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I was allowed to eat 3 meals and 2 Snacks. Very low carb and no processed. High Protein with veggies. No fruits 10 days prior to surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Their concern is likely the fear of addiction transfer. A fair amount (I've seen numbers saying around 10%) of people after surgery develop drinking problems. So she's probably looking at if from the standpoint of occasional drug use (even if it's just weed) and a previous phase of uncontrolled drinking. Just remember that they are looking out for your well being. You can find another pysch to go to for a second opinion, but if you feel you have real issues to address now is the time to do it. Don't simply go looking for somebody to sign off without seriously taking into consideration of what is best for you long term.

I still can't eat very much food. A kid's meals can make two meals for me. Sometimes I have a chicken leg and a small serving of mashed potatoes and I can't finish it. It has been 14 months since my Band and I have lost 116 pounds. Have about 50 more to go. Sometimes I think my Band is too full, since I do PB at least 2-3 times a week. I try to eat soft foods for lunch since it is very difficult for me to eat anything in 30 min. At dinner it sometimes takes me 2-3 hours to complete my very small portion of food. However, I am usually never hungry. I do not know how much Fluid is in my Band since my Dr. does not disclose that information. He says everyone is different, so he does not want his patients comparing that info in the waiting room. With that being said I would not change a thing. I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat. I read 5 books on the subject before my surgery and followed every rule there was. I did not want to take a chance of being one of the statistics that do not succeed. I am so glad I did. As some else said, it is a very short time. I can not believe it is over 14 months for me. Life just keeps happening and one day turns into a week then a month then a year. Before you know it, you will wonder what the fuss was all about. For me I need a Knee Replacement, however my Dr. thinks I can wait 10 years. My pain was at a Level 10 before my Lap-Band and now it is a 2 on most days with the worse being a 5. I am so thankful for the surgery, I have gotten my life back.

its been like 10 days i guess ill call monday and see what i can find out i hate waiting

Surgery date was 8/29/11. Had my post op visit with doctor on Tuesday. I have another checkup on 9/22. My first fill will be 10/13. I was extremely excited to move from liquid stage to Mush.

I saw my cardiologist yesterday. He was thrilled with my progress and agreed that I can be weaned off my High Blood Pressure medication! He is hoping that my leaky aortic valve with stablize too in the next few months! Don't have to visit him again for 6 more months! My weight loss is slow and steady, averaging about 10 pounds per month. I am feeling SO GOOD! Yay for me!!!

I was sleeved 10/27 and I only had a one night stay in the hospital. I had not complications and no nausea. I did have gas bubbles really bad the first time I tried chicken broth. I got really car sick on the way home but I didn't throw up. When I go home I felt really overwhelmed and had second thoughts about going home so early. I was able to sleep off my doubts but it wasn't until today that I started to feel less weak and more normal. I have been able to get in my yogurt, milk, and Water. I haven't had any nausea with any of the food I've tried on my full liquid diet. My pain level has definitely diminished but I still have JP drain in which tugs sometimes uncomfortable. I get that taken out tomorrow which I'm excited about. All and all, I'm feeling less helpless and more like this was the right decision. Plus 5 lbs lost in 4 days isn't bad! How is everyone else doing?

I had surgery 10/15 and I still find myself lacking in energy. I take my Vitamins, eat Protein but could do better and drink liquid but could be better, however, before surgery I always had a TON of energy. I just don't have that kind of energy I use to have and I don't know what to do. I even find it hard to get motivated to work out when before surgery I was always committed and go at least 5 days a week. Is anyone else feeling this way?

I had my surgery on 10/8 3 1/2 weeks out. My highest weight 238, surgery weight 230. Current weight 220. I seem to be loosing about 2.5 lbs per week so far. It seems like I would loose more with as little as I'm eating but I have always been a very slow looser. Although I never could loose like this in one week. It would take me twice as long, & starving at the same time. I have just a slight feeling of hunger when I haven't ate in 5 hrs. I have no trouble eating anything, but keep the amounts only at 1/2 cup at a time 2x a day. I have a Protein shake with fat free milk in the morning. I'm walking everyday but for only 30min. I feel great, getting energy back & no pain. I still have a little bloating & have to add miralax every other day to my Water to keep things moving. I get at least 60g of protein a day & 64oz of water. Hopefully I'm doing everything right!!

