illuminationlady

There certainly are a lot of varying opinions about this subject. Mine is on both sides. For one thing, you should not beat yourself up for not being prepared. Just learn from the experience and move forward. However, we must live our lives, even banded, in a somewhat "normal" life. My downfall is Starbucks. So every so often I treat myself to one. I am not going to deny myself of every pleasure in life just because I'm banded. I just don't do it every day. We live and learn, so go forth and be prepared next time. And if you crave an ice cream buy a small tub from the grocery store and have a bowl once a month. But I agree with Bob that McDonald's is pretty bad for you. I avoid it like the plague. Best wishes!!!

When you are allowed them eggbeaters with cheese and greek style yogurt are both high in protein, low in carbs and low in calories. I used to mix unflavored protein powder in while making Cream of Wheat. I would sweeten it with Splenda. This, too, is an alternative to the shakes. You can still do the shakes just gradually introduce one item listed above at a time and only when your doctor tells you that you can. My doctor allowed some of these items about 10 days out. Best wishes on your journey!

Yes, call the doctor. Any time you are constantly throwing up they want to know right away. It is dangerous as a PP stated because of dehydration. Do you feel like you may have the stomach flu? Or are you simply getting stuck? Best wishes...Feel better...

I'm 5'6'' and want to weigh 155. Any lower than that and I look like I'm sickly.

The longest I've been stuck is a couple of hours and I've been stuck many times. The sensation is immediate as PP stated. Don't be afraid to call your doctor ever. I'm sure many of his patients have "cheated" and he's heard it all before. Hope you're feeling better soon...Best wishes!!!

Remember to go in and see your surgeon. They ask questions that may lead to a slight fill (such as how fast you get hungry after dense protein). You may have lost fat around the band and it needs adjusting. Only your surgeon can know for sure. Best wishes!

I'm 51 and was banded on Dec. 16th. As I started to lose my 23 year old daughter noticed. She is very overweight too. By March she had the paperwork completed and the surgery done. Now we are losing together. All I can say is that it's the smartest decision I ever made and only wish I had it done sooner. Best wishes on your journey!

Agreed- No restriction means you need a fill. One of my number one rules is to stay close to my surgeon and go in often and regular. Call on Tue. and make that appointment! Best wishes!!

During this time period it is imperative that you "diet" and I hate to use that word. I was hungry for a long time while waiting for fill after fill. I finally have restriction and it's great. But I didn't really lose much weight for about 3 months. I maintained and maybe lost a few pounds but don't look for big weight loss right now. Just count your calories and measure what you eat and drink, drink, drink your water! Keep protein high and carbs low. That did the trick for me. Hope this helps! Best wishes!

Too funny...lapband Hell...I guess I'll be joining you because I cheated too...lol

Just to add to "the rules". Stay close to your surgeon. Go in for weigh ins and fills. Also, don't drink your calories, such as milkshakes and Starbucks. These are in addition to the rules listed above. No weakness here either and I'm on about 1000 calories a day. Never felt better!!! Best wishes!

Welcome to Bandland! Congrats!!

Bring a small pillow for the car ride home. You can throw it in the car and use it to protect from the seat belt. I also bought lose fitting bras, lose fitting clothes, GasX strips, adult strength liquid Tylenol, Mirilax (for constipation), SF jello, SF pudding, soups, juice (low calorie), Popsicles, protein shakes, unflavored protein powder, Greek yogurt, Cream of Wheat, sippy cups, and I use toddler plates, bowls, etc. to ensure food measurement. Hope this helps! I wish you the best!!! Dottie

I wouldn't wait much longer. You'll start to feel sick (nauseated). I used Mirilax to get me going. It works usually within 12 hours and has NO taste. You mix it with juice or water. Best wishes!

It got so bad I had to crush up a pain pill and take it with some Greek yogurt. Dinner was hard but did eat some of a baked yam. I will never take another antinflammatory without food again!!!!

First of all, reaching "full capacity" for your band should be defined. What you really need to think about is...do you have true restriction? True restriction is feeling full after about a cup of food and staying full for 4-5 hours. If you don't have this then you need a fill. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant. If you have true restriction you shouldn't need Phentermine. Some doctors do prescribe it though. Mine said he would if I reached the point where I was still hungry after being restricted. I ended up not needing to take it. My "hungry switch", as my doctor calls it, is turned off now and I am doing fine. Yes, I believe that if you don't follow the band rules you can regain weight. Remember rule #1 is to stay close to your surgeon. Meaning go in for weigh ins and fills regularly at least for the first year, maybe two. Reminders of the band can be found all over this website. Just start reading and you'll find the rules of the band. But to answer your question about drinking...I don't drink anything for 10 min. before I eat, while I eat, and 30 min. after I eat. That way you stay full longer. In between times I drink +64 oz. of water a day! Best wishes!!!

I don't know about lifting your baby. I would ask a doctor that question but I can still eat just about everything, just much more slowly and lots of chewing is necessary. I can't eat fresh green beans. They're to stingy. I also have some problems with rice but can eat it if I chew and allow time between bites. Most of my "stuck" episodes where my fault. I either ate too fast or took to big a bite. Another "rule" of the band is no drinking any liquids with your meals or for 30 min. after your meal. That took time to get used to. It's no problem now though. I'm used to it. This is a great forum for support and answers. You came to the right place. Best wishes!!!

Six months. No problems! Best thing I ever did for myself. Best wishes!!!

Learn to drink coffee. Iced coffee with splenda is good. Coffee can be an acquired taste. There are many low calorie coffee drinks available now too. Just watch the calories on them. Best wishes!!!

Not to get too personal, but did you go? How long has it been?

Cream of Wheat made with NF milk and I even had a baked yam about a week out. Creamed soups are good also. Add unflavored protein powder to them and watch your calorie intake. It's important that you measure all food. During this time period you could gain weight. I had a rough time during this period. Try some greek style yogurt with honey dribbled on top. It's high in protein and low in sugar. Best wishes on your journey!!!

Today I got rid of some "fat" shorts and a pair of "fat" jeans. I went closet shopping and fit into my smaller pairs of shorts. It felt reallllllly good!!!!

I used to get stuck all of the time. You have to learn about your band and it's very personal to each and every person. What works for me might not work for someone else. You are "testing" your band right now. You learn what works by trail and error. Remember once you have a "stuck" episode it's important to do liquids for 24 hours after. Being "stuck" causes inflammation and you need time to heal. Now that I "know" my band I hardly ever get stuck anymore. Best Wishes!!!

I would go with the shake your doctor recommended. I know it's a lot of money buy Bob did great pre and post op on them. It really works. Best wishes!!!

Hi everyone! I made a big mistake and took an anti-inflamatory before bed last night and now my tummy is on fire! I've tried 2 Prilosecs, tum, and mylanta. Nothing is working...please help...post suggestions...anything????? I even called my doctor and I am to continue the above meds until it goes away but I need some relief here. Any suggestions welcome...Best wishes and have a really nice Memorial Day weekend.