hugs4you1971

I'm nervous. I've gained all my pre band weight back then then some. I was thinking about getting the sleeve if my insurance allows me to get it. I HATE the band and regret it. I need all the person experience with the sleeve good and bad...PLEASE any advice.

Thank you both for your responses. Please continue to keep me posted...

I'm a patient at BMI. I live in Joliet. I have started a yahoo group so we can all support each other through email if you are interested let me know. I know I need all the support I can get. I'm 4 plus months out and it's going slow...

WOW sounds like me!! I lost 13 pounds pre op was feeling full of energy and not hungry even though the pre op was strict for me. I knew it was only 2 weeks so I got through it. Then I had surgery Aug 25th. Lost an additional 9 pounds that week. Two weeks later haven't lost a pound. I've gained three!! I was 230 when I started and now I'm 211. Was 208 the week after surgery. I'm on soft protein only diet. No veggies, no fruit. No carbs...thinking I have to eat another piece of chicken, or an egg sometimes makes me ill. I'm struggling and when I don't lose and gain..that playes with my self control and wondering can I really do this!! Glad i'm not alone..btw I get my first fill Sept 25th and can't wait!!

First I have to give you a cyber hug!! I was banded Aug 25th. 19 days post op. The first two weeks I was in the what did I do to myself stage. I kept reminding myself that i was in the pain etc stage and this will pass and I won't remember in time. I kinda laughed at myself a lot...thinking wow have I gone through an extreme measure this time to lose weight it better work!! I've tried so many ways to lose weight this time I've lost my mind...lol. Day 14 I can honestly say I was feeling much better...could walk at my normal pace again no more pain meds to sleep. All our Dr's have a different plan for us. For me, as soon as I reach 75% of my goal I can add everything back into my diet...that makes me happy to know this stage isn't forever!!! I have to say it's been nice to have my husband to complain too,but this site has been wonderful. I don't comment to often but I have read a lot. So when you need support email one of us or use the chat feature that helped me too. If you need a friend I'm here we can do this together...hugs!!

Hello Friends, I'm so glad I read this. I got my realize band on August 25th. Pre op I lost 13 pounds, post 9. Total 22 pounds. The 9 pounds was a week after surgery and since then I'm gaining!! This morning came another pound making it 3 pounds now. Doesn't sound like a lot but, I'm eating Protein only and small amounts. Drinking my Water and following the rules my dr gave me. I was in tears this morning. This happens when I diet I hit a wall. I'm thinkig I can't be doing this already!! After reading your comments I feel better. Also, I'm on a birth control to regulate my periods etc so I wonder if I'm retaining water from that. I've only been on them a short time. I get my first fill Sept 25th. Now if what you're telling me that I'll start dropping after then I'm happy to hear that and i'll relax...thank you!!! HUGS!!

I was banded Aug 25th two weeks and one day ago!! Just now I'm feeling like I have energy back. All our Dr's are different. My dr required first three days liquids, then pureed till day 10 now I've started with real solid protein. I lost 22 pounds in three week. Since last week not one pound! I'm hardly eating as well I get full. What I did the first few days was made sure I was getting enough protein in me so that I had my nutrients in me and water. I was dehydrated and felt awful. I ended up buying a protein powder from GNC that had 60 grams of protein in one serving. I thought if I can get my days worth in one meal, I wouldn't stress so much about not eating. We all are different but I'm slowly now getting hunger pains back. The first 10 days I hardly ate a thing. Give it time you'll adjust. As for the not losing weight...I'm trying to not be frustrated but it's like what the heck...next week if I don't lose I'll really be upset...I'm walking and eating right...a friend reminded me I have to do the work now...my band is only a tool...

