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I was sleeved 7/17/13 and I have been a roller coaster of emotions. At first I was waking up at night in a hot sweat just feeling in a total panic, I would think "omg I ruined my life". That has seemed to be a little better. I did wake up this morning feeling anxious, no sweats just general anxiety about getting all my protein and water in. I went back to work last week and that has helped, but in the midst of my first week back I had a bad reaction to Cipro and my feet swelled and that made work hard. I can't put my finger on exactly what I am anxious about, I think it is just a huge change and I want so bad just to feel normal. Anyone else go through this?

That is a quick turnaround and your body just had a huge shock. Take it easy and make sure you are getting your liquids in. Follow your doctors recommendations for diet. I am assuming you are still on liquids? Get some protein drinks down if that is allowable. I wouldn't worry at this point about feelin weak and generally yucky. Totally Expected. Hang in there!!!

Hi! I can relate to your weight gain. I weighed about the same as you did, and then had a few traumatic events in my life. I gained over 100 lbs. 60 lbs. due to anti-depressants. Anyway, I think it is different for every state and every insurance company. My insurance did not cover mine. My husband had it done, also. I would find out if there are any local seminars you can attend. That was the first step for me. Once that was over with, the process just rolled on! They have a pre-op diet of liquids: Slim-Fast, clear broths, and Protein shakes, and Vitamins. This is to shrink your liver. You will have to have a sleep study, so if you want to get that under way, go ahead. Some places require a note from a psychologist. If you see a psychologist, it wouldn't hurt to do that. You definitely can have the surgery, and I think you would be more than pleased with it! It takes time, but it is worth it! At first, it seems overwhelming, but take it one day at a time, and before you know it...you are banded! You should be able to call your insurance company and ask if they cover morbid obesity. Good luck to you and in whatever you decision you make! Kristi:thumbup:

Today Marks the 2 week countdown until my surgery on July 29th. My doctor does not require a pre-op diet but yesterday I began replacing a protein shake for lunch. I am trying different brands. I had an Unjury, which was very good but I don't like the fact it has Nutrisweet in it. Last night I connected with someone who has the same doctor and went through the same program and it was really beneficial. I am thankful to have some reassurance regarding how the process went. I have pre-admission testing on July 21st and my pre-surgery appointment with the doctor on July 23rd. I am trying to lose some weight for that appointment because I gained a couple pounds since I saw him last :thumbup: But I will be on the losing end from now on. I appreciate the support and encouragement I have received from this website....:blushing:

Today Marks the 2 week countdown until my surgery on July 29th. My doctor does not require a pre-op diet but yesterday I began replacing a protein shake for lunch. I am trying different brands. I had an Unjury, which was very good but I don't like the fact it has Nutrisweet in it. Last night I connected with someone who has the same doctor and went through the same program and it was really beneficial. I am thankful to have some reassurance regarding how the process went. I have pre-admission testing on July 21st and my pre-surgery appointment with the doctor on July 23rd. I am trying to lose some weight for that appointment because I gained a couple pounds since I saw him last But I will be on the losing end from now on. I appreciate the support and encouragement I have received from this website....

Okay... starting to get concerned. I am up nearly 5 lbs this week despite eating no more - and usually less - than 1100 cal a day. I suspect it's nearly all water weight because mathematically fat gain just doesn't make sense. My carb intake is minimal, but I do eat veggies and some fruit. Mostly still getting 80 grams of protein a day, if not more. I've really only been doing cardio at the gym recently, no hardcore muscle building. My period finished maybe a week and a half ago so it's not related to my cycle. I usually gain 1 lb a week before my period. My hunger perception is way up too. Back to feeling like I used to feel pre-op (low blood sugar feeling when hungry). In short, I'm in hell. And, naturally, my GP and surgeon's office were totally empty today so no one will see me until next week. I just keep ballooning and feeling more and more defeated. Anyone else experience this??

