standards are. If they don't and you choose to be self pay or you want to see if your doctor can help you can discuss it with him

I am doing well...thanks for asking. I am down 215 lbs in under 2 years. My BMI went from 55 to 23. I am sorry you haven't had the success you had hoped but it sounds like you know why and are ready to start anew. I wish you all the best as you work towards your goal.

I am in the medical field in a managerial HR capacity.

My dr has 3 rules you must agree to before banding... One of them is you may never have carbonation again. The reasoning behind it is that when you drink carbonation your stomach expands and contracts with every sip. The band is stitched to the upper stoma... If the stomach expands often enough it can loosen the stitches and cause slipping of the band. It always surprises me how doctors differ.

It sounds like you really want it... I wish you all the best

Are you going to struggle on the post op diet too? Because if so.. You may want to put off being banded until you are committed. I only say this because it's a major commitment and there is no going back Best wishes as you move forward

How motivating. Mice job!

I am with the others.... Make sure you have a fill dr lined up. I thought about going. To Mexico to get banded and one of the reasons I didnt is because I couldn't find a dr who provided the after care including fills that I thought was so Important. In fact I found my dr when I was researching it . He wont touch patients banded elsewhere.