DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I always laugh when people say that, their ignorance is astounding. I have a friend who had Gastric Bypass 2 months before me, and when I told her I was getting the Lap-Band, she told me I was nuts because it didn't work. We started out about the same weight, too. Now, 5 months post surgery for me and 7 for her, she's lost 60 pounds. I've lost almost 100. She's not saying the band doesn't work anymore

When people put their body into what is called Ketosis, via a low carb and high Protein diet, kidney issues and failure is a slight risk. For people with normally functioning kidneys this would be pretty rare. You would show signs of kidney issues like infection way before you started to get into kidney failure. Furthermore, you kidney function should've been checked with the routine pre-op blood work when you had Lap-Band surgery and would've shown any potential problems then. Many years ago, I was on the Atkins diet. The Atkins diet intentionally puts you into Ketosis. It's not about the amount of protein even as much as it is about the lack of carbs. While I did lose 30 pounds on it, I also ended up with a very bad kidney infection. The doctor told me it was as a result of a build up of protein in my kidneys, when I told him I was Atkins, he told me to stop immediately. That is what the clerk was talking about and it's pretty rare. Also, be sure to listen to your doctor over some store clerk at Vitamin Shoppe

That is so great!!! Congratulations!!!

I agree with waitingpatiently. You are sabotaging yourself big time. Taking 5 hours to eat a burger, or eating a Snickers, only 2 weeks post op is playing with fire. The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing, and by doing these things you are jeopardizing that healing process. I'm assuming you're supposed to be on full liquids right now, maybe mushies. Whatever stage of the post-op diet you're supposed to be on you need to go back to and stick to it. I'm truly sorry your family isn't supportive, but you need to be realistic too. You are the one that made the decision to get the Lap-Band, not them. You can't expect them to give up their junk food and fast food just because you can't have it. I don't mean to sound harsh it's just the reality. They're not the banded ones healing from surgery, you are. I am the single mom to two kids. While I do cook very healthy these days for family meals, they still get their McDonald's or their pizza Hut once in awhile. I still have a cupboard with Cookies and snack cakes in it in, but I don't touch it. My kids are healthy weight and have a much better relationship with food than I ever did. I don't expect them to give up their treats or occasional Burger King just because I choose not to eat it anymore. That would be selfish on my part. I am the one that made the decision to get the Lap-Band and change my eating habits, not them. Put the focus back on you where it belongs. Start following the pre-op diet and stick to it. Once you're on regular foods again, make smart food choices and small portions, regardless of what your family may or may not eat. You have to make the decision to change your life for YOU.

I would feel the exact same way in your shoes, but look at it like this: You're only 4 months away from finishing the required supervised diet. That will go by SO fast!! If you quit now, in 4 months you're going to be kicking yourself going "ugh I could be banded right now!" I was banded in January and my mom decided she wanted it too. However, she also had to have a 6 months doctor supervised diet for approval. She has blown it off over and over. Recently she commented on how good I look and how great I've done losing weight, but then added "I'll always be fat, I'm never going to lose this weight". I said to her "Mom, if you had started the diet 5 months ago when you originally looked into it, you'd only be 1 month from surgery now. So why not quit procrastinating and just do it before another 6 months waste by?" Don't quit now, you're so close!!!

I understand how you feel. It's weird, because pretty much everyone in my life knows I had Lap-Band surgery, yet I don't put my pictures up here because I don't want every random idiot on the internet seeing my picture and going "Oh that's the fat chic!" Also, like you, I have an ex I don't want to accidentally stumble onto info here either. Now I do post pictures on Facebook, in fact I'm currently only a 1/2 pound from the 100 pound loss mark and will definitely be posting one there when I finally hit it. But, my Facebook list is relatively small (about 100 friends) and my settings are as such no one can see my wall except people on my friends' list. I wish they had a setting here so only registered members could see pictures. I'd definitely post here if that was possible.

Well that is downright depressing, though sadly, not entirely surprising. Let's face it, being fat is the last acceptable thing to discriminate against in our society. Very very sad.

