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My surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning. I've been in a pre-op diet since last Monday and lost 10 lbs. so far. It hasn't been nearly as tough as I expected. Tonight I had to present at an event and as I was walking out, there was a table with Cookies & refreshments. My coworker grabbed cookies, and without even thinking, so did I. thankfully my brain woke up and was like, "seriously? What are you doing?!" Thankfully I didn't take a bite - didn't even think, just acted out of habit. WARNING: Lady parts issue ahead! So I get home tonight and I just started my period a week early, TWO days before surgery. Anyone else have this happen? Is it a problem for surgery?

Hi Judy ~ try not to be discouraged!! I think honestly the huge amount you lost right away has a lot to do with it. I am May 20th so we are right on track with each other and I've lost 41 lbs, just in a different way. 18 first week, then 10 over the next 2 weeks, then 5, then I stalled for a bit, then 4, then 3. Every time you lose 20-30 lbs your body takes a while to adjust before moving on. If you really think you may need changes, examine your calories (should be 600-800 a day the first year) that's net calories meaning if you exercise and burn 200, then you should eat 800-1000 so that you net 600-800. You can always try upping your exercise also. I have been doing 30-60 mins 4-5 days a week. Just hang in there - it will work! Also congrats on getting off all the meds!!

For my journal readers here is a bit more about me: I am 31 and the mother of two children - my daughter is 14 years old and my son is 10. I'm newly married *3rd and last time!* to a man who is 18 years my senior. I was first married at 16 - to my DD father - divorced by 19 and remarried at 22. That one didn't work after 7 years of marriage. I'm married again - more secure now, more mature, more sure of myself. The kids have had a hard time adjusting to the change... I have a day job and also own my own online company. (www.providerwatch.com and www.findadaycare.com) I enjoy living in Western Washington for the weather, the green, and the fact I can get in the car and drive somewhere. NOT like when I lived in Anchorage, Alaska! I write - poetry mostly. I love music - listening to it cause I don't have a musical bone in my body. I love to read - anything from fiction to interesting non fiction. I think I'm more serious than I should be.... From the thread "Why are you Fat?" My weight gain began about 9 years ago - it was a slow process that began with excessive drinking - high calorie drinks -depression...I gained about 30 pounds those first few years, lost some and have steadily increased reaching my all time high - currently 255. I quit drinking a year ago - eat more to replace it - and have worked at a desk job for 3 years. That combined with no physical activity. I ENJOY food, its emotional for me. When I cook and enjoy a good meal, it feels good deep down. But this good feeling is followed by guilt and remorse. When I feel full - I feel guilty. I think about being fat from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed at night and sometimes in my sleep. The bottom line is I overeat, food is emotional satisfaction, and I sit on my a$$ at work all day.

My sleeve date is Oct 19, Memorial Regional, can't wait Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App Good luck, liquid week start Oct 12th Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

I am from Ocean Isle Beach in NC - I have 6 grandsons -all under 10 - not sure if a girl is ever in my future! A lot of the reason I am doing this journey is for my grands. High school- weddings and everything in between!!!

I was in for 4 days, longer than usual. I had my colon removed a year ago - so a whole new users manual. I have been home 24 hrs and already made a trip to Michaels Craft Store - my belly is sore, a bit swollen, and I protect from being bumped. I haven't weighed - I have a dr.appt.1/6 - probably expand my diet some. Right now I am restricted to only clear liquids. Sugar-free and fat-free jello and popsicles, no caffiene, decaf tree,.and.chicken/broth stock...when I look at that list - I better lose 10 lbs! How many grands do you have? Forgot the live part. Boise - been here 6.months

It altered my cycle for 6 mons. It came 2 days after surgery which was 2 weeks early. It skipped 2 - 3 mons. Then it came 2 times in the same month, which happened twice. By month 6, it returned to normal. Now that's cycle adjustment, lets talk about the hot flashes. Because of the hormonal changes caused by the weight loss, the hot flashes & night sweats started 3 months post op. While they still occur at almost 10 months out, they are manageable with Estroven I know at 47 i am at THE age, but doc sad this brought it along sooner. Not complaining, just sharing.