Hello I'm Michelle and 10 days post op today. Dr Lahmann was my dr. He is so kind and gentle. Id love to start a support group for Dr Lahmann and Joyce patients. This site is great but each Dr has their own protocol and sometimes it's hard to know if you're doing what your own dr would want you to do. If anyone is interested let me know I'll get it started. Hugs, Michelle

I'm 3 days post op. Thought I've been doing well. I was on liquids at first and then on to pureed foods. Today I have wretched a few times, thinking it's stuck burps? I'm winded and tired. My nurse said I need more protein and fluids. It's so hard to have protein when I feel I have a brick in my stomach. I thought I was doing everything right till today...tomorrow I'll have just liquids kinda start over...will the stuck burp feeling go away?:frown:

Hello, I too was banded on the 25th. I go back to work this Thursday. I'm hoping I'll be ok. I get winded after I shower and weak. I emailed the nurse at my dr's office she said I wasn't getting enough Protein and fluids. It's hard when you're not hungry. Sunday I went and bought a Protein Powder that in one serving it has 60 grams to help me get my nutrients in my system. Taste is good, but I think it's running havoc on my stomach. I'm getting a bit frustrated. I walked my 20 minutes this morning. Rest for a while. Then wanted to go to the store hours later. I was so tired I couldn't shop!!! WHAT The heck!! I got what I needed and had to leave. I was so exhausted from driving there and walking around. I so hope this gets better. Before surgery I had so much energy now, all I want to do is sit or sleep. For pureed foods, since eggs don't have to be pureed lots of different ways to cook them. I've also not pureed my tuna. Tonight I had salmon it was so small of a patty and I couldn't finish it, but it was a variety. 12 grams of protein! So glad to hear that you are doing so well...

I was banded the 25th...how are all of you doing post op now? I've had a few moments of what did i do...the burps are getting stuck and I end up feeling ill and wretching to get them out..this evening I wanted to walk, I got light headed and ill ended the walk and ended up wretching when I got home...I've had two protein shakes today...not really hungry should have a third...I don't want to force myself but I'm so winded and tired...I've been told it gets better with time...

Thank you all...this site is so helpful. What I'm concered about is the Dr wants me to have 60 grams of protein a day how can I possibly do that..I'm losing weight kinda fast right now, I'm concerned I will get saggy...also I don't want to lose my hair. My dr actually had a vitamin made that has everything we need and we buy it through him. So I know I'm getting all the vitamins I need just over worried maybe? Thank you so much!!!

Sorry to hear that you have to hear this. It's amazing how some people don't have filters, can't control their mouth. To bad you couldn't say back, if you promise you won't wear one either!! Congrats on being healthier...HUGS!!

Dr Lahmann performed my surgery 8/25/2009. I also have to agree with your opinion. He's a great guy!!

Sorry I worked half a day today then had that class then had to take my daughter school clothes shopping. I've not encountered any of the 10 lbs and they've not said anything when I went to the consent appt about not losing it. They've not said anything to me about that. I seen a dr here in Joliet for my psych evaluation. He was good too. Today's class was very overwhelming. To much information at one time. Thankfully they give it to you in a CD and my husband will read it and help me processes it all. Also, I was doing slim fast...well BADDDDD They don't tell you that you can only have 10 carbs per Protein shake on the list they give us..I was drinking 25-40 carbs in one can~~~ I just stocked up too...cheese is also something they consider as protein so that was nice...they are very strict after too...trying to take one day at a time.... Thanks for answering all my questions so quickly. It is so helpful to have someone to ask the nagging questions that pop-up. Thus as the success of this site! There is power in networking, and comfort in knowing you have lots of company on this trip! I was asking about the ten pounds that right from the orientation Dr. Lehmann said he demands from everyone. Cherish Jany (their program co-ordinator) also talked about that when I went to the nutrition meeting. She also said that the 6 lbs I had lost from my 1st meeting Dr Lehmann did not count. I'm beginning to wonder if it is the liquid diet weight loss that they are talking about? If you don't mind me asking, but who did your psych eval? I went to Minooka and saw Dr Laura Jansons. I am so happy that I did too. She was AWESOME, and so very informative, I learned so much. I can't say enough about her, and highly recommend her. While I was talking to her she recommend that I get a book called "Beck Diet Solution". She said I would find it a great resource even after surgery. Dr. L said it was for anyone trying to lose weight, and that it is a no-nonsense book that doesn't try to honey coat the experience, I wonder if anyone has read it from this forum?? Anyway, I respect Dr.L's opinion enough that I will be ordering it on line as soon as I find it, In the mean time you can check out her web site:

Thank you so far I'm hanging in here...it's not been easy. I so want to be healthy though... I use to be thin about 5 years ago and have a ton of clothes that I want to wear again...I should go through them and see what sizes I can fit asap... Hope you have a good day!!

