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I am 10 weeks out and have experienced dumping syndrome a couple times but only because I knew I ate too fast! Feels kind of like a stuck feeling and can't eat anymore. A lot of thick slimes and then I try to throw up and it comes right out (liquid). Then I feel great! But I never have experienced any pain or nausea since my surgery other than that.

Amen Tisa! Nail on the head! When I go to the gym and make the right choices I'm like a million bucks. When I'm sneaking into a Chinese joint, stuffing and eating so fast that I don't even remember chewing, I just want to get under the covers and die! Why do we do this to ourselves. I'm on day three of my pre op and I am struggling. Had a slice of pizza today. Wanted to throw up I was so pissed at myself.

Well it's been a week since banded and I'm better. The one thing that is bothering me is going through another week of liquids. I know it is necessary, but I'm having a hard time. At least let me get to the puree stage!! I think I just heard my stomach for the first time...oh well. Dr. Madan is impressed with my weight lose, so that's good. This morning I did get on the treadmill at a really fast pace. Other than that I'm still day dreaming of being small. Be BLESSED!

I am expecting to be flogged by someone for saying this. I have 2 days until I am going to be on the other side, and have been on a 2 week pre-op diet,,,of sorts. I had veggies as allowed to do, but found my self overeating them at times. No fast food, nothing like that at all although it has been very hard not to. Tomorrow is my last day to have anything to eat and Sunday is all liquid,,, period and I will abide 100%. I am scared of not being a good candidate when the Dr. looks inside there and closing me up. Tonight, Friday I had some popcorn and am feeling extremely remorseful. I just caved somewhat. I have done the water thing, drank all my protein shakes and ate SF Jello. Realizing the first thing that comes to mind is can I go into this journey and be successful? Am I really ready, I think I am,,,Now that I have this off of my mind I want to know if anyone else has cheated on the pre-op diet, and if so, did you ruin your surgery because you weren't exactly 100%. Thanks--------

Hi, So...I'm getting banded in about 2 weeks and I've started my pre-op diet - started it a bit early - been on it about 5 days. So far so good - shakes are tolerable and lean lunches aren't that bad either. My problem is with the fact that in order to do the pre-op right the choices and tastes are rather limited. Yes, I have a list of all the wonderful "shakes" you can make - but I'm not really a shake/smoothie kinda person. I enjoy food, not for emotional or stress reasons, but for the quality and taste (I know - a form of addiction). So my question to those who've been banded for a while is: Will I be able to eat high-end, quality restaurant foods or will a trip to a restaurant be a total waste of time not to mention money? I don't mind eating in small quantities, but I would still like to enjoy the foie gras, good stinky cheeses (bread I can live without), a nice steak (a small one) or really unique and different foods that I have access to while traveling on the expense account I don't care about burgers, fast food, cakes and all other junk - that I can totally give up and never care a bit, but when I'm faced with a chocolate soufflé with grand marnier - it's kinda hard to say no - again I'll only have a bite - it's the taste experience that's enticing. I'm also a sucker for street food - especially in NY. Have any of you thought about this before the surgery? How has your restaurant experience been affected by the band? Did you have to give up all the delicious things and replace them with shakes or meh chicken just to deal with the band? Have any of the awesome gourmet foods been a problem because of the band? Any insight would be great. Thanks in advance!! Ahab

One of the major parts of success with the band, IMO, is behavior modification. I think that if you do have the band, you will learn very quickly that there are certain things you have to do, like chew very well and eat slowly. It will give you reinforcement in that department. Basically, I wouldn't worry too much about the problems that come from eating too fast and not chewing well. After the first few times you slime or PB, I think you will change your habits. To be honest, that is one of the major reasons that I decided to have the band over RNY. The band forces you to change your behavior, and I think a lot of us need that reinforcement.

