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Banded in 2009; Unbanded 2012 (due to erosion) Lived life 2012-2019 struggling with weight gain and massive depression The decision to have Gastric Sleeve made Oct. 17th, 2019 Contacted my doc for initial consultation (Oct 30th) Self Pay This time...I tell nobody but my CORE family....I can't deal with the stupidity of people who don't understand this life! Here we go....finally getting back to ME Created a new blog to journal ALL of my thoughts and progresses www.SabrinaGoddess.com

the first step is to find a good surgeon in your area and go to his/her free seminar,if we knew where you lived we might be able to suggest one you will probably need a referral from your regular doctor(insist if they don't want to give you one) the surgeon will probably require you to lose 10% of your extra weight before surgery, you may need to do a sleep study, blood work, stress test it usually takes 6 months from when you see the surgeon till you get the surgery , it helps to go to your doctors support group if they don't have one find a different surgeon,support is very important

Having an incredibly stressful day. On a 1-10 scale it's a 47. And I swear I'm smelling donuts. I don't want to eat them. I have no appetite today, but I'm smelling them everywhere. The aroma is so strong and seems so real. I hate this.

After a couple weeks of contemplating... I finally decided to go with the Cateye Micro wireless.. It seems to have a couple more features than the comparable Strada.. I found a pretty sweet deal on the Micro @ amazon if you have a prime account it's free shipping :wink_smile: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R6QR3G?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=sz-sports-20&linkCode=asn]Amazon.com: Cateye CC-MC100W Micro Wireless 10-Function Bicycle Computer (Silver): Sports & Outdoors[/ame]

Because I had a hard time getting my water in, I am allowed to drink until the point of eating but I have to waite 30 minute after eating but I am more on the 10 mins before and 20 mins after plan and I have not had any problems. I also sip a little with my meals because I have meds that have to take with food. I have not had any problems.

I think that has made my goal-setting within reach....It's much easier to swallow. For me it is 10 pounds at a time. Shawn

I was also banded on the 24th and have lost about 10-11 lbs. I have went walking a couple of times but want to start going everyday. I am on mushies and can eat things like shredded chicken....what you find in canned chicken....but the swelling has really gone down since surgery and the restriction I was getting from that is also going away. I do get hungry more often but have been able to control it. I will get my first fill the week after Thanksgiving and even though it may take a few fills to get to where I want I am so ready for the pounds to start falling off.

I had 2 consultation appt's with 2 different doctors when I was looking around. Both charged a fee, one was $250 and it was 10 minutes with a nurse who took down my history that I already wrote down for them on their forms (I did not use this doctor), the other was $150, and it included going over the surgery options, insurance info, and an H. Pylori test.

I am a type II diabetic and 12 days post op gastric sleeve. For the last 7 days I was able to take just a few units (10 to 15 units) of rapid acting insulin to bring my sugar levels to acceptable (9-13). But now that I am able to eat more substantive foods my sugar levels are of course going up but I feel very scared to take the long acting insulin. Are there any other diabetic sleevers who can share some of your experience on controlling blood sugar after surgery and did you use long acting insulin or only short acting? I am scared of long acting and going to sleep...…...I live alone so there is no one to check on me. Of course I need to keep BS down to help my incisions heal as well as the internal staples. Incisions are healing very well, Thank God! How long did it take before you stopped needing to use insulin?

Ok guys, I need some advice. Am I the only person on this earth who had a lapband and hasn't lost weight. I got banded July 3rd. After my surgery I lost weight maybe 3 lbs. quickly went into bandster hell where I gained 2 lbs. I had my first fill where I dropped an additional 8 lbs. at that point I was down 20 from where I started. Found out I was pregnant and gained 5 lbs! A second fill and miscarriage later my weight has not moved. My second fill did nothing for me after the second day. I am within the same 10 lbs I was on surgery day. What the heck is going on??? Some days I have absolutely no restriction???

Like Lissa stated, you should have been given a spirometer, you should be using it for breathing 10 times an hour or when watching TV 5 times every commercial break. My lungs almost collapsed due to this not being done, the hospital brought it in my room while I was still out of it after surgery and just set it on the side table but never went over using it with me. Even after I came home for 10 days my surgeon had me doing it.