Am wondering if any one is willing to share pre-op weight & current weight? Along with pictures if u would like. I am having surgery on 10-31-12 doing great on preop diet and have lost 6 pounds in 3 days.

hi i had my surgery on 10-3-12 and i am already done around 12 pounds. i started out at 212 and i am at 199 now.

I was sleeved on 10/22 and was two months late...... Where you nauseous at all!!! I have extreme nausea which is making me more nervous

I just tried tomato soup today 10 days out and it was the hardest thing I've tried to digest so far. My surgeon had me on clear liquids only for the first week before progressing to full liquids though. I personally waited an extra day because I was scared. I know every surgeon is different but you may try something a little lighter on the stomach. I used children's Tylenol for the pain but definitely check in with your surgeon! Good luck!

It’s been a busy two days. Yesterday morning I had my Psych pre-op visit. Now, I’ve been a little nervous about this one…probably because I’ve never been before…or maybe it’s because of that somewhat dysfunctional family (or was that fun family?) I grew up in. Anyway, I Map Quested the directions downtown and I set the GPS up in the car. Even with all this technology I realize I need to start asking for landmarks. I turned on the final road, which happened to be a one way square with four lanes of traffic (about a block long on each side). The GPS is yelling at me that my destination is on the right, I’m looking for the address to no avail. About the third time circling around the square I’m feeling like a lab rat in a maze…is this part of the Psych test? I’m not going to find it…so I call (fun to do while you’re in the giant circle of traffic). Landmark “church”…NOT on the right…stupid GPS…and NO address on the front of the building…it’s on the side facing the parking lot…OK, by the time I know which parking lot to pull into, of COURSE I know I’m at the right address…stupid signs. Glad I cushioned my time to get there…my Psychiatrist looks like he stepped right out of a Psych book…Brown hair with a beard, dressed all in brown with a brown tweed coat...all he needed was a pipe. Yes, he had a couch, but I chose the chair. We signed a few forms, he showed me the form he’ll send to the surgeon, I waited while he filled some more forms out (are you asleep yet…maybe that’s what that couch is for?). He asked me a list of questions for about 20 more minutes, I answered honestly (luckily he didn’t ask too many hard ones) and we were done…it probably would have been quicker, but I tend to babble when I’m nervous. Piece of cake…whew! It was ALMOST disappointing that he didn’t bite on anything, not even my labels in the pantry, apparently NOT OCD. I think it’s good you now know someone to call if you’re having issues after the band, especially for someone like me who wouldn’t know where to find help. Today was the surgeon consult. Mr.SA took the day off to go with me, and since they rescheduled it, unfortunately it was a noon appointment. We arrived early and by the time I was done completing paperwork and waiting it was 45 min. later. Mr. SA noticed that most of the waiting room had loveseat size chairs, and many there needed them…I count myself lucky I’m getting help while I can still barely squeeze into a regular chair. More deadpan nurses (Does no one enjoy their job these days? Better than 'bedpan'! Ha!) and I’m on the scale…wow…it’s a huge scale…whoops, I’ve lost a few pounds, I’m only 5# from the minimum BMI, with shoes on. I didn’t lock my knees completely and I made the 5’8” easily (I’m shrinking in my old age). More waiting in the exam room…I took this opportunity to babble endlessly to Mr.SA, as I do when I’m nervous. He asked me how they fill a band that’s already in you…Was he not at two of the three seminars I attended? Maybe he was just trying to keep my busy…so I humored him and explained the port…then I explained how it feels to be heavy…imagine someone strapped 10, 10# bowling balls to you and asked you to carry on. About that time the surgeon (Dr. Colella, which was good, so now I’ve met both of them), the woman (Susan I think) who runs the pre-op class (I’ll need to attend a few weeks prior to surgery) and the head resident came in. After a few greetings he asked what questions I had about the surgery…the woman commented on my typed and highlighted sheet of questions (a little OCD…I’m telling you) and that she liked it. I rapidly went through my questions and he confirmed I could chose the LB, and we confirmed my port site being slightly to the left, between my ribs and belly button line (the default, if you don’t care, is the right)…he acted a little surprised that I cared (I’m right handed, I sleep only on my right as my left shoulder is bad, I care), but he had no problem placing it anywhere as long as it’s not too far from the band. He listened to my extreme nausea with anesthesia issues and will give me preventatives as I had with my last surgery (actually, the resident will handle this with the anesthesiologist). He’s asked me to do a cardiology MRI and then I’ll see the cardiologist for clearance, so two new things to schedule (I’m not sure if this is routine, or if it was because of all the heart issues in my family history). I just realized I forgot to tell him about my allergy to surgical tape (the adhesive actually) so I’ll have to call about that. It was a good, positive meeting and he gives you complete confidence that everything will go smoothly. If you’ve made it this far without falling asleep, I applaude you my friend, as I wanted to remember the major points. So now, for the great part!!! The insurance lady, Patty came in next to go over my questions. I asked if I could lose more than the 35 BMI min. and her answer was "If you weighed less than the 35 BMI then you wouldn't need the surgery now would you?" Got it...nuff said. Apparently Highmark PPO Blue is the ‘cadillac’ (her words) of the insurance companies in our area. She confirmed that my insurance will cover their percentage of everything, and my doc even includes 6 fills (I think ins. will cover them as well). When I discussed all the extra work I’d done with my PCP; my own form, education every month, and then asked if I could supply a personal letter to the insurance co. she told me if I had another ins. co., that might be needed, but all I needed to do was have the PCP fill out the very basics on their form and it would be fine for Highmark. She said they usually get back to her with approval within 72 hours. Then she confirmed my wildest dream that I truly only have to do 6 visits with my PCP, not 6 months/7 visits. That means if I can get all the cardio visits done I could have everything into the surgeon by early April. She said I might even be in for surgery by the end of April! Hooray!!! With two kids graduating (college and H.S.) this spring, an earlier date is so much better! Hey, I might even make my original goal of having this done by my 49 7/8 birthday (yes, and holding) on the 27th! Whoot!!!