It could be that your husband sees you every day so it's a little harder to notice. That's one thing about diets/losing weight in the past, it was too hard for people i was around all the time to notice unless I didn't see them for a few days. Just know the scale is moving and you are losing. I would also recommend taking measurements with a measuring tape because that will clarify your loss there too. My surgery was 10/23 and I'm still having a little left over pain in my abdomen, I only need pain meds at the end of the day when I've done a lot of walking, which i have been doing the last 4 days. I haven't had any dumping but my Protein drink made me really sick the one time I had it, so i know im not getting my protein in. I start lunch meats tomorrow so I'm hoping to start making up a little of the protein. I even had a sweet tea (with very light sugar) 2 days in a row to help with my fluids and i was okay. What did you dump on? Congrats on the weight loss, that's pretty awesome. I was 353 on surgery day so we aren't too far from each other.

My Story. Well, if that isn't a loaded title I don't know what is. I have so many stories. I guess since this is a weight loss forum, I should start with the story of my weight. That tale shakes out more like a timeline, really. Childhood: Chubby kid. Recall dieting with my mom as early as the third grade. High School: Got down to about a size 8-10. Used Jenny Craig or Nutri Systems. . . Can't even remember which one. Most of College: Gained it all back and then some. Darn those Provolone grilled bagels at the Coates Center and Queso and Tortillas from TC's. Senior Year: Jenny Craig again. Modest weight loss, but this time it seemed to stick. And then there was Law School (i.e. the best diet ever for a Type A student who suddenly found herself in over her head academically for the first time): Nothing will send a metabolism into overdrive like pure fear of failure. Combine that with living in a remote town with only 1 fast food restaurant and no more student dining and waaalaa (really not sure how you spell that) the weight just sort of started falling off. I was a solid size 8, sometimes even a 6, by the time I graduated. The Wedding: You'll no doubt have noticed that I never really mentioned exercise up to this point. I never really did any, either, until the year of my judicial clerkship, which actually coincided with my engagement. That year I spent in an even more remote town where the only local that I had anything at all in common with happened to be a former CPA who decided to open a gym after her own weight loss journey. So I started working out. . . a lot. I had a 9-5 job and a long distance relationship. What else was there to do? I used a food and exercise journal (maybe a little too religiously) and by the wedding, I was 124 pound, hiking up my size 4 Vera Wang, which I really should have had altered one more time, and loving it. Its a good typing I got pictures, but my kids barely recognize me in them. My 30s: Big city private law practice with its 12 hour days spent mostly behind my desk and its ready access to a constant stream of icy cold diet dr. peppers, we not kind to me on a number of fronts, one of which was my figure. After 10 years of relatively steady weightless or maintenance, 30 found me up a few pounds and pregnant with my first child. Every pound made me want to cry, and believe me there were many to cry over. Its like my body craves weight during pregnancy. I can gain 10 pound before that second line will even think about appearing on that stick. My boy was born, and I went back to Jenny Craig. Third times the charm? Well, not so much in my case. I think I got back down to 180 or so, but then there was the next pregnancy, and the next. I miscarried those babies at about 13 weeks, but I still found, and kept, a few pounds with each. Then there was the adoption weight. . . . who knew the stress of adopting would pack on the pounds like that. Then, when my beautiful daughter was only 6 weeks old, I discovered I was carrying her baby brother. At that point I was 208 which, miraculously, I managed to get back down to by the time I left the hospital with him. They call my OB the Weight Nazi for good reason. Then, just as I had hired a trainer and was headed for a healthier lifestyle, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, my dad with MS. As an only chid and a mother of a then 5 year old, one year old and a 6 month old baby, I switched into crisis mode, quit my job and became the worlds most over-educated chauffeur. My babies spent their first couple of years strapped into car seats as we drove NaNa and Pops from one doctors appointment to another. Her chemo therapy sessions were long 12 hour days and she was hospitalized more than once. He spent 6 weeks in a rehab hospital and ultimately lost the use of his legs. You can't believe how many prescriptions they had between them. And I managed it all. I also gained about 40 more pounds in the process. Please do not get me wrong. It was worth it. My mom is enjoying full remission from a disease that everyone said would kill her, and my dad is stable in an assisted living facility if not enjoying the retirement we had hoped for him. My kids are smart and beautiful at 3, 4 and 8, and it is time that I turn this weight issue around once and for all. So, I have decided to get the gastric sleeve procedure. A colleague of my husband had it a few years back and has enjoyed amazing results. I know it is not a quick fix, merely a tool, but I have decided that I owe myself that jump start after all I have been through over the past 3 years. I know that I can stick to a program once I get good and into it. I just need to make sure that, this time, I am not derailed by life's unexpected tragedies. I have enlisted the help and support of my dear friend who has found her second career as a dance fitness instructor, and I am looking towards a brighter future where I can keep up with my kids, at least a little better, and shop for clothes in regular stores. My surgery date is August 7.

