hot toddie

Yes, eating out can be a challenge, made worse by the fact that my eating inhibitions fly right out the window after a glass of wine! I usually order an appetizer (something not fried or sauced up, like a shrimp cocktail). Then, I order a "small" side salad, and eat it as a main course. If I'm really lucky, someone will order a decadent dessert and give me one bite. That being said, I have screwed up more than once while out for dinner, and have mastered vomiting (silently, into toilet paper) in many a restaurant washroom. Who knew I would have to master a whole new skill set to deal with the band? Good luck!:smile2:

Same deal for me. I was banded two years ago. Sometimes I have no problems, sometimes I am running for the bathroom. I find stress is a huge issue for me. If I have had a bad day or am feeling rushed, nothing that goes down stays down! Also, if I am excited (like at a party) the same thing happens. You just need to get to know yourself and your body, and take it from there. By the way, thanks to Rcain03 for the great website tip!!!:smile2:

HI. I was banded two years ago, and I often have that odd tugging when I am working out (except mine is on the right side.) It's probably not a big deal, but sometimes things can get a bit kinked up. Your surgeon will certainly know if it is cause for concern. If it's apain to go to the Office, perhaps you could call them instead. Good luck!

Oh, yeh! Vitamins (for that matter, any capsule or large pill) make me upchuck. I now take the children's chewable (embarassing, but true!)

About the exercise....I, too, can find any and every excuse not to get to the Gym. Over the years, many clubs have benefitted from my membership dues, with me rarely stepping foot in the club. What changed it for me? I have three sessions booked each week with a personal trainer, and I really like him, so I don't want to let him down by cancelling. Expensive? Yes! But when I think of the amount of money I have spent over the years on diet products, gym memberships, etc.,(to say nothing of the cost of the lapband), paying my trainer is worth every single cent! Cheers!:smile2:

Sweetie! Give your head a shake. You "should" be further along in your weight loss journey? Says who? Look at what you have accomplished! You are amazing, and you will succeed if you keep at it. Just remember, the scale is moving in the right direction!!!

About 5 days, which makes it a long time until you can get a fill. However, have been through this before (my band slipped and I had to have it reset), and look on the bright side. Once you can start getting fills, you will never be starving again. You'll get hungry, you'll eat a little, and you'll feel full! I can honestly say this is the first time I've really been starving since I had my first surgery 2 1/2 years ago! This is how the rest of the world lives!!!

Have you ever watched the Biggest Loser? The first couple of weeks the contestants drop massive amounts of weight- 10 lbs, 15 lbs. etc. Then about the third week, everyone stalls. They lose a pound or two, or even gain a pound. I have watched every season, and this happens like clockwork. I think our bodies go into shock and need a couple of weeks to reset. Don't get discouraged. And try not to turn to eating to make yourself feel better. Just stick to it- if you persist, the weight will come off. I have had periods of months where I haven't lost a thing, and then the next 5-10 pounds comes off. You can do it too!

Hi, Basically think baby food- no chunks, fairly liquidy. If you're okay with that you can move on to mashed sweet potato with lots of milk mixed in, then maybe pureed carrots. I tried mashed potato- huge mistake! Yes, it is a pain to cook one meal for your family and then puree everything for you, but remember, this is temporary! In time, you will be able to eat just about anything (perhaps not bread, but for some reason, Cookies go down really well). Ah, the irony! Stick with it!

Okay, long story. Banded two years ago. Lost 50 pounds. A year ago, started suffereing from indigestion, acid reflux, etc. Then, increasingly painful gall bladder attacks. My GP sent me for an ultrasound and said I was "fine". Eventually, saw lapband surgeon who said I needed gall bladder removed. Two and a half weeks ago- gall bladder out. Surgeon discovered band had slipped (likely all the vomiting from the gall bladder attacks). This week- surgeon fixed slipped band, and also discovered (and fixed) hiatus hernia. Okay, so now back to liquids for 2 weeks, to be followed by mushies, etc. So depressing! Been there, done that! And to top it all off, my mom called to find out how I was, and when I said I was uncomfortable, told me it was my fault because I had opted for the lapband surgery in the first place!

Just be careful. You do not want to get into a pattern of eating and vomiting, because your band may slip...and then you're back at square one. Been there, done that...not fun!!! Good luck!

I've been constipated for 2 years! Drink lots of water, and try adding Benefibre (or any other such product) to your protien shakes. Also, believe it or not, bran cereal works wonders. I hate bran, so I sprinkle it on top of frozen yogurt.

For some reason, mornings most of us feel a lot tighter, and have trouble eating just about anything. The rule of thumb is "Go Slow". Also, some days I can tolerate a type of food (say chicken), and some days I can't. If you continue to have trouble, you may have to get de-filled a bit.

You may want to see your surgeon. I have struggled with indigestion/ acid reflux for a year, followed by several gall bladder attacks. My G.P. sent me for an ultrasound and pronounced me "fine". When I went to see my band surgeon, he said I needed my gall bladder out. Had that surgery two weeks ago, and doctor discovered band had slipped. Back into surgery to fix band, and he discovered (and fixed) a hiatus hernia. I really thought all the problems were caused by my gall bladder, and wasted a year trying to convince my G.P. there was a problem. Long story short: See your surgeon!

Hi, Depressing, isn't it? I have tiny bites of chicken with lots of salad or mashed sweet potato on my fork. That's the only way it goes down! Good Luck!