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NUT told me from beginning to always measure the volume sofw said it well........ ie eating 1/3 cup volume of peanuts can be a lot - whereas 1/3 cup volume of chicken (i will cut up small peices and measure in cup) won't be as many pieces, but will be same correct quantity (hope i said that right) won't be the same weight as peanuts (the chicken) but the volume is correct - that is what your tummy can hold

Are you on a pre op diet now? Do you know how long you will be in the hospital? I am 3 1/2 weeks out and at about 80% normal but everybody is different. I am able to drink a lot more fluids now thsn in the first few weeks. I went back to one or Protein shakes a day to beef up my protein numbers because I was not losing weight and my nurse said that would help. This is major surgery you have to expect sveral weeks to get tot your new normal.

Had my first fill today. I was told I am a very "hard stick" and that my port is deep. On the plus side of her having to dig and dig and dig--she told me that at least when I lose alot of weight my port wont protrude. I only got a little over 1cc because I was so nervous and then swollen after the digging that that ...was all I could tolerate at the time Now I am hungry and have to wait 4 weeks to get another. She intially put 2ccs in but took some out and I was scared to argue since she is very experienced at fills and if I needed an emergency unfill this weekend--she told me the fellows at the ER aren't very good. ARGGGGG I hope I have at least a little restriction. Total I am down now is 21lbs though.

Hello. Being that my BMi is 39 and might or not be getting insurance approval, hopefully my doc will push it for me. My issue is as I'm in my six month phase and hopefully will get sleeved in June, should I be losing weight? I asked my surgeon and he said he wants me to start the good eating habits now , but his nurse told me since I a little under the 40 BMi that for insurance reasons I should drop the weight until I get approved. Very confused.......

I feel as if I'm able to eat more now and afraid I'm eating too much. I'm tracking on my fitness pal as best as I can but I'm at a stall for almost 2 weeks and worry of gaining

I was getting frustrated because I been in a plateau for 3 weeks. But I am losing inches. I have an expensive suit (that I only worn twice) that I have not been about to wear for about 2 years. I tried it on hoping that it would fit. It was way to big. I couldn't believe it. I am doing better than I thought. Also, a few years ago, I brought some sexy underwear as an incentive and to wear to celebrate losing weight. They fit perfectly. I am still frustrated but feeling better in my sexy undies. Lol

Somewhere on here there's a recipe for ricotta bake, it's ricotta, eggs, seasoning, and spaghetti sauce. Baked until bubbly. It was my first 'real' food and it was delish!! HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 198

Wow, I weight 183 pounds & I'm a size 8, not even close to a 6. Awesome, great job!

I had no restriction in the beginning at all and have yet to reach my sweet spot. So fduring the first few fills I could still really chow down. So much so I was scared I wasgoing to bust the band. My doctor said that was quite normal and that many people actual gain weight intially after being banded. That I just had to be patient and do my best to eat healthy at least and once I got close to my sweet spot I would soon not be able to eat the volumes that I was eating. I was glad he told me because I really nthought restriction would happen straight away which it certainly did not.

Its been a real struggle for me over the last year to lose weight. I am sure I am not the first juvinile diabetic to have lap band nor will I ever be the last but I am wondering if anybody else has or is going thru the same problem I am with losing weight. I am stuck in the 230's and all it does is bounce up and down and won't go down. I am trying exercising and eating right but its not working and I can't get it tightened because it is already really tight now. Anybody, anywhere can help me or give me any advice I would truly appreciate it. Thanks! :scared2:

Anyone gain weight while doing the pre op classes? I've had a bad week. I'm scared I've gained weight this week. I will be very disappointed if I have. I don't want to lose my chance of having the surgery

I realized that I came here early when I was banded and I was like a lost puppy. I found many answers to my million questions. I wanted to thank everyone for the support. I have tried to return the favor by answering post. Another thing i wanted to mention is if any of you are with hamiltons weight care you are very fortunate. I was treated like a jewel with those people. They were very professional and went above and beyond to satisfy my needs. Dr. Fromm done an excellent job and the whole staff was great! :clap2:

My insurance went off initial weight, so I qualified at 36+ BMI, but was 34 on day of surgery. Check with your plan to be sure!

