Chickie

Thank you!! I am glad that I was able to help! And congrats on the big decision!

Yeah, I was down to roughly 130lbs when I had my tuck. They took off less than 2lbs during the surgery (skin weighs surprisingly little) then I lost a further 20-21lbs or so before we could stop me losing. It took a total unfill for that to happen. My arms and thighs are saggy, but nothing I can't live with. I carried a lot of my weight in my midsection, so that is why the skin on my stomach was so badly streched.

I am not Julie, but I will help out if I can.... (my reply in blue) question 1: does the port interfere with anything? (swimming, tanning, sex, exercise, etc.) The port doesn't bother me at all. I have a fairly low BMI at this stage, and I can feel it quite easily but it doesn't stop me from doing anything. question 2: a friend told me that eating bread was basically out. Does that mean I won't be able to eat bread again? His reason was because it kinda clumps together and won't pass through. I am totally unfilled (by choice, I didn't want to lose anymore weight) and I eat bread on a daily basis. Brown, never white, but it's still bread. I have no problems, but some people do. It's very individual. question 3: what about steak? Is that a possibility after being banded? I know of people who do eat steak. question 4: I guess this kinda hits the whole food issue...what do you do when you eat out? I was on weight watchers for a while and I could eat out if I was careful. How 'bout with a band? I eat anything I like really. I just make sensible choices. question 5: is the surgery an outpatient thing? Do you spend the night in the hospital? Is the stomach/abdomen swollen after surgery? If so, for how long? I was in hospital for 2 nights, 3 days. But I am in Australia, and we do do things a little differently. question 6: how often do you get fills? What determines when you get a fill? I had fills as often as I needed them for the fist six months. On average every 4 weeks. Afetr that, I had one here and there. But again, that is something that is individual. Usually the determination is, if you are hungry after meals, are exercising, eating right and not losing. But that does vary from doctor to doctor.

I don't normally advocate protein drinks, but during the first few weeks, paticularly when one is on liquids, we need the extra protein and vitamins that such drinks contain. They are usually not high calorie so won't affect your weight loss in any great way. Perhaps you could try throwing a protein drink or two in a day. And if you haven't already, talk to your doctor regarding the loose stools. He/She might have some suggestion than none of us have thought of.

So, you did 4 weeks of liquids Julie? Wow! That must have been tough!!

Personally I had Resource for the first two weeks, then mushies were healthy foods, mushed up! Naturally, it has been quite some time since my post op diet, so perhaps Julie would be better qualified to answer.

I second that.

I wore heels at less than a week post op.

If I was to eat chips, chocolate, and other crap on a daily basis, and not exercise, I am fairly confident that I would gain weight. The band wouldn't stop that. I have to make the choice every day not to eat garbage and to exercise. The band is only a tool to cut down my portion sizes, it's not a tool that will motivate me to eat right and exercise.

Actually, provided they did indeed at some point get a band, yes, I would prefer to see a "big hairy pre band person". I highly doubt "boob grabbing apple girl" has a band at all.

Congrats Pete! What an accomplishment! I have Nike+ and it rocks. You have a sensor that goes into your shoe, and a receiver that goes onto your ipod. I am pretty sure you can get keepers to attach to the laces of other shoes to hold the sensor in. You hit the centre button on the ipod, and it tells you your current pace, distance run, and calories burned. I couldn't live without it. Edit to add, it also sends your total for that run to nikeplus.com, and it tracks your totals. You can create and set goals for yourself. You can compare your best runs to your current run, and it tracks all sorts of other neat stuff.

When I wear a pair of pants that are 6 sizes too small, I look fat. Should I get a fill?

Being unfilled isn't as scary as it sounds, trust me! Just exercise and continue to make good choices when eating, and everything will be ok.

If I were you I would see my surgeon ASAP. Best of luck.

You might have to avoid sugar if you had an RNY or a DS, but I am unaware of sugar issues with the band.

"R&T" is Rail & Transport health fund. We have been very, very happy with them for the 5 or 6 (I think) years we have been with them.

If I demanded anything from my surgeon, I would be shown the door rather quickly. Yes, I know my body... But I also know that I have to listen to my doctor.

My best advice is to try everything. At least a few times. It took me a good six months to find what worked for me.

Yeah. No it's not. You will be able to eat real food again once your pre op and post op phase is over. And it the scheme of things, it is a very short time to go without steak. And there is a damm good reason for the pre op diet. It's not to starve, torture or deprive you. Its to shrink your liver so when the surgeon gets in there to place your band it is an easier surgery on the both of you.

And I have to add to that, that any and all policy changes MUST be sent out in writing before they take effect. You will get plenty of notice if it were to happen.

I got my rate rise letter today from R&T (as expected) and it lists all excluded medical and surgical treatments. Nothing is excluded apart from "cosmetic surgery that is not assigned an item number" So R&T is still covering the band.

Don't feel bad... You lasted longer than I did. I lasted 4 days :huh2:

I think if I had a choice between "ugly" or "unhealthy" or even "dead" I am going to pick "ugly" every time. But to answer the question, no I didn't worry about being unattractive after losing weight. But as it turns out the confidence that my new health has inspired has made me far more beautiful than I have ever been.

Boo *IS* hot. :cool2: Only my stalkers have "seen" me. :huh2:

I snorted when I read that! :huh2: