Corrigan

If you're losing more than 2-3 lbs a week, you're probably losing muscle and you don't wan't that. You'll have weeks when you lose 6 lbs and weeks when you lose nothing, but your average shouldn't be more than 2-3 lbs a week. I raise or lower my caloric intake to keep my weight loss at about 3lbs a week, and I work fairly hard to keep it at that level.

Sugar free Popsicles, fudgesicles, jello, Costco chicken billion, Crystal lite, look around, there are many ideas in the food section, It's a hard time and will test your strength, but thousands have done it and you can, too. You have to grit your teeth and say no to all the temptations.

In most programs, week 1 is clear liquids, broth, s/f Popsicles, sugar free jello, etc. Week 2 is full liquids, soup, very thin mashed potatos, weeks 3 and 4 are mushies (food that will pass through a straw), week 5 is regular foods cut in very small pieces and week 6 is a regular, balanced diet and chew, chew, chew. This diet was developed by the ACS Centers of Excellence as a diet that best promotes healing and gives the best chance for bander success. Doctors that don't belong to these professional associations may not recommend this diet, but it seems the most reasonable for us. Those that choose not to follow their doctor's recommendations may be damaging their chances for success.

I eat those mints by the handful. They're sugar free and I can't imagine they could hurt you, except for the fact that they contain sugar alcohols, Sorbitol, etc. which are powerful laxatives in sufficient quantity, but for many of us, I doubt that's a problem :>).

Apple peel will get you, and acidic foods might cause problems. You probably should keep a log to see what causes trouble. Maybe keep some Rolaids handy. Be sure you're chewing enough.

A glass of white wine has about 125 calories and probably some antioxidants so i'd say one glass is probably good for you (if you keep it to one).

In other words, if you find anything that tastes good, spit it out.

Yes, but she was 22. Some belly flaps can be removed due to infected skin, with insurance, but most other loose skin has to be self paid (unless you have super insurance).

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Who's opinion is that?

You have the right to absolute privacy concerning any medical condition. Tell or don't tell whomever you choose. Most overweight people have underlying health conditions that might cause them to reduce their weight, I chose to lose weight to overcome diabetes. Just how I decided to lose that weight is my business.

It could be a reaction to the anesthia used in your surgery, or maybe the lack of fat in your new diet is causing your skin to itch.

It's pretty rough for a week or two, then most of us gradually begin to be less hungry, I guess you just get used to it. There's no easy way, that I know of, sort of a mind over matter thing. I haven't had any fills, yet, but I'll see how I do after the holidays. You'll begin to get fills at about 6 week intervals until you reach the 'green zone' where just a few bites fills you. It will never cease to be a battle, but it does get easier.

As a 20 year former diabetic, I'm sure many post op banders occasionally suffer from hypoglycemia. You need to keep checking blood sugar levels, if you have a meter, and if you find yourself becoming shaky, sweaty with a very dry mouth and of course hungry, you should find a source of glucose, fruit juice, table sugar, even candy in small amounts, until the symptoms go away. You gradually get used to the lower blood sugar levels, mine began at 160 to 180, now 80 to 100 on no meds at all. We all need to be aware of sugar levels for a few months and a few pounds, hopefully. Blood sugar levels below 50 are dangerous, but normally, we don't have to be worried about that except in extreme cases. If a person is diabetic, at this stage, you'll certainly know it. If you're drinking about 64oz of water a day, you shouldn't be dehydrated, if you are, you should be under medical care. I wish you all the best and hope you have a successful weight loss experience. For extreme fatigue, our program recommended vitamin B12. I hope this helps.

Hi Holly, now the real work begins.

See if warm liquids help. You should be drinking up to 64oz a day to keep you hydrated and to help with hunger and prevent constipation. If you really can't drink liquids, you will need to get in touch with your doctor to see why. You may need a small unfill.

Usually, in most programs, the first week is clear liquids, broth, sugar free jello, popsicles,tea,etc. Your surgery needs time to heal and foods heavier than clear liquids make that more difficult. Everyone is different. Many people have difficulty drinking anything for the first few days. You seem to be doing fine, just keep it light and take it easy.

You should want to know how many surgeries like yours he's done, what professional societies he's a member of. (Actually, you can find all of this on the net). You want to go through a program that teaches you how to live with the band, speak to a nutritionist or dietitian, what after surgery services are offered, and if any fills are available with your price of admission. If the hospital or clinic where your surgery is to be performed is a Center of Excellence, that would be a plus. Be sure to write down any question you want to ask so you don't forget, and good luck.

Congratulations. You've done a great job, I only wish more people like you would post here to let the world know how successful the band surgery can be.

Why on earth.....never mind. That has to be the silliest post yet.

If it doesn't get better in a few days, you should probably call your surgeons office.

Congratulations, and best of luck.

Good luck and don't forget your PJs and slippers.

Not to speak of the health problems you'll be avoiding, and the years you've added to your life!

I'm in the same boat you are, haven't had a fill for 3 months, but I don't know how long I can last. I'm still losing, but am beginning to slow. There are some people who have reached their goals without any fills, but that's harder than it seems. I'm going to see how I do over the holidays and decide then. If you're gaining, then maybe you need to try this: http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ It's helped a lot of folks get started again. Lots of luck.