DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

It really depends on your surgeon. More often lately, doctors are changing their rules on liquids because they now know food passes through band in less than a minute. It doesn't actually sit in the pouch, in fact it shouldn't and if it does you're at higher risk for erosion, so there isn't anything to "wash through" the band as originally thought. Some will allow drinking normally before and after with little sips between bites while eating. Some are still very strict and insist on no liquids. When it doubt, just follow your doctor's instructions.

I'm sorry you're struggling. It's hard because a big misconception is that less food always means less calories but that isn't always true. So, even if you do have adequate Fluid in your band, there's no guarantee you'll lose just by eating less. You said you journal your food (which is awesome, btw). Do you also track the calories for the food you journal? Have you seen a nutritionist yet? And if so, how many calories a day they suggest you eat? Weight loss really boils down to simple math- when you burn more calories than you consume, you lose weight. The trick is making sure you do that and tracking calories is the easiest way to make sure that happens. Best wishes.

It happens. I had 4 weeks of liquids, too. I had 2 weeks of Clear Liquids, 2 weeks of full liquids, 2 weeks of mushies, 2 weeks of soft food, then finally back to real food. It sucked bad- I was starving. But, I stuck to it and I'm glad I did. Hang in there

Most say to multiple your weight times .3 to figure out how much Protein you need daily. So yours would be 289*.3= 86.7g (I'd round up to 87) Mine is 194*.3= 58.2 (I usually aim for 60g)

Weight loss comes down to simple math- when you burn more calories than you consume you lose weight. Unfortunately eating smaller amounts of food doesn't necessarily mean less calories. If I were you, I'd start tracking calories so you can be sure you're not accidentally eating too much and will start losing weight again. Best wishes.

Honestly, I'd let your doctor decide what the best fill amount for you is. He knows you, your body, and health history best. Let him decide what the right amount is.

Honestly, I spend more money on food. I may eat less but healthy food is far more expensive than cheap food. It cost a lot less to snack on a Little Debbie than an apple and peanut butter. Cheap fatty ground beef is a lot cheaper than chicken breast, too. Fresh veggies and fruit add quite a bit to the food bill, too.

I am SO glad you stood up for yourself!! What a horrible, miserable woman!! She deserved every word you said to her and more. I hope she remembers the verbal b*tch slapping you dished out before she opens her ignorant mouth again!!

I had to share this because it's so good! I have a weakness for frozen, slushy type drinks. For instance, Taco Bell's pina colada freeze was always a favorite of mine. But I don't need all the sugar and calories so it's rare I'll have one. So, I have done some experimenting! I took Ice (that's the brand name) coconut pineapple sparkling Water and froze it. (this rids the carbonation). Then, I crushed it up in a blender. Next, I poured in some more of the coconut pineapple sparkling water and blended it together (the blender killed the carbonation again). This made it the slushy consistency. I swear, it is just as good as the Taco Bell freeze. Maybe even better but ZERO calories. I figure if I add a little rum, it would make a really good low calorie pina colada too! I think this worked with this particular brand because it has so much flavor. I'm going to try it with other flavors, too. (again, this is carbonated so be careful. I always get the carbonation out before drinking it)

Congratulations on both your weight loss and your babies! It does take most people multiple people to reach the Green Zone. I was banded in January 2012 and didn't finally reach it until May 2012. But, please keep in mind that food isn't supposed to sit above your band and is supposed to pass through almost immediately (less than a minute). So, don't use that as a gauge for whether or not you need another fill. Also, if you're eating until you're "full" you're likely eating too much. With the band and the Green Zone, it's all about hunger control. Have a look at this link, I think it'll help: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html You're doing great!

Even .1cc can make a huge difference. I've had actually had a .3cc fill and had to have .2cc removed because I was too tight.

This is strictly my opinion, but I would definitely insist on an overnight stay at a hospital. My doctor insisted on a one night stay for pain control and he was right. The last thing I'd want to do is deal with a car ride so soon after that surgery. Plus, the hospital pain killers are so much better than anything you get by prescription.

You can get them at GNC. Here's a link to check them out: http://www.gnc.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4189426 Just be aware they range from 150-200+ calories so be sure to add them to your daily total. Best wishes!

It depends on your healing and your surgeon. It could be anywhere from 7-14 days.

*face palms* Wow... I think I'd lose my mind entirely if my mom (or anyone!) did that the day after surgery. Especially since you can't even "eat" anything but liquids! Be strong. I know the situation is infuriating and sucks, but just remind yourself the post op diet (and your mother's visit lol) are both temporary. Hang in there

Once you're on mushy food (on Monday, right?) it gets easier. For instance, if you're craving chicken you can take some chicken and chicken broth and put it through the blender. The broth helps get the chicken to mushy consistency but also adds flavor. Malt O Meal like Cream of Wheat.

I have a brain. I did my research BEFORE getting surgery. I didn't let some unscrupulous moron put an archaic 25 year old band in me to save a buck. I also know there's a good reason the majority of US doctors won't touch anyone banded in Mexico. This isn't my opinion. This is FACT. Learn the difference. Just because you don't like the truth doesn't make it any less true. Don't worry, I won't be responding to this thread again. I have no time or patience for ignorance.

Newsflash sweetheart- this is a forum. You're the one who put your business out on the internet for anyone and everyone to read and comment on. Don't like it? Then don't post it. Problem solved. I have been nothing but respectful towards you and I initially wrote out of sincere concern for your well being However, your juvenile and downright ignorant attitude have made me reach a place of no longer caring what you do or what happens to you. Just remember, ignorance isn't bliss. I'm sure you'll find that out soon enough, though.

Actually, they are not sold or used in the United States and are seen as outdated. The reason they're no longer used is because of the high complication rate. The reason why many of the Mexican tourism doctors use them is because they can get them dirt cheap because the US won't use/buy them. As far as the non-adjustable band- that is entirely different altogether. By comparison, the "old" adjustable 4cc bands are like state of the art compared to the non-adjustable bands. The adjustable 4cc bands were just used a couple years ago still. The non-adjustable bands haven't been used in over 25 years.

I ask this with all sincerity: why bother with diet pills (that never work long term) or other weight loss gimmicks when you have a Lap Band? It completely defeats the whole purpose. You said you've only lost a pound. When was your surgery?

It sucks but it's good you're sticking to your post op diet. Be strong, you'll be glad you did it very soon

Wow, you look amazing! So much younger and happier looking, too!! Congratulations!!

Wow, that is totally uncalled for. One, when you put your business online on a pubic forum, it's no longer just your business. You made your business everyone's business the minute you posted it here. Two, telling people to "go to hell" and to "f**ck off" is not only juvenile but seriously ruins your credibility as a supposedly intelligent adult. Very uncool.

I've had mine for 20 months with no problems. The band is meant to last, especially the newer models used by reputable surgeons. Statistically speaking, only 5% of all Lap Bands have complications by no fault of the patient. So, if you follow your doctor's orders and the band rules, the odds are definitely in your favor. Here's a great link: http://www.futurity.org/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/