kkarryall

Hi there! Congrats on your decision. Most insurance companies require a 6 month medically supervised diet--although you'll have to find out for sure about your ins. company. I was told 5-7 weeks off work. Recovery wasn't bad at all for me. I am a week post-op and I feel great! Good luck

I am sorry to hear about your dad...That is a very difficult thing to go through. My dad died when I was 21, so I can relate...I am sure you will do well with your lapband!

This is also a great place to come for support! Welcome to LBT!

Congrats on your 10 lb weight loss!! I cannot beleive you are still on CLEAR liquids!! I was only on CLEARS for the first day, then full liquids---so I could have cream Soups, etc ( I was banded the day before you). WHy don't you talk to your surgeon? I bet he will approve you to either move on to full liquids or mushies....Hang in there. You will be able to eat REAL food again!! Good luck

Can I eat purreed chili during the mushies stage? I start in a few days.... Thanks

Question: Can you eat pureed chili for the puree diet? I was just wondering bc I feel like the ground beef wouldn't completley puree....or would it? I don't have much experience pureeing things! I start puree in a couple of days.... thanks

I was also told that full liquids was anything that was liquid that could fit through a straw---but not to drink it through a straw!!! Good luck

I grew up 30 mins away from Saratoga (in Salem, NY)--but now I live in the Bronx. I have heard a few people on here get banded at Ellis. I am curious why you are choosing Ellis over Albany Med? I don't know anything about either program--I am just curious..... Good luck to you! Great that your bf is doing it with you....

I also went to the DR to a resort in Puerto Plata...we took a trip outside the resort...and it is a very poor area. One girl that was staying at our resort tried to go outside on her own and the taxi driver said he would not take her anywhere unless she hired a local as a bodyguard!! I was like WHAT???? Craziness. A beautiful country, very friendly people--- but I really know NOTHING about their healthcare.

Well I did the 6 month medically supervised diet where I lost 10 lbs..not very much. It was very hard to get motivated!! Then I had to do the all liquid diet for two weeks before my surgery and I lost 20lbs! I couldn't beleive it. But I didn't cheat at all....the first three days of it were hell and then it just got easier. I am on all liquids right now and I think I have lost even more weight---but I don't personally own a scale (by choice). Because I get way too obsessed with the scale if I don't lose enough. I go for my post-op check up on Monday so I will see what I weigh then. I am determined to really watch what I eat, eat healthful foods, watch my portion size, and exercise until I get down to my goal weight. I know the band is only a tool. Right now I feel totally full after only eating a 1/2 cup to a cup of soup---so that definitely makes it easier. Where do you live? When are you getting banded? Good luck

You are not the only person to feel that way. I feel ashamed of my weight too...and boy has it held me back. There are so many things I don't do because I am too fat. I was banded on June 23rd so I am a newbie, but I have lots of hope and feel like I have a new lease on life. Good luck to you

Where do you live? I know a lot of people on this forum have had surgery in Mexico. Any reason why you're considering DR over Mexico? Good luck in your decision

I didn't have a BM until day 5!!! I was getting worried...but will all these liquids I think its normal. I also did not feel hungry at all for the first few days. Now I feel hungry every 3-4 hours, but as soon as I have some soup or a Protein shake I feel fine... Good luck!!

I was banded on the 23rd and haven't had a BM since the 22nd!! Anyone else have this problem?

I TOTALLY understand where you aare coming from. I went on vacation in April with family, and I never looked forward to it ONCE because I was so damn worried that the seatbelt wouldn't fit around me. And I had gotten myself into such an anxiety that i really didin't enjoy the trip that much. ANd I PAID for both my mother and I to go. How is that for DYSFUNCTION? Looking forward to thinner days...

I am inexperienced at the whole lap band thing...BUT I have heard of others on here going back on liquids for a couple of weeks just to jump start their weight loss. Good luck

Thanks for all the great replies!! This is really encouraging!

Yes I too love sweets...unfortunately. I was just banded on June 23rd, so I have been on liquids for awhile. My plan is to really watch what I eat until I get to my goal weight, and allow myself to have treats when I go out to eat or soemthing, which isn't very often. I am worried, of course. Obviously, I am obese for a reason. I just hope that lapband will make it easier for me. Before, I could eat a whole bag of pepperedge farm cookies. Baked goods are my weakness. I know the band is just a tool and I will have to use a lot of will power. This is an interesting thread....I am interested in hearing more!

I am wanting to know how many of you who love to eat sweets and junk food (think Cookies, candy, doughnuts, cake, etc.) have been successful with the lapband? I understand the rules of the lapband, Protein first, then veggies, etc. But I have also heard that sweet eaters don't do as well with the lapband....so those of you who love sweets; how have you done with the lapband? THANKS:smile2:

I also live in the Bronx! I was just banded on June 23RD--so I am still inexperienced.....but good luck to you! And feel free to ask any questions.

Did you start your 6 month diet in March 2008? Try doing a low carb diet. Eat mostly protein (like meats, chicken, turkey, steak, etc.), veggies (like salads with dressing) and cheese is allowed too. I find that doing low carb often takes away the cravings for carbs (like bread, sweets, etc.) The first three days is hell--like withdrawal , but after that if you stick to it, its smooth sailing. Good luck:thumbup:

You can do it!! Stay away from the ice cream! You've done so well so far...:blushing:

I am scheduled for the 23RD! Right now I am feeling full after only about 1 cup of liquid, though....I am thinking that will change in the next week...we will see....

How much are you able to eat? I was banded June 23RD. I am soooo sick of protein shakes (from drinking so many during my pre-op diet). I have been eating soups (like tomato, cream of chicken, etc.) made with skim milk. Yesterday, I ate half a can of soup for lunch and the other half for dinner. And I was totally full. Plus, I am trying to drink lots of fluids. How much are you guys able to "eat"?

I also had to do the 6 month diet. I gained some months and lost others, losing a total of 20 lbs during that time. I did meet one girl who is banded that got around it. She asked people on the forums for a sample letter from their PCP documenting the 6 month diet. Then her PCP basically just signed the paper for her, because he was aware of her diet attempts and struggles for a long time. But you most likely will have to do it. It is a long time, but it gives you time to learn more about the lap band lifestyle. Good luck!