amom

Wasa, according to the people my daughter has talked with, it is used for many teens that just need that boost to get started. You are right though it does need to be changed after 6 months. I was just saying this could be a alternative to banding. The cost is also significantly less then the band.

Ducky, I'm not against banding for teens but have you also looked into the gastric balloon (BIB) My daughter is looking at getting this done instead of the band. Lap Band Bajanor Obesity Center The BioEnterics® Intragastric Balloon This is one of the places that offer it. Best of luck to you and yours.

Somewhere I heard, that if you have not had your first fill you can not strech your pouch, is this true?

I found that by using a heating pad alternating from my back to my stomach help a lot with the gas pressure pain. You might try this, if you can't reach your doc. Best of luck on your new adventure.

I can feel my port also. In fact my fill doctor asked if I could feel it. It makes it easier to fill if you can feel it. I poked at mine a bit also. I think out of fascination.

I'm looking for foods that can be served cold/chilled for my daughters graduation party that are lap-band friendly. I was going to do a cold shrimp platter but found the shrimp are smaller then expected, any other ideas? I would like to have all finger type foods but have seemed to hit a blank wall when it comes to ideas. Mind you I have aprox 75 people coming and only myself to prepare items. If I could find things I could prepare ahead would be great. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

To answer your questions; First for me, none of the foods you listed were allowed until you are to the solid stage, which could be several weeks depending on your surgeon. Hot dogs: I can't handle hot dogs, some bander's do fine, but for me they want to come back up. I think its the skin as such. String cheese: I have no problem with as long as I chew very well. Salad: It seems odd to me but I can eat salad all day long and have never had a problem. I really like to sprinkle over top a little chicken that I've put in my magic bullet along with some Mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, and Chinese noodles. Like the Asian salad at McDonald's. Pizza: is another story in its self. Some times I won't have problem and other times I do. I have resorted to just eating a little of the topping and forget the crust. Of course I have to say EVERYONE is different so you may or may not have problems with these items. My advise is to take your time eating, don't be rushed and chew 20 to 30 times each bite. As for cravings I found that a lot of the things I craved before are just not or don't seem to be the same. I also used to drink crystal light all the time but now It's just way to sweet. As for restaurants, my advise is stay away from pastas & breads, stick with salads, soups, fish works well for most. Do Protein first, then veggies. CHEW CHEW CHEW like its your last bite. Enjoy the food and if you feel any discomfort stop and enjoy the conversation. Best of luck in your adventure to a new life.

OMGosh you guys have such good ideas, I guess in all the bustle of the last few days I just can't seem to think. Thanks for the help and excellent ideas. Part of the reason I was looking for band friendly foods was so that any leftovers could be kept and eaten later by all, including me.I haven't really COOKED since surgery. I knew I could count on my friends on this forum to give me a hand.

I also went to Mexico for my surgery, cost was $7500. Air not included. Doctor/staff/hospital all excellent. I'm VERY happy with my results. check him out lap band surgery mexico - Home Best of luck on your adventure.

I eat refried beans quite often and never have a problem or had any comments from my doc. I find they go down easy have the protein needed and if I'm on the road I can always find a Taco Bell or Wendys for chili. Now don't get me wrong I'm not telling you to go against your doctor, but like we all have found, everyone is different and doctors are different too. I have found that I really like the little tuna and salmon cups. They come in different flavors and are just enough.

First to answer your question. It takes me about 1 hour to eat a meal, Yes I said 1 hour. I found that my family wolfed our food down and having food stuck is a pain you will not soon forget. Never eat in front of the Tv, you tend to get into the show and forget the size of bite and the amount of chews. I used a baby spoon and counted my chews I try for 20-30 chews per bite, do this until its second nature. Start practicing now and try and get in the habit of taking a bite, putting your fork down and chew like its your last bite. I found after I explained to my family we had to slow down, meal time is much more enjoyable. I take a bite and chew, we talk in between bites and then take another bite. Some times your meal may be a bit cold by the time your done but you won't have food stuck. As for your second question, I still like all the foods from before except I've found that most drinks like crystal light and propel and such are just to sweet for me now, so I water them all down, like half and half. Now if you would have told me this before surgery I'd think you were nuts buts thats been my experience. Everyone is different. IMO the best advise is to eat SLOW, CHEW well. Best of luck

I tan 6 mins every other day. My scars look better then they ever did before. Most of all its a little time (15 mins) to myself to relax, unwind and enjoy the moment.

