LadyMaggie

Yes, this is a supportive and helpful group. However, please note that this forum is entitled, "LBT Rants and Raves *** Off-Topic DEBATE AREA ***" People are going to be RANTING not being supporting.

My lap band surgeon told me to keep pineapple juice on hand for any "stuck" issues; it will move one way or the other. My guess is something to do with the enzymes in the juice (?) My nutritionist says WARM things (Soup / tea, etc.) open the band a little; COLD things restrict ---> if that makes sense Good Luck~!

I agree with Hazel. As long as you have restriction or getting near restriction, I would not be concerned with the amount in your band. I used to obsess about it and ask the doctor to tell me every visit how much was in there to "double" check. He always played along, but, I finally decided it is just a number. Hope that makes sense. KAREN: my surgeon requires one day of liquids for 24 hour period AFTER fill. He does not have any "rules" for day before or day of fill . . . just AFTER he adds. Good luck on your journey.

I am NOT a doctor and I don't play one on t.v. ~ HA! Yes, I had that happen. It was not "bubble" gum; but a small piece of chewing gum. I didn't have any issues.

52 pounds. I couldn't be successful without the band. I was such a Yo-You dieter for way TOO long.

I agree with you. My pet peeve is all of the initials and abbreviations people use . . . I don't understand what most of them mean. I am not a big user of "smart" phones and text messages. So, I am usually unsure what people are saying when they talk / post in code. Ha~

and I just wanted to add that my family physician would not recommend any weight loss surgery for me, except lap band. She was highly against permanently changing the human anatomy. I guess her logical was the band can be removed, etc. I respect and trust her, so I went with the band. Again, no regrets Y-E-T.

My lap band surgeon is Dr. Jeff Allen at Norton's (in Louisville) LOVE, LOVE him~! My gastroenterologist is Dr. Ron Richards at U of L (in Louisville). He came highly recommended and I have seen him for several years. The SMARTEST doctor I have ever met~! My family physician is Dr. Mary Barry in Louisville. She is also affiliated with with Norton's network. I am interested in what you find out from your physicians. I hope that I have not made a mistake having the lap band surgery since I have the underlying issues with gastroparesis. I am HAPPY with the band and my weight loss . . . . just hope in the future that the GI issues do not cause problems with my band.

I have it and thought I would not be eligible for a lap band (or any weight loss surgeon); my GI doctor, family doctor and lap band surgeon said it was not a problem. Other than taking FOREVER to find the Green Zone, I have not had an issues. I am about 19 months post-op.

Then you MUST read "Gabrie'ls Inferno and Gabriel's Rapture" by Sylvain Reynard both awesome books and, in my humble opinion, were better written thatn 50 shades. Scored a 5 star on Good Reads.

Amazon.com sells several of the Nioxin products

I am with Donna12 on this too. 18 months out of surgery and still have massive hair loss. I meet or exceed daily Protein and take Vitamins. ----> not working I have NOT tried the shampoo mentioned but I am going to get some ASAP.

Well, I am a self-proclaimed Protein "snob" Many of the brands and flavors suggested by others often did not work for me. I have decided it is a personal preference. The ONLY one I can tolerate is UNflavored unjury. I add it to the Dole Shakers and Yogurt each day. One scoop is about 21 grams of protein. My lap band doctor carries this brand in his office; so, I don't have to pay for shipping. Good luck on your journey.

my surgeon always tells me to drink pineapple juice (it will release . . . . one way, or the other) Good Luck~!

It took 18 months but I have arrived at "WON"derland

Nope for me it is WON as in "I did it"; chalk up a WIN more excited about that than I am the "one"

will give it a try

I am NEAR Louisville, Kentucky. My lap band surgeon is Dr. Jeff Allen at Norton's. I have been on this lap band journey for almost 18 months ... glad to help out with any questions

Yes, I use the "Dole Shakers" (fruit) and add UNflavored UNjury

Here is how I handle the holidays and food . . . . TRUE STORY My husband and I have a deal that he goes through line first and I put whatever food he is eating. Then, when he is done eating, we switch plates. No one in my family has picked up on this. My husband is VERY health and does NOT have weight issues --- he has always had second's

I am about 17 months out and NONE of my co-workers know about this. Oddly enough, I have lost more than 50 pounds and no one has mentioned it --- same thing when I eat lunch . . . no one really pays attention. Of course, that makes it easy for me Also, I did not tell all of my family members. I suppose it is a matter of personal preference.

Well, I am not a doctor and I do not play one on t.v. **insert smile here** However, I had the SAME issue; went to the doctor ---> NO U.T.I. My doctor thought it might be a hydration issue. My thoughts "NO WAY" I drink about 64 ounces of Water a day. She said that my goal water intake is one-half of your body weight. So, I need more like 100 ounces each day. When I tracked this, the "UTI-type" symptoms vanished. Hope this helps. Good luck on your journey.

I would like to know if the cc level of your band decreases, where does that go? My lap band surgeon told me during my June 2013 visit that I had 7 cc's. Went to the doctor today for a small fill and he informs me I know have 6 cc's. I have NOT had an unfill; so, this does not make sense to me (?) Any insight or feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I will discuss with my surgeon. . . with fingers crossed that it is not a leak and/or can be remedied easily

Congrats! What an accomplishment. My next goal is to be at my ideal weight by my 2-year anniversary (April 2014). I agree that the exercise helps. I am now officially addicted to ZUMBA....