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I never had problems until after banding. The trick, for me, is to up my fiber intake. I would stay away from any bulking agents. I use Benefiber, Activa yogurt (recent), and try to drink my Water. Shawn

Carlene, I understand what you mean regarding the questionable "caregiver" and her actions. I believe there are many manipulative people out there, especially when the husband is lonely. My friend's parents who are about 80 years old now. They retired when they were 65. A month later, her mother had a major stroke. She never recovered and is in a nursing home now for 15 years (doesn't talk, walk, and can't feed herself). 10 years ago her father began seeing a lady. They now live together, even though they have seperate homes. He will never divorce his wife. He visits her, without fail, every day. Their children accept he relationship and understand their father actions. They want him to be happy. This relationship, that you are speaking of, has a different slant. The caregiver is in the families home. They probably already have a relationship. This is disrespectful to his wife. I'm sure that he is lonely and sad. Maybe just pretend that you don't know anything about the relationship with the caregiver. Invite him to dinner. If it comes up then, mention that he should take the time to get know this woman, before committing to the relationship. Sort of...give yourself some time to regroup. You're a good friend. Shawn

That must be a relief for you! So glad that you are on your way...again. Shawn

I agree with Alex. Sounds like you need a fill. However, it never hurts to check with the surgeon. Shawn

I had occasional pains for about 3 months, sort of sharp at time depending upon what I was doing...sometimes it was just a soreness. However, it NEVER hurts to ask the surgeon as infection is something to take serious. Shawn

You are doing terrific! The willpower alone to do this is incredible. It will be much easier once you are banded! You will have plateaus and times where overnight you lose 2 pounds. It's part of the territory. It does sound like you have a slow metab. 1000 is pretty much in the normal range, post-banding, once your reach restriction. The first year I took in around 1000-1100 calories, now I am up to 1400-1500 calories. I use fitday.com to figure out my nutrition and calories. Congrats. on taking this important step. Shawn

We need a rich benefactor who will foot the bill for all this stuff! Think we can do that too? Sure! Maybe play the lotto, your odds are about the same !! It will be worth it in the long run. Take my word for it... Shawn

How long have your been doing Optifast? Shawn

Many folks do have a liquid diet, either before or after. Don't let yourself get to the point of starving. Keep drinking, as much as possible. Carnation Instant Breakfast, watery Cream of Wheat/Oatmeal, Protein drinks. Put in a "search" or go to the food thread, there are many suggestions. Shawn

Call your surgeons office and ask. That will put your mind at ease... Shawn

Betsy, your excitement is contagious! I also met with Dr. Spivak, he seems like a terrific surgeon with tons of experience. I didn't go with him as he was much further from my home. Seems like you are on your way. My advice: Keep coming here and visiting and asking questions as you go along. Support is important, especially at the beginning. Shawn

Congrats Kat! You have a winning attitude and surely you will WIN this battle! Keep coming back for support.... Shawn

I see an addiction as something that interferes with your life (financial, emotional, marriage, children, well-being, health). NO...I am not addicted to anything else.....I'm Boring (the good kind). Shawn

Calories! I do try to eat healthy. I used fitday.com. Shawn

Yes, I JUST voted an hour ago!! Shawn

John, what the name of the med. that you are on...it will help us give our opinion/experience. Shawn

So sorry for your friend's children and wife. How horrible! Some are born evil. Some are reared by sick parents and produce sick children. They all need help. The problem with sexual perpetrators, is they many times don't respond well to treatment. Many people are from abusive homes. Including me. Most turn out ok. It's the minority that repeat their childhood. The solutions aren't simple. Castration, lock em up, death penalty, intensive counseling, are all options in my book God bless the children. Shawn

Make sure that you are properly restricted. If you can truly stuff yourself without PBing, then I'd be questioning your restriction. Congrats. on your weight loss. Shawn

Did you have your lapband done laproscopically or an open surgery? I am guessing lap...I suppose, if the doctor says it's ok and it doesn't appear infected. However, because it is a fairly large opening I would keep a close eye and maintain as sterile environment as you can (regarding the incision). This would worry me a bit as well. Does it apear to be getting better? Shawn

The stress will begin to rip you up inside. Do all that you can to document and stay out of his way. Have your attorney or a mediator handle all communications about the divorce. Don't get started on the the divorce subject with him, it will almost end up heated. Don't mentioned the labeled food etc. He will do anything to get to you. Ignore and "bite your tougue." It will be the hardest thing you will do. Focus on your 14 year old. Stay away, if she is gone and he is around....go to the gym, take a walk, go to the park. When she is home, play a game, watch a funny movie, take her to the park or be available. If you feel a little unnerved or unsafe, lock your bedroom door or at the very least put something at your bedroom door (chair, table) or chimes/bells to let you know when someone has entered. If your truly fear for your safety don't bother with the blocking and noise-makers, find a safe place to stay. There is no reason to live in absolute fear, if this is the case. I hope things get better for you. Living with your seperated spouse will only add to that stress level. The sooner you both can live apart, the better for all. Take care. Shawn

Pam, I guess you can look at it this way...you are going to have to remove it. Whether it's 6 weeks, months or never...you have time to make a decision after the band is removed. Good luck and take care. Shawn

How many of you have spouses that are the opposite personality of yourself? My husband is super-athletic (ride bike 3 days a week 35 miles avg. 20 mph), plus jogging, plus surfing, etc. I do well to get in an occasional walk!! I really don't like to exercise. He's high energy. I consider myself low energy. He's extremely positive. I am a realist (not negative). One of my main reasons for getting the band, was to keep up with my family!!! Shawn

Welcome and Congrats! I agree...this is a wonderful website!!! Shawn

Try putting a search in (top of page) with your surgeons name. You'll probably get a bunch of info. Good luck, Shawn

Ms. Vicki, that an excellent rundown on how truly opposite you and your spouse are...I couldn't help but laughing at the irony of how we "think" we know what we want, but it turns out sooooo different. Bobby, it's amazing how different we can be and still be in love. Hmmm. Thanks for sharing, Shawn