CCBSTX

How's the pre-op diet going? Shawn

I agree with the above! Schedule an unfill...

I burp and have LEARNED to stop! Oh yes, I've eaten another bite or two, after the burp, but have regretted it. Funny, this is the first I've hear about the "sigh." We were banded the same day! Shawn

Congratualations! Beautiful rings and all...Have fun. Shawn

Keep coming to LBT for support! What folks have said before are true. Let your body heel and follow your surgeons directions. The first 2-4 weeks are some of the most difficult and confusing times. Your body is healing inside and out. Don't overdo the food. I figured I got in about 700 or so calories the first few weeks. Really I didn't feel very strong with that amount. It was too low. Soon, once I was on mushies I started feeling better. Let us know how you do.

Keep coming to LRT for support! What folks have said before are true. Let your body heel and follow your surgeons directions. The first 2-4 weeks are some of the most difficult and confusing times. Your body is healing inside and out. Don't overdo the food. I figured I got in about 700 or so calories the first few weeks. Really I didn't feel very strong with that amount. It was too low. Soon, once I was on mushies I started feeling better. Let us know how you do.

Just ignore that person! If she's not supportive than she's a waste of energy. That is how I go about my life. Its mostly about energy-conservation!!! hehe. Seriously.. surround yourself, if possible, with supportive people. Pat yourself on the back, for those 28 pounds and smile...

My first fill seems to be holding. Like alot of you out there, my band is a fickle one! I do feel pretty restricted for the most part. Put it this way, it's as restricted as I want to be. I never want to be the one that can only drink protein shakes and eat soups. My goal is to have a decent restriction but eat real foods. Of course, there is limitation (bread, some meats). I've been stagnant for the past week or so. However, I think I've lost a pound or two overnight. We'll see if it sticks around! Shawn

I think 30 years is the standard point in which Ob/Gyn like you to wait. Although, I'm sure with the right reasons and right doctor, that you can convince one earlier. Since you're almost 28, it's pretty close. In the meantime, birth control pills + foam + condom!!!! If you are 100% sure go for it! My husband had a vasectomy, with minimal discomfort, and it's a great way to go. Shawn

Great post! This board is great about sharing all aspects of the band. The bad and the GOOD. You have done wonderful with your band and I am glad that all has gone relatively smooth. I am so thankful for getting the band vs. bypass (my first thought). My brain is coming to terms with my food issues, my body is able to lose the excess without starvation/malnutrition, and my soul is happy that I've done something for myself.

I agree! A starter would be to go on the obesity help website and look up bariatric surgeons. ObesityHelp.com That way you can look em up and see what folks have to say. I know there is just the right surgeon for you! Shawn

Salad is perfect for me! No problems at all...

I imagine there are many reasons for aggressive and not-so-aggressive fills. Money, time, surgeon problems, not knowing what to look for, etc are just some of the issues. At one point, I was losing my 1-2 pounds a week but I could eat alot (no restriction). However, I stopped myself from overeating, as if I was on a diet (willpower). I thought, I am losing weight but this is not why I got the band. I didn't want to diet and feel hungry. Hence, I recieved my first fill. My goal is to lose 1-2 pounds a week. Lapbanders are recommended to lose about 1-2 pounds a week. Some are slower and some faster (turtle power). Shawn

Not sure how much you are paying for this attorney. I would gather my paperwork (first denial, first appeals, etc). Then, I would try to file a claim for the full amount. Attach a note, from the surgeon, stating how the lapband is not experimental (FDA approved, statistics, etc). Keep copies of everything and see what they say. An attorney, could do this, if you've already paid.

Dody, waiting is the hard part! Ask your surgeon if you are higher risk, than usual, with the band due to your ulcers. You will feel better knowing. Remember, you want your body to be in the best condition before surgery as it can be.

Tricia, you are doing a great job! I was banded a week before you. YEA for TRICIA! Shawn

Start seeking your support here. Get in touch with a fellow lapbander, in your area! This board has some of the most compassionate, fun people ever! Many folks have been in your shoes. There is always someone skinnier, prettier, taller, etc. As you know, most people are so worried about themselves, they often don't "see" the other people around them. They speak of how "fat" they are and need to lose 5-10 pounds. It happens to me all of the time. They speak, "I really need to lose 20 pounds." I feel as if they are saying you could lose some too! GRRR. Shawn

What does your surgeon say? Are you on solids or mushies? How are you tolerating foods? Do they get stuck? Do you get full? I am thinking that you may be on solids by now. That would mean a regular meal, with Protein and veggies first....Of course, some of us, can't tolerate certain foods (breads, chicken, etc). Shawn

I agree with your nutritionist. It sounds like you need a fill as the quantity of foods you can eat. Shawn

Glad to hear you called Dr. and he Rx antibiotics! Good move on your part. It's always best to be on top of things...Shawn

boogansgirl, take this as treatment you would have AFTER surgery and RUN! I would ask the Dr's office for my $750 back. Just tell them that you didn't "change your mind" but you are changing your doctor. Explain the reasons and apprehension. You are approved with your insurance company, that's not going away. All the other hoops and evaluation that you have will probably be transferable to another surgeon's office. Just imagine if all business ran there paying customers off like this....My two cents, Shawn

HELLO BAND! Keep us posted! Shawn

How frustrating for you and scary! I would wait until you can see the surgeon and get his opinion. I don't like the aspect of poking around, so to speak, as I feel it must increase the risk of "port issues." From now on, I would try to schedule the surgeon to do your fills. Also, on the next appt., ask if they can see how much saline is in your band. I'd keep track, in case. Good luck.

There is nothing wrong with calling your surgeon, if you feel that things may not be normal. If your incisions, especially your port incision, is feeling hot...you may want to call your surgeon. Sometimes that is the first signs of an infection. Don't carry anything more than a gallon of milk. You don't want to break open your internal or external stitches. Let your body heal and give things time. No weight loss is ok in the first 6 weeks. Good luck and vibes. Shawn

I wasn't required to do a pre-opt diet. However, I did my own as I wanted to start losing ASAP. I basically followed a bandster diet. 1) 3 meals a day (protein first and no seconds) 2) No sodas (diet or other). 3) No snacking (well maybe once a day and healthy) 4) Walked as much as I could. I ended up losing 6 pounds in a month. Not bad without an official diet. Shawn