happy2lose

About week three I had to take a laxative. That is the only time I ever felt that constipated. Sometimes I go a couple of days without going and feel somewhat constipated but not unbearable. It's okay to take stool softeners if you need to.

You should check with your surgeon because some don't require you to fast. I have to fast for 6 hours before, I can drink water though.

I don't think many of us bandsters have experienced the stomach flu with the band so this is probably why you aren't receiving many replies. 2Flyguys has just recently posted something where she had the flu. Try finding her post and you can ask her. Donna

A 1/4 cup did nothing for me prior to fills. Most people wont tell you this. I ate 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups of food until I had enough restriction to feel satisfied with 1/4 cup. And I still lost weight. Don't worry, it's okay to have a little more food until you get filled. Just be sure to follow the band rule of protein first, then veggies, then fruit. Truth be told, I rarely eat any fruit.

By the way, you are doing a great job!

My doctor has me do a day of clear liquid and a day of full liquids after a fill then I can go back to life as normal. Did you get your first fill?

This doens't sound like you are stuck. Sounds like you have heartburn or indigestion.

Sorry! I can't tell you anything that will help you since you don't want to hear the truth!

Congratulations! As long as you rise to the challenges and follow all the band rules there is no doubt you will be successful.

I asked my surgeon at my 6 month check up if I would ever be able to have carbonation again and he said absolutely NOT! I really don't understand why someone would go through a surgical procedure for weight loss and deliberately do something that could damage themselves. Makes no sense to me. Sorry! Just say it as I see it.

You are the best judge of something not feeling right. Call your surgeon and see about getting an appointment.

You really need to contact your surgeon and have him fix your port. Future fills may be more difficult if not impossible and you run the risk of the doctor puncturing your port tubing anyway. Get it fixed!

The newer bands seem to take longer to reach good restriction. This is when will power comes in. If you want to lose weight before reaching good restriction you must eat less, move more and focus on eating protein.

Being successful with the band depends on each individual's level of commitment and ability to really make a lifestyle change. For this reason I feel surgeons prefer the GB that isn't as dependent upon patients commitment level, it is a sure thing that patients will lose weight with GB due to the malabsorption factor. Both procedures have complication statistics that you can and should research. There is always a risk of weight re-gain with any WLS procedure. I recommend you research the sleeve.

I have Kaiser So. Cal. and I believe they just recently resumed doing the lapband but they really push the gastric bypass. I got so tired of the run-around that I just self-paid and did what I want, where I want. To answer your question, you need your primary doctor to refer you to the bariatric dept. then the bariatric dept. will schedule you for orientation. Once in orientation you register for the Options program. After 6 months of Options classes you will get to meet with the Preventative Medicine doctor.

Just follow the band rules........protein 1st, veggies, 2nd, fruit if you still have room. Otherwise, you can pretty much have anything as long as you only eat 1 cup or less depending on your fill level. Just eat very slowly, take small bites and wait between bites to chew very, very well.

Wow! You have amazing self control Great job!

solid food will keep hunger at bay longer. Start off with tiny bites of chicken, non-fat Greek yogurt, tuna, eggs (if you can tolerate) cottage cheese. You just need to find solid Protein that you can enjoy.

Gosh Shmack, I sure it heals quickly for you and isn't too serious. Feel better, Donna

Yes, there is a signature where you can add our ticker. Go to your profile and click on customize profile and on the left there is an area to edit your signature. This is where you put it.

I hope you are feeling better. I hate stomach bugs and pray I don't ever get another one.

I agree to the OP that you need to find what works for you and am not interested in arguing the merits of either opinion. I just felt it was important to share with you what I have learned and I have been pretty darned successful with the advice I have followed.:biggrin:

EAS has a ready-made Protein drink called Myoplex Lite. It has 20gr of protein and is 170 calories. 2gr fat 20g carbs 5g Fiber 1g sugar Doesn't taste bad either. Available by the case at Sam's Club.

All other diets I have tried suggested 6 small meals per day. This is not a diet as we all know it is a lifestyle change. I believe the lesson being taught by most of these surgeons is to only eat 3 meals per day so that we are not eating between meals and not eating when not hungry. My surgeon has performed over 3,000 bariatric procedures and knows his stuff. I trust him and my nutritionist when they tell me that lapband patients should only eat 3 meals per day.

Sounds like you are doing great! There are many threads on this subject already that may help to answer your question. Donna