RestlessMonkey

Check with your surgeon on this! 1. I believe it can be related to being too tight and 2. if that's not the case he can prescribe a drug to help you (very important you treat it; it can erode your esophagus and lead you to a world of problems and pain!)

What did your surgeon say? This is a good question to ask him/her.

Just be honest. They aren't trying to rule people out, they are hoping to clear you. Remember that. Some people are not suited to the band. For example, there was a poster a while back who literally flipped out once she had the band. She IMMEDIATELY wanted her doctor to "get this thing OUT of me". A good psych eval should've caught that and helped her either truly prepare, or realize without surgery that the band wasn't for her. It's there to help you. Tell the truth, you'll be ok.

Honestly, I'm 54 and not in the BEST shape but I would've freaked if I had to be out that long. I started my 3rd semester of nursing school as I finished my surgery (I had scheduled it for earlier but my liver was too thick) so I was in clinicals several days a week. I had about 9 days before my 1st clinical and I was fine. Three weeks would've been nice but not really necessary. Actually you may lift occasionally but you can get help moving patients etc..so I can't imagine they won't give you a green light if you want it!

Discuss this with your surgeon. I had a 3 week 15 pound restriction but my surgeon said many nurses go back after 1 week....perhaps they don't take sick time/EIB leave and therefore don't have to have a letter to go back to work?

The band, at 3 years out, has comparble weight loss rates and less complications.

Ask your surgeon, especially if it seems to be worsening. It may be nothing, it may be adhesions, or it may be an infection. Don't wait; call tomorrow! If it IS an infection, the sooner you treat it the better off you'll be.

I found this web site mostly to compare lap band to realize band...but it does have a little info about the 4cc band http://www.wlshelp.com/lap-band-vs-realize-band.html

Yes the 4cc band is the old style; still in use widely by surgeons in Mexico but not so much here in the USA!

Let me warn you that for MANY people the first fill doesn't do much. I honestly had zero restriction until my 4th fill. It's a process; you have to just hang in there.

You know your odds of complications during the surgery SKYROCKET if you smoke. Couple smoking with obesity and many surgeons will not perform an elective procedure because the risks are too high. Just hang in there; it will pass and you'll still be a non-smoker!

Yes, call your surgeon and get a slight "unfill". You should be able to eat and drink; don't put it off or you can become dehydrated (you'd be amazed at how quickly that can happen!)

I agree...shame on your doctor. You need a great multi Vitamin. You need a balanced diet including 60 g of Protein each day. Where is your surgeon? How can he not give any instructions? As to your hair; most lose some, then it grows back. It has more to do w/the trauma of surgery than with any supplement or lack thereof (for most of us)

Wow I would never tolerate a physician who treated me that way! Different strokes I guess. I know they are busy but I am paying for their time (usually too darn much!) On the bright side, since he won't tell you anything (including you can't drink) then it won't bother you not to have any liquor!

Ask your surgeon. You could have an electrolyte imbalance of some sort...or something else going on.

Do what your doc says but I agree; we were told never take longer than 30 minutes to eat (while chewing well, small bites etc) Are you sure that the doc didn't say 3-4 oz an hour and you took that to mean over an hour?

If you can't eat, you are too full. I'd get a slight unfill.

Another reason to ask your doc! LOL I couldn't even have Protein shakes 8 days post op, let alone wine! Your doc will guide you in this.

Ask your surgeon. Per mine, the answer is yes. HOWEVER...once the band has been in a while and your body has adapted (like a year or so?) its possible that you'll be able to drink carbonated beverages. Personally I like a beer every once in a great while and haven't had one since banding; it hurts me to drink carbonation.

Please follow your doc's advice to the letter..hard though it may be! For example, what Preciousfriend's doc has cleared for her was NOT on my list for week 2...at least most of it wasn't. Not until mushies. So it's hard but hang in there!

What HeatherO says. Really not good for you right now, for many reasons. It's not forever; just hang in there and discuss w/your surgeon when you see him/her.

Yes it's worth it. FYI I have to drive almost an hour to get to my doc and he's in the same city (BAD traffic and construction everywhere!) I'd drive 2 hours for that; it's so important to have a great experienced surgeon, and great aftercare! Go for it!

Just follow your doc's directions post op. I too was hungry from the start; in fact I came to in recovery ready (I thought! LOL) to eat a steak. I didn't though; it was 6 LONG weeks before I had my steak dinner. Hang in there; it is important now that you heal.

I'd suggest you ask your surgeon. I can't drink soda because it hurts too much.

FarmGirl7...Haagen Daaz (spelling?) is in your future; you don't have to give it up forever. But I think you're really smart to pass on it for now. That is a LONG preop diet but mine was 3 weeks and I only wish I'd stuck to it like you are. Good for you!