Elisabethsew

It takes time to break a habit but, as you get into the "routine" of eating healthy foods, it really does become easier. I found it a lot easier to make substitutions rather than eliminations. Experiment with healthier ways of making your favorite meals. For example, instead of a mix of chuck beef and ground pork, I now use 90% fat free lean ground beef to make meatballs. I also reduced the size of the meatballs so I eat 2 and trick myself into thinking it's the same as I always ate. Another trick is to distract yourself. If you're busy doing something you don't think about food so much so take up a new hobby, take a summer adult ed. class, etc. Change your normal routine. Remember to keep hydrated. Many times hunger is not hunger but dehydration.

It sounds like you're healing normally and I too was on soft foods 3 weeks post-op. Because it takes 4-6 weeks for healing, most surgeons do not advise solids until week 5 but check with yours to see what he/she advises. Since you don't have a fill, you didn't damage anything by eating a few potato chips. Carbs begin to be digested in the MOUTH so stop worrying. As the swelling goes down, you'll feel less full and begin looking forward to a first fill.

I'm glad to hear the knee surgery went well and I'm surprised that the surgeon did not see the extent of the arthritis damage on the MRI. You might want to get a second opinion if you get no relief from this surgery. Take it easy and allow yourself time to heal.

Hi Amy, I am so sorry that you're going through this but it's good you're seeing someone to help you through it. I think you will find that your friends and family are very supportive if you allow them to be. Many years ago, I was engaged to a man I thought I would be with forever and he decided a few weeks before the wedding that "this was not for him." Like you, I was devastated but, after a few weeks of mourning, I decided to move on. I truly believe now that not marrying him was the best thing that ever happened to me. While it's hard to look forward when the pain is so new, you'll slowly begin to see there a whole world out there for you to explore. Stay strong because better days ARE coming.

Most insurance numbers have a 1-800 number that you can call to check on benefit coverage. If your employer does not supply it, call and ask questions directly of the insurance carrier.

Since you haven't had a fill yet, you don't have to worry too much about stretching the pouch. My directions say to have 2 ounces of protein for every once of carb. and to limit intake to a total of 1.5-2 cups of food.

I can't advise on a surgeon in Belgium but welcome to the forum and good luck on your journey.

Best of luck to both of you for an uneventful surgery, safe trip and a fast recovery.

I live in a state where weight is not posted on your driver's license and only one person (other than the surgeon and his team) knows my weight. I have not had to lie about how much I weigh because nobody asks. It's obvious to everyone that I am obese so who cares about the actual number?

I believe the "sweet spot" is the name given to an optimal fill level and that amount differs from person to person. For me, a 1.5 cc fill did nothing but the added 3 cc's for the second fill did the trick and achieved the level of restriction I needed. Now, my band lets me know when I've eaten enough but I have no difficulties associated with being overfilled.

I know one person who it happened to and it was fixed in a very quick surgery. You need to schedule this with your surgeon to make fills possible.

Have you considered asking for a fill under flouroscopy? That might give you the exact amount you need.

Healing takes 4-6 weeks and you're only a week post-op. Sometimes, cold can cause the esophagus to spasm. Since you've still got quite a bit of swelling at this point, it produces pain. Listen to your body and only advance your diet as directed by your MD. Stay away from extreme cold and hot until you're healed.

It's natural to lose a ton of water weight the first few weeks and then your body settles into a fat loss pattern. With the lapband, that's 1-2 pounds a week. When you get a fill or two and feel restriction, it's easier to control the eating.

Don't have the MD put back ALL the fill. Try half the amount and then schedule an appt. for another fill when you're back from vacation. As far as medical help goes, simply go to ANY emergency room. The Inamed port is identical to mediports and chemoports (also made by Inamed) and they are accessed in the same manner as the lapband port. The only difference is what you put in them. Help IS available IF you need it so enjoy your vacation.

Yes, exercises do work. You have lots of facial muscles and they can be firmed up just like any other muscle in your body. Yo firm the neck, close your mouth and then try to smile as wide as you can. If you look in the mirror, you will see the neck wobble kind of suck up and nearly disappear. Hold this for 5 seconds and then relax. Repeat it several times and then "do it" when you're driving or watching TV, etc. You'll notice a difference in a few weeks.

I wouldn't wait too long. My surgeon told me the swelling that MIGHT occur from a fill is gone in 48-72 hours.

Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus can cause scarring and narrowing of the opening as well as ulceration. The test of restriction is with real solid food. If you're too tight, you will start to move away from solid foods to softer foods so you avoid the golfball feeling of pain in your chest and heartburn. This can actually cause weight gain as you drink your calories down or let them melt down as in the case with ice-cream.

By today the swelling should be down. If you are still feeling the same way, you should call your MD and go in for a slight unfill. Tolerating constant negative symptoms can lead to damage so make the call. I hope you feel better soon.

Has anyone been following the upheaval on "The View?" It appears Star Jones/Reynolds is history and upstaged Barbara Walters by announcing her departure without warning. Star went to "People" magazine and told her version of the story forcing Barbara to make a public announcement on the show and deciding not to have Star return to work out the remainder of her contract. Barbara provided Star the opportunity to become a star and kept her employed for 9 years. Star's contract was not being renewed and ABC said Star could state whatever reason she wanted to for leaving and they would back her up. I think Star's actions were juvenile and a slap in the face to Barbara Walters. She might have been ticked and felt that Rosie O'Donnell was the causative factor in her contract not being renewed but she lacked grace in departing with dignity. OK, I know many of you will disagree with me but it's good to get different points of view... pun intended. LOL.

Welcome, Carl. One of my male friends was banded last July 1 at 359 pounds and is now at 180 pounds and looking into plastic surgery for a tummy tuck. There's tons of info here so feel free to ask questions and jump in with replies.

I posted to you on another thread but a 4cc band holds 4 cc's of AIR. The MD should aspirate the air out of the port the first time you have a fill. My 4cc Inamed Vanguard band holds 10 or 11 cc's of saline but even that can be "stretched" to more. I felt no restriction with the first fill of 1.5 cc's. The second one was 3 cc's for a total of 4.5 cc's and that did the trick. You need another fill.

I'll join also. I weighed in at 314 this AM... goal is 303 but 299 sure sounds better.

I think most people who are obese are the best nutritionists in the world. Having been on most diet plans known to man and read tons of books on diet and nutrition, I know what constitutes a healthy diet. I have eliminated process foods, take-out foods, and empty carbs from my diet and eat a balanced, healthy diet... fruits and lite cheese for breakfast, a salad or soup for lunch and a dinner consisting of a protein source, fresh steamed veggies, and a small starch. I even allow for dessert.

Anya, You won't get ANY surgeon in the U.S. to band you for eating disorders. You need to be in therapy so that your problem can be managed. Please don't waste your efforts trying to be banded. You'll lose valuable time getting the real help you need.