Corrigan

Congratulations Cassie. I think you'll find this to be a friendly, helpful, group full of good information and a place to make good, virtual friends. Welcome.

I had the band plus plication done six weeks ago with no complications, almost no pain and to date have lost about 50 lbs. My surgeon explained it in detail and it sounded good at the time. I haven't seen any downside yet. I have an appointment Tuesday, for a fill, but with my current lack of hunger, I think I'll pass. I'm not recommending this to anyone else, you'll have to make up your own mind with the information you have, but I'm happy with it.

I hope this helps: This was sent to me a while ago and seems like a good explanation for stalls. This is FWIW. Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet. As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a sabertooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

We buy the big bags of Costco meatballs, thaw a couple, put them in a blender with sauce and cheese, blend and enjoy. There is a recipe for potato soup in the food section using dried potato flakes, dried onion and garlic that's fast and easy. You're only limited by imagination.

We fry them in a nonstick pan with a little "healthy margarine". I like them better than baking and the pan is really easy to clean.

It sounds like you pretty well have a handle on your problem. It might be a good idea to have your exam under a fluoroscope to let you know for sure, what's going on. I'm not having any fills for the foreseeable future. I'm still losing and hunger isn't a problem yet. You've done an amazing job with your weight, I hope you can get the help you need to keep it up. Best of luck.

For most people with good insurance, it usually takes about two months from day1 until surgery. Self pay is usually faster and marginal insurance that requires six months or more weight loss can take up to a year. you should start eating pizza and ice cream to get your BMI up (that's a joke).

Try drinking at least two quarts of water a day. It usually works and doesn't cost much.

Joyce, I'm surprised you have staples, most surgeons use Dermabond glue these days. At five days out I'd think you should be on liquids. My Nutritionist recommended: First week Clear Liquids and Protein drinks. Week 2: Protein Drink and thick liquids. Week 3 & 4: pureed and mashed foods-oatmeal, Greek yogurt, mashed Beans, etc. Week 5: Chopped foods Week 6: You're home free! Just cut in small pieces and chew well. This diet is recommended by the major bariatric medical groups. Walking is important to prevent blood clots, and reduce effects from surgical gas and just for exercise. If you do get on a treadmill keep it slow and comfortable, this surgery takes a few weeks to heal, give it a chance. Depression seem normal for a lot of people, but it seems to go away quickly, don't let it get you down. Where you told to take a chewable Vitamin with Iron? You might get some vitamin B12 tabs to put under your tongue for fatigue. Tylenol is good for pain. You'll get a lot more ideas to help you recover, just remember to take it easy for a few weeks and allow yourself plenty of time to recover. I hope you do well, best of luck.

There's nothing easy about it, I used costco chicken bullion with protein isolate in it, sugar free Jello and pudding with no calorie whipped cream, sugar free Popsicles, etc. My hunger eased up after a while, I think it just gave up. You need to keep up your Protein Shakes and for unusual weakness try a Vitamin B12 tab under your tongue (sublingual). Hang in there and in no time it'll all be worth it

I wonder if a weight loss forum is the best place to ask that question. Most people here have had some experience with Lap band surgery and you might find someone with similar pain, but you don't know the cause is the same. If it's bad enough to make you really anxious, you probably should see your surgeon. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Four pounds a week sounds pretty good to me, in fact it might be a little much, for an extended period. Don't beat yourself up for gaining before your fill, many people do. It looks like you're on the right track, so keep it up.

Things I was able to do before surgery are quite a bit more difficult for me now. I bought a new bike and can't ride half as far as I could a couple of months ago. I can only assume it's muscle loss. Have to build those dudes back up.

That's really a decision you'll have to make. I have the Lap band and am biased toward it. I hated the idea of having half my stomach cut out and no chance to undo it. You should read as much unbiased literature as you can find. On this forum, most people are very happy with the band and willl try to steer you that way, (me included) I've lost 50 lbs in a little over 2 months with no downside. I should be at my goal by spring. You have to find a surgeon you trust and a hospital with an excellent program (preferably a Center of Excellence). The band is the safest, most trouble free surgery you can get and the weight loss is about equal with any other after a year or two. See, I told you I was biased. Whatever you decide, make sure you know what you're getting into, and I hope you're happy with it.

Sheriah, This is not that difficult. You'll put your gown on, be wheeled into the OR and wake up in recovery. It really is that simple. I stayed overnight and was able to walk two miles with my wife the next day. I had no pain except a little site discomfort. Be sure to take your PJs and slippers, you don't want to be walking down the hall with your butt hanging out. Take a deep breath, think what you'll look like in a year and best of luck.

When You're finished with the test, please come back and let us know how it worked for you. There's been a lot of talk about it lately, but I haven't heard from anyone who's actually done it. I hope you do well with the test and it just may be the answer for some of the people here that have stalled. TIA

There's not much to add, you have all the information to make your band a success. Just remember, You'll get out of the band whatever you put into it. It's a bit of work but it's worth it. I hope you do well.

You probably won't be able to drive for a few days so be sure to have all your meds and vitamins, and you should have your diet stuff on hand. I didn't have any problems getting around, but not everyone is so lucky. I doubt you'll have any problems, but you should probably have someone to help, just in case. Good luck and heal fast.

I like your style. Anyone who thinks that much of his dogs can't be all bad. Seriously though, I didn't have any problem sleeping in any position (other than my stomach), but not everyone is so lucky. I credit much of my good fortune to going to a Center of Excellence, you should try one. I was told not to lift more than ten pounds for six weeks but I made an exception for my dogs, just lift carefully. You probably should take all the time you can from work. I cut down a big tree today, I'm almost six weeks out, and found myself a little weaker than I was, trying to lift 50-60 lb chunks of wood. I don't know if it's residual from the surgery or diet. All I'm trying to say is don't push it. You seem like a good guy, take your time, do a lot of research, find a surgeon with a good reputation, a hospital with a good program, follow your teams instructions, and I wish you sucess.

I hope not! At one time or another I've lost almost as much as I hope to lose with this band. I should lose what I want in another six or eight months and then what? I intend to go to eternity with my Lap band, it's what'll keep me from gaining all my weight back. My diabetes is as good as gone and sleep apnea is going. What more could a guy ask for? I really hope you can keep your band, you've worked so hard to be where you are, and it would be easy to gain some back. Best of luck and keep your fingers crossed.

Whatever you choose, you'll probably have it for the rest of your life. I know you're impatient to get on with it, but don't let yourself get browbeaten into something you don't want. If you have to wait a while, that's just the way it'll have to be. You said you want the band, so holler your head off to make them change things. Lap band surgery, being cheaper and safer than any other, it seems strange that it would take longer for approval. You'd think it would be faster. Four to six weeks will just give you more time to get ready for your surgery. I hope you get what you really want, and the best of luck to you.

Usually four to six weeks, sometimes longer if you don't have hunger problems and are still losing weight.

There's also a thing called "The cottage cheese test" to check the absolute capacity of your pouch. It sounds funny, but I guess it's been recognized scientifically. Look it up on Google, it uses displacement of Water with cottage cheese to determine the absolute size of your pouch, FWIW. And I'm willing to bet the U of PA doctors know more about WLS than any of us on this web site.

I'm in the same boat you are, anxious to get started, but not healed enough to do much. My surgeon said to wait six weeks before lifting more than 10 Lbs. I talked to the gym owner (who is a friend) and he recommended I wait. I'm a big, strong, active guy and really feel like I could do most anything, but I guess I'll just settle for my walks, for now.

Probably not, but the intubation device will give you a sore throat for a few days, anyway. Don't forget your PJs and slippers, and maybe some chapstick.