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Are you getting enough solid protein? If you are starving after slowly eating 4 oz portion of meat & 4 oz of veggies then you need a fill. Make sure you are drinking 8-10 cups of water too! At 1000 calories and walking you should be losing! Try My Fitness Pal to count calories and make sure you are measuring your food. I know how crushing it is to think you are doing everything right and still not losing weight! Just try to stay positive! Keep checking in so we know how you are doing!

Any clue what amount is in your band? I've heard of a lot of surgeons that only give like 0.5 to 1 cc per fill. I'm at a 5.8 in a 10 cc band. The quantity of fills doesn't matter as much when compared to the qty in the band. Ask your doc to be more aggressive with fills if you're not feeling full with little amounts and hungry all the time.

I bring water as well, however i only take a sip every 10 laps and then a full swallow or two when i'm done to help me cool down .

i had to use capital one care credit. it has a fixed rate which was nice. i was able to get 10%..which is still high to me, but low compared to other credit offers.

Even after losing 98 pounds... I still sometimes look in the mirror and think I"m still that fat girl that weight 256 pounds 10 months ago... it's all part of the process and our minds catching up with our bodies. I agree with "indecision".... just let the feelings happen, it's all part of the process and just keep in mind this is a journey.

I've been keeping to under 1,200 calories. A Protein shake for breakfast, and for lunch and then a light dinner under 500 calories of lean meat or fish and veggies. 2-3 Snacks a day, each under 100 calories. My general day consists of snacks such a a sugar free Jello cup (10 calories) , fat free cottage cheese with sugar free jelly (90 calories) and my favorite, a bag of edamame (90 calories). I found these in the freezer section of Walmart. A box contains 5 or 6 individual steam bags which makes it convenient to take to work. I've found that you can't skimp on the Protein powder that you use. Your run of the mill Protein powder from Walmart tastes terrible and makes it hard to enjoy. BSL Lean Dessert protein powder is AMAZING!! I look forward to my shake every morning, they have flavors such as chocolate coconut candy bar, banana cream pie, vanilla and chocolate fudge. I haven't tried the banana nut bread, and I wasn't much of a fan of the cinnamon roll because I don't like cinnamon. Hope this helps!!

I just took 10 days off, and found my first 2 back at work sucked...but it was my fault as I was not taking in enough water/protein shakes etc. I am now forcing myself to have some really high Protein shakes and I feel fine!

I had 6 business days off and two weekends so 10 days. I think you need a week off.

I had my surgery 11/26/19. It’s been 3 weeks and I have only gotten in all my liquids and food in a few days. Heartburn.. OMG Yesterday i wasn’t able to get much down at all. I feel unsteady on my feet! Any suggestions?

Tomorrow is 1 week left until the best decision of my life (April 10 is my sleeve surgery). I was only to do a 1000 calorie diet 2 weeks preop which I've been following - tomorrow I want to change to an all liquid diet for the rest of the time. I've read a lot of people's plans have them doing a liquid diet preop. So I put the question out there- what are some of your go to sugar free, fat free liquid items you do for the liquid diet you're on.. I plan on doing 3 shakes a day, possibly 4, with sugar free jellos and popcicles. Anything else I should try?!

As far as variation between doctors goes, I guess some are more cautious than others. Some accept and some reject ideas about carbonation, coffee, etc. Basically though there are a lot of similarities. I went to check out 2 different surgeons before choosing mine - they both had a pre-op diet, both for either 10 days or 2 weeks. One was restricted to a few no/low-fat foods, and the other had a liquid Meal Replacement. Both gave the same reason - to lose fat off the liver before surgery to avoid complications during surgery. Different approaches for the same objective. Common sense needs to be used, but the doctors have information we don't that would make a difference to what would make sense, so they need to give rules. Do you know what chemical affect smoothie yogourt mixed with stomach acid will have on a swollen irritated stomach? Yogourt is actually good on the stomach, I think - I'm not trying to scare you off of it, but that's why we need to check out the rules. One bandster on here talked about being allowed solids within a week post-op but had problems, another said, same deal, but they didn't have problems - who knows what the end results of those will be vs. those who have waited longer to start solids because of their doctors advice. Common sense would say though that if you are having problems on solids, go back to mushies or liquid. So yes, we do still need to use it, then check with the doctor. Glad to hear you're not hungry on a 600 calorie diet, but if you are talking post-op you will have a harder time soon when your stomach is less swollen. Good Luck.

Might turn out to be awesome, but we are so excited about the great way the sleeve has worked for us. We researched 10 years before we felt comfortable with the sleeve. Good luck with your decision!

I have'nt went on a post op cruise but will be heading to hawaii in Feb. I will be 10 months post op then. I think it depends on what your restriction level is like when you go. I am at full restriction right now and I would have to make a valiant effort to gain alot of weight.. well atleast to eat enough to gain alot of weight. I think you will be fine. Just keep a Water bottle with you, take the stairs, pass on dessert..

I think mine lasted 10 minutes which consisted of the dr introducing himself and asking me if I had any questions. I told him I thought I was here for you to ask me questions. he said no, Im here incase you have any questions you may have that would keep you from having this procedure. I said no, he said good luck and that was it!. It took me longer to fill out forms than the visit itself.

