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Congratulations on your weight loss! I've had a fabulous year. In fact, this has very likely been the happiest year I've had in at least a decade. I've lost 200 pounds since being banded in January 2012 and it's drastically changed my life for the better. Best wishes Daron

Unfortunately every surgeon is different so you'll have to ask yours. It can vary from a matter of days to weeks. I was on liquids for 4 weeks.

First, I say do whatever works for you. Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Atkins, etc. There is no right or wrong it's a matter of finding the best fit for your metabolism. The reason Jenny Craig works is because it's low calorie. Contrary to the current low carb fad- carbs are not bad. They are calories. Just like you have to make wise Protein choices you just have to make wise carb choices, too. I've lost 200 pounds in 15 months and I don't restrict carbs, I just try to eat healthy carbs. Sugar, in moderation (if you're not diabetic), is fine too. It's all about calories and all those programs focus on limiting them. Weight loss comes down to basic math- if you burn more calories than you consume you lose. That's what these programs do. Best wishes.

Pre op you can take any multivitamin. Post op, yes they have to be chewable. There are a lot of varieties, I know Bariatric Advantage makes chewables just for bariatric patients. I personally just buy Centrum Chewables on the local pharmacy. The key is to label read- the more 100% you see down the daily allowance side, the better.

Quitting absolutely sucks. I quit smoking 2 years ago and I think the biggest reason I never started again is I don't want to go through the hell of quitting again. It's brutal. For me, even one hour at a time was too optimistic in the beginning. Honest to God, I had to focus on one minute at a time just so I didn't go ballistic on a random stranger. One minute I was mad as hell, the next I was crying like my best friend had been taken away, then the next I'd start rationalizing all the reasons I "deserved" a smoke. Thankfully...in the end... all the reasons I HAD to quit smoking won the internal battle. I also used e-cigs to quit. It really helped because I still got that hand-to-mouth satisfaction and the taste. It really helped take the edge off a lot. Hang in there, you can do this!!!

Unfortunately it's tough. I think the best you can do drink as many Protein drinks as you're allowed. Protein is going to be your best defense against hunger. When it gets hard, just try to remind yourself this is a temporary hurdle towards a new healthy life. You can do it

Hello and welcome! Having any type of weight loss surgery is very big and personal decision. You're wise to ask questions. Being as you have a desk job, a full week off should be fine. I know I had my surgery on a Friday and I was back to my normal routine by Wednesday. The recovery really isn't bad (in my opinion). I didn't even need pain meds after the second day. As far as nausea, they will keep well mediated against it in the hospital. If you do have any after, your doctor can give you meds for it. Vomiting with the band is dangerous so they do all they can to assure that doesn't happen. (I personally had zero nausea). Best wishes!

No offense, but we can't help. You either have to pay for the express delivery or call your doctor's office to see if they have other options.

I wouldn't worry about it. You will only be on them for a limited time. Just make sure you have a good multivitamin too.

I'm sure they offer some sort of express delivery. It will inevitably cost more but that's what happens when you wait until the last minute. Best wishes

No, don't wait. If you can't keep down Water you're too tight and risking both dehydration and complications. Go back today for a slight unfill.

I couldn't agree with you more, elcee.

You look wonderful!!

Have you been checked out by your primary care doctor? There could be a medical reason you're not losing. I would look into it if I were you.

I haven't had a carbonated drink since being banded and I never will again. When I was in the hospital getting my band, my roommate in the hospital was in there getting a band revision. Her band not only slipped but her stomach prolapsed up through her band- from drinking soda. She also regained 40 pounds. If my doctor telling me no carbonation wasn't enough then hearing her story was definitely enough to assure I never touch a carbonated drink again. In my opinion, it's just not worth the risk.

I know this is so much easier said than done, but try not to get ahead of yourself. It's actually very common for woman to need further testing after mammograms. As we get older, we get fatty deposits in the breasts and benign cysts. My mom has had to have additional testing after every mammogram for the last decade because of fatty deposits. It's a lot more common than you think. I will definitely keep you in my prayers.

Being as your doctor said you "shouldn't" then you already have your answer.

The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything nor is it supposed to control your portions for you. It will always be your job to do both. This is why it's so important to stick to band sized portions. As far as foods in general, most of us can still eat the same foods we always did if we take small enough bites and chew thoroughly. I know there isn't anything I can't eat if I'm careful. Have a look at this link, I think it will help: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

I would definitely get into your doctors, both your primary care doctor and your bariatric doctor. That isn't normal. Do you have a sleep apnea? Also, didn't you just have surgery? Are you sure you have a 4cc band? Those are no longer used in the US or UK. If you do have a 4cc band then all the more reason you need to have it checked by your bariatric doctor. Best wishes

How long has your weight loss stalled?

Talk to your doctor. I still take the same things I did before being banded, including Ibuprofen in pill form. But again, talk to your doctor first to be sure it's safe for you depending on your medical history.

Actually yes, you could badly mess up your stomach by not following your post op diet exactly as your doctor directed. Stick to your post op diet and don't progress ahead of schedule or cheat. Your health and healing depends on you being compliant to your doctors orders. Best wishes

There is no way we can answer that. You will definitely have to ask your doctor and let him decide. Just remember, if he does postpone the surgery, it's a good thing. It's not worth risking serious complications or your health for an elective surgery. Best wishes.

There are far too many on the market to list them all. I would look for one that is at least 20g of Protein per serving but without a bunch of sugar or excess calories. Your doctor should have recommendations for you too.