BetsyB

Every body is different. I burn in excess of 2000 calories a day, and do not lose weight ---at all---unless my eating still remains in the 800-1000 calorie range. I need a deficit that large. So a statement like, regarding "metabolism" (which is a very individual sum total of all chemical reactions in the human body) really just kind of irks me. It assumes that what works for you works for everyone. It assumes that those of us who have different requirements are incapable of analyzing what our bodies require. In fact, there is NO peer-reviewed research that supports the existence of starvation mode. None. It is bandied around on message boards and in popular media, but it has not been supported by the medical and scientific community. It's just accepted because enough people have said it enough times. Does that mean that some people don't benefit from more calories? No. Clearly, some people really do. Others do not. There are many different approaches to weight loss that are healthy and effective. Yours works for you. Mine works for me. Yours does NOT work for me--a significant portion of the weight that caused me to require banding was added to my body following directives like you've issued. Before my surgery, I required a very low calorie level, and after my surgery I required a very low calorie level. The band allows me--quite effortlessly--to remain in the calorie range where I lose best. I am not adjusted tightly. I do not measure my meals by the half-cup. (I do weigh my protein--but primarily because it prevents waste.) I give my body what it needs---which is vastly, vastly different from what your body needs. Both of us likely meet our nutrient and calorie needs---even though our needs are very different. My point is, while I congratulate your success, remember that it was YOURS, and not applicable to all. Generalizations with faux science backup may apply to some, but don't work all that well for many.

I understand liking being able to eat and drink in public--but is it possible you could be filled a bit, and still be able to do these things? Alternatively, it might be a good idea to think of food differently. Just because you can eat bread--or anything else--doesn't mean you should.

I'm sorry you didn't get what you'd hoped for---but in a sense, I think your surgeon was simply (albeit ineptly) attempting to assess your understanding of what will be required of you postop. It sounds like you held your own really well! Banding is not for everyone--it sounds like she was trying to determine whether you're a good candidate. You passed muster. Hopefully, she'll be wonderful and supportive postop!

You're not a liar; you are eating differently and exercising more. The fact that you choose not to reveal you have a band does not change these things. I do tell people--but I don't freely volunteer it to everyone. I used to be more reticent, but remembered that the father of one of my son's friends reluctantly told me about HIS band --and knowing he'd had such good success helped me make my decision. I decided, at that time, to offer the information, when comfortable, because it might help someone else like I had been helped. Still, it's not something I volunteer to everyone who asks about my weight. It's not something I slap on my facebook or whatever. It's part of the equation for my loss--not the whole thing.

my doctor's okay with drinking right up until eating, but not for 90 minutes after.

Are you sure your insurance requires a referral for this? My PCP was not involved, even the littlest bit, in the process. I went to my surgeon's seminar, made an appointment with him, and his office coordinated it all. I mean, I told my PCP---when I happened to be in his office---but he didn't factor in at all.

My surgeon---and the hospital--would not have discharged me without a driver. There is NO way you will be able to do this safely.

I have no weakness. My body has more than enough energy stored in the form of fat. I am very careful to get the nutrients I need, but have no difficulty exercising ---usually twice daily---on 800-1000 calories/day. If you pare down carbs, as I have, the first few days are rough; the liver then releases glycogen to get you over the hump. By the time that is depleted, your body is able to pretty efficienty burn your stored fat for energy.

PB and vomiting are PB and vomiting--they occur for other reasons than intentional purging of foods you want to be rid of. When you make poor choices, then intentionally induce vomiting to purge your body of those choices, you cross into eating disorder territory. Please seek help for this. This type of behavior is addictive, and can be very difficult to break once it's established. But with help, you can learn other ways to bolster your decision-making and eliminate the purging.

meat can be tricky, especially at first. I'd probably stick to soft stuff, just to be safe. It's no fun to have a stuck incident---especially at a party. All of the soft party food will taste really good to you--you won't have to feel deprived :biggrin:

Any doctor who performs gastric bypass on someone who is within a normal weight range should have his license revoked.

The first fitting will be very basic---the aim is to determine what size dress to order. The staff will know how to help you. Chances are, you will have at least one more fitting, once the dresses arrive. If not, you can use a different seamstress, if need be. Just tell the bridal shop staff how much you expect to lose by the wedding; they will be able to guide you.

Tuna tartare and edamame :biggrin:

You're not a failure--you're just struggling. Lots of us do. I can't answer the question about whether you're stretching your pouch. I can tell you that you were given guidelines for a reason, and it's a very good idea to stick with them. Simple. You just stop eating. You may be hungry, but none of us is going to die of the hunger we experience during bandster hell. Truly, this is the last time you will be hungry in the name of weight loss. You can wait to lose until you have restriction--lots do, and that's your prerogative. But if you want to lose, you will be hungry.

The best Protein,hands-down, are from the Inspire line from Bariatric Eating. Online orders are backed up right now, but they are worth the wait. Your body has more than enough calories stored--you don't need to worry about that. Of primary concern is hydration, and it seems as though you have that covered well. Of secondary concern are nutrients---and you will build up to getting those in. For now, it really is important to find a protein source you can tolerate, and which is within your surgeon's guidelines. As for Vitamin, I'd suggest a good-quality bariatric vitamin--there are Vitamins made specifically to meet the needs of those who are banded. Some are chewable, and others are capsules. I can't tolerate pressed tablets/pills, but have no trouble with capsules, because they dissolve before moving through the stoma.

Very happy I did it. It's been a great tool for me.

Sounds like the port to me, too. And yes, it's normal.

An extra piece of tape stuck to your skin by accident. It's totally not a biggie. OTOH, it's really normal for things like this to feel like they're bigger than they are when you're recovering from surgery--there's lots of hormonal and other upheaval that magnifies small things. ETA: FWIW, it's very, very common for small incisions to be left uncovered. If this HAD been an incision, it would also be a total non-issue if it had just been butterflied. None of my incisions had dressings on them--even the port incision. I had butterflies, and that was it. No biggie. Doctor preference, is all.

My body stalls and regroups after every 10 pounds or so. It's frustrating, but if I just keep doing what I do, the scale starts moving again. It's just not a straight downward progression like we'd like.

The first three fills, for me, were included with the surgery fee. For those since then, I've paid my usual doctor visit copay.

What does the doctor have to say about this? Looking stuff up just isn't enough in circumstances like this.

Did he give a reason for leaving? (I'm really sorry he is such a disappointment of a man.)

Low carbs, from the right sources (veggies and, in moderation, fruits).