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At four weeks I was was on solid food. If you cannot tolerate Protein drink work on the protein in real food. Try 4 meals a day with at least 15 grams at each meal. For example for Breakfast, I used 1/4 c egg beaters, 1 tbsp bacon bits, 1/4 cup cheese scrambled. This was 17 grams of protein. for lunch I use the sliced deli meats with a cheese stick-again around 16 grams of protein. for supper-3 oz of chicken with 1/4 c of gravy-18 grams of protein. I used schredded cheese a lot to add more protein. A slider made of lean ground hambuger with melted cheese 19 grams of protein, I focused just on the protein the first few months, It took me at least 3 months to even get to 800 calories a day. Try carnation instant sugar free breakfast drink with adding dry milk for extra protein. Hang in there. There are others ways to increase protein without using Protein drinks.

It's always a good idea to talk to your surgeon when you have more pain than expected and the swelling you describe so they can confirm if you need to be seen. I had my band out in August of 2019. For me, my incision where the port was removed was larger than when it was put in. I also had a small hard section there for a while - maybe the size of a ping pong ball --- my Dr. told me they pull the tubing and all out through that area. I also recall it taking a 3 or 4 weeks before the pain went away completely but it was never significant --- I didn't need anything more than OTC painkillers.

I've been on the boards since April, researching and learning all I can about the sleeve procedure and post-op lifestyle. I've gotten such amazing support from everyone here; my questions were answered and there was always helpful information to be found. I woke up today (SURGERY DAY!!!) feeling pretty well-prepared. I've done all my classes, bought Alex's Big Book of the Gastric Sleeve (one of the best 10-dollar purchases I've ever made), read, discussed, read some more. Last night I did my bowel prep (yay), drank Water till my eyeballs floated in their sockets, polished my fingers and toes a deep "vampire red" (gotta feel pretty), and went to bed. Slept great. Yup. I woke up ready today! I decided to flip through my pre-surgery binder (something my surgeon's office provides) while I wait to head out the door. I went to the "Preparing for Surgery" section. "We recommend that you shower in the morning on the day of surgery, but do not use any moisturizers, creams, lotions, or makeup." Okay. So far, so good. "Please bring your eyeglasses and a case for them if possible." No problem--my ten dollar CVS magnifiers will be fine. "Remove your jewelry." Done. "Do not wear nail polish." *looks down at fingers* Oh, bloody damn !!! The lesson learned here is: pay attention to the details! My fingertips are now naked. (I'm leaving the toenails painted--I'm a rebel.) Good luck to all my fellow July 1st sleevers today!

Well last night was the company Holiday Party. I was in day 4 of 14 of the liquid phase before surgery. I was dreading the night, in that our parties are always food festivals. My nutritionist said to go light all day and have 2 shakes, then at the party eat lots of veggies and about 5oz of broiled/boiled fish or chicken. I had one shake. By 5pm, I was starving, wondering if I made the right decision. We are in NYC so we walked to the party site, 10 blocks away. Lo and Behold, the hunger went away. I had one half a glass of good Pinot Grigio, and none of the appetizers that were circulating. When we sat down, there was a tier tray of cold lobster, crab claws, jumbo shrimp, clams and oysters on the half shell. I ate 4 shrimp, 1 crab claw, and a mouthful of lobster, AND I WAS FULL!!! I picked at the salad the rest of the evening. I called my parents and read them the menu and asked what they wanted, ordered it, and then the kitchen boxed it up for me to take home. I had no problem picking at the veggies that came out while everyone else was eating their meal. The point I am trying to make is, that was the first time in my life I was ever full from eating so little. It was an eye opening experience and such a great feeling. Who thought that being on a liquid diet for 4 days would do that? Its giving me more support than I thought for the next 9 days, weird I know, but I am more determined to succeed on this liquid phase than I thought I would be after last nite. Thanks for letting me write the novel this morning.

Today I start introducing solid food. So excited. Going to start with tuna or tilapia. 3 weeks post-op today and I have lost 19 pounds. Walking 30 minutes a day and feeling good.

so i got my band put on august 08, and then went for my first adjustment and they thought a fistula happend, because it looked like the liquid was going around my band, so i go in for surgery to fix it in october 08 and they take the fucking thing out because it eroded through my stomac. i was in the hospital for 4 days, it was fucked up and my liver was also stuck to my stomac, so after 6 monts of thinking it over i decide to get my band back on. i got it put back on may 21 09, so im hoping this time it works, just be careful and be aware of the risks and if you really want it and if its worth it, now i have 10 scars on my stomac from having surgery 3 times, what my luck.

For me, walking for 20 minutes after eating relieves a LOT of gas. Also the slower I eat and the smaller the bites I take, the less gas I seem to have. Break your 3-4 bites into even smaller bits. Make it 10-12. Use a baby spoon! It does get better, but the gas thing is just going to be a fact of life for a while after surgery. Most important is to not get discouraged. You are in control of this journey. Focus on Protein, liquid and walking, (or whatever exercise you choose.) Don't focus on the scale. Do what you know you have to do and the results that you want will happen! It will all be worth it in the long run!

