NWgirl

I would really caution against trying to use soda as a dislodging technique. At one point a few months ago, I was eating a meal and decided to take a teeny, tiny sip of soda because I felt things coming to a halt. It literally felt like the soda caused the food to become stuck and I had a hard time breathing right for a few minutes due to food being lodged and the combo of carbonated drink expanding. Incidentally, this also ended up being my first PB. As for drinking sodas, I do drink a few diet sodas a week. My surgical practice said as long as you did not suffer the negatives (pain from gas) then you were good to go. They of course cautioned to keep consumption low, for obvious reasons.

I don't have children, but the only thing I would be worried about is the children spilling the Beans (so to speak) to someone else because they don't understand it's not common knowledge. Because they're children, I would illustrate in a way they can comprehend- in "Bandwagon" by Jean McMillian, she uses the visual of a soda bottle being the stomach. With a normal stomach, you must fill the bottle all the way to the top to activate the area of the stomach that tells your brain you are satisfied. The Lapband acts as a band around the top part of the bottle, meaning you eat a lot less to activate the satisfied feeling to the brain. I hope I explained that right.

I always make sure to order something that I know will not be dry because I have a big problem with dry meats. I also like to order something that will re-heat well since I cannot eat a whole entree alone. Since I eat out so infrequently, I am a little more lax with calories, but I do try to make healthy choices.

I worked, so no temptations for me Although, I may have indulged in a little too much wine last night....

Mine came as it was expected and was not brought on early by surgery. For some, it seems to come the same day and others stays the same.

Get sugar free syrups to add to the shakes. Look for Torini. They are usually in the coffee aisle.

Most likely you are experiencing residual gas from the surgery. It will pass in time. I stopped burping a lot about three-four weeks post-surgery.

It is the Vagus nerve.

I, personally, did not "feel" the band inside after surgery. Some people are really in tune with their bodies and say they can feel it. I also did not try to find my port for the first week or so because of the incision pain.

I've been debating ordering one, as I saw someone post last week about great, tender meats. I think I'll hold off til I am back in my own place (I am temporarily living with others). Keep us updated with recipes

Hi there! We all start at the same spot and most either find their way here before or shortly after their surgery. My advice is to research everything lapband related and know what you're getting into. Some are not well informed by Dr's of what is necessary to succeed with the band and do not pursue education in any other aspect. I really recommend getting "Bandwagon" by Jean McMillan (there is a multimedia link somewhere on this page in a square box), it is chock full of great info for any stage.

Insurance companies have 30 days to respond to a pre-authorization. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/4543-before-and-after-lap-band-surgery-pictures-only/

I'm going to suggest if you are craving meat, you are craving protein and are not getting enough. A good rule of thumb calculation for protein consumption is weight x 0.3= grams in protein.

People I'm around all the time seem to have a harder time noticing than those I see infrequently. I've lost over 50 and still have not had some people say anything. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I know that emotional issues can be a big push to eat, so as to stuff them back down, but they never go away until you deal with them. Those aside, I would suggest preparing ALL foods you will eat tomorrow in containers, baggies, etc and then you have all of your food all ready and planned. This way you will have to really think about breaking your food plan and eating things you shouldn't since it would be sitting right at the front of the fridge.

Blend the soup in a blender is what the person was suggesting. I hated the liquid diet portion because of the little variety. I found that if I had a few cream soups or soups I could puree (which was allowed for me), then I felt I was getting a larger variety. Just stick it out, try and drink 60+ ounces of water a day if possible, and make sure to get in enough protein.

I love my summer fruits- strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, nectarines, and so many more!

It comes off at its own pace, which is usually 7-10 days after. If you had one fall off sooner, you may want to call the surgeon's office and see what they advise.

I agree with Mis, if I get to the point where I feel full signals, I am miserable. I consider myself in the green zone but could still eat more if I want

You can use straws, if it does not cause any pain. Some people suck in air and get gas-like pains. I personally use straws often.

I use it in conjunction with fitbit, when I'm logging food. Love the food barcode scanner!!

I was told to take Centrum chewables by my surgeon. I did try the Opurity band specific Vitamins, but found that they were too sweet. I was told no gummy vitamins because they did not have all the necessary nutrients. I have also heard of others using flintstones complete. As for ready to drink, I would suggest premier nutrition from costco or sam's club. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Yes. I finally settled on one I could tolerate- Premier Protein from costco or sam's club. I do occasionally buy new powders to try, but have relinquished myself to the fact I will probably not find a powder I love. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I would also add a small travel pillow to your let so you can use it to support your stomach the first week when getting up/down or sleeping in bed. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk