Elisabethsew

I had lost over 200 pounds and put back on 100+ in the last 3 years. I didn't want to regain the other 100 pounds and knew I needed help and opted for the band.

I would choose the two black and white pics although they're ALL beautiful.

I have no restriction after one fill and have scheduled the second one. When I do feel restriction, I plan to ride the wave as long as I can. You're lucky that you have some restriction and have not had a fill so hold off as long as possible.

Why let a number dictate what you should weigh? Do it the other way, look in the mirror and decide if you like what you see. If the answer is yes, step on the scale and see what you weigh. THAT is YOUR ideal goal weight.

I was told by my dietician that it's actually helpful to drink before meals... called water loading. It helps fill you a little and also begins to signal the brain that the hunger sensation is being satisfied.

The fact that this could be a life-long problems dictates that you need to get an attorney ASAP. Don't bother communicating with the insurance company anymore, let your lawyer do it for you. Jack is a chiropractor so he might have some valuable advice for you.

I have no restrictions on milk but am lactose intolerant so I go easy on dairy products. I take a calcium supplement everyday and LOVE the lite ricotta cheese which is low in calories, high in protein and tastes great. As for sugar, I don't use it and avoid processed foods.

I splurge on fresh fruit salads. The local fruit and veggie place makes different sizes and it's all delicious. It's more money to buy it all prepared but I'm worth it.

I am not a fan of insurance companies but I don't believe it's ever OK to "nudge" (A.K.A. CHEAT) the system. I had a BMI of over 50 and had to fight to get my surgery. I FINALLY won the appeal although it delayed my surgery by several months. Call me old fashioned but I still believe it's best to be honest... easier to sleep at night.

I just finished my Ph.D. comprehensive exams and will be beginning my Doctoral dissertation in Adult and Post Secondary Education in July. Congratulations on getting to the finish line.

Good luck on your surgery. I did a one week pre-op diet that consisted of full fluids for 6 days and clear fluids the day prior to surgery. My surgeon discourages alcohol so I haven't had any since surgery.

I am able to eat all of the food post-op that I ate pre-op without any difficulty.

You can report an MD to the insurance company anonymously. Do that and pay the $500. If he's under investigation and proven at fault, he will have to make restitution to the patients he scammed.

I can drink water fast with no problems at all. I have no restriction so this might explain the ability to do that.

You said you weigh on a tile bathroom floor. Does the scale cover more than one tile? If so, that would explain the inconsistencies. Move the scale to a wood floor or a solid surface with no grout lines. Mine varies very little but I do an average of 3 weights.

If you're experiencing no restriction now, I would keep your appointment with the surgeon. He can do a conservative fill and then after vacation if you're not restricted, you could go for a 2nd fill.

Concentrate not on how much you have to lose but on the accomplishment of how much you DID lose. It's time to refocus and get healthy foods back in the house. PLAN your meals and take it one meal at a time and you'll be back on a losing streak.

It's too early to have carbonation at 3 weeks post-op and my surgeon discourages carbonation for life. Didn't you discuss this with your pre-op team before surgery?

I second Donna's advice, call your MD.

Welcome! You're already frustrated? Why?

Do you use one particular antibiotic or several in this treatment regime?

Jen, VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure) is now commonly used in the hospital to heal decubitus ulcers (bedsores) and wounds that are slow to heal. They work when nothing else will and I'm glad it did the trick for you. Trish, The new pictures you posted look like you're healing. If the drainage begins to smell, if the wound borders become red and warm or if you develop a fever, call your MD.

1. how long have you been banded? 2.5 months 2. rate your level of restriction: A. NONE (fill or no fill you can eat whatever) 3. how long after you wake do you drink your first liquids, are they hot or cold: 30 minutes, room temp Water and coffee 4. how long after you wake do you eat your first food, is it solid or mushy? 30 minutes, 4 oz lite ricotta cheese if it is mushy, when is your first dense protien solid? lunch 5. does your restriction change throughout the day? no restriction felt 6. how often do you PB? never have 7. is it mostly Slime/Saliva or is it the offending food or liquid that comes up? N/A 8. why are you PB'ing? N/A

I think the only person who can be labeled a failure is the one who gives up all attempts at losing weight. The amount of pounds is not the measure of success... it's staying and fighting for the longterm and you've proven you're a fighter.

It is NOT normal to have green drainage and you need to see your MD ASAP. If the drainage has a real bad odor to it, it's even more prudent to see your MD quickly. Forget asking opinions on this board, when you're discussing a potentially serious infection, it's time to pick up the phone and call the MD.