DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I don't want to second guess you or your doctor, but is it possible they mean 64oz if liquids/water along with your "meals"? Most of us are told to drink 64oz of water daily forever because hydration is so important. I can't help but wonder if that's what your doctor meant, to drink that much water along with your meals (even if they are liquid). Honestly, if I were you? I'd call and ask. If you could start having a Protein shake with every meal, and a full 8oz one at that, it would help your hunger A LOT.

Welcome Ruth! The best advice I can give you is to continue to do your homework. Learn all the facts and risks about the band to make a good decision. Also learn what to expect and what is necessary to be successful with the band. Education is your best friend when dealing with any weight loss surgery. On a personal note, I love my Lap Band. My only regret is that I didn't do it years sooner. Best wishes!

My goodness, that is VERY little! I can understand the 12oz rule once you're on solids but are you sure that's the case for liquids too?

I very much appreciate all you do and have given us, Alex. I'm sure some days you feel more like a babysitter than a forum founder and it's important you know that all your efforts on our behalf don't go unnoticed. I am extremely grateful for this forum and all you've done. I have to be honest, like others, I am nervous about these changes coming. I made Lap Band Talk my "home" because it's a safe place just for us bandsters. The thought of being thrown into a mix with all WLS patients seems like a situation just begging for conflict. The other thing is admittedly selfish on my part- but I really don't care about other WLS besides the band. My concern is for other bandsters and their needs. The experience or problems of someone with the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass is not my concern. I also don't want to be put in a position of constantly defending the band or countering band bashing myths. We have enough struggles within our own ranks already and I fear a combined WLS site will greatly diminish our sense of community and comradery and well as force us to go on the defensive. I know without a doubt you're making these changes because you truly believe they are in everyone's best interest. I know your intentions are nothing but good. But, even so, the changes worry me greatly. Thanks for hearing me out

Most of us don't after surgery- hence the raging hunger. When I was on the post op diet, I spread out my food so I could eat every 2 hours and got as much protein as possible. I even added clear unflavored Protein powder to stuff like Soup just to try better control the hunger. It wasn't easy, but it's how I was able to stick to the diet plan and lose weight despite having an empty band. Hang in there

I honestly don't know how anyone can throw up like that with the band, either. I've had my band for 22 months and thrown up twice during that time- once due to a strangulated hernia and once due to a gallbladder gone bad. Both times, I couldn't even bring food back up because it couldn't get past the band so I just did a lot of powerful heaving. It was AWFUL and I was terrified of the potential of damaging my band. My bariatric surgeon is also a general surgeon and took out my gallbladder. I was so scared I'd caused a band slip by all the heaving, as I was being wheeled into surgery I was pleading with my surgeon "you have to check my band! I threw up!" He literally laughed at me and goes "Honey it's not a zip tie. It's not like the band comes off and suddenly you expand 200 pounds within minutes. For now, you'll be ok until we get this gallbladder out then we'll check it". (yeah I laughed! LOL!)

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about it. Hunger is normal, especially during the healing phase. You can increase your protein to see if that helps but overall you just have to stick to your doctor's post op diet and white knuckle through it

Oh it's just the canned chili at the grocery store. I believe it's Hormel. Quick and easy, just add your own cream cheese and shredded cheese

Well if she started vomiting, then that's likely why her band slipped. Statistically speaking, only 5% of serious complications occur by no fault of the patient. The rest are caused by patient behavior and mistakes. The leading causes of slips and erosion are vomiting, bands too tight, and chronic over eating. Here's a study citing the 5% complication rate: http://www.futurity.org/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/ Btw, don't take anecdotal evidence you see on YouTube or even read on forums as the gospel truth. Do your research and learn the facts. Best wishes.

At home, I eat a lot of 98% fat free turkey chili with Beans. I mix 2 tbls of 1/3 less fat cream cheese into 1/2 cup of chili then melt shredded colby jack over the top. It's very filling and a good amount of Protein plus it's very tasty. I also keep cucumber in the fridge, for when I crave something salty and crunchy (I put a little salt on them) On the go, I keep a Protein Bar in my purse just in case.

