DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Because you asked about your incisions, and rather give you a BS answer we said you should check with your doctor because you can't be diagnosed over the internet? And this was somehow "rude" in your opinion? Whatever dude. I'm not apologizing for caring enough to tell you the truth- we're not doctors and we can't answer your question.. Btw, you can't delete your account so you'll have to just stop posting.

Call your doctor. We're not doctors and can't diagnose you over the internet.

Honestly, you need to ask your doctor or nutritionist that. Every doctor has a different idea what's right and what works best and only he knows what's best for you. Anyone who answers here is going to go off their own theories and opinions, but the fact is there is no "right" or "wrong" diet to follow. It's all a matter of what works best for you.

I got my band over 20 months ago and I still see my doctor monthly. I'm glad he's still so involved because it gives me a chance to ask any questions or even get a fill if I feel I need it monthly. It also helps keep me accountable knowing I'll be weighing in monthly.

At the beginning it's common to have a sudden loss because it's a lot of Water weight being shed. After that, the average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds per week.

I would make two appointments- one to your doctor and one to your nutritionist. The doctor can do a full physical and blood work up to make sure there isn't a medical reason you're gaining weight. The nutritionist can go over your food journals to help you see if there are places changes should be made. Best wishes.

You're on a diet similar to the one I had. Week 1-2 clear liquids Week 3-4 full liquids Week 5-6 mushies Week 7-8 soft food Then finally real food again I won't lie, I was hungry all the time for the first 4 weeks and it sucked. But, it's a temporary and necessary phase to heal properly. I'm proud to say I didn't cheat at all despite being starving. Hang in there, you'll get through it too

Honestly? I have no problem with people smoking pot. To each their own and I'd much rather see someone smoke weed than a tobacco cigarette. However, the only answer to the pot munchies is not give into them. If you're eating when not physically hungry then you're messing up. Plus, it is way too easy to accidentally over-eat when high, which can lead to esophageal dilation and slips. In my opinion, giving into stoned munching should never be an option. It's totally counter-productive to the band.

If you're chewing enough, taking small enough bites, eating slow enough and don't have your band too tight then you should very rarely get sick. And "sick" does not mean vomiting, in fact vomiting should be avoided at all costs with the band. It's pretty much all under your control. Best wishes.

It's not about how well you chew it, it's about not throwing food into your stomach it's not ready for yet. Your stomach has been stitched, manipulated, banded, and overall injured. By cheating on your post op diet you are risking doing very serious damage to not only your band but your body. Tell you doctor what you did and let him make sure you didn't do any damage. Best wishes.

It's imperative you speak to your doctor about this ASAP. Only he can advise you based on your specific medical history and needs.

I'm very sorry you've had so many struggles. It sounds like your band was too tight for a long time. Everything you describe are classic symptoms of a band too tight. Have you considered trying to use your band without it being too tight?

Honestly? My scariest story is me the day of my surgery. I don't EVER want to go back to being that huge. The picture on the left is the day of my Lap Band surgery. The picture on the right is of my daughter and I together in the pants I was wearing in the left picture. 228 pounds lost. My "horror story" is the before picture.

I used to struggle with that, too. The way I've overcome it is by measuring my portions so that I never have more than a cup of food in front of me- so I'm starting with a band sized portion from the start. Then, if I'm still tempted to eat more, I remind myself that over-eating is common cause of both esophageal dilation and slips and I sure as heck don't want either. Usually, reminding myself of the possible complications from over-eating is enough for me to walk away from the food.

LMAO!! Btw, I didn't post that negatively. I happen to love the old Bill the Cat cartoon and couldn't resist when I saw it

Nooo don't be! No one is upset or fighting, just talking!

Ok, here's a good visual of weight loss boobs!!

The men as they lose weight......

I broke out my wader boots about 6 posts ago!

I see the same doctors, at the same hospitals, I always have. My medical bills are astronomical, btw. But my point is that Medicare isn't a "hand out". We pay for it just like anyone else pays for their insurance.

What they pay the doctors is irrelevant considering the cost to the patient is the same for Medicare as it is regular insurance. If an office visit is $40 it's the same $40 for Medicare. We don't get a break at all. I know they pay less for some doctor's costs but us, the patient, don't see a dime of that saving.

Medicare isn't "given" to anyone. As you stated, we all pay into it when working so it's there when we stop working or can no longer work. When on Medicare, you must pay a monthly premium too, again just like private insurance through an employer. Don't be fooled into thinking Medicare and Medicaid are the same thing or even remotely similar- they're not. In fact, Medicaid covers a lot more than Medicare does, despite the fact Medicaid is "given". Medicare doesn't get discounted rates, either. We pay the same as anyone else with insurance. Oh and while Medicaid gets full dental and vision coverage- Medicare has ZERO vision and dental coverage. It's 100% paid out of pocket. I have literally thousands of dollars in medical bills piled up on my desk right now and because I worked and earned money all my adult life until I got sick and get disability based on what I paid into it, I get ZERO help from anyone nor am I eligible for it. Oh and I just got a letter telling me my insurance premium will be rising as of January 1st while my prescription coverage will be less. I'm told I can thank Obamacare for that. While Medicare isn't "given" and Medicaid is, I still don't begrudge those on Medicaid that truly need it. I know there are people on it that have no business getting a dime, for the single mom working 40+ hours a week but still can't afford medical insurance? For the veteran who is temporarily out of work due to injury? For the man who can no longer work because he fell seriously ill but unfortunately didn't pay in enough for disability Medicare? They deserve it and they should be taken care of. In fact it's one of the few reasons for income taxes that are actually good ones.

I actually liked V8's soups on the liquid phase. There's no chunks and a variety of flavors. Some of them are Butternut Squash, Tomato Basil, and Potato Leek. Plus, they have a full serving of vegetables.

Medicare doesn't work at all, especially since it's been cut left and right. We pay a monthly premium, plus responsible for 20% of all medical costs, and are liable for roughly $4500 per year in prescriptions. And that's if they cover the prescription at all- more and more they're cutting what they cover to save a buck. Of course, you can get supplemental insurance to ago along with it, making monthly premiums cost even more money. There's a reason so many senior citizens have to choose between medications and food- they can't afford both.

Oh definitely. I've lost 228 pounds in 20 months. It's given me my life back!