FLORIDAYS

LOL well that was helpful....

as you lose you will be able to feel it with no problem.... Its sewn into the wall of the abdomen. Mine is 2" above my belly button. Now that I have lost the majority of my weight I can see it ... it resembles a small egg under the skin.

you have it bad.... you are posting from recovery!!! You are going to do great! Feel well and walk. walk, walk!

My Dr wsa very conservative with fills. I can tell you of at least 4-5 times I went in SURE I would get a fill... and didnt. But what I appreciated is that we discussed it and he shared his reasoning.... and in the end there was one time I stood firm... the other times I yielded to his expertise and didnt get one. The time I stood firm I was actually too tight for a few weeks so I guess I should have listened.

Just because you can eat something doesnt mean you should... If you are still hungry or it doesnt hold your hunger for 4-5 hrs after eating 3/4 oz protien, 1/2 c veggies and 1/4 starch you arent in the green zone and you may need a fill. It took me 4 fills to get there... but I managed to lose because I stuck to my portions and never went over my calorie allotment. I am not sure I have had the full feeling since I have been banded. But I have been satisfied... I learned there is a huge difference. Chat your Dr up about this and see what he advises.

It was true for me. I wasnt allowed wheat bread until I was released to solids... 4 weeks post op.

I dont know what's on your list but most restaurants have hummus, soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes and other soft food. Remember that most anything except meat is able to be mashed up with a fork... like beans, peas and carrots... and if you chew anything well enough you should be ok. If it were me I would stay away from bread, rice, pasta... those are not easy to chew.

I dont live in Ohio but have you asked your own Dr for a referral? Sometimes they "know people"... might be worth a shot.

wonderful story...thanks for sharing

My band isnt a morning person.... so I do a sugar free instant breakfast on the way to work.

And I would like to be petite and tiny.... with small feet and hands with curly hair and shorter than many men. So much for that. LOL But on the upside... I can reach all the shelves in my home.

I got the Optifast from the Dr's office. Its the only one he advocates so its the one I used. It was pretty decent actually. Better if you put it in the blender with ice and made it more like a milk shake.

Its too bad you are having these problems but if you have been banded 5 years and only lost 20 lbs there is a bigger issue you need to address. Before I could offer any advice I would ask... When is the last time you visited your bariatric dr? When did you last have a fill? Do you track calories and measure portions? Do you think you can continue to eat normally and lose weight just because you have the band? These arent meant to be mean or negative... I just do not undrstand how you could not have lost weight if you have been following the rules. I will be interested in your reply.

I started out telling my husband....and then he told a few preople and the rest of the world found out...It actually was a great source of comfort since everyone was very supportive. Only one person I spoke to about it had a negative reaction. And sometimes if I see someone who I havnt seen in years I may or may not disclose it... it depends how much I want to get into. Most of the time when I am asked I say.. 1000 calories a day for the past 2 years. Its truthful and usually ends the discussion

Mis is right... do exactly what your Dr tells you to do.

Very exciting! SO glad you have power now and you made it to Onederland!

These responses are killin' me.. these are great....

I am still thinking fat person. I just dont know when my head will catch up. I mean I know I am thinner than I was....ever.... LOL And I am starting to realize that my jeans are way smaller than my normal sized husband... but I still feel like the biggest person in the room. My hubby thinks I feel that way becasue I am tall... I dont know... its weird.

I love mine too. Congrats on your success!

If you follow the rules you will lose. But you may not see it for a week or so because your body is still in surgery mode... Be patient and drink as much Water as you can.

I would hope every one takes the advice for what it is.... Just suggestions. Nothing should substitute for the dr's orders. I recall several times I would ask a question and tell him what I had heard... And he would say.... Are you reading the Internet again? LOL

i bet it does.... Lol I have the opposite trouble... I am a 4/6 on top and 8/10 on the bottom.

After surgery walk as soon and as much as you can. It can even be from the couch to the front door and back 50 times a day... Just start moving. Best wishes for a successful surgery

I started my preop the day before thanksgiving 2 years ago. Granted for the holiday my family knew. after that we had oodles of holiday parties to attend and I was on liquids the whole month of December between pre and post op. I just skipped the food table and drank a lot of Water. I too had work lunches and client visits which revolve around food. I found the less of a big deal I made out of it the better. I would just let your boss know you are on a strict diet pre op... I doubt he will ask any thing more. Afterwards you will be able to eat soup...well at least the broth anyway. Post op.

I didn't exercise during my losing stage other than walking. I am not proud of it but it is what it is. That said I have some loose skin and am actually considering a tummy tuck and breast lift. Because of age, gravity and nursing The breast lift was needed before I lost weight, losing just made it more apparent. The tt isn't necessary really....I am 52 and I suppose I could live with it... I did wear a bikini in vacation last month but i was pretty uncomfortable....i didnt enjoy looking at a frowning belly utton. ...so for me it's the crowing glory on my journey and If I need to sacrifice another luxury to get it then it will be worth it to me.... If i decide against it i certainly am happier being thin and a little flabby rather than fat, unhealthy and wondering when the heart attack is for going to happen.