Hang in there! It gets better pretty quickly! Here are my answers to your questions: In one week I have lost 10 lbs. Is that average? I think that's great -- it's more than I lost for sure! Which are the best Vitamins to take and what dosage? I take 2 Flintstone vitamins every day (I love the flavor. . so I actually take these, as opposed to other vitamins that might be better but that I'm not going to take regularly! What are the best supplements (calcium citrate or the other, etc) Not sure -- I defer to the other posters. Best chocolate Protein drinks or powder without chalky taste? Not sure about chocolate -- I hated every Protein shake I had -- so gross. Only drink I liked are the Gatoraid-like ISOPURE drinks that GNC sells. My doctor turned me on to them, and once that happened, I never had another shake again. Best tasting clear liquids protein drinks? See above -- Isopure. Any lotions or tricks to prevent saggy skin? Use lotion every single day. Consider buying something for pregnant women that promotes elastin in the skin. When will I feel normal again? Pretty soon. It may take a month to feel 100%, but you'll be at 80 or 90% within a few more days. Any good blogs or website that could be helpful now that I have the band? This site is great. Feel free to check out my blog (link below). I have a bunch of links to other blogs that I like posted in there as well. The blogger community has been a huge source of support for me. Consider setting up a blog for yourself. It's a great way to keep track of your fills, losses, and your whole year of change in general! Any other good tip you think I should know? TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS RIGHT NOW, if you haven't already. You will want to be able to compare stats later on! Best wishes, Catherine

one week I have lost 10 lbs. Is that average? Better than I did. Probably because I went through each phase of the postop diet in 2-3 days and back on regular foods at the end of 2 weeks. Which are the best Vitamins to take and what dosage? Mine told me to take a children's chewable. What are the best supplements (calcium citrate or the other, etc) Sorry, don't take them so I don't know. Best chocolate Protein drinks or powder without chalky taste? EAS Protein Powder mixed with milk. I just found the EAS ready made drinks and I like them as well. Best tasting clear liquids protein drinks? Haven't found any I like. Isopure clear drinks dry my mouth out. Any lotions or tricks to prevent saggy skin? Whether or not you end up with saggy skin has to do with your age, genetics, how much weight you have to lose and how long you've been overweight. However, it can't hurt to make sure you drink your 64 oz of Water and stay hydrated. When will I feel normal again? What's normal? I was back to work the day after surgery and I haven't looked back. Any other good tip you think I should know? Don't get into the mindset of 'once I get a fill everything will go according to plan'. Too many people have this mindset and get to restriction but don't recognize that they are there because they don't understand that the band isn't a magic wand. Even after you have restriction...which could take weeks or months after surgery...you'll still have to 'choose' to obey the band rules (e.g. no drinking with meals), still have to choose good food choices and still have to choose not to eat slider foods...so start with the good habits now.

In one week I have lost 10 lbs. Is that average? It varies but yeah I have seen that happen. I have lost 6 in a week especially in the beginning. Which are the best vitamins to take and what dosage? I think they are over rated. I do supplement with Protein shake which has many goodies added. I do not take multi vitamins any more. What are the best supplements (calcium citrate or the other, etc) No comment Best chocolate protein drinks or powder without chalky taste? I really like six sense from wally world choc and vanilla shake. Next or equal is optimum nutrition protein powder same as above. Best tasting clear liquids protein drinks? Muscle Milk hands down. Any lotions or tricks to prevent saggy skin? No comment When will I feel normal again? Its been 6 years and this is normal for me now. I live with a smaller stomach and have to plan how and what I eat. Thats what we wanted though. Rite? Any good blogs or website that could be helpful now that I have the band? You are at the best in my opinion. Any other good tip you think I should know? Be very patient. Be careful especially now. Let yourself heal and follow the Dr. diet instructions to the letter or later you could have trouble. Except no embrace that things are different now and wow how good is it going to be this time next year....Good Luck..

Wow - our stories are so similar! I was banded for the second time in dec 2010 after a removal for slippage. Lost about 70 pounds, had an unfill due to nausea that just got worse and the 'zone' was never to be found again. The only thing I found was about 40 pounds of the weight I lost. Mead the band out on Oct 29, 2014. Gained about 30 more pounds and was approved for the sleeve. Had it done on April 10 and have lost about 20'pounds so far. I'm getting used to this new way of living - feels very different from the post band surgery from what I can remember. Had my first over eating episode with nausea yesterday. Learned my lesson! Have had slight mourning for old habits - Friday night pizza and drinks on the deck .... But then i step on the scale and realize how good I feel, dinner hour passes and the food is forgotten, the excitement about losing continues!!! No regrets, just hopeful feelings - something I haven't had in a while! Good luck with your journey. Rely on your family and friends, do your own research, and be honest with yourself about whether you are willing to make the serious changes necessary to be successful. The surgery is just a small part, you have to be ready to take control!

