CCBSTX

My surgeon said 6 weeks...Shawn

Congrats on your decision! I started trying to eat like a banster before surgery and ended up losing about 6 pounds, they month prior. Some surgeons even suggest or ask patients to lose weight before surgery. You are right, for some it's easier to lose weight than keep it off. I was never good at either... I would go on the Weight Watchers type of diet (slow and easy). This will be similiar to how weight loss will be once you have the band and restriction. Just an opinion. Shawn

Give a quick call to your surgeons office. Mine said to leave it on, they should fall off. I had a few "danglers" that I pulled off myself, after almost 2 weeks post-op. I figured, it wouldn't hurt for the air to get to them, as they were healing fine. Shawn

My surgeon said it will stop around 8 months post-op. I began around 3-4 months post-op, with the shedding. At one point, I thought I might go bald! However, it has slowed over time. I am at my 7 months mark, so I'll let you know if my shedding stops or resumes to my "normal" days! (I've always shedded some) In the meantime, I am still working on my Protein, taking multi-Vitamins, and Biotin daily.. Shawn

"Watching my diet and exercise." If they want to know specifics, I tell them "I eat 1/2 of what I used to, minus bread, and walk most days." I would tell someone who was my close friend. However, I mostly feel it is no person's business. Shawn

I have a 17 year old and 11 years old. I let my son stay alone for short periods, age 10 or 11. My daughter is 11 and I leave her alone for short periods of time, longer if her brother is around. Just give them the rules laid out. (locked doors, letting answering machine pick up call). They advent of cell phones has made it much easier for them to contact you. Of course, we have great neighbors. I always think, I am rearing future adults. Allowing them little freedoms and independence gives them confidence and teaches them how to behave in the "real world." Shawn

Sounds like you are tight to me....the 'first bite rule" may apply, but still sounds tight. Don't feel obligated for a fill. Maybe a slight unfill. You don't want to do damage to your esophagus or band. Take care, Shawn

Keri, did you have any physical indications of a slip pouch? What were they? How could the surgeon tell that you had a slipped pouch? You are doing quite well fellow Sept. bandster! Good luck. Shawn

You're right that there are many factors in weight loss. I count calories using fitday.com. This helps me keep my calories, Protein, Fiber, etc. in check. I've done this throughout. I am not a perfect bandster. I have pretty much stayed away from diet sodas, breads (don't do well), and treats (on occasion). I also, need to exercise (walk) more, but have been finding excuses. Look below in my signature. I feel that I've done well. I average 1-2 pounds per week. Some weeks nothing, other weeks 3 pounds. Good luck. Shawn

sold in HEB-To-go tunafish, fat-free crab salad, salmon pack (by tuna section) fast food- I like Wendy's chili, salads, baked potato, fish sandwich w/no bread Just to add some...Shawn

I agree with BandsterHopeful. Aftercare, is very important with the band! Not just your 2 weeks checkup, but years after banding. Please research, the best doctor, and make sure you have someone to call for aftercare and fill/unfills. Good luck. Shawn

My husband and son drove to Mexico a few weeks ago. They had passports. However, it isn't required yet. In a few years you will be required to have a passport to go into the interior. Here's a link, from the state dept., that will give you the info. required... Mexico. Shawn

Michelle, you are doing terrific! I believe, that when you are doing things right with diet/exercise, you'll eventually begin to lose again. Of course, there are medical reasons why folks that do things right, don't lose. However, overall, if you are doing what you need to do, then give it time. Sometimes, as in my case, I will go 2 weeks with no loss. Then the next week, I will lose 2-3 pounds. I end up averaging 1-2 pounds a week. Good job. Shawn

Cindycam, keeping reading and researching. There are drawbacks to every type of WLS. I suppose, when you reach the point of being mentally ready, then you will know. At least I did. This is a great place to start for information. Shawn

First off, Butch, you have done some incredible losing!!! I understand that you want to get back to the weight loss scene. For some reason, your port is difficult to access (I guess). I would always ask for fluro with whomever you go. Don't bother with them, if they don't do fluro on you. Good luck on finding a place close for your fills. Shawn

Sorry K@T! That was really a tough one. I can't believe someone would attempt that on a poor patient without anesthesia. Shawn

Wonderful work! YOU did it!!!Shawn

This is VERY common! Shawn

I was a size 2X in women's Now I am a size 14 I am not sure about my goal size? Maybe a 10ish. Although, do you folks feel that the sizes are different since you've lost weight? I don't remember being a size 14 at 189 pounds... Shawn

Hang in there. My belief is that, after surgery our bodies go into starvation mode (metabolism slows). Once you start getting in more calories, the body is still at the slower speed, in processing our fuel (food). This happened to me and it took about 2 weeks to see gradual movement. Hang in there!! Shawn

Incredible! What are some of the important changes, in your life, since you've lost the weight??? Shawn

I believe that some surgeons think we should be RNY patients! 800 calories a day makes most folks feel unwell. It's on survival mode. You are doing wonderful and losing fine. Keep up the good work. Feel good about life and your weight loss!!! Shawn

My gyn said that sometimes with weight loss you periods will be a bit erratic (estrogen in fat cells). However, she said if I began menstrating too often or too heavy to give her a call. I think it's time to give your gyn. a call!! Good luck. Shawn

Goodbye: 1. To my shortened life due to obesity 2. Plus sized clothing 3. Not smiling enough 4. Feeling like the biggest girl in the room 5. Eating more than my husband and children 6. Having my husband roll to my side of the bed, due to me being heavier 7. Feeling like a whale in a swimsuit 8. Feeling hot most of the time 9. Avoiding the beach

Former banders.