Thats All Folks

Can you have Protein shakes? If you can have carnation instant Breakfast I don't see why you couldn't substitute it for a much healthier Protein shake. Being on such a limited diet, that would be the easiest way to get your protein in. The good shakes have 20-30 grams of protein per shake.

What does your pre op diet consist of? What are your guidelines to follow?

I don't drink except maybe one or two a year. I don't want the empty calories. If anything, I would think it would fill you up so you wouldn't be as hungry.

It's empty calories so it's not good for you, however as long as it's not carbonated and you count it in your daily calories it's fine once in awhile. Many banded people enjoy a drink now and then.

If you don't already have anti-nausea meds on hand call your surgeon. Explain what is going on and that you need something just in case you catch it. Vomiting so soon after surgery would be very bad. Hang in there and I hope you don't catch it!

In December, I flew to Washington State (I'm in Michigan) and then drove back across the country with my boyfriend. Like you, I got stuck a lot. I also found myself relying on premade protein shakes a lot because of it. It's definitely a challenge to travel with the band because so much is out of your control as far as food choices. I think a big part of my stuck problem was my nerves. I was so nervous about what to eat and getting stuck I think that stress alone made the band tighten up. Then of course once you're stuck your stomach swells so then it's like this nasty cycle of eating and getting stuck. The good news is, within 24 hours of getting home and back into my comfort zone I was fine again. I hope your vacation was great despite the eating challenges

It really depends on how much you're physically able to walk. When I had Lap Band surgery 15 months ago, I was lucky to be able to hobble around my house with a cane the week after surgery so I just did as much as I could. However just last week ago I had another laproscopic surgery that involved air inflating the abdominal cavity (gall bladder removal). Because I was 200 pounds lighter and healthier, I was able to take a 1 mile walk just 4 days after surgery. By day 7, I was back to my daily 2 mile walks. So really, it all comes down to how much you can walk. I can tell you the more you walk the better you'll feel. It really does help work out all that air in your abdomen and work the Water weight off.

I think it's about what works best for you. Some do low carb, some do low fat, some only count calories. But to be successful with the Lap Band you will have to completely change your eating habits and lifestyle. Most of us (but not all) do at the very least count calories to make sure we're not going over our daily allowance. Band or no band, weight loss boils down to basic math. If you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. Also keep in mind the band isn't meant to physically stop you from eating anything. It will forever be your job to monitor what and how much you eat. What the band does do it is it allows you to be satisfied on less food for longer periods of time- and it does it very well. Just remember the band is a tool not a magic fix for fat. You will still have to do the work and make the permanent lifestyle changes necessary to be successful with it. Best wishes.

I never have crushed pills and never had a problem taking them. I just make sure to pause a minute or two between pills and never take a pill right out of bed in the morning. If I have to early in the morning, I have some hot tea or Water first to loosen my band. Btw, check with your pharmacist before crushing or cutting any pills. Some pills are time release and if you cut/crush them you risk an accidental overdose. Best wishes.

Try Biotin. I take 5000mg daily and it seems to help.

I only carb cycle when I hit a plateau as a way to kick start my metabolism when it stalls out. I haven't carb cycled since January but if I hit another plateau I definitely will again. For me, it's very effective.

I would absolutely get a second opinion. It's your body, it's crucial you are confident with your decision. Especially if it isn't the band- then you'd be without the band and still in pain. I would also insist on CT scan with contrast of your midsection. Most insurance companies will require one before an MRI because of cost, but if you have it with contrast, it will show you a lot. As far as the gallbladder, you most certainly can have it go bad without stones. I actually just had my gallbladder out last week so I guess it's very fresh in my mind. They say the pain is usually on the right side but mine wasn't. It was all over my stomach and came in waves (kinda similar to contractions). Another thought- have you been checked for possible hernias? I will definitely keep you in my prayers. Definitely get a second opinion before you do anything drastic, though.

It's rare but it is possible. The band is a foreign object so it is possible for your body to reject it. When you say they checked your gallbladder for stones, how did they check? Did they do a CT scan with contrast? Have you had blood work? Is your white blood cell count high? If you body is rejecting the band, the chances are good your white count would be elevated. Of course, this would also be true if you have any other infection.

I know some do. I think it's a good idea. I keep meaning to get one but in my usual fashion, 15 months later I'm still procrastinating lol.

Well, a couple things. You're newly banded and haven't had any fills yet so it's very likely your band isn't controlling your hunger very well yet. It takes most people multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their bands to control hunger. Also, keep in mind banded tummies are typically noisy tummies. A stomach that is growling no longer necessarily means hunger. So when you hear your stomach growl, you have to really examine how you're feeling to decide if you're physically hungry just having a loud stomach moment. Best wishes.

You just had surgery. Your body needs time to heal. It will likely take 4-6 weeks before you feel normal and have your energy levels back.

I can only speak for myself, but for me hot temperatures don't have an effect on my band. However, cold temperatures seem to make it tighten up a bit.

My doctor said absolutely not. I asked back in August after unfill for surgery.

Nope. Your band is sutured to your stomach and it is rather snug too. The worse rapid loss can do is make it suddenly too loose and need another fill. I've lost weight very fast- 200 pounds in 15 months. There's no risk of slips from weight loss speed.

Very wise words of advice! I hope many others here see this post and learn from it!

I voted for you and will keep my fingers crossed you get it. Good luck! Let us know if you win!

Unfortunately yes it can. It's not common but it is possible. I would call your surgeon, explain what's going on, and see if he will call you in a good cough suppressant.

That's not normal. Talk to your doctor, a simple blood test can test your kidney function.

Wow so sorry you're going through this. Unfortunately, until they replace the port and tubing, you won't have any Fluid in your band. When is the doctor planning on replacing them? I would really talk to your doctor. He'd be the person to best answer all your questions.

But you are reading anecdotal evidence not facts. The fact is, you follow the rules and do what you're supposed do, you only have a roughly 5% chance of serious complications. In sharp contrast, if you remain morbidly obese you have almost 100% chance of obesity related complications someday. Don't you think the band is a much safer long term "risk" than remaining obese? You simply cannot gauge the success or failure of the band based on what you are reading online. You need to understand- it's the people who have problems that post the most and loudest. Those of us happy with our bands too busy enjoying our new healthy lives to bother blowing up the internet. Plus, if you look closer at all those horror stories, the majority of them you'll the person has no one to blame but themselves. The band didn't fail- they did. Vomiting, chronically over-eating, and walking around with their bands too tight are sadly common but all things you can avoid to keep your band healthy. Don't let the naysayers scare you. Speaking for myself, I've lost 200 pounds in 15 months and never been happier or healthier in my adult life. There are many others like me, too. Best wishes.