bpenney

The bottom line here folks, is there's no exact science to it. Every Dr has different methods and post-op diet requirements. I had one day of Clear liquids pre-op, and post op was full liquids from day one. My good friend had a 2 week liquid pre-op, and 2 week post-op. Every Doctor has their own method. Listen to your body, and be extremely cautious with what you do. You may or may not pay for it. But for anyone on here to presume they know what's best for anyone else, is foolish. We're all different, we all heal differently based on age, race, gender, genetics, etc... And just because someone is "new" to this forum doesn't mean they're new to the information regarding this lifestyle change. I've been on this journey for over 30 months now. I trust my doctors way before I trust a web forum.

From what I've been told by my doctors, this isn't true. Digestion takes place through digestive fluids in the stomach pouch, not by movement. When the digestive fluids break down the food particles, they become small enough to slip into and through the stoma, where small fiberous hairs in your intestine move them along the intestinal tract. The band is tightly placed around the stomach, it's not going anywhere unless some sort of violent activity takes place, like continual vomiting etc... I wouldn't worry about it, minimeemz. Just be careful in moving too fast, because you could slow your healing progression. I'm one week post-op, and I've cheated a tiny bit, by not straining my cream Soups. I seem to be doing ok, and I really want to move on to mushies but... I think I'll wait a few more days.

I'm excited, it's been a 2 year + journey for me to get my surgery. I just want it over with, so I can start living my new life. Manchester is west of Ann Arbor approx 25 miles. Right between Ann Arbor and Jackson.

I was just coming on here to ask this same question. I called my surgeons office and they told me to call my gp and get on something. My surgery is Tuesday, and if they have to postpone it, it will be months before I can get in. I don't want that. I have severe allergies, and have a sinus infection because of them. I'm going to get something today to take care of this by Monday.

Seems to me, if you cut one fishy up into dime-size portions, you could easily chew, swallow, and not worry about them. Of course, eating a whole one is probably going to get stuck.

Bob, I lived in Coldwater for two years. I was not happy there... lol... BBK, Grass Lake would work for me. How about you Kirajh? Grass Lake is about a 20-25 minute drive for me. Where in Grass Lake would you suggest, BBK? I'm not too familiar with the area.

These were all great responses, folks. Everyone is truly different it seems. Makes you wonder how the exact same procedure can be the perfect answer for so many people. Thanks everyone.

I'm just wondering how much this varies from person to person. I've read some people are eating full meals, with healthy portion sizes of course. But I've also heard of people who can't eat more than a 4oz of solids before they're full. Is it a standard 4oz pouch for everyone? I thought it was, but maybe I'm wrong? What is a typical meal for you in size? 2oz of chicken, 2 oz of veggies, and something else? Thanks.

I've only been sick enough to vomit once in the last 12 years. It was about 8 years ago when that happened. So I'm not overly concerned about it. However, from what I've read... if you're sick enough to vomit, you should probably go get unfilled for safety purposes.

Those of you in Jackson, near Jackson, etc... There's a support group in Brooklyn, MI but it's not specific to Bandsters. It's for all Bariatric patients I believe. We could certainly start one though. I'm about 30 miles from Jackson. I'm about 10 miles south of Chelsea, in a town called Manchester. Where would a central location for all of us be?

Another Michigander here! Surgery is June 10th at Barix Clinics in Ypsilanti.

I'm going through Dr. Poplawski in Ypsi. Personally I think there's really very little difference between the Realize band and the Lap-Band. They both serve the same purpose, which is to be a tool thhat we have to utilize for maximum weight loss and sustaining a lifestyle change. Barix is great about responding to my calls. Their insurance group was great in communicating what I needed to do and helped me do it. The staff is highly knowledgeable, and I can't find a bad word about Dr. Poplawski anywhere online. I'm excited to get my surgery in a few short weeks. Good luck in your decision.

Refried Beans have carbs, but unlike white rice or potatoes, it's not a refined starch carb. It's a healthy carb, and not one that should be avoided. Coupled with the Protein in the beans, it's a fantastic energy source, and they'll stay with you for quite some time so you shouldn't get hungry too quickly. If you're going to buy canned beans, buy fat free. However, I suggest making your own refried beans. A 1lb bag of pintos, cooked per bag instructions, then mashed and fried with chopped onions and garlic is amazing. Tastes fantastic.

shorty, stay strong and be encouraged. Over 2 years ago my pcp did similar to yours. She sabotaged my attempt at surgery during my weight loss trial for insurance. 3 months in, I had lost 22lbs (most of it water weight, from cutting out soda etc...) and she decided if I stuck to the diet I could lose the weight, no surgery needed. She told me she wouldn't recommend the surgery, and blew my hopes out of the water. I got depressed, gain back all the weight I'd lost plus some more, and figured I was screwed. Then I changed pcp's, and my surgery is now in June. Don't waste time on depression or feeling sorry or upset. Simply switch pcp's. Get all your documentation sent over to your new pcp, and have them write the letter. The letter from the new pcp and included documentation will prove you've done the weight loss trial period, and completed all you need to do. The insurance should still accept it, mine did. Good luck! -Brian

Well, two years and three months after my initial consult... I finally have a surgery date! Tuesday, June 10th 2008. I will be banded by Dr. Poplowski in Ypsilanti, MI. :thumbs_down: I'm so excited. It's like Christmas coming early.