ssdown

Hi! I got my second fill 4 days ago and can only eat some mushey type foods. Applesauce and soft fish hurts, but oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and pudding are fine. I thought if I stick with these foods (beefed up with protein powder) and loose some weight, the band will loosen. Does this make sense or should I go in for a small unfill. I have not PB'd but I'm sure I would if I try a normal diet. Any suggestions? SS

My last fill was $125. It was worth every dollar! SS

Yes! Less pressure on my bladder!

They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I chose the lap band because it's adjustable. The bypass benefits diminish over time. Both types of surgeries can be "eaten around" and neither are guaranteed. It's only a decision you can make for yourself. I have not regretted one day in the past year since I decided to get the lap band. I love it! It has worked well for me. SS

I am a dental hygienist. If you think your teeth have become yellow since your surgery, it would probably be from the food and/or drinks your are having and not from the surgery itself. When is the last time you had a prophy? If you have the whitening trays see if you can purcase more bleaching formula from your dentist. If not, get some white strips or another bleaching system from the pharmacy. SS

I use a straw all of the time. No problem. I waited to be completely healed before I started in with a straw. SS

Can you borrow the money from a parent? Perhaps get a night job and save it? Good luck. I used my credit card and haven't cared one bit. It was worth it. Fortunately, I was able to get it paid off fast. Have you thought of going to Mexico? There are many people here that have had great success there. Just be careful. Ask around here at this site. SS

I did the same thing as you. I only told my supervisor, who is very trustworthy. I am a female and told anybody questioning me that I had a female surgery that was personal. I said" It was female stuff. It's personal." That shut everyone up! It's all true. I'm a female, I had surgery, and it was personal

Where is Decatur? Don't wait for them to tell you, ask questions. Lots of questions!

It does sound like your were not treated well at your appointment. However, taking children to a personal medical appointment makes it difficult for everyone involved. First of all, it's hard on the children to be confined in a boring medical office. It's a challenge for the medical professional to discuss your progress and questions and it's difficult for the patient to focus while tending to a child's demands. I work in a dental office and often have patients want dental services provided and expect a young toddler or child to sit quietly while unattended, or hope the baby in the baby carrier doesn't wake up! Arrrgh!!! Sometimes we get away with it, but more often than not, the appointment is a stress for all involved. And yes, I do request the patient bring a sitter with them to the office. SS

I had some of that same tightness and mild discomfort too. As you heal, it should diminish. If it doesn't be sure to tell your MD. I use a straw daily with no problem. I did wait for a month or so before I started. I guess you can swallow too much air which can cause discomfort. SS

I told very few people and have kept it that way. It makes life much easier not having to deal with judgment.

I can use a straw with no problem also. No worries! SS

Perhaps you need a slight fill to get you going again??? What does your MD say?

Perhaps you are not tight enough??? Being tight sure stops me from overeating! SS

You'll know when you're ready! Don't push it too much! SS

You'll learn as you go. I have to watch myself when I'm eating with friends. I talk and either take too big of a bite or don't chew as much as I should. I hate it when that happens! SS

It's called diminished healing capacity. She shouldn't smoke after her surgery either. Have her discuss with her MD to see if she is a good candidate for the prescription "Chantix". I've had several patients tell me of their success with the prescription. I wish her luck. SS

Yes, very happy, no regrets!

Yes, I was going to ask if you could be PG? Maybe hormonal? Perhaps a consult with your MD would be good. SS

I felt the same way. I started getting hungry with the post-op liquid diet and was pleasantly surprised to have some restriction when I started eating mushies then on to solids. I've had two fills and am quite restricted and loving it! I hope your experience is good, like mine! SS

Have you asked for or tried Chantix? It's a fairly new prescription that has helped many people to quit. Ask your MD if you are a good candidate for the prescription.

Oh, yes. I think that most of had to loose weight. I had to loose 15 pounds. I knew that this was a strict requirement. Hang in there, suck it up and get 'er lost!!!! SS

I've also had them in the past and never could feel any different. Some people feel uplifted after a B-12 shot. You might try it once and see if you are one of the lucky ones that the B-12 shot makes a difference!

Hi there! I'm the same age, same height, but weighed more than you when I started. I've lost at least 42 pounds (I haven't weighed myself in about a month). My surgery was March 4, 2008 and I haven't regretted my decision for one minute. I hope that you have a great experience experience too. SS