VegasGrace

Capsules or caplets? Capsules usually can be broken or cut w/ a knife to get to the contents...the capsule is just that... a capsule to hold something. But be careful, I did this once to one and the little dots / balls just went everywhere! I did have one pill at an ER once, well, twice, because my potassium was so low...but I just ate it. You gotta do whatcha gotta do.

Hi, you are so right. It's not necessary to go to a gym to be fit....some may find it easier though. I haven't exercised one bit, as far as putting on workout clothing and doing just exercise. I do as you....play. Congrats on your success!

I have had children, a tummy tuck which is similar to a C section, and a gallbladder removed. Childbirth was the worst...but in a way the gallbladder was because of the unknown...didn't know what it was and was dying! The band was is a breeze compared to these and I didn't take anything for pain after I got home.

Hi angelface. Trenya07 may know. She posted this yesterday and it looks pretty comprehensive: There are several non-prescription and prescription medications that you should not take unless you receive permission and instruction from us in how to take them. Among the medications in this category are all arthritis medications, aspirin, and aspirin- containing products, including many cold medications. Alka Seltzer®, BC powders®, Goody powders®, Bufferin®, Ascriptin®, and many other medications that contain aspirin or salicylate compounds are prohibited. These can greatly irritate you stomach pouch and cause a number of serious problems. You should also avoid taking Nuprin®, Advil®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter arthritis pain or menstrual cramp medications. If you have any questions about whether a prescription medication or a non prescription medication contains aspirin or other stomach-irritating compounds, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take any of these medications unless you have first spoken with your surgeon or someone from the bariatric surgery team for permission and instructions on how an exception might be made in your case.

Agreed, during the preband visit, your doctor should give you a list of things to avoid and it should be also written in your discharge/post op instructions. Luckily, mine is nothing. I don't have to avoid anything. Of course, if I ever decided to use something long term I have to talk with my doctor.

Well, I've had my band a little longer than you have and if what you listed is working for you...then you have your answer. I don't see anything wrong with it. Slimmy, hows the weightloss coming?

Wait til you get back... have fun and post pictures!

To stop the cravings you must feed them, nourish them. That's w/ actual cravings and not just 'head hunger'. Your body may need sugar. If I crave something sweet, I eat it. But that's not everyday. Tonight I had an ice cream cone. But if you constantly crave it, I'd talk to your doctor. And look at you! You have done terrific!

If your doctor said no to carbonation and gum...ask them why. Mine didn't forbid this and I enjoy them from time to time. I've not been told to 'avoid' anything. The band is about lifestyle changes and better choices. But, I can give you some insight to gum. A few months after being banded the newness wore off and from time to time I forgot about the band...so one evening when I was paying bills and not paying attention, my 12 yr old offers me a Jumbo Gumball, I take it and start chewing... continuing to write checks and pay bills. Well, I swallowed as I do with all my gum and immediately I felt it! OMGoodness! I just went to bed but all night kept tasting the gum. The next AM I still tasted the gum and KNEW it didn't go down. I drank and drank hoping to dislodge it...but no. Went to the ER, GI doc had to put me under to retrieve it. So, now if I ever have gum, it's not bubblegum but chewing gum like Orbitz or something small. AND I keep the wrapper in my hands until I spit it out...don't want to hold the wrapper...I have to spit out my gum.

Had to pop in as your title made me hungry! I love mexican food! Always ask your doctor if you have a question, but I don't have a problem with the flour tortillas. I use corn chips with my salsa. One of my favorite things to eat, discovered it since being banded... quesidillas - however it's spelled. I make them w/ a quesa. maker from Macys. Flour tortilla w/ a mixture of chicken, salsa, onions, peppers fried in a pan then top w/ jack cheese and another tortilla.... my family loves them!

My goal was keep this restriction unitl January. I've not been able to eat much of anything for a few months. Not that that's the problem...I'm starting to have issues due to malnutrition. Last night I was at the ER with chest pains...seems my potassium is so low all my muscles are aching...not to mention feeling like I have the flu all the time. Anyways, 1 more month of this and I'm going in for an unfill. I will have reached my goal. But what do I ask to be left in the band? I don't want a complete unfill as surely I will start gaining weight. But how much do they take out when you reach your goal to prevent further weight loss and go to maintenance?

I'm having the same issue. Since January I've often thought I should get a slight unfill....but then I go thru times I don't think I need to. Then a while later, I think I should get an unfill..... now I don't think I need to. But watch, in a week or so I'll be thinking it. I guess I should just go do it!

This is happening in other threads as well.

It comes with your appliance...yes, in the box w/ the band. Your doctor should give it to you...if they didn't, ask for it as you paid for it when you purchased the band. It comes packed that way from the supplier and your doctor surely doesn't need another one lying around the office...they probably just throw them away. But get it! It's yours and it's free! It tells everything about the band about the procedure about aftercare about maintenance

Yes. Remember this is a process so if things get stuck from time to time... just work it and go slow. I had to reintroduce everything again after I was banded. I did not eat anything w/o first testing it...as eating one bite and waiting hours to see the results. After a while, I figured out what I can and can't eat. Things getting stuck can do damage, or so I've heard. I'm sure there will be many who post about this danger. If it gets stuck, don't eat it. Or try mushing it, toasting it, ...just be creative. Congrats on the weightloss.

Wow, insult? I don't take offense as miscommunication happens so often on boards. This board is wonderful! I call many 'geniuses' and there is nothing sinister behind it. I guess I'm one who means what I say but when people read something else into it... well, miscommunication. Guess I could have said these ___ "the people behind this board who created it and ensure it's up and running all the time and who have great business minds...." but geniuses is shorter.

Yes, many many bandsters do, you can find posts all over the forum about this issue.

Move far away.

Love it! Wow! Very profound.

Don't beat yourself up about this. You should stay close to your doctor thru all this. I was on normal food by weeks end, mushies like what you had on day 2. Hope that puts things into perspective for you. Failure comes with quitting. Falling off the horse, well...everyone does. But you get right back up there!

I'd tell your doc you can't do the Protein shakes. See what alternatives you have. My doc didn't require them at all.

I still don't chew my food well sometimes. This is a process...so don't ever beat yourself up about not doing something right. But I have noticed I have been able to train myself to take a few bites and walk away, literally. I get up to get such and such for the kids, or something to get me away from the table. If I want more, I have more...but I try to wait a bit, like a few minutes. June? Great! I was banded last June, so you can expect some good weightloss within a years time. Keep us posted!

When it comes to anything related to surgery, you should always consult your doctor. Coming here is great, too as you can find out about other's experiences. So, call your doc today.

Average, well angelface some days are grits for Breakfast sandwich for lunch veggies for supper but some days are scrambled egg Soup taco while others are nothing for breakfast salad for lunch Pasta for dinner I wish I could tell you even this past weeks menu...but one thing weird happens to me when I lose weight....my memory goes out the window. I tried to remember what I had yesterday and it killed me. The brain uses only carbohydrates for fuel, can't use Protein for fuel...so when you cut back on carbs thru dieting or just eating less....the brain isn't as sharp...that's me right now. Angelface, just follow your doctor's instructions and you can't go wrong. The band is a tool for weightloss and during the time of restriction...this is when a patient can modify their behavior...say of binging or eating way too much. I still haven't licked overeating...it happens sometimes. But this is a process. It took 30 years to get this way it will take more than just a year or so to reverse my behavior.