1shauna1

I agree with Krussell. If I'm stuck, I can't drink. It will have to come back up then!

Yes! I don't feel there's a problem with it if you're aware that they have "empty calories" and you plan for it. Also, I drink more Water with alcohol as it can dehydrate you (and makes my band tighter too).

Yep, it's a learning curve for sure! I think many of us overate before banding, and learning to heed that full feeling is tricky. Hopefully you've learned & it won't come to that again!

I am sure you'll be fine! It's all done laproscopically now, so much less chance of complications and healing time is quicker. I would advise staying away from reading up on complications now as you'll just freak yourself out. Be prepared for a little weight gain after surgery; you're just wanting to heal at that point. Good luck, it will all go well!

Yes, I can! It has to be thin crust and well done though. I take my time and enjoy it thoroughly!

I dunno.....I use drink crystals a lot. The Water where I live tastes terrible. Sodium makes you retain water.

Sorry, I don't know what you mean. Are you talking about exercise? You should be able to do anything physically (of course you may have to work your way to up extended levels of physical activity but your band shouldn't prohibit you from doing anything if that's what you mean).

Oh, as I read it over, are you meaning SUPPORT? There is tons of support and information here. Just search around!

Sorry, your post is a little hard to understand....do you mean drinking while eating after surgery? I generally don't even have a drink on the table when I'm eating at home. That seems to be the easiest (especially because I used to drink a lot when I ate). When I'm out it's a little different....I seem to have problems most times when I'm eating out so I do have a glass of wine usually, even though that's not recommended. But I'd rather have that than have to PB in a restaurant (which I've done too).

I do sometimes, but not if I'm having a "tight" day (the carbonation can irritate me sometimes). I have it maybe a couple of times a month.

Yes, mine were red for quite a while. They will gradually fade to white/silvery colour.

I was lucky in that no one commented to my face (just discussions and questions from family and friends). I don't know if they called me crazy/lazy/stupid behind my back! I've tried every other diet out there too. I knew I had such a hard time with them. This is definitely a tool which can make things easier. As long as your hubby is supportive, I hope that's all you need as he'll be the main one dealing with your new eating. Hopefully others will come around as they see you being successful, but as mentioned, you're doing this for yourself, not for what others are going to think!

What kind of diet is it? If it's liquid, that does suck. Try another Protein Shake because you need to get the Protein. You can also eat Soups, popsicles, Jello, etc. I had to do a healthy diet for a week so I think I got lucky!

I do liquids for the day of fill and then mushies the next. Try Protein Shake or creamy Soups. As mentioned, take yor mind elsewhere if you can!

Listen to what your doctor has to say; obviously if he does both he'll be able to advise you best! I liked the band because I didn't alter my anatomy and it can be removed if necessary. I'm in Canada and neither is covered by insurance so....I think also depending on the amount you have to lose, if you have more he may recommend the gastric.

Yes, I've been there....but didn't leave the office without getting some of it taken out. Probably now you'll have to wait anyways, but next time, I wouldn't leave feeling that way! Hope you can get back in tomorrow if you need to!

I don't know if it's the feeling I crave, but I do crave the habit of eating chips, etc. To be honest I have still done that since banding....I fall off the wagon sometimes. Just have to get back on.

At least you are realizing that it's feelings you're really trying to medicate! Try to find something else to do - go for a walk, call a friend, get out of the house if you can & away from your temptations!

I hear you, but you may only need a small fill to get to a good level. It may feel otherwise now, but don't push it with the fills, your doctor knows what he's doing. Being too tight is no picnic either. Good luck!

It's probably just because you've been prodded there for a while, and you went and did some vigorous exercise after. Take it easy a few days and you should feel better!

I don't drink when I'm stuck. You could try papaya enzymes (get them at drugstore with vitamins) or sometimes it just has to come up. A lot of times, yes, it is because I've eaten too fast or too big of bites. But there are some foods I just can't tolerate anymore, like bean sprouts or doughy breads. For most of us this will happen at least once; it's not the end of the world although it may feel that way (my first time I thought I was dying!). As mentioned, yes moving around helps, don't put more food on top. Stress, dehydration and sadness make me tighter too.

Okay, but if you can't get solids down, you should get Fluid removed. Why torture yourself? I've been there a few times and I know how much fun it is....NOT! Generally your weight loss slows down when you're too tight too so....up to you but there's no need to just suffer!

I'm coming up on 40 (eek) and yes, it's true as you get older your metabolism slows and it's more difficult to lose weight. So, hopefully it will be easier for you and you'll get to your goal sooner. Good luck!

I take the Caltrate chewables. There are 3 flavours. They have 1500 mg of Calcium and only like 5 calories.

Maybe you're not eating enough? 600 cals is pretty low. Also, you're still healing right now so don't focus so much on the weight loss. You may even gain as you start the solids. Just do what you're supposed to be doing and you'll be okay, especially when you go for your first fill.

I usually get an appetizer. I seem to always have issues in restaurants, don't know why.

I actually have trouble eating much watermelon. It's quite fibrous, and I don't usually think of watermelon in terms of fiber. I'm on a regular band diet, not mushies.

I hear ya....I have issues with seedy berries and things like oranges with those fibres. Also, apples if they're not peeled!