PrettyThick1

Good question, but as long as you are healed and there isn't any pressure on your stomach you should be fine. I went on water rides this past weekend and didn't have any issues.

Depends on the person...male or famale? My calories are set for 1,200 and I'm having a difficult time reaching that goal. I average around 8-900 cals a day now, but I haven't experienced any adverse affects of being so low.

Consult your doctor, I have no clue what could be going on. I'm sorry you aren't feeling well, but I think it passes. I had painful hunger paings for a few days, but I'm over that now - I know when I'm hungry, it just doesn't hurt anymore.

See you on the other side!

I'll be 3 weeks out tomorrow and I am just now getting to the point that I don't feel anything - port or band. I can ALMOST sleep on my stomach, but after a few minutes it begins to bother me. At first I could hardly sleep on my sides, so I'm healing well.

Please talk to your doctor or a counselor, what you are experiencing is not normal and I don't believe it's related to the band. Please keep us posted.

Well you won't be able to keep it a secret long, your weight is going to come off very quickly and people will think you are sick. Eventually they will figure it out. You might be surprised at how many people come to you for advice if you tell them about the band. At least that was my experience, now that I am losing (rapidly I might add) I have even more people inquiring about the band - folks asking because they have a relative or a friend who could benefit from it. At your age, it's easy to be self-conscious about things like this, but you will be surprised once you open up. Good luck and don't worry what other people say, think or do - you are about to be smokin' hot and feeling fabulous in no time!

I'm sorry you're going through all of this, but it will get better soon. Keep us posted.

You go girl!!!! You don't even look like the same person anymore although you still had a very pretty face before, you're a doll now. Keep up the good work!!!!

My surgeon had me schedule my first fill for three weeks to the day after my surgery, which will be tomorrow. I honestly don't need it, I'm hardly ever hungry as it is - struggling to get in 700 cals a day (I should have 1,200 - ugh, I don't see that happening) so I don't know how this is going to go.

I use to use Body Fortress, you should spend the extra $2.00 and get Muscle Milk, not as chalky and it tastes great!!! I have banana, blueberry, strawberry and chocolate so I'm able to be very creative with new "concoctions". To be honest, I have had better results with MM, too.

MUSCLE MILK, MUSCLE MILK AND MORE MUSCLE MILK!!! It works wonders! My sister has had trouble controlling her blood sugar for a couple of years, she started having 1 shake a day and it has brought her levels to almost a normal range. It did the same for me along with my preop diet, I haven't had to take my medication for more than 3 weeks now. The ready to drink version tastes unbelieveable, but for the sake of saving $$$ I use the powder, still better than anything else I've tried...and I've tried MANY!

It seems like yesterday I was on pins and needles waiting for my surgery and here I am just 18 days out and I've lost 21.5lbs already! Thank God for the lap band, I am so glad I made this decision. I am getting so many compliments already and I'm told I look younger - that was fast!!! My only problem is in getting enough calories, 1200 is tough when you don't ever have an appetite. I haven't gotten my first fill yet either - it's is going to be interesting when I do because the band is working and it's not "turned on" yet. Wow!

I wasn't ready that fast, I was off a whole week and the first day back was really tough. Everybody is different though...

I only lost 4 lbs. on the preop diet. No worries!

Good luck girlie! See you on the other side!!! Remember...the first three days are the hardest, you'll be okay even if it doesn't feel like it!

Hi had Dr. Reilly and he is awesome! He's funny, very tall and handsome - I might add. I had the same experience with the receptionist in his office, which made me want to change doctors but I found out it would delay my surgery so I kept my appointment with him. I'm glad I did. He did a great job, my incisions are healing well and my band works like a dream. They say there is no "majic pill/cure" I beg to differ, I am so much more successful than I imagined I would be and I'm so happy I did this. Don't be put off by his staff, but let him know your experience with them. I think they are overwhelmed and us barriatric patients are not very patient so we tend to bug people...or at least I know I did until I got my date. Good luck and don't worry, you are in good hands with Dr. Reilly.

Can anyone tell me how to determine if you've stretched your pouch or your band has slipped?

I'm just shy of 2-weeks post-op and am feeling pretty well, infact maybe too well. I cheated throughout the weekend and although I haven't gained any weight, I've stopped losing. I won't disclose what I've done, just a word of advice - the band will not keep you from eating what you want, you have to make the right decisions about what to put into your body. Perhaps my first fill will give me the restrictions I need, but for now I can eat whatever I want and that's not good. It's my fault, but I'm back on the wagon. I guess losing 15lbs. in a week gave me a little bit too much confidence, I should be in onederland right now but I gave in to too many tempations over the weekend. Here is to doing it right.

Sorry to ask this question, but I was wondering if having "loose stools" are the norm for any of you and how long did it last. I've had 2 very watery #2's today and thought this might be the fat I am losing. Any advice?

FIND ANOTHER PSYCHOLOGIST! I had to complete a 344 question questionnaire as well as answer other questions during my discussion with the Psych. There is no way to determine how mentally fit/prepared you are for this by asking 4 lousy questions! Go a step further and ask for your money back, that was a rip-off!!!

Girl you are doing the dang thang!!! Keep it up, you look great...and very happy by the way!

Hooray!!!! The band is the most important thing right now, you're going to lose a nice amount without it being filled at first anyway. This gives your body time to heal very well. I am so happy for you!!!

No, if you get the jitters about having the surgery it will happen in the 2-3 days before you go in. Good luck on the preop diet! Is it all liquid or do you get a meal or two a day?

A majority of us questioned if we needed the surgery at one point or another. Yes, the preop diet has you very excited - most people are successful during that time, but you have to ask yourself - "Can I live on the preop diet until I reach my goal?" I can answer that for you - No, you can't. I hate to be a negative nelly, but you have to be honest with yourself: if it were this easy and something that one could sustain, there would be no overweight people in the world. I know I couldn't lose and keep off the weight without real support - I've tried every diet program imagineable, with great (temporary) success. Once I stopped doing what the plan called for - guess what...?