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Drink what feels comfortable. Don't take big gulps, and you'll be fine. Fluids basically go straight through you. You're not going to stretch your sleeve. If you drink to fast, you'll feel uncomfortable and that is your signal to slow down.

So, I had my VSG a week ago today, and I had to spend an extra day in the hospital b/c I couldn't keep anything down. So, fast-forward to today. I start 60g. of Protein on Thursday, and I don't know how I am going to do it. I am barely getting the 40g that I am required right now. I get really tired and take naps, and in turn I have a hard time drinking the protein I need to. Not to mention, here in Texas it is already 95 degrees, so venturing outside to walk is :cursing:. So, needless to say, I am starting to get worried. I need to get back to work, but I really need to get my diet in order as well. How am I going to get back to work and meet my requirements, if I can't do it at home? :001_unsure: I guess my mind is really going crazy. On top of everything else, I haven't had dinner with my family in 3 weeks. I guess I am looking for a sense of normalcy. :thumbup:

They gave me a small plastic spoon in the hospital to eat with. I hate eating with plastic spoons. So I bought one made out of metal which was the same size. That is what I eat with. It helps to slow down my intake because I am a fast gobbler. I am now 3 years post-op. And that is what I still use.

The pre-op was the hardest part in my opinion. I had a relatively easy post so maybe that's why I feel that way. The positive side to the pre-op is getting your head in the game and therefore you are better prepared for the post-op phase, again, MY opinion. WLS provides the tool to do the job, the tool has to be put to work, by the owner. Some people don't realize they cannot expect to lose 100s of pounds in a couple of months without effort on their part. Don't get on the scale everyday and don't get frustrated by comparing yourself to others - every ones journey is different. There are a multitude of factors that play into how much you lose, how fast you lose, where you lose... Good luck Newbies! Enjoy the ride!

I'm a fast eater also. There is an app you can download called "Eat Slower" or something like that. I used it a lot at first. Now at 11 months out, I'm back to eating pretty fast. It's a hard habit to break for sure!

That's amazing. I have type 2 (insulin dependent) and I figured over time I'd come off, no idea it happened that fast. Congratulations!

Haha...I love it! If you really wanted people to get the message, you could set it up so you have to give your little bariatric pet sips and bites. And then give them Oregon Trail type messages like: "Oops, you gave your pet too many sips, too fast! He's taking nausea medicine and praying he doesn't throw up." "Your pet didn't take enough sips today. He has a headache and feels weak."

@ lisacaron, thank you so much. I think that is the best advise I have received in a while, I will start liquid tomorrow and see how it goes. It makes sense what you said about mechanics I do tend to not pay attention to the size of bites I am taking and how fast I am eating. I am embarrassed to say this but I go to restaurants a lot with family and friends and I swear everyone looks at me like a crazy person due to the lack of food I eat. I try to eat at a normal persons pace and it just doesn't work for me. Nobody knows about my lapband other than my husband.

