slwyse

I was told by my surgeon that 3 weeks would be all I needed but I have a physical job and I work 12 hour shifts so I took 4 weeks and so glad I did! I don't think I could have done my job after only 3 weeks. Good luck :-)

You look great! Congratulations!

My nutritionist said to try and wait til 4 to 6 months for raw veggies. I think, even though technically they are allowed now, it is still hard to chew them enough to not have problems with little pieces getting stuck. Any thing cooked is fine. I stay away from celery though. I can picture the little strings getting stuck!

Tara congrats on 59 lbs lost. Looks good! Sue

I was supposed to stay 2 nights, but did well enough to go home after 1. Sue

HW 260 Pre band 244 Pre rny 222.9 After Pre rny diet 212.9 CW 194.6 Surgery was on 9/9.I am 5 weeks out and the loss feels a little slow but I have lost over 18 lbs since surgery and 28 if you count Pre rny diet. Anyways, just trying to take it a day at a time. Sue

I am still plugging along. I am back to work and am now cleared to eat most things. Have not had too many issues. 5 weeks out and finally feeling good. I have lost a total (with Pre op) of 28 lbs. Some days it feels like I eat a lot, but when I count calories it is about 800. Some days it's less. Not too hungry most of the time, but if I wait too long between meals I eat too fast and feel crappy. But I am learning. I got a tattoo Saturday. I was there for 3 hours and still have about 3 more. I am excited! I am enjoying expressing myself in ways I never did before. :-)

I don't know how fair it is to lump everybody into one category. Everybody is different, everybody's surgery is different and 'maybe' statistically you may only lose half of the weight others might lose, but remember, you make the decisions on what and how much you eat. The rny seems to be the gold standard and, I count myself lucky to have this surgery in my corner. Sue

I am 5 weeks out and just now feeling like my old self. I went back to work last week and was fine but so tired when I got home. If I am home I still will nap at times. I was told to expect to be 'recovered' at 6 weeks and I think that will be accurate. Either way, it just takes time. Good luck! Sue

I was never able to throw up with the band. Food would get stuck and I would have a lot of pain. Eventually everything would go down, but definitely not fun. I am 5 weeks out from rny surgery and, I try to be really careful with what I eat. The only thing I notice is that, if I eat too much (not that much!) I get hot flashes and feel slightly nauseated. I don't dump but I feel like I have to lie down. I keep telling myself to eat less and stop sooner and it seems to help. I think it is just a learning curve. Have not tried bread or pasta yet. The dieticians visual of a dough ball being stuck was enough to cure me from even trying bread or pasta! Sue

I was pretty secretive about my lap band and the only people that knew were my kids and husband. When I was approved for rny I did share with some Co workers, mostly because so many have had WLS this last year. I even told my sister, who didn't know about the band the first couple of years. Most of my friends know, but I never told my husband's family. Not that I care too much, but some can be pretty opinionated. I figured this time around, I am more sure of myself and my decisions. I still have people ask me why? But I just say I wanted to, that I was 54 and did not want food to be the center of my life anymore. Of course you always hear the horror stories... They know someone who had horrible side effects, struggles etc. I just nod and smile. It's your journey so enjoy it! Sue

Congrats on your surgery and that they were able to do both at the same time. I am sure that's a relief! Good luck on your new chapter in your life! Sue

Sorry, I quoted the wrong person! So if the previous post doesn't make sense, that's why! That's what I get for always using my phone instead of my computer! Good luck Razorbackmom!

No matter how hard I try I just can't get enough Protein from real food yet. I am sure that will get better. I have used unjury unflavored in Soups etc. But, it makes it too filling and I can't finish it. Sort of defeats the purpose of extra protein! What has worked though is blending powdered banana bariatric Protein Powder (150 cals) with 1 cup of Greek yogurt (130 cals) some ice cubes, 1 cup of Water and some stevia. It takes me a couple hours to get it down but it tastes so much better with the yogurt than without. And I am getting 50 grams of protein. I just can't stomach the Protein drinks any more. I don't use it every day, because I know I really need to get away from liquid calories, but it seems to be the least offensive way to get enough protein. Also, I know you should only get 20 to 30 grams at a time but it takes so long to drink that I figure I am absorbing what I need. I hope that helps someone! We are all struggling with the same things, and I have to assume it will get better :-) Sue

I was told that I could go back to work after 3 weeks but asked for 4. I am glad I did! I was still exhausted after 3 weeks but am just now almost 4 weeks out and will go back Monday. I am an RN at a very busy labor and delivery unit and work 12 or more hour shifts. I am usually running from the time I get to work until I leave. Hope that helps. Sue

I would get a tattoo of something that is special to you. I had my surgery on 9/9 and on November 1st I will be getting a tattoo of some poppies and 2 baby birds. I spent months trying to figure out what I wanted. I found an artist that is amazing and she was able to draw what I ebvisioned. You don't always have to have words. You will know what it means and why it is special. Good luck :-) Sue

I have to agree with almost everybody here. I know you don't want to disappoint your Dad, but I will tell you that, even when I thought I could do more the first week I was in pain, was restless at night and exhausted by the afternoon. I'm not saying you can't do it, but you will probably have a hard time socializing and focusing, be unable to eat and wish you could just be at home. Plus, clothing hurts your stomach! Sometimes you have to be selfish and do what's best for you. Hopefully your Dad will understand. Good luck. Sue

Hi : I am new to this forum. Just had my band to bypass done on September 9th. Am feeling good, following all the rules etc. My question has to do with pain. The 3rd day was the most painful and the 4th day better. Pain has gotten much better except for my upper left abdomen right below my ribs. It's just a constant pain that is worse with movement, and when I sleep it will wake me up. I am just wondering if others have had the same problem. I know that is where the band was and where the new pouch is. Just wanting to hear that is normal. Of course, I am picturing everything bad! Everything else feels fine and no other issues at all. No nausea or vomiting or trouble getting my water down. Thanks for your input. Sue

Anappleaday I am almost 4 weeks out and feeling really good now! Amazing what a week can do! Thanks for asking :-)

We had our surgery on the same day. I was really sore on the left side the first couple of weeks, but that does get better. As for Water, the best advice I got, was to keep sipping all day. I also have used different flavored waters just for a change. Good luck with your journey! Sue

I had my band removed and rny on 9/9 and, I can tell the difference already. There was so much I couldn't eat with my band and had pain all the time. I am still eating soft foods but no issues whatsoever. All the nervousness you feel is normal. I was so scared and nervous for the 3 weeks before that I knew I just had to make it to the surgery date. I was scared he would not be able to do the rny, that I would have complications, even that I would die. I know it sounds extreme but I was scared. I am home recovering but am so happy that I had it done. I didn't even realize how much my band was bothering me until I had it out! You will do fine. Your time will be here before you know it. Prayers for a speedy recovery for you. :-) Sue