I drink beer and really any alcohol. Yes" you get buzzed very fast-be careful. I hate drinking a lot now because I have had a few black out moments-and made a huge ass out of myself. I had to learn what is my new amount that I can drink and be ok. I drank 6 beers the other night. I only drink on a Friday or Saturday. I hooe that im not stretching my sleeve out but beer was all that was avail at the time.

Seriously I commend you for lasting that long... I was on clear liquids for ten days and almost went batty... just make sure you don't jump ahead to quick- I went from purees to soft to fast and it hurt so I had to go back for a bit.

I return to work Monday too and I am 14days post op Bring Yogurt and the bags of instant oatmeal they are easy and i can eat them at my desk!! Also remember fast food is good if you choose right! taco bell has pintos and cheese very small portion but perfect size for us and full of protein!!!

Hi everyone, my name is Tammy. My surgery date is November 18th- 2013 ( it's coming fast) - I've done a lot of research but am finding that although some books touch on gastric sleeve, I haven't found one specific book that just focuses on gastric sleeve. I'm looking for a book that has it all, surgery info, stages after surgery! Basically, i'm looking for a bible like book on the gastric sleeve. Anyone have any thoughts or info to point me in the right direction. Please let me know... I'm looking forward to chatting and having support as well as offering support to anyone. Thanks

sigh. I eat fast as well... Nothing I do seems to work. I still eat (at home) with a baby spoon, for goodness sake.

Way to go Mudbug!! I too was size 20/22 prior to surgery and am wearing size 16 now. Size 10 is WHERE I want to BE!! Next dr. appt is May 21; not certain about fill yet. Still having some problems w/food getting stuck & PBing. Not daily but maybe once a week or so. I think it is because I have gotten hungry & when I do eat I am eating too fast/not chewing good enough. We'll see what happens between now & May 21. Again.....size 10 is awesome!

I have never had food get stuck before. I think it happend last night. I was eating fast (out of habit, working on that) and I started to feel pressure in my chest. It felt like I had to throw up. So I got up and walked around for a few minutes and then after that it seemed to stop. I think the food was stuck and instead of throwing up it just passed through? Yes? or was it something else?

Has anyone ever done the Lemon Cleanse (Master Cleanser)? Its not a diet rather a natural means of cleaning out the toxins and bacteria in your system. One of the side effects is the loss in weight (of course your fasting). I gave the book a quick read yesterday (its about 20 pages.) Its a liquid fast that involves a lemon cleanser, saltwater cleanser and herbal laxative tea. I am going to start it tomorrow for the next ten days. I did the Salt Water flush today and lets just say that you cannot venture too far away from the toilet after drinking this stuff. I will let you know how it goes. Here is a quick list for those you might want to give it a whirl. Let me know how it goes. http://www.falconblanco.com/health/cleansing/lemoncleanse.htm

I would only eat things that you are sure you can handle when you get started back at work. My experience is with (like Tracey said) new things, eating too fast, or not knowing when to stop eating. It's a difficult balance for some of us to find. It's no fun to be sick at work. Good Luck!

I had a reduction done several years ago. Pre surgery and pre weight gain. Mine were naturally huge. Having that surgery helped every aspect. It was easier to exercise, my back improved. It was a major operation for me but never got me as small as I wanted. Recovery was simple. Fast forward to now. When I get to goal I'll investigate having another one. I would say go for it if it's covered. Just find a great surgeon.

Hello I know how you feel im on the 2 week per-op diet now it the end of my first week and its very hard now started of go but now i want food tired of liquids I hope this next week of liquid go real fast for me Im being band on oct 1, I cant wit until its all over.Your lucky that you have your cousin supporting you good luck and i hope you all well.:eek:

your butt shape will change after all the weight loss. Mine was pretty saggy - but I had a lower body lift which tightened it up. Usually lower body exercises like squats and lunges will help with glutes - but again, your shape will change pretty fast, and there's not a lot you can do to help the sagginess with the amount of weight we typically lose. immediately after surgery, all I was cleared for was walking. After four weeks, I was allowed to do everything except for weights. At eight weeks out, I was cleared for weights. The first few months I did mostly water fitness classes - and walking. I also did the stationary bikes at my gym. Now I do dance cardio (like Zumba) and biking, but I was too heavy to do those when I first started on my journey.