I'll say what my mother tells me all the time. Always file an appeal.. even if it's 10 times. She actually works for BC/BS and said that 80 - 90 % of the time they will approve on an appeal.

<TABLE class=wide cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD> I saw this post on another WL support site and did find it veryinteresting. Some of the things this guy says really DOES make youthink. I know I AM quilty of several of the things he wrote about.Remember, this is NOT me writing the following stuff ... It is justsomething I copied from somewhere else. I hope reading it can helpUS all out.Sherri*****************************************************Enough is enough... the truth about the bandI've been reading a lot of the posts lately, and noticing a fewtrends. </PRE> I thought I might address them. </PRE> Many of you are not going to like it, and I expect to get flamed. Iam not trying to peeve folks off, but I feel it is time for someoneto post a frank discussion on the band. Take my words with a grainof salt. This is not directed at any one person in particular, butat a general trend of threads appearing lately. If you're pissed atme after this… OK, but then again, maybe you'll get something out ofit in between the anger. </PRE> Here it is… </PRE> Quit your whining. </PRE> The band is not a miracle. It does not magically make caloriesdisappear from food. It is a tool you need to work WITH not AGAINST.If you work against it, you'll fail. End of story. </PRE> Let's clear up a few misconceptions about the band. </PRE> The band is not malabsorptive like the gastric bypass. The GB worksby allowing the patient to eat less, and more to the point, toabsorb LESS calories from the food they eat. The band ONLY restrictsthe QUANTITY of food, not the QUALITY. If you continue to eat high-calorie crap, you'll lose nothing… period. What this means is thatyou DO need to change your eating habits. You need to eat healthierfood, and less garbage. Some folks will lose some weight with theband because of the smaller quantities without changing their eatinghabits, but that loss will slow or stall, and WILL NOT BESUSTAINABLEunless they learn new habits. Face it folks, what we eat is what gotus fat in the first place. If you don't wanna change that, then youcan stay fat, and don't complain that you aren't losing. </PRE> Yes, you can have occasional treats. I am not saying that you haveto live a deprived life with no treats ever again, but keep themoccasional, and keep them small. Dessert every day is NOTOCCASIONAL. Once a week, maybe. Start looking at your favorite foodsand look for ways to make them healthier. Maybe use less fat, orhealthier fats, leaner cuts of meat, more veggies etc. Try to treatyourself with healthier foods as well, fruit instead of pie, bakedpretzels instead of fried chips, try those rice cakes you see in thestore. When you do have a treat… have ONE SERVING. Look at thelabel… if it says that 9 rice cakes are 1 serving… count them outand only have 9, not the whole bag! Use the sugar-free versions ofthings, the lower fat versions, and the lower carb versions… eatmore fresh foods, and less from packages. Yes, I know that freshfood is more work… too bad. You wanna get healthy? Then do it right.Kraft in the box might go down fine, but is it the right thing todo? Make the effort to cook healthier. It takes more time, butaren't you worth it? </PRE> RNY and Gastric Bypass patients need to diet too. If you think thatthey lose faster, you are right. In essence from malabsorbtion, theytechnically starve to lose initial weight, and lose a lot… morequickly than we do. SO WHAT?!?!? The human body is an amazing thing.It is smart, and learns to compensate. If the GB/RNY patient doesnot learn new, healthy eating habits, then they WILL GAIN THE WEIGHTBACK. In the long run, we have the advantage, as we do not lose atALL without new habits. We have to learn from the get-go, and in theend… our system willl adjust with us as we lose… not giving oursmart body a chance to get used to the new "arrangement" andcompensating for it. RNY/GB