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I can eat rice, but not a lot of it. Maybe 1/4 cup. Try it and take it slow. Everybody's experience is different. Good luck!

Hi. I'm nearly 2 years out from surgery. My nutritionist's guidelines were to eat a mini-meal every 3-4 hours, two of Protein and fruit and two with protein and veggies. So, my typical day would be: 6:00 a.m.: protein shake 8:30 a.m.: protein + fruit (Morningstar Farms sausage + apple) 12:00 pm: protein + veggie (spinach salad with 3 oz chicken) 3:00 p.m.: protein + fruit (1/2 C. cottage cheese + strawberries) 6:00 p.m.: protein + veggie (3 oz. fish/chicken/protein + veggie) Hope this helps! Stephanie

You're a great inspiration, Sylvia. Keep up the great work! Stephanie

You're beautiful, Sylvia. Congratulations on the 50-pound loss and for rockin the dress! Stephanie

I'm in the same boat as you, but I think it's because of the weather change. In in Maryland, and fall has started. I think the cooler temperatures are the culprit. I'm just taking it a lot slower, following the rules a little more closely (chewing, pausing between bites). So far, so good. Good luck to you too!

Hi. My doctor's instructions were to put it in the fridge after mixing and let it settle for about 30 minutes. Then you scoop off the froth at the top. Hope this helps! Stephanie

That was my experience too. Dr. A didn't have a specific requirement (that I know of). My insurance required six months.

I couldn't have said it better myself. I believe food addiction is real, and the only way to control it is to avoid it. One taste or nibble sends me over the edge. I give a rats @$&? and struggle with every temptation. Here's to us controlling our demons.

I love Dr. Averbach and his staff. I'm also available for support if needed. Good luck to everyone Stephanie

Hi. I was banded August 16, 2011. I've lost 70 pounds so far and have 3.75 in my band. I'm 10 pounds from my original goal (150). It has been a wonderfull journey I wish us all great success. Stephanie

I recommend a a book called "Toxic Parents." It'll help you identify "toxic" people (not just parents) in your life. It'll also help you determine what to do. You can keep the status quo, completely cut her out of your life, or some compromise in the middle. Only you can determine. Not an easy answer. But now that you have children and her actions impact them, boundaries need to be set. As sman 342 said, you can't change someone else, you can only change your response. Good luck with it all. Stephanie

Good luck! We'll all be here for you when you return. Stephanie

Good morning. Yes, I have issues with scrambled eggs. I've tried them wet, dry, with cheese, and also chewed into mush. They don't stay down. The only way they work for me is with stuff in them (i.e., green peppers, onions, tomato). I kept trying until I finally realized plain scrambled eggs don't work for me. I beleive scrambled eggs is a common problem food. Good luck!

Congratulations! And, what a wonderful accomplishment for you all. Nice story. Stephanie

Hang in there, Sylvia. First day is the hardest. You'll sleep well tonight. Stephanie

I'm here! Live in Harford County, work in Towson. Was banded at St. Agnes 11 months ago. Stephanie

I love Dr. Averbach and his staff. They have a very well structured program, starting with the information seminar, to the psych eval, to nutrition counseling. The staff are efficient, friendly, and accommodating. Dr. Averbach is wonderful. He's helpful, knowledgeable, and very good at what he does. I have nothing but positives. I am 11 months banded through his office. Feel free to email me. Stephanie

Good morning. My doctor explained to me that fills are "fluid," meaning that when Fluid is removed (such as to check fill level) and then re-added, it can refill the band differently so an adequate fill level may change. I had to have fluid removed once and when he refilled it, it was less than a previous level where I had actually been hungry. Hope this can help. Stephanie

Good luck, Sylvia. Praying for a speedy recovery. See you on the other side! Stephanie

At ten months in, I am grateful for: 1. Healthier habits 2. 69-pound weight loss 3. Ability and desire to exercise 4. Feeling "normal" now 5. Better quality of life. Thanks! Stephanie

The power of positive thinking is amazing. Thank you for all of your positive, inspirational posts! I look forward to reading all of them. Stephanie

Hi, Sylvia. I also live in Maryland. Had my surgery at St. Agnes Hospital on August 16, 2011. I'm down 69 pounds and doing well. I would be happy to be a support buddy. I know this is a scary journey, and someone to bounce things off is always helpful. Good luck on this wonderful journey. Stephanie

My nutritionist recommends eating every 3-4 hours with protein at every mini-meal. So, I start my day with a protein shake, have sausage and an apple for breakfast, 3 oz of protein + a veggie for lunch, 3 oz. protein + fruit for afternoon snack, and then 3 oz. protein + veggie for dinner. My nutritionist said there's no way to get in the needed nutrition otherwise. I have been successful with this -- losing 65 pounds over 10 months. Good luck!

Hi, Melcat. I also live in the Baltimore area and would be happy to be buddies. I've been banded for almost ten months. How about you?

St. Agnes Hospital has support group meetings on alternating Mondays, (May 21, June 4) at 6:00 p.m. Their number is 1-866-690-9355. GBMC's support groups meet at 6:00 as well on the following dates (June 5, 2012, July 3, 2012, August 7, 2012, September 4, 2012, October 2, 2012, November 6, 2012, December 4, 2012). Sinai holds their meetings on May 24 @ 6-8. Once monthly (June 28 @ 6-8). Sinai hold meetings at Northwest Hospital on May 24 @ 7-8 and on June 28 @ 7-8. University of MD holds meetings at BW Medical Center (formerly North Arundel Hospital) at 7:00 p.m. (May 16, June 20, July 18 ...). Usually meets the third Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Good luck!