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I suggest you make sure you're getting in your daily Protein requirements. Also make sure you're getting all of your Water in. Sometimes we confuse hunger with thirst. When you're feeling a little hungry, reach for a bottle of water first and then if you're still hungry 30 minutes later, have a snack. Snack suggestions would be sugar free Jello or puddings, add a splash of some kind of condiment/sauce to cottage cheese. There are 100 calorie snack packs available at most grocery stores, but if you're going to have one of those, make sure it's only one. If you're still hungry after that, put a stick of gum in your mouth to get you through to designated meal times and sip on your water as well. I'm guessing you're at the mushy stage of diet, so perhaps different combinations of mashed vegetables. Some of my favorites were carrot and parsnips or rutabaga and squash with some spinach added for texture and fibre, etc. Fish, ground chicken and turkey, some of the leaner meats that can be chewed up really well, but be careful that you're not eating too much too soon of these things. Remember that the first 6 weeks after surgery you should be concentrating on healing and healing only. That's why sticking in the liquid/mushy stage is important. You don't want to aggravate your band area and suffer complications as a result. You have plenty of time to get onto a controlled diet/weight loss/exercise routine, so don't rush things. I thought back to my son's baby stage and basically made food that I would have made for him both in size and ingredients. Baby food. Fresh, not the canned/bottled stuff. Exercise. One thing I've learned is that I can't eat chocolate chip Cookies while exercising. :drool: At times when the hunger really gets to me, I'll go for a 20-30 minute stroll outside just to get away from the temptations of food in the fridge and cupboards. You need to break yourself out of old habits that got you into trouble in the first place. It takes a lot of work in the beginning, but if you stick with it, it becomes second nature to have your meals, Snacks and exercises planned for the upcoming day or week. When choosing an exercise, make sure it's one that you'll enjoy. Or at the very least, one that you don't hate. If you start to feel like exercise is a chore you'd much rather avoid, sooner or later you'll find reasons and excuses to do so. Some people get into a routine that doesn't change at all, but others find they need to keep changing in order to keep things interesting and not get bored with their workout. I think the best purchase I've made since my lap band has been my iPod. It helps keep me focused when I'm on the treadmill or elliptical and the time goes by really quickly when I'm singing along; in my head, so as not to scare the public :biggrin: On the days when I've forgotten my iPod it seems like it takes twice as long to get through my exercises. :smile: Hang in there. This is a wonderful journey that at times is very hard, but the rewards of that hard work are SO worth it. I hope this helps.

I have been in a polyamorous relationship for 2 years....I'm married (for 25 years) to a wonderful man, and he has a partner of 2 years who I like very much. I just celebrated my one year anniversary with my partner; the four of us get along very well. It's a little complicated at times, but so are monagamous relationships and ours is very loving and respectful. After 25 years of marriage, my husband and I love each other very much, be we have found in our partners very important aspects that we never had with each other. Like you said, there are many different forms of this type of life. But for us, it's working. Good luck and always keep an open mind.

Yes you should go ahead and quit -- get your oxygen levels and lung function up to par. And it shouldn't be too too hard since you are only a casual smoker. Number one risk with smoking and surgery is blood clots. And of course you want your lungs in the best possible shape for going under anesthesia. And during your healing time, cigarettes can interfere with circulation and keep you from healing properly. It's just too much of a risk to not give up the smoking if you're going to have surgery. I was a half pack a day smoker up until about 4 months before my surgery. 9 months post op, and I have recently started up again a little.....I am being the 'casual' smoker you describe yourself as But please, give yourself every possible chance of having a successful, complication free surgery and recovery. Go ahead and stop ASAP. This is in your power.

This is still an evolving field, So different programs use different best practices and data. Some have very restrictive post surgery diets and others don't. Generally the purpose post op is to give you time to heal and minimize complications. Many programs also track their own data, so if they find one approach gives better results (more loss, fewer complications) then they will tweak their recommendations. You can ask a program about their statistics, which is enlightening. For example my specific program sees better than national averages in terms of loss from the sleeve, but really limits carbs VS others.