might look like a miracle, but it isn'teither. You still are the one in control, but the complications forit are much worse. I'm not dissing it, it is the right choice forsome, but for those who which to switch, simply because they havenot been doing the band with TRUE lifestyle changes… well… they arefooling themselves. Wisen up, and realize YOU need to change to makeany bariatric surgery a long-term success. </PRE> Head hunger, and stress eating are real. They are some of the thingsthat got us here. If it happens to you… GET HELP. Don't just standthere and say… duh, I don't know how to stop. Get on a program, seea therapist, join a bandster support group. Don't just cry aboutit…, DO SOMETHING. If you know emotional eating is an issue, thenyou have an EMOTIONAL PROBLEM, best dealt withby a therapist. Guesswhat folks, that is part of a whole weight loss program! Some maynot need it, but if these issues plague you, then get the help! Thatleads me to the next one… </PRE> Yes, you DO NEED TO EXERCISE. If you think you don't, then you arebeing foolish. Exercise does not mean a formal program at a gym witha personal trainer (although that is a GREAT IDEA). It means gettingout there and moving… biking, skating, swimming etc. Move… move…move!!! A sedentary life is another of the things that got us here.If you think sustained weight loss will happen without it, then youare again fooling yourself. Don't forget, that other than ahealthier life, the number 2 reason we got this done was to lookbetter. Folks, diet alone will not give you a better bod, exerciseand diet will. </PRE> This is not a liquid diet. Yes you will have periods of being onliquids, before and after surgery, and right after fills, but thisis not meant to be liquids for life. The band works by allowing asmall amount of food to stay in the pouch for a while, keepinghunger away. If all you have are Protein shakes… well frankly, theypass right thru, and give NO sustained satiety. You'll be hungry.Period. If all you can get down are liquids, then you are TOO TIGHT.It will NOT HELP YOUR WEIGHT LOSS TO BE TOO TIGHT! In fact, theopposite is true. If you cannot eat solid foods you will likelygain, because LIQUID CALORIES ARE MORE DENSE. You have GOT TO eatsolid food. </PRE> Low carb does not mean NO carb. Should you restrict carbs… yep. Weeat too many. This does not mean eat only protein. You cannotsurvive on only protein, you need veggies and carbs too… just lessof the carbs than you have been having. For one, try using healthiercarbs… want a potato? Eat a small baked red-skin new potato, withsome butter spray on it… instead of fries. Try Dreamfields low-carbpasta for Sunday spaghetti dinners, try brown rice instead of MinuteRice. Avoid the carbs in packaged foods… Mac and cheese, rice a ronietc. If you want mac and cheese, make it from scratch with lower fatcheese and Dreamfields or whole wheat Pasta. Use wholegrain bread,not Wonderbread. And… eat carbs last. Eat the protein first, thenveggies, then if you have room finish your carbs. Lastly… eliminatethe sugar… get it out period </PRE> Fast food is bad. End of story. Stay away from it… all of it. </PRE> Is a pre-op liquid diet important? You bet your boots it is. No, Iknow not all doctor's ask for it… but that doesn't change the factthat they should be asking for it. First off, it shrinks the liver,making it easier for the surgeon to perform the procedure. Second,it begins the weight loss process. Third, it speeds up recovery byhaving the body have less solid waste in the digestive tract, itwill work less, and not stress the points where the band is attached. </PRE> Is the post-op diet… liquids… mushies then solids important? Seeabove. This is for healing. Yes you can eat solid food sooner, and Iknow that this varies from doctor to doctor, but that doesn't meanit should. The stomach needs time to heal, and even though you CANeat solids earlier doesn't mean you should. Heal properly first. Asmost docs will say, any weight loss during this phase is a bonus.This is not the time for loss but healing. May folks WILL gain whengoing