DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Yeah I didn't take the book verbatim For instance, I'm not about to cut milk nor do I follow his menus. However, I do very much like the basic premise of his theory, so I use that combined with what I know works best for me. I too did Atkins years ago...ended up losing 40 pounds but also with a raging kidney infection due to a build up of Protein. Of course, gained like 60 within 6 months of stopping the Atkins diet too.

When in doubt, I always side with caution. It can't hurt to mention it to your doctor and get their opinion. 10-12 days prior seems too soon for TOM issues. Perhaps it's the hormone increase during ovulation?

You have nerves of steel because resisting the french fries isn't easy at all! Congratulations!! You're doing so great!!

Ok yes, the book does give sample menus. Some of it looks rather good too. He also has a website with some menu ideas. As far as the low carb days, I'm still struggling to find food I like lol. I find myself eating a lot of salads with ham, cheese, and chic peas. I also like ham rolls (chives cut up into cream cheese then rolled into a piece of ham). chicken breast, pork chops, lunch meat. I've taken to eating a spoonful of Peanut Butter as a snack, too.

We get the band to appease our appetite. The band allows me to be satisfied on less for longer periods of time, which is exactly what it's supposed to do. But fills themselves don't cause you to lose weight- burning more calories than you consume does. The band makes it easier to do that because I'm not hungry all the time and satisfied on a cup or less of food.

The beauty of the band is, you can always start over. Weight gain after quitting smoking is VERY normal. I quit 18 months ago and gained about 40. But think of it like this- you're a non smoker! That is AMAZING and something to be proud of!! Plus, you can lose the weight again and when it's gone, you'll still be healthier because you quit smoking! Have you tried the 5 day pouch test? Not to shrink your pouch, but to "start over" mentally as well as physically. It takes you through the post op phases over 5 days and many find it's a great way to reset their minds and get back into the bandster mindset. http://5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html I would also recommend seeing a Nutritionist to help get you back on track, too. Your surgeon as well. It's only 30 pounds, you can totally lose it again! Best wishes

How frustrating, I'm so sorry. What diet are you on? Did you follow it exactly, or was there some cheating? If you didn't cheat, and you gained on Weight Watchers without cheating: Have you ever had your thyroid checked? Hormone levels? Checked for Diabetes? All these things can greatly effect weight loss.

It varies greatly. I've lost as much as 26 in one month and as little as 7. Fills have nothing to do with it, btw. I've restricted my calories and portions since I got home from the hospital, regardless of Green Zone or not.

Get a new one! Mine didn't expire for 3 years either but I was having big problems using it as an ID because it looked so different.

Chances are you're fine, but technically yes, it could cause problems. Your stomach is healing. It's swollen and newly sutured. The post op diet is crucial to give your stomach time to heal. Look at it like this: If you broke your leg and you were told to stay off it for 6 weeks or risk doing serious damage, would you go out and try to walk a mile after only a week? No, you wouldn't. So don't do it to your stomach, either. Just get back on track with your post op diet and you'll be fine.

I'm glad you have an appointment scheduled. They need to make sure your band isn't slipped. Best wishes to you.

First, congratulations on your weight loss. Please know that just because you have adequate Fluid in your band does not mean you can't eat bread, Pasta, rice, or anything. In fact, the band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. Many of us, myself included, can and do still eat whatever we want even being in the Green Zone with our bands. The easiest way to decide if you need another fill is this: -Are you no longer hungry after a cup or less of food? -Are you able to go at least 4 hours after a meal without being physically hungry again? If yes, you don't need need a fill. If no, you probably do need a fill. Best wishes.

I'm very sorry you're struggling. Yes, I'm going to give you advice because you didn't mention it in your list of stuff you already know. Counseling. food addiction is very real. When an alcoholic wants to kick their addiction, they never have to go near another drink again. However when we do, as a food addict, we still have to eat multiple times a day for the rest of our lives to live. It's little wonder so many of us falter so often. A counselor can help you deal with the food addiction and the self destructive behavior it brings. Best wishes to you.

It depends on the soup. Typically soups are sliders because they're liquids. Are you eating one with a lot of "stuff" in it? If there's a lot of chunks, perhaps you're just not chewing enough.

Excellent! Nutritionists are so incredibly helpful! I would ask her... recommended daily calories recommended Protein intake recommended carb intake recommended fat intake Also, don't be afraid to negotiate for your own needs. For instance, I simply can't do super low carb all the time. It's not realistic for me long term at all. I told my NUT this and why, she agreed, and together we came up with a plan wasn't super low carb and worked specifically with my lifestyle. Best wishes.

You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and if someone did judge you, that would be a reflection of their own ignorance. Best wishes to you.

You can totally do this!! I quit 18 months ago and I absolutely LOVE being a non-smoker! I won't lie, quitting was brutal, but so worth it. I used to smoke close to 2 packs a day. Every time I got sick, it would end up in my lungs. Since quitting I haven't had a single chest cold, I never cough, and I don't get winded just going up a couple steps. And honestly, you don't even realize how bad smokers stink until you quit smoking. I can't stand even walking by a smoker in a store because the smell makes me cringe. I can't believe I actually spent 20 years of my life smelling that bad. My best advice is to clean EVERYTHING. Wash every item of clothing you own and all your bedding and sheets. If you smoke in your home, get some Febreeze and Febreeze anything fabric you can't wash, like furniture. Get some heavy duty cleaner and start scrubbing down your walls- you will be shocked and horrified at the nasty brownish stuff that will seep out. It will take you days and days to all this, but doing it will give you incentive not to smoke again and undo all the work you've done ridding your home of smoke residue. Plus, you won't want that smell back once it's gone, trust me. It's hard. Quitting smoking was simply miserable at times, I admit. But, it's so worth it. You can totally do this!!

I would still take a pregnancy test to be sure. Just because you had symptoms the first three times doesn't mean you will every time. Plus, it's extremely common for women to get pregnant after getting the band. It's always better safe than sorry.

Keep in mind the first 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing, not losing, so the fact you lost anything at all is very good. Congratulations. Also remember that plateaus are very normal. How long have you been at a weight loss stand still? I would strongly suggest seeing a nutritionist. It is crucial to set up food guidelines that work within your lifestyle and to understand healthy eating to be successful with weight loss. They can help you establish a good calorie range for your needs, too. Best wishes.

Check with your insurance, they might cover the tummy tuck because you've lost more than 100 pounds. Some insurance will even cover arm and leg skin removal after massive weight loss, too.

I am so incredibly sorry. What a bunch of careless idiots.

It doesn't look infected but rather like a bad reaction to the adhesive on your skin. It's good you called your doctor, though. Always better safe than sorry.

I have 4.9cc in my 10cc band it's perfect. Total Green Zone.