RestlessMonkey

Ask YOUR doctor. Some ban carbonation (mine does) and I tasted a beer about 3 months post op...that sucker HURT to drink it. Pills are no problem for me; I have pretty decent restriction and can still swallow my potassium (they are horse pills!) so while it is individual, you'll probably be able to take pills just fine.

It's liquid/water retention. Honestly. 6 pounds is 21000 calories. You didn't "gain" that. and truthfully some of your 12 pound loss was probably "water" too. Your best bet is to stay off of the scale, except for once a week or so. Post band you'll probably lose a good bit at first then it will slow down; daily weigh ins will just make you nuts (like now! ) Don't let it mess with your head.

Eat protein and green vegetables...avoid breading, breads and pastas, sweets. Avoid veggies that are higher in carbs (like corn, peas).

Hmm. I'm fat, not muscular, and people probably still secretly think I should just diet. I personally don't care. I know I'm not dumb, weak and lazy; if someone wants to think I am, well, good for them. And "skinny" people that I know do NOT eat anything they want. They watch their intake. My experience in telling people about the band has been very very positive; people curious, people who "admit" they (or a loved one) needs it or has wondered but been afraid of being ostracized, etc. I'm really sorry you're not getting the support you expect; I know that happens and it surely sucks. But don't paint everyone with that same brush; keep on keeping on. You may be helping someone have the courage to step up and get help and never even know it. And truly ANYONE (regardless of weight) who has tried to lose by just diet and exercise alone knows it is hard hard work. Whether they admit it or not, they know it. And they know it's harder still to KEEP the lost weight off. So if they are blowing hot air your way, they are most likely just bluffing you. They know the truth. Don't let them push your buttons.

Here's my list of foods I HAVE to avoid because it hurts to eat them: NOTHING That's right. And I'm restricted. I choose to avoid certain things because they don't fill me up as well...or because they just have too much fat or calories, but I CAN eat anything. My surgeon told me this was his goal, filling me very slowly, and once again the man was right!

I had one but I lost it.

I agree with the "only lose for one year" thing. Who told you that nonsense? As to not losing...I was banded 8/29 and have only lost 30 but am finally feeling restriction (I refuse to diet and my fill doc is conservative) but am losing now. I was told to eat Protein then veggies then fruit then pasta/grains/breads etc. If you aren't losing you're probably eating the wrong things...review what you take in. And being able to eat but not drink is almost illogical so check with your doc! Good luck.

Yes you can ride roller coasters just fine!

Good luck!

I don't have any experience with the disease but just wanted to wish you luck and I hope you can still get the band if you want it!

This is a link to dietary guidelines from the makers of the lap band system....please realize they are just GUIDELINES and most surgeons modify them a bit to suit their practice. And for all I know you have the realize band; it's different I believe. Anyway, this may be something to ask your surgeon about: Lapband.com - After LAP-BAND® System Surgery - Recovery & First Few Weeks

Ashley is your surgeon new? I know they are all different (goodness are they different!) but the "no drinking while eating" and the "liquids post op" are both very common directions that you didn't get. Please understand I am NOT saying go against your surgeon! It's just odd that your directions are so very different!

Kidney pain is usually across the lower back. He should call his surgeon on Monday.

I was told no carbonation ever. I don't like soda and haven't tried it. But it stands to reason if you let it go flat, you can drink it (but, ewwwww) And you need to get 64 oz of Water in first. That's a lot of drinking. My surgeon says no drinking 15 min before, during, or 15 min after a meal. Aside from perhaps washing food through, if it doesn't do that it can expand the pouch. (think if you have food in the stoma that hasn't gone through and drink several ounces. It will just sit there and expand your little new tummy) Personally if I forget and drink while I'm eating, it hurts. It's not that hard to do, once you get into the habit. There's no physiologic need to drink while eating (think of dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc etc) it's just a habit we humans have.

On the one hand I'd say no...but on the other hand, I didn't do what my doc told me (lost 15 pounds anyway) and didn't get the band on the first go round. So hang in there! It will be worth it.

I don't use artificial sweeteners. I don't eat too many processed sweets, anyway, and when I do, I go for real sugar.

I was really the exact opposite, although I did get 3 oz fish or chicken at night, but 2-3 shakes and then the 3 oz of whatever. After the first 2-3 days I felt really wonderful, actually. It's too harsh to keep it up forever and I did miss variety...but I felt really good.

Congratulations and welcome!

Congratulations and good luck. The time will fly by!

Yes. After you've had the band, most of us are told we can't have carbonation any more (but some still drink sodas or beer). After the band some people have some foods they can't eat. I've had 5 fills and can still eat anything, but I have to take small bites and chew well. You gave more control than you realize, because you with guidance from your surgeon, decide how tight you want the band to be. Most aim for this: Full for up to 5-6 hours on 1/2 to 1 cup of food. Otherwise, there's really no restriction. Some are told not to use straws, but others they aren't an issue. Some are told to avoid caffeine, others aren't. Some diet, others just watch what they eat. Most of us at least try to get some exercise in; it helps weight loss and maintenance. But activities including sky diving and deep sea diving...nothing is off limits. The band is marvelous.

Good! Lucky you! :laugh: I could only have clear liquids the first week and got so tired of broth I could've killed someone!

Why would a whole cocktail not be possible? Initially you avoid it because you are healing. AND it is empty calories...but you can drink. Just nothing carbonated.

I'm tricare standard and because I was so heavy, approval took 2 days. There is an insurance specialist at the hospital where I had my surgery done and she (bless you Nadia) filed everything. You might find more info under the "insurance" forum. WIth tricare, speed depends on how heavy you are, and then if your BMI is 35-40, what comorbidities you have. I didn't have to do a 6-month diet but don't know if that was because I'm tricare standard, or because how heavy I was to start, or if it's because tricare doesn't require it. Tricare has a web site that may give you more info, too.

Welcome and good luck. I was born in El Paso and lived there until 1984. I still consider it "home". I hope you'll love your band!

Your insurance must have some guidelines....may I suggest calling back and getting a supervisor who can tell you what they look at? ALL approval is case by case but you have to know what they want in advance! Good grief! Some require 6 months supervised diets, some require certain BMI's, some weights, etc etc. I can see how they couldn't 'approve" you over the phone but they CAN and must tell you what prerequisites you need to fill! My PCP referred me to a center that my insurance did NOT cover. However, I called my ins, found out who they accepted, and found my beloved center that way. They DID submit the claim for me...but if I hadn't asked, that other place would've just told me I wasn't covered and I would've had to pay. So find out what your insurance requires and which surgeons are approved, and then start going to seminars! Good luck!