Elisabethsew

I was on a one week pre-op diet: Days 1-3: 4 protein shakes, FF yogurt, FF pudding, steamed veggies, fruits, clear soups. Days 2-6: Same as above but no fruits or veggies. Day 7: Clear liquids

I think the best advice is just to ignore others, practice healthy eating and exercise with adequate hydration (sounds like you're doing that) and listen to YOUR body. Who cares if one month you don't lose the specified weight you wanted to? What's important is that you gave it your all and you can't ask anymore than that. As far as the person who said you "can't achieve your goals", why waste ANY energy on them?

YOUR opinion is the one that counts and only YOU know how you feel now as opposed to a few years ago. Do your own research, determine if your insurance company will pay for the surgery, and talk with a surgeon. Attend some of the pre and post-op meetings and THEN make the choice what's in YOUR best interest.

Since you were only banded on 5/1, you're still dealing with a lot of post-op swelling and that's the most likely reason why you feel full after one shake. I did also. As the swelling reduces, the liquids will flow easily through the unfilled band.

I don't think you're doing anything wrong except for the fact that you should have never let the MD give you the small fill when you were already too restricted. In my opinion, you need to go back and have a little more of the fill taken out or you risk permanent damage to your esophagus. Weight loss is wonderful but not at the expense of lasting damage and inabilty to take it the required nutrients. Make the call!

Ladies, after 10 minutes back at work you'll welcome the broedom of home. LOL. Have a great first day back at work and remember, take it easy and no heavy lifting.

Tightly holding onto my virginity! I hope you're soon healed and feeling better.

I had a number of reasons for choosing lapband over bypass: I already have iron deficiency anemia. I did not want a long recovery. I did not want to take MORE supplements than I already do. I was not keen on malabsorption as a means to weight loss. The band is easily reversible. That said, it is important to realize that I am not against any weight loss surgery and believe it is a personal decision that should involve the patient and the surgeon. I made the best choice for me. Now, if I could only feel some restriction... LOL (first fill 5/25).

Congratulations and welcome back. With that attitude, you're well on your way to your goal.

The only omega's I have seen are huge and they taste awful when you break them open. You can get omega in high doses from salmon and, believe it or not, from ONE (yup, just one) macadamia nut.

Welcome Maria, I'm from NY also but had my surgery in Syosset with Dr. Geiss. I am not familiar with your surgeon. Does he work out of LIJ?

You've already gotten a lot of good suggestions but I just checked my list from the dietician and included in mine is soft fish like flounder, tilapia, and salmon (no shell fish). Also listed is a meatball crushed up. You might like these suggestions as they are high in protein.

Hi Fleur, I was banded the same day as you were but my surgeon does not give a first fill until 8 weeks post-op! Like you, I had no restriction post-op and continue to have to force myself not to overeat. I am so hoping to fill restriction when I go on May 25th but my biggest worry is that it won't do much as in your case. Will your MD give you another fill this week?

When I get down to a "safe" weight, I need to have a total knee replacement. My orthopedic surgeon told me that for each pound of weight lost there is a 3 pound reduction of pressure on weight bearing joints (hips, knees, etc) so with every pound lost, you WILL feel better.

Have you considered using another surgeon? Perhaps there is another one in your area who does not require a 5% weight loss. If not, you really have no choice but to lose the 10 pounds. You mentioned you're eating a lot of lean cuisine entrees. I enjoy those but limit them them to 2 a week because they're so high in sodium and can cause fluid retention. If you don't like slimfast, make your own shakes with some skim milk, splenda, fresh fruit, vanilla extract, protein powder, fat-free yogurt and ice cubes... combine it all in a blender and enjoy! If you really WANT the band you WILL lose the 10 pounds. You CAN do it.

Hi Dee, This post can be very overwhelming because of so many suggestions. To prepare for surgery, the most important thing is to eliminate fat from your diet. Obese people have fatty, enlarged livers and the surgeon has to retract the liver out of the way so he can visualize and operate to get the band in place. After surgery, you're focus will be on healing and that means getting in 60 grams of protein a day, walking, and assuring you get enough sleep. Once the swelling subsides, your appetite WILL return so don't panic. The surrgical site needs to heal so it will be 4-6 weeks before you get a first fill and work your way towards the "right" amount of restriction. For now, make gradual changes in your diet so you're eating healthier, not snacking on processed foods (cakes, cookies, chips, etc.) and try and eliminate fast food altogether. Trying to make too many changes at once will result in failure. As for goals, they vary quite a bit. I am 5' 2" and have a tiny frame, tiny hands and feet, etc. When I weighed 200 pounds, I wore a size 12. I wrote down a goal for the sake of writing down SOMETHING but I work in mini-goals of 10 pounds. When I look in the mirror and like what I see I'll step on the scale. Whatever it registers will be my goal weight.

The reactions of your daughters to your upcoming surgery is perfectly natural. Why not let them read some of the numerous positive posts that others have posted who went to Mexico and had the procedure by the same surgeon as you have? Also, show them some before and after pictures.

I'm 5 weeks post-op and have been walking. Almost everyday this week I've spent a few hours a day outside planting flowers, trimming shrubs, etc. It works up a sweat and makes the yard look great. I plant tons of flowers so I've got another 4 weeks of work ahead of me.

There's one of those evil places just a few miles from my house. I never tried it and am going to stay clear of it.

Welcome Kacey and DeAnn!!!

CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! Saying good-bye to the 200's is wonderful milestone and it's tesimony to how well you're doing in your road to a healthy you. Enjoy your well earned celebration!

Congratulations, Pnut! I'm only 5 weeks post-op but I have noticed that my slacks are fitting much looser and I can walk longer distances without getting short of breath.

Hi mdl, If you have no restriction after the first fill and are gaining weight, why are you waiting 4 weeks inbetween fills? Since your second fill is just a few days away, stay strong and see if that produces restriction. Also, when you go for the fill, be sure and be honest with the MD about all the difficulty you're having.

Before doing ANYTHING, schedule an appointment with a GI specialist. It sounds like the surgeon is jumping to conclusions without having all the facts. There are tests, procedures and new medications so don't think the surgeon's word is the final word. It's YOUR body so make that appointment.

Surgery is not to be taken lightly and complication DO happen. I would highly advise NOT going alone.