Thats All Folks

It's simply not worth the risks of a slip.

You know what? I have always supported your right to post what you like on here, despite a lot of complaining to the contrary. But to say you posted that as a "test"? How is scaring the crap out of people a good test? And who the heck made you God and gave you the right to test anyone? Scaring newcomers with your drama is complete crap. There are a lot of people honestly afraid of dying from this surgery and they need posts and "tests" like yours like they need a hole in the head . Before I was just annoyed thinking you were being your usually over-dramatic self. Now I just think you're an irresponsible nutcase who's desperate for attention.

First, I can see a HUGE difference. You look great!! And yes, it's very normal. I've lost almost 170 pounds and I still look at myself and think "ugh I swear I'm going to be fat forever". Everyone else who sees me goes on and on about great I look- but I look at myself and only see a fat girl staring back at me. I often think the biggest weight loss battle isn't actually losing weight, it's losing the demons in our minds.

Every doctor has their own ideas, but typically no more than 1 cup of food per meal for a very general guideline.

1200 calories a day in nowhere near starving, especially for those who've had bariatric surgery. Just ignore the MFP. It's not a nutritionist and it isn't geared towards bariatric patients.

Ok apparently I'm not as nice as the others... Seriously, cheated death? Are you trying out for a theater production with all that unnecessary bad drama?

If you're getting stuck all the time, a fill isn't what you need. If anything I'd get your band checked just to be sure childbirth hasn't caused any complications with it. In the meantime, I would suggest taking very small bites, like the size of your fingernail, and being careful to pause between bites. Bite size can make a huge difference in eating success. Congratulations on your baby!

I don't think an extra week of pre op diet would hurt you. If you feel you need to, I say go for it. Congratulations on quitting smoking, btw. That's a big victory!!

I find bras specifically for side and back support are lightyears better than VS if you have extra skin. Platex 18 hour bras are great. Glamourise makes some good ones, too.

I indulged. I had turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, apple pie, etc. It was yummy. Like you, I only ate a fraction of what I ate before banded. I feel zero guilt. It's Thanksgiving, and every once in awhile I allow myself a free day. For me, it's necessary so I don't feel deprived. I did it for my birthday, Easter, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. I'll do it for Christmas, too. The trick is- you get right back on track the next day and stay there.

I'd go back to tracking. You can stop tracking once you're at goal and maintaining your weight, but while you're losing, I'd definitely be tracking.

I take 5000mcg daily

You're probably too tight. Call your surgeon.

I honestly don't follow any rules on that. I eat when I'm hungry and I don't eat when I'm not. Usually that means I only eat 3 meals a day but if I am hungry between meals, I will definitely eat. The rule I follow is I won't eat carbs after dinner. I try not to eat at all after dinner.

I agree the ladies above, I wouldn't risk it. I'm sure physically it won't hurt your healing stomach if you let them dissolve completely, but that is a lot of wasted calories. It would add up really fast.

You look beautiful!! Congratulations!!!

I personally prefer the Chocolate Splendor

Awww thank you!! :wub: I most certainly have my "off days". I meant it when I said it's necessary (for me, anyway) so I don't feel deprived. Feeling deprived has historically lead to feelings of "screw this, I'm done!" and going food crazy gaining weight. I knew going into this surgery I couldn't allow myself to feel deprived. On my birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas I don't track calories. I truly eat whatever I what. I am just mindful of two things- sticking to a cup or less of food and stopping eating when I'm no longer hungry. But, like yesterday for instance, I know I ate TONS more than my normal calories. Here's the great thing about the band- if you stick to band portions and stop eating when you're not hungry? Even though you're indulging big time, you're still likely eating 1/4 of what you would have without the band. I just try to be realistic. I'm human, I love food, and I want my days to just enjoy it

It's one day, really, it's not a big deal. I know I ate a ton more calories than I normally do. Heck, I had a piece of pie at 8pm last night even. But honestly? I don't care. I have been doing this long enough to know if I have a "freebie day" once in awhile, it's not going to effect me. In fact, I personally think they're necessary once in awhile so you don't feel deprived. I ate a bunch of candy on Halloween. I had all the fatty, high calories stuff of Thanksgiving yesterday. I'll have Cookies and treats on Christmas. But the day after, I'm right back on track always. In fact right now I'm eating a salad for lunch made out of leftover turkey. I'm counting calories and leaving yesterday as a nice memory. Don't sweat it, just be on track again today

It can mean both, however the band isn't supposed to stop you from eating anything, so when they mean that they're expecting the band to do something it isn't meant to do anyway. It's a pretty common misconception with the band that we (unfortunately) see here a lot.

If you had staples, you'd know with 100% certainty. They literally look like the same staples you use on paper only slightly different in size. They would line your incision and they'd be external, not internal poking out. If it's just a little wiry feeling thing sticking up through the skin, it's likely a stitch. They're not soft like thread, stitches are hard and stiff. More like thick fishing line.

Quite honestly? I would snap back! If they can be inconsiderate jerks, then you can put them in their place for their ignorant behavior. You don't and shouldn't have to tolerate that behavior, especially when you're doing all you can to be healthier. Speak up for yourself and take it from them. Best wishes to you.

It all depends on your anatomy. Some people have some immediately after surgery, others require multiple fills before they have any.

The first thing you need to realize is that you should be able to eat normally with the band. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. It's supposed to help you to go 4 or more hours on a cup or less of food without getting hungry. Restricting how much you eat is totally your job. Here's a great link I think will help: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html You need to get back into your surgeon as soon as possible. Part of the band is also ongoing maintenance and you are definitely past due. Best wishes.

All doctors are different and recommend different things, however Sage Tracey is correct. Once you are in the Green Zone you won't be hungry for Snacks. I think that's the logic for the surgeons who tell their patients not to snack, they won't need it so it's a good way to cut calories. I see you're newly banded. Before I was in the Green Zone, I focused on calories not meals. I was always sure to stay within my daily calorie limits and never ate more than a cup of food per meal, but I knew there was no way I was going to make it 4-5 hours between meals without starving. So, I spread my calories out to allow me to eat every 2 hours. For me, it worked. I lost weight consistently even before the Green Zone.