DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

You can't expect an abundance of compassion when you're perceived as a potential scam or threat. Again, we don't know you, all we know is you're asking us to click links and be a part of something when we have no idea whether it's safe or even legit. Step outside the box and have a look from our perspective. It's nothing personal against you, it's just a matter of us being cautious.

Were you catheterized during surgery? That could've done it.

It's the internet and this is a forum. People are going to respond and you may not always like their responses. You can either let it bug you or ignore it, but either way you have to be prepared for it whenever you're posting on an open online forum.

Congratulations!!!

I did a search to figure out what you were talking about. You didn't come here looking for compassion and at no time were you belittled. You came here, never having posting before and have no relationship with anyone here, looking for votes for your contest. I'm sorry but people reacted with caution and honesty. When a stranger comes out of the blue posting links and wanting our help with one of the zillion potential scams out there, a red flag goes up. We don't want a virus from a link and we don't want to be part of a scam. We don't know you so we don't trust you, either. You can't fault us for having a healthy dose of skepticism. If you want our help, trying being a part of our community and getting to know us, not just coming here for votes. Otherwise, you're sure to get nowhere fast.

I had a similar experience. A friend lost about 160 pounds over a couple years by dieting and working out 4 hours a day. I was pretty much blasted for having WLS every chance she got. I told her that the problem wasn't losing- I could do that. The problem was keeping it off and why I needed the band. She scoffed at me. ...fast forward 6 months to now. She's regained about 45-50 pounds. She gets extremely defensive about it, too. My only response has been "sorry you're struggling, but it's like I said, losing isn't hard but keeping it off is". Karma is a much bigger b*tch than I could ever be. Nuff said.

There are two different kinds of Slimfast, one with 10g of Protein per serving and the other has 20g of protein per serving. Get the higher protein one because it will really help to keep your hunger at bay. Good luck!

If you're losing a pound a day (usually at the beginning), it's mostly Water weight. Once the actual fat starts coming off it slows considerably. The average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds per week- not per day. Be patient. Keep counting your calories and exercising and the weight will come off. It just takes time.

Ok so you can't see it under the skin? I'm just trying to figure out if it's just swollen from surgery or literally right under the skin pushing upward. I can see mine but I've lost over 230 pounds so it's to be expected. At the beginning it was too covered in fat to see. And when I say "see" I mean see the bump under the skin.

Are you newly banded? Can you actually see it just under the skin? Is this a new thing?

If you're talking about the air trapped after surgery, the only thing that can help get it out faster is walking. Walking helps your body reabsorb it faster. You might find a heating pad helps with the discomfort, too.

Vomiting is never normal with the band should be avoided at all costs. If you're taking small enough bites, chewing enough, and not over eating yet still vomiting you need to call your doctor and discuss it with him. Vomiting is one of the man causes of band slips so you really need to deal with the problem so you won't continue doing it.

Definitely get everything you'll need for your first week of the post op diet ahead of time. This way, you'll have all the food (drink) you'll need already at home while you heal. I'd also have blender, you'll find it really comes in handy when you reach the mushy food stage. Some people find a heating pad helps ease the gas pain of surgery, so you might want to have one handy. liquid Tylenol, for pain. I found a body pillow really helped to get comfy in bed after surgery. As for the hospital, bring a robe because they are going to have you up and walking really soon. Hospital gowns are notorious for showing your butt so having a robe will allow you to walk without flashing everyone. Loose comfy clothes, like a house dress or sweat pants, for the trip home. Good luck!

What you're going through is very normal. I was actually on liquids for 4 weeks after surgery and I thought for sure I'd starve to death lol. I was SO hungry all the time! But, I stuck to my doctor's post op diet and just white knuckled through it. Hang in there, it gets easier.

I totally agree! My "splurge" is a medium fat free caramel mocha from McDonalds. I have them a couple times a week for 280 calories. I always count it against my daily calorie total so I don't have guilt having them. It's funny because I'm the only person I know that goes to McDonalds a couple times a week yet hasn't eaten their food in almost 2 years

I actually stay away from children's menus because they tend to be complete junk, like greasy burgers and fried nuggets. I just order half portions or lunch portions whenever I can. I almost always take home food for leftovers. Milk shakes I stay away from because they are VERY high calories. The average fast food 12oz. milkshake is a whopping 540 calories. That would be literally half my calories for the day in one milkshake. So, as a general rule, I stay away from them.

Follow your doctor's instructions. What anyone what says, or their doctor, is irrelevant. Your doctor knows what is best for you.

I think everyone who got their band in the US has to attend a seminar. I personally found it very informative and it solidified my decision to get the Lap Band. In fact, I set my first appointment with the surgeon while at the seminar. You won't be the only one there, btw. In fact, you'll probably be surprised how many people are there.

Congratulations! It sounds like you have a great, realistic doctor. Very cool!

You should start walking right away- and the more the better. As far as other exercise, get clearance from your doctor to start.

I do the same thing. I'm actually pretty happy where I am right now too- wearing size 14 pants and size M or L shirts. But, I'd like to get my BMI lower and I know I'll be healthier if I lose more weight. So, I figure I'll stick to my original goal and decide what to do from there once I get there. Btw, you look amazing!!

You look awesome!! Congratulations!

I honestly wasn't afraid because I did the research and knew what I needed to do to be successful. I also knew what not to do to avoid slips and erosion. Getting the band is the best decision I've ever made. I've lost over 230 pounds in about 20 months. I can still eat whatever I want just in smaller quantities. My life with the band is awesome. Education is your best defense against complications.

It's not always hard. I went to my seminar and had my band surgery 3 weeks later- I got approval that fast. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones without a problem.

You don't want to do that until you've lost all your weight anyway. If you had a reduction and lift now, you may find they end up tiny and saggy later once you're at goal weight. It's much better to wait and see what is still needed after you lose weight- you may find you only need a lift not a reduction.