Hi! I am new to the band this website too. I was banded April 7th and was becoming really doubtful right before my surgery. In my opinion, there are many more GOOD stories than bad ones. I've only had my band for 10 days but personally-it has really helped me lose weight. I have not been "filled yet" but for some reason (whether it is mental or not) I have had restriction. I am on a 2 week liquid diet post-op and so far I have lost 19 pounds and 45 pounds total! A lot of it is willpower but I think that knowing you have a "tool" really helps.

I would like to lose another 25 pounds but at this point if I don't I am now going to worry about it as long as I maintain the weight I am currently at. I went from a 26 to a 14. A size 10-12 would be good. I had lost 28 pounds more two years ago, it just fell off after hitting a plateau for a year and then it came back and here I am and this is where I have been for two years now. Thanks for your comments.

It's day 5, and things really are getting easier, thank you guys so much for the support! Yesterday was definitely the worst day so far, with me having to be at work for 16 hours straight (im a nurse) and see my co workers and clients eating. I also had to make dinner for the unit! Rough day, but if i can make it through that day, any other day should be manageable only 10 days to go!!

Today is my day one of the liquid diet, and it also marks 2 weeks before my surgery! So far I'm doing pretty good, but then again it;s only 10:48am on day 1 lol. Anyone have any good liquid diet tips? Any specific broth people prefer? <3

Excellent decision, Shar. I'll be 60 in June and was banded April 10. Why the heck didn't we do this years ago?? Oh well, better late than never. We still have many thin years ahead of us! Won't it be wonderful??:biggrin1:

Hey guys thanks so much. I just want to say I'm home. I came out the hospital the next day and I feel about 80% well and to add to that I loss 10 lbs yayyyy me

Ok, well there was a study done, and for those going into sleeve surgery without GERD, approx. 10% will develop it. Not so bad of odds I guess... Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

I am going to get banded on April 21st (supposed to be on April 7th) :glare:; however, the ENT put me on Prednisone for 10 days due to chronic sinus infection. Will I gain weight using the steroids for 10 days? Thanks,

I am now into my second week of the pre-op trying to shrink that liver before my 10/18 surgery! I don't mind the fast so much except I do have moments when I feel very weak. I think the shakes will be so much better with skim milk! My treat is V-8. We are allowed 12 oz/day, but a couple of days when I felt especially I weak have had double that. That is my only "cheat". Trying to get things lined up for when I am in the hospital. Got some meals ready for my son (senior in HS) and tomorrow I am getting a pedicure. Also getting a perm today. Don't want to be worrying about my hair in the first couple of post-op weeks. Also, given how damaging surgery can be to hair, I figured it would be better to do this pre-op! I think I am ready. A little scared, a little worried. Binging has been a ritual. How much will I miss it? I have already lost about 30 pounds since February so I am trying to think about how great losing 100 more will feel. This is a big investment in MYSELF and I am ready to make it!