This calms my nerves seeing you guys had your approvals so fast. I hope the same goes for me. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Jake said it we all have been stalled, Mix up your eating a little and do a 12 hour fast - Stop worrying about the per pound loss, this is a journey and your body is fighting back trying to stop the weight lose, stay on plan and you will win

I have a recumbent bike / elliptical that I use every day. I have a 20 pound kettlebell that I can't lift. I have 1,2,5, and 10 pound weights, plus ankle and wrist weights. I have a collection of workout DVDs so that I don't get bored, plus I can work out in my jammies and not have to get dressed to go out to a gym, for which I would have to pay to work out in front of lunks and Barbie Dolls. Here is my list with my personal reviews: MISS MAC’S EXERCISE VIDEO COLLECTION (With Reviews) CHAIR EXERCISES 1. STRONGER SENIORS STRETCH AND STRENGTH (Anne P. Burnell) It’s easy for people with mobility issues. 2. STRONGER SENIORS PILATES (Anne P. Burnell) Pilates based exercises suitable for anyone with limited ability or range of motion issues. 3. EASY CHAIR EXERCISES: PILATES AND CALISTHENICS (Sunshine) Easy to follow beginning level. 4. CHAIR AEROBICS FOR EVERYONE – BEACH PARTY (Ronit Amaya) Circuit training with ‘60’s beach music. Very easy – may be too easy and not much of a workout for some people, but if you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, this might be perfect for you. 5. CHAIR EXERCISES (David Stamps) a. Chair Salsa b. Chair Aerobics c. Chair Tai Chi d. Chair Boxing Trainer David Stamps is easy follow. I use these on “Bad Days” when I can’t do my workouts standing up or sciatica is bothering me. STRETCHES 1. STRETCH, FLEX, AND TONE (GAIM) Slow and relaxed Pilates and Calisthenics that can be done standing or in a sitting in a chair. Helpful for a tight back. 2. CLASSICAL STRETCH (Miranda Esmonde) As seen on her PBS show. Easy but effective. You really get a thorough workout, but she’s so pleasant that you don’t care. It wore me out, but I knew I had put my work in for the day. 3. PILATES FOR WIMPS (Natural Journeys) This is a good basic Pilates workout if you don’t feel like going to the gym. 4. EASY YOGA FOR ARTHRITIS (Peggy Cappy) Increases Mobility. Gentle movements with modifications. STRENGTH AND RESISTANCE 1. FUNCERCISE BOOMERS WORKOUT (with “Sunshine”) Gentle and easy slow paced strength training with light weights. Suitable for seniors and people with poor mobility 2. FIRMING AFTER 50 (Joel Harper) Full body workout – no equipment Three levels of effort; He does the advanced level. A pretty young thing does the medium level. His own mother does the modified level. *Easy to follow and works every muscle in your body. One of my favorites and I use it often. 3. FUNCERCISE RESISTANCE BANDS (with “Sunshine”) Twenty-five simple and easy to do resistance band exercises. CARDIO 1. WALK YOUR BELLY FLAT (Leslie Sansone) This is a calorie burner. Equivalent of three miles done in “one-mile” units that take about twelve minutes each to complete. Can be done outside or even in the house or standing in place if you don’t have much room to workout. (I have only been able to get to one and a half, but my goal is to make it through all three units.) It is still one of my favorites that I use frequently. 2. WHOLE BODY RESISTANCE (former pro wrestler Diamond Dallas Page) Intense Yoga that won’t compromise your masculinity. Remember he was a champion pro wrestler and used this method for his own training. He demonstrates modifications that make it usable for everyone. No lifting, no crunches, no running, no jumping, no equipment! Length of videos vary from three minutes to ninety minutes. a. Body weight resistance – 30 minutes b. Core – 12 minutes c. Balance – 30 minutes d. Strength Builder – 38 minutes for our body parts that break down first: Shoulders, hips, knees, lower back e. Thirteen key moves for body weight resistance – 30 minutes f. Lats and Biceps – 15 minutes g. Below the Belt – 30 minutes h. Breathing – 3 short