I struggle with this so bad! I have always been a night time eater, and to make it worse, I am also a night owl so am usually up until midnight or 1am. I can make through the day without hunger between meals, but if I eat dinner at 5-6pm then I'm hungry around 10pm. What I usually do is have something small without little or no carbs. A wedge of Babybell Light cheese (50 calories), a 1/4 cup of low fat cottage cheese (35 calories), or even a couple pieces of sliced cucumber with some salt on it. (pretty much a freebie, I don't even bother counting cucumber calories). It's enough to get me through until morning without being starving or effecting me adversely on the scale.

There is a big misconception that you'll never be able to eat some foods again, like bread. Some people do have issues, but not all. I have a lot of restriction and can still eat anything I want, including bread. Keep your chin up, it gets easier.

Unfortunately, you'll find everyone has a different formula. So do micro diets for 600 calories a day, others do well on 1200 a day. Some do no carbs, some have no issue with carbs. I really think it's a matter of finding what works best for you. As for myself, here is what I do: I eat 1000-1200 calories a day. Of that, at least 60g of Protein, no more than 125g of carbs, and no more than 20% fat. I won't eat white bread, rice, or Pasta. Only whole grain and brown rice. If the label says "bleached" or "enriched", I won't buy it. For me, this is what works. I would do some experimenting and see what works for you.

There's actually quite a few men on these boards so you're in good company. That's so awesome you got approved! Do you have a surgery date yet? I'm very happy for you. God bless you too!

Honestly, if you're doing what your doctor says before surgery? Chances are VERY slim. I really wouldn't worry about it, I'm sure you'll do just fine

Unfortunately they can't know your liver is too big until they get in there, hence why the surgery is halted after you're already cut and pumped full of gas.

I wonder if you don't have a hernia in the abdominal wall where the port is attached.

The posters above all offer wise words. Sojourner hit a very key point that too many seem to forget: Doctors work for you. You are the employer and they are employee. They're not helping you out of the goodness of their hearts, they're being paid big bucks for their services. If you are not happy with the care of your current surgeon- fire him and hire a new one. As both a patient and a consumer that is your right. As for your doctor, that office makes no sense. The band was made to filled. That's why we have the nifty port under our skin with tubing leading to the band- to fill it! A band without restriction is useless!!! Good luck to you.

You sound over-filled, those are classic signs of being too full.

I am fearful of the same thing- the original surgeon really screwed it up. If I were in your shoes, I'd be very frank with the new doctor and tell him unless he can find a way to relieve ALL your symptoms, especially your nighttime ones, you want the band out. You simply can't be expected to live as you are. Again, I'm so very sorry this has happened to you. I can only imagine the stress and sadness it must cause. My heart goes out to you.

V8 makes some great cream soups, including Butternut Squash. They also have a Potato Leek and Vegetable Garden one, all really good. I ate them like crazy when I was on liquids As long as there's no chunks, or strain the chunks out, the soup is fine

Everyone loses at their own pace so please don't compare yourself to others. You're losing and that's wonderful!

Wow that's terrible. How long ago were you unfilled? Do you know what size your band is? I would talk to the new surgeon next week when you go and be honest about all of it. I'd even go so far as to say you're afraid the last surgeon's neglect resulted in permanent damage and see what he says. I am so very sorry. Your first surgeon has no business practicing medicine IMO.

I am sorry you have to go through this. But I must point out, it sounds like your problem isn't the band, it's the idiot (neglectful) surgeon who's care you were under. Had he not insisted on over-filling you repeatedly, and given you the sound guidance you deserve, you would likely feel very differently right now. This is just a thought, but being as you already have the band and it's been verified to be in good shape, why not start over with a new surgeon? One that will actually work with you and guide you? You're right that no one should have live how you have been living, but the problem isn't the band. Why not get rid of the real problem, the surgeon? Best wishes to you.

Congratulations!! I often think the improvements to our quality of life far outweigh the victories over the numbers on the scale. You have had some pretty huge NSV with your health it sounds like Thank you for sharing and the inspiration!

The above posters are correct, it's because carbonation can lead to slips. My roommate when I had my band surgery was in for a band replacement. She had been regularly drinking soda, and it caused her band not only to slip but her stomach to prolapse through her band. She also gained 40 pounds during that time as well. Carbonation just isn't worth the risk in my opinion.

You look wonderful, congratulations!!