Marebeth1

Hi Dawn and Jill I had posted about stalling 2 weeks after surgery. I stayed at the same place for 2 weeks - it started when they said I could go on pureed foods. I'm told that our bodies are adjusting to foods again. So I kept doing the same thing. Then I have started on soft mashed foods but ya know, I decided to throw in a monkey wrench in the diet. 2 days I ate tuna on a small healthy piece of bread. Then I completely went off the carbs again.....I dropped 3 lbs in the last few days. So keep doing what you know to do and it will kick in. Went to a dermatologist yesterday - she said she had gastric bypass 11 years ago - told me that our bodies have to adjust but make sure I'm drinking enough Water. That's one thing I can say I increased this week and I think it was the difference too.

Hi Stacy I have hibernated this week - I pulled a muscle from my ribs to my port area and it was extremely painful. The solution was doing NOTHING at all and just rest. I got rather frustrated with my doctor's office who didn't return phone calls for 4 days when I was in pain. Then they told me to start taking meds like motrin. I said I had liquid and she told me that I could take pills after 15 days after surgery. But their booklets said to crush my pills for the first 6 weeks. I have stopped taking pills because they taste so bad and no one bothered to tell me I could just swallow them. The bad news I got really got me down. I am estranged from my 3 siblings who forged a power of attorney and used it to put my mother in a nursing home in Texas against her will. Mom revoked it with an attorney, walked out of the home, decided to come live with me in CA but my siblings filed court papers against mom and me and forced mom back to Texas against her will. They have now hidden her for 18 months and I haven't talked to mom or seen her since then. It's pathetic, I had a very bad attorney at the beginning and she really screwed me over. I have a good attorney now but it's too late, he has fought and fought and my siblings who lied about the whole thing and their lies are made into truth and my truth is like lies. Pathetic. I've been to Texas 11 times in 18 months and it's never over seems like. My mother's birthday was Tuesday, her 2nd birthday I didn't get to see or talk to her, it's also been 2 Mother's days, 2 Christmas's, 2 Thanksgiving and 2 of my own Birthdays. If something happens to my mother and she dies, I may never get to see her because the corruption in the courts and my family has covered it all up. Many families have gone thru what I have experienced and their parent dies before they get to see them. I have hope in the Lord that He will make a way for me to be reunited with my mother and she with me. At least when I went to court in September I learned she was still alive. So with all that and coupled with the pain at my port - I just chilled out this week. I have done really good on my foods but I was in a plateau for 2 weeks. Now I dropped 3 lbs. I just want to start having more energy to be able to exercise more. Guess that comes with time. At least my wheezing is under control. I'm about to get really busy with my photography for Holiday and Santa Photos. Got a fashion photo shoot tomorrow with 12 models - all day long! Should be fun but I hope it doesn't wear me out. My clothes are starting to be really loose on me - so happy for that. I would appreciate all the prayers I can get to help me get a breakthrough on this horrible ordeal with my mother. I could care less if I ever see my siblings again but for me, I can sleep good at night that I have done everything in my power to have helped my mother. Thanks for the encouragement....I've been battling NOT going into that dark hole I went to a year ago. I am handling it better now that I did a year ago