If you have serious concerns about whether you can get pregnant or not (regardless of what you weigh), you should consult with a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). He can do a series of tests to determine if you and/or your DH have any issues that would cause you problems in becoming and staying pregnant. Yes, ideally, losing 10 pounds would be nice, but I don't think it is absolutely necessary in order to become pregnant. Some OBs are clueless when it comes to fertility issues. They just really know how to treat you once you are pregnant, but don't know how to help you get pregnant. That's what a RE is for. Good luck!

That happened to me too. I got pregnant 10 years ago the same way. Nothing is perfect and I'm happy things turned out the way they did because I have a beautiful son from it!

So my surg was mon 3/19 and since i've been home im fine gettin in fluids and protein but have had some serious bowel issues. I can not stop going and its super loose(trying to save u from graphics but ultra mud water)...im not dehydrated. All mucus membranes are moist and I urinate fine. Should I worry now or later?

I lost 10 second month

Tiffy, I've been on liquid Prozac since my VS surgery 12-9-10 and want to go back to Pristique but it is time released. Should I ask the doc for a less mg or what would you suggest?

Hi I agree the first week or so is painful but it will get easier... I used a heating pad and slept in a recliner alot the first week after surgery. Today makes my 2 week postop and i just finished taking a lite walk on the treadmill. I am fatigued but i know i have to start moving at some point. Also what i found to help me with my incisions besides the heating pad is a abdominal binder. It helps me alot. I plan to use it for a while until i feel comfortable about my incisions. If possible try not to bend, twist, or lift anything above 10 lbs . Best of luck to you. I am happy to say after 2 weeks i started at 221 and now im 201.6 from my 2 week post op visit yesterday I believe the best is yet to come 2013!!! TD41

Congratulations Lynda!! I'm only ahead of you by a couple of weeks!! It's such a wonderful feeling, isnt it!?! I weighed in this morning at 192!! 10 more lbs and I'll weigh what I did on my wedding day 4 yrs ago!! So excited! My hubby still doesnt really see how much I've lost yet but he will soon!!

I'm not complaining about stalling because I would actually rather not lose super quickly so I don't have the issues with excess skin and such. However, I have hit a stall and I am only 10 days post op... Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? I am getting discouraged because I still get hungry and feel like I can eat more than I should. Please help!!

Thanks for the heads up on calcium I will add that. Getting plenty of water for sure now after last week 10-8 oz even by my bed and if I wake up I sip away. Funny that it should all of a sudden happen I go to my PCP next Friday will add this to the list of question.Happy Mom's Day

Hi, I am 33 years old and live in Harrisburg, PA. I was banded April 3, 2009. Within 30 days I was down 22 pounds and over the next few months I lost about 10 more. Then about Oct of 09 I hit a wall. I started to crave more sweets like cookies, and cakes. Things I never really ate before my surgery. Now in the last 5 months I have not lost anything, I gained like 2 pounds back. I find that now when I eat if I get full after a few bits, I then start to spread that meal or whatever Im eating out over like an hour period till I done. I use to be excited about the band but now I am not because I can not seem to help the cravings and I try to eat anything I can. I want to get back on the right track, but need some suggestions and support on what I can try to do to get back on track how I was in the beginning... Thanks!!!

I am 3 1/2 months out. I will lose weight 1 week and then stall for 7-10 days. I've been doing this since week 2. The scale continues to go down, sometimes very slowly, so I'm happy. It's just part of the process.

I was banded on 2/22/10 and everything went great !! I have been through a total of 5 fills. My last fill was on last wednesday, and like always everything went fine !! On Friday I had dinner and really felt extremely full, that night I had really bad heartburn, but by morning it went away. What didn't go away was this full feeling in my chest and stomach. I feel like there is excessive amounts of gas blocked in me. I have had this discomfort since Friday and it will not go away. I have tried Mylanta, but this stomach pain(cramping,bloated,gasy feeling) will not go away. Any help out there ???