Since every practice is different, I'm wondering how much protein you were told you need after surgery. My surgeon says 60 to 80 grams per day. I am 2 weeks post op, and I'm not getting nearly that much. I know we're supposed to focus on water first, and I'm doing fine with that. I just about can't stand the protein shakes, so I got some protein shots and they are even worse but at least there isn't as much to drink. I've started eating high protein foods on the puree stage, like ricotta cheese and things like that. What is your track for getting in protein?

try drinking liquid protein, like isopure or protein shot. that's all i have been drinking i have not tried protein shakes with milk yet. did you suffer from gas?

So I start my 3rd week post op this Thursday, we are leaving to go camping for the weekend on Friday. I know I can bring yogurts, cans of tuna and applesauce, etc. I can cook eggs also.. Any other easy ideas anyone can give me? I will bring my personal blender too lol, just need a few more ideas without it getting into too many ingredients or time spent on meals. My post op instructions had a few ideas but not many.. I really can't wait to cook for my family again, but I don't want to make big dinners just to have to puree them for myself. I think I will wait a couple more weeks then be able to make healthy high Protein meals for dinner.

I really want some cherry tomatoes w some ranch dressing. I wont eat it bc Protein first and i never have room for more than that, but its a new craving to me.

I was banded on Friday (May 28) in Mexico. I had the option to stay until Sunday but chose to come home yesterday because I felt it would be more comfortable at home. Right after the surgery I had pain in my shoulder and more gas pains than anything else. Today there is very little pain - just a little discomfort. I do have to say that on the drive home, I drooled over every restaurant that I passed by and the food ads on television are driving me crazy. This eating clear liquids for a week is not going to be fun but I am definitely not going to do anything but follow the rules. What did surprise me is what small drinks of liquids you have to take. If I take too large of a sip, it feels like it gets caught - I guess like it's going down a funnel. Weird.

There are a ton of different options for Vitamins out there. I know for me the gummies seem to work okay and I was on them from week one on. I think the first 90/120 days I was taking half of the recommended dosage (1 gummy per day instead of 2). Now I take anywhere from 1 normal dosage up to 2 ( 2 gummies in the am and then 2 in the pm). I have gone back and forth between Men's One a Day, and Vita fusion Men's complete Multivitamin gummies. The Vita Fusion's tend to taste a bit more sweeter to me, which is due I think to the fact that they have a sugary coating on them. They are also my emergency go to vitamins whenever I forget to take my One A Days. I initially was looking at the brands that my surgeon carries in his office, but decided against them when it just came down to cost.

Every program is different. How much did your program recommend you eat? At 4 weeks you would still be on the pureed stage. 600-800 calories a day, 64 oz of Water and 60gms of Protein. Mine recommends 3 meals and 2 Snacks a day. Are you keeping track of what you are eating/drinking?

you won't hate yourself, You are just going to be really prepared and nothing bad about that, I don't have any "last meal' desires, so I have been eating a pretty low carb, high protein diet all summer. ANd the past week and a half the pre op diet. I could eat a meal of meat and non starch veggies, but I haven't just eat some tuna or refried beans. It is like I want my old stomach to be super ready for the new stomach. So no not crazy at all.

You're welcomed. I kinda fell into liking their dark chocolate variety when they introduced it a few years ago, and then the local markets stopped carrying it. Then I stumbled across it at Drugstore.com..... While you're looking there, they also carry different Protein drinks and they let you check the nutrition/ingredients labels so you may be able to find one of those that meets your needs at the same time.

Yeah you're probably a tad dehydrated hun. Drink your shakes 3x's a day and sip sip sip in between It will feel like you are doing something but drinking, but that's what you need to do right now. I set a goal for myself in the early days. I would drink 8oz of water before Breakfast, 20 oz before lunch 20oz before dinner, and 20 oz before bed. And if I had room/time I'd "snack" on extra calories and Protein. in between That way I almost always had 68oz of water in me per day often times more than that.