Been out a few days. Reading the posts from different people I can concur the same experiences. I stalled 10 days ago haven't lost another pound. Not sure what's going on, I'm more than following the food plan to a T. Banded on Sept 13 I am on Stage 3 pureed foods but I stick with cream soups mainly. I take 1 large protein drink all morning with 48grams of protein. I am rarely hungry. The only thing I haven't increased is my walking. Got sick this last week with wheezing in my bronchial tubes. I coughed so hard I pulled some rib muscles near my port area and by Friday when i would cough I had a HORRIBLE stabbing pain next to the large incision. So if you think you are starting to get sick, go to the doctor quickly to get a handle on it. I got the coughing and wheezing under control by yesterday but I still hurt so much - don't wish this on anyone. Yesterday was my granddaughter's 3rd birthday. They had chips, dips, fruit tray, veggie tray, cold drinks,cake and ice cream. Oh Yeah = PIZZA! I took a couple of spoonfuls of guacamole since it was mashed. Took 1 small cube of cantalope, honeydew, watermelon and 1 strawberry and 2 grapes- I peeled the grapes, cut the seeds off the strawberry, cut the melons in tiny tiny pieces and chewed them good. I figure that was ok since I have had some more lumpy soups and soft egg. I had no problems with being tempted with the pizza, cake or ice cream - I visualized a cheering section cheering me on as I said NO Thank you. I also visualized myself doubled over in gas pains when I heard the word PIZZA - boy, that works!! I got extremely stressful news on Friday - devastatingly depressive news. I was so down, my first thought would be forget this all - go eat something - then I thought about WHY I did the lap band and why I am going thru this - to get healthier for ME to have a better life. In the past when I have gotten bad news, I have gone into this hole and eat myself silly but this time, I am saying NO to my old self and thoughts that would cause this - proud to say I haven't gone off the wagon. Guess What? The bad news never changed when I would eat thru the stress - this time I feel better about myself for doing this for me knowing it won't change the bad news. I crossed over a past stumbling block with victory and I can be happy with that.

Hi Alan, I was banded on Sept 13th, I've lost 14 lbs since the day of surgery and when I weighed at the doctors on Sept 28. Then I've stalled when I went on pureed foods. I am doing everything right but i haven't been able to do much exercising - just some walking. I've had more pain than others I read about. I can't say it is just that I lost because of surgery. I lost 13 lbs since mid-August pre-op and 40 lbs in the last couple of years. So this weight is not Water weight. Been stucked at 238 since Sept 28. Went to my primary care on Friday and I still weigh the same. I've been sick so I could say that might contribute but I'm frustrated regardless. I am getting between 600-900 calories per day and I am in ketosis so I should be dropping weight. I hope this kicks back in soon.

Hi Sept bandsters Been gone with my hubby up in the mountains. I did good! I did have a problem - I drove a lot and the first night I got out of our Tahoe and when bending just a little the port area really hurt and felt like it was kinked against my ribs. Ever since the skin under the port area is red. Today when we were leaving to come home it had snowed 6 inches overnight at our motel....I was jumping out to take photos and at one stop at a creek/waterfalls I went to step up on a rock and found I can't do that with my left leg because it causes that pain at the port. Think I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow. The skin under the port incision is still red and very warm. I hate the scale, I am not sure why I have lost nothing for 9 days. I doing everything and not cheating and I'm eating no more than 20 carbs per day. I measure everything!! My protein and fluid counts are good - not sure what's going on since i started this stall. I can tell I'm losing inches though. Check when I got home and I'm still in ketosis but no weight loss. Good to hear how good others are doing. Donnie, keep up the good work!

I just dream of the day I look at the scale and see 193!!! Haven't been under 200 since I got married 13 yrs ago. I got to 302 and now at 237 so I am glad with the loss. My first fill is at 2 months post op - so Nov 13. I figure if I can get used to this now and lose, then getting a fill will be different and I hope help. I am on pureed foods for another 9 days then soft mashed for 2 weeks then on to regular food. Yes I need to pick up my exercise and I will the more stronger I get. I do keep a food journal - all handwritten on forms. I will check that website out. I bought some new KetoneStix and tonight it said I am in moderate ketosis. That's why I am not getting the stall but I know it will drop. Lord knows my body has been patient with me to finally lose, now I get to be patient with my body while it decides how fast or slow it wants to go. LOL Another test - next two days my hubby wants me to go hunting with him in the mountains - there's suppose to be a rain and snow storm! I'm packing up the Protein mix and drinks - taking a few Soups already pureed, ready to heat and eat. Good thing is I will be off the scale for 2 days!! I'll check back in in a few days - Happy Sipping

So I made the trek over to the Sept 2010 banders forum - searched for plateau. I read several posts about stalling around week 3 to 6 weeks out from post-op. I even read about plateaus later like 4-6-8 months down the road too. Hey, it happens on ever diet. We are all in this together - and will get thru it to the other side. I think I was so excited about the 14 lbs I lost in the first 14 days - I thought it would at least keep going better than a stall. Anyone in a stall right now......be sure to keep your food -fluids-exercise records so that when you have a weight drop - look back on what you were doing - then post and let us know. All our bodies are different and they are adjusting so we may all get out of the plateaus differently. Hopefully sharing our experiences can possibly help someone else to kick start their weight loss out of the stall. I'm going to SIP< SIP< SIP< SIP< Happy SIPPING!

