FLORIDAYS

For a for all three procedures done at the same time it was about 15k. My dr wasn't the cheapest but I believe based on the results one of the best. I didn't feel like this was the time to skimp on quality. I wanted the best.

It sounds like you did not get any support so my first suggestion would be to find a doctor who will help you start over without surgery. Then you need to realize that in order to lose weight you must eat a reduced amount of calories so hopefully the new Dr will offer you a solid food plan for you to follow. Please get the help you need... its a shame to waste your band.

Congratulations!!!How long do you have to be on this diet? Will a preop diet be different?

MY band is tight in the morning too... I think its common. I was doing a shake in the morning... but then the Dr suggested I drink a hot beverage and then have my breakfast at my desk about 10a to avoid the shake so I started doing that about 4-5 months ago and actually that is working ok. Its may not for everyone of course which is why I always suggest checking with the Dr.

I agree with your concept but essentially a lot of people are obese because they are lazy and choose fast and convenience foods over preparing healthy alternatives which can be just as cost effective. I was the queen of convenience....and paid the price for it. Now I manage my time and food budget more effectivly and actually spend less.

I found I lost consistant and very well at 1000. My dr started me off at 1500 and that wasnt working so we altered it. I would discuss it with him first because your activity level plays a big part in it.

Patty Because my Dr is a firm believer that after liquids we do not need protien shakes if we eat right I worry that you are wasting 200 calories of your coveted total on something which will not fill you up.... This shake offers 1 gram of protien for ever 20 calories... where as other foods would be higher and fill you up more... for example Turkey Breast 1g Protein per 4.5 calories Fish (Tuna, Salmon, Halibut) 1g protein per 4.5 calories cheese (Low-fat Mozzarella / Cottage Cheese) 1g protein per 4.7 calories Pork Loin (Chops) 1g protein per 5.2 calories Lean Beef and Veal (Low Fat) 1g protein per 5.3 calories Tofu 1g protein per 7.4 calories Beans (Mature Soy Beans) 1g protein per 10.4 calories eggs (Especially Egg Whites)1g protein per 12 calories 1 Egg White (33g) provides 4g protein, 1g protein to 4.4 calories. Yogurt, Milk, and Soymilk 1g protein per 18 calories Nuts and Seeds 1g protein per 15.8 calories I am not saying dont drink them... I just wanted to offer an alternative

I agree that cheaper and fast foods food tend to be unhealthy and marketing ploys are to appeal to the masses to generate sales but its all about your choices....A whole chicken is $6-$7... a lb of dried Beans are $1... Lettuce, tomatoes and brocolli are maybe $5 collectively...eggs are cheap. Tuna is inexpensive..... A bandster could eat very healthy for under $50 a week if they really put forth the effort

I am not a dr but If you are going over the protein but not the calories I do not see how that would be harmful.

Best wishes for a successful surgery!

Spanx isnt going to hurt the band. The band in around the stomach on the inside of your body and wouldnt feel any effect from shapewear. Its much like being pregnant... your body will protect that baby from the inside... same with your band... unless of course there is a majot trauma to the outside of your body. Shapewear away......

Wow I cannot believe this.... He answers all my questions including the dumb ones... I was self pay too and I didn't feel like I missed a thing. In fact I interviewed 3 drs before I settled on him. I hope since you posted this your feeling have changed and Your weight loss is satisfactory.

Ask them to insert and remove the cath once you are under...so you won't know it's in there.

Why won't you lose weight and why do you think the band won't work? If you follow your drs orders that shouldn't be the case. Count your calories and do not cheat .... It's really very simple, you will be just fine. As for your friends... You are doing this for yourself I take it...not them. Don't worry about what they think. If you do everything right they will notice soon enough. Best wishes for a successful surgery.

Wonderful list.... I identify with the selection of clothing now availed to me and which resides in my closest. I have a slew of choices now. What a wonderful feeling.

Ahh yes I had a typo sorry Banded 12/9/2010 Starting weight 377 Current weight 157 Lost 220 lbs

It gets better on about day 4. Hang in there!!!

I would count calories even when eating liquids... I still wanted to lose. During that stage I was at 1200 but check with your dr for your number. As for the band slipping ...yes if you eat to much again and again and stretch your pouch the band can slip.

It may be a contributing factor but like AJ said there are other things to take into consideration. Age, sex, genetics and most of all the amount of weight you need to be rid of. Also how long you carried the weight for is the main factor my dr said. I just had a tummy tuck and the dr said no amount of exercise would have helped it from not sagging.

Walking is the best way to rid your self of gas. You can also ask your dr what over the counter gas relief he reccomends. Welcome to the other side!

There are several reasons my dr said he uses a two week liquid pre op diet... 1)To shrink the liver so he can see the stomach clearly...it's behind the liver. 2)To make me understand I can survive without eating food. I just need nutrition. 3)to measure my commitment since I would be on liquid 2 more weeks following surgery 4)to get a jump start on losing which is very motivating. Cheating defeats the purpose...and while it was a one time even hopefully...you need to consider why it happened and decide if you can not do it again... It's so important for a bandster to follow the drs orders... Your health depends on it! Best of luck to you for success!

Mine was 2 weeks of liquids and it's hard... But nothing worth having isn't. If you think you will cheat you may want to wait until you are more committed to the journey. I would hate for you to be disappointed the dr won't do the surgery if your liver isn't upon good shape. And don't forget... Following your operation you will be on another couple of weeks of liquid depending on your dr.... So it's really important to be committed.

I was self pay and deducted the full amount from my taxes that year because it's a legitimate deduction. I had other normal medical expenses as well and added them together. Of course when the calculations factor in its just a small deduction but every bit helps......I didn't push it with taking mileage though... Although I am sure a qualified accountant may tell you otherwise.

I wouldnt think so. Is its bleeding like mine or is that dried blood? Hard to tell in the pic.

Obviously I do not know you nor is this anyone's decision but your own... however from the outside looking in.... if my Dr told me to wait... I would wait. Not to mention you will be that much farther along in your journey which will lend itself to a healthier pregnancy. And there is the point of enjoying your life as a newlywed... you will NEVER get that back once you become parents... they call it the honeymoon period for a reason! Best wishes!