I know many pre-op patients have questions about the process. Each one of us is different but I thought I'd share my experience around the surgery and recovery in case it is beneficial to anyone preparing to undergo VSG. Based on my BMI, my doctor put me on a one-week pre-op liquid Protein diet. This consisted of three Protein shakes a day and otherwise Clear liquids. The first couple of days were tough, but by day 3-4 my system had gotten over its carb withdrawal and I tolerated the diet fairly well. I also used this time to wean off of caffeine since my surgeon didn't allow any for 8 weeks post surgery. During the pre-op diet phase I dropped 8 pounts, from 285 to 277. On my surgery day, I arrived at the hospital fairly early. The nursing staff prepared me (IV, gown, support stockings, etc.) and I met briefly with the surgeon and anesthesiologist. I was wheeled into the very cold operating room. Shortly thereafter I was given the IV anesthetic and was fast asleep. I woke up in the recovery area. This was easily the most uncomfortable part of the process as I was coming out of general anesthesia, hooked up to everything and now had a wonderful (not!) urine catheter placed. As I came out of the fog, I remember trying unsuccessfully to negotiate with the nurse to remove the catheter as it was very uncomfortable. After 20-30 minutes in this area I was moved to a wheelchair (a surprisingly challenging endeavor) and was wheeled to my room. Once in the room the PCA pump was attached. This helped greatly with my comfort level. I was also allowed to start sucking on ice chips. I did experience some gas pains but they were manageable. The nursing staff got me up to walk within a couple of hours. My particular facility was absolutely wonderful. It is a small satellite surgery facility of a large hospital and is in the same building as the surgical practice. I think most of the patients are part of the weight loss surgery program. On my particular surgery day I think my nurse had two patients, so I was able to get as much attention as I needed. One key item they were monitoring was my blood sugar which was running low. This was surprising as prior to surgery I was a Type-II diabetic with a normal glucose of 115-120. They gave me IV glucose a couple of times and were monitoring it closely. I progressively felt better throughout the day and evening and walked a few more times. There wasn't much sleeping as it seemed like every 10 minutes someone was in the room to do something. The day shift nurse had been bringing me ice chips in a small medicine cup. The night shift nurse brought a large cup of them with a spoon (what an angel!) By about 3am I was able to get myself out of bed and move to a nearby chair, managing all of the lines and connections carefully. I found that the more mobile I was the better I felt. At 5am I was told that we needed to begin preparing for my discharge. This involved giving me a glass of ice Water which I sipped on. It also involved removal of the catheter and the surgical drain, both of which were momentarily painful. I did feel better after that though. One more walk, a visit from the surgeon and his assistant, and I was discharged a little more than 24 hours after arrival. We stopped at the downstairs pharmacy for the liquid narcotic pain medication. At home, day 1 post-op involved mostly sleeping and relaxing. I had to sleep in a recliner for a couple of days to limit suture pain. I used the narcotic pain med a couple times that day. I began sipping and walking, encountering a little pain but nothing unbearable. By day 2 post-op I was feeling much better. On day 2 I stopped the narcotic pain meds and switched to liquid Tylenol. I had been told I could drive as soon as I was off the narcotics, so switching to liquid Tylenol meant I wasn't tied to the house. By that evening I felt well enough to drive myself to a meeting of an organization I'm involved with. Moving slowly but without much pain, it was nice to get out a little. I noticed I had real challenges with capacity of my new stomach for the first couple of days. It seemed like it would only hold a couple of sips or maybe a teaspoon of broth. On day 3 this got better, and by day 4 I was able to drink liquids and even broth and Soup without much restriction. I think this was the post-op swelling going down a little. My surgery was on a Tuesday and I came home Wednesday morning. My first venture out was Thursday evening. I returned to work the following Monday without any real issues but I have a fairly sedentary office job. I have to say that my recovery was quicker than I expected with relatively few issues and no complications. I know this isn't the rule for everyone. I think it helped that despite weight and Type-II Diabetes I was in generally good physical condition which probably made things easier. I'm now about 10 weeks post surgery. I successfully transitioned diet from liquid to pureed to soft foods and then to regular foods. I've experienced two stalls (one early and one now). I've dropped two shirt and pant sizes and am almost ready for a third. I'm still learning how to manage my weight loss and diet while traveling extensively for business. I have yet to get locked into an aggressive exercise regimen but am trying to do so. But overall this has been a totally positive experience and a decision I am 100% happy with.

might be eating too much/too fast, or it might be a stricture (I had two of them - they're not uncommon when you're 1-3 months out). Contact your surgeon.

I used to use Premier and they were fine, but I just preferred the taste of the Slim Fast caramel latte better. I only noticed just today that my Slim Fast ones contain milk. I don't eat enough food to get the proper amount of protein, so shakes and bars etc. are a must. Thank you for your input. It's appreciated.

Well, Things are going well. I got another fill a couple of weeks ago, and it is really tight. I've had heartburn for the first time I throw up if i eat too fast or the wrong kind of food. I'm actually considering a slight unfill at my next appt. I'm currently at 218 and keep receiving tons of compliments. My future sister in law says I look like I need to eat a cheeseburger! My boyfriends' mom, said I look super skinny and my boyfriend can't keep his hands off me. The only problem? No clothes that fit! I would kill for a pair of black pants that didn't hang off my butt and drag on the floor. I had an awesome time on Halloween. I was a vampire with a costume that I threw together at the last minute, but the teeth were awesome. I'll try and post some pics. Okay, it wouldn't let me upload them for some reason but if you're interested, go to http://trina4ufl.livejournal.com/

