Banterwonder

Taking biotin and carefully watched the protein intake to make sure I was meeting recommended requirement. Took about 2 months, but I am seeing less hair in the drain ! Whew !

Lap band surgery is no joke. When you write a post that your band is sliding upwards, or sliding at all, it could be a sign of a serious complication. The forums are public, so when you post you must expect that there will be replies that you may not like or agree with. However, that is what you get.

I can definately tell a difference! Not just in the actual photograph.... but you look like you have much more self-confidence ! It seems to come through in the photos ! Congratulations!

Great story ! What was his reaction /response ?

I love to make soups and stews in mine. Lifesaver for bean soups and I make the best pork or beef ribs. Would like to try an electric pressure cooker as I currently have a stove top model. The rib recipe is from HSN: put ribs into the pressure cooker,required amount of water, ( mine takes about a cup of water) dump one or two bottles of your favorite BBQ sauce on top, bring to pressure and cook for 30-40 minutes. Fall off the bone tender !

And they are now shipping their cheese sauce !!! Get it ! delicious !

I don't htink that when you are horizontal, ie, laying down, your band should be sliding anywhere !!!!! It is a funny "mind-picture" however.......

I thought at first your, "tap-tap" was you tapping on your band ! So funny !

My surgery was afternoon and I stayed overnight. Went home the next day afternoon. It was ok in the hospital, but I was bugging the staff to discharge me quick as I really wanted to be in my own bed. They woke you every 2 hours to walk for 10-15 minutes.... necessary, I know, but a real pain.

Tuna salad, Greek yogurt, soup in a thermos, baked, boneless chicken thighs( can't do chicken breasts, too dry), I actually had a small piece of filet mignon the other day. I had stayed away from beef, biut gave the filet a try, great. Scallops go down very easily, nicely grilled, they were very moist. I try to have a very small green sald with dressing and that works well. I used to love raw cauliflower, but not now. Have learned to love well- cooked cauliflower with a bit of margarine and salt and pepper. Also, egg salad made with low fat mayo and some mustard. I will also have lots of soups, small cups. And smoothies made with unjury powder with a banana and tablespoon of peanut butter...... mmmmmm....

I also recommend David Kessler's book. Very enlightening. I have moments when I "mourn" past favorite foods.... the list can be long. This past summer, I often mourned barbequed foods.... hot dogs and burgers on the grill, grilled corn. But, I also realized that I CAN have some of these foods, just smaller quantities, chewed to death (!), but I could still taste them. I agree that this is a very real feeling that we have after being banded. I agree with Tom about following the "band rules" I think I should carry them in a card in my pocket !!!!

I , too, only told husband and 2 adult children. All sworn to secrecy. Personal decision and I didn't want to have to listen to horror stories. Also, I am not interested in hearing other peopl's opinions about my personal medical choices. If someone asks, I tell them I am eating less and getting lots of exercise, then I change the subject.

oh yes, this should be fun! moderators out there?

yes, there are trolls lurking about. Band erosion stories seem popular..... if its a horror tale about a lap band, be wary.

increased confidence, higher self-esteem. People pay attention to what I have to say. Before being banded, it seemed like I was invisible.

You may be right, Maddysgram..... have you looked at the profile ? "6"2', BMI 10.5" uh oh

Passed a group of people easting very lovely looking, huge bowls of chopped salad.... it looked great. I seem to miss being able to eat the quantiy of food I used to eat ! Also tuna sandwiches, steaks, even hot fries from fast foos establishments..... But, I agree with previous poster who spoke about the benefits of being banded.... like.... actually being able to take a bath !!!! and not displacing so much Water Having my pants falling off me ! Fitting in to smaller size clothes that I was hanging on to for "someday these/this will fit", Having people choose to sit next to me on train/bus, compliments, not having to pee every 10 minutes(!) all good, in balance.

pinot grigio skinny girl margarita vodka and crystal light about one month post op doesn't take as much to get me loopy now ! 1-2 drinks, thats it !

Fostermomma: excellent stroy about your surgery day ! It was a fun read

erin-love the water bottle idea! And I seem to have sooooo many water bottles all around !

They really don't taste like anything else. It is an cquired taste. I ended up loving the corn dogs dipped in honey mustard ! The riblets, not so much. I kept on expcting that delicious , BBQ flavor.

I got dehydrated and started having muscle cramps, dark urine. Now I don't go anywhere without water. Lesson learned.

I had hubby take " before" pictures in a bathing suit, 2 piece.... they are hysterical and I was hysterical when I looked at them. BUT, it is very helpful now, to see a new picture after 50-plus loss, and compare!!!! By the way, until I started wearing properly fitting clothing, NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE, noticed my 50 pound weight loss ! I cannot say enough about the value of one great, properly fitting outfit !! Including undergarments !!!!! Got a good-fitting bra to get the ladies looking better !!!!!Huge difference !

Jean Mcmillan's fantastic book,"Bandwagon", lists 15 band eating skills. After she lists them, Jean goes into details for each one . It is a great book, my go-to book for 2 AM band terror questions.... hehehe!

my surgeon recommended at the mushies stage, yhinned oatmeal, cream of wheat. Did not clog up the band at all. Felt good to eat something close to "normal"! I guess we are in the new normal now !