Colleen C

You can basically eat what your band will tolerate. It is so different for different people. Some foods are stringy like broccoli but as we all know if it is canned it is mush already so prob fine but ALWAYS go by what the doctor says or it is your own risk.

You are 25 and have not wasted any time. You are exactly where you are suppose to be in your life. Many of us are much older and starting this. Try not to look back, just keep smiling and moving forward, it is only going to get better if you stick to your plan. Like you, I got teared up over such a sad death. It hurts to know anyone who dies with a sad broken heart and maybe normally you wouldn't your body is going through a lot right now. Give yourself some time, I personally think what you are going through is a normal feeling. If in a few more weeks you dont start feeling a little better then do something about it. Hugs and love to my fellow bander. Colleen

All I know is I would have not made it through the pre-op diet if it did not have an end point. The best part is after you go through it, it becomes like a detox. You stop constantly craving certain foods but I wont lie, it is not easy. You have to decide what is best for you and make the choice to do it. I was getting miserably fat and unhealthy so it didn't matter what I had to do, I had to do it for myself. I have 4 daughters who love me, need me and I would like to be here for them as long as I can and do it as healthy as possible. Got to get your head together and just do whatever you decide. It is up to you and only you. Is that sugar worth doing that to yourself? Good luck, Colleen

Not much to do after the fact but to make sure it doesn't happen again. You are feeding your feelings so I suggest making an appointment with a therapist to learn how to handle problems and feelings without food. Many of us have had to talk to someone to help with this. Your not alone but you have to do something.

I am so sorry to hear what your going through for sure. While all this is spinning around and you are trying to figure this out I suggest getting an appointment with another surgeon. Possibly another county or whatever because you need another opinion.

Of course you could but I would not. 4 of them is about 60 calories plus the sugar, carbs etc. Your main goal right now is shrinking your liver and the benefit of it is weight loss. If you have to have something maybe you could find the sugar free kind? Pre-op is the hardest part since I was banded in June. Although it is a battle, it will be so worth it. You can do it. I promise, most of us here have! lol Good luck to you, Colleen

I am 6 weeks out and so far for me, the pre-op requirements were the hardest part. I was only allowed shakes, sf Jello and broth. It was sheer determination that got me through it. I waffled a time or two with some baked chicken and fish but I was successful. The best part is I lost 23 pounds so that helped but I felt like I was starving. Just pull yourself through this. It does get better, thankfully. You are in the hardest part for most of us. Try to remember this (like said above) is mostly for your liver and safety. It also helps get you past the food withdrawals. You are on your way and soon will be rocking the new banded you. GOOD LUCK, keep us posted. Lots of good people and info on this website. Colleen

It is not anything to worry about. Just be truthful and honest and it will be over before you know it. You will soon be one step closer to your band! Woohoo! Colleen

If you would enjoy it why not?! We use to reward ourselves with food now we find new ways. Enjoy pampering yourself, you deserve it.

No matter what we choose to do there is documentation to say do it or don't do it. This goes on with every topic we could come up to discuss about WLS. It makes for a good topic to bring up to the doctor at our visits so they can either explain how we would benefit or possibly suffer from that choice. Many rules are followed because it is a majority type of decision for the whole not necessarily each person. Being 6 weeks post op I am sticking to what I was told because although I am not against not following the rules to a T at this time I have not learned my band and body well enough to completely deviate from the plan that was placed for me. What works for one may or may not work for another as well. Support and love, Colleen and have had

You have not failed unless you are quitting. As fast as we want all this to happen, it seems to be a long haul we are in for learning life over again in many new ways. Give it more time. food isn't that easy to give up. We will get it though, just hard work and time. Stay positive, Colleen

Do something now on finding a better tasting or tolerable shake. For me each one I had to drink got worse, lol. It takes effort but you will find one and get through it. We all did. Good luck to you. Colleen

It is quite normal to feel nervous even though you know you want it.

I have been banded since June 20, lost 40 lbs (20 pre op & 20 post op). I went out to eat and shared a dinner with my husband of food that I have not been having at home few ribs, fries, slice of garlic bread and now I am right back to craving and wanting to eat too much too often. Does anyone else have this problem? I don't understand why "cheating" once in a while is such a big problem for me. Is it just part of being addicted to food? I don't have a fill yet but had been loosing nicely until this happened and have since been fighting cravings and gained two pounds this morning. I do realize that the big picture is what counts and for the month I have lost fine and most likely the doctor wont fill me still because I have lost a decent amount this month. My biggest question I guess is what do I do in the future on those times I must eat out. Do I just have to suffer through the withdrawals all over again or what does anyone else do that suffers from this? Thanks for listening, Colleen

For some it is common to be hungry, I was. Congrats to you. Colleen