I weigh what I weighed when I met my husband 12 years ago! That would be 60 lbs less than my consultation weight in September '09. (HAPPY - :thumbup:) My jeans are sliding down and yesterday while I was rolling around on the floor giggling and playing with my daughter, my boob fell right out of my bra because the cup was too loose when I was upside down. She had such a good laugh over Mommy's booby suddenly appearing that I may hang onto that bra for parties! LOL (HAPPY - :tt2:) Seriously, I am feeling very slender (for me) but it has come with a price. I don't feel good. I mentioned in my last entry that I thought I wasn't getting enough food but the doctor thought I was doing ok on 2 oz. per meal. BUT....I don't have any energy. I'm tired. My muscles seem to be shrinking. I feel every morsel that goes into my stomach and not in a good way. I haven't had a meal in a month that was actually easy or even enjoyable. I have discomfort from liquids even.... (SAD - :thumbup:) So, since the doctor didn't want to unfill, even a little, I've added to my diet. I'm having a protein shake at least once a day. I'm also adding a bit more fat to my diet with half n half in my coffee and starting to think of high calorie foods that will go down easily. (SAD - :glare:) My next appointment is in 3.5 weeks on 3/31. If I lose more than 15 lbs by then, I am definitely getting an unfill so I can feel eat a little more and feel better. (HAPPY - ) Now that THAT's all worked out, if I could just sleep.....

I have been doing alot of looking on this web site and it's very :hat: to me lol. It said that I'm not a member and it didn't show my target goal that I thought that I had posted???? What happened to it? But anyways I'm very sorry that it has taken this long for me to get back to you. So I have been doing alot of reading on here and I'm seeing lots of people that still eat the same but just not as much so I'm thinking I was over reacting but I still like meal ideas.....Now with Protein shakes I still need to find a good one for me. Will I have to drink shakes for the rest of my life or is it just for the liquid diet? Oh yes one more thing this site is one of the best support systems I have seen with all the other people cheering you on stuff like that. Thanks so much for your time to e-mail me and giving me that at a girl love!!!!!!!! 11 days to go now:clap2: !!!!!!!

Hello! March 5th is my date, bright and early in the morning. This Thursday I start my pre op diet to help shrink liver. Pretty standard for WLS. Of course I am nervous, but I have found that if I "embrace" what I am doing.... and do what I can to research and prepare myself, it lessons my fear and helps me feel empowered. I know that I don't have a choice to not have the surgery if I want to live an extended life . One with out health problems. Feeling good about your surgeon and the hospital makes a big difference . I am fortunate to have an excellent surgeon and at a "center off excellence" hospital I am having my house cleaned the day before I go in, fresh sheets on the bed for when I come home. I am stocking up on my waters, Soups that will be mixed with Protein , and sugar free pop cyles.. that's for the first two weeks. I am also looking for ways to "pamper" myself through the hospital "experience" . I feel like I might as well make the best if it! I bought a new night gown and bathrobe to take to the hospital. I'm bringing my own pillow and a fuzzy throw for the bed. And of course my own toiletries , cell phone and charger. I"m bringing a sound machine that has nature sounds. I like the white noise to lull myself to sleep. If you have someone to rub your feet or back, lotion would be helpful too. I am very blessed to have an awesome and supportive husband Your doing something positive and wonderful for yourself by having this surgery, your taking care of yourself!! I'd love to hear about any other tips and suggestions that any one of you would have

I quite like the USN protein bars

Hi, sorry you are feeling under the weather. I just wanted to say your shake sounds yummy..if you can, you should try it once with Molasses instead of the Splenda (I love splenda myself)...Molasses is a dark sugar, so its not as bad as white sugar...but the reason I say this is because Molasses has protein in it....I had a tablespoon of it in skim milk the other night "taffy" milk....it was oddly good....lol!! (just a suggestion) Best Wishes to you!!!