to mushies. Expect it. If you don't, you are one of the luckyfew… not the norm. Most folsk do not see real weight loss forMONTHS. This is how it is, deal with it. </PRE> You WILL NOT LOSE ALL YOUR WEIGHT IN A COUPLE MONTHS. Especiallythose of you with under 75 lbs to lose. Less to lose, the slower itwill be… that's it folks. If you got the band with 60-75 lbs tolose, do NOT expect to lose as much a month as someone who has200lbs to lose. Won't happen. If the doc told you it did, he lied.Most successful band patients lose 75% of their excess weight in theFIRST 2 YEARS… yep… years, not months. Deal with it… you are notgonna lose it by summer for swimsuit season. This is not intended tobe SPEEDY weight loss… if you don't get that, see #3 above. </PRE> It's OK to go to a foreign country to get my band because it is moreaffordable to me… Hmmm this one is debatable, and I will keep myopinion of foreign docs out of it. First off, when it comes tosurgery for my body, I don't want the lowest bidder, even though Iwas also self pay… but let's put that aside. I see too many folksgoing to places like Mexico for this procedure because they say thedoc is a brilliant surgeon… this is only 10% about the actualsurgery folks! It is the pre and aftercare provided that makes itwork. If you do NOT have an aftercare doc set up locally BEFORE yougo to Mexico for the surgery… then you are making a HUGE MISTAKE. Iam getting tired of seeing folks say…" I just got my band lastweekend, anyone know of any docs I can see for fills around here?"Geez?!@?!? What are you thinking? Didn't you have this all set upbeforehand? How could you have such a procedure done to your body… aprocedure that requires constant attention (and it is not just forfills folks!) and not be prepared before you do it? If this is yourplan, then I am confused on what you are doing. Aftercare with theband is not just fills, and you need access to a band doc locallyfor any problems. Sure you can get the procedure done in Mexico, buthave preparations for aftercare BEFORE they cut you open. </PRE> Look at the whole program. This is NOT just a surgical option. I'vesaid it before and I'll say it again, the surgery is only 1 hourlong… the rest of my life will be losing and maintaining myhealthier body. Nutritionists, exercise physiologists,psychologists, dieticians, support groups, a good fill doc… theseare ALL necessary to lose and maintain our health. If you only dealwith some of them… you'll fail. When you scout out docs to do thisprocedure, see how they deal with ALL of these factors…not just arethey a good cutter. Then, after the surgery, follow through with allof these. </PRE> If you don't know… ASK! The doctor, not the web group. Sure, it'sgreat to get support and ideas here, but I am amazed how many peopleare on here soliciting medical advice… ASK YOUR DOC! If he won'tgive you a straight answer… then he's not a good doc, and you needto seek out a better one. I mean COME ON!?!?! Now that we have thatstraightened out… let's say your doc tells you to do something… likestay on liquids for 2 weeks… DO IT. If he is a good doc, then thereis a reason to do what he says. This is NOT about you making yourOWN… UNEDUCATED judgment calls… he's the pro here… do what he says.If you don't understand why… then we go back to… ASK. </PRE> I'm sure I could say more, but I am also sure that I've pissed offhalf the folks who have read this. </PRE> Just had to get it off my chest. It is HARD WORK. Anythingworthwhile is. If you thought it was gonna be easy, then you wereeither lied to, or deluding yourself. </PRE> Work hard… get healthy… have a good life. We are ALL worth the time,effort and yes money, to be better healthier people. </PRE> __________________ Big Paul Banded Nov. 17, 20051st fill 1/3/2006: 3.2cc 2nd fill 2/7/2006: Removed 3.0cc, replaced 4.0cc 3rd fill 3/6/2006: Removed 3.6cc, replaced 4.0cc Unfill 3/14/2006: Removed 4.0cc, replaced 3.2cc 4th fill 4/3/2006: Removed 3.2cc, replaced 3.8cc 371/236/189135 lbs lost! 47 lbs to go! </PRE> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P>

