Myemme

Yesterday I had my consultation with my Surgeon, he will do both procedures. I told him I wanted the Lapband and he said I would be a good candidate for either procedure. Although the Lapband would be harder to get approved by my insurance but he would put up a good fight if that's my choice. I keep hearing that the weight loss success rate is very low with the Lapband. Some told me that they chose the Bypass because their doctor told them they would only lose maybe half of the weight they needed to lose with a Lapband. When I was in the waiting room a patient told me he only lost 40 pounds and wasn't doing that great with the Lapband but he also said it was his own fault. This makes me a little nervous because I have 150 to lose and don't want to be disappointed that I made the wrong choice. I just found this site so haven't had much time to browse but have read alot about the Lapband. Any regrets, advise would be appreciated.

On my liquid phase I lost about 16 pounds. I'm on my 3rd week (mushy foods) and after going from the liquid stage to the mushy foods I went up about 4 pounds. On liquids I was on about 300 to 400 calories a day to now about 700 - 1,000 per day. Why the weight gain if the calories are still low (under 1200)? When does the weight start coming off at a normal rate of 1 to 2 pounds a week? Once I start regular food and go to maybe 1200 will I gain all my weight back? Please let me know if this is typical in the beginning? Thanks,

Emily, thanks for your reply. I need to stay off the scale until then.

Melody and Vegas, congratulations on your weight loss! I was banded on 3/20. I lost 16 in my first 2 weeks and since I started the soft food phase, I went up 4 pounds. I went from 300-400 calories to 800-1000. How many calories and what type of foods are you having? Maybe I'm doing something wrong. I figure as long as I stay under the 1200 like my doctor suggested I should contine to lose even if it slows down.

The doctor's will leave it up to you. My company allows 6 weeks off work and I'm taking all of it. I don't want to be at work unil I know how my body handles the foods, especially when I get to the regular food. I have IBS and my first week after surgery I already had a very bad experience with diarrhea. My 2nd week I had diarrhea only 1 time and I still take a nap in the afternoon, I'm not 100% to feeling good. I get tired real easy, especially going up and down stairs. I work in a very busy office and I attend a lot of meetings, the rest rooms are not close to where I sit. I don't want to take any chances. This is my 2nd week and I think I could push my self to go back to work but it would depend on my work enviornment.

I'm sure you were told it's very important to get in 40 grams of Protein before anything else. Good Protein drinks are Slim Fast low carb/high protein (20 g per can). You can also get Protein powder and mix with skim milk. My favorite is unjury chocolate or vanilla but you have to order online. You can get Isopure Vanilla powder from the Health food Store (I heard was good but haven't tried yet). I have tried so many other protein drinks and just can't stand them, but everyone is different. Other liquids I'm allowed are broth, strained cream Soups (tomato Soup, Andersen's split pea is smooth), Crystal Light, herbal tea, Cranberry juice, SF Popsicles, and SF Jello. I usually have two shakes a day and for one meal I have a cream soup. Maybe a popsicle, that's all I feel like:hungry: . I'm on my 2nd week.

I'm surprised your doctor doing the surgery has not sent you any guidelines. I would call their office and talk to the nurse. I had to go for many test such as upper GI, echo cardiogram, complete physical with my family doc, EKG, pulmonary test, blood test a few weeks before surgery and at hospital, etc, etc. My pre op instructions were several things, to summarize some key points: 1. 1 week before no aspirin/advil, No estrogen products 2. 2 days before full liquids. 40 g of Protein drinks (my doctor wanted me to lose weight prior to surgery so he wanted me to be on full liquids two weeks before (easier said than done). 3. Nothing including Water by midnight before surgery 4. If you're on any medications such as blood pressure, check with your doctor about taking them I honestly don't know if all doctors have same instructions but you should make sure.

That's fantastic. 129 lost before your 1 year anniversary. I have about 150 to lose and I hope I have the same results as you.

Marilyn and Melody, congratulations to you both. I was banded on March 20 and lost 16 as of today. However, my pants are still tight and I don't feel like I lost any. I still feel very bloated but I should also be starting my period soon. Today I feel much better but I was feeling very weak and dehydrated. I'm doing good with getting in the 40 g of protein but not the full 64 oz of liquid, so this week I'm really trying to focus on getting in the 64 oz. This should really make a big difference in feeling better.

Thanks for your reply. You are absolutely right. I did read that Bypass patients lose weight really fast but have a regain period and they can potential regain all the weight. I understand that the Fills you have with a Lapband will keep you on track for years to come. This is a great site, I will visit more often.