reverie

Thanks Heather! Hopefully your surgery goes well; the 8th will be here before you know it! As for tips, some things I did/have learned along the way: Let yourself heal. The first 6 weeks are about healing not weightloss. Stay off the scale as much as possible during this time. Follow your post-op diet, it helps. Weigh-in once a week. Have a set day of the week and time to weigh-in. Weighing in everyday about ruined Protein, protein, protein..and more protein. I shoot for 20g of protein a meal at minimum. This is really important when you're back to eating normal foods. Protein helps keep you full. Count your calories, carbs, etc. I use myfitnesspal though there are other websites and apps you can use. Exercise! Treat yourself, and allow yourself to cheat it prevents binges. As for loose skin it all depends on your age, genetics, and how long you've been overweight for. Weightlifting can help but it's no cure. I am looking to have PS soon Feel free to PM me if you have anymore questions.

Untrue! I've lost a steady 1-3lbs a week and I'm 9 months out with 12lbs to go. Everyone is different.

Congrats!! Sounds like you're healing well. Hope your weigh-in goes well though just remember that the scale may be up, but it isn't a true gain if it is.

Nervousness is normal. You'll do great. Best of luck!

Congrats!! That makes pre-op a lot easier.

All the pills I take are pretty big. Take them in the afternoon as your band may be tighter in the morning.

I think it varies per person, and the amount of 'restriction' you're happy with. For instance I have no fills and have lost fine and like the restriction I have. Others like to be a bit tighter and it may take more than a few fills to get there. It also depends on how aggressive your doctor is with fills. Also, restriction =/= weightloss. It's truly about calories in and calories out. Restriction helps but getting fills doesn't guarantee a drop on the scale. Good luck!

Non-scale victory. Congrats!! Always a great accomplishment/feeling; and you're only getting smaller!! I bought my first pair of size 4 jeans last weekend.

You won't feel much until you start having fills; 3 months seems a bit long to wait for a fill. Maybe ask your surgeon why? Until you reach restriction it's up to you entirely to make the best food choices possible. Yes you can eat what you did before, but should you? Probably not. Willpower is the name of the game here.

Sounds like acid reflux. Are you eating within 3 hours of sleeping? If so, stop. Your band may be too tight so you may require a small unfill. Talk to your surgeon.

Enjoy them Nothing wrong with a little treat.

There's an insurance forum here. Maybe check that out for answers. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/5-insurance-financing/

I've been craving crunchy things and sweet and salty things, no idea why. I'm gonna go against the grain here and say don't "wait" for the craving to pass. Don't ignore it either. Ignoring small cravings only leads to bigger ones, which cause you to binge. Try eating some SF chocolate pudding. Maybe a chocolate Protein shake? A small piece of dark chocolate won't kill you either!

Insane? No. I think this is a great goal for anyone and it's for good reason too! I'd suggest using a treadmill and slowly upping the incline.

60g is average for a woman I believe. If you're looking to lose weight/feel satiety when you eat, I'd shoot for 80g+ Try to get at least 20 in per meal. I eat my weight in protein most of the time, so I average anywhere from 120-135g a day.

I eat every 3 hours. I wait 30-45 mins after I eat (some wait an hour) and then I drink two 16oz cups of Water. I usually average 80oz+ a day. If you schedule out your meals, leave time between them and set a goal of how much you need to drink.

What's a good weight loss to you? I've lost 112lbs in 9 months, but not everyone loses the same. Also, you can't spot reduce fat. The fat will come off wherever it wants to come off from. Your tummy may be the last to go. Losing tummy fat comes with reducing your overall body fat %. Exercising the ab muscles may help but it doesn't guarantee fat loss in that area. Good luck!

What exactly are you eating? Are you taking small bites and chewing well? If not, that's probably the problem.

Congrats!! It's good to know that you were willing to become satisfied with your weight loss rates and realize that none of us lose at the same rate.

6 weeks generally. If you're just walking then it isn't a problem, but weight-lifting and strenuous cardio/exercise should wait until you're fully healed. Ask your surgeon.

Being banded was my first surgery and I was terrified. I am a big baby when it comes to pain (still scared of needles to this day) and I can honestly say the pain post-op was about a 3/10. If you don't have Gas-X strips, get some! Remember to walk when you can and sip your Water. You will feel discomfort and gas pains for a few days/weeks but it gets better! Good luck during your surgery, you'll do great!

Congrats on your date! It'll be here before you know it.

How many calories a day are you eating? Carbs? Total protein? Do you eat snacks? PM me if you want; I'd love to try to help.

I'd definitely talk to your doctor. As the other poster said, you can't live off sliders, it's not healthy and it's not natural.