Why in the world would people say such things. I feel great, better then I have in years. I won't tell you that you won't have a few bad days, but you might or you might not, everyone is different. Just ignore those people and keep your head up. Best of luck dealin with those type.

Right now I drive a 03 Kia spectra, and my DH drives a 06 Kenworth. I/We will soon have a empty nest. All our kids will be gone the end of June and we have decided not to renew our foster license. Mmy DH and I have decided when that happens we're going to splurge and buy a new Chrysler 300. I'm calling it my midlife crisis car but really it will be my new life present.

Mark, thats too funny, making people laugh is a good use of your time, IMO. As for the girl, I thought I was the only one who thought she looked like Rachael Ray.

I have one and I use it for everything from blending eggs for french toast to making creamed ham, which has NO CHUCKS and I only add a small amount of water to it like a tablespoon, comes out as creamy or as soft as a babys bottom if you may. I've never had a problem and could not live witout it. IMO I was told by someone that there is two different sets. one is a lower quality then the other, but I don't know which is which. They said that alot of the stores buy the lower qual one so they can make more money. I got mine from a kitchen magazine. Best of luck if you get one.

Thanks Carlene & Airwayman for the support. I have a call in to my surgeon.

Can your band slip when you've had no fill yet? I've had a hard time eating lately. Can't seem to eat before PM and by then I'm starved. I seem to be able to eat salad but can get no protein/meat in without feeling like I'm going to vomit after the first bite. I did manage to get a small amount of ham in last night that had been pureed in the magic bullet. I canceled my first fill due to this problem. I'm also having a hard time getting in my water, could this be the problem? I'm scared to death to call my Dr for fear of what he may say, (You have slipped). I have no reflux and have also lost no weight the last few weeks. I'm so stressed over thisI feel ashamed and find myself in tears, I failed. HELP

Took a little road trip with my daughter today. We got her a new Kia last yr and I've never been able to get the back seat seatbelt on. Even though I haven't lost any weight in the last few weeks, I was able to put the belt on and had some room to spare.. What a wonderful feeling, just had to share it with all of you.

Check with your family and see if any of them are going, tag along for support. If it was me I would attend, just keep telling yourself its for your brother, he is the only one you have. Be polite and bite your tongue, we all need family but can always do without inlaws. IMO.

I CAN NOT live without my DYSON. I figured if I can spend 700.00 for a dog I can spend 400 for a DYSON, to keep the dog hair up off the floors. I've had a lot of vacuums and I would rate this one the best out of all. One more thing is my Little Green Machine ProHeat.

Thats a good idea. I water my soda down, but one day last week I drank one without water and I had the same issue of not getting in my water. I think I'll try your idea. Thanks.

I have the same problem with tuna, one day no problem the next total pain.

The last few days everytime I eat my back hurts. This AM for example, I took a small bite of sausage, (which I've eatin several times before) chewed well and by the time I took a second bite my back hurt, like right at my spine in the middle of my shoulders. I felt like I was going to puke but didn't . I figured it was stuck so I took some papaya enzyme. I've not had my first fill yet. I've heard that stress can make you more restricted, but even when your not filled yet? My life has been very stressful the last week or so. I'm even stressing more on this because now I wonder if this is what people mean when they have a band slip? I always thought that if it was a slip, you would have chest pain, am I a odd one? I decided to stay on liquid for a few days but even water is uncomfortable to swallow, I have to take little sips like in the beginning. Has anyone had this happen, I'd like to hear from you.

I guess I should have said it is not pork sausage, it's low fat turkey, sausage flavored. I drink at least 64 oz of water a day so I'm sure fluid is not the problem. I've been told some have this problem when Aunt Flo comes to visit. Since she is here now and I feel much better today I'm figuring this plus stress is the problem. Thanks for the concern and your reply