I'm not even a full month past an invasive surgery. It's immediately visible to anyone who looks at my stats, and it ought to be enough that people give me a little bit of a break. And yet. I made a comment in a thread last night (my first comment in said thread), to correct a little bit of "what about the newbies" concern trolling (as a newbie, I'm qualified), and someone with a very high "reputation score" immediately jumped in and 1) lumped me in with the people they'd been heatedly arguing with for tens of posts, 2) misrepresented what I was saying, and 3) insulted my intelligence. Or at least my education level. When I clarified (angrily, because that's clearly what this person wanted from me, and I am honestly at the very end of my fuse for reasons that aren't relevant to the point I'm making), they doubled down, replying with one abusive post after another in rapid succession. It was awful. The thread has been closed, so while I guess maybe you could still go find it, please don't. If you witnessed it, please don't reopen that line of discussion or name the other person who behaved badly; that is not the point of this post. I'm not making a one-person call-out post; I'm talking about trends. Usually it's a couple of groups of veterans and near-veterans I see squabbling amongst each other, and if you go back in the archives a year, you can see a different set of near-veterans doing pretty much the same thing, about slightly different topics. (All that necroposting someone's been doing lately has accidentally surfaced a lot of ugliness.) And that is the behavior I'd rather focus on: people coming here to fight, being willing to bully newer members in the course of those fights, and still maintaining a high reputation. It's "people," plural, and it's a real problem. It makes reputation really misleading: we should lose reputation when we make the site more negative. And, yeah, the fact that I was provoked to the point of throwing insults back probably means I should lose a little bit of reputation for that, too. My point is, it would be nice to see some way for the community, or the moderators, to penalize bad behavior. Because without that, reputation is incredibly misleading. (I am, however, posting this in Rants & Raves and not Website Suggestions, because the details of how you build a fair moderation system are complicated. Done naively, it would just become another avenue for bullying and cliquishness; you can already see the ghost of that in the meangirl way some people use the "laughing" response on posts they disagree with. And I don't really expect Alex et. al. to put in that level of work, to learn how to do it fairly and then implement that. So this is just a rant. I'm angry that people get to behave badly, bully newer members, and still get little markers by their names suggesting that they are trustworthy. I'm of the opinion that removing reputation altogether would be better than what we have now, but I feel like that's not going to be a view that many share. So. Just a rant. Ignore me if you want; this isn't going anywhere, and I'm not going to pursue it now that I have it out of my system.)

I am just over 8 months post VSG. I am lucky to not have had any complications. I was able to get to my goal weight. I chose to have a breast lift and tummy tuck at 7 months post sleeve which I know is early but the right choice. I am 6 weeks post plastic surgery and just had my follow up appointment, I laughed when she sternly told me to not lose anymore weight. I can honestly say I would never have thought that I would ever have heard that again in my life. I do notice that it has been a full life style change but I am glad that I do feel I live a regular life. I know that I am sure to have obstacles over the years to come and it could be easy to fall back into old habits but I am sure my new tummy will keep me in line. This forum has been a great support and I am glad to have found it.

several years ago when bypass and the band were my only options, I decided against WLS surgery altogether. The band was a no go for me because I didn't like the idea of having a foreign object in my body. Late last year when I learned about the sleeve, I knew it was right for me. Especially since it addresses the issue of grehlin (the hunger hormone) whereas I don't think the band does. Once I made up my mind, I found VST. There's an entire gang of folks here that are band-to-sleeve revisions. And holy moly some of the complications people have had from the band are enough to convince me I made the right choice!

Many doctors are no longer doing the band because of all the complications...mine no longer does it either. The sleeve seemed the best choice & I'm very glad I went with it!

Holy sleevies, I love some of the responses in this thread. They speak to me a great deal, and I feel so vindicated! I love my sleeve, and I could talk about it all day long. I love that I have a new life because of it, and that it has taught me so much about making my health a priority. Yes, I worked my butt off to educate myself. Yes, I revamped my whole outlook on food and nutrition. Yes, I had to become super honest with myself about my bad habits, and change them. But, this was all a learning experience. Not everyone realizes the work it takes from the start, and unfortunately some never realize it.To those people I want to give them a good smack and tell them to take a hard look at themselves. Why would you cut out half your stomach if you weren't ready to adapt to that change? Why would you undergo this procedure without knowing what you were in for? Why would you complain about something without taking the steps to fix it? There are so many amazing vets here that have not reached their "goal" (I say that with quotes because honestly how you feel and live is much more important than the number), and are still going strong. They keep tracking their foods and continue to face their inner demons on a daily basis. We all do. I will forever be a bariatric patient, there is no denying it. And, honestly, I'm the happier for it. I LIKE this lifestyle. I'm not on a diet, I'm eating as I should have been eating my whole life. I walk the perimeter of the grocery store because I'm aware of the dangers that lurk in the middle. I acknowledge my faults and weaknesses. Like so many in this thread, I did all my research before the surgery, so I knew what I should expect. I knew that this was not a quick fix and that this surgery was FOR MY HEALTH. Who cares if I lose slowly or quickly, or if I can't stuff my face full of junk anymore? I will take the slow sips of Water, the weird gurgles, the loose skin, the thin hair, the wonky poops, and the strict regimens any day over a life of complications due to obesity. This doesn't answer the OP's question at all, but I felt inspired to express myself! Like Butterthebean (who always has great advice), I appreciate the people who are optimistic and excited... I appreciate those that look for answers. I don't pay much attention to the complainers or whiners that don't seem to have their priorities straight.

