DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Unfortunately, the band goes around our stomachs not our brains, so the dreaded PMS cravings will likely be hanging around for years to come. While you're on the pre op diet you're kinda stuck. But, once you're back on regular foods and banded, it is a little easier. For me, I find a small taste of whatever it is I'm craving is the best bet. If I don't I'm likely to over eat good food because I can't have what I'm craving. If I allow myself the chocolaty or salty food I really want, I won't over eat. As with all things, I believe in moderation not deprivation. It works for PMS too. Good luck!

I think the skim milk is a good idea. You need the Vitamins it gives, and the Protein, so if the skim milk helps you it's worth it.

Most reputable bike makers will state their weight limits on the product description. What I learned when I was researching bikes last summer was if they don't state a weight limit it's likely a 225 pound max capacity. I was around 300 pounds when I started looking for a bike. It's not easy to find ones with the higher weight limits and they are more expensive but they're definitely out there.

First, stick to what your doctor advises regardless of what anyone else is eating. eggs were a bad idea- stay away from solid foods until you're allowed them. It sounds like the majority of the foods you're having trouble with are milk based. Could you be lactose intolerant? Also keep in mind, most doctors would still have you on strictly liquids on day 6 post op. It's possible that your body just needs some extra time to heal. I'd give it a couple more days and if you're still having issues, give your doctor a call.

What phase of the post op diet are you supposed to be on according to your doctor?

Be honest with her. Tell her gently but firmly you appreciate her concern but this is your life and your decision. You have done your homework and you know what you're doing and you need her to either be supportive or be silent. And remember, you don't owe anyone any explanations for your decision. You have nothing to prove and don't have to justify your decision to anyone. Best wishes.

You'll be able to burp again. You're probably feeling pressure from the air they pump in during surgery. That air is in your abdominal cavity, not your digestive system, that's why you can't burp it up. Walking is the best way to help your body reabsorb the air faster. A heating pad can help ease the discomfort too.

You'll be able to lift again. Your doctor might make you wait a month or two to heal, but you'll be able to again.

I agree, I'd talk to your doctor. The pain might not even be band related.

Had to correct where your band should be? I'm afraid I don't understand what that means.

We need a lot more detail to help. You might want to start by filling out your profile. When were you banded? What type of pain? Do you have any heartburn/reflux? Have you been vomiting?

This is actually a major pet peeve of mine. I agree that doctors don't always paint a true picture of life with the band but I also firmly believe it's our responsibility to educate ourselves. I mean, I see thread after thread of people on here totally clueless. Obviously, they have internet access and know how to search because they found these forums. So why in the world would they not use the powers of Google and research the band BEFORE the surgery? People will spend months researching a car before buying one. They'll even research the best computer or the best smart phone. Yet they don't spend time researching a surgery? I always say- ignorance isn't bliss and most of the time you can't blame that ignorance on anyone but yourself. People need to take responsibility for their own life and their own choices.

I couldn't agree with you more!!! It's work and we have to do the work. Way too many people go into this surgery expecting the band to be a magic fix for fat. It's not, it's a tool, and like any tool it's only useful when used correctly.

For me, it's really helped. I had two surgeries less than a month apart, all while still losing weight, and because I was already taking Biotin ahead of time I haven't had any hair loss whatsoever. Normally anytime I have surgery I have hair loss but not this time.

As CG mentioned above, Skinny Fiber is one of the many gimmick pills that expand in your stomach to make you feel full. It's not safe with the band because it can expand below the band and cause a slip. I have to ask, why bother with gimmicks when you have the Lap Band? Your band is there to make you feel satisfied on much less food for much longer periods of time so why bother wasting your money on diet gimmicks?

A combination of weight loss and all the chemicals they put into your body during surgery can play havoc on your hair. I noticed I was losing considerable hair in the months after surgery too. I started taking 5000mcg of Biotin daily about a year ago. I also use Fruitese "Fall Fight" shampoo and conditioner, they have Biotin in them. It took months for my hair to fully recover but the Biotin definitely helped.

I count calories and have since the day I got home from the hospital. I also make sure I get in at least 60g of Protein daily and never eat more than a cup of food per meal. I do not do the whole low carb fad. In fact, I don't even track carbs. Counting calories is enough. I've lost 216 pounds in 17 months and I'm still losing. For me, this is what works.

Losing weight while pregnant isn't a good idea. The baby needs nutrients and restricting calories to the point of loss isn't the safest idea. However, I know women who meet with a nutritionist so they know how to eat and only gain weight for the pregnancy and baby itself without gaining a ton of excess fat.

You need to go see your bariatric surgeon. Neither an x-ray tech nor the internet can tell you if you have a slip. Guessing based on the internet does you no good whatsoever. Go see your Lap Band surgeon.

You've received some wise, sound advice here. I know you're upset and frustrated- and rightfully so. I would be too. I know you can't see this right now but that doctor did you a huge favor. So many people fail miserably with the Lap Band because their mind isn't in the right place to do what is necessary for success. If you follow up with weekly therapy as recommended, you will be so much better prepared to deal with the changes required. Don't look at this like a denial, look at this as a chance to get better prepared. You're still on your path to a new healthier you and this extra step will do nothing but increase your chances for long term success. By the way, I've said numerous times on these forums that if I'd had the Lap Band surgery two years before I did, I'd have failed miserably. My head was definitely not in the right place and there is no way I could've made the changes I needed for success. Going through counseling before I had Lap Band surgery was without a doubt the best thing for me. You can totally do this- don't give up!

I agree too. I've been on both ends of the spectrum, both good and bad. I can remember being a very young single mother digging through couch cushions for change to buy diapers. I remember living on Ramen Noodles and generic macaroni & cheese (made with Water instead of milk) because I couldn't afford to feed both my daughter and myself healthy. I had to limit her fresh fruit to one piece a day because I couldn't afford more. Ironically, it was during these years I gained the majority of my weight. Sometimes, people just don't have a choice to spend more on food and healthy food is much more expensive. There are many people in this country that if they spent even $10 more a month on food it would be the difference between keeping their electricity on or not. I know, I used to be one of those people.

That's amazing! Congratulations!

Call your doctor. Let him decide. He's the expert and that's what you pay him for.

You can see them on my profile.

Your body will always function better, including weight loss, when you're feeding it healthy food. I firmly believe in moderation not deprivation. Like you, sometimes I have a little bit of pizza or some other fried "bad" food. I don't believe there's anything wrong with it, either. I always count it in my daily calories too. I would say 90% of the time I eat healthy and 10% of the time I eat what I want- be it pizza or ice cream- but I still count the calories even when I'm in the 10%. I've lost 215 pounds in 17 months eating like this, so for me, it works.