Matt Z

I found this today in my search, figured I would share. http://www.ismp.org/Tools/DoNotCrush.pdf

"Ideally, you should consume 0.36 grams of Protein for every pound of body weight, according to recommended daily allowances (RDA) set by the food and Nutrition Board." The problem with injesting too much protein is that our kidneys end up going into overdrive to flush out the ketones produced when consuming large amounts of protein, which leads to dehydration, which is why it's very important to maintain proper hydration. For me, at 343 lbs, I should be consuming 123 grams of protein a day. Your best bet is going to be to talk to your nutritionist, since they will be able to give you a number based on your specific situation, any information from anyone else is just going to be guesswork at best.

The SAGB / Swedish band *IS*(should be) the realize band, unless you are getting the surgery outside of the United States, unless I'm mistaken, the FDA only has approved Realize and Allergan lap band systems. I would ask the doc again what "brand" the SAGB is... I hate to say it, but some docs do get more money to implant one band over the other.

I asked just this question to the head surgeon at Rhode Island Hospital during an "Ask the Doctor" session this past Wed. He was VERY honest and did not lean towards one over the other. He stated that any stats you see on a website are most likely going to be geared towards the band that is sponsering that report. The thing with stats is that you can pick and chose what you want in order to make your product seem better. The Surgeon said that each has had it's down falls, but with recent updates to both systems, they are on a level playing field overall at this point. So as far as "which band do I chose?" don't worry about the claims you see on each site, since in the real world, they both do exactly the same thing to the same level of effectiveness, look at the extras that come with it, (support features) and decide what is going to be better for YOU to use. Pretty much, bottom line, each works just as well as the other. All the "Allergen is less forgiving than Realize" "Realize is more adjustable than Allergen" it's all just marketing, don't ever forget that these companies are trying to make money, so of course they will all always be better than the next, just like any other product that does the same thing. If you have a choice, make your choice based on support features. If you have the option to let your doctor chose, that works well also.

Thanks Ali ! I've go 15 days until I get mine... boy I can't wait!

I wasn't given a choice either, but the Realize band ads are all over the office, the one they had on the plastic stomach was segmented, not sure if that was a Realize band or Lap-Band system band. I found these sites with information about the differences. http://www.realize.c...-comparison.htm (Realize vs Allergan Lap-band system) http://www.lapband.c...ompare_lapband/ (click on the Allergan Lap-band vs Realize system tab to see the line up) http://www.obesityhe...tric-Bands.html http://www.bariatric...-procedure.html http://www.wlshelp.c...alize-band.html It's funny to see how each "nudge" each other in their line up.

Drinking my first bottle of Isopure Zero Carb RTD... and this stuff is AWESOME. Apple Melon, great taste, only 160 cals, 40g Protein, no fat, no carbs, no sugars. I've been sipping it for the past hour, only 10 oz in and I'm full... and I'm not banded yet! I'm glad I bought the mixed case! I just wish it was a bit less expensive.

Congrats Brat!! My doc told me clears for like a week... check your paperwork, call who you need to... but the hard part is pretty much over, now just to deal with the road back!

I used to work out when I was in the Air Force, so taste isn't too much a factor for me... The best flavor I've tried, it's not the "light" but it's Cake Batter.. a scoop of that mixed with some yogurt.. drool

ugh.. ok you got me on that one. I've been checking out different Proteins to find one that was good on taste, low on carbs, high on Protein and I did find that Muscle Milk had the best overall stats. I've got a mixed case of Isopure Zero Carb drinks coming in today, so I'll see how those taste soon enough. 40 grams of protein in 20 oz 1 serving, 160 cal, no carb, no fat, no sodium etc etc etc.and it's a clear liquid.

Waynef, Not so sure 343 is all that skinny lol 54Shirley, I know that the post-op diet is liquids liquids liquids, but afterwards at least I'd have the thought that, it's in, I'm banded, just get through it and it will be fine. Pre-op fasting, well my paperwork made sure to state that something might happen to delay the surgery. I've done fasting/starvation/liquid only diets before... they suck. I did one fast for a month and it was beyond sucksville. I'm just glad that, so far, it seems that everyone that's active here is pretty damn supportive. So, kudos to those for helping everyone else out, one day at a time... Matt

It's curious how each doctors approch differs, I had my final pre-op yesterday, getting banded on the 18th, and my pre-op check list doesn't have anything for liquid only, execpt for the day prior to the surgery, where it's Clear liquids only, at 3pm it says take 2 Dulcolax, then at 5pm mix a whole bottle of MiraLax with 64oz of Gatorade and drink 8oz every 10 - 15 mins until gone, and that's it... I couldn't fathom doing weeks with no solids before surgery, after is sort of a no brainer... Good on you folks for being strong enough to deal with it.. I hope I can be just as strong!

Nov 18th here... I REALLY wanted to get the surgery on my birthday (nov 15th) but my surgeon doesn't do surgery on Tuesdays lol.. Oh well!

Good day all, Hello, Greetings and Salutations. My name is Matt. I'm 32, a veteran and a father of 2. I've struggled with weight for a while as a child, but was able to overcome it for my last years as a teenager. About halfway into my military career, things took a turn for the worse and the weight came back stronger than ever. I battled back and forth with the weight, but in the end, I was out of regs so I could not reenlist. This was crushing to me. After being turned away by the military, I fell on some trying times, and the weight just kept coming. I was able to find a median and put the weight in it's place, but losing it wasn't working. So I was stuck. I watched, followed and waited until I could get the lap band surgery. After a few more job changes, our medical finally allowed for the surgery. So here I am, 343 lbs, 5 foot 9, 32 years old. I was pushing to get my surgery for my birthday (Nov 15th) but my surgeon doesn't do surgery on Tuesdays (sigh) So Friday, Nov 18th I go in for my surgery. And I can finally close this chapter, and start writing a new, fast paced, exciting chapter! Thanks for reading, Matt.