DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Do you have steri strips or actual stitches? Are you allowed to shower yet?

Oh geez, that's like a double whammy! Hang in there and I'm sending a virtual hug! ((hugs))

Unless the soup has a lot of chunks and pieces, most would consider it a slider because it goes right through the band like a liquid. Technically speaking, yogurt and Protein shakes would be sliders too. With that said, some are very good for you in moderation. Some surgeons won't allow them though so be sure to check with yours to be sure. As for myself, I have a protein shake for breakfast every morning and I enjoy a nice cup of soup for lunch sometimes, too. With all of them the key is portion control and moderation regardless of how much we can physically consume.

That's normal. I'm guessing you have no fills or maybe one at the most. It usually takes multiple fills before you have good restriction. In the meantime, it's best to stick to a cup or less of food and try to make good food choices despite the lack of restriction. Btw, good restriction doesn't mean certain foods won't go down anymore. The band is supposed to make you feel satisfied with less food for longer periods of time, not restrict the type of food you eat. The choice what to eat, or not eat, will always fall on you. Best wishes

Perhaps liquids? A protein shake? I hope you're getting fluid removed tomorrow!

I was told and read the same thing. It's because Lupus is an autoimmune disease and the body attacks the band, rejecting it. What I am unclear on is why that happens with Lupus but not RA or Multiple Sclerosis, both autoimmune diseases as well.

I am so incredibly sorry you have to go through this. My heart goes out to you. But...you're not totally alone. We're still here

I think it's a great idea! You're getting a head start on healthier life and ready to be banded. I think it'll help you make the transition into life with the band a lot easier. You'll do great

LOL yes I did, for many months. I was originally supposed to have Gastric Bypass but I canceled and went for the band instead after learning about both.

That is so cool, have a blast!! And congratulations!!

Everyone is different, and while some do have decreased hunger after surgery, some are very hungry. Let's face it, liquids just don't help you feel satisfied most of the time. Also, keep in mind it's not uncommon for your tummy to make hunger noises without being actually hungry after being banded. It's bit weird trying to figure out what you're feeling at times. Hang in there

Yes, they can. The reason being is while they do pass through the band immediately, the carbonation expands in the stomach below the band. This can press upward causing a slip or stomach to even prolapse through the band.

Your profile isn't filled out, so you could you please tell us when you were banded?

I agree with Holly Dolly, the first thing I'd do is adjust your calories and see if that helps Have you met with a nutritionist? If not, I highly recommend it, specifically one that has experience with bariatric patients.

That's awesome, congratulations!!!

I think you misunderstood the letter. Band erosion isn't literally the band, it's the stomach. Here is the clinical definition: Erosion is a long-term complication of lap band surgery, and occurs when the Gastric Band is fastened around the upper stomach gradually erodes into the stomach wall and extends into the gastric lumen. Intragastric Lap Band Erosions have been reported at rates that vary from 0.6% to 10% depending of the operative technique, the doctor’s experience, the device used and the most important factor: the patient's followup. The use of NSAIDS, alcohol and smoking have been proposed as three of the main factors contributing to hyperacidity and irritation of the mucosal layer of the stomach. This important layer prevents us from acquiring ulcers in normal conditions. When the irritation is persistent, it can cause erosion of the wall layers of the stomach, which may allow the lap band to migrate into the stomach (“inside out” erosion theory). Repeated vomiting has also been suggested as a possible accelerant, especially when a high degree of obstruction is present (For example, an over-filling of the lap band). Due to the erosion, saliva or food leaks through the hole or ulcer in the stomach and flows along the Lap Band tubing, causing the tissue under the skin of the Lap Band Port to become infected.

Holly Dolly is spot on correct! If you do decide to go to Mexico for surgery, it's crucial you find a local doctor to do your fills and care for you before the actual surgery. Most US surgeons won't touch someone who was banded in Mexico so finding one can be a big problem. That's why it's crucial you find one first otherwise you risk coming home with a band and no one to fill it.

Thanks! Honestly, I only follow the guidelines my nutritionist set for me, nothing special. I average 900-1000 calories a day (I could have up to 1200 but I'm never hungry enough). I eat a minimum of 60g of Protein, no more than 125g of carbs, and no more than 20% fat. I also make sure my food total is a cup or less per meal. If you haven't already, I would strongly suggest seeing a nutritionist. Specifically one that has experience with bariatric patients. I know the information I got from mine has been priceless and made it very easy for me to make good decisions based on her guidelines.

I can totally relate to this. Sometimes I think I need to go back into counseling because my body image is so greatly distorted. I know I'm a 124 pounds less than I was 7 months ago, yet I still very often perceive myself as I was back then. My daughter has actually laughed at me for trying to wear clothes that could double as a tent, because in my warped brain, they should fit despite being 5 sizes too big. I know this has been a lifelong problem for me, too. It started when I was a little girl and my mother used to ridicule me for being fat. Ironically, I wasn't fat as a girl just a little chubby, but somewhere along the road I began seeing myself as huge despite the fact I wasn't. In a lot of ways, I think being morbidly obese was a self-fulfilled prophesy. I had always seen myself as huge even when I wasn't, so finally my body followed suit. Not that I blame my mom or childhood, mind you. I'm an adult and I am responsible for own choices and actions. I am just fortunate that I understand how my brain and self image got so distorted to begin with. I think like everything else on this journey to health, there's a pretty big learning curve and necessary period of adjustment.

Yes, everything is supposed to be about a cup total. For instance, last night I had a 4oz pork chop, 1/4 cup of green Beans and 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes for dinner. I used measure everything but I've been doing this for 7 months so now I can pretty accurately eyeball the amounts Don't be embarrassed, it's always good to ask

I've resigned myself to the fact for the next year I'll be in clothes that are too big. I do buy new clothes every couple months but it's only a matter of weeks before they start getting noticeably big on me again. Within 2-3 months, they're off to Goodwill and I'm buying more.

The truth is, my food expenses have increased. The sad fact is that healthy foods cost considerably more than junk food. Ever wonder why obesity is so rampant in impoverished communities? That's because it's a lot cheaper to live on boxed macaroni and cheese with a side of snack cakes than it is live on a bowl of fresh fruit and a chicken breast.

First.... be calm. One meal isn't going to make you pack on the pounds. Second, I would start getting in the habit of looking at ingredients. We can't guess how much oil was used or even how many eggs were eaten. However good food choices will be crucial to your weight loss. I've used an app called Lose It! since the day I got home from hospital and it's helped so much. At a glance, I can see immediately if a food is a good choice or not for me to be eating based on it's nutrients and calories. Lastly, have you met with a nutritionist? If not, I highly recommend doing so, specifically one that deals with bariatric patients. They can teach you how to make good food choices and set you up on guidelines that are realistic for your lifestyle. Best wishes.

It's normal to still feel hungry in the beginning. For most people, it take multiple fills before they finally find that perfect amount of Fluid to quell that hunger. Have you considered increasing your calories slightly? Like maybe aim for 1000-1200? You can always decrease again later if you like, but it would likely help your hunger and could even possibly help kick your metabolism into gear. Hang in there, it does get easier but it usually takes a little time.

Some questions: -Are you sticking to a cup of food or less per meal? -Are you counting calories, and if so, how much do you consume in a day? -Are you getting in all your Protein daily?