CCBSTX

There are several boards. One of the more popular boards for all sorts of weight loss surgery is Obesityhelp.com.

Why not let them file on Medicare and you pay the outstanding balance (finance, etc). $800 is a a big joke for payment! I understand you apprehension about Mexico, especially if you are in questionable health. If you can afford to do it, through fianancing or otherwise, I would stay in the states.

I believe most tolerate alcohol well. I think it's a matter of personal choice. I avoid it because of the calories, but once I am at goal I might drink on occasion. My motto is that I never want to diet again. Life is too short not to "live" it. Therefore, anything within moderation is OK.

I haven't had any trouble with beans. They are a wonderful source of nutrition as well. They should go down quite well as they are soft.

There are Citracal Chewables that aren't bad!

I considered (2) surgeons before my surgery. Dr. Spivak was one of them. I would have chosen him, but he is 4 hours away and the other was closer (for fills and followups). I felt Dr. Spivak was very experienced and knowledgeable. I also felt he listened and didn't judge. Very nice guy. I wouldn't have any hesitations using him.

I also have my first fill on Nov. 15th. I am sorta nervous also, but this message board has really helped with all WLS related issues. Let us know how it goes! I suspect that it will be like most have already stated "uneventful." Shawn

I agree with the other posters. Don't be too hard on yourself. This isn't another diet, but a lifestyle long term. You are in the first six weeks without a fill. All you can do is try to eat sensibly and exercise to get your metabolism revved up. You aren't a crazy person, but have food issues like the rest of us! Take care of yourself and give yourself a pat on the back. You've made an important step, in having WLS.

We are all in this together! You're weight loss is wonderful....Shawn

Yea for Dianne and the weight loss! I know cruises can be especially tempting and you did wonderful.. Question for the Sept. bandsters: What's your surgeons philosophy for fills? I am finding out that mine seems quite conservative. I was banded on 9-8-05. My last visit with my surgeon on 10-12-05 he asked me how much I was eating. He stressed the no calorie counting, no Snacks and no Water w/meals. He said if I don't lose 5 pounds in a month, then to call him for a fill. My problem is I have lost my 5 pounds before the month. However, I am finding that I can eat more at a sitting and get hungrier in between meals. I still have willpower, at this point, and feel like I am on dieting. I am happy with the weight loss, but feel like I am relying more on my willpower than the band. What do you think?

That's story has made my day! OK, the clincher...Did you buy new underpants yet?

I am wondering, if you lost weight, would it help your insulin resistance? Are you currently on medication? Hmmm. On one hand you would be an ideal bandster as you are a diet pro! Anyone that can maintain that low of calorie count, pre weight loss surgery, must have some incredible willpower. Like the others, I am worried health-wise that the below 800 calories will not allow you to get the nutrition needed. However, the band would help you feel more satisifed with the amounts that you are eating!

Yes, pretty much. I look for the Protein first then veggie or fruit. Carbs are always last, but sometimes can't be avoided as in Pasta dishes.

Well, I am sort of a newbie at 5.5 weeks out from banding. I don't have a fill, but I am trying to follow my doctor's advice. 3 meals a day an don't count calories. No sodas and no snacking. Today: 1/4 taquito (tortilla, eggs, and bacon) muffin (strudel-not a good choice) 1/2 salad 3/4 white fish (baked with parmesan breading) zuchinni (3-4 slices) 1/2 brisket sandwich (brisket and bun) Funny thing, since I've been following his advice, this week, I've lost 2 pounds. Who knows?

I was exactly like you. Concentrating on the protein and forgetting about the Fiber. At your stage it's extremely difficult to get everything that your body needs. Keep up the Vitamins. Try Benefiber chewables or Benefiber that dissolves in Water. When push comes to shove (so to speak), have glycerin suppositories on hand to help evacuate that circumstances. Some of your problems can also be because your early out still. Anesthesia and pain medications have a tendency to slow down your system. Good luck. Shawn

Good going girl! I was banded on Sept.8th. Isn't it amazing how good you feel with only 20 pounds gone?! I can't wait for 40!!!! Shawn

You are doing GREAT! 2 weeks on clear liquids is incredibly tough....I commend you. Good luck on the count down to full/regular liquids. You should be a bit more satisfied when you get to that stage. Shawn

Hello all! I went to my surgeons office yesterday for my 6 week checkup (really it was 5 weeks). He said I was doing well. He asked how much food I was able to eat and I estimated a cup, plus I snacked once a day on healthy stuff (carrot, etc). He said he only wanted me to eat 3 times a day (Protein first, veggie or fruit next), and NO SNACKS! He feels healthy snacking turns into unhealthy snacking. I said that I was snacking because of being hungry and he questioned my hunger as possibly "head hunger." He also said he could be wrong, but felt that once I moved to solids that I would eat less. I received no fill as I lost 4 pounds in the last 3 weeks. He said to call him if I havent' lost 5 pounds in a month. He'll do a fill then. He does not want me to count calories at all. I was keeping my intake on fitday.com and he said "no more of that." You've probably counted calories before and it didn't work. He would not give my calorie requirements. So...no Snacks, no counting calories, no liquids during meals, and no fill. How does this sound to you?

Wow, I always get good info. and feedback here! Thanks. I tend to agree with you all regarding snacking. If I am starving, I tend to want to eat more and eat fast. I am not snacking at this point, but feel little restriction. I ate about 3 oz. of pork, and then carrot and cabbage, and salad. I felt satisfied. Kinda different from last week, when I'd have a golf ball feeling. Now, I feel like I can go on and on. I think I'll try to not count calories and see where the scales leave me...I already know WHAT I should be eating. No liquids is something to get used to but I'm not having a difficult time with that one! Taking it one day or week at a time is what I plan on doing. Thanks for the support, Shawn

I was almost immediately hungier after being banded. I still am not sure if it was head hunger or what but I definitely heard my stomach grumble and rumble! It's tempting to cheat but remember you are healing the sutures inside your stomach and abdominal wall. These liquids keep your stomach from being pulled or tugged away from the sutures that secure your band. Try to not let yourself get to the point of starving. Eat frequently and drink much...Protein drinks, watery oatmeal, watery cream of wheat, Carnation Instant Breakfast, creamy Soups, egg drop soups, etc. Of course always try to obey your doctor's instructions, especially during the healing stage. Take care and best wishes. Shawn

I had 2 weeks of full liquids and then onto mushies. There was a few days that I felt as you described. For me, it was the low calories and not enough Protein... Ask your Dr. to start a bit early on the mushies. My doctor allowed me 2-3 days before my official time. In my mushies stage, I could eat scrambled eggs, oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc. Good luck to you. You are doing great. Shawn

Don't, if possible, let yourself get to the point of starving. Keep eating: watery oatmeal, watery cream-of-wheat, creamy soups (broccoli/cheese, potato, etc). Good luck, this is the rough part! Shawn

Heather remember to take care of yourself..Stress will always be around (work, home, etc). You've done a wonderful job losing your weight. Coming off of pain killers shows your strength as well! Pat yourself on the back and keep coming to lapbandtalk for support. If you can get to a counselor to talk things out-even better. Good luck, Shawn

My doctor only recommends or allows tylenol. Good luck with your pain, I hope it's gone ASAP! Shawn