FLORIDAYS

It is very hard.... But so beneficial to adhere to this rule. I don't even have a glass of anything nearby to tempt me when I am eating. At a restaurant I ask them to take it away. It's just a habit... You can break it. Best of luck!

It has nothing to do with the lapband....which is why you are getting less than positive responses.

Fabulous!!!! Congrats!

I have lost 224 lbs. I was banded in 12/2010

My Dr said once the bandages fall off there is no need for them. Check with yours to see what he advises.

Any incision is going to be subject to infection. I believe that is more common that we may hear about. Sounds like your Dr has it under control! Congratulations on your journey!

They are well deserved!Its funny... I have said thank you more in the past 2 years then I have ever said in my life. Its certainly an eye opener tho.... It makes me wonder what people dont say!!! For example... we have been going to a neighborhood sports bar / family restaurant for 15 yrs or so for a quick bite or drinks with friends. There are lots of regulars there so everyone knows somebody most times... a lot of the people have become our friends over the years. Several years ago an incident happened one night... there is one couple we know... he is ok but she is a drunk and just a trashy type of gal... she was wasted and something was said about how hot she thought she looked... and she said to my hubby...well I am surprised you dont notice me considering what your wife looks like. Hubby was smart enough to walk away from her but told me about it for some reason. Of course this was pre banded days and my feelings were hurt but I didnt really pay her any mind. In fact I am always pleasant to everyone but in her case I pretty much ignored her whenever I ran into her after her comments... and I doubted she remembered why. We hadnt seen them in a really long time which I never thought twice about... but actually saw them a few weeks ago and she was all over me with how great I looked and the compliments were flowing like Water. I just said thank you and kept walking... really biting my tongue not to give her a piece of my mind. As the evening wore on she and caught me in the bathroom... again with the compliments.... I cracked... and I said to her... You know Cherry... I appreciate all your kind words but they really have no bearing on my life. She was like... huh? why? I reminded her about the comments she made several years ago and she denied them at first then chalked it up to her being drunk. So I said to her... its really too bad you arent able to identify your shortcomings like I did. I knew I was fat and chose to do something about it. Hopefully for the sake of your physical and mental health you find the willpower to help yourself. Safe to say she pretty much walked away but i hope she will think before she speaks next time...

In addition to speaking with your insurance company You may want to consult with a bariatric surgeon who is used to dealing with insurance companies. They might be able to give you some insights as to what you need to do to get it covered. It may involved a medical supervised diet up front but they would be able to guide you as they do it everyday as opposed to a primary dr who does not. Just a thought. Best wishes on your journey.

You deserve every accolade CG! Embrace it! You know its funny.... people I didnt even know existed come up to me all the time and make lovely comments... sometimes I wonder when me being thin will be "normal" LOL

I have been banded 2 yrs and 3 months... I have had no problems with slipping, leaks, port issues or anything really at all.

Throughout my journey I have found what I eat...or more specifically how much I eat changed drastically with each fill so to answer your question... the odds are you will find there are things you cannot eat after a fill... even if you could the day before....

not sure what you are referring too... because I dont know how much belly fat you have... but are you talking about your port? I could feel mine right away but couldnt see it ....

I am so proud of you CG!!! Congrats!

My dr consult was very comprehensive and I came prepared with a list of questions most of which he answered before I asked. The best thing he said to me is that the band would do only 70% of the work. I had to do the rest. Make sure you ask about pre and post op diet, how aggressive he is with fills, what any hidden costs are and what support is available to you in the way of a nutritionist and aftercare. Best wishes to you!

Not to my knowledge.... Age, Genetics, how long you were overweight, how much you lose and luck play a role in whether or not you will sag or not. I was diligent with creams and moisturizers but it really didn't matter in my opinion.

I am not a fan of tatoos but have no problem with those who want them. I would just suggest waiting until your loss is finished as you may sag in places you never imagined!!!! That I have first hand knowledge of!

All drs are a little different. After a fill I finish the day on liquids and have mushies the entire day after per my drs instruction.

I was very strict with myself and I lost 220 lbs in 23 months. I counted every calorie except toothpaste limiting myself to 1000 calories every day. I weighed all my food whenever possible and ate 3 oz protien, 1/2 c veggies or salad and , 1/4 c starch three times every day. I drank more Water then I care to remember and I saw my dr every month without fail. I rarely drank alcohol and cheated less than a handful of times. I didn't exercise except walking which I am not proud of but it's honest. I had plateaus like everyone else but I averaged about ten lbs monthly. I became one with my band and the lesson is now helping me lose a few extra lbs while I am maintaining. I never believed I would not succeed. Getting banded was a drastic decision for me and one I took very seriously. My life depended on it. And the results are amazing.... Because now I am wearing a size 6 and considering I was born a size 14 I am sure... It's an incredible transformation...one that has changed my life.

There are several reasons for not drinking with meals as you know... so in my opinion even 2 oz is too much

My drs instruction was to drink as much as possible the first week after surgery. What does your dr say?

I have tried cherrios and raisin brand with no problems.... but i need to soak it in milk...skim of course.

I believe the surgeon who is doing the procedure must seek the approval.....others may have first hand knowledge to the contrary but my tt had to be submitted by my plastic surgeon to which received a lovely denial letter.