RestlessMonkey

Here's a link to a website comparing the bands: Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band While the site is mostly to compare lap band to realize, you can see that the 4cc is just an older style. I think it IS used predominately in Mexico now (just a guess, not hard fact) but I think it was pretty safe. You might discuss with your surgeon, if in doubt.

Good luck! Hope you love your band; I love mine!

My diet for 3 weeks before the surgery (pre-op) was given to me by my surgeon, not the hospital. It was one HE felt would be most likely to shrink my liver. Not all need one that austere or long term. I can't speak for other surgeons. And the one immediately "Pre op" (as in the day and night before) WAS given to me by the hospital and involved only liquids after noon on the day before, mag citrate as a bowel prep, and nothing by mouth after midnight. Each surgeon has a diet that he/she thinks works best for his patient base, and tailored, to an extent, for each patient.

Easy way out? Pffft on your family who thinks that. I guess if one of them ever needs a pacemaker you can say "well, sure, take the easy way out"... Congrats and welcome!

it will be up to you how much you lose! Trust yourself and your choice!

It's really best to NOT cheat on the preop diet. BUT You can have a burger and fries again! Once you are back on solid foods (about 6 weeks post op, depends on the person) Not everyone has issues with bread and unless your surgeon fills you a good bit during surgery (which doesn't usually happen) you won't have any restriction. Even on down the road, while you may not be able to eat a whole burger and a big order of fries, odds are you'll still be able to eat at least some of each. As long as it's just occasionally (for a special treat) it won't hurt you! So stay strong now. You'll get the benefit later!

There are a multitude of band sizes...well maybe not a multitude but at least 5 that I know of. What is the source of your info?

Google "lap band post op diet". Unless your doctor specifically told you to start eating regular foods, you can be harming yourself. We're pretty much ALL hungry post op, but you need to heal!

Odds are that your fill has just now "kicked in". That is odd, but it happens that way for some...get a fill, nothing, then 2 weeks later BAM! If I were you I'd do what we're told to post fill or post PB: switch to liquids for a day, then progress SLOWLY up to regular food. And once you are on solids, chew chew chew very small bites (remember pencil eraser sized!) As long as you can keep liquid down you aren't in danger of dehydrating, and your soreness is PROBABLY from being agitated. Unless you think you're having a heart attack...(I know the last time I PB'd it hurt worse than my gall bladder attacks EVER did, but it went away, and I knew it wasn't my heart, just the band) In other words don't want to stop you from checking with a doc if you feel you need to but otherwise just do liquids progress to full liquids then mushies soft food and regular food (chew chew chew) and see how you feel.

I don't know the answer to this, just trying to think it through. You lose weight because you take in less calories than you use. Restriction makes that easier, but it doesn't "cause" it. The food choices you make cause it. You can easily take in excess calories by, say, drinking only Chick Fil A Cookies and Cream Milkshakes all day. As long as liquid will go through your band (and that doesn't take a big opening) you'll gain. You'll have nutrition issues, but you'll gain. SO, you will stop losing when you consume more calories than you use. Having said that, if you remember what the band looks like uninflated, and then look at it inflated, and see the size of the opening....it's pretty small. Imagine that opening, (fully filled) and then place your stomach INSIDE that. That does NOT leave much of a hole for food to get through. This leads me to think that as you get tighter, it is more an issue of food selection than the band. For example I have 6.25 ccs in my 14 cc band. I can eat nachos until the cows come home. Judging by them I have NO restriction. But I had roast last night and had to chew that for a LONG time...small bites, very carefully. It didn't take much to fill me up. I guess if I get to "almost" 14 ccs in my 14 cc band and could still eat roast like I can eat nachos (or those milkshakes) then I would think something is wrong...either the band is misplaced (surgeon error) or it leaks and they aren't telling me. Because it's just physics...you can't put something bigger through an opening that's smaller, unless that something bigger is very elastic and pliable. Just my thoughts on the matter, but I think my reasoning is sound. :thumbup:

you need to check with your surgeon. The restriction on foods post op isn't because you might feel bad, it's because when you eat your stomach churns to digest the food and that can mess up your band. You should be eating ONLY what the doc tells you at this time!! Don't mean to sound prissy; just that's something our surgeon really stressed; he said he's had a few patients back in with slippage and tears because they didn't follow his diet.

I think you should've called your doctor!

I don't really think you're supposed to try to diet while on mushies....it's more important to eat soft things that are easy to chew and digest, so you can heal. Trust your doc's advice!

That didn't happen to me but I will say odds are if your band slipped over this you'd know it (it would HURT, not feel like "something there") AND...the big thing about eating post op is making your stomach churn to digest food and that doesn't seem to be an issue in your case. Trust Tammy...believe me if she thought you'd done damage she'd have told you. Just chill out and chalk it up to experience. If it doesn't go away by Monday, call your doc back. As long as Water goes down you're ok; and it's possible you're just irritated(and mentally very sensitive because you feel badly and are worried about it!) Just hang in there! You're doing fine!

I don't understand then why you're going to give up on the band, and I gave up on just trying diet and exercise a long time ago (it didn't work for me, not long term, which is why I got the band, which IS working for me)...so not sure why or what you're giving up??? the diet? If so, I don't blame you...

I think you've forgotten that if the majority of us could stick to diets and exercise for longer than a few months, odds are we wouldn't need the band. Are you filling an insurance requirement?

Fills aren't painful for me...it's a shot, but big deal. I don't LIKE them but I've stubbed my toe and that hurt way more for a LOT longer. Just remember...your first fill may not do much! (not to be a downer, just a gentle reminder) My doc is really conservative with fills and I didn't feel anything until # 4....so be nice to yourself and remember it's a process! :thumbup: Good luck!

She needs to ask them directly. Employers can "customize" coverage and some exclude Weight loss surgery. I wish her luck!

The gas is most likely gas they pump into your abdominal cavity to spread things out and make the surgery easier. It isn't in your stomach or intestines and gas x and so on won't touch it. it will subside over time. Just take your pain meds and don't try to make yourself vomit; that won't help and could actually hurt you! If you are still in pain and miserable tomorrow call your surgeon!

LOL I was 53 and had 2 surgeries in August and went home the same day! So no, older doesn't mean you'll stay. :thumbup: But you are 100000% riught we are all different and the surgeon will make the call! :w00t:

It is up to your surgeon. Period. He can let you go early, he (or she) can keep you longer if you need it. He must "discharge" you. I went home the same day, most of my doc's patients stay overnight. Ask your surgeon; that way you will know your game plan.

Once you start solid foods you are supposed to refrain from drinking any beverage with your meals. This becomes especially important as you get restriction. If you're in doubt, confirm it with your surgeon.

Yes, liquids go straight through. You don't need to worry about it!

Yes, people do intentionally gain to qualify (isn't that stupid? That's insurance red tape for you) Some pad pockets with rolls of quarters etc (you get the picture) I think you have to do what you feel is right. If it were me, I'd be working to gain (for a change)...

I've never heard of sneezing or coughing your band loose. If you are worried, though, call your surgeon's office tomorrow and just ask about it. They can put your mind at ease! (or prescribe an antihistamine! LOL) good luck!