I'm currently doing my pre op two week diet. Aug 25th is my big day. At this moment I'm scared and excited. Sometimes I think what am I doing, and then I think I want to be healthy. My dr had required a very strict two week pre op diet. So last tuesday is started. Two Protein shakes to replace two meals. One meal can be 4oz of protein and 1/2c of a non starch veggie. Not to eat in between meals. If you happen to be hungry you can have two s/f popsicles, two s/f Jello and broth. I have since lost 7 pounds. I have read many posts and my dr seems to be strict and for so long. He wants me to lose as much liver fat before surgery. My BMI is 41. Hoping to find a few band friends to get me through this and hoping I can be a support for you too.. Hugs, Michelle

I can hardly figure this site out I have a picture on my profile and have no clue why it's not showing here... I can send you a private message maybe and give you my full name?

Joining this site it a good first start. I've not posted a lot but have read a lot. First you have to say to yourself why are you doing this? To be healthy and enjoy life. Being thin taste better then food! Having said that I'm pre op surgery set for Aug 25th. I too am scared and nervous. They say this is very normal!!! At your first dr's appt he'll talk over with you the different types of surgeries. I personally only wanted lap so that is all we talked about. I knew before I met with him that insurance was possibly going to cover this. My approval came back in like 3 weeks. I was shocked so fast I thought I'd have to appeal it. You have to be mentally prepared and ready for this. Read as much as you can, get as much support from family and friends that helps a lot. Find a local friend that has had this so you can call them and ask a silly question when ever you need too. Ask yourself why you're wanting this...and make it good so you won't fail...you have to do this only for you..know one else!! Good Luck, Your New friend, Michelle:thumbup:

I'll be banded Aug 25th and i'm interested in your FB site..

Hello My New Buddy, Im not sure to be honest lol just told I had to do it. Im thinking it's one that tell us how to eat etc. My insurance didn't require a lot for me to do. Sometimes I feel uneducated but I have read so much that I hope I'm OK. Once all three Dr's gave their reports of all clear I was good to go. I called about a week after the last appt. Again I didn't have to wait any specific time once my appt's were all done etc. I could set surgery. Dr Lahmann is doing mine. He is so funny. How am I feeling? Honestly at times I'm thinking what am I doing..I'm scared and nervous. My sister, her sister in law had this done in Feb she has lost 46 pounds since then. She is a great source for me. She is honest and I can ask her anything! You say lose my 10 pounds. Who required you to lose that? I haven't heard this one... The dr puts us on a very strict diet two weeks before surgery..and it's very hard. I have lost 7 pounds since Tuesday and that was weighing myself this morning. Hed like us to reduce the fat around the liver if we stay with this diet he said we could lose 30% of the fat around the liver. I guess the higher your BMI is the hard the fat is. This diet is hard I'm not going to lie to you. I can help you when you get there on tips I've been doing to try and manage. He does NOT want us to cheat while on this. If we do he will cancel surgery. Then I read others don't have to do this...Im confused why he is so strict... Please ask away nice to help someone for once instead of my asking..lol Hugs, Michelle Hiya Hugs, Oh boy, you are going soon! What class is this that you are doing? When did they finally give you a surgery date? Which doc is doing your surgery, and how are you feeling? Did you already loose your 10 lbs? ( ok,catch your breathe Cheryl...) Guess I've asked enough questions of you, and thanks for responding. I was hoping there would be a few of us on this great forum!

Hello I'm a patient of Dr Joyce and Layman. I live in Joliet. I'll be having surgery Aug 25th. I'm currently on the two week pre op diet. Have a class tomorrow for a few hours. Michelle

I'm having surgery August 25th. OMG I started the pre op diet today. It's two protein shakes replacing two meals, one meal can be 4 oz of protein and 1/2 c non starch veggie. sugar free popcicles and jello and broth if I'm hungry..and Oh am I. I didn't get this weight from eating like this!! :-) I'm trying to keep positive but wow is this hard...any helpful suggestions would be great!!