Happy Thanksgiving To All !! I am one week out since being banded on Nov. 19 and will also be drinking my Thanksgiving dinner. Will admit the tranditional Thanksgiving dinner sounds much better but I don't regret my decision in having the band. It'll be so worth it. :thumbup:

I finally broke the news to my mom that I'm going to have the surgery, she wasn't exactly jumping for joy, over the years she has always advised me that its not worth the risk, however, this is coming from a woman who was a single parent with me as an only child (and not to mention she is a size 8), I'm a single parent with one child as well, so I completely understand where she is coming from as a concerned parent. I told her that my weight has discouraged me, has not allowed me to live up to my full potential and has caused unnecessary avoidable health issues all of my life and she, in a round about kind of way, said that I was over exaggerating, so with that being said I simply broke it down to her in 5 year increments to help her to better understand. I told her that I recall at the age of 5 going shopping with my aunt and my cousins for new summer clothes, my cousins were normal size kids and I was probably twice they're size and we were all approximately the same age, my cousins picked out these beautiful sun dresses and were very happy, I on the other hand can remember us not being able to find anything for me to wear and could sense my aunts frustration with having to look elsewhere, I not only felt bad about not being able to wear something pretty like my cousins but I was as a kid felt sad about my aunt not being happy, I'm will be 38 next year and I can remember that as if it happened yesterday. My mom at this point was silent with a look of empathy and concern on her on face and obviously felt sad for me. I continued to give her an example of discouragement for every 5 years of my life (age 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35) and told her to multiply those stories times 50 for all of the other experiences in between. My last example for her was at the age if 35 when a guy I was dating told me that if I lost weight I would be gorgeous, I was completely taken away because I thought he had already felt as if I was gorgeous. Lol ( I've heard this more times than I care to remember and it's never felt like a compliment its more like being advised that your not ok as you are). By the time we were done talking she was totally on board and happy for me. My experiences at age 40 will be completely different for me and will feel like something on a different universe and I'm sure to appreciate and enjoy every second of it. I feel as if my life before 40 will be looked at as a journey towards having solid wisdom on how to be respectful, fair and compassionate with others, all of the judgements and subtle discrimination that I have experienced will be turned into strength that's indisputable and will be used towards supporting others that have so much potential that's unrecognized due to a huge chunk of the world having tunnel vision towards what advertisements and society has dictated to be "beautiful" . I can't say that I will ever regret what I have gone through Im aware that with all trials and tribulations , especially the ones that are founded simply based on the way you look, are meant to empower us and allow us to demonstrate a greater sense of integrity and warmth than others. I will use this gained wisdom as my gift to the world. My experiences go a lot deeper that what I've mentioned in this post, I didn't want to get carried away and freeze up this site. Lol. Much success to everyone in all stages and remember that your journey was put in place for a reason and to appreciate where you have come from.

I've gotten tired and dizzy a couple times. I took in more Protein and Water and it went away. I think that since I'm getting so few calories that with the healing and all it's easy to not get enough. Also dehydration is super easy. 64 ounces is a LOT to drink when you're not eating real food. I got really happy just now which is why I got on. My stomach is rumbling and growelling because it is so empty and hasn't even in a couple hours. BUT, I'm not feeling physical hunger. I'd love something that tastes great and isn't liquid but I don't NEED it. I was going to get some Jello then realized I don't really care to bother with it so I drank water. Very neat! I know things aren't going to be super easy in the future, especially once I can have 'good' food again, but I can already feel the amazing sensation of the physical hunger not being present when it would normally be. It is SO NEAT! I am SO excited now! At this point I should be crying for food but I'm mostly just annoyed at my churning stomach. Time for bed! I think I'm about 19 pounds down since I started the pre-op diet. I'm happy about that for sure.

Yeah, you'll feel that way, as far as no appetite. I didn't start really having an appetite till about a week after the procedure. I mainly stuck to drinking Propel Zero water (for some flavor) as I was concentrating on getting over the gas pain. If no one has mentioned, buy some Gas-X strips. I didn't discover the power of these strips until I was just about over the gas pains, lol. You won't regain most of your mobility (as far as stretching or moving around) until around 10 or so days after the procedure. Of course, these are ballpark figures, as recovery varies from person to person. Just try to take it easy, and do a little bit of walking around to help dissipate the gas.

I am only 2 days post-op. Went in at 250, now I weigh 256! I haven't had anything solid in me for over a week, and now I'm only drinking about 2 oz every couple of hours (its all I can choke down). I have heard all these stories about people who lost a great deal of weight in their first couple of weeks. I understand that the 6 extra pounds has to be water weight...how do I get it to start coming off? Btw, I'm walking 30 or more minutes a day. I can't walk 30 all at once, so I break it down into 10 minute walks.

