I've been a member of this forum for just about a year now...and have definitely found that reading about the experiences of others and discussing topics related to best practices about adjusting to the new way life with your band to be beyond helpful. They have saved me many a phone call to my surgeon's office.

My concern is that there are some forum members who seem to have taken it upon themselves to venture beyond the spirit of the forum and write in terms of "this is the way you do that". My perspective, which I realize is tempered by my professional training and experience, is that each of us has the right to read what we choose, and can either accept/try the "advice" of others, or ignore it and move on.

When it comes to the area of the "bandster diet", there are many variations, and the best approach will be to follow the instructions you were given by your surgeon. You can choose to modify them, however I feel it is important to discuss your concerns with the physician or nutritionist, and only proceed with major changes with their knowledge. My concern is that the "low carb" or "doesn't matter carb" or "cheat day" regimen has the risk of confusing newer members of this community as to what guidelines they should follow. This is a good topic to discuss with your own nutritionist.

I have great concerns when someone posts definitively that "your doctor does not care"...or "all insurance companies follow the same practices", is just simply inaccurate. Stating broad generalizations about the guidelines each insurance company follows is way off the mark of reality. I know that much definitively...as I have dealt with them for years as both the consumer and the provider of services.

Most concerning to me though is crossing the line to give medical advice in response to some of the questions posted on the forum. I believe that we have paid for the medical expertise of our medical team, so we should utilize their knowledge. I understand that some of the members of this forum have received different levels of pre op and post op education, however it is important to understand that we are not physicians here, and all medical questions are best discussed with your surgeon or medical team. Your well being and health are far too important to be entrusted to other forum members. Peace of mind is a priceless commodity...so call your medical team for your answer!

In the medical field, and other allied professions, we are educated to understand that we must remain within the scope of our specialty. To go outside those boundaries and advise patients in an area beyond your expertise is considered to be unethical. Such actions are considered to be serious violations, and one could possibly jeopardize their professional license to engage in such practices.

The bottom line? Unless you have the proper credentials issued by your state's medical oversight board, it is advisable to not give medical advice to others, even if offered in the spirit of well meaning and only wanting to help others...

IMHO...others mileage may vary...

thank you for writing something well thought out and that needed to be said.

Great post and so true! Thank you for your insight and if you ever see me stepping out of my boundries please PM me.

W e all need to keep this in mind when advising others, after all we are not bariatric Doctors.

Thanks for sharing!

The quote at the bottom of your signature should be attributed to Yoda, who was a character in the movie Star Wars.

I agree with you I try to speak about my experience only but I often don't state that up front...so sorry if I have or will cross that line and know it is not my intention.....

The quote at the bottom of your signature should be attributed to Yoda, who was a character in the movie Star Wars.

Aside from that you are pretty much correct in the rest of your post.

I actually know that the quote was from the Jedi master "Yoda"...who is a fictional character, and I felt many others might not know what/who a Yoda was...however most remember the "Star Wars" trilogy. What type individual posts something of that nature to "verify the accuracy of information?

It was not necessary to comment about me "being right"...that was not the spirit of the topic. I just believe it is healthier for people to be their own advocate and think for themselves...

Others mileage may vary...

I would hope that anyone old enough to look into wls would also be mature and smart enough not to take advice on a layperson's forum as actual medical advice

I actually know that the quote was from the Jedi master "Yoda"...who is a fictional character, and I felt many others might not know what/who a Yoda was...however most remember the "Star Wars" trilogy. What type individual posts something of that nature to "verify the accuracy of information?

It was not necessary to comment about me "being right"...that was not the spirit of the topic. I just believe it is healthier for people to be their own advocate and think for themselves...

Others mileage may vary...

Humor, try a little. As to whether you thought my comments were necessary, that is meaningless. I thought for myself and made my own choice.

Have a nice day...

I would hope that anyone old enough to look into wls would also be mature and smart enough not to take advice on a layperson's forum as actual medical advice

You'd be surprised,lol

Thanks for the reminder Sojo. This is great advise.

Well said and I agree that everyone should continue to look to their doctors and nutritionist for guidance. We are all on this journey and for some it's been easier than others. We can tell each other the steps we've taken, but what works for one, might not work for another. The one thing I do insist on when asked about my lapband is " this was the best decision I made for my health".

one year in.. and doing well!

I agree totally.....all one should ever do here is share their own personal experiences, both good and bad....and let the reader digest all the info and how it may relate

People. will say "This is how it works, and there is no other way" when in reality, it is really only their opinion....

And yet, there are people, like me, scratching their heads saying that's not what I have found.....I believe something 180 degrees out and have been doing it so for quite some time.....even cleared it with my Dr.

But because it is not their belief, it cannot possibly be correct, let alone work....

Whenever someone posts a question, I will only answer by saying "in my experience, this is what I have found to be true for me...."

I will also try to remember to mention that the band is adjustable...everyone is unique and different, and may or may not apply to you....

Just by reading the posts on this forum it is plain too see there are many different approaches that apply to many different people......

As long as they are loosing weight, and happy, then that is all that matters.

Well said, Sojouner! What you said is so true!

I agree with the post on whole thank you for the reminder.

As a newbie and also pre-band I read everything possible on this board. I find different people give different advice and I like that. I am like a sponge soaking it ALL in but I am smart enough to make decisions for my own body. I like to hear other people experiences it helps me to formulate my experience. A lot of people reply to a lot of posts to ask your doctor or NUT and I agree that should be the first port of call but reading other peoples experience of getting to the green zone or how much protein they eat helps me to figure out the questions to ask…..

I agree with the post on whole thank you for the reminder.

As a newbie and also pre-band I read everything possible on this board. I find different people give different advice and I like that. I am like a sponge soaking it ALL in but I am smart enough to make decisions for my own body. I like to hear other people experiences it helps me to formulate my experience. A lot of people reply to a lot of posts to ask your doctor or NUT and I agree that should be the first port of call but reading other peoples experience of getting to the green zone or how much protein they eat helps me to figure out the questions to ask…..

That is how the forum is suppose to run and I know their are a lot of ppl that are smart enough to bring it to their Drs attention. And I'm glad you're one of them.

But this forum has ppl from all around the world and even Americans go to other countries for cheaper surgery and then they come here for medical advice, when they should be seeking a Dr in their area. I'm sure those are the one's OP is worried about. Them getting good medical advice from a qualified Dr.

I've seen post here and replied to "I'm throwing up blood, do you think its a problem" and someone comes on and says "oh, I threw up blood too, but it was old blood from my surgery". When the reply should have been "get off the boards and call your Dr or go to ER", lol my reply.

The forum is a wonderful educational experience. It helped me a lot, as it will you.

Best wishes on your journey!

The quote at the bottom of your signature should be attributed to Yoda, who was a character in the movie Star Wars.

Who care... was Yoda in Star Wars? nuff said!