Ahhh, I am SO happy right now. I went to my PCP at 8:20 this morning and told him all about what was happening, that I wanted to do the lap band and a bunch of other things. He actually recommended it to my mom (for her) about a year or so ago, so luckily he knew all about it. We talked more about it, about the diets I've tried/failed, how much weight I've put on each year, and that he wants to look at my thyroid. Then I pulled out the sheet that had all my blood labs on it and he said one of those was testing for it, so it was okay. Anywho, he ended up saying that I was a prime candidate for it and he hasn't worked with UT Medical Center yet, but is very much looking forward to it. Most of all, I am so happy he is for it and approved it! He was very impressed with all the research I had done.:whoo: Then came the blood tests, ahhh!! I had a total of 12 blood tests, some needed to be frozen/refrigerated/room temp. The poor lady was sooo nice to me but she was overwhelmed. We ended up having to stick both arms to get all the blood out, but we did! It wasn't too painful, although my arms are sore and beet red. I am so excited though! He is going to fax my surgeons the paperwork and I'll find out when my appointment is!!! I almost cried when he told me he wanted me to get it, haha. :clap2:

Steve, thanks for the great tips, especially the pizza I am deff going to try that, in fact I think its a healthier alternative even if one is not banded. Oh, I just hope I can eat salads it is one of my favorite foods to eat. Guess time will tell, not looking forward to that part, LOL Congrats to you on your weight loss as well -Patty

Hi everyone, It's been 5 days since I've had my surgery (7/11) and I've been reading these posts religiously each day. I've noticed lately a lot of questions regarding post-op eating plans and I thought I would share what I've been instructed as part of my post-op recovery. Day of surgery and the following day--Clear liquid diet...My diet for these two days consisted of clear broth, Jello, gatorade and Water. I had no appetite and took my time drinking fluids. Full liquid diet for 1 week...my diet this week consists of milk, Protein shakes, thinned or liquid yogurt, jello, pudding, strained Soups, broth. I'm required to eat 50 grams of protein each day, low fat and sugar free/low carbs. One product I fould I like is called Isopure. It's high in protein, low/no carbs and about 150-190 calories depending on flavor. You can buy it at GNC. For my Protein Shakes I drink something called Muscle Milk. I'm also trying to eat only 3 times a day and not include extra liquids like water during or up to an hour to 1 1/2 hrs. after i eat. So far my appetite is non existant but I'm sure that'll change as the days progress. Next is pureed foods for 1 week...I'm actually looking forward to this. Everything I'm suppose to eat is to be blended. Some examples include beef stew, mash potatoes and gravy, blenderized soups, maltomeal or cream of wheat, strained or pureed veggies and fruits. I can supplement my protein intake by adding in protein powders or shakes. Again 50 grams min. protein per day, low carbs and low sugar, 3 meals a day and NO drinking during or up to an hour to 1 1/2 after you eat. After blended foods come mushy/soft foods for 2 weeks. Examples of foods to eat...soups, ground meat (not steak), flaked fish like tuna, eggs scrambled with milk, cottage cheese, yogourt, well cooked veggies. Again 3 meals a day, 50 grams min. protein per day, low carbs and low fat if possible and no drinking during or up to an hour to 1 1/2 hours afterwards. The last two weeks is a regular diet. Again 50 grams min protein/day, 3 meals, low fat and sugar if possible and NO drinking during or up to an hour to 1 1/2 hours afterwards. The main goal the first 6 weeks after surgery is to give your stomach time to heal. If you start eating too much you risk the chance of stretching your new pouch. These 6 weeks should also help reinforce eating habits you'll have to follow to make this process successful. To help with hunger and cravings make sure you eat protein first. Doing so will help minamize hunger and cravings between meals. Also make sure you "layer" your foods when you eat. Protein first followed by starches, carbs, etc. And no drinking during or up to an hour to an 1 1/2 afterwards. Doing so will just wash the food out of the pouch, thru the opening and into the stomach causing you to get hungry sooner. Please keep in mind that nothing is full proof and that you can cheat but if you stick with the plan you should lose weight. Also keep in mind what I've written is what my dr. has told me to do. If others have been told differently than they should follow what they have been told by their drs. Finally I want to say that patience and determination will be rewarded. Each one of us has had many years to program ourselves in the way we eat. Now we have to learn to re-program ourselves. The weight didn't come on overnight nor will it come off overnight. Keep with it because it's our chance for a new beginning. Den