minutes i. Diamond Cutter – 50 minutes Uses the thirteen moves he utilizes in his own training j. Double Diamond Cutter – 1 hour and 30 minutes – you need stamina k. 3. HIP HOP ABS (Shaun T) Fast Pace Cardio with moves that can be used in the club. Shaun T is easy to follow – makes this fun 4. CIZE (Shaun T) No rating for this yet. I just ordered it and am waiting for delivery, so I will give you the description on the Beach Body website: “The End of Exercize™ is coming! Shaun T’s brand new fitness program is not about doing push-ups or jumping, it’s about moving to the beat, and everyone can do it. You’re about to look forward to working out! Shaun T goes back to his dancing roots and makes losing weight an “experience,” with hot new moves and great music! And if you think you can’t dance, don’t worry. Shaun breaks down the routines, step-by-step, move-by-move, and builds them into a full dance workout. And at the end, you’ll get to CIZE™ IT UP to songs from Shaun’s playlist. You’ll be so focused on mastering the moves that for 35–40 minutes you’ll forget you’re actually burning fat and calories, and getting in the best shape of your life.” “Don’t say you can’t dance, because anyone can dance.” —Shaun T 5. WEIGHTED CARDIO GLOVES (The Firm) Fast paced interval training using boxing moves Including kicks, punches, bob and weave This is an aggressive workout Remember, sweat is fat crying! 6. ZUMBA (Beto Perez) Fun enough, but even more fun with somebody or in a group) Latin steps and rhythms that you can use in the club DANCE EXERCISES 1. DROP IT WITH DANCE (Prevention Magazine) Brief ten-minute Fat-Blasting workouts Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, and 90’s jam for all levels of skill 2. SWEATIN’ TO THE OLDIES (Richard Simmons) Good if you like 50’s and 60’s music Incorporates aerobic movement with 50’s and 60’s dance moves 3. DANCE OFF THE BELLY FAT (Anchor Bay) Easy enough, low impact, instructor is easy to follow Even the “Belly Blast” section is not too harsh. 4. EXOTIC DANCE WORKOUT (Body Politics) Sexy practice. Classic exotic dance moves taught step by step 5. PUSSYCAT DOLLS (Robin Antin & Nicole Scherzinger) Sexy and fun. Learn moves for “Don’tcha Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me” 6. BOLLYWOOD DANCE WORKOUT (Hemalayaa) Sexy, saucy full-body workout Shimmy and shake Bhangra style This one is kind of fun 7. FAT BLASTING DANCE MIX (Jennifer Galardi) Brief Ten Minute Work-outs Fat burning calorie Meltdown Effective and quick 8. ISLAND GIRL HULA ABS AND BUNS (Natural Journeys) Hula is more of a workout than you would expect. 9. BELLY DANCE FOR BEGINNERS (Natural Journeys) Hot fitness routines to stretch and tone, integrating Pilates Sexy – Learn a new skill. 10. AFRICAN BEAT - LATIN HEAT (Natural Journeys) fusion of Tribal and Latin style dancing You will learn moves you can take to the club. 11. DANCE OFF THE INCHES – SIZZLING SALSA (Anchor Bay) Ten uncomplicated dance moves More fun than work Fat burning fiesta – then you will want a siesta Contents of Classical Stretch Season 8 Discs 1-4 DISC 1: 801 – Stretch All 600 Muscles 802 – Increase Your Energy 803 – Stress Relieving Workout 804 – Firm and Strengthen Your Butt 805 – Balance and Strength 806 – Lose a Pant Size 807 – Elongating Your Muscles 808 – Slenderizing Your Waist DISC 2: 809 – Improve Posture and Energy 810 – Strengthen Hips and Core 811 – Unlock the Spine and Increase Energy 812 – Improve Your Balance 813 – Strengthen Feet and Fingers 814 – Unlock Your Hips 815 – Increase Your Energy DISC 3: 816 – Tone Your Entire Body 817 – Strengthen and Shape Your Legs 818 – Burn Calories and Lose Weight 819 – Tone Abs and Strengthen Legs 820 – Full Body Posture Workout 821 – Strength and Flexibility to the Core 822 – Full Barre Workout to Loosen Hips 823 – Stretch and Strengthen Lower Body DISC 4: 824 – Spine and Abs 825 – Feet and Ankles 826 – Weight Loss and Toning 827 – Stretch and Strengthen Your Hips 828 – Strengthen Your Bones 829 – Improve Posture and Flatten Abs 830 – Strength and Flexibility of the Hips

