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Still new to the group. Got approved yesturday.. And surgery is literally next wed Dec 23. Im stoked!! Met with my surgeon today. Hes pretty cute and confident. I need help...started liquid diet yesturday with Protein shakes...doc said he used to recomend optima fast..aka slim fast...now the hospital recommends batiatric advantage bc its lower cost. Thoughts?

And of course someone who had surgery 17 years ago, failed and then a repeat 2 years ago does not even post their statss....your opinion really means a lot. Why don't you tell YOUR story of regain and where your are now. But jump in and run your mouth. pure class. There is no high horse, I am just working hard on making the changes I need to to feel better and be healthier. I don't seek or need the approval of others but I am fed up with the bullying that occurs on this site. I come here for information and friendship only. I do not need to try to denigrate others for their choices or make others feel like they are ignorant. You want to eat a ton of carbs that is your decision. Much easier to jump on that carbage bandwagon and have a muffin with the delusional and very rude queen of crappy carbs. Most people on here do not need to tear others down with their delusional stupidity but clearly you do.

Internal bleeding can also happen because your vessels don't close off enough (or fast enough) after they make the cut to remove your stomach (just an FYI moment for those who asked). I had it as well. Lux I had major complications, including internal bleeding which caused a large ball of blood to spend a couple of months in my abdomen after the surgery (I only needed two transfusions...your really went through the wringer). At four weeks out I was a week away from a long hospital stay because the spasms the bleeding caused probably caused my leak. You are sure there is no leak right???? I understand the lack of ability to take Protein or fluids, and went through it myself. The weakness is hard to describe to anyone who hasn't suffered as you have. I couldn't walk down the hallway without passing out myself so again, I feel for you! I took it one day at a time, and did in the end fire my original doc and move onto another one because he wasn't listening to me. Are you feeling that you are getting proper care??? Don't hesitate to "move on" if you need to. You probably don't want it...but a JG tube might be an option for feeding if you just can't get it in on your own. I personally rejected mine, but many people find them successful and you can't go much longer without proper nutrition. A week on it might be enough to get you strong again so that you can take over from there??? Have you explored this with your doctor? At five weeks I was in an ambulance headed for a huge hospital in the "big city" because the damage was killing me. While you might have an easier ride cuz you know the team (My guys were actually wonderful) I don't want to hear you end up taking that ride!!!! Please take care and keep us informed. I am a firm believer in sharing the bad stories with the good ones. I personally still regret the risks I took for this surgery (I was low Bmi and supposedly low risk LOL...BS!) While weight loss is lovely...it's not worth it for someone like me (IMO). I get your side of the story far too well!!!

It doesn't sound to me like u did damage but it sounds like its just irritated. Can you take some pepto or a acid blocker? Try that if u can. Also, can't remember who asked about medicine. If your able to what I did with Medicine is I asked for liquid medication and then paid to Flavor it. Those rx u can't get in liquid I would put in applesauce and do like a chaser of a drink. I always did a sip of soy milk. Be quick at it like spoon then SIP-swallow. That's what helped me and make sure u rinse ur mouth after medication. I was on antibiotics liquid and didn't do this and it caused thrush in my mouth severe. Hope that helps yall. I feel for ya bc I've been there. ((Hugs))

I am 6 weeks out. I eat about 1k calories a day. 60-90 grams of protein, 30-70 carbs. I eat some bread but no rice or pasta. Carbs are coming from dairy and fruit mostly but i sneak in a piece of chocolate a few times a week. I can eat beef, but i haven't tried steak bc i dont care for it. I eat what i want most of the time but use common sense. I stay away from fried foods and pastry, though i have had a bite here and there. I am down 30 pounds since 1/1/13. Losing 2-3 lbs a week. Going to start working out this week and maybe that 2-3 lbs will increase! But if not that is ok. I am losing and i am happy!!!

Banded 3/19/2012 this summer had to get all fluid taken out. Lost total of 40 lbs, gained back 30 recently. Dr wanted to do revision, bc of stomach coming up over band. Insurance wouldn't pay for new wls so, I said to keep my band. I'm all good now, it went back down with unfill and liquid diet. I go next week for another fill(3rd since unfilled), right now I still have no restriction. With my Dr hating the band now, and not doing them anymore, I feel so isolated. Started local support group this week, but no one has had the band. I feel like I'm on my own. Could anyone give me an encouraging lapband story?

