Elisabethsew

Good luck on your surgery. I did a one week pre-op diet that consisted of full fluids for 6 days and clear fluids the day prior to surgery. My surgeon discourages alcohol so I haven't had any since surgery.

I am able to eat all of the food post-op that I ate pre-op without any difficulty.

You can report an MD to the insurance company anonymously. Do that and pay the $500. If he's under investigation and proven at fault, he will have to make restitution to the patients he scammed.

I can drink water fast with no problems at all. I have no restriction so this might explain the ability to do that.

You said you weigh on a tile bathroom floor. Does the scale cover more than one tile? If so, that would explain the inconsistencies. Move the scale to a wood floor or a solid surface with no grout lines. Mine varies very little but I do an average of 3 weights.

If you're experiencing no restriction now, I would keep your appointment with the surgeon. He can do a conservative fill and then after vacation if you're not restricted, you could go for a 2nd fill.

Concentrate not on how much you have to lose but on the accomplishment of how much you DID lose. It's time to refocus and get healthy foods back in the house. PLAN your meals and take it one meal at a time and you'll be back on a losing streak.

It's too early to have carbonation at 3 weeks post-op and my surgeon discourages carbonation for life. Didn't you discuss this with your pre-op team before surgery?

I second Donna's advice, call your MD.

Welcome! You're already frustrated? Why?

Do you use one particular antibiotic or several in this treatment regime?

Jen, VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure) is now commonly used in the hospital to heal decubitus ulcers (bedsores) and wounds that are slow to heal. They work when nothing else will and I'm glad it did the trick for you. Trish, The new pictures you posted look like you're healing. If the drainage begins to smell, if the wound borders become red and warm or if you develop a fever, call your MD.

1. how long have you been banded? 2.5 months 2. rate your level of restriction: A. NONE (fill or no fill you can eat whatever) 3. how long after you wake do you drink your first liquids, are they hot or cold: 30 minutes, room temp Water and coffee 4. how long after you wake do you eat your first food, is it solid or mushy? 30 minutes, 4 oz lite ricotta cheese if it is mushy, when is your first dense protien solid? lunch 5. does your restriction change throughout the day? no restriction felt 6. how often do you PB? never have 7. is it mostly Slime/Saliva or is it the offending food or liquid that comes up? N/A 8. why are you PB'ing? N/A

I think the only person who can be labeled a failure is the one who gives up all attempts at losing weight. The amount of pounds is not the measure of success... it's staying and fighting for the longterm and you've proven you're a fighter.

It is NOT normal to have green drainage and you need to see your MD ASAP. If the drainage has a real bad odor to it, it's even more prudent to see your MD quickly. Forget asking opinions on this board, when you're discussing a potentially serious infection, it's time to pick up the phone and call the MD.

Nellie, From what you posted, you are DEFINITELY NOT ready to have the surgery. Quite frankly, I am VERY surprised your insurance approved you since you've never tried LA Weight Loss, Weight Watches, etc., as well as the fact that you only need to lose 60 (now 50) pounds. It sounds like you focused on the complications of the surgery but the fact is, most banded people can go out to dinner and eat more than an appetizer. In fact, it's more logical to skip that and the bread and focus on eating the meal. I think you made a wise decision and yes, you absolutely should try a weight loss program to lose weight before having the surgery. Additionally, eating every meal out with your husband will not be an option after surgery so you'll need to think long and hard on how willing you and he are to making life style changes.

Congratulations on the surgery and you're doing the best thing you can... getting up and moving to move the gas out. Each day gets a little better so make sure you get plenty of rest and keep yourself hydrated.

Karel, I live near that hospital and had my surgery there. I work as an RN for the same healthcare system. Is Dr. Geiss doing the procedure? I hope all goes well for you and that you soon are pain-free.

I was told than scars hyper-pigment so that it's not a good idea to tan that area of the body.

Try and control your eating now and train yourself to distinguish between emotional and true physical hunger. I had my first fill 2.5 weeks ago and have no restriction. If you read through the posts, you'll see many people don't experience restriction until the 2nd or 3rd fill.

Thank you for sharing your experience and I'm happy to hear that you're on the road to recovery. Don't push yourself too much and congratulations on your success.

Congratulations! You're doing great!

It's perfectly normal to feel that way you do. You DON'T have any restriction and you won't until you get a fill or two. I go for my second the same day as you go for your first. It sounds like you're on a full liquid diet. I was hungry and called the dietician because I HATE yogurt and she let me have 4 oz of lite ricotta cheese. THAT was filling and has protein. I also found that tomato soup filled me up a lot more than other types. If the hunger is too great, call your surgeon. They usually allow you to advance to a soft diet. Hang in there, better days are coming.

I had the surgery so I could eat healthier and get to a normal weight via diet and exercise. Research studies show no positive weight loss effects from hoodia and it can cause constipation... something you might want to consult your surgeon about before spending the $ on this product.

I'm sure you wowed them in the interview and I'll be waiting to hear your announcement that you DID get the job. Now... relax and have a great weekend.