Thats All Folks

I go on liquids for 24 hours, then soft food for 24 hours, then back to regular food as tolerated.

Congratulations!!!

Dawn is giving you GREAT advice. You're only a failure if you give up and it's obvious you haven't given up. I agree you need to find a new doctor. It's very unfortunate but just like with all specialized doctors, not all bariatric surgeons are necessarily good or even properly educated. It sounds to me like yours is one. Here is a really great link that I think will help you a lot. It explains what to expect of the band and what is expected of you: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Please don't give up. I really believe if you have the right information and good doctor you can be successful. Best wishes.

The majority of complications requiring band removal are the patient's fault, not the band's fault. Here are actual facts- a long term study showing not only is the band effective for weight loss but only 5% of bands are removed by no fault of the patient (not 25%) "There were no deaths associated with the surgery or with any later operations that were needed in about half of the patients. About one in 20 patients had the band removed during the study period." http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

I think you're doing great! I would just try to increase your protein a bit (I know, it's hard!)

I'm sorry you're struggling. I'm not going to try to talk you out of the Sleeve- you have to do what is best for you. But you have to realize even with the Sleeve you have to make good food choices and limit your portions. Really, with any WLS, they require lifestyle changes for life to be successful with them. With the Sleeve you definitely can still over eat, only then it stretches your stomach and you're left with no options to "fix" it. Also keep the mind the band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. The band is meant to keep our hunger under control but it's not supposed to force you to stop eating. Too often people end up too tight by expecting this. Have a look at this link, I think it will help a lot: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Do your homework so you know the benefits and risks. I'd also talk to your surgeon. Just remember, regardless of which WLS you choose the work will always be yours. WLS is just a tool not a magic fix for fat. Best wishes on your decision.

I'll be honest, I struggle with low carb days. I never seem to get enough calories. High carb days are easy, I just eat "normal". Today is a low carb day, here is what I'm eating: breakfast- Slimfast low carb shake (20g protein) lunch- salad with diced ham, shredded cheese, ranch dressing. 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese dinner- 1 cup low fat chili mixed with 1tbsp cream cheese and sprinkled with shredded cheddar This sends up about 900 calories and 34 net carbs. I may have another protein shake at some point today, too. Or a maybe a spoonful of peanut butter.

Unfortunately loose skin can't be shrank. Either it shrinks as you lose or you're stuck with it. It all depends on genetics, age, weight lost, skin elasticity, whether you smoke or not, and how long you carried the extra weight. Muscles beneath the skin can tighten, which will help appearance Btw, all those wraps are gimmicks. They are all temporary by either diuretics or thermogenics and if you ever stop using them you expand again.

Ask your surgeon. I've taken pills without a problem since surgery but some surgeons require liquid form.

What do you mean it isn't "helping" you?

Everyone is different so you really need to ask your nutritionist. There is no set amount or right answer,

Yup I got it too. Go to the bottom right of the message and report it so Alex can remove the idiot from the forums.

I got the same private message. I called him some choice words and reported it. Go to the message and on the bottom right you'll see a "report" button. Hit that so Alex can remove him from the forums.

Don't be scared! It's a good thing to advance in your diet! Not everyone gains as they advance, either. I started tracking calories from the day I got home from the hospital and I lost consistently even while on the post op diet because of it. Best wishes

Hi Joe, Most of us have to go monthly for the first year after surgery then yearly after that. It is very important to keep your appointments to be successful with the band. As far as complications, the majority of the complications are patient caused not band caused. It's unfortunate but the majority of the horror stories you read about the band are because the patient did something to sabotage their success. Here is a recent, long term study showing that band complications by no fault of the patient are only 5%. http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/ Patient compliance is crucial for success with the band. Be it going to follow up appointments or following the band eating rules, how well the patient adheres to the requirements play a huge part in whether they're successful or not with their band. Best wishes

It's like the popular saying around here "the band goes around your stomach, not your head". Unfortunately things like cravings don't just disappear because we're in the Green Zone. But...you should be proud for recognizing your soft stop and not giving in! I actually think the way you handle it is great. SF hard candies and fruit are healthy ways to combat sweets cravings.

It sounds like an allergic reaction. What about lotions? Medications? Vitamins? Did it start near your incisions? Like maybe from the tape? I would ask your doctor about it.

Where did I say stupid? More schooling than me? Regardless of schooling, at least I would have the common sense to call my doctor if I was puking blood. Just sayin.

Wow you look amazing! Congratulations!

Be glad you didn't throw up because vomiting is very dangerous with the band and being so soon after surgery you'd risk ripping the stitches in your stomach. Stick to your post op diet. It's for healing not losing and it's crucial you give your stomach time to recover. Considering it was soup I'm sure you're fine, just get back on board and stick to your doctor's rules going forward. Best wishes

If you're vomiting, you need to call your doctor. Vomiting is very dangerous with the band and should be avoided at all costs.

Unfortunately the band can't change our brains. There is a saying around here "the band goes around your stomach, not your head". It's up to you to make good food choices. It's also really important you start sticking to band sized portions because it is possible to eat around the band and over eat despite having adequate Fluid in your band, Maybe a support group or counselor could help you deal with your head issues? Food addiction is very real and sometimes we need very real help to deal with them. Best wishes