Wow, well with this surgery most people have some of the same negatives (the liquid diet), or have similar negative side effects (nausea/constipation), but also have good things to balance it out. I have gone through a lot of the same things as everyone else on here, and am also going through some stuff that may not be as common. Whether or not it makes us regret the surgery is definitely a personal experience based on many factors, but it seems like the majority come out on the side of No Regrets. Like you, I considered backing out a month or so before my surgery date. My daughter helped me realize that with surgery things may or may not get better, and yes, some things could possibly get worse (small percentage). But without it, probably nothing was going to change (at least not for the better). So it ended up being a no brainer and I felt extremely confident going forward even through the sucky pre-op diet (over Xmas) and what I assumed would just be a terrible first few months of puking and misery post-op. Things did not turn out the way I thought, and as I have just been journaling, I will share, if you care to read: I am 5 months post-op as of yesterday. I am down 51.2 lbs, 31 total inches overall since pre-op, body fat percentage back under 30%. My weight loss has been a bit slower than most - they say probably bc my starting weight was lower (205.8) and also I have a lot of chronic pain so my workouts are not exactly intense. But thankfully the more I lose the better I can move. My body did not want to let go of these last couple lbs - I thought I'd never reach the 50 lb milestone! It was like 48, 48.5, 49.2, 49.6...like seriously? Lol, talk about a frustrating month! But I'm finally over that hurdle and goal is between 14-20 lbs from here. I'm short, so honestly I have always looked better lower than that - say in my 120's, but I'm older now and my skin is not bouncing back the way it once did, and gravity is a real son of gun. So I will probably stop around 135/140 in order to keep things looking a little more "well-rounded" - and I also think it will be easier to maintain. That's my thought process right now anyway. My surgery itself went smooth, so no issues there. I have never vomited (which shocks me no end as I'm prone to nausea), I have felt nauseated 2-3x max - but it passed quickly. I do, however, have issues with reflux. Had reflux pre-op that was well controlled by OTC Nexium. Now it can be very painful at times. Like some others, I too think maybe I should have considered the by-pass more seriously, but also bc my ins did not cover and I went to MX as self-pay, the sleeve seemed like the best option overall. One thing for me is I never lost the hunger sensation. My "Ghrelin Game's" strong, I guess. But the biggest "issue" I have had, and it's no small thing, is I still struggle with many solid foods. I have slowly introduced them as instructed and when instructed, chew chew chew, etc. But after maybe 5 small bites of MANY foods (I do ok w/some), I still feel hungry, so I intend to probably eat a few more bites to become satiated, but all of a sudden start getting bad pain in center of diaphragm...feel completely "clogged" or "backed up" with food even though I've eaten so little and I still felt hungry 2 seconds ago...then usually get some reflux...get the hiccups...will need to take Tums...often suck on 1 or 2 wintergreen Lifesavers as they also seem to help w/digestion...then suck on ice chips for a little while which also seems to help. It sounds pretty miserable, and honestly, it is. To avoid, I could probably take 2-3 small bites, wait 20-30 minutes and have another 2-3 bites. Or, just stick to eating softer food. So, most nights I have yogurt for dinner with unflavored protein powder, chia seeds, a few mashed fresh blackberries, and a little organic coconut granola. It's about 5 oz. total, and I take my time eating that also - about 20 mins I'd say. Luckily, I enjoy the yogurt combo, but once or twice a week, I want Real Food for dinner, and that is my struggle. It's especially hard on the weekends bc my husband and I like to go out on Sat to a farmer's market or something and then have lunch (or dinner & a movie...). But it's miserable for me to sit at a restaurant where I can barely eat anything on the menu (comfortably) and then have to sit (w/back pain & probably stomach pain) and wait for my husband to enjoy his meal. Lately we haven't been going out much, which is a real drag. I expected it to be like this for the first several mos, but figured it would slowly be getting better by now. I knew I'd have diet restrictions and certain foods would take longer to agree w/me (some might never work well again), but I didn't expect that So Many real foods (meaning meats/veggies, etc. dinner type foods) would be too painful to eat. For me this is the most difficult thing and I am praying it gets better w/time. If I can eat a couple oz. of chicken/turkey/fish/steak + say 1/2 cup of cooked veggies/salad/potatoes (whatever), w/o any pain or reflux, and enjoy my food & comfortably sit & enjoy the company of my husband (sisters/kids) until they finish eating, even if it's at 9 months or a yr post-op, I will be ok w/that. It's the thought that it might never happen that worries me. On the other hand, when this happens, my husband feels so bad, and sometimes says, "I'm sorry babe, you must really regret having that surgery now." And I'm like, "No I don't! How else was I ever going to lose 50 pounds in 5 mos w/all the health/pain issues I have?" I never thought I would weigh 154 lbs again, much less 135-140 where I hope to land. So, yeah. It sucks that I have to eat yogurt for dinner most nights. (There are a handful of other things I could have instead, but some of those I have for breakfast/lunch/snacks, and also the yogurt is easy to throw together). But hopefully that will get better as more time passes, and if it doesn't...I don't know...I have to think it's got to be better than stuffing my face w/whatever I wanted but then feeling awful every time I got dressed or looked in the mirror...

