Kinley7390

AggiePaige, I didn't mean to hijack your post by commenting on everyone's great advice! It's just that I am going through a similar experience, and I am so glad you asked the question and that there has been such helpful feedback. Thank you, and thanks to all of you who take the time to share your experience and wisdom. I love LBT!

You know, I'm glad you mentioned the fat grams b/c I have noticed that I rarely eat the fat gram requirement that myfitnesspal allows for, so I will pay closer attention to that and work toward meeting goal. Thank you!

Thanks! I will try that too!

Great advice. I've been on a plateau too, so I'm going to try your suggestion of mixing up the caloric intake for a few days. Thanks! Oh, and great blog entry too! Very helpful info.

Thank you Heather!!

Thank you for the prompt response and info!!

I am going for my first fill today. Curiously, did your doctor put you on a liquid diet the day of the fill (prior to the fill) or just for the remainder of the day after the fill and the following day? I'm hearing different things and was just curious. Thanks for any info. Glad it went well for you!

I agree that some people might get too hung up on numbers, but I don't think doctors should ever withhold information because "some" patients might become too obsessed over the numbers. We aren't all obsessive patients, just as it wouldn't be fair for us patients to presume that all doctors are arrogant egomaniacs! Many patients simply like to be informed as is their right. In my experience as an R.N., I firmly believe, and we are also taught, that there is never a situation where it is ethically acceptable for a doctor to treat a patient and subsequently refuse to disclose specifics about that treatment. They need to be forthright and accountable for anything and everything they do to a patient.

I agree. Doctors should absolutely keep their patients informed about the details of their medical care, especially when specifically asked a pointed question. Evasiveness or flat out refusal to respond is suspicious and certainly would make me feel uncomfortable. I think it is our right to know how much fluid is going in or coming out.

Hello! Welcome back. I can answer a few of your questions. Regarding your question about the incision site - I was almost 4 weeks post op when I suddenly had some fresh bleeding from one of my sites. I noticed it b/c the steri strips were saturated with fresh red blood. I went in to see my surgeon, and they pulled the strips off and said that a scab had come off which prompted the bleeding. They cleaned it and reapplied steri strips. Now, almost 6 weeks post op, the second set of steri strips are off, but I still have quite a scab there that is still healing. I guess it happens. The other incisions look great, but I will definitely have a scar on this one! My surgeon also does not do fills until patients are at least six weeks post op. As for activity, I only did slow walking up until this week when I started some light weight training and increased and varied my cardio workout. I was in a lot of discomfort up through about the fourth week. Some people feel great by then, but everyone is different, and for me, it took a bit longer, but I am feeling great now! Good luck!

Wow. That was amazing to read. Congratulations on your success.

Nicole, what did you mean by if you had the surgery, you are scared you would become an individual you yourself would despise? This surgery requires a lot of dedication and commitment in order to be successful for weight loss. It is not an easy fix, however, it is possible to lose weight and regain your health as noted by the many, many people whose lives have changed for the better post lap band. Reservations and anxiety are normal, but once you understand how it works, what to expect, and what is required in order to live a successful lap band lifestyle, some of that anxiety should dissipate. I suggest posting questions as you've already started to do, reading forums and gathering info from your doctor in order to make an informed decision. Good luck!

Just wondering, for anyone tracking their daily nutrition, about how many carbs are you eating or what do you consider your carb limit? Has anyone found that their weight loss is optimal if they stay under a certain number of carbs? I realize it could vary person to person probably depending on weight and nutritional need. I am 193, and still need to lose 73 pounds. Myfitnesspal allows me 165 carbs per day, but that seems high to me. Thoughts or personal experiences? Thanks!

Thank you for the information on what you guys are doing. I felt like 165 seemed like a lot, and I think I would do better if I stayed somewhere between 100-130 carbs a day. I noticed I'm often not eating the 165, so I have "leftover" carbs and that's what prompted my curiosity.

P.S. Salsa wasn't on the food lists I was given for the mushy stage, but if they were on yours, then your surgeon must believe it would be okay. As you've probably discovered, just as every one of us has different experiences with lap band, so do we have different surgeons whose instructions or recommendations may vary slightly. I would follow your surgeon's instructions and call them if you are unsure. They are used to questions and concerns, so don't think twice about asking for clarification! Oh, and my nutritionist suggested using a bit of olive oil to cook scrambled eggs, so perhaps that is one way to get some olive oil in!

Please don't beat yourself up over this or get too stressed out over it. Guilt will only get you down and it's okay to make a mistake, forgive yourself and move on. It is repeating the mistakes that can get you into trouble, but based on how guilty you are feeling, that probably won't be an issue! If you chewed well and took small bites, I'm sure you're fine. As others have already said, tomorrow is a new day. I was told by the P.A. at my surgeon's office that the stages are tiered post op (from liquid to mushy or pureed to solids) to allow patients to practice adapting to the new eating recommendations - chewing thoroughly, eating slowly, etc. They would rather have you make a mistake (eating too fast, not chewing well enough) with soft, mushy foods than with solids. Of course, it is true that your body is still healing so it is not recommended to rush the solids, but from what you ate, soft broccoli sprouts and shredded chicken chewed thoroughly, the odds are you didn't do any damage. I would try to avoid the popcorn, but it sounds like you are already planning to get back on track so that probably isn't relevant at this point. Good luck!

I agree with A New Dawn...using myfitness pal is a great help. How are your portion sizes? What are you eating besides salad? Have you talked to your nutritionist or surgeon about the slow weight loss? I know that my doctor and nutritionist have said that when you plateau, it's time to step up the exercise. Try something different and do whatever it is you're doing for longer or more days/week. Hang in there!

Hey! You called it!

So glad to hear your band is okay, but sorry to hear about your hernia! Glad you know what's wrong now. Waiting and not knowing is the worst! Best of luck with the hernia repair and the tummy tuck!

I love unjury protein powder! I am absolutely addicted! My favorites are the chocolate splendor and the vanilla. I add ice and skim milk, throw it in a blender, and it is so delicious! I'm now at the point where I can add a banana to the vanilla and it is not only delicious, it really keeps me fuller longer. To avoid watery shakes, but still to keep it cold (which tastes best) someone suggested making some skim milk ice cubes too, which I have not tried yet. It was suggested to count the milk cubes as part of the overall amount you add to the shake since they will melt by the time you finish drinking it!

The fact that you are so excited and so full of hope is a very good sign! You are motivated and so ready to do this so I have no doubt that yours will be a true success story! It'll be here before you know it! Keep smiling!

Thank you!

I had surgery on September 6th, so I am 17 days post-op. I am still a little sore, but overall, feeling much better than a week ago! I had my staples out six days ago. I have been cleared to walk which I have been doing, but told to wait another week and a half to go to the gym. My dilemma is this: It is a beautiful day outside, and I am contemplating going kayaking with my husband. I'd like some feedback on whether anyone has done this a few weeks post op, and whether you think it is safe to do? I know, I know, I could call my surgeon's office and ask, but I figured I could grab some quick feedback here first! Thanks for your thoughts and opinions! I appreciate it. I don't want to do anything that could interfere with healing, but I would love to burn some calories and LOVE to kayak!