Jennifer Hathaway

Because they can cause erosion. They can cause ulcers too.

I use a small plate but have never used small utensils. I just feel like I need to know how to be able to eat small bites. I wouldn't be able to carry them around with me or eat in front of people using them.

When I did my 10 day preop it was protein shakes only. You are lucky!

My doctor shows a surgery that he performed when you go to the seminar. It was really good to see it, I thought it was cool.

That is kind of funny! Last year I had my surgery on May 25, one day before my son turned 11. I had a party for him the next week and felt wonderful eating my little mushies. Good luck!

I had pain in my port for a long time after surgery. I still experience pain almost 11 months out. About the motrin, I am not sure if your doctor is the same but mine has a big rule about no NSAIDS at all, ever.

Your goal is not unrealistic for your height. I am 5'7" and 149 and in size 6 or 8. I don't think that is too skinny. Just see how you feel when you get closer.

I eat about a cup at each meal. Sometimes more depending on what it is and right now I need a small fill.

I am ready for maintenance but my body keeps losing so now I need another fill. I know I can't maintain without more saline because my hunger has come back. When I am filled good I can pass on the junk food but when I need a fill I can't. I wish I could leave it alone but I don't think I can do it without gaining weight back.

As crazy as it sounds I have always busted a plateau by being naughty. I eat perfectly through the week and then splurge a little on the weekend and back off the exercise. I then go back to my normal diet and exercise to find the scale go down. Some how it throws my body off. But remember only a little splurge or it will backfire.

I have been at 7.4 in my 10 band for the last couple of months and it was perfect. But I have now gone under my goal weight by 11 pounds so my stomach has shrunk again and I need more saline to get back to controlling my hunger and portion size. Everyone is different though. When I am in the green zone I experience hunger control AND restriction of the amount I can eat.

You really need to follow your doctor's orders. This is a start to a new lifestyle. That said I did go off track 2 times during my 10 day liquid diet, but I only had cottage cheese. It has a lot of protein and I just needed something more than liquids. I felt so guilty I called my doctor and they said I would be okay, but don't do it again. I lost 10 pounds before surgery and that really helped me get my head in the game. Good luck and if you have concerns call your doctor.

Yes, thank you very much! I can hardly believe it myself. Now just to learn to keep it off. Good luck to you! You can do it!

I take flintstones chewables, none of the gummies have iron. I wish they did cause they taste better.

I have been getting small fills of .10, .15, .25 and I like doing it that way to creep up. I have been in the green zone the last 2 months. I lost 10 pounds since my last visit so it is time for more. I will be getting .25 on Thursday for maintenance. Small fills are very good for some people.

It is possible. I was banded May 25, 2010 at 262 and I now weigh 149. Just follow the rules. But don't give up or get discouraged if it takes you longer. This is for life and you can do it. Good luck!

My scale is about 2 pounds lower than the doctor only because I weigh naked at home and 1st thing before drinking or eating anything.

Bread, rice, pasta, dry chicken. Sometimes hamburger, too much cheese on pizza, doughy thick crust. I haven't tried steak. Pickles with peelings. I don't really miss these things anyway.

My doctor told me as long as I was already approved it didnt matter. Good luck!

I had surgery may 25, 2010 and weighed 262. I now weigh 149. All I can say is really follow the rules. No carbonation, no drinking 30 minutes before, during or after meals. Get in all your protein, keep your meals at a cup even if you need a fill and feel like you could eat more. Stay away from as many carbs as possible. I have almost completely done away with white bread, potatoes, rice, etc. And exercise. And always follow up with your doctor. Good luck!

I get headaches when I eat too. I have asked my doctor about this but she doesn't understand why. My only guess is that it is my body's way of telling me I am full. I usually stop eating as soon as I feel it start. I am sorry you have this issue, it is annoying.

I have shape ups and it was a waste of money. I don't wear them. I feel like a giant cause they are so tall and I feel like a klutz wearing them. I keep checking out other brands but don't want to spend the money.

I hope it lasts a lifetime. I don't want to lose it or go through other surgeries.