Thats All Folks

Your post isn't real clear, are you supposed to be on soft foods or liquids? When was your surgery? You really need to fill out your profile so we can better help you.

Definitely not. I didn't have any pre-op diet at all, but I've lost a lot of weight in 11+ months since surgery. How much you lose is directly equal to how much work you're willing to put into it.

Your best bet is to call local bariatric doctors and ask their out of pocket costs. Be sure to specify it's out of pocket because most surgeons give hefty discounts to cash patients.

Please don't be discouraged, everything you're going through is totally normal. Plateaus suck but are a normal part of the weight loss process. I've gone more than 6 weeks without losing an ounce before. I hate it, but I know it will pass, and yours will too. This may be the first plateau you've hit but I guarantee it won't be the last. Just remember, simple math- if you're consuming less calories than you burn, you will lose weight, despite any plateaus. Just be patient

I slept on my stomach since the same day of surgery. You can't hurt anything so get comfy and a good night's sleep

Wow what a thread...ugh. I can see it from both sides. There are a few posters on these forums that are downright nasty. There is a monumental difference between being the voice of honest tough love and someone being a judgmental jerk. On the other hand, it's very easy for people to misinterpret text. You can't hear voice inflection or read body language via written word. Quite honestly, I think sometimes the message is received based on the reader's perception. I tend to be a very happy, positive person by nature, so I will read posts and unless they're blatantly nasty I assume they're meant with good intentions. I can easily see how if someone is upset, depressed, or generally a pessimistic person they can read the exact the same message I read and see it as something horrible. It's all a matter of perception. I have been attacked on these boards, by the way. A couple of times by people who simply didn't like my honest response to their threads, usually because they didn't really want the truth they'd rather be coddled. I'm totally ok with that. If someone wants to flip out on me for simply sharing the truth, let them, they only make a fool of themselves in the end. Bottom line is, this is an open forum. Jerks can post here and be idiots, too. It's their right. If you don't like what someone has to say, block them or ignore their posts, but you absolutely must have a thick skin if you're going to participate here. Just my two cents.

Congratulations and welcome to the forum! I agree, getting the band is the best decision I've ever made too.

I agree with the others. I didn't deprive myself over Thanksgiving and I'm not going to on Christmas, either. That includes a little bit of pot roast, a sugar cookie, and maybe eve a bite or two of apple pie. It's ok to eat like everyone else, just in much smaller portions. If you deprive yourself you're setting yourself up for failure. How many times have we dieted in the past, felt totally deprived, and reached a point of "Oh screw this!" and gone into crazy pig out mode? This isn't a diet, it's a healthier way of life, and deprivation shouldn't be a part of that way of life. Enjoy your holiday and the foods you love this Christmas, just in moderation

Excellent post!

You're not supposed to have nasty side effects or a long list of foods you can no longer eat. Some walk around with super tight bands making eating difficult, and that's their choice, but that isn't required. I can still eat anything I want so long as I take small bites and chew thoroughly. I wouldn't have it any other way, either.

Banded: January 6, 2012 Start Weight: 421 Current Weight: 246 Weight lost: 175 pounds in 11 months (and still losing)

Carbonation (Coke) and meat tenderizer to get unstuck? With the Lap Band?? I don't mean this offensively, but that makes zero sense. Why would a doctor recommend something that the majority of other surgeons tell you to never do? I'd try the papaya enzymes Pebbagirl suggested. It's actually safe and makes sense.

Try a second hand shop, like Goodwill or St. Vincent DePaul. You'll probably pay even less than you would for shipping.

The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing, not losing. Follow your doctor's post op diet, stick to band sized portions, and just worry about healing.

You'll have to ask your surgeon, the costs vary greatly from office to office.

I agree with Floridays. Ask how much is supposedly in your band, then ask them to verify how much is actually in there by drawing it out. It's the only way you'll know for sure.

Hi Joe and welcome back! The best advice I can offer is to count calories. Not only does it hold you accountable to what you put in your mouth, but it also makes adjusting your diet when you do run into issues a lot easier. I would even make an appointment with a nutritionist, let them help you establish food and calorie guidelines that you can live with. Best wishes to you. You can do this!

I didn't until after a couple fills, but now, yes. I'm easily satisfied on a cup or less of food for many hours.

I've had the band for 11 1/2 months, I've lost 175 pounds so far, and it's definitely the best thing I've ever done for myself.

Holy cow you look AMAZING!! I can't believe you look so good only a couple days post op!!! I can only imagine how incredible you'll look once you're done healing!

I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but eating a sandwich when you're only 10 days post op and on liquids is incredibly foolish. Your stomach has been stitched and wounded. It needs time to heal. By not sticking to the post op diet your doctor put you on, you are putting yourself at very real risk for serious complications. Stick to your post op diet from now on. It's not the risk of problems. Best wishes.

I don't blame you, I'd be pissed too. It's ridiculous to me that people can pay thousands and thousands of dollars for insurance coverage they hardly use, but once they actually need it, they get nothing but grief or even denied. It's complete crap. Keep fighting them and don't give up!

Welcome back! First, I'm sorry you had to go through the medical scare and glad you're doing so much better. The beauty of the band is you can always start over. You did it once before so you know what is necessary to be successful. I would go back to your surgeon and start the fill process again slowly. Remember, you don't have to have the band so tight you can't swallow pills for it to successfully subdue your hunger. Best wishes to you.

That's an interesting question... mental or physical. I'd have to say physical for two reasons: One, I felt terrible last year at this time. I needed a cane just to walk a few feet and a power scooter to grocery shop because I couldn't walk that far. Now, I walk 2 miles 4-5 days a week with ease. The physical improvements have truly given me a new lease on life. The second reason I say physically is because mentally, I still struggle. I have a very hard time seeing myself as I truly am. In my mind, I'm still a 400 pound woman, so when I see my own reflection it's literally startling at times. Plus I'm not done losing, so I am still very much in must-lose-this-weight mode. I'm hopefully one day, in time, my brain will catch up with my body

I was SO glad to see you posting here!! I've been thinking about you, praying you were doing well. I'm so thrilled that you are!!! Heal fast and hopefully you continue to feel good!