Chickie D

Economics are a part of so many things and it would be foolish to think that doctors are not also thinking of economics. However, it is my very strong belief that most physicians want the best outcome for their patients and if it's good $ for the doc, that is a bonus. Doctors cannot make anyone get a surgery they don't want. If you are convinced that lapband/sleeve is for you, find a doc that is willing to do it. If all of the doctors you meet with are telling you that you should consider something else, it's probably time to consider something else. There is always (I hope) going to be a great new procedure to help the morbidly obese. I truly don't understand why the great debate. Make the best decision for yourself and then live with that decision until you decide to do something different.

Congratulations! Hope the pain is better by the time you see this. Drinking is good for a variety of reasons. My doc limited me to a small amount every thirty minutes. Have you checked in with the nurses about any limitation? I'm sure there are a variety of "right" answers.

As heavier people, being in the shadows was comfortable. It's going to take some time to get over that and get used to the difference. And for us, the weight loss can happen so quickly that our minds take a bit of time catching up to where our bodies are. When I weighed 180 and the fast "easy" weight loss had slowed, I started wondering what was next and where I had gone. Totally ooscrayed myself with that mind game. I started regaining bit by bit. I'm working on it this time around. Advertising the fact that I'm losing weight. Talking about how good I feel. Hoping that will contribute to my head catching up faster.

Protein - or that you shouldn't follow your own doctor's instructions. I'm just reporting the news because I know so many of us are interested in protein quantities and (with any luck) we will all be old enough to care about this study at some point xoxo

Yes...who knows what "they" will be saying in five years - or five minutes

You've already taken some steps...you want to do something, you came here. I'd suggest getting back to basics...measure all of your food. If you're still hungry after you've done that for a week or so, maybe you need a fill. While you're eating lots, it's hard to know if you need a fill. Start walking..even just a little. I got back to basics four weeks ago and am doing great. You can, too! I'm sorry about the loss of your mom. It must be difficult. xoxxo

Well...what have you been eating so far? And what does your doc say you should be eating?

Interesting..do you know why they don't share the amount of the fill with you? At my doctor in NY, it was always discussed, but that's been awhile now.

I was constantly at the doctor's office. A little in, a little out. What has worked for me is acting as I'd I just had surgery and getting back to basics. All liquids for awhile...let everything heal and get my head in a different place.

I will,say, it has been a challenge with friends who want to have a big dinner...appetizers, dinner, dessert, drinks, etc. It takes quite a bit to be able to sit there while they are all shoveling it in. I have certainly over eaten on some of these occasions ... And became horribly stuck mad spent an embarrassingly long time in the ladies room. I can also tell you that the only way it's going to get easier is with practice. Considering going out to lunch first or maybe just coffee. You'll get there.

I will tell you something that took me foreverrrr to learn.....the band isn't about restricting how much you eat (though it can help), it's about helping you feel satisfied with less food than in the past. Satisfied, not full, stuffed, or any of those other feelings we used to enjoy so much. I'm not trying to sound preachy, I hope that others don't take as long as I took to figure it out.

That looks amazing!

I've heard this sentiment lots...that the doctors are in it for the money. And I'm sure that's true to varying degrees where ever you go. The amusing part is that first I hear that docs want you to have the band because they get all of those aftercare dollars. And then I hear that docs want you to have the sleeve so there is more limited aftercare. My advice...find a doctor and practice you like and work with them to make the best decision for you. Most really do have the best interest of patients in mind.

Pain was tolerable, but I was sooooo very tired. Probably from the surgery and the change in diet. I work from home and was off for a week. Probably didn't need that much time, but had it available. Age is another factor. Younger people are more likely to bounce back more quickly.

Lapband here. My doc suggests a daily multivitamin and calcium supplement.

Yes, there are times when I know I have not eaten too much, but either feel full like I did..or..the food was so satisfying that I keep thinking there is no way I didn't eat too much. I've started using MyFitnesPal to track my food and exercise..that may the answer for you, too

Shondel - if you've not had a fill yet, it's perfectly normal to be hungry at this stage of the game. My suggestions are... ...be sure you're drinking lots of Water ...get in all of the Protein that your doc recommends ...get an appointment for a fill as soon as you're able ...just because you can eat like a horse, doesn't mean it's good for your band (it's not), you're going to have to find a way to deal with the hunger (I don't mean that in a rough way - like I said, being hungry at this stage of things is normal)

I'd heard of the idea that food can be a best fried...there in good times and bad....but I didn't fully grasp the concept until I was diagnosed with diabetes (years before my band). When I realized I was going to have to give up certain foods, I cried. Stood in my kitchen and cried, cried, cried. Over food. It sounds a little bit crazy (and maybe it was), but my point is that it's ok to mourn the loss of your good buddy. To admit you're going to miss some things, to cry a few tears....and then clean yourself up and make a decision about what you're going to do about getting healthy. xox

Woooooo! Good for you!

I usually get them if I'm drinking too quickly. Could that be it?

So sorry to hear this. I hope you're recovering well from your surgery. What is your plan for weight loss and regaining your health?

My doctor back in NY was pretty strict on diet. Maybe this will help. http://www.tristatebariatrics.org/wp-content/uploads/Phase-III-Post-Op-1.pdf

I started counting at my all-time high weight. Was down 30 or so prior to surgery.

I'm back after a long absence and a bunch of weight gain. I decided that the best thing (for me) was to treat myself as if I'd just had surgery and go on all liquids for two weeks...well, I've done so well with it that I'm now in my fourth week. Protein is the key. It will help you not only stay healthy, but also help you with hunger issues. Right after my surgery, back in 2008, I wasn't hungry for at least ten days. You can do this. Just be sure to find a Protein shake that you enjoy. It took me foreverrrrr to find one. xoxox

Good for you! Let us know how it goes.