Hi Kate i had my WLS because i had tried any all "diets" hate that word. I also lost a zillion lbs over and over, and then gained the weight back + congrats on loosing your weight again through proper eating & exercise if you think this is the time you can keep the weight off, thats great - no WLS necessary but...............if once again you are afraid you might regain the weight, the WLS sleeve is for you IMO the sleeve gives you alot of help to loose your weight, but.............you have to work with the sleeve by eating properly, small portions, following many rules, esp Water drinking before, during and after meal good luck DOS 12/15/11 235 lbs 10/15/12 145 lbs down 90 lbs want 10 more so i can join Lissa and others in the Century Club good luck on your decision

I was banded by Dr. Ali on 4/22/10. He did a great job -- I had absolutely ZERO pain. Very small scars. He's also a very kind and compassionate person, with great bedside manner. And unlike some surgeons I've read about on this forum, he is patient and understanding during the "bandster hell" time, when you don't have good restriction yet. He has always been very supportive and positive. He give nice generous fills: my first was 5.5 CCs and the second was 1.5. This has put me at perfect restriction. I am thrilled with my band and would recommend Dr. Ali to anybody.

WELL PEOPLE I HAD MY SURGERY ON JUNE 25TH. SURPRISINGLY I REALLY WASNT THAT NERVOUS JUST READY TO GET IT OVER WITH. THE PAIN WASNT AS BAD AS I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE JUST VERY ANNOYING BECAUSE IM A PRETTY ACTIVE PERSON. I WOULD TRY TO GET UP TO DO SOMETHING AND THE PAIN WOULD KNOCK SOME SENSE INTO ME THEN I WOULD PROCEED SLOWLY LOL. I HAVE MY GOOD DAYS AND MY BAD DAYS. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES THE OTHER DAY I WAS EXCITED ABOUT THAT.I THINK THE MOST ANNOYING THING HAS BEEN THE CHEST DISCOMFORT. I OFTEN FEEL REALLY BLOATY AND GASY IT SORT OF FEELS LIKE THERE IS A HUGE BURP STUCK IN MY CHEST THIS HAS BEEN DRIVING ME CRAZY. WELL IM LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD AND STARTING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE, I CANT WAIT UNTIL I CAN START WORKING OUT. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT:thumbup:

I havn't seen much on this, I'm wondering if anyone was given orders on what not to lift or how much for how long after surgery. I have a 10 month old baby at home so I'm wondering how long I will need help with him. He weighs about 20lbs.

Is it "cheating" to get chemotherapy if you have cancer? Obesity is a disease and we *know* that diet and exercise doesn't work against it. This has been documented over and over since as early as WWII. The only effective and durable solution we have for obesity at this time is WLS. Now it would be great if modern science could come up with other solutions. But so far they haven't. Diet pills only work while you take them and even then the average EWL is only 20%. WW did a study where they found the average EWL was only 10% and that was only looking at people 1 year out. Not 5 or 10 or 20 years out. One study showed that 2 years out 5% of the people who got to goal had kept off more than 50% of their EWL. So now people say "diets work for 5% of the people". But that's not really accurate. First of all, it was only 5% who got to goal... in most diets less than half get to goal. Secondly, it was only for 2 years and some of them were already gaining back. They just hadn't gained back more than 50% yet. Heck, I kept of more than 50% of my EWL once for 2 years. It took me 8 years to gain it all back, with change. So I'm a Dieting Success!! Except not. That's why I eventually realized that I couldn't keep going on like this and I had to do something that worked. WLS allows you to be satisfied (not hungry) on much less food. Before WLS I was *never* 'satisfied'. I was either "not hungry but stuffed' or 'hungry'. Now I am satisfied all the time and only hungry when I go too long without eating. That's the difference between WLS and dieting and why one works and one doesn't.