let me know how you did that because I am waiting for BCBS fed emp too....

I think nearly everyone who is a "regular" on the forum post-op goes through a period where they get sick of seeing the same posts over and over again. Either you get over it, become more patient, and try to help the newbies or you get fed up and spend less time on the forums. I know I had my own stretch of angst over so many repetitive topics. But I just try to remember we all started somewhere and I had my share of stupid and repetitive posts back in my early days. So I try to suck up the frustration and be as helpful as possible. If it weren't for people being patient with me in the beginning, I never would have gotten to where I am now.

Yesssss love it. It's cool bc we can put it in a mini muffin pans and have bite size. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Muffin pans? That's brilliant. Thanks for the suggestion. No problem. That way it's bite size for us and we won't over indulge. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Before my surgery, I had to get an exam done by a bariatric counselor. They talked to me about how I felt about giving things up, or how I plan to succeed. I am a mental health professional so I told them what I knew they wanted to hear bc I wanted the surgery (I know.. I know.) But after surgery, I felt like there was some unresolved issues with food, much like yourself, and so I'm doing the process to go back to the counseling center. Honestly, looking for eating disorder counselors might be a good first step for you.. because overeating is a disorder.. I imagine most people think "eating disorder" and imagine anorexia or bulimia. Which isn't 100% the case. Mood disorders is something completely different. When you talk to a therapist, you get to interview them first. You have to make sure that THEY are a good fit for YOU. Even if it's just to go 1x a month, I bet it'll be helpful. If you don't feel comfortable with them, then ask for a change. You can request a specific gender if you'd like. Look at their credentials and see how long they've been in practice. healthgrades.com is also a good place to get some reviews. Making a call will also help you establish how they'll treat you. Trust your gut with it. I know you've had a bad experience in the past, but that doesn't mean that all experiences will be bad. I had a horrible exp in college with a therapist and swore I'd never go back. Now I've been in therapy for 3 years now and it's changed my life. Good luck!

I got the basic chocolate bc I dont like coffee. I hope they're good too!

Hey Priscilla, this is Kris, I met you at the hospital! I definitely want to know the answer to this because I have been counting 10 days as starting the day after surgery, like you. I tell you I never thought one day would make so much of a difference, but it does! I have been wanting something other than clears for a few days now and am really getting really fed up with clears!

Thanks so much! I love Vega Vanilla and chocolate protein powder as well as PB protein powder each mixed with almond milk. I also just discovered Ghost protein powder which is amazing! Literally tastes like cereal milk, chips ahoy etc.. and you can buy samples! You definitely want broth and sugar free popsicles. Both we’re life savers! In the full liquid stage any cream soup you like will be your go to… get a strainer bc you will use that a lot! Also get a few protein shaker bottles! A scale is a must have! Order your vitamins and protein ahead of time for sure! I bought but don’t use baby spoons or anything like that bc you can judge how much a tiny bite is. Look up lots of full liquid and purée recipes especially the ricotta bake for purée! I don’t feel like my tastes have changed and I have no cravings! I have gone out for pizza with my family and it did not bother me at all. There are times I literally have to remind myself I need to eat! Plan to walk a lot it helps so much and fills the food void. My biggest problem was over preparing and being hard on myself, it helped but I literally thought I had control over this process and I have very little. I just go hour by hour, day by day as far as what I need to be doing. Good luck to you! It’s so worth it! Keep the questions coming!

