Thats All Folks

Do your homework, there is a reason the FDA has thousands of complaints about the 4cc band and as a result will no longer support it's use in the USA. The 4cc band is essentially the Pinto of Lap Bands. In case you don't remember Pintos, they were cars that came out and everyone thought they were great- until you exploded in flames if it was ever rear ended. As a result, in 80's Pintos were recalled and discontinued. I wouldn't go buy a Pinto today just because I can get it cheap. The 4cc band is Pinto of bands.

I eat them or Lean Cuisine when in a hurry or just don't feel like cooking. They have a huge variety and they're the perfect portion size.

If it's a max fill of 4cc then it's a 4cc band. That is the outdated one with all the complications. Saying it helps patients get to goal sooner is crap. It's a smaller band you would feel it sooner however it's also no longer allowed to be used in the US or UK because of the high rate of severe complications. You need someone who uses the most recent and newest model bands. NOT an outdated and unsafe 4cc band.

You can always eat whatever you want, you just have to ask yourself is it's a healthy choice. If you do have them be sure to measure them and count the calories towards your daily total.

You do not want a 4cc band in your body and should not be an option. The rate of people having their 4cc bands removed due to severe complications is very high. Doctors in the US and UK can't and won't use them anymore. Look at like this: If a car was proven to be unsafe to drive and outlawed in the US, would you run off to Mexico and get one anyway? Knowing it was unsafe and you were putting your life at risk? It's no different putting unsafe medical equipment in your body. If I were you I would find a new doctor. Even if he did agree to not use the 4cc band on you I wouldn't want a doctor that's irresponsible enough to use it ever. Just my opinion.

I would try other brands of shakes. There are many, many out there. I went through at least 4 different types before I found one I liked. I also wouldn't be mixing them with water (eeww!). Almond milk or skim milk taste a lot better and give you much needed protein.

I would listen to your tummy tuck doctor. In fact, I'd have your tummy tuck doctor actually speak with your gyno doctor so they can together discuss the best way to perform the tumor removal.

Unfortunately, sometimes the band is more finicky than others. You can prepare and eat a certain food the exact same way 100 times and on the 101st time your band decides it's not going to work today. I haven't slimed in a long time but I'll never forget how it feels. Totally gross lol. Hang in there, you're doing great

When you say the old Allergan Lap Band, do you mean the old 4cc band?

I would call your doctor's office and ask. They all seem to have their own rules. I personally don't eat for a couple hours before fills but I know others who eat before them. It all depends on what your doctor advises.

I actually eat a non-mushy version of the chili all the time. I take 98% fat free turkey chili with Beans and low fat cream cream cheese and mix them together. Then I sprinkle some low fat shredded colby jack cheese over the top and heat it up. It's SO good. It's just like this chip dip I used I make all the time only without the chips and fat.

Really anything you can put through the blender and make baby food consistency is good. chicken salad, ham salad, egg salad. Just put them through the blender first. Or chili with a little cream cheese mixed in, put through the blender. Cream Soups with cottage cheese or plain yogurt blended into it.

Please forgive my bluntness, but your doctor doesn't sound like he actually cares or even fully understands the device he's implanting in people. For him to say "you're going to gain 20 pounds" because you needed an unfill is not only horribly cruel but downright wrong. You did the right thing getting Fluid removed- walking around too tight could've resulted in a slip. If he can't see that and be supportive of you, perhaps you need to consider a new doctor with both a heart and a brain. I'm no doctor but I honestly think you're doing everything right. I stay in the same calorie range as you 1000-1200. As stated above, gaining a pound or two really is no big deal. My weight can fluctuate even 3-4 pounds a day depending on Water weight, TOM, even salt intake. Don't let your doctor give you doubt. You're doing great and will continue to do great. Best wishes.

The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing, not losing. Plus, a lot of us go from not wanting to eat anything from the surgery swelling to starving, essentially going from not enough calories to too many. Overall you need to focus on healing above all else. As far as when you'll lose weight, it all depends on you. When you are burning more calories than you consume, you'll lose. Some people really struggle before they have adequate Fluid in their bands so they don't start losing for a couple months after surgery. Personally, I started counting calories and measuring my food from the day I got home from the hospital, so I lost consistently even through the healing phases after surgery. Best wishes.

Edit- wrong response/person. *DELETE*

oh your feet will totally shrink! I went from a 10W shoe to an 8 1/2M ! I had to replace all my shoes! LOL

I have been banded 15 months and still battle cravings. Most of the time they're fleeting and if I wait it out they go away but sometimes I just have to give in. When I do give in, I try to do it in a manner I still stay within my daily calories. Tracking every single calorie I eat is a great tool to keep from cheating. Like the ice cream scenario you describe. It doesn't matter if it turns to liquid, when you see the calories you're consuming and know it's going to put you over then you can no longer rationalize it. For me, tracking my calories keeps both on track and accountable. Best wishes.

The average weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week. The best you can do is stick to your daily calorie allowance, stick to band sized portions, and exercise. Only you can know if losing that amount of weight in 6 weeks is realistic. Have you lost that much in that time period before?

Nothing is "off limits" unless it's a problem food. I personally can eat anything I want- including bread and tortillas.

You very well could be in the Green Zone! Some people are even with empty bands while some need a lot of fills. It's dependent on your anatomy. Btw, I am in the Green Zone with 5.2cc in my 10cc band I would see what happens between now and your next appointment. If you are still able to go at least 4 hours between meals without hunger, then I personally wouldn't get another fill. However if you find your hunger returns between now and then I'd consider another small one. Best wishes.

You need to talk with your doctor because I really don't think he adequately informed you what to expect when you left the hospital. That's not at all your fault, mind you, but if I were you I'd be a bit angry that he sent you on your way without good information. The heartburn and reflux is very common after gallbladder removal. Remember, the Lap Band was a minor surgery but the gallbladder wasn't. You had an organ removed. Talk to your doctor.

You should have been given a very specific post op diet to follow by your surgeon. You need to stick to that to give your stomach time to heal. pizza would be a very bad idea. Most people don't get their first fill until 4-6 weeks after surgery and many have empty bands after surgery. But regardless, it's still imperative to stick to your post op diet.

Really, you can eat anything you can put through the blender so it's the consistency of baby food. chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad, or ham salad then put through the blender. Lots of Protein and yummy! Also, blend plain yogurt or cottage cheese into cream Soup. Or you can blend some cream cheese into chili. Just think "what would still taste good after being through the blender?" lol! Best wishes!

There definitely is no right or wrong answer- do what works for you. As for myself, I weight myself twice a day, morning and night. Little scale fluctuations don't bother me at all, in fact because I weigh myself so much it's very easy for me to see if it is a normal fluctuation or an actual gain. I figure I got to over 400 pounds by avoiding scales. I don't want to EVER be there again. I need the accountability of my scale.