Hi Solla: Be patient, and remember 1-2 pounds is what to expect with banding. Sure some people will lose more than this and some will lose less, but this is truly the average and it is a good healthy weight loss. We all need to remember that we did not get this heavy over night. And the weight will not come off like that either. I was told prior to my surgery by my surgeon that if I wanted immediate results that bypass would give that to me where Lap Band would be a slow but steady process. Your skin has time to recover with slow and steady. Therefore allowing it to not be so saggy. Just stick to the program and eating only healthy choices and excersie regularly and you will be a huge success I am certain of it. For me it is the long term that is my goal and I set mini goals for myself. Like hitting the next 10 marker. I am 4 pouns away from my second goal after surgery the 30# marker. Then it is not so overwhelming. When I look at it that way it makes the final goal more real for me. Remember you are retraining years and years of overeating and of making the wrong food choices and this takes time not only to achieve but also for our bodies to catch up. We are retraining our metabolisms as well. Your body will get the message and know it is not starving. I would recommend using something like FITDAY.com to log all of what goes into your mouth each and everyday. This will help you to eat between 1000 and 1200 calories a day which is what my nutritionist said the goal should be. I have trouble getting that much but I am losing very nicely I feel. Always eat your Protein first at every meal as well. YOU CAN DO THIS and YOU WILL succeed! Hugz,

