Corrigan

Education and willpower.

For some, the band works with no fills. I haven't had a fill yet and a number of others have lost their goal weight without fills. This is probably unusual. It seems that most people use fills to the "sweet spot" before they are comfortable with their weight loss progress, and this seems different with each individual.

You're not doing anything immoral or dishonest, so what if anyone knows you are trying to improve your health. This is really not anyone else's business, and you need to relax and just think what you'll look like when you reach your goal weight, then let them talk.

If it becomes puffy and you see any type of discharge, you should see your doctor. My surgeon said if I had that problem, to keep it clean and dry, and see him when convenient. You just had major surgery although it seems minor, and it will take time to heal. Don't obsess about it and it'll probably heal in a few days.

I wonder if you didn't lose your initial weight too quickly. Some of us begin our weight loss with too much enthusiasm and lose muscle mass along with the fat. Then there is a period of depression that not only the girls have. I know I went through the "what have I done" period for a few days, and began to work out too quickly,bought a new bike, moved my hay stack, and just lost too quickly. I've since slowed my weight loss, trying to lose 1 to 1 1/2 lbs a week and thing are going much better for me. As far as testosterone decrease, maybe you should have your doctor test you to be sure. Your body is undergoing a number of changes now, and just give yourself some time to adjust, and don't rush your exercise program. Do lots of walking and light lifting for a few more weeks, then begin to get back to heavier lifting gradually. Good luck with your loss, and as they say, "all things in moderation".

As Tracey said, you may be having problems with adhesions, but if it's more than minor discomfort, take the time to consult your doctor. It's probably nothing serious, but better safe than sorry.

There is a recipe section in this forum with some good ideas and if you look on line, there are enough good, weight loss ideas to keep you busy for quite a while.

An interesting phenomenon, In this hemisphere the liquid in your pouch goes down clockwise, and in Australia, it goes counterclockwise (anticlockwise).

I don't know, I tend to be pretty liberal with foods, but it's a little early for pizza. For one thing it's bread and many of us have problems with bread. I guess if you just eat the topping and leave most of the crust and really chew well, you might be OK. To me, the biggest problem is getting stuck, so go slow and see how you make out and have a good time.

To many people who go there, money isn't important (I'm not one), I was referred by my doctor and the standard of care was as good as it could have been, although rather expensive.

You're right, I don't know where I got that idea. A double whopper w/fries is only 2000 calories. As to the fills, with fluoroscope, they're $5010, (at a major LA hospital), I haven't had one yet.

I'm sure you know that many hamburgers have 3500 calories, and you'd have to run just about a Marathon to burn that off. I think that as long as you're aware of that and don't do it often, you'll be OK. A lot of super strong willed people will disagree, but if we deny ourselves everything, we'll have a much harder time of succeeding. That said, if I overindulge, I work extra hard the next few days or weeks to make up for it. I try to average 1 to 2 pounds a week. If I miss a week, I try to lose twice as much the next week or two. This band cost $45K and I can't let that go to waste.

You're going to a Center of Excellence so you shouldn't have any problems at all with your surgery, in fact, being self pay, you should be able to go home the same day (bring a driver), and be back to work in 3-4 days. I don't see why anyone needs to know anything you don't really want them to know. This is strictly your affair and if you need to say anything, say your health requires you to loose a little weight, and that's what you're doing. Don't forget your slippers and PJs, I hope you do well.

Don't forget your slippers and PJs (and maybe some chapstick), and best of luck.

Wikipedia has a very good review of bands and their history. I'm sure some of the lessor foreign clinics use bands that most good American clinics wouldn't use, but their are a couple Mexican clinics that seem to have good results. I wouldn't go to any other than a Center of Excellence in the US, but that's just me. I hate to think of anyone with less than the very latest training digging around my innards. If one of my family asked me , I'd tell them to do as much research , from reliable sources, as they can, find out as much as possible (don't be afraid to ask), about your surgeon and his experience and affiliations. Any WLS you're having will probably be with you the rest of your life so it seems prudent to get the very best surgery you can. Think of the discomfort just an ulcer can cause and you can imagine the pain an improperly installed band could cause. There's a world of experience on this forum that you can take advantage of, many other forums, some positive, some negative, but you need to weigh both sides. Whatever you choose, make it an informed decision and good luck.