pickles123

I definitely would call the doctor on Monday but until you see him/her I would go on total liquids to help the healing. The doctor is probably going to put you on liquids anyway. Good luck!!! Think no slip, no slip, no slip.

I was afraid to eat also. I made chicken salad and egg salad both pureed. It helped go from liquid and mushies to solid. Now I still have chicken salad and egg salad but I cut the pieces up so that the full feeling lasts longer. You have to go the regular food eventually.

Tracy: Does it say on the container how many carbs. I can't seem to find that information on the web site. Thanks

My surgeon said if you are a grazer the band is not the best selection WLS.

Don't hesitate to change surgeons. I did and others on here did also. Remember you have to deal with them a lot after surgery (for fills etc) and if they aren't good now they sure aren't going to be better after surgery.

I drink at least 100 oz a day. The only problem with drinking too much water is that it can dilute any medication you are taking ( that is what my Dr. told me); but, 100 oz is not too much.

I sure hope they numb you. I don't get numbed but my doctor gets it on the first try everytime. I don't think I would have that person do you fills anymore.

Okay everyone, I get it. I have been dieting since I got the band. I have lost 41 pounds but I am tired of dieting. (Surgery Sept 22, 2009) I have had four fills and still little restriction. What am I missing? I did this on Weight Watchers. I expected more from the band.

Allison: I have to tell you I think you look great. Does that little bit above your belly button bother you that much? Just my opinion buy I really do think you look great.

I need to drink more than 64 oz of liquid a day. For me to do this I need to drink with a straw. I asked my doctor and he said fine if I felt okay with it. I am 4 1/2 months out and have been drinking with a straw for 2 months. Everything is fine. Doctor is okay with this.

Just a thought:Nawlinzlady and kimberlyann. I am older than you guys but we are still not the 20 30 year olds. Do you think that may have something to do with it? I don't what to think this and I do not give in to age as an excuse but I think I am starting to notice a little trend here. There are people that are not young ( you notice I didn't say older) that are doing great so I don't want to use this as a excuse. What do you guys think? Any other not youngsters having a little more problems but still following the program? Pickles

I totally agree. That is very good advice.

Thanks Juliansmon: That is good to know. The ab lounge sounds like it is just another one of those exercise things; but it is one that worked for me pre lab band. I was really surprised it worked on the lower abdominal area. I could do 100 sit ups and it never touched that area. Thanks for the help. I think I will try it.

I saw someone on here mentioned using the ab lounge. I have one but have been afraid to us it. Do you guys think it is okay to use. I am afraid something will come loose. The ab lounge does target, on me at least, that lower stomach that is so hard to get.

Hi Ayana: I the lap band but wish I had gotten the sleeve. Many people do very well on the lap band as you have probably read. I think it is a great procedure but personally I would have gotten the sleeve. The band is high maintenance with fills, etc. With the sleeve you are at restriction after surgery. I have had four fills since September and I am still not at restriction. I am still dieting and getting tired on doing it. Just one persons opinion. Good luck in what ever you choose.

Shellie: Be sure you investigate all the different WLS and pick the best one for you. You may find that one other than the Lap Band may be better for you. I have the lap band and I can tell you it is a hard road. Good luck on what ever you decide.

I am losing every where but my belly. I see a tummy tuck in my future also. I think if my belly was gone I would wear a size or even two smaller. Anyone else with that problem?

Hi everyone: I haven't seen this thread for a while. It looks like everyone is doing pretty good. It seems like we are all reaching our "sweet spot" or are almost there. Unfortunately I still feel like I am dieting. Amanda, I am so sorry that someone gave you a hard time when you were so nice to put yourself out there. Are you all happy you got your band? I have my bad days about this. Everyone looks like they are doing a good job. I know it is hard not to compare yourself to others (I know I do) but I think as a group we are going to make it. Good luck on your trip. I lurk more than post; but, your support is always with me. Thanks again for including me on the ride.

She has a new show on that is called. Carnie Unstapled. It shows her dealing with different weight related issues.

The reason they are so busy is because they do not have a full time office staff. At the time I was looking at them Melissa was the only one that did the fills and she was training two 'people' in the office to do fills. I went somewhere where I got personal care from the doctor and he and only he does the fills and the follow up.

Don't worry you will know. I have had one stuck episode and I never want another one. I have never had a PB and I think I will just pass on that one. Someone could write a great book on this.

I have not told people about my band. But, I would ask if I could join just for the moral support, not mentioning the surgery. People do get weirded out by WLS and we sure don't need any more of that. It would be great though if you could meet with them for the recipes and fellowship. If they ask why you don't want to officially join, just say you are a slow loser (or what ever) and don't like to compete or something like that. I don't put my band out there for ANYONE to give me any negative comments.

Did you get a book from your insurance company that tells you the surgeons that are on your plan? You should have. If not, get one and pick your own surgeon. You can go to the seminars and decide which one fits you best. Don't wait for your doctor to refer you. If you need a referral I would still check out the surgeons in your area that do lap band and tell your PCP which one you want. It doesn't sound like he has a clue.

In my opinion the Lap Band is the hardest of the WLS for losing weight. But for me it was the only choice I would make. So it was either that or nothing. I am losing but it is like a diet. So take that into consideration. The lap band is a tool; but, you are in charge of what you put in your mouth. If you can do that you will be in great shape for a LapBand.

I personally can't eat many carbs or I don't lose. But Dan if you are losing go for it. There may be a time when you have to stop eating so many carbs; but, for now you are doing great. Keep up the good work.