Cindy C

You should be able to do it. Water weight comes off pretty quickly. I have no idea if he would cancel your surgery if you didn't lose enough but I doubt it. Welcome and good luck!

I couldn't agree more!

SkyLily, It's not that I necessarily feel strongly about this particular topic. (Although I did see a good friend lose her band because she refused to give up the carbonation causing her band to slip.) What I feel strongly about is people being successful. It gets a little frustrating when I read posts from people asking for help because they are not losing weight or are having some other issue and then I read another post where the some of same people seem to be seeking approval to not follow their doctors orders. None of us went through this process because we wanted to fail. I understand that all doctors have different ideas but in reading here it appears that most of them say NO CARBONATION. There's a reason for that. I happen to have 100% confidence in my doctor (he's been doing lap band since 2001 and has done over 2700 of them) and will do WHATEVER he tells me to. As a result, I've been highly successful! I want that for every bandster out there. If my methods are a little rough sometimes, I apologize. But occasionally a little tough love may just be what someone needs! Cindy

You're never too old to improve your health. My doctor banded a 72 year old woman a couple years ago. She has lost over 100 pounds!

My post op diet was clear liquids but I could also have milk and chunk-free yogurt for added protein. Try chicken or beef broth. They count as clear liquids and will help you feel fuller longer.

12 is a beautiful number. I just hit it recently too and I started out in a 28!!! Congrats and good luck to all of you!

Not really. I know a lot of bandsters (myself included) that can't eat bananas.

I wouldn't worry about it. If it's what you want then you should do it. Yes, you want to be there to raise your children but your kids also deserve a happy, healthy mom. Life is full of risks. You could get hit by a bus or be the victim of a drive by. That doesn't mean you're going to barricade yourself in the house. Besides, if you did that, you could die of a carbon monoxide leak. Live your life to the fullest. There are NO guarantees!

What it all boils down to is that every single one of us needs to follow our doctors instructions TO THE LETTER! While every doctor has his own ideas about the process, the bottom line is we have entrusted him with our health and futures and paid him an absurd amount of money in the process. If you can't trust his expertise either you have gone to the wrong doctor or you aren't really ready for the journey.

Welcome and good luck!

108 pounds in 4 months? HOLY CRAP!!!! That is incredible! You are bound to plateau for a while. I wouldn't worry about it. Just keep yourself on track. If you feel yourself slipping just stand on the scale and look at the number or take a good long look at your before picture and then the mirror. That should be all the inspiration you need!!

Live dangerously....buy a 12!

Makes perfect sense to me too!

Obesity is a disease just like alcoholism or drug abuse. Unfortunately, you can't help someone until they're ready to help themselves. Go have your surgery and work your ass off (pun intended!). When she sees how successful you are she'll probably change her mind. By then, you'll be an old pro and will be able to help her be successful too.

Definitely a great NSV!

Critenton is an awesome hospital! You'll be in great hands! I had mine done at Port Huron. They are great there too. And thanks.

A few times a year isn't going to hurt you, just stay away from the carbonation. Life doesn't stop just because you are banded. In fact, done properly, it begins! I used to have such a high tolerance for alcohol. My father was a construction worker and my step-father was a sailor. They were both alcoholics. There was a time when I could drink either one of them under the table. Now, with the minimal amount of food in my system at any given time, it doesn't take much for me to start feeling it.

I use Muscle Milk vanilla creme and mix it with chocolate carnation instant breakfast. I love it...tastes like a chocolate malt!

Just curious, why did you choose a doctor so far away?

It's a good feeling, isn't it? I went garage saling with my neighbor this weekend. She showed me a shirt she thought I would like. I looked at it and said it's a extra large. She said, it won't be too big, it's stretchy. As I set it back down I said "I don't care....I am NOT buying anything with an X on the label!"

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!

Right now I'm right around 180 and a snug 12 at 5'9".

Onederland is a great place to be. Congrats!

3 1/2 weeks. Consultation was May 15. Surgery was June 10.

Coke is great for dissolving rust!