What does your primary physician say? Have you gone to a seminar and had the opportunity to ask questions? Have you talked to others who have gone through the procedure and were successful and happy about the outcome? I'm definitely not saying that iggychic had to say isn't important, because it is. It's very important to learn all the good AND all the bad that can happen so it will help you make the best decision for YOU. Only you can make the decision. Not us, not your hubby, not your mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, or friends....only YOU. You know what's best for you and your son, You know what will work best for your weight loss. I have told only about 10 people (not including my parents, etc.). Only those I knew would support me and my decision, and they are all very excited for me (hubby, mom-in-law, sis-in-law, sis, half-sis, 1 uncle, and friends). I too have struggled all my life with my weight. I've gained, I've lost, I've gained it back....only to be frustrated over and over. Last year I started seeing my current primary. He mentioned that he wanted me to lose weight before seeing him the next year for my physical. I burst into tears and told him what a struggle it was. He said he thought I was a little depressed and prescribed welbutrin (which I LOVE) and a meeting witha psychiatrist to work out my self-esteem issues. Try as I did for a year, I would lose some, but gain it back, and only watched the days tick away until that next appointment, only to be scolded at my next appointment with him and I broke. I asked him how in the world am I supposed to be successful? I've struggled with this all my life! That's when he suggested the sleeve with the Center of Excellence and a Dr. they hospital had hired away from another hospital who was one of the first to be trained on the procedure in the U.S. In my opinion....I would talk it over with your primary. Go to the seminar, meet with the psychologist, maybe attend a support group and meet people who are in a similar situation, and really search inside for the answer that is right for you. It will take a little time, and maybe a lot of tears and guilt, but you need to do what's right for you, and what's right for the future of your relationship with your son. I send you prayers and wish you much luck with your decision. PS. My surgery is scheduled for 11/16. I'm nervous and excited all rolled into one.

Hello, My name is Trish. I started this journey in Jan. 2010. I am currently on the liquid diet..A Big Yucky lol!! I am so excited to finally have my surgery date on 9/23. I have done my preop and now just counting the days. I currently weigh 222. I started at 232 in January. I am really having a hard time with the liquid diet. I am doing it and not cheating, but I am a very picky eater and I hate drinks like slim fast, energy drinks, etc...Does any one know why the liquid diet is required before surgery? Anyway, I have 2 more days of this & then it is clear liquids...It is hard to do this & work. I am having trouble staying focused lol. Any ideas?

I'm all dressed in my gown. ..surgery at 10:30. See you on the other side!

Am 10 days post op and I get the hiccups after I ingest anything. It's not painful just annoying. I love itailain ices and they are the worst ones. any advice?

Im 4 weeks out and have 2 cup, 1 for morning and the other for afternoon with lactosfree milk. Im ok with it. Before the sleeve I have 8-10 cup a day.

Good morning! So, it’s been over 2 weeks since I’ve actually stepped on the scale. Bad? Good? Neither, more like a huge sigh of relief. My scale has been living my life for me for the last 6 years. It has defined who I was, and it was the precursor on how I would feel that day. I go up a few pounds? Bad day and everyone around me look out! I go down a few pounds? The world is a beautiful place and everyone and everything are super duper!! Why is this? In the very beginning of my Sleeve journey (not my pre-band and not my band journey) I was only weighing in once a week. Every Wednesday I would jump on the scale and see how my week went. Pretty much every single time I stepped on I was down at least a few pounds. Awesome! Some weeks it would drop huge numbers, sometimes only one pound. They were all fine with me – if you only knew what I went through with my band, you’d know that for ME EVERY SINGLE POUND lost WAS A BLESSING!! For the record that has not changed. I’ll tell you what has changed. How often I was stepping on that scale. Over time my weigh-ins would increase. From a few times per week, then up to a few times per day. For me, this really started to mess with my mind! In the beginning it was no big deal. But the closer I started to get to some very huge weight milestones I started to really let it affect my mood. NOT GOOD!! I did always promise that if it did affect me negatively then I would take a step back and not do it anymore. …and that leads me to today. Today I have not weighed in two weeks! I think this is for sure the longest I’ve gone since my sleeve surgery. I think I’m almost ready to get back on. *Almost*. Wednesdays have always been my weigh day – but I may change that. Before my sleeve I always liked to weigh in on Fridays. I think I may go back to that. The reason for this is during my workweek I am excellent!! I do my workouts, I eat perfect – I’m just really on point during these days. It’s always nice to see the fruits of my labors at pretty much the end of this. The weekends are a lot harder to manage. Hubby and I are always really busy and whatnot, it’s just not as structured. I’d rather not see the bounces if at all possible. Is this avoiding the truth? Who cares??? My sanity is at stake here!! LOL!! IMO as long as the scale is going down, I’m happy. Even if it’s one little pound – ya know that’s still ONE POUND closer to GOAL!! Gotta love that. Especially since I’ve only got about 30 or so to go. Most folks tell me that I don’t look like what I weigh. Awesome! I wish I did though. I would most likely at this point just try to wiggle myself into maintenance mode at this point. However, the fact is I DO still weigh what I do (199.6 at last check) so I still have a little bit to go. I was going to go for the maximum weight according to the ridiculous BMI charts. For me that would be 154 Lbs being that I’m 5’6”. Knowing this I’d still have 45.6 Lbs to lose. Ummm… no. I’m already fitting in some 10’s and mostly all 12’s now. My 14’s are pretty much ready for donation but I’m wearing them until they fall off me… LOL… which is not too far from now. Who knows what size I’ll be in 30-35 more Lbs. I will surely be done by then. Anyway like my title said, My Scale Does Not Define ME!!! I do. Blessings to all on your journeys. I know this is long winded – but that’s how I do things...