Good Luck!! Where in Pa are you located? I also have highmark bc/bs. I go for my sixth appointment the end of this month and then will submit.

I had surgery on Tuesday and honestly on Thursday I was feeling hunger. In a way I felt ok about it Bc I felt somewhat normal as weird as that sounds. But I am home and I get small spurts of hunger from time to time as well. I can honestly drink something or have a small snack and I am ok. I live in Germany and had my surgery here. I found it very weird that as soon as they sent me home they said I can eat puréed foods and anything I can chew very well for the next 3 weeks. I was very surprised seeing that I see everyone was put on a strict liquid diet for the first 2 weeks and then puréed food. But I still don't take it over board but I do curb my hunger in between with a couple sips of some type of liquid or drink and I am fine. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Eat a salad at home first and see how you do. It may make you sick or cause a little discomfort and nausea Bc of the way your body digests it.

Had my sleeve on 3-3-14, I'm post op day 20 and last wk I was re-hospitalize for dehydration. I've had it rough. I sleep a lot therefore I'm not eating like I should. It's hard. I'm still at the point where I regret it, but hoping it gets better. I go back to wrk in 3 wks so I'm hoping I get the hang of this in the next wk or so. Down 26 lbs since surgery, but not enjoying the weight loss bc I'm always sick. Please keep me posted on you guys progress

I'm Almost 4 wks post Op And CANNOT sleep. Any suggestions? I feel very restless. Trying to experiment with different protein flavors bc I know I'm not getting the protein I need :-( I go back to work soon so I want to get this under control ASAP

I swear I laughed my butt off reading that BC I thought I was the only one who ever referred to myself as a popped biscuit can! that is how I look in anything!

I start my 2 week liquid diet on Tuesday the 9th. My surgery is the 23rd. I'm glad I found this forum to help me with what's to come after I start the liquid diet. I am going to be on strictly liquids with Sf jello and Sf Popsicles. I have no doubt this is going to be the hardest thing I've ever done in my life yet. It makes me really nervous. But I know how important it is for surgery and to prepare. I'm concerned bc right now I am taking a lot of med and get really nauseous if I don't eat with them. Also hypoglycemic, so I'm sure I will feel a few waves of nausea, but just have to keep up with the protein drinks and take it a day at a time!!

Thanks so much for comments, made my day. I am on a 24 hour non fat diet and a 12 fast after that for my big 4 hour appt at the bariatric unit! Super excited. I feel a little blah bc I am so used to eating lots of protien and all i can have is toast popsicles boiled potatos or vegies and fruit.

I'm 34 about 6 weeks pregnant, 3 months po, i had the sleeve and I also have two blood clotting disorders to deal with.. So yes I'm fed high risk.. I just can't wait to be in my safe place in my pregnancy!! Hope all is well!!

Well I will tell you the process is horrible. Now that it is after June 1st I would recommend calling UHC and requesting a Care Cord. My Care Cord was Kathy Sweeny and her # is 1-866-534-7209 ex. 67391. I would may recommend contacting her if you do not get assigned to a cord. I also advise you to ask them to go thru everything with you about what will need to be done to get approved. I know I had to have a doctor recommend a weight-loss program bc you have to do one for 6 months. I did Jenny Craig. After the 6 month plan, the psych eval, nutrition class it took about 8 months. I didnt go to my consult with Dr. T until my last week of my 6 month program. That way everything was quick. I hope this does help. If anything else let me know! Good Luck!

*I am not going to judge you and say that you haven't ; I don't know you or your experience. But I am sorry; when people say they have lost 10 pounds in a year-that's bs and some of their fault. Get your fills, work with your nutritionist, join support groups (shoot I even go to a WW at work group) and get off your butt and exercise.* But you are judging! You just said it's bs and some of their fault. Then u tell them to get off their butt and exercise. Did u realize u mentioned NOTHING about restriction??? If she has no restriction it's just like them dieting BEFORE they went to all the trouble and expense of having WLS! Yes I think they should eat right. Yes I think they should exercise. However if that is the ONLY way they will lose weight THAT is b.s.!!! None of us paid all that money and subjected ourselves to a surgery to lose weight ONLY by making lifestyle changes. If we thought we could have done it all on our own then we wouldn't have had WLS now would we???