Thats All Folks

You need to follow your doctor's post op diet exactly, regardless of what anyone else did on their post op diet. Cheating can result in serious injury and complications. It's not worth cheating.

It's to give your stomach time to heal. Cheating on it can cause serious injury and complications.

This is just way too cool and too fun!! I love it!! Btw, I haven't been to Great America in decades. Next time I'm back in Chicago visiting family and friends I'm definitely going. You look wonderful too!

The closer you are to your goal, the better your results will be. With that said, if the excess skin is a major problem, you may elect to have it removed sooner. I was 215 pounds when I had a tummy tuck/skin removal/hernia surgery 3 months ago. My doctor actually wanted to do it sooner but I wanted to wait until I'd lost 200 pounds. He removed over 12 pounds of excess skin from my abdomen. For me, it was a great decision and very necessary. For others, it's always best to follow your doctor's advice.

If you read actual studies that take patient compliance into consideration, only 5% of Lap Band patients have complications by no fault of their own. Plus, when the patient is compliant with their surgeon and their rules, the long term weight loss is actually comparable to the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass. Here's an actual study to support this information: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/ Weight loss and success with the band really comes down to patient compliance. You will hear a lot of horror stories about the band, but what the majority of those people won't tell you is that they caused their own complications and didn't do what was necessary to be successful with their band. As for myself, I've lost 227 pounds in the 19 months I've been banded. That is about 87% of my excess body weight- and I'm still losing. I'm living proof that you can lose as much with the band as you're determined to work at losing. Best wishes.

Congratulations You have every right to brag!! Sharing success stories is SO important. It seems too often those who are successful and happy don't bother sharing their stories because they don't want to brag. But that bragging, and sharing your stories with others, is not only tremendous motivation for others but it goes a long way to balance all the stories of gloom and doom. Keep bragging, we need more "braggers"!!

What your doctor told you is 100% correct. food passes through the band in less than a minute. If it's sitting above the band, then your band is too tight and it will stretch the pouch. This can lead to a lot of problems, including erosion,reflux, and slips. Always trust your doctor over anything you read on these forums. We're not doctors and we're no experts.

I'm not telling myself anything but the facts. Comparing your 10 year old outdated and no longer used band to those used today is ridiculous. What bothers me is the fact you seem way too smart not to realize it yet you continue your scare tactics anyway. Very, very sad.

I'm sorry, but once again you are comparing your experience with a 10 year old band that is known for it's complications and no longer used because of it to the bands used today. There is no comparison. Furthermore, the language you use sounds like more scare tactics, not genuine concern. None of us here are in denial. We just don't want newcomers unnecessarily scared by completely irrelevant and bogus comparisons.

I am so sorry you're dealing this pain. Unfortunately, you can't diagnose yourself based on what you read on the internet. There could be a whole lot of reasons for your back pain. There is absolutely no way you can no for sure until you see a doctor. If you honestly feel like you're having a heart attack you need to go to the ER- regardless of insurance. By law, they have to treat you. Not going is putting your life at risk needlessly. Best wishes.

I'm not a nutritionist so I can't suggest calories. You'll find a very wide range of calorie allowances for different people here. Make an appointment with your nutritionist so they can help you establish the calorie range that is best for you. Yes, I measure everything so my food never exceeds one cup per meal.

My best advice is to start tracking your calories. Most people who don't track them are shocked how much they're actually eating. Smaller portions doesn't necessarily mean less calories. Weight loss really boils down to simple math- when you consume less calories than you burn, you lose weight. Tracking your calories is the easiest way to assure that happens.

Do you count calories?

I have no idea what Tripe is, but is it allowed on your post op diet? It's definitely not a liquid or mushy food. According to your profile, it's only been a little over 2 weeks since your surgery.

Sorry you feel that way, but I back my information on facts not hearsay or anecdotal evidence. It's also extremely important to point out your experience with a 10 year old band has very little to do with the experience someone banded today can expect. As TMF aptly pointed out on a previous thread, it's like trying to compare an old brick mobile phone to the smart phones used today.

Your story is a great example of why the old 4cc band (and other old models) are no longer used in the United States. It makes me incredibly sad that so many people run off to Mexico to save a few bucks, end up with the 4cc band, and have the exact same issues you're having. Thankfully, problems such as yours are rare with the new generation of bigger bands when the patient is compliant with the rules and their surgeon. Good luck with your Sleeve revision.

You really need to talk to your doctor. Tell him exactly what problems you're having and let him determine the best way to correct it. It sounds like you really need his guidance right now. I'd make an appointment.

hahaha you have hiccurps too now! It sounds like you're at that perfect spot. I hate telling people "you'll know the Green Zone when you get there" but as you can clearly see, it's true. You just know somehow know when you're at the right spot.

Biotin comes in very small gel caps. Very easy for a bandster to swallow. They're about the size of a pea.

It's like the quote in my signature says "comparison is the thief of joy". Don't compare yourself to anyone. You are a unique person and you will lose weight exactly perfectly for you. How fast or slow anyone else does is irrelevant. All that matters is that you are losing.

I used the Fruitese "Fall Fight" shampoo and conditioner, it has Biotin in it. I also take 5000 units of Biotin daily. I find it does help.

You look GREAT!! The swelling and inability to stand up straight are totally normal. I think I was close to 4 weeks post op before I could stand up straight. I was told it could take as long as 3-6 months to fully heal and have all the swelling subside. I'm currently 3 months post op and I do still have some residual swelling in my abdominal muscles. I can still feel that tight, pulling sensation too but it there's no pain.

You're actually losing exactly how you should be. You've been banded about 20 weeks. The average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds per week. You've lost an average of 2.5 pounds per week. So, you're actually ahead of where you should be.

Everyone is different. Just because that's the case the with some people it doesn't mean it will be with you. I'm tighter in the mornings. I just have a Protein shake for Breakfast then a regular food lunch. Btw, liquids should NEVER be a problem for any reason. If they ever are, the person is too tight.

I love Skinny Cow products! When I really want a treat, often I get one of their products. As you stated, they taste great and (in my opinion) are worth the calories.