1shauna1

Oh, asparagus was another I wasn't supposed to eat (but have). The one I cannot eat is bean sprouts, no matter what they are in. I guess it's the shape or texture....I always get really stuck when I eat them.

I think you can eat most fruits and vegetables. I was told not to eat onions, avocado and a couple others. But I have trouble with fruits and veg, so don't eat enough. I think I will have to start making smoothies or something to get them in!

You aren't lying if you just say "Thank you!" when someone says you look good, or you look like you've lost weight. Now, if they ask HOW you've lost weight, you may consider telling them, but you can also say you lost weight by eating right, smaller portions and exercising which is ALSO true. For me, it would depend on who the person is and if I want them to know about the surgery. If I'm starting to feel good about myself, I don't want someone else's judgment of weight loss surgery bringing me down.

Don't get too upset with her, she said she knows it's stupid and wrong, what she's thinking. I have thought about this many times. I think it is harder when you have less to lose, because it usually comes off slower and can be more challenging. I'm so mad at myself that I let myself get up to 263 before being banded...when I get under that 200 lb mark, you're all gonna hear about it!

I'm 5'10" also.....if I can get to 170, 175, I will be ecstatic!

Unfortunately I feel this way, and this is what happened to me. The best people there are the fill nurses. They are really nice and answer any questions you have. I have never spoken with a dietician or psychologist though, and they say they have them on staff. I guess they are options you have to request (but should be included in the price).

Right now I'm drinking Premier Protein ready made shakes (get them at Costco). They are chocolate and taste pretty good! Also low sugar/carb & 30gms of protein. I had a fill last week and I'm pretty tight, so I need liquids in the mornings.

It would be hard....most of us have been in a weight loss mentality for so long, the thought of actually TRYING to gain weight would be terrifying (and is to me!).

Oh, Serenity....I'm with Slimband too. And while I"m fairly happy with the band, I usually wish I'd had it done somewhere else. I have NEVER spoken with a dietician. Wouldn't even know how to reach one. I'm pretty unhappy with their customer service and practices (can you believe NO ONE called me after my surgery to even see if I was alive?). But maybe if you call the 1-800 number and tell them you need to speak to one you'll be able to get some advice about what you need to be eating. PM me if you want to talk about this stuff!

This! Good advice.

I have cellulite, especially on the front of my thighs (lovely). It should lessen as you lose weight, but also if you can build muscle in that area, that helps too. Unfortunately there is really no way to get rid of it completely. Try different exercises with weights for your legs. Lots of water too!

You would only be a fraud if you actually didn't get banded but tell everyone you were! Believe me, even with fills you are still doing most of the work. This isn't an easy fix at all. You still must work, eat right and exercise. Be proud of your decision!

I have just discovered the Premier Nutrition high protein shakes, they are 160 cals and 30 gms of protein (get them at Costco). I have one a day in the morning because I have a hard time with solids then. of course being a liquid, it doesn't really keep me full. You should try to get the rest of your protein from solids, like chicken, eggs, cheese (sorry, I didn't know if you were a vegetarian; in that case, legumes, tofu)....myfitnesspal is good for tracking, also available free on the blackberry.

Your doctor sounds a little sketchy but as suggested maybe there is a leak? I don't know....I don't think there is any set weight loss by a certain time, but only 7lb is really low. I can't think it would hurt to insist on a fill, but he may not want you coming back the next day (would insurance cover that visit or do you pay for them?)? Whatever you decide I wish you luck and hope you come to a solution soon!

I had 2.5 cc in during surgery. I believe at my first fill I got 1.5 cc taking me to 4cc. pretty much you will feel restriction, but whether it lasts is another thing. Your surgeon may have you make your next appointment right away (another 4 weeks maybe?) or you'll be like me, and just call when you need it. I would have preferred the set appointments to be honest. Don't worry, I'm sure it will be fine. I don't know what the water test is....I have to slowly drink water in the office before I can leave so they make sure I can swallow/drink.

Depends on many factors, if you'll have the loose skin. If you're exercising then your abs will be tight, and unfortunately this skin might just not snap back. Keep going, drink lots of water, and I always moisturize everything, including my stomach and butt (have been doing it for years! I'm crossing fingers....)

Your plan sounds reasonable, I am sure it will be fine! At this stage, usually it is just willpower keeping you from overeating, especially if your band is empty. Keep doing what you're doing but the first fill is usually pretty exciting!

Good luck, congratulations on your wedding!

Good luck! Hope all goes well!

There are many threads about him, look under the Lapband Surgeons for more info.

It is hard and different if you've been on diets before which usually focus on the calories. Hard to change your mindset!

It can be intimidating. I told my close girlfriends over lunch (ironic? haha!). They were all supportive. Of course, you don't have to tell everyone (or anyone, if you don't want to) but it's nice when they know so they can be understanding if you're having issues (which mine have been frequently - both friends and issues!).

Yep, I often feel residual effects after being really stuck. And I have a bad habit of too big bites/not chewing enough. It's hard because I often don't have the amount of time I would like to eat (especially during work; I work in the courts so I can't ever take any extra time because court is starting and I don't want to upset the judge!). Gotta remember to take the small, blueberry sized bites and chew really well!!!

I learn so much here! Never thought about the different doctors having different "waiting periods" because of different surgical techniques (guess I assumed they were all the same even though I do know there are different sizes/types of bands). Also my band was "primed" with 2.5 cc during surgery. After 4 fills and 2 defills I am now at 5cc (had the last fill last week). I've never been told most people have a certain amount; I know a lot who have different levels. I think you have to listen to your body & what you are feeling when you eat; that will tell you if your band is full enough/too full. Oh, and I just re-found some of my surgery stuff; it took 19 days from surgery for me to get to solids. Couldn't remember, it didn't seem that long (or I've just blocked it all out!).

Fills can be so frustrating. I often wonder where they "go" when it seems you have restriction but then it fades. I hope it gets easier for you!