Northern NJ, Sep 19 here! H 5'6" HW 253, CW 250, TBS 9/19

Barbara, Congratulations on having your surgery date and I'll keep you in my prayers this week. I am 10 days post op and these are the things I can tell you from my experience. First of all, know that everyone's experiences seem to be a bit different as you can see from the posts. So it could be different for you. I did have on hand and made up prior to surgery a Jell O buffet (lots of different kinds) and lots of different caffeine free teas - loved the Almond vanilla and it made me feel better to think I could have more of a choice - after all how much choice is there with clear liquids. I also thought no problem eating this way for a couple of weeks, but it is taking its toll no matter how different kinds of Jello and tea I have - it's boring. I can hardly wait for some texture. I heard about the gas pains after surgery, but had no idea what to expect. Found it is not a good idea to be in a public place because of the screams they would cause me. They don't give a lot of warning either. My pains were mainly in my left shoulder area. Took a box of Gas X (not at one time) and it didn't seem to give me that much relief, but would recommend having one on hand. Walk around and getting your fluids is a great tip! I did go back to work the Monday after my surgery on Thursday. Take it easy - don't think you are Super Woman you will pay for it - one way or another. It's funny how your body will "scream" at you when you don't take care of it. I learned this by Tuesday evening I was on the couch by 4 pm in tears, exhausted, and wiped out. I rested a while and felt so much better, so rest when you can so your body can heal. I felt really pretty much back to normal by the 7th day. The port incision is still tender however. I also tried to get by without the pain meds when I got home, there is a reason they give you the pain meds so feel free to use them and not try to be a hero for the first couple of days. I hated the fact that they would make me fall asleep - but in hind sight, that's not a bad thing -helps in that healing process. I also found that using a straw helps me take a sip and drinking hot tea is another way to change any "gulping" habits. The other thing I wanted to share with you is that you may feel a tightness in your chest - right between your breasts - I couldn't tell if that was I was hungry, full, surgery, etc. But I guess it is normal from the posts I have found now, so check those out. It is crazy because there are times it seems I can't get full and other times I eat a half of a yogurt and feel full. So just start looking for the "full" feeling, you'll know it and I am practicing now not to push the bar for when the fill comes, I am not wanting to practice the PBing. I find it hard to also get in enough Protein and eat all that the nutritionist wants me to - so I would encourage you to get some high Protein shake or I got some Protein powder that I can add to my Instant Breakfast or pudding or yogurt - it's flavorless and not bad and gets me lots of protein, with no fat or sugar. Bottom line always follow your doctor's orders and you'll be on your way to a new way of life. The posts here are also very helpful and looking forward to using this resource to its full potential. Best wishes, Lisa Banded 12/9/04 13 pounds down

walk, walk, walk. It's probably gas. For the first week post op, I had quite a swollen tummy. I let out so much gas when i would walk. Make sure you get at least 20-30 minutes of walking in during the day. I did it in 10 minute intervals every hour or so. Good Luck

My sister is 3 yrs post op & still can't. Me on the other hand, 10 month post op & never could, can now like a drunken sailor!!

I was told by my surgeons nurse at my 2 wk post op visit that most ppl lose 10 lbs at that visit & I was only down 1 lb. I guess this has given me the idea that I am obviously behind their other patients:/ Maybe I have just let that comment bother me too much. I know I would have loved to have waken up from surgery skinny. Lol! But I didn't become overweight over one week so I'm not going to lose it in a week.

For me 15 - 45 minutes, but it's not quite a sick feeling, it's a stuck feeling... and after the first 8 - 10 minutes the pain pretty much overwhelms everything else. For some it's hours. For others it's over in a minute or two.

Well this is my first big meal but I prepared. I only bought a turkey breast and made 1/2 the dressing, since I have an autisc daughter I made a good portion of potatoes but still less then usually and we had yams cause I knew the kids would not leave anything left.little did I know the first bit of turkey would get suck and it didn't move for about 10 mintued. fianally I had a bit or two of the yam and pots and then it as time to clean up. I pack up whatever was left and sent it home with my guest and froze the other half of the turkey till Christmas. I was disappointed that I couldn't eat some but by the end of the day thanked my band for doing its job so well.

WELCOME to LBT. I'm not banded yet, but I did my sleep study already. I spent 2 nights at the clinic. Both nights they hooked up to a machine to see if I was breathing normally or if I would stop breathing in my sleep. 1st night was without a cpap machine, and they said I stopped breathing 10 times an hour. 2nd night was with the machine. I didn't stop breathing one time. I can honestly say I have not felt more rested in years after the night with the machine. I now have my machine at home and use it every night. It took alittle time to get used to having a mask on my face, but it really isn't that bad. Good luck!!