It's not good that so many of us are stalling some but it is nice to know that I am not alone. I just had to voice my frustration and am concerned I am doing something wrong or it's not kicking in. I think I will mosey over to the forum on Lap Banders from Sept 2010 and read some of their success stories and profiles on weight loss. Maybe looking back at their 1st and 2nd month I want to see what were they doing and eating to be successful (especially those successful losers!) I'm getting 68-80 Protein, up'd my fluids to 64+, low carbs and calories between 600-800. Any ideas on what I might change, I'm listening! I am walking and do core for my abs but started doing small weights with my arms. Nothing special. Just trying to get my post op strength back and it's coming. As for my overall total weight loss I have nothing to complain about - Since pre-op diet on Aug 15 to now I have lost 28lbs. The battery in my scale quit and we bought a new one but it is still acting up. Since I started my journey to lap band surgery 4 years ago (yes 4 yrs!!!) I have lost a total of 64 lbs. I had my first big test the last 2 days and not like you might think. I am a photographer and went on a 4 hour shoot about an 1.5 hour away. I drove too. As I was concerned about my pre-op habits when I do my shooting - I had a tough time remembering to keep sipping. I planned it ahead of time to get all my Proteins in early in the day. Shoot was at 4pm. Took an ice chest with 2 Atkins protein box drinks and bottled Water. It was a tough night, I was exhausted and had to quit 30 minutes early and very sore on Sunday. Then yesterday I had committed to a photo shoot but it was easier except I was exhausted again but we were done when that happened. Guess I need to keep pushing myself to get there. Both nights I had some warm pureed Clam Chowder when i got home.....ahhh it was so good. I slept like a baby both nights.

Something is wrong - Not sure what I'm doing but my weight loss has stalled when I started on pureed. I was doing great on the protein drinks. Since last Wednesday it is just stopped but it looks like maybe I have lost 1 lb. I lost 14 lbs in the first 14 days after surgery and then it just stops??? I don't get it and it is frustrating. I have picked up my walking and drinking more water (doctor said I was dehydrated) but I was still losing good with that. Has this happened to anyone???????

When were you banded? Recently? I got banded on Sept 13 and my doctor doesn't do the first fill for 2 months. My pouch is only 1-2 oz and I'm so scared I'm drinking too much and stretching it. What is the normal amount of a fill for 1st timers?

I agree with Steph it is the IV fluids from surgery. I was weighed before and after surgery and I weighed 6 lbs more. Then the next day in the hospital my stomach swelled up like I was pregnant and it has slowly gone down. I am so surprised just the last few days how much my upper stomach has gone flat. I lost 14 in 14 days so you will do great!! just keep doing it and know it will all catch up with you. My calorie intake for the 1st 2 weeks was at 600 and for the next 2 weeks it is 800. Carbs are kept to under 30.

My doctor said the healing process takes 6 weeks, some people hurt more than others, we are all different. I read on here people have have hardly any pain a couple of days after surgery but that wasn't me. So as you heal the pain will get better I promise!! I'm 17 days post op, still pain but every day is a little better - at least no pillow to cough now!!

I still have pain around the port area too. Banded on the 13th. Went to have my staples out on Wednesday and the nurse said that is usual because of the tiny incision across from my large incision - those two put a stress on the muscles and pull on them. I have 6 incisions because I had an extra 1 for the hiatal hernia repair during the same surgery. The swelling continues to go down so this bubble on my tummy is deflating! I'm hurting more today because my husband is gone hunting and I'm here with my father in law. I had to do a lot for him - up and down the stairs at least 20 times- boy I'm sore today. Plus my granddaughter spent the night too - she's 3 yrs old. I know I have to push myself and doing that I'll be tired and possibly hurt but it helps in the healing process too.

