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...

Really great post Sojo... we would all do well to keep it in mind are we respond. And I love the other's mileage my differ tag! Right on!

Hear, hear. And people who write posts asking for advice should not be offended when members tell them to call their dr. We don't say it to be mean or to try and bolster the medical profession. We say it out of genuine concern for the issue/query that the poster has raised. - and because we are not medical professionals.

Great post Sojo.

Thank You and you are correct.

I learned during my Pre-op that not all Physcians have the same plan.

My cousin was allowed to eat much more and differently than I was.

I knew enough to follow my Doctor/Nurses,since they were the ones I was going to working with for a long time.

I think though it is natural and human nature to somtimes follow advice we know might not be right...just because we want to be able to whatever it is we are asking.

This is just another way of fooling ourselves...which we have all done or we would not have needed the surgery.

I have been on this forum for almost a year now, since I first went to my PCP to start my application....9 1/2 months later I finally have my surgery date 3/4/13!

I too come to this site for the "quick" answers to questions I have had....the answers from my wls peers that are also going through the same things when I'm just curious about something while browsing late at night. I take the advice as it is, and then follow the specific directions I have been given by my own surgical team.

I have also noticed in the past year that many of those who have specific questions are self-pay, Mexico patients, or otherwise get a lap band and then never return to a surgery center. ( I am not discounting these patients, just stating an observation.) I am lucky enough to be going through a major hospital in Chicago, with insurance coverage, and am having my hand held throughout the process. I can call someone any time of day, and have an assigned nutritionist, excersice specialist, etc. just for my surgeoen's bariatric patients. Not everyone has this luxury, although we all need answers sometimes.

So I say ask what you want and get the answers you want, or don't. Respond to what you can, or don't. If someone is ignorant enough to this life-changing, drastic surgery and wants to follow the advice of someone they don't even know, it's their choice.

Good luck to everyone...you are my people and I could never have made it this far without you!!

I try to always preface my posts with.... This is only my personal experience...seek your drs advice.

Thanks for the reminder to continue doing so