RestlessMonkey

I was told no carbonation ever. I don't like soda and haven't tried it. But it stands to reason if you let it go flat, you can drink it (but, ewwwww) And you need to get 64 oz of Water in first. That's a lot of drinking. My surgeon says no drinking 15 min before, during, or 15 min after a meal. Aside from perhaps washing food through, if it doesn't do that it can expand the pouch. (think if you have food in the stoma that hasn't gone through and drink several ounces. It will just sit there and expand your little new tummy) Personally if I forget and drink while I'm eating, it hurts. It's not that hard to do, once you get into the habit. There's no physiologic need to drink while eating (think of dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc etc) it's just a habit we humans have.

On the one hand I'd say no...but on the other hand, I didn't do what my doc told me (lost 15 pounds anyway) and didn't get the band on the first go round. So hang in there! It will be worth it.

I don't use artificial sweeteners. I don't eat too many processed sweets, anyway, and when I do, I go for real sugar.

I was really the exact opposite, although I did get 3 oz fish or chicken at night, but 2-3 shakes and then the 3 oz of whatever. After the first 2-3 days I felt really wonderful, actually. It's too harsh to keep it up forever and I did miss variety...but I felt really good.

Congratulations and welcome!

Congratulations and good luck. The time will fly by!

Yes. After you've had the band, most of us are told we can't have carbonation any more (but some still drink sodas or beer). After the band some people have some foods they can't eat. I've had 5 fills and can still eat anything, but I have to take small bites and chew well. You gave more control than you realize, because you with guidance from your surgeon, decide how tight you want the band to be. Most aim for this: Full for up to 5-6 hours on 1/2 to 1 cup of food. Otherwise, there's really no restriction. Some are told not to use straws, but others they aren't an issue. Some are told to avoid caffeine, others aren't. Some diet, others just watch what they eat. Most of us at least try to get some exercise in; it helps weight loss and maintenance. But activities including sky diving and deep sea diving...nothing is off limits. The band is marvelous.

Good! Lucky you! :laugh: I could only have clear liquids the first week and got so tired of broth I could've killed someone!

Why would a whole cocktail not be possible? Initially you avoid it because you are healing. AND it is empty calories...but you can drink. Just nothing carbonated.

I'm tricare standard and because I was so heavy, approval took 2 days. There is an insurance specialist at the hospital where I had my surgery done and she (bless you Nadia) filed everything. You might find more info under the "insurance" forum. WIth tricare, speed depends on how heavy you are, and then if your BMI is 35-40, what comorbidities you have. I didn't have to do a 6-month diet but don't know if that was because I'm tricare standard, or because how heavy I was to start, or if it's because tricare doesn't require it. Tricare has a web site that may give you more info, too.

Welcome and good luck. I was born in El Paso and lived there until 1984. I still consider it "home". I hope you'll love your band!

Your insurance must have some guidelines....may I suggest calling back and getting a supervisor who can tell you what they look at? ALL approval is case by case but you have to know what they want in advance! Good grief! Some require 6 months supervised diets, some require certain BMI's, some weights, etc etc. I can see how they couldn't 'approve" you over the phone but they CAN and must tell you what prerequisites you need to fill! My PCP referred me to a center that my insurance did NOT cover. However, I called my ins, found out who they accepted, and found my beloved center that way. They DID submit the claim for me...but if I hadn't asked, that other place would've just told me I wasn't covered and I would've had to pay. So find out what your insurance requires and which surgeons are approved, and then start going to seminars! Good luck!

Jack's right (as usual!) that you should've been given direction. Having said that; the band is your tool and you work it as you see fit. Some diet and count calories, some join organizations like WW, some do low carb, Atkins-esque diets. I just eat "normally" but less. I DO try to "think healthy" when in the store...fruit instead of Cookies, no chips, wheat Fiber enriched bread, etc, but I do eat normal food. Not all have that approach. If I diet I obsess and eventually burn out. This more "lifestyle" approach works best for me, but we are all different. You'll find the way that works for you.

Where in Mexico is he located? (assuming that he is) If it's near the border, be VERY careful. I live in Texas and they are telling us NOT to travel to Mexico.