Dana- I am so happy you finally got what we have all been wanting: RESTRICTION! I hear you loud and clear- now is the time the the band comes to the dinner table. Up until now the band has been with you, but not front and center. You could eat fast, eat pretty much what you wanted. It was the best of both worlds- lose weight and eating wasn't that complicated. I know because I am speaking from the non-restriction side. Last night I had Pasta for dinner and I was happy as a clam, because my portion was small, I was full, and I still got to eat pasta. I didn't even have to pay too much attention to how much I chewed. I just took small bites. (Man this band is SO easy. AND the best part is I am losing weight!) However, if I continue on this path my weight loss will become non-exsistent, so I have to get a fill this month. Chances are if everything goes right I should be sitting with you in your boat. I totally understand where you are coming from. Good luck!

I didn't do this, but would recommend you meet with the new surgeon (or his/her staff), and explain the situation. They can help you figure out what to do. If you feel super strongly about this, then even if it means starting the process completely over, be willing to do it. The postop care is an ongoing relationship.. kinda like marriage. Most surgeons don't like taking patients that were operated on by another surgeon, especially if there is a complication. So make sure you are comfortable with your choice before going under the knife.

Actually, the only difference is there's one anastomosis instead of two. The weightloss, Vitamin deficiency etc are the same as RNY. However, the surgery time is reduced and they are less complications, again because of the one join instead of two. Pre-surgury. HW: 126.3 kg (278 lbs) / CW: 123.8 kg (272 lbs)

Do the positives out way the negatives? That's what I keep asking myself. Stress can cause corresponding pains / aches. I'm nervous too, but to remain the same unable to run, and keep up with the little ones, in my case my nieces ( I suffer from infertility, from PCOS) and you could potentially get diabetes, suffer a heart art k or worse. The odds of death or complications are minimal. The odds of the other comorbidities are greater. Maybe you can also talk to your surgeon to help you decide. Do you have a date yet? Mine is September 14, next Monday. I'm nervous too. I thinks it's natural.

I seem to recall Dr. C Everett Coop testifying before Congress when he was the Surgeon General, that nicotine was more addictive than heroin. My mother in law quit smoking with the help of Zyban. That and the fact that she had a CXR with a funny spot that scared the s*** out of her. I can't tell you about the number of patients I've seen with several complications of smoking that still can't quit. People on supplemental oxygen secondary to emphysema, still smoking; people with amputations secondary to vascular disease worsened by smoking, yet they still smoke threatening the other limb, etc... Don't be discouraged if you can't quit the first time. Keep at it. In the long run the health benefits are worth it! Maybe you can use your Lap Band surgeon's support group to also discuss and encourage your tobacco cessation. Good luck!

Last minute fears are normal. I had a lot of "what if?" thoughts as well. I think I remember reading the stomach cancer post you are referring, but cannot remember all the details. I think that it was not related to vsg, but people who had cancer, so not sure if the correlation could be drawn between the two since we had normal stomachs without disease to begin with...I just cannot remember. As for long term consequences. My family has a history of diabetes, both overweight and healthy weight individuals, so I might not have missed the boat on that. There are also numerous cancers that have killed many (grandparents, great aunts and uncles, cousins) in my family and I'm probably not safe from those either. I guess I just felt in my situation it's a crapshoot. I might as well live as healthy as I can in the time I have on this earth...not saying that I'll do anything to intentionally hurt my health, I personally just felt after my research on the vsg, the pro's outweighed the possible cons. I'm very happy that the surgery is not reversible. I don't ever want to gain all of my weight back. Good luck on your decision. I couldn't have done this if I had MAJOR concerns, but although I had fears of having complications, everything else was settled in my mind. I felt if I made it through the possible complication's phase (although many on here have had them and done just fine as well), I'd live a much healthier, longer life than without the surgery. Good luck coming to a decision you can live with!

I am in Matawan NJ, exit 120! ;-p I am looking into going to a support group as we speak. Actually two, because I am checking out two different surgeons. Dr. Chau and Dr. Mehta. I am afraid of the surgery, I am afraid I won't wake up or have complication and dying is not worth it and it sounds strange, but the thought of having something foregn inside me, wrapped around my stomach is a little scary. What scares me is what it will be like afterwards. i don't really know. I don't want to get the band and then freak out about what I have done because I was not prepared for the changes. For example, I bolt down my food, I don't know how to eat slowly. I have read things about people eating broccoli and almost fainting from the spasms, etc.. I am a vegetarian too by the way. It frightens me that I could not chew well enough and have to go to the ER because of it.