Glad to hear you are feeling better today. You will make lots of progress every day for these first few days. It's amazing how quickly your body can bounce back. Just make sure you take everything very slowly and don't push yourself too hard too fast.

At age 19, I would eat out of boredom. I had tried every possible weight loss program out there and nothing worked. Maybe because I didn’t stick with it long enough to see results. Having surgery to place the LapBand inside my body was a huge decision. My family stood behind me the entire way, in fact my parents paid for me to have it done. Seeing the doctor was a tragic moment. I was warned that he would try to break me down, try to make me cry… This is a way of showing how strong a person is, if they are emotionally stable to go through with this surgery, for my entire life would be different afterwards. I was prepared for the visit with the doctor, mentally and emotionally. My sister went to the appointment with me. He asked me, “Why do you want to get the LapBand?” My response, “Because I need to lose weight, I have tried everything and nothing seems to work. I’m afraid that I will die at a young age. I have already had some pre-cancer scares, from a sun mark and in my female reproductive system.” His comeback, “Well I could lose a few pounds myself.” Then my sister spoke up, “I don’t want my sister to die.” I started balling. The next stage in the process of getting the LapBand was seeing my healthcare provider for an in depth physical examination and a physiatrist. The ten days before the surgery was yet another test to see how capable I was of receiving the LapBand. Ten day liquid diet! Nothing but beef broth, protein drinks, and water for ten days. After day five, I just didn’t feel hungry anymore. I lost 12 pounds in those ten days. Sitting in the hospital bed waiting to go into surgery with my mom and best friend, I realized that my life was going to be completely different when I woke up. I was going to be sore. I was going to have to learn how to eat all over again. I have had the band for going on 5 years now. Last July, it slipped and I had to have emergency surgery to correct the band. It was horrible and painful while it was slipping (took about 3 months to fully slip, and I had no idea why I wasn’t feeling good). Once the band was fixed I felt 110% better. However, I gained nearly 3/4 of the weight back that I had lost; mind you I had been at a stable weight for 3 years! Now, the band is working correctly again and I’m starting to lose weight again. I do get sick if I eat too much or eat too fast or let myself get too hungry, and I throw up (sometimes more than once in a sitting). With all that being said, I would do the LapBand ten times over again. It has some issues, but I really feel like it is mind over matter. You know what you can and cannot eat, and the amounts of foods you area able to handle. Once I get back to a steady weight again (hopefully sooner than later!) I plan on getting extra skin removed and a breast lift.

I got mine on april 15..... and I am laying around the tv and walking and doing slim fast low carb.. :biggrin:

This exact scenario happened to me as well...I kinda stressed to the surgical side of the situation and told them I felt my job was looking at cutbacks and if I lose my insurance I'll be out of luck! They actually pushed hard for me to get all the lab work and such as fast as possible...although this is life changing surgery for us, it's a pay day for the medical side, so when all is said and done, they don't want to lose a "customer"...I'm 4 days post op now