YoungBlackAndBanded

mine's below too!

It's also be interesting to see what you are eating, and how much. Also, how much exercise are you getting in?

I'm blogging as well. I was following a lot of blogs when I was in the "deciding" phase....not that I'm 3 weeks post op, it's been a great support system for me! I'll be looking for your blogs! Check mine out if you want!

That's fantastic!

I agree with the user who mentioned the support group. The support group I attend has a really big clothing exchange program....and you should be able to get the basics. I'll also be relying on the collection of smaller clothes...at least until a point.

I believe water and other thin liquids move straight through your pouch (unless there's food in there...like right after you eat). So my answer would be no, granted that you're not drinking a huge amount after a meal.

I would say it depends on your doctor. I know my doctor was willing to 'work' with patients if it was that close. I fortunately (or unfortunately) was at a 42 BMI so it was 'easy'. If you're only 5lbs away from being above a 40 BMI, you may work with your doctor. to either bump up your weight or lower your height an inch or two....that should do it. Honestly, this is something that could change your life forever! I think it would be worth your while to put together the supporting documentation about your co-morbidities.....you'd regret it if the claim went in and you were denied due to insuffiecient evidence.....

Hey, I understand what you're talking about. I was banded the same day as you, and up until a couple days ago was down 17lbs (including the loss on the pre-op diet). Well I saw my first little gain yesterday (I started mushies on the 25th) and of course I freaked out, since I was used to the downward trend over the past 3 weeks!!! I KNOW that this first month is for healing, and pre-banding it sounded logical. BUT I can't help but get worried, especially since I'm feeling 100% again, that this will be just a temporary fix, and all the weight will come back. Just keep reminding youself (as I do) of what you know, how this process will go. I know I have to give myself a mental check a couple times a day. I guess this freak out session is just part of the process....it'll soon pass.

I was 10 days post-op yesterday, and was back to feeling normal. I think I was back to feeling 100% at about 6 days out.

LMAO!!! Me too. I think she realized that the post, where she was pretending to be a supporter, was submitted under her name. Such a shame....

I think this is FANTASTIC on so many levels!!!! Just 5 months ago you were worried about not being able to lose with the band....look at you now!!! Inspiration!

I think she meant exercise + what your body burns daily just by living. I try to stay between 900-1100

I believe for the realize band there is only one size port, but the lap-band has two.

I tend to SOMEWHAT agree with some of the things you said. There are A LOT of variations from doctor to doctor. For example some doctors have their patients on an after fill diet. My doctor requires no such thing. So which one is right??? At the same time, I chose my doctor because I believed him to be the best, and most competent to do this surgery so, I will follow his advice. There is a saying that goes "if you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always got".....I've dieted on my own with no success, so I am choosing to follow the advice of a professional who has been around the block a few times. I'll also say, there is a difference between taking advice without question, and taking advice from someone who knows more than you. I don't believe that lab banders that follow their doctors advice are by definition 'stupid'. Perhaps they are educated patients who have done thier research and are working with a professional they trust.

This is suprising to me! I haven't been banded yet, but I was under the impression that a small amount of food WOULD keep me full from meal to meal. Was your experience different earlier in the game?

This is the first time I'm hearing about the card, but UGHH that would be my nightmare, for the waitstaff to not know what it is, and cause a huge disturbance!! I feel for you....

Why not just ask the administrator who is organizing the contest? If they say WLS patients are allowed to enter than enter, if not, then just continue losing on your own! As long as your follow the rules they have set out, whether it's theoretically 'fair' or 'cheating' won't matter.

I'm with you, I'm on day 5 and am not doing so well. I must admit I did 'cheat' once with an animal cracker, but I'm not beating myself up about it. My surgeon has me on a liquid diet limited to 800 cals. How I get those calories are up to me, but they highly reccomend Protein shakes. I've been doing three shakes a day and a soup for lunch with Water to drink. There is NOTHING good about this stage, except maybe when it's over!! Good luck!

According to my doctor, gallstones are common in lapband patients. If you are female and obese your chances of developing gallstones is increased. Also, if you experience rapid weight loss your risks are increased. I'm not going to pretend I know the morphology of how gallstones form, but it is something that is common in WLS patients.

I hope to get below 180 by next year (65# lost). That was my HS weight, and although it was heavy, I still felt pretty good. I think that's reasonable!

Hey guys I'm blogging too! There is such a wealth of knowledge out there in the blogging world I had to be a part of it!

This to me highlights your clinics lack of "banding training". They should have told you before surgery that the band has no (or very little) Fluid in it when it's placed during surger, and the initial restriction you feel is due to swelling. Like another poster said, what you're experiencing is 'bandster hell'! It will pass. Your goal during the first 4 - 6 weeks should not be weight loss (although for most if does occur), but instead healing, making sure your band heals properly so it will work as expected later on. good luck.

Hey! I'm with you, I like to know the daily stuff, but do come on here to find answers to some questions I may have. I would suggest (if you aren't already) following some blogs (blogger.com has some fantastic ones). There are alot of banded gals (and guys) on there, and you can follow thier journey! Here are a couple of my favs.... Chronicles from Band Land Once Upon A Time...In the Land of cheese and Sunkist Just a thought.

That was a little harsh! Anyway, if you look at the band as a lifestyle change, then I don't believe it does you any favours to unfill just so you can overeat. You can still enjoy the foods on your vacations, just less of them. I would find this even MORE enjoyable as you'll have a lot less guilt (and weight gain)!