BetsyB

Everyone's different. I think quality of food is important for health purposes, but for most people, how much is more important than what you eat.
However, for me, clean eating with a focus on lean Protein, veggies, legumes, heart-healthy fats, and fruits is what works. I've pared out grains for now for a couple of reasons: first, I have limited stomach space, and don't really meet my other nutritional needs when I include them, and secondly, I don't lose as well when they're part of my routine intake.
Does this mean I think carbs are bad? No. I think that ultimately I will be eating a diet that is well-balanced, and includes plenty of whole grains. I just haven't yet reached a place where I'm comfortable (physically, really) with them. During maintenance, the energy (and nutrients) they offer will allow me to keep up my activity level without continuing to lose.
You have to find what works for you. You're losing---so there's probably something to be said for the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." If you reach a point where you're not seeing the results you'd like, it might be worth journaling for a bit to see where you can tweak things to better meet your nutrient needs and/or spur loss.

"Thanks for your concern, but this is a decision I'm making with my doctor. With all due respect, he's far more familiar with my medical history and difficulties with losing weight, obstacles to weight loss, and difficulty maintaining loss. He has an experienced staff qualified to give me nutrition and exercise advice. At this point in my life, I am NOT open to alternative solutions; I've been spending my entire life trying 'solutions' that haven't worked for me--and I have no reason to believe the 'solution' you propose will be more beneficial than any other I've tried. AND I HAVE TRIED. I have devoted most of my adult life to attempts to solve this problem! Your pressure sends me a mixed message: first, that you care about me, but second, that you don't trust my judgment. While I'm glad you love me, the support you offer REALLY needs to be on MY terms this time. I am proceeding with this surgery because it is what is BEST for me."

"Thanks for your concern, but this is a decision I'm making with my doctor. With all due respect, he's far more familiar with my medical history and difficulties with losing weight, obstacles to weight loss, and difficulty maintaining loss. He has an experienced staff qualified to give me nutrition and exercise advice. At this point in my life, I am NOT open to alternative solutions; I've been spending my entire life trying 'solutions' that haven't worked for me--and I have no reason to believe the 'solution' you propose will be more beneficial than any other I've tried. AND I HAVE TRIED. I have devoted most of my adult life to attempts to solve this problem! Your pressure sends me a mixed message: first, that you care about me, but second, that you don't trust my judgment. While I'm glad you love me, the support you offer REALLY needs to be on MY terms this time. I am proceeding with this surgery because it is what is BEST for me."

"Thanks for your concern, but this is a decision I'm making with my doctor. With all due respect, he's far more familiar with my medical history and difficulties with losing weight, obstacles to weight loss, and difficulty maintaining loss. He has an experienced staff qualified to give me nutrition and exercise advice. At this point in my life, I am NOT open to alternative solutions; I've been spending my entire life trying 'solutions' that haven't worked for me--and I have no reason to believe the 'solution' you propose will be more beneficial than any other I've tried. AND I HAVE TRIED. I have devoted most of my adult life to attempts to solve this problem! Your pressure sends me a mixed message: first, that you care about me, but second, that you don't trust my judgment. While I'm glad you love me, the support you offer REALLY needs to be on MY terms this time. I am proceeding with this surgery because it is what is BEST for me."

Everyone's different. I think quality of food is important for health purposes, but for most people, how much is more important than what you eat.
However, for me, clean eating with a focus on lean Protein, veggies, legumes, heart-healthy fats, and fruits is what works. I've pared out grains for now for a couple of reasons: first, I have limited stomach space, and don't really meet my other nutritional needs when I include them, and secondly, I don't lose as well when they're part of my routine intake.
Does this mean I think carbs are bad? No. I think that ultimately I will be eating a diet that is well-balanced, and includes plenty of whole grains. I just haven't yet reached a place where I'm comfortable (physically, really) with them. During maintenance, the energy (and nutrients) they offer will allow me to keep up my activity level without continuing to lose.
You have to find what works for you. You're losing---so there's probably something to be said for the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." If you reach a point where you're not seeing the results you'd like, it might be worth journaling for a bit to see where you can tweak things to better meet your nutrient needs and/or spur loss.

I haven't read all the responses, so I don't know what kind of turn the thread has taken. But in response to the first post, I have to semi-disagree.
It's true that many of us are hungry at first---but as we approach and achieve restriction, the hunger is usually very well-controlled.
Yes, I am hungry before meals. I'msupposed to be! You're supposed to be! It's an important signal our bodies are supposed to have!
When I eat, the hunger abates. I am never stuffed. In fact, I am never FULL any more. "Full" does not exist any longer, because when I get to that point, I am terribly uncomfortable. But I am satisfied.
And I stay that way...until I am appropriately hungry again.
Hunger is not the enemy.
Uncontrolled hunger is. And the band has 100 percent removed that, for me.

Some coughs just linger. The anesthesiologist will listen to your lungs and make a determination. Chances are, surgery will go forward. The anesthesiologist may administer bronchodilators or other meds to improve airway function for the immediate postop period---but unless you're really battling an active infection, he will likely be okay with moving forward.
What kind of cough is it? If it's productive, make sure you're drinking plenty of fluid--combined with the Robitussin, that will help loosen secretions. If it's dry and hacky, fluids help, too---and an antitussive might help. (Check with your doc.)
I hope you feel better fast! I know it'd be SO frustrating--but if surgery does have to be postponed, it is to protect your safety.

Thank you It really does happen! It doesn't ever seem to be terribly fast, and sometimes there are little stalls, but over time, the losses really add up. Really, being banded (and really committing to a completely different lifestyle) was the best decision I ever made for myself.

I was banded on 1/12/10, and have lost just over 90 pounds. I am just shy of 106 pounds from my highest weight.