jrg1979

Any good suggestions for Chilis??

I'm with ya. I know I am eating more now than I was on liquids, but I am still eating less than I did before surgery, so I can't understand either why the weight is creeping back up. I'm sure hoping my first fill will send things back in the right direction.

I chose lap-band over bypass 1) because of the cost. Bypass is at least twice as much 2) My BMI was also 37, and my Dr. told me my age, along with a lower BMI, made me a better candidate for the lapband rather than the bypass. Plus, bypass and the sleeve just scared the hell out of me.

I eat out alot and am having trouble knowing what to order. Right now I am in the soft food stage. It is pretty much Mexican Food everytime because I know the refried beans are soft. Anybody else have any suggestions of there favorite band-friendly foods at restaurants. It might be fun to list well known food chains and favorite menu items from each. I'll start. My nutritionist recommends chili from Wendy's, since it is soft and high in protein.

I considered Dr. Benavides In Dallas (on Coit Rd) because I have a friend who used him and loved him, but used Dr. Wade Barker at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake because of his price. I am happy with him.

I didn't really feel like he was pusing it on me, just did more bypass I guess. He said other than the fact that I was female, I was the best candidate for the lapband because of my age and lower BMI ( in comparison). Now that I have had my surgery, I think he was just trying to make sure I understood all of my options. He also mentioned the gastric sleeve? Scary! Did you know they cut out the biggest part of your stomach and throw it away! My surgery being said and done I now feel like I made the best choice for me, the lapband.

yaz, My Dr. explained that it is common to feel "buyers remorse" in the first 3 months following surgery. This happens to all WLS patients, not just lapband patients. He also assured me that the feeling would get better in the months to come, especially when you see the pounds start coming off. Do you think that may be what you are experiencing?

Janet, congratulations on your decision to go forward. I wish you all the best. Can't wait to see your "after" picture!

Thin4anisha, have you ever heard the saying, "If he can't handle you at your worst, he doesn't deserve you at your best"?

Thanks for all the ideas. Anyone have any suggestions for Subway. I eat (ate) there about twice a week with my dad for lunch, and now he is dying to go there, but I stay clear of the bread temptation.

A little off topic, but Alexandra, what is DH? I've noticed it in several posts. I have gathered it means husband, but how is that an abbreviation for husband? I am new to the lapband lingo. I just now figured out PB (that productive burping, right?)

Every Dr.'s diet plan differs. I was only on liquids for 1 week pre-op, and 1 week post-op. Now I am on soft foods for 3 weeks. From my experience, the lap-band is a great tool to restrict what you eat, however, it does not restrict everything. Obviously, if you love ice cream, the band is not going to do much to restrict the amount of ice cream you eat, since it will just slide right through. Personally, I have not experienced any nausea, so I cannot say as to whether that effects what you can or cannot eat. The important thing to remember is the band is just a tool, not a magic wand. To lose weight it still takes will power, too. The total percentage of weight loss depends on each person and their will power. I think the 30%-50% is just an average. Obviously, it will vary from person to person. You can only expect to get out of this investment what you are willing to put in.

It should take 3-4 "sips" to empty a medicine cup. That is how the Dr. explained a "sip" to me.

Are you self-pay or do you think your insurance might pay for it? I used Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas. I have nothing but good things to say about him and his staff. Plus, he was $5,500 cheaper than some of the other surgeons I considered in Dallas.

How has your appetite been since your fill? I am in bandster hell right now. March 28th (the day of my first fill) can't come soon enough. I hear some people get good restriction right away, others, it takes 2 or 3 fills before they can " feel their fill".

True, LBS price does include more fills, but $5,500 would cover alot of fills...You would have to get 45 fills in two years to come out ahead. Just something to think about. That is what persuaded me to go with Dr. Barker. Price should not be the only factor to consider though, when choosing a Dr. I have a good friend that was banded at LBS and she has nothing but good things to say about them as well.

I just spoke with Vista and confirmed that the first 4 fills are included. Also, folow-up appointments with the nutritionist are available at no extra cost.

I know it covers your follow up visits and I am in the process of determining how many fills it covers right now. The girl at Dr. Barkers office told me that no fills were included, (fills are $120) but another lady at Vista Hospital (where I did my surgery) told me that price included my first 4 fills if I got the fills there at the hospital. I'll let you know when I find out for sure.

I hope Janeth57 find it as easy to stick to her diet as she thinks it is going to be. It would be interesting to see what she has has to say about "cheating" 3 weeks post-op!

I was wondering this myself. Also, is it possible for your band to slip before your first fill?

I don't think the shot would effect the band. My Dr. recommended holding off the pill for 2 weeks after surgery, because the pill may get stuck in my swollen band area. I resumed the pill this week (2 weeks post op) and have not had any problems - probably because the pill is so tiny. But I don't think it has anything to do with the hormones, just the actual swallowing of the pill. I wouldn't just take my word for it though. Ask your Dr. about it to be certain.

2 weeks, 2 days post-op. 15 lbs.

I've tried several different shakes (Unjury, GNC Whey, a couple others, too) and I can not bring myself to drink any of them. Luckily, I haven't had any nausea since my surgery. However, I have tried to just suck it up and swallow the protein shakes, but they make me gag. I am scared I may be doing more harm than good by making myslef drink them. My question is, are they really necessary now that I am onto soft food stage???

If so. how long did you leave them on before removing them? My Dr. said to just let them come off on their own, but they are driving me crazy. Some of the ends have come off and left sticky on my belly that keeps sticking to my shirt. I have had the steri-strips for 5 days now. What do you think??

yes. - and should. I was having a problem lasting about 10 days when I finally gave in and took some. I lost 4 lbs. overnight!