NWgirl

Funny you mention this, there is a device that is rarely new that the surgeon can use at the time of surgery (goes down the throat) to fill the band and the device apparently measures multiple things and can find the perfect fill level (or so they say). I wish I could find the thread on this, it was probably two or three months ago!

I also thought the drinking would be a huge issue for me. My nutritionist recommended starting not drinking with my meals about a month before surgery. I always used to have a huge cup of ice water with me when I'd eat and I'd intermittently bite and drink. After actively practicing not drinking, it is second nature. It's a matter of pulling off the bandaid and just doing it. PS: I am also able to drink water how I used to. I have 4.5cc in my band and haven't been forced to slow down. I drink out of a CamelBak 33oz bottle and love the bite straw.

See you tomorrow

I don't particularly enjoy getting fills, so I think it's normal. It seems each time it gets a little harder because of scar tissue.

To play devil's advocate here, there are studies that show the ghrelin hormone regrows over time.

I've gone and probably will be going tomorrow. There were only four other people the times I've gone before, but they said when the weather starts getting better that more people come out. I really like that they have a discussion topic each time and one of the staff (surgeon, nutritionist, physical therapist, or psychologist) leads the meeting.

That's unfortunate, but it's not a race either... I find as long as I eat high protein, I stay full. I believe I am at 4.5 out of 10cc now and can honestly say there's a difference. Do you go to the support meetings? There is one Wednesday evening...

I use loseit.com because the mobile app is convenient and can sync with my fitbit account. It also has a nifty barcode scanner.

Look into Quest protein, they are decent in protein and high in fiber (usually they have 20-24g carbs, usually 18-20 which is fiber).

I would recommend getting on the New York specific thread and asking if anyone knows of Dr's who do fills for patients banded elsewhere.

I would recommend pre-making your food or having it easily accessible so there is no excuse not to eat healthier foods.

I got my first at one month, and it was only 2cc. Some surgeons do their fills on a conservative basis and others like to fill you up really quick. It all depends on your surgeon. Please voice your questions about this to your surgeon, since they should be your right hand man.

The nurse who is taking care of you is more than likely not a person involved in your operation. She would not know if your surgeon added any liquid. As for pain meds, I had small pills, not liquids.

They are meals you make in a muffin pan. Depending on the size of the actual muffin spot on the pan, one or two of these items are good for a meal. For example, this week for Breakfast I made muffin pan frittatas. I bought a roll of chicken sausage, frozen pepper blend (red, yellow, green peppers and onion), Southwest style liquid egg, and fat free kraft cheddar. I cooked the sausage first, then did approx 2 oz per muffin slot (6 slots on my pan). I then added the pepper mix and then poured in liquid egg to the top of the meat and peppers. I topped each pan with 10 grams of cheese and then baked til done. Nutrition came out to 125 calories and 20g Protein per frittata. I can now reheat a frittata for breakfast each morning and have no excuse to eat unhealthy stuff.

I had some spare ribs, some baked beans, and a piece of homemade garlic bread.

walmart

As for must haves: - Ninja Pulse- Awesome kitchen tool! I bought mine at Target for $80 and it came with one large blender container, a storage lid, three travel mugs, and two dough paddles. The one from Walmart is a lower hp version and only has two cups but is the same price. - Muffin tin- I have recently started making some muffin pan meals, which are perfect band sizes! I can make my week of lunches or breakfasts and then reheat when needed. You can also freeze. - Jean's Bandwagon and the accompanying Cookbook. These have an abundance of great info. I find myself jumping to sections throughout the book for some strange questions, but I always find the answers! - This is not a kitchen accessory, but a mini pillowpet or small travel pillow to press against the stomach when getting up, down, getting in or out of cars, walking, or laying in bed.

I would recommend going to Jean's website and ordering through there- she also has a book (encyclopedia) about the lapband that is great that is not available on Amazon- I think $25 or $30 for both?

Try peppermint tea for gas pains as well. Good luck guys!

Most practices only recommend tylenol, either liquid or the ones that are smaller than your pinky nail. Other types of medicines have things in them that may contribute to erosion.