Busywoman thank you so much for the prayer, I could use it. It also helps to know my qiestions or fears are not alone. Sometimes I read how easy and unafriad people are and wonder if there is something wrong with me. Sarahbride, I'm so glad your surgery went so well. Keep me updated on how you do. Actually, my immune system is not that great, I have chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, so I am worried about infection too. And I know infection is the cause of erosion, let along surgery complications. My biggest fears are surgery complications and erosion and infection.

No. No other medical complications.

I guess in this i am lucky. I have 2 coworkers who did this 2 yrs ago both highly successful. One had slight complications but i asked her even with that would she do it all over again and her answer was a unresounding YES. I do have one coworker who tells me this scares her and worries her. But fact is while any surgery scares me not as much as growing older with this weight and what i know my health in the long run will be.

Hmmm. I'm wondering why you guys have to take any of the shots at all? I didn't take ANYTHING like vit.K, lovenox, coumadin, NOTHING pre- OR post surgery. Why would surgeons be so very different when it comes to this? I had no complications whatsoever with bleeding,not bleeding, etc. Since I've been losing weight though my hormones are going a bit crazy. I have PCOS and have been bleeding for almost 2 weeks now. July 2nd I had a D&C and 2 units of blood. But none of this had anything to do with the actual surgery. (Sleeved 3/15/11--and down 71lbs since then). I hope things get better for you. Bleeding is VERY scary and should be dealt with immediately. Good luck sister. Thoughts and prayers for you.

it protects your job. a woman in my face to face support group did not take FMLA and had some ongoing complications and lost her job. My FMLA was continuous right after the surgery and covers my appointments for the whole first year complete. so they can not tell me know if I need to go for any kind of follow up at all related. which is good because my PCP has been monitoring my blood pressure as we are slowly taking me off BP meds.

Hey Jennifer... hoping you are feeling well. I think there is variety in the post-op plans for lots of reasons, not just to drive us crazy! Once a surgeon has a great record of no leaks, I gather they go with what has been working. My surgeons took a more conservative route and I was on a very slowly progressing diet. They've had good success and the complications are minimal so they stick with this post-op plan. Hope the recovery goes well!

What complications did you have?

Yup. mine is in the same spot too. I kind of like it there. It does not bother me at all unless I sleep weird (i sleep like i fell out of a tree anyway) and then i feel it. no pain, i just no its there. I liek that position because i can imagine the poor doctor who would have to go through all of my abdominal fat to find it. I'd be there until Jesus came home. Not to mention the lenght and girth of the needle that would be used to go through my belly fat. Also I have spoken with a few people who had had their ports flipped and the doctors have placed them all somewhere in the upper chest area, so I guess his location is not that outside of what has been done. When i get fills they use this tiny needle that is less than 3 inches long. they numb it first, of course, then I'm out the door in no time. If you have your surgery performed by Dr. Bagnato in GA then this is where he places his ports. He is a fantastic Doc by the way. :wink_smile: As you can tell by our port locations, both ParaGirl and I both were banded by Dr. Bagnato. However, in the end i think that it is up to the surgeon's prefernce. As long as I got banded by a confident and skilled surgeon (and i researched my butt off especially after i read the lap band complications forum) I don't care where they placed the port.

:help: I believe I made the biggest mistake of my life. I was so desperate (and stupid!) to get lap band surgery in April of this year, that I went to Tijuana, Mexico to have the procedure done. I was unable to have the surgery in the states because of financial and insurance reasons. It has turned into a nightmare. They ASSURED me that I would be able to follow up w/ an American Dr. My mistake was waiting until I got back home to find a dr to do my fills. Naturally they wanted my medical records. So, I call "mexico" and request this info faxed over. They stated that the medical records had been destroyed, and that they don't hold on to records. It had only been a little over a month. So.... I was unable to find a dr to treat me and do my fills. If I want a fill, I have to go back to Mexico. Seeing as how this is very inconvenient, I've only been able to have one fill, and am already back to eating normally and not loosing weight. On top of that, I've had complications since I had the surgery. A month or so afterwards, I developed a large, painful, and hot to the touch, knot right under my incision. I went to see my PCP and he referred me to a surgeon. The surgeon said it was inflammation and would go away. Well, it never did, and got much worse. The knot became larger and more painful, and eventually developed a sore in my incision that drained, alot. By then, I was in the process of switching jobs and didn't have insurance. So, I just prayed that it would get better and of course it didn't. Finally the pain and discomfort of the last several months got to me. I broke down and went to the ER. I was there for 6 hours having several tests ran. The dr concluded that I had a huge and serious infection that is streaming down to my hip and over to back. He put me on 2 different antibiotics an pain meds. I've been taking them for over a week and feel no changes. The knot is still there, still draining, and still painful. So I'm fearful that this isn't going to work either. My reason for this post is maybe for a little cheap therapy, and of course hopes that someone else may read and learn from my mistakes. And of course I would LOVE LOVE LOVE any suggestions and advise.