Jim1967

Wow it sounds like you have some pretty rotten luck when it comes to Cruises with your band. If it were me I wouldn't dare risk my band or restriction. You posted the question and one of the options was not 'not go at all' which is what I would choose. So with the two options you gave me I would opt not to get an unfill. You sound like a frequent Cruiser. If it were me I would find a way to adapt my new lifestyle with my vacation habits or I would find a new vacation habit that worked with it.

I have a Realize band as does my Wife. Here is a link to a page that has a side by side comparison. http://www.wlshelp.com/lap-band-vs-realize-band.html

Is that a battery operated scale? If so maybe it is time for a battery change. I had a similar issue and it turns out it was the batteries.

Polly thanks for sharing. If your band is healthy than it's not too late for you. Climb back on that horse and join us in the obesity fight!! You can do this...

Another favorite of mine is Diet Snapple but man that stuff is expensive. Can get it on sale from time to time. Also I tried diet Brisk lemonade this past weekend. That was pretty good and it's not carbonated either.

Actually the more crap you have wrong with ya the better chance of the surgery approval being a medical necessity. I was 488lbs and had no co-morbidities (aside from sleep Apnea) and I was denied on my first attempt. It wasn't until my Surgeon flooded the insurance company with documentation did I get approved. You would've thought being 488lbs would have been enough for them but NO.

Do you have a droid or IPhone? There is a free app called 'Eat Slower'. You can set the timer anywhere from 20 seconds to 3 minutes. Each time it chimes you take a bite and chew.

Wow, it is awful what is happening to you no doubt. On the flip side I think it would suck even more had you just had surgery and the office closed down. Surgeons can really be wary when it comes to someone's after care of a surgery they were not even part of. In some ways as frustrating as it is maybe it's a blessing. Good Luck. Hope you find your answers.

That is a good idea. Thanks. My problem is during the work day I just get so involved in something and next thing I know it's 3 in the afternoon.

No food is not a problem. Remembering to eat is the problem because when I finally do get actual hunger I stop and look at the clock and then do the math to make sure appropriate time has passed. If I were hungry after just eating 2 hours ago then I would be screaming 'fill'.

Sorry Cheryl, I meant sticky as in I pinned your thread to top of the forum because I think it is very important for others to see. We see so many come on here and ask the question of whether or not they should call their doctor. Call the Doctor first and then come ask for others opinions and experiences.

Congratulations B-52!! Inspirational story indeed..

Words of wisdom!! This one is a sticky. Thanks Cheryl.

Look at a clock. Then I start thinking how long ago it was that I last ate something. I think 7 hours is a bit extreme...and then I have those days where I wonder if I need a fill. I guess I just need to eat and stop thinking. LOL

I don't have the sleeve so I cannot speak on experience with it but I do have the band and I was 450 on surgery day. I was 488 when I went for my consult and my Surgeon didn't bat an eye. Whether or not they can or will do the surgery would probably come down to his medical history but honestly I have never heard of anyone being passed on because of how big they were.

Fall down 5 times, get up 6. Just keep your eye on the prize and remind yourself every day why you want/need this. You can do it!!

Different Doctors have different methods. Mine told me the week before surgery I could have one shake per day along with a small meal and rest being liquid. I had already lost 38lbs during the 6 month supervised diet required by insurance so he figured that was good enough. As stated the purpose is to shrink your liver for a easier and safer surgery.

It's never too late to start!! Visit your surgeon and get a check up and then you're off to the races...

That's kind of funny. I should ask my wife if that is her bands name. She is a huge NKOTB fan but I think she was more of a Joey McIntyre kind of girl.

I missed soda in the beginning but not now. I don't miss being 400+lbs a whole lot more.

More I read that article the more it sounds to me like she is trying to convince herself that she is happy.

Good luck. Before you know it you'll be a year post op!!

This new life is amazing. This past holiday season was my second as a bandster and I can tell you it was probably the first time in my life that I did not gain weight during the holidays. In fact I lost about 10lbs. What is amazing is I did not deprive myself of anything and I had a taste of everthing I wanted. My band dictated the volume and frequency and quite honestly I didn't once feel deprived and expected to be up on the scale only to be surprised with a loss. I simply love band life...I wouldn't change a thing.

Same here I have developed a new normal thanks to my band but as I get closer to goal I do worry about history repeating itself with my gaining the weight back. Although my band does not allow me to over eat like used when I was pre-op I do still think about it.

My Surgeon recommended I get one. I got here: http://www.laurenshope.com/ I have the dog tag I wear around my neck. You will get all sorts of opinions on this subject so it really is a personal choice. Either way I figure it is a one time $50 bucks. Doesn't hurt to have it and hopefully never have a need for it.