Steph...I think I sounded more harsh than I intended, since I just reread that today. I hope I didn't sound snippy but if i did, I apologize. That being said...maybe he likes you fat. Some men (it's sad but true) prefer fat women because of self esteem issues. I hope that isn't the case in your situation. (and some men just like chubby chicks like some men prefer long legs...) My DH loves me as I am but would also love to have someone to go places and do things with and I've been so heavy that's not possible, in many instances. Either way, you're young and have your whole life ahead. Yeah, that's a cliche, but it's true. Don't let him hold you back if you decide this is right for you. Don't wait until you're my age (they didn't have the band when I was your age or I'd have JUMPED on that thing!). If you two are meant to be, he'll come around. If not, well, you know ...more fish in the sea. Good luck!

Where in Texas are you? I'm in San Antonio. Good Luck!

Ashley, sounds like you are already on full liquids and mushies. Are you sure you get to eat all that so soon? If so, you are one lucky chickie! :laugh: (it's possible...all docs are different)...

Congratulations, and welcome! :laugh:

Do you have a stylist or beautician you trust? If so, check with him or her. I don't think head and shoulders is really good for your hair...and it sounds to me (in my very limited experience) like you may be too dry (because of the breakage). Usually dandruff is caused by too MUCH oil. If you don't have enough and are using that you can just be making things worse. Dry brittle hair will break easily; you may not be getting enough fat/oil in your diet. If you are taking a good Vitamin and drinking your Water and getting your Protein in, then I'd look at fat. You know we need SOME fat for health and cellular function. If you don't want to add olive or canola (or some such) oil back into your diet, maybe try an Omega complex pill? It will take it a while to work though. In the interim a good stylist should be able to help you minimize the damage.

Ah ok thanks! In that case...no way would I have surgery there. (That's personal choice) Being obese, as I am, I have more risk than the normal person for ANY surgery. I'd want to be in a hospital where there are pros in case I code, etc. People DO die during bariatric surgery; not as much as they used to, and the band is laparoscopic and not as invasive, but there are still risks. I'd want a hospital. In fact, my surgeon is the head of bariatrics at a local hospital on the other side of town from me (45 minutes away) but occasionally performs surgery at a hospital near where I live (15 minutes away). I made sure I scheduled the surgery to be at his normal hospital with his "team"...because they are used to bariatric surgery and know what to do in case things go south. I waited an extra week to get him and his team at the hospital where he does most of his surgeries. Not to say he isn't competent, or the medical personnel weren't competent, at the other hospital....I just want to do what I can to optimize a good outcome. To me, outpatient surgery clinic (unless it's a division in a real hospital) is not an option.

Ask your surgeon. You may have an infection there. It shouldn't still "hurt like a mo fo" when you bend over. A little soreness, yes. Bad pain...no.

Ok. With the caveat that they are both good options... I have the lap band and I am glad I do. It comes in sizes and so my doc was able to fit me during surgery with the one that was the least traumatic to my stomach. I have the AP Large. I like the fact that I have 14 ccs to "play" with. I like the construction. The port is larger than the one with the realize band (I think) but as my surgeon said, in obese people, finding the port is a challenge (at the start, before we lose) and he said when I lost he'd cheerfully put in a low profile port for me...no big deal. I also don't like the thought of the port being clamped to my abdominal wall, and that's how the realize band's port is placed (I think). Lastly my surgeon uses the lap band because it's been in the USA the longest and it's the one he's familiar with. Having said all that, people who have the realize band also lose weight and thrive. I think it's like MP3 players...many different brands with small differences but they all play music!

Hi Emilie! I lost your email address...can you drop me a line? I've had your problem, too and maybe we can give each other some tips! :laugh: jeffthurston55@gmail.com I know you changed your address and can't find the new one.

That's why so many of us keep saying "we're all different" and "check with YOUR doctor"...because, we are all different! :laugh: You apparently are either healing well, or have a doctor who feels the 14 days (or 21, or 42 as I've read) is excessive! Just count yourself lucky and enjoy the mushies! :thumbup:

What specifically frightens you? Perhaps I (or another poster) can put your mind at ease.