Well, Things are going well. I got another fill a couple of weeks ago, and it is really tight. I've had heartburn for the first time I throw up if i eat too fast or the wrong kind of food. I'm actually considering a slight unfill at my next appt. I'm currently at 218 and keep receiving tons of compliments. My future sister in law says I look like I need to eat a cheeseburger! My boyfriends' mom, said I look super skinny and my boyfriend can't keep his hands off me. The only problem? No clothes that fit! I would kill for a pair of black pants that didn't hang off my butt and drag on the floor. I had an awesome time on Halloween. I was a vampire with a costume that I threw together at the last minute, but the teeth were awesome. I'll try and post some pics. Okay, it wouldn't let me upload them for some reason but if you're interested, go to http://trina4ufl.livejournal.com/

Hello fellow pre-opers and post-op supporters! I am going through True Results and my expected surgery date is October 3rd or 10th depending on how fast Cigna decides to send back my approval after my last visit (which happens to be September 19th). I am beyond ready to take on this next part of my fitness journey. I have been a yo-yo dieter since I was 14 years old, always able to lose the weight but putting it all back on and then some. Before I became a mother about 2 years ago, I stopped caring about my health and just lived life not really expecting to live longer than 45. Boy do children change your outlook on life!!! I want to see my great-grandchildren and leave an awesome legacy for them. I am fortunate my child is still young enough not to remember the me at this weight. I want to end the obesity cycle. I am and have been taking cooking classes and have never eaten so healthy in my life, lol. Unfortunately, you can still eat too much of the good stuff too. After a few months of dealing with my emotional attachment with food through counseling, meditation, and self-hypnosis, I am still having issues with portion control. After struggling with what seems like a never ending hunger, I’ve decided to go with gastric banding. I looked into it back in 2009, but I was not ready to take responsibility for my actions. I know this is not a magic pill. The band won’t put down my fork, stop me from eating cake, make me workout, or continue to make great decisions for my journey… that will all be me! I see the band for exactly what it is, a tool to help me achieve my goal; make it a little easier to feel fuller sooner and longer. All that being said, “WHY IS TIME GOING SOOOOO FREAKING SLOW?!?!?!” I swear the calendar went back a day or two more than once! I mean what the freak. I know, I know, God’s timing is perfect but seriously! The green eyed monster wants me to tell everyone getting a band before me to kick rocks! LOL!!! HA HA HAA HA AH HA! <= *crazy laugh* Ok, I’m done.

I went to water aerobics a lot that first year (I still do once or twice a week, but I went a lot more than that the first year. I have a bad hip so walking fast enough or far enough to get much benefit out of it is tough - and I was too heavy at the time to do much else). I think I "rode" the stationary bikes and seated ellipticals at the gym, too. Once I was about eight weeks out, I was cleared to do weights, so I added in the weight machines at the gym, too.

Hello to all. My name is Barb. I am from Iowa in the United States. I have been thinking about the lapband for a couple of years, and have made an appointment for an educational seminar; I go February 14th. What is next in the process. I haven't talked to my primary care physician yet. I did check into if my insurance would pay for the surgery....looks like it, but not sure. My BMI is 42, but I have no health problems. Anyone else like this? I don't want to have diabetes in the future....both my parents have diabetes now. I have knee and back problems and see a chiropractor every month. I have tried WW, Nutrisystems, fad diets, pills, fasting over the years. I do great for several months, and then back slide. I know it is a mind thing, but I would like to learn more about the lapband. I think it would be a great tool for losing and MAINTAINING my weight. I look forward to hearing from whoever would like to respond. Thanks, Barb

Haven't done a post in awhile so I thougt I would update you all that care, LOL. I am officially 4 months out from surgery and down 81 pounds. I feel great and am so happy I did this surgery so far. There are many things I have to fight in order to stay on track and push myself to workout, just like before surgery, but I fight it all the time. I am learning more and more everyday how much this surgery is just a TOOL and not an answer. Yes it helps you lose more weight than you would on your own, but only if you are staying on track with eating right, getting in all your Protein and exercising. If you don't do what you are suppose to do you are NOT going to lose very good or fast. That would be my one piece of advice. RELIZE it's just a TOOL not an answer.

