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You've done amazing! Thanks for sharing your story!!

I actually eat ground beef a lot. I make things like mostaccioli, spaghetti, casseroles, tacos, etc. I just use lean cuts (90% lean) and make sure it's really moist. As long as it's not dry I don't have any problems with it.

I'm actually getting a tattoo! Not to cover the scar but I'm getting one where my belly button used to be! lol Yes, I no longer have a belly button. If you look in the before picture, my belly button was already lost way down and into the left in the mess of skin. I told my doc I didn't care if I didn't have one, it would be fun to tell little kids "look, I have no belly button, I'm an alien!"

You have to remember that the band's job isn't to physically stop you from eating anything. I understand you're newly banded but you can't rely on the band to be your self control. The band is there to allow you to be satisfied on much less food for longer periods of time not stop you from eating things you shouldn't. This is exactly why it's so important to stick to band sized portions. Have a look at this link, I think it will help considerably: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes

It's funny you say that, it's the last couple days I've gone from "ok this was a huge mistake" to "hmmm, I hope he takes the drains out Monday because I really want to go shopping". LOL! You nailed it though, it's like losing another fleshy being around my middle. It's crazy but even with the loose skin I still have all over the rest of me my self esteem has gone up so much since having this surgery. I don't even mind that my boyfriend has to see me naked daily to help me get my binder on. Before the surgery? I'd have NEVER in a million years just stood in front of him naked for any reason. I'm excited for the future

Lettuce isn't a soft food. I'd be willing to bet it was the cause of your discomfort.

I still eat it pretty regularly. I get the 100 calories bags. They're yummy and a great snack.

Every insurance company has their own set of rules. Many don't require a comorbidity if your BMI is over 40. Hopefully yours is one.

If I have a drink, I do so in moderation. I don't get drunk nor get hungover. I definitely wouldn't be so foolish to drink til I puke now that I'm banded.

I started counting my calories religiously the day I got home from the hospital and 16 months later I still do. I really believe it's a huge reason I've been successful so far with my band.

I was never told I couldn't have gum. I was just told not to swallow it.

Oh goodness, I'm so very sorry. I would call your doctor ASAP and have him call you in a script for nausea. I would also go to liquids for a day or two to give your tummy time to heal and recover. I hope you feel better soon

It happens. I've had them poke through, too. If it bothers you, just trim it down with nail clippers and wait until it either dissolves or works itself out. If it's still there at your next appointment point it out but it's not anything to worry about or make an extra appointment for. Best wishes

I love this post and I'm so proud of you!

The hernia covered the actual "tummy tuck" portion because I'd had reoccurring hernias for a decade and my abdominal wall desperately needed to be strengthened. The skin removal, or panniculectomy, was covered because I lost more than 100 pounds and the skin hung below my pubic hair line.

Oh I still need a lot more surgery, too. My legs, upper arms, breasts, and butt all need to be lifted. But because of the medical issues involved my doctor didn't want to wait any longer on this one. Plus, I knew it would be the painful and extensive. Also, I had so much excess skin on my stomach it actually prevented me from being able to ride a bike or do anything that required lifting my legs high. In about a year or so, I plan on continuing to another surgery. I'll probably do my legs and butt next then my arms and breasts the year after.

It only cost me $500 out of pocket. The rest was covered by my insurance because it was deemed medically necessary.

How much and how fast you can eat has nothing to do with whether or not you need another fill. It's about satiety. Can you go at least 4 hours on a cup or less of food without hunger? Then you probably don't need another fill. If not, then you may need another one. Read the link I posted above. "Restriction" isn't at all what band patients think it is.

That's a big misconception. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. This is exactly why it's so important to stick to band sized portions. When you hear portion control, it's about feeling satisfied after a band sized portion, not making you stop eating. The band is there to allow you to feel satisfied on much less food for longer periods of time. Have a look at this link, I think it will really help: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

You said they did a CT scan, but did they do a barium swallow? Did you go to your bariatric surgeon rather than another doctor? If not, you definitely need to get into your bariatric surgeon ASAP.

Looks and sounds like you're healing nicely!!

Personally, I've never had problems swallowing pills. I would talk to your doctor about the time release ones you can't crush and see if you can try swallowing them.

Honestly? The recovery is rough. I had my surgery a week ago and still only feel vaguely human. But, he also fixed a few big hernias and removed over 12 pounds of skin. So, it was considerably beyond the usual tummy tuck.

You may think you're ready to eat but your stomach needs time to heal. It's been manipulated, stitched, and overall abused. The post op diet is for the single purpose of allowing it to heal. It sucks but it's crucial you stick to your doctor's post op diet so you don't cause complications.