DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I just looked at their website, they look SO GOOD! I'm totally going to GNC to try some!

You're doing amazing! Congratulations!

Don't be sorry, it's an issue a lot of us have gone through. It's awful. I would suggest a stool softener like Colace daily until you go. Make sure it's a softner, not a laxative, because a laxative will cramp you up and cause more pain. A pillow may help but you should really try not to strain that hard. I'm sure this won't thrill you, but you may even want to consider a suppository or an enema. If it's "right there", and you're straining, either one would likely move it out finally for you. Plus, you'll have immediate relief and feel so much better. Good luck and hang in there!

Ohhh that makes sense!! I read about the alcohols but didn't entirely "get it", but now I do. Thank you!! I actually bought a box of peanut butter chocolate Atkins bars for a snack and they're super good. (Gosh I really need a fill, I'm so freaking hungry lol)

Does your nutritionist figure net carbs the same way? Subtracting fiber? See I normally don't do low carb, so this is all big learning process for me.

A pound is nothing. Your body can naturally fluctuate 2-3 pounds in a single day. Don't worry about it and just keep following your doctor's guidelines. Best wishes

Wow amazing story! Congratulations on your success!

I was on liquids for 4 weeks after surgery, and let me tell you, I was STARVING! I swear I was preoccupied with food 24/7 because I was so dang hungry. I had a cup of liquid every 2 hours. It was the only way I could handle the hunger. So I might have a Protein shake for lunch, then 2 hours later a cup of broth, then 2-3 hours later another Protein Shake for dinner. Then some V8 light fruit blend juice for a snack 2 hours after that. I did however count calories, just to be sure I wasn't drinking too much. Best wishes!

That looks so good! I'm definitely trying it!

That sounds yummy!! I actually had a cake on my birthday. I had a single piece, gave me kids each a piece, then promptly threw the rest of the cake into the trash. It was the only way I knew I wouldn't be grazing on it. Your idea is MUCH better and not wasteful!

If you're worried about infection, call your doctor. It's not something to wait on.

How many calories a day are you eating? Are you getting in all your protein?

Well here's something interesting I learned today! I don't know if this is in Chris' book and I just missed it (I admit to not reading thoroughly), but when you're counting carbs you shouldn't count fiber. That's why you see Atkins products on the grocery store shelves say "net carbs" but their nutritional info shows more carbs, It's because it's not counting fiber in your total. The reason is, fiber doesn't effect the glycemic index, aka your blood sugar. In fact, your body needs fiber. Not only is it good for you and your bowels, it's also bulky and helps keep you full. So...an example. Today is a low carb day for me. I've had: 41.6g Carbs -5.8g Fiber 35.8 Net Carbs So my carbs counted towards my daily allowance would be 35.8. Just thought I'd share my latest research!

Actually nothing is guaranteed. Not Gastric Bypass, not the Sleeve, and not the Lap Band. All three require you to change your eating habits for a lifetime. You can also fail all three if you choose to continue to eat unhealthy. No matter which you choose, be prepared to do the work. WLS is just a tool not a magic fix for fat. I chose the band because it didn't re-route my internal organs or remove portions of them, it's reversible, no malabsorption or dumping, and very quick recovery time. Plus, far less risk of serious complications. I've lost over 175 pounds in the year since I was banded. Getting the Lap Band was the best decision I've ever made for myself.

The band supresses your appetite. Some people do find they can't eat certain foods. A lot of us have little signals when to stop eating- like hiccups, burps, a soft sigh, etc. A lot of will get very uncomfortable if we eat beyond our stopping points. However, you can eat beyond that stopping point. In fact, a lot of people are very good at eating around the band. The band's job isn't to physically stop you from eating anything. It is your job to stick to band sized portions, the band can't force you not to over-eat or eat around it. Too many end up with bands way too tight (and slips because of it) from expecting the band to do the work for you. It's just a tool, the work is forever yours to do.

Congratulations!! You're off to a great start!!

Not TMI at all, in fact a very common question I can't speak for others, but I won't lie, I'm tons more gassy now than I was before being banded. I personally think it's because before I was eating mostly processed carbs (junk food) and fat. Now, I eat a lot of lean meat and veggies. Both are great for you but both also tend to cause a lot of gas.

Did you read the link I posted earlier? What you're calling "restriction" is likely not what you think it is. Here's a direct quote from the link: "When talking about the band, some patients talk about restriction. Let's first be clear about one thing: the purpose of the band is not restriction; the purpose of the band is to lose weight by suppressing the appetite. When band professionals talk about restriction we are talking about something totally different than "restricting what a person eats." In fact, many band surgeons avoid talking about restriction so as to not confuse patients. The band works by dimming the appetite, and this provides a conscious control and decision made by the patient, it does not work by "making" a person do something, or keep them from eating too much. " The tool most certainly DOES work and it works well. But it only works when you're expecting it to do the job it was meant to do. Otherwise, it's like expecting a hammer to unscrew a screw for you- disappointing. Seriously, read the link and do some research on the band. Not anecdotal evidence here on the forums or on Youtube, but actual medical facts. You'll be a lot happier and healthier if you understand the band and what it is (and isn't) supposed to do.

Congratulations!

Actually yes. I had .1cc removed back in September and it made all the difference in the world. I have an appointment on Tuesday for a fill (I haven't had one since September) and I'll be asking for .1cc. It's a tiny amount but it can make a HUGE difference!

I take 2 fiber supplement chewables every day. It's kept me regular since I started taking it about 3 months ago.

First, your facts aren't facts at all. Either you're seriously misinformed or a troll, I don't know which. 40% of Lap Bands don't have complications. Current studies the rate of Lap Band complications that are by no fault of the patient are 8%-12%. The rest of them are because the patient didn't do what they were supposed to do.... like for instance... not drink while eating. As far as your Vagus nerve, it's true that in rare instances it can be damaged by the Lap Band. Pressing on the Vagus nerve is one of the way the band suppresses the appetite and stops the brain from sending hunger signals out as often. However, if you had damage to the extent you claim, then you have the worlds most incompetent and idiotic doctors on the planet. No one "mistakenly" has heart surgery because of band complications.

Don't be frustrated with yourself. Look at it like this: You have an amazing tool to use. Would you expect a carpenter to not use his hammer? Or a doctor to not use his stethoscope? The band really isn't any different. It's a tool to help you achieve a desired result. Good luck with your fill and best wishes on the rest of your journey

Well that depends. Aren't you supposed to do liquids for 24-48 hours after a fill? And what post op phase are you on? Mushy food? I doubt your surgeon would recommend going right from liquids to solids after surgery.