Many start Stage 1 with Protein drinks ready for post surgery. Some good, some bad, some cheap, some pricey. Let's share info on Protein Drinks to help us all. When you post about a Protein Drink and/or mix........Please include - 1) Brand Name and flavor 2) Size tub and price 3) Where you bought and if available online, please include the website. 4) Nutrition Info - amount of Protein grams per scoop, Calories, net Carbs 5) How you used the mix to make your drink/shake Thank you!

Hi Joe, Congrats on the biggest step of your life change. I was in the hospital 3 days. Your mouth is dry from the pain meds, you are nauseated and might get dizzy because of the pain meds because you have nothing in your stomach. They should get you something for nausea. Yes walk when you can. Each time I walked I got nauseated but kept going. Ask then nurse for one of the sponge sticks to wipe your mouth often. Ice chips help too. I just went to my 2 week post op and lost 14 lbs - so see what you have to look forward to. Make sure you drink a lot of fluids and get your Protein in and you will do fine. My recover was slow but everyone is different so listen to your own body and pace yourself. Best of Blessings to you!

I hate pureed but I'm dedicated to doing it. So I've been trying to figure out what to fix that I like. Here's a recipe I came up with that;s low in carbs and yummy. Chicken Alfredo Soup- I used the jar Alfredo sauce (read the labels for the lowest carb) Small piece of boiled chicken chopped in small pcs. A little cream or milk. Add to magic bullet to pureed. YUM

Banded on 9-13 and had my 2 week post-op today. I've lost 14 lbs in 14 days!!!! First lap band appt 4 yrs ago - weighed 302 Started a year ago again - weighed 261. Sept 13 Surgery - weighed 252 Today - weighed 238 They took my staples out - I cried and got lightheaded it hurt so much! Boy, I'm so glad to get them out cause they were sticking me. I haven't been getting enough fluids between the protein drinks and water so they are concerned I am dehydrated. They said if I don't start getting more fluids they will give me an IV at the hospital - YIKES - that's not for me!! I am released to start pureed foods now. Someone recommended Trader Joe's so I went by there on the way home. Got one of each soup! I bought a bunch of 2 oz metal cups (like restaurant cups for sour cream, etc.) and I filled it with 2oz of the Cream Corn soup. It was so good. Next time I'm going to blend some chicken with it in the magic bullet.

Yes, be proud of yourself everyday, every hour - tell yourself - pat yourself on the back. Do that pep talk self talk to encourage yourself. See food as the bad in-law that came to live with you a long time ago and wouldn't leave until you had surgery and said no more. It takes a lot for you to make the decision to have surgery and be proud of that......no looking back - only great days ahead. Create new life memories to reward yourself - like go get a pedicure or manicure or take a dance lesson or have a makeover and reward yourself with things not food related. For me, rewards were always food related like ice cream or cheesecake so I had to find ways to reward myself with it being food related so I could divorce myself from food.

Jmar- I looked at Persia futures - my first thought is iPhone speller - don't ya love it!! I have done that and got some crazy word combos. As for the bloatedness - Are you taking Prevacid for acid in the stomach? It will help - my hubby forgot to give it to me, and so did I - two days later I had so much air and burping then I took it and it calmed down. I go to my doctor tomorrow for my first post-op - I'm going to talk to him about my hernia too and about the Fiber. My only struggle now is getting enough fluids in my daily count. My doctor says 48-64oz of fluids and I am getting to 36-40 and no more. I keeping trying to work at it, get busy and lag on it. Think I'll try unjury down the road - I got so much now I'm set for a month or more.That Peach sounds great!!!

Yummy chocolate banana Protein Drink made today - In a 20oz Blender Bottle: 8 oz Milk 8 oz Ice 2 scoops nectar Chocolate Truffle Protein Mix 1 - 2oz Dan-O-Dino Dannon Banana Yogurt (put 2 of these for more banana taste) b shake or put in your Magic Bullet!! I don't know if a Magic Bullet will do 20 oz but you can do a smaller if you want

Wow, you go girl.........If I lived near you I'd come visit and we could sip, sip sip some soup together!!!....sounds yummy!