Just curious, how are you moms and dads are making out with young kids post op. I have a soon to be 10 month old and i will be banded the day after she turns 10 months. She loves for me to pick her up, hold her, and its mostly dad taking care of her in the day. My job is after work and into the night. Any thoughts?? Mes

Hey everyone! I am just beginning this journey and I have a lot of thoughts. One of my major concerns is, what is it going to be like 5 or 10 years out. I am really interested in the lap band. On one hand, I'm excited, and on the other, I'm a little scared. All normal feelings I'm sure. Has anyone had long term success yet?

I love my sleeve...wouldn't change a thing. Only need to lose 60 lbs going in..had my surgery 10/30 and so far I've lost 34 lbs. It's a transition but I have a friend with a band and she has more problems with certain foods than me. Certain things really hurt her, as for me I can't eat a lot of anything but nothing really hurts. Love my sleeve and I'm loving watching my shape come back...slowly...this way my skin isn't so flabby.

Hi, before you get too concerned about your body rejecting the port as suggested above, you should call your doctor, make an appointment to go and see them. I had my surgery on 7 april, and 10 weeks later, my large incision has only just now finally healed completely. I had an infection on the left edge, which caused open wound about 1/4 inch across. I had 3 courses of strong antibiotics to help rid the infection.

I'm 10 months out and I have an appetite. It's not the same as before surgery, but some days I feel strong hunger and some days I can graze all day long. Here's how it's different than before surgery - when I feel hunger, true hunger, I eat a Protein filled meal. Breakfast is a Jimmy Dean turkey sausage pattie and a scrambled egg topped with some cheese. This keeps me satisfied for hours, especially if I wait 45 minute to drink anything. Prior to surgery, I'd be snacking in an hour or two. So I'm eating less than before at the meal and I'm not eating as soon after the meal...the sleeve is working. On days that I graze, it's usually because I gave in to the carb monster. Maybe I ate part of a bagel for breakfast or I ate something else with a lot of carbs. For me, carbs are like a drug - once I give in, it affects me the entire day. If I identify it, I can usually break it with a shake and a lot of will power. If I don't identify it I will spend a lot of time in the kitchen grabbing a few bites here and there. Early on, like the first 6 months, you need to change your tastes (cutting carbs), start moving your body, and change your lifestyle (getting Snacks out of the house, living the "protein first" rule, etc.). The sleeve helps you with that - it's simply a tool in your toolbox along with your will power, good choices, exercise routine, etc. Those are all tools you have in your toolbox that you need to use. WLS is not a magic bullet - it is hard work, harder than I ever expected it to be. Every day I need to make a commitment to myself to life my life a certain way - I need to eat protein packed meals, I need to limit my carbs and I need to exercise. Those are the things I can control. Some days it's hard work, other days are easier. I wouldn't say I have a "dieters' mentality", this is just my new normal and how I live my life now.

Hi again. I was banded on 12/10 and had my 2nd follow up appt today. From the 2 weeks prior to my surgery til today I have lost 23 lbs!! Almost a pound per day since the band. I am so psyched. I feel great but still have some twinges in the incisions. Trying not to bend or stretch too much. Overall I am feeling great. Glad I did it.

I am newly banded - 12/10. Doing fine but feeling full all the time. I guess from swelling? On full liquids and looking forward to my favorite mashed cauliflower in 2 weeks. So far so good.

I was banded 12/10. Lost 20 lbs right away between the pre op diet and being afraid to eat. Then I got stuck. Plateau'd for 3 weeks as the swelling subsided and I could eat more. I didn't gain but it was so frustrating. Now suddenly I am losing again. Really have to concentrate on what and how much I am eating. I get my first fill next week. Down 26 lbs total so far. Yes, it is hard and frustrating, but it is such a relief to be losing weight and not gaining it. It's just a daily struggle to eat right and healthy. But I'm doing it! Thank you to all who are on this site. Very reassuring and helpful. Xoxo

Gosh, it is so easy to forget given that you haven't been feeling any restriction in years. I'm newly banded and have had my first fill, but not yet in the "sweet spot." My second fill will be after Christmas. The dietician I work with has trained me to chew, chew, chew--20 to 30 chews before swallowing. After you resolve your current issue try making a game out of chewing. I know it sounds funny but it helps me if I count in my head and envision a train...chew, chew, chew. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16