Hi everyone! I am so glad to have found this site. I am 35 years old and I weight 247 and I am 5'8 which puts me at a BMI of 37. So that means I need co-morbidities to get approved. It has been a long wait. I started the process in March with the LB workshop. I got word that my insurance (which is Aetna PPO) requires you to do a 3 month weight managemet with your surgeon, 1 physic consult, and 3 nutrition consults and a letter from my PCP. We have everything submitted and it has been 2 weeks today since I had my last appointment with the surgeon. I am to the point I am ready, but scared. I have never been this size, but started to gain weight after my hysterectomy 8 years ago. I have tried many things, but nothing seems to work. I am an active person. I already have asthma, just diagnosed with rheumotoid arthritis, sleep apena. I hope that is enough to get approved. The only part I am worried about is the protein shakes. I have not found one that I can learn to like. Hope I make lots of friends. The waiting is killing me.

Finally, I got a call confirming the all my records were faxed over.:thumbs_up: It only took 2 weeks. I am so excited about my first visit next Tuesday. Hopefully things will start falling into place. Still working on upping my protein and not snacking between meals which is something I have to get used to. Hopefully I have made some good habits before I get the band that will stick. My husband and daughter and I took family pictures. I said to myself these are the last fat pictures of me. The next time I will be slimmer. :biggrin2:

1. I don't cook much. Neither do I. I get a lot of pre-cooked meats from Trader Joe's and frozen veggies. I also used things like cans/pouches of tuna and salmon, canned sardines and mackerel, bags of peeled and hardboiled eggs, cartons of yogurt, string cheese, etc. There is no rule that says you have to become a gourmet cook! I can't be bothered. 2. I work at night and the options for ordering in are limited. I realize it will be better to bring my food most of the time anyway, but as I said - I don't cook much, so this will be new. Get some tupperware type containers. Add in a few ounces of meat (pre-grilled chicken breast, packet of flavored tuna, etc.), an ounce or two of thawed frozen veggies, and a tablespoon of salad dressing. shake. Or bring in yogurt or a hardboiled egg (you can buy bags of hardboiled eggs at Trader Joe's and other places). If you don't want to turn your life into slaving over a stove, don't! 3. I've never been one for chewing my food thoroughly. I tend to swallow my food in large quantities and one reason that accompanies that, though certainly not an excuse, is that my teeth aren't great. If there is any way you can, start working on getting your teeth fixed. Just as a general rule, this will be great for your overall health. If you can't do that, then at least practice taking in smaller quantities. Your teeth should not be too much of an impediment there. One additional reason you may want to look into getting your teeth taken care of -- many surgeons and anesthesiologists will not do any elective surgery on someone with a tooth infection or a loose tooth. So if those are issues for you, you may *need* to get them taken care of before your surgery, and preferably as much before the surgery as possible. 4. I have an over 2 liter a day of Diet Coke habit. I actually think I can kick this one This isn't a "think I can kick this one" item -- this is a "I will kick this one." It isn't optional . . . start practicing good mental habits now as well as good physical habits. Don't debate with yourself whether you can make the changes necessary. Tell yourself it isn't up for discussion and come up with a plan as to how it will happen. 5. I love food!!!! - I feel like I'm giving up my best friend, but it does feel similar to other addictions and I do want to be healthy. I can see myself in a new lifestyle regarding food - though, for me, it will mean changing everything. I think that's true for everyone here! We can all relate. We all love food and had to change how we expressed and indulged in that love. So make the best use possible of your medical team as well as resources like this forum and hopefully we can all learn and change together. Good luck!

Everything changed for me when I had my consultation. I got off soda, I bought all sugar free stuff, I eat 4 oz of food every three hours to get used to it, I chew and chew for practice, I've started not drinking while I eat and I'm doing 2 Protein shakes a day so it will be easier on my liquid diet. YOU have to decide to make the changes and start practicing them. WLS is just a tool to help you eat less. It's up to you to do the rest.