Baba Wawa

First off: You're not obese. 140-170 is a very healthy weight range and 168 puts you at a 25.5 BMI. You're only .5 into overweight status and with your high Protein diet and working out, your body fat is probably very low. Second: anorexia nervosa isn't a physical condition, it's a psychological disorder. If you feel that you are compelled to lose weight, though you're at a healthy weight you might have body image dis morphia, causing you to obsess over your food. Anorexia Nervosa usually is manifested in an individual who feels they have very little control in their life. Please see a counselor for an evaluation. Third: since you're under the care of several physicians for those health issues, we can't really offer advice. The main thing is that you are being 100% honest and accurate with them about your diet/exercise and lifestyle. You've done an amazing job at losing, but 700 calories is too few at this stage. Like I've told many others (including myself) you need to treat your body like a newborn baby and your head like an incorrigible teenager Keep us posted, please.

Your new clinic should be doing this too...

First off, it's unprofessional. Secondly, when prepping for a fill, it's proper procedure for all Fluid to be removed from your band to determine if any fluid has leaked, see if it is still clear (if not, it's a sign of infection) and how much fill you have. If your new clinic didn't do this, they aren't following Allergan's fill procedure. At your next fill, ask about this...glad you're doing better!

This is a common misconception of banding. The band doesn't stop you from eating and if a person depends on it to stop them, they're going to suffer from it. The band's purpose is to keep you from feeling hungry for 4-5 hours after eating a 1/2-1 cup meal made up of lean, dense protein and healthy carbs. The food, when eaten slowly and chewed well (15-25 times per bite) passes through the small opening in the band to the lower part of the stomach, where it is digested. Things like ice cream, chips, cookies, candies break down quickly to pass thru the band and are called slider foods...they also cause spikes in blood glucose, leading to the production of insulin and storage as fat...these foods won't keep you feeling satisfied, and should be avoided while you're losing.

Thanks, I have my moments! I think we get too wrapped up in "the rules" and in a sense, become overly concerned with following them. Once you understand the reasons behind the "important" rules* and eating that way becomes habit, it's ok to go off track occasionally. I personally think 80/20 is great and keeps you from feeling deprived. Another way to look at it is 30/30/30/10. Say your eating 1200 calories and follow this plan, your calorie goals each day would be as follows: 30% Protein = 360 calories or 90 grams 30% carbs. = 360 calories or 90 grams 30% healthy fats: 360 calories or 40 grams 10% whatever you want = 120 calories You can see that this offers a balanced approach with a lot of wiggle room to cur calories if you are trying to lose. There are more than enough nutrients here, if you eat fresh, unprocessed foods to allow for adjustments for individual needs. We all need to remember that we got fat by deprivation, eliminating entire food groups from our diet and GUILT when we went off track. Right now, I'm on a low fiber/low residue diet for a motility disorder. It's so foreign since I'm eating things like white bread, Pasta, potatoes, etc. It has helped a lot, so it's the right thing to do, but I cannot wait until I can have salads again! *important rules for me are: 64-80 oz Water per day 60 gr protein per day, eat protein first at every meal Veggies are important, choose low glycemic load veggies, when possible Avoid liquid calories (avoid, not abstain )

Are things going any better for you Nana Price?

Just remember, they didn't band your brain everyone, so you can still make informed decisions about your food, drink and occasional indulgences.

I have this problem too. I have to add 1/4 c Kashi to my yogurt (Greek or regular) in order to eat it.

I understand about "the cloak". It's scary to be vulnerable when we're thinner and without our "protection". Hugs to you...

Very good post

Yes, my stalker should be concerned, lol

91 lbs

Both are problematic for a lot of bandsters. If it doesn't come up, call your doctor.

I went from no burping to burping constantly and gurgling at bed time.

What were your symptoms?

I would choose sleeve today, but it wasn't available to me when I had my surgery almost 3 years ago. Less aftercare and fewer long term complications are why. There are plenty of complications with bands, they can be life-threatening and debilitating. Do your research, read on other sites, particularly VSG talk, the sister site to this one. Ask the same questions.

I would definitely tell your surgeon what was said. Your surgeon, being the employer, is responsible for ensuring that all members of his team are "on the same page" so that his customers (patients) aren't given improper information. It's in the doctor's best interest to provide training for his employees to provide the appropriate standard of care within the specialty. He needs to know and she shouldn't be fired, just educated re bariatrics.

It's my understanding that our pouches hold appx 2 oz or 1/4 cup.

Lets think about this carbonation "myth". If you're drinking a liquid that happens to be carbonated it should pass through the band into your lower stomach where there should be room for the bubbles to dissipate. If your band is tight, it might take longer to pass through and make you uncomfortable for a few minutes. That said, you can burp and relieve the pressure. This is the way my doctor explained it to me...it's more about comfort than the danger of eroding your band by causing excess pressure on the stomach. This was based on drinking one carbonated drink, not a six pack. My nutritionist told me to open the bottle, pour into a glass and let it sit for a few minutes to allow some carbonation to escape, but again, she stressed that its more for comfort than safety. I have a favorite sparking wine I drink on occasion and I drink Perrier from time to time. Haven't had any issues with either. I also drink diet ginger ale or 7-up in a mixed drink occasionally. I think we have to remember that we're all adults and able to make informed decisions without getting so wrapped up in the "rules". Caffeine, carbonation, sugar, carbs etc are all things that should be consumed in moderation, WLS or no WLS. Just my .02

I learned a long time ago that thoughts become truth. If you think positive thoughts, this will be manifested as positive behaviors and improved quality of life. Great Post!

Anything with a thin peel, hull or skin (beans, cherries, grapes, peppers, tomatoes, grains) are off limits. Pasta was impossible, but I can eat it right now. I don't eat chicken breast, because it's too dry, even with sauce. Salads are also on my do not eat. My doctor thinks it's the gastroparesis, not the band causing problems, but what caused the gastroparesis?

It sounds like you're too tight. Even removing a little fill can help a lot. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

Here's a link to the equation: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070906130829AAMNrRU Since the Lapband system is a closed system the amount of evaporation would be minimal, if any. I think the term evaporation is used in a situation where Fluid "disappears" without explanation.