I was banded April 18, 2008. I am down about 65 lbs, but still considered a slow loser. But that's not the problem, I can't even drink water, it started 5 days ago, at first I threw up everything I ate. So I tried shakes and soups and they come back up too. I am getting dehydrated, headache and my bodyaches! My surgeon is on vacation, but I called and spoke with the nurse and she told me i must be eating and drinking too fast! I can't even slowly sip water, it makes my chest feel like there is a bubble in it and it hurts! She said well you have been a slow loser because apparently you just eat and drink too fast and cause these problems yourself! Prior to this I thought I was at my "sweet spot" , then out of no where 4 weeks after my fill I'm this way. She said there is no way it could be an over fill problem because it would have happened sooner. Anyone with similar problems, I am very discouraged! As I sit here crying trying to figure out what I did wrong?! Any suggestions?

At 5 weeks I am pretty sure I could have done 20 ounces in 30 minutes. I certainly can now at 9 weeks. I think your body will let you know if you are drinking too much or too fast. I (fortunately) have only gotten sick a few times - and twice it was from drinking too fast because I let myself get way too thirsty. If you sip sip sip and are comfortable - no big deal. Now if you were only a few days out I would say that the nerves of the pouch just have not developed yet too tell you STOP - but at 5 weeks you would know.

I was not hungry at all. I still have got to make myself to eat. I was getting discomfort after I ate till I figured out I was trying to eat TOO fast which my cause you to vomit. Remember small small bites and try about 2 minutes between bites. When I figured out what I was doing wrong I started using the timer on my phone to slow my self down. Now I eat without the timer and discomfort afterwards.

Just know that each person is different. Alot depends on your starting weight and the rules your surgeon has for pre- and post-op nutrition. My surgeon is less conservative than many I have seen written about here. I had to do a 2-week fasting program pre-op (which is fairly standard) but was on mushy foods a week post-op. I lost 8 lbs during the fasting program and have lost 11 since being banded Feb 15 for a total of 20 since Feb 1. Denise

You guys asked some great questions. I wonder for those of us who have had subclinical hypothyroid then get banded and have pcos, if the thyroid can just tap out after fast weight loss? I dropped almost 76 pounds in six months my first year. Then things just stalled. I'm almost 3 years out and I can't get the last 50 or so off. I'm pissed and frustrated. I'm not doing very well with my thyroid either I feel menapausal and i'm only in my early 30's. not to mention the Water retention and the mood swings. I just want to get back to normal. When they regulate the thyroid does the weight loss take back off or are we just "stuck" in limbo?

I still fill up fast but can eat anything. I ate liquids two weeks then mush for a week this last week I feel back to normal

the girls at work decided to do Chinese yesterday. I hadn't done a lunch with the girls in over 2 months so I decided to join in and got sesame chicken. I ate it with no problem. No sliming. No PB. But about an hour later. OH MY GOD. My tummy hurt so bad. this was at noon. By midnight I was still in pain. I didn't feel "stuck". I was able to sip water and sipped some cream soup at dinner. I thought the warmth would help. It was soothing, but it didn't go away. I woke up this morning and still had a bit of a tummy ache until I went to the bathroom:redface:. Then I felt better. I skipped breakfast and just had a few sips of slim fast. At lunch I ate my usual. It didn't "hurt" but was uncomfortable. I was filled for the first time 3 weeks ago. It suddenly dawned on me. could the sesame seeds lodged themselves in the band area or something? I didn't even think about it. I've NEVER had any problem eating Chinese food, so it has to be band related. What happened? Could I only now be experiencing some restriction?

I would have to say your having gas pains. After consuming Protein shakes or what not. Anything that has a tendency to go down alittle fast will cause more air for some odd reason. I am 14 months out, Within an hour of having a Frozen Protein shake I will have gas. When I eat salads I have more gas. What you're probably feeling is still the gas from surgery, it rises inside your body. You notice it more after you are eating Full liquids, it is pushing on it from the inside as your tummy fills with liquids the gas rises. The more you walk the faster it will go away. I had some severe shoulder pain, by late afternoon post -op. I knew I had to walk, it hurt really bad to lie down.. Good luck , hang in there.