I don't know. I was told all clears for 2 weeks, then 2 weeks of purees then semi soft for 2 weeks. Emphasis on high protein, low carbs but with the few calories I am taking in, not sure carbs would negatively affect me. I have a friend who used a different surgeon and was sleeved Tuesday with a BMW more than 10 points higher than me and he is drinking smoothies and going to the gym already. Doesn't sound right to me at all.

Fear of loosing the Weight Loss Battle You wont lose the battle if you are willing to work with the band and do Your part:) But I can almost guarantee: ·You will have plateaus when you first switch to solids until your body gets used to being fed instead of starved (most likely 1-2 weeks but could be 3 like mine was) ·During many plateaus you will loose inches not lbs and finally a larger loss. ·Your loss in the first 30-40 days is a never to be repeated experience so enjoy it Then you begin the long slow journey downward (not upward) ·You will learn the fine art of PB's and what causes them for you is it swallowing air when you eat. Eating too fast.. Not chewing well or too big a bite.. Eating the wrong food for you...and not recognizing the no longer hungry after 1/2 cup (satiation) versus an I want to eat more cause I can or it tastes good or I crave (head hunger). ·You will watch your body shrink and will walk a bit taller literally and figuratively... Start slipping into booths in restaurants. Sit in chairs with arms .. Stop worrying about how strong the chairs are...Not having to ask for an extender belt on airlines.. Finding it is easier to and you have more energy to walk / go up stairs/ Clean house and do a million other day to day activities ... Slip in and out of bath tubs where the Water goes all the way around you instead of damming up and it doesn’t kill you to stand up from sitting on the floor ...Wipe yourself easily in the bathroom.. Watch the years fall off your face and drivers license picture .. Go to a restaurant and order an appetizer and still end up with leftovers to take home.. ·Go through doubts and several fills/defills until you hit the sweet spot fill level for you. ·Will have to stop several times along the way to reassess your eating habits (I could eat certain foods and get away with some cheating a bit quantity wise at 359 and still lose .. That had to go at 250) ·I have also found that I have to keep reminding myself 1/2 cup of solids 3 times a day only and drink my water (1 hour after meals until the next meal but not with meals) ·Eat Protein first ..Fruit and veggies second and non-complex carbs last. (Keep the fats, sugars and non-complex carbs low ..Still have them but keep em low). And believe it or not a plateau that indicates that you need a fill is 1.No weight loss for 4 weeks. 2.You are following all the band rules (8 times out of 10 we want to be able to break the rules and still lose.figuring if we get a fill it will miraculously start us losing without us having to do our part). 3.You are eating foods that are hard and stick in your band for the 3-4 hours not drinking your calories- You are hungry an hour after eating (really hungry not cravings) and the 1/2 cup doesn't stay in the band for 2 1/2 to 4 hours. 4.You are drinking your 60+ Fl oz water a day and not drinking with your meal or for at least an hour after. 5.Once you move from mushies to solids.. As much as possible get your nourishment from food that is solid. If you have problems with it sticking in your stoma.try it again chewing it well..Cutting it up finer or chewing it with other foods to keep it from recombining in your pouch and forming a plug (e.g. potatoes).. 6.Try to avoid Soups and or Protein drinks if possible (if you are able to eat your protein you will be full longer - some people have tight bands in the morning and cant eat so have a protein drink) 7.Whenever you hit a plateau.. Keep a food diary and log everything, including water, which goes in and measure the 1/2-cup of solids. Mine grew twice from 1/2 to almost a cup without my noticing lol. 8.Try weighing in once a week to begin with not daily. Later move to once every 2 weeks or once a month. When you are losing slowly weight fluctuates daily with hydration levels etc. At least this way you normally will see a loss and not a fluctuate on or gain. Yes the loses are smaller but they are down not up. 9.Measure yourself monthly ..Often you lose inches before you lose lbs. 10.Don’t compare yourself to others.. We all lose at different rates based on age/metabolism/food choices/ activity level.. But we can all lose Hope that helps

Might be a silly question but does sipping Water overnight count towards your daily water Intake? My routine 10 pm I start sipping 24 oz of water til 10am 11am start sipping through out day til about 4 pm 24 oz 5 pm sip water til about 8/9 ish. 24oz Is water intake only counted during the day?

Your body is probably experiencing the stall that a lot of people get at 2-3 weeks. Mine lasted about 10 days, some people's as much as six weeks. This is normal and ok, really. Make sure you're eating several times a day, and eat Protein first--vary your foods and keep walking! Most of all, be patient. It is going to happen. The stall right after you start is weird, but normal, I promise. Also, remember, you might have less to lose (or a different metabolism, or be a different age) from many you're seeing here, so you can't always directly compare. Chin up! You're doing great.

:clap2: HAPPY 3 MONTH ANNIVERSARY TO ME! :clap2: I'M DOWN A TOTAL OF 38.5 LBS SINCE I BEGAN MY JOURNEY FROM 271LBS TO 232.5 IN 90 DAYS NOW IF I COULD DO THAT FOR THE NEXT 90 DAYS.....OK OK, I'LL SETTLE FOR 10 LBS A MONTH! I'M V CRANKY TO-DAY