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November 2011 and October 2012 driver's license pics. 160 pounds lost

You can strain the chunks out of any soup and just have the broth so it fits in liquids. V8 also makes some really good soups with no chunks.

I'd make an appointment with an nutritionist. The doctor's offices are vague at best, but a nutritionist will sit down and actually teach you. I attribute a huge part of success with the information I learned from the nutritionist.

Not everyone likes counting calories, but it's the easiest way to know you're truly eating the right things. If you're not already, I'd consider it. Also, I know it's hard, but stick to a cup or less of food per meal regardless of whether or not you can or want more. Finally, remember the first 4-6 weeks post surgery are for healing not losing. Concentrate on healing and getting past all the post op stuff then worry about weight loss. It'll come in time. Best wishes.

I have lost 160 pounds in 10 months. I saw a nutritionist and together we came up with guidelines that fit into my lifestyle. I have tracked calories religiously since the day I got home from the hospital. I never eat more than a cup of food per meal. For me, it's worked. It's not at all hard but does take commitment to change.

LOL that's awesome!!

Congrats!

I wouldn't take a laxative. You don't want all that straining and cramping after surgery. I agree the above poster, a stool softner is your best bet. I too prefer Colace. I would start taking it the day you get home from surgery and every day after until you go.

Well it's not a liquid so my guess would be no. You'd have to ask your surgeon to be sure, each one has their own rules to follow. I'd just ask him to be safe.

You do realize if that's the insurance requirements, your surgeon has zero say in it? It's not a matter of giving you a chance. If their requirement is a BMI of 40 then your surgeon has no choice but to abide by their rules. It's not the surgeon's fault.

I agree with Floridays completely. There is no way I'd have been as successful as I have so far if I didn't track my calories and hold myself accountable to every bite I eat. That's not so say I haven't had bad days. Believe me, I have. But it's a lot harder to justify a bad day when you have to actually see you've eaten 1800 calories and have to face the cold hard numbers. It's also been very successful when dealing with plateaus. Recently I hit a month long plateau, I think in large part due to starting to take birth control pills. I'm now doing some experimenting with my diet to break the plateau- but I couldn't do that without tracking my calories and monitoring my fat, Protein, and carbohydrate intake. Good luck to you.

Congratulations!!

Have they checked the actual band placement? Make sure it hasn't slipped?

I hear ya!! I had .3 removed a month ago and it was a huge difference, too. It's amazing how such a small amount can make a mammoth difference.

Yes, once you reach the Green Zone you won't for awhile. The same goes for reaching your goal weight. Some people are able to go years without needing more. However, the Fluid does evaporate slowly over time, so you could go along a year without needing one then finding yourself needing a small one again.

I'm sorry, but I have to blunt on this one: Only a fool would let a friend or family member attempt their fills unless that person is a formally trained bariatric nurse. Not only do you risk missing the port and damaging your tubing, you can damage the actual port, cause the port to slip/tear away from the muscle, and even break a needle off inside the port. Not to mention the very high risk of infection from introducing bacteria and germs into the port and skin. I don't say this to sound harsh or mean, but I agree with Toddy. Everyone knows going into this what to expect as far as cost. If someone can't afford the proper aftercare, including fills, then they have no business getting the surgery. That's about as foolish as buying a brand new car knowing there's no way you can make the monthly payments or afford gas for it.

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It sounds to me like an insurance requirement not a surgeon requirement. I would verify where the 40 bmi requirement is actually coming from.

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No you'll be fine. There's no way a couple puffs from an electronic cig would stick with you that long. Just drink lots of water and don't worry

I personally couldn't justify re-routing my internal organs or hacking off 2/3 of my healthy stomach without trying some less drastic first. In my mind, the Lap Band seemed like the best starting point in the natural progression. I figured if the band didn't work then I'd consider the Sleeve. Considering I've lost almost 160 pounds in 10 months, the band definitely works for me. I love it and getting the band was best decision I've ever made in my life. It's important to remember that whatever you choose, WLS is just a tool, not a magic fix for fat. Be it Gastric Bypass, the Sleeve, or Lap Band the work will always be yours to do. How successful you are is dependent entirely on you- not the surgery. Best wishes on whichever you decide.

Wow you look great!! Congratulations!!

I am on Medicare. The surgery and my fills are all covered.

Holy cow, that is EXACTLY what I was afraid of happening at the airport!