I agree with the others, you need to talk to your doctor before attempting to go back to work. Most doctors won't allow baths (being submerged in water) until the incisions are fully healed because of the infection risk. This can take a good 4-8 weeks. There is also usually lifting restrictions for the first 4-6 weeks post surgery. Between the two, there would be no way you could do your job without putting both your own health and others' lives at stake.

No, it's not an issue with the Lap Band unless there is some other health issue involved as well.

Jim you look AMAZING!!!! Btw, it looks like you need new pants to go with your new belt. They're too big for your newly svelte body!

Being as I just had this done this past spring (and STILL get twinges of pain even now, 6 months later) reading your post made me wince. You're definitely right, a tummy tuck makes Lap Band (or any other surgery I've had for that matter) look like a walk in the park. I think it took close to two weeks before I was able to walk truly upright again without hunching at all. You're also so right about having the Fluid removed. Like you, in retrospect I wished I'd had some removed. My band was so tight afterward I was afraid I'd need an emergency unfill. But, like you, I figured out how to manage because I did not want a needle anywhere near my wounded tummy. Right now you may not feel the love for the tummy tuck, but I promise you once you're not in horrible pain anymore you'll look at your newly flat tummy and love it. Oh and just wait until you go clothes shopping!! Oh my gosh, it's addictive! LOL! I am so glad you were able to do this. Get lots of rest, walk as much as you can handle and often, and stay on top of those pain meds for at least another week. ((hugs!))

You may be one of the lucky ones that don't need fills right away. In fact, judging by what you describe, it sounds like you are. If I were you, I wouldn't get a fill. It sounds like you're great just as you are.

By law, someone has to retain those records (I believe it's for 7 years). Either his former office or possibly the hospital he was affiliated with. I'd start making some phone calls.

Yes, just have your medical history (which he needs anyway) sent over. This way he has record of your weight through the years and can recommend the band for you.

You need to call your doctor.

Joanne I agree with TMF, you need a second opinion. A lot of people deal with stretched pouches from over eating. The majority just go on liquids awhile to allow it to shrink and get serious about measuring their portions- then they can go back to getting fills. If your band hasn't eroded or slipped, there's no reason you should be doing this on your own as if the band wasn't there. I'd definitely get a second opinion if I were you.

You know, those sleep tests show a lot more than people realize. It's kinda crazy! I had my first one back in 2007 and it came back saying "possible neurological issues". It went into great detail about how I was having movements that were neurological in nature and how follow up with a Neurologist was recommended. I poo-poo'd it. I thought they were nuts- there was nothing wrong with me neurologically. Less than a year later- I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Turns out I DID have neurological issues and the sleep study picked it up long before anyone else!

awwww thank you :wub: Congrats on all your success!

I was told to never eat more than a cup of food per meal. In fact, I was told being "being full" has nothing to do with it. The reason I was told never more than a cup of food per meal is to lessen the risk of over eating, which can lead to stretching the pouch and even slips.

It's simple really- some of us are more concerned about how we feel and look than what the numbers on the scale say. If a woman is 5'5 and happy and healthy at 150 pounds then why shouldn't she stop losing? Heck, if she was happy at 170 pounds then good for her. There's more to life than numbers on the scale or a BMI chart. There's health and happiness.

Depending on your starting weight, age, and over all skin elasticity you may find yourself needing plastic surgery to remove all the excess skin someday. I just had over 12 pounds of skin removed from my tummy this past spring. I immediately dropped two pant sizes.

I was always told there isn't a set amount to take in because it's based on your current weight. So, the amount of Protein you need will vary as your weight changes. At 223 pounds (according your ticker), it would be 67g of protein a day. (weight x .3 = protein) If you use that formula, the 60-70g of protein range your nutritionist gave you would be right on track. Again, that's just what I was taught. It's unfortunate but every nutritionist (and patient) has their own idea what works. This is exactly why I always say you need to figure out what works best for YOU. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to eat so long as it's healthy.