Elisabethsew

I don't think you're going to get too many response because the majority of people do lose weight. Maybe you'd find some more info on the complications thread?

Anyone can play. Welcome.

Nobody knows the entire story and nobody ever will. That's why we have to trust the judgement of the moderators. For whatever reasons, several people were banned. Life goes on. Move forward.

A non-scale victory that helped you burn even more calories. WOW! Congratulations!

I was on full fluids the week before the surgery and could have clear soups and tomato soup, yogurt, ice pops, lite ricotta cheese (4 oz), protein shakes, etc,. The day before surgery I had to do clear fluids only. Follow the prescribed diet from now until the day of surgery and I doubt you'll have a problem. Eating is definitely emotional and you're always emotional when facing surgery. How many times do we eat because the food is there but we're not hungry? It's like we believe if you don't eat all you can shove in now, you'll never have it again. Well, post-banding you CAN eventually have whatever you want. The band will help you make better choices (hopefully) and control amounts of the food you desire. Good luck with the surgery.

Welcome ladies! Take it easy while you're healing and make sure you stay hydrated and get a lot of rest.

Babs, I look for your posts and think your success has been amazing. Keep on posting!

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your banding.

Well, it seemed to take FOREVER but I am finally a member of the club as I kicked the 300's to the curb and am at 298 pounds. So many of you are doing soooooooooooo well. Congratulations!

I'm also on Long Island... live in Suffolk county.

I am certified to access lapband ports (no, I don't do my own), mediports, and chemoports. All are made by Inamed and can accomodate any needle but huber needles (right angle shaped) are recommended for mediports and chemoports and suggested for lapband ports. If you were inserting the needle into a lapband (or other Inamed port) you palpate a metal ring and spread your fingers to stabilize the port. You then insert the needle and it feels like you're going through a vinyl-like material. You keep inserting until you feel the needle hit a metal surface. You aspirate and then inject the fluid. Sometimes, you don't get an aspirate return and that's fine. it happens with other ports as well. If placement is in question, an x-ray or flouroscopy is suggested.

As long as you check with your MD, I suppose this procedure is fine. For anyone with heart problems, you can alter your fluid and electrolyte balance so be careful. The body rids itself of toxins via two primary routes... feces and urine. Once you "clean" out, you're back to baseline is less than a week.

LOL, I don't follow football but I admire your enthusiasm!

Way to go! Congratulations!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome! There's a lot of good information here.

Small frequent meals rather than 3 full ones a day, not eating for 2 hours before going to bed and acid blockers (Nexium, Prevacid, Pepcid, Zantac, etc.) all help.

I take about 14 pills a day and have never had a problem swallowing them. My surgeon told me as long as the pill is less than the size of a dime, it's fine to swallow them. Remember, you can't open, crush, etc., any medication that is enteric coated (dissolves in small intestine), long acting, sustained release, etc.

Congratulations on your success.

Hi Vivian, We have the same surgeon. On your first post-op visit you will be seen by Dr. Geiss. He will weigh you, check your incisions and answer any questions. After that, you're done and will schedule a 2nd appt. for your first fill.

WOW... 5 weeks of fluids is a long time. I give you credit for doing it. I am now 5 months out and had a hard time getting restriction. I am going on 9/7 for my check-up and another small fill as #3 has lessened quite a bit. You're right about it being able to slip back to old habits but we went through a lot and have to work through the bad habits. You're doing great.

Unfortunately, society screams at us everyday that thin is in and fat is not where it's at. It's sad that we become conditioned that we're not good enough. Just remember, you ARE special and you DO matter and people who matter see that... no matter what your wieght registers.

I enjoy the Smart Choice 100 calorie pack of popcorn when I get the occasional desire to have pepcorn. It goes down fine and the one small bag satisfies my desire. I don't get a chance to see movies with work and school but Water and a 100 cal snack pack sounds good.

I was advised, "the less food in your GI system, the easier the surgery" so I stuck to the 6 days of full fluids and one day of clear fluids.

People have answered your question very well here. The only thing I would add is that flouroscopy IS an x-ray so each time you will have minimal exposure to radiation.