sman342

Please don't jump all over me because I know I should know the answer to one of the pillars of lap-band rules..... but if you could remind me what the big deal about no liquids before/during/after. Seems like if I am getting a little "stuck" some water would help. Look forward to a response. Thank you.

Of course! definitely get on birth control. One of my surgery centers guidelines was no pregnancy for a year to allow body time to heal.

I had my surgery ay Highland Hospital and my doctor are Bariatric Surgery Center (Drs. OMalley, Johnson and Forbes). I recommend this practice. Important for you to get answer FROM Aetna whether they cover your surgey bc policies vary state to state and depends where your plan is administered. So, call Member Services at Aetna for that answer.

Regarding the hospital overnight: Think of it as a "getaway" where you get the remote all to yourself.. Also - should you have any issues, you have medical staff there to assist. Its very unlikely to have issues. Regarding those post op meal plans: Just stick to the shakes for now. You'll have plenty of time to digest all those hand outs regarding the next step. I think we all were overwhelmed by those sessions. Deep breaths!! best wishes!

Supposedly Biotin helps this but, like you, I'm already in the shed cycle. I think it's too late. GNC sells biotin chews and tablets. Maybe it will help our next shed cycle. I know - its scary!!!

I'm a self pay ($18,000 that was supposed to be $12K) too. I think I can get past where I am now (plateau, learning how to eat and chew with restriction, self control) and get to those amazing "AFTER" photos. When I look like all these amazing people who have lost the weight, I will say it was the right call. I know I cannot lose this weight any other way. Having relocated alot, I always advise others that they need to give any move 1 year before they like it. I am going to follow that same advice with my band.

Do you realize that 40 BMI for you is 219 pounds? Go back as soon as they will see you again. Wear heavy clothes - a 4 pounds gain for me would be after a good weekend of eating.

Please avoid the mistakes I made by having high expectations. I lost a ton of weight out of the gate and stalled out. Reason I lost the weight was bc I was eating right, I was eating to protect my post op tummy. Then, when I couldnt feel restriction - all the rules and seminar guidelines went out the window. Finally with my 4th fill - I have that elusive restriction that everyone talks about. If I DON'T eat slow, it feels like a tree branch going down sideways. I have to avoid the slider foods now and get on track. Enough about me - good luck to you.

When you get to proper restriction, you will have an indisputable sense of fullness that supersedes calorie counting. It took me 4 fills to get to that point. Be patient and best wishes.

The liquid diet really isn't that bad. In fact, I lost most weigh post op while healing my stomach from surgery. It's a time where you (and here's where I get corny) find yourself liberating from food. I felt very empowered realizing I can do this. PS - 2 favorite shakes are chocolate (powdered) unjury and GNC has a ready to drink Swiss Chocolate.

My doctor recommended Milk of Magnesia - just be prepared bc these often produce "sudden" results. Not to worry if you get very loose stools. I panicked but, that too, did pass.

over such a long time. I was banded 6/26 and have had 3 fills and getting number 4 in 2 weeks. I hope you get restriction this time good luck Your experience goes to show that every practitioner - and every patient - is different. I just saw a bunch of posters who have lost significant amounts - like 90 pounds without ANY fills. Meanwhile - one nurse at my office gave me 1.5 cc over 2 months - and I wasn't losing. A different nurse gave me SEVEN cc over 2 fills and I FINALLY feel it. I didn't feel it until now. Same office - 2 different nurses - goes to show difference in protocol even in same office.

Yes - Rochester NY in the house! My surgeon was Forbes at Highland? You?

Smooth Move tea works well. If your constipation turns to diarrhea - don't panic. I thought I had C-diff (google it) from the surgery but it was just the Milk of Magnesia kicking in with a vengeance.