NWgirl

Yes, small pillow is a must! Also, make sure to take your pain meds on schedule for the first two or three days, whether you feel you need them or not- if you let pain happen, it's harder for the meds to make it go away again. Don't buy too much stuff to start, because if you don't use it you won't have stockpiles.

Make sure to read, read, read about everything Lapband- from good to bad, what to expect after surgery, fills, pre-op/post-op diet, bandster hell, etc. Personally, I am surprised by how many people get this surgery and then come on here and ask questions about things they should have known or expect to start dropping a lot of weight ASAP!

Just make sure to get enough protein and drink/eat before you get crazy hungry. I find if I let myself get too hungry, all sanity is out the window.

It varies from person to person, there are no guarantees.

my surgeon didn't want patients drinking caffeine for the first two weeks post-op... Can't remember why, as I'm not a coffee drinker.

I would just say make sure that you are getting in 60g+ protein. If three shakes has that much, then you should be fine. If not, drink the extra shakes because your body needs the protein.

I eat three times a day. I usually get 80g+ of Protein per day. I also drink 85oz+ Water. I will enjoy some diet drinks (no soda, but diet Snapples, Sobe lifewaters, etc), but max about 20oz per day. I try to keep calories between 1000-1200 a day. This is a usual day of eating (http://www.fitbit.co...date/2012-04-12) - Breakfast (approx 300 calories): Instant oatmeal (weight watchers from Quaker has extra protein/fiber) and 2% milk - lunch (approx 400 calories): 1/2 turkey wrap (Made with light mayo, turkey, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, tomato, mushroom, and lettuce) and about 3/4 cup cottage cheese (sometimes with fruit on top). - dinner (approx 300-350 calories): 1/2 turkey wrap (same as above) and possibly a sugar free pudding cup. I also get another 60 calories in from my Vitamins. I take an O-purity band multi, a chewable Iron, sublingual B12, 5000mg Biotin, 5000iu Vit D, Probiotic pearl, birth control, Calcium chew, allergy pill, and a Coromega Omega-3 squeeze.

Umm, wow. Sounds like the surgeon/hospital is ripping off your insurance. If they do send you a bill, I would contact them. Normal costs billed to insurance seem to be between 20k-30k, so this guy has got three times that amount.

I would request a itemized invoice, where there other medical problems that needed treatment?

My surgeon/hospital only billed approx $20k... the amount billed is absolutely ridiculous. I would be on the phone asap Monday!

No, it is probably too tight. i would get some fluid taken out asap, otherwise you may become dehydrated.

I would suggest reaching out to a local hospital that does bariatrics and ask if they have a current support group list for the area. I was provided with a list for major support groups across Oregon.

Are you sure you have that much? It seems like an awful lot for only having a few fills.

There is a post on my blog on how to do the weight loss ticker. Pretty much you need to click on a ticker (like mine below) and it will take you to the ticker website. You then create your own, copy the bbCode, and paste it under your signature (accessed through upper right corner>edit profile> signature).

People who get banded but don't lose the weight don't follow the rules. They eat crap they shouldn't and learn to eat around their bands. As for how you will feel, everyone is different. Some people grow indifferent to food, others still want food and must stop themselves. The band is supposed to help you stay fuller longer.

I read through and am sorry you have felt so down. Look on the bright side- you are only 50 away from goal! You've done an amazing thing losing the weight you already have, and what you really need to do is get your head in the game again. I think your Dr is wrong when he says you are going to have a good time losing weight because the metabolism- there are people on this board 2 or 3 years out still losing weight. I think you may need to switch some things up, but there is hope!!!

Good luck!

I was told two weeks, as long as all incisions are fully closed.

I am drinking between 80-100oz per day. I was banded March 20th. Water won't stretch the pouch, so I drink as much as i want. I listen to my body though, just in case it's not going through the band fast enough. Also, start practicing not drinking within 30-45 minutes of eating, it will make the transition easier when you get to solids.

I have stretch marks too, but I figure if I can lose the weight and be healthier and the cost is a looser tummy, it's better than being fat and sick. I am still holding out hope that the skin will snap back though...

I would stay away from pickles becuase the high amount of sodium can cause water retention. If you must eat, which I don't say you should if it's not part of your pre-op, find a Protein bar low in fat and high in protein.

It varies from person to person, based on age, genetics, and current skin damage. Some people can go from 250 down to 140 and have great bodies, and others can't. I am 23, and hoping that I'm better off... I am worried about my stomach though. I've also read that if you have stretch marks, the skin is permanently damaged and it is likely it will be looser. I also saw a poster say her Dr recommended lotioning daily because it might help the skin's elasticity... I have no idea if this holds any merit, but am trying all tips I hear

Make sure you are getting enough protein. Some "protein" drinks or weight loss shakes only have 10g protein, and if you are drinking one of these, the hunger would be understandable. I am not actively drinking my shakes everyday now, but use the Premier Nutrition chocolate shakes found at Costco, 18 for approx $25. These shakes have 30g protein, low carb and low fat. I was not required to be on a liquid diet, but I did do a self imposed one of two shakes, two Yoplait Greek yogurts (the four pack kind, which are smaller than normal), and one Quest protein bar (high fiber and protein) per day. I was honestly not very hungry and I believe it was because I was getting 80g+ protein per day.

And you're already under 200? About 190? I am guessing since you have less weight to lose (assuming, unless you're shorter...) it will take a little longer. Don't get discouraged by looking at others dropping weight because most of us are closer to the 250's starting out, but when we get down to your weight, it will be harder for us too.

Some nurses swear by peppermint tea. I tried it the first few days post-op, and I did not have any gas pains. I did get gas pains around day five, so maybe there's a correlation with drinking the peppermint tea... I don't know. I just knew I could not keep drinking so much peppermint flavored tea