DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Before I got close to the Green Zone, it was very normal. I'd be all "Oh yay this is great!" the first week, and by day 10, I was starving every couple hours again. It's frustrating, I know. The good news is, once you finally have adequate Fluid in your band there will come a point that "Oh yay!" feeling doesn't go away.

I would try actually calling surgeons near you along with posting here. Finding surgeons to treat and fill patients banded in Mexico can be a major a problem, so be sure to find one before you have the surgery.

Excederine has caffeine in it. I used it as a sort of crutch to ween off caffeine. When I had the nasty headache, I'd take two to calm my pounding head. It helped me to kick the soda habit.

Wow that's a striking difference!! You look great!!!

You look positively gorgeous!!! Congratulations my friend!! ((hugs))

1-800-GET-THIN is about the last place I'd go to for anything Lap Band related. They are being sued and under criminal investigation for multiple band related deaths, deceptive advertising, and fraud. You need a new doctor and place to get fills immediately. Those people are dangerous. If you can't keep down water, you need to get an unfill immediately. Go to the ER if you need to.

It usually takes most people multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their band to control their hunger. Many call the period after surgery but before good restriction in the band "bandster hell" because you've had the surgery but still aren't getting the benefits yet. The only way I survived bandster hell before I had good fluid in my band is by focusing on calories and portions. I knew there was no way I could last on only 3 meals a day without being starving. So, I tracked all my calories and spread them out through the day to allow me to eat every 2 hours. I still stuck to a cup or less of food per meal, but by eating every couple hours while being mindful of calories, I was able to to still lose weight even before I was in the Green Zone. Hang in there, it does get easier.

It really depends. I've heard some that say no, but others that say yes. I had surgery on August and I did have to have it emptied. However, mine was emergency surgery and not pre-planned, either. Yours will be planned well in advance. I'd talk to your surgeon to be sure. Also, be very sure that everyone at the hospital knows you have the band, especially the anesthesiologist. Best wishes.

I use Lose It, which is essentially the same thing as MFP. I stopped logging my exercise entirely. I don't want my daily calories adjusted for exercise, and if I log exercise, it adds additional calories back. I figure logging my exercise isn't important. I'm exercising and that is what's important.

It depend on what you're eating. If you're eating the same foods that led to being fat to begin with, then it won't matter if you're eating less, you won't lose. If you're eating healthy foods (which are lower in calories and fat anyway) then you may be able to lose without counting calories.

I take multiple meds daily, two are rather big. I've never had a problem with them so long as I take them one at a time and drink plenty of water with them.

Congratulations!!!

Considering it's carbonated, I'd highly advise against it. Carbonation is the only major no-no with the band. The only way I'd drink it is if you let it sit out until it's totally flat first.

This is the exact the guidelines I follow with the exception of the starch. I count calories, protein and fat however I don't count or restrict carbs. I never eat more than a cup of food per meal either (as you stated). For me, it works. I agree the exercise helps a lot, too. I walk 2 miles at least 5 days a week and not only does it help but my weight loss, I feel tons better too.

I've used Colace, but as others stated, it's best when started immediately after surgery. If you're really bound up, you may even want to try an enema or suppository. It's not pleasant but it is immediate relief most of the time.

It's all dependent on how long you've been fat, how much extra weight you start with, your age and skin elasticity, and genetics. If it's someone in their 20's without less than a 100 pounds to lose, doing exercise to tone from the start, then they might be ok. If it's someone in their 40's with over a 100 to lose, chances are good there's going to be some sagging skin. Of course, nothing is set in stone and everyone is different. All I know is that if you started fat enough and have been that way for a long time, the odds aren't in your favor.

That had to be the best feeling!! Congratulations!!!

First, being tight doesn't equal losing weight. At all. In fact, if you're too tight you're much more likely to gain weight because you can't eat healthy foods. With that said... you just had your fill on Thursday. I would do a couple things. Go to liquids for the next 24 hours to give the irritation and swelling time to diminish. Then, go onto soft foods, then solids. Do this slowly and with caution. When you eat, take VERY small bites. I mean like the size of your fingernail. Chew it until absolute mush and pause between bites. Very often after a fill it's a learning experience because the way you were eating simply no longer works. If none of this works, then I'd definitely call your doc to discuss a slight unfill. Best wishes to you.

You may want to put some Neosporan on it, too. It will kill any bacteria sitting on the skin. Best wishes to you.

I know it's frustrating, but it usually takes most people multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their bands to control their appetite. Many call the phase you're in "bandster hell" because you had the surgery yet still have the hunger you did before the band. It sucks, I remember it well. The way I survived bandster hell while still losing weight was to focus on calories and portions. I knew I'd never make it 4-5 hours between meals without being starving hungry, so I budgeted my calories. I made sure my meals still stayed at a cup or less of food, but I spread my calories through the day by eating every 2 hours. For me, it worked. It got me through bandster hell while still losing weight the entire time. Hang in there, it does get a lot easier.

Do you see any stitches possibly poking out it? It's very thin and stiff, looks like fishing line. I'm just wondering if maybe an internal suture didn't dissolve and is now trying to work it's way up and out. If you don't see any stitches trying to poke out, then yes, I'd definitely call your surgeon.

They tell you not to before surgery because they are blood thinners. Unless you were specifically told you can't post surgery for some reason, then yes, you can.

I would ask your doctor. Every doctor is different and has their own ideas what works. My personal opinion? His logic makes zero sense. Skim milk is fat free but still has Protein and Calcium. I was told to drink it in from the day after surgery because it's good for you. But again, that was my surgeon, so you'll want to ask yours.