*susan*

In addition to chewing your food to mush, you want to make sure you are taking very small bites, especially when eating things like chicken that are a bit tougher. To train myself on what size bites I should be taking, I used baby utensils for the first few weeks.

I am so concerned about how many people are posting on the boards that they are not following their doctors orders and have cheated on the post-op diet. It concerns me even more when other newly banded people answer their posts and say, "it's OK, I did it and it didn't hurt me". People, please, please follow your surgeon's orders. If you feel you cannot, don't just take someones advice on this board that you will be OK because they did it, and they are. If you really feel the need to alter your diet, call your doctor!! Tell him how you are feeling. He will either make some good suggestions for you, or tell you to suck it up and stay on your diet as ordered. You knew what the requirements were prior to getting the surgery and agreed to them and made the commitment to yourself and your doctor. This is not forever, just long enough to let your band heal. Sure, it may feel "OK" going down and you think everything is OK, but you truly don't know what kind of damage you may cause your band long term. I know it is hard, I was on liquids only for 17 days pre-op, followed by almost 3 weeks post op. It sucks, its tough, I love food and I wanted to chew. But, I paid a lot of money out of my pocket for the band, this was my last chance at losing weight and I sure as hell wasn't willing to risk it for one stupid bite of food. If you find you are hungry, find something else to do to get your mind off food. Go for a walk, read a good book, go shopping, come to LBT and ask us to give you a good kick in the rear, whatever it takes! Just do what you have to do to allow your band to heal, the adhesions and scar tissue to properly form and get you going on your journey to a healthier you.

Michelle, your initial swelling from the surgery has probably gone down. The band is optimally designed to work when filled. Following surgery, and prior to getting filled, you will most likely not notice much of a difference in your hunger levels from pre-surgery. Right now is a time for healing, not dieting or losing weight. If you do lose any weight during this stage, consider it a bonus. Many people do not lose anything prior to reaching proper restriction, and many even gain. Be patient, it may take 2 or 3 fills before you reach proper restriction. But, once you do you will know it and you will begin to see your new tool help you lose the weight you want to lose.

I know it gets old, but it is very important that you stick to the diet your surgeon has recommended. You need to give your band time to heal and adhere. Have you checked out the following threads? http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/lap-band-food-stages-lists-suggestions-3995/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f82/liquid-stage-recipes-17636/

I have to agree with Telecia. If you have already had the examination, why is it taking them so long to report back on it? That almost seems unethical to me. My report was in my surgeon's hands the very next day.

Hi there, and welcome to LBT. Have you checked out the local forums here at West Virginia Local Lap-Band Support - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum? Keep us posted on how things are going, we look forward to getting to know you.

Froggi, before I read that you were quoting someone else from another forum, I thought you were giving us in depth details on your personal bathroom habits. I was going to say that was really more information about you than we need to know, lol.

See, I am just not that nice. I spent too many years letting people take advantage of me, and I don't play that game anymore. I probably would have taken out a storage unit in her name, moved the desk there and sent her the address. Then it would have been out of my hair, she would have to pay the storage fee and hopefully learn a lesson about taking advantage of people.

I agree about the pee.... All this water, I should lose more weight just from running back and forth to the ladies room at work. I see a definite worn path between it and my office.

Froggi, I am officially jealous. I would love to drop the "4794" from my name and just be "Susan". But, I believe a user from about a million years ago got the claim on my name!!

Hi there rhd and welcome. Have you checked out the local forums and the doctors and hospital forums? You will probably find lots of great information there.

Angela, that is the beauty of the band. When you are ready to start utilizing this wonderful tool, it is there and ready to help you achieve your goals.

LJM, I didn't sign on Friday, so I missed it was your birthday. Happy belated birthday!

Froggi, I will glady ship you the frogs in my pool! And, nope, they are all still green. They are fast little buggers too! Now it is thundering and I can't go in the darn pool. Sometimes these Florida summer storms get on my nerves. I hope this one passes fast. I love broccoli with cheese too, but, sigh, it makes for a very gassy day. TMI???

Ok, I admit it, you totally lost me here. :confused2:

Apparently, some frogs decided my pool would be a nice new home! We have been netting frogs out of our pool all morning!!! I am surprised the chlorine doesn't bother them.

Hi and welcome! I am glad your banding experience went so well. Keep us posted on your journey.

Hi there, and welcome to LBT! Wow, you lost over 190 pounds on Nutrisystem, that is wonderful. I can understand why you would get bored with eating their foods though. That is why I love my band, I can enjoy the same foods as my family, just not as much. Please keep us posted on how things are going with you, and let us know if you have any questions.

Hi and welcome. You have come to an amazing place for support and advice. We look forward to getting to know you as your journey progresses.

I know, I am kind of surprised there are not more of us here.

Speaking of M&M's, I think my hubby might have a thing for her....

We have just started hitting the 90's here in Jacksonville. And, we seem to be starting our usual summer afternoon storm weather pattern as well. See, isn't this nicer than cannibalism and sex with dead bodies?

My doc keeps his patients overnight and I am glad. Like the others said, the access to liquids and medicine via IV was a definite plus that first day. Plus, it was just nice knowing they were there to closely monitor me the first 24 hours in case there was any problems.

Sex With Dead Bodies!! Ewwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot believe this thread has sunk to cannibalism, I am totally grossed out now.