Shaydee, a 30 pound loss is fantastic! Keep going and before you know it, it will be a 50 pound loss! Just keep pushing yourself because you're doing great! What have been doing to achieve the weight loss? Any special tips you'd like to share?

My story is similar to yours. I was sleeved on Aug 27 weight that day was 247. Two weeks out I'm at 223. I've been at this weight now for three days. I struggle to get my water in. I'm just moving into the purred stage and doing very well. I haven't been sick at all. Im disappointed that I seem to have stalled already. I meet with my nut tomorrow, looking forward to that. Mostly I'm scared that I want loose as much weight as I need to. I'm not sure where this fear comes from but I think it's from years of dieting and regaining. Good luck to you and me:)

Debski, Congrats and way to go on being banded! This is the start of whole new life for you but please keep one thing in mind. The true start of this journey begins when you have your first fill! I was banded 07/03 and am having my first fill 08/14! it's been a long wait and I haven't lost much weight since I was on all liquids... Just a thoguht to keep in mind! Best of luck sweetie! you are in my thoughts and prayers! Chi Town Susie Girl!!!

Did you receive a lapband for weight loss? When did you have surgery? What stage are you in? Did your dr. give you any post-op instructions? Each dr. has his/her own rules that must be carefully followed. Please try to contact your dr. ASAP. You can also go to www.inamed.com and download their patient information booklet, which your dr. should have given you.

I have been banded sense July 6 2005 and have lost 45 pounds, I have been down more but back up again. My problem is that my fills are strange. I have to drive 3 1/2 hours one way for a fill and half the time I am there for unfills. For some strange reason my band closes off on me. It gets to the point that I can not swallow my own spit. So I get an unfill then I am to loose so I go back and get a small fill then in about 6 months I am closed off again. I have a great doctor but he is not sure why this happens, I have gained 20 pounds because I am scared to get another fill. Has this happened to anyone else??????? I would love some in put. Thank you:help:

Hey everyone, I am a little over 6 months out and down 90 lbs...ive been extremely committed to going to the gym 3 times a week. I usually do about 45 mins on the elliptical and burn about 550 calories. At this point i really want to start incorporating muscular workouts (all the machines) in the gym. If I cut down to 30 mins on the elliptical and do all the machines for 15 mins will I still lose weight? Just scared by cutting down the cardio will limit the weight loss. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated!!

Time for a fill! Seriously, there are two things that could be going on. One is that you have experienced lessened restriction as you lose weight, a common result as your stomach walls get thinner and fat disappears. In that case, a fill will bring back the restriction you used to have and you'll be back in the driver's seat. The other scenario is that there is something wrong, but I think that's highly unlikely if you're having no symptoms. By "wrong" I mean erosion (worst case scenario) or a leak of saline. The leak wouldn't cause any symptoms beyond a loss of restriction, but IMO it's less likely to be the cause than your weight loss. Call your doctor and make an appointment for a fill. That's my advice.

Samar, I do understand being anxious about a possible leak. I'm not sure what the doctor told you, but what I know about it is that yes, having a leak is a possibility, but I don't believe that it happens very often. Being sleeved is a surgery and like any surgery, things can happen. I did a little research on this and here is what I found: 2.2% is a very small percentage chance of a leak happening, but yes, it can happen. If a leak does occur, then what they would do is to do an additional surgery to fix the leak and would probably put in a drain for a while. Is it fatal? Yes, but if it is caught in time you would be fine. I do know for a fact that most, if not all surgeons, will do a leak check right after the staples are used to close the stomach, or the next day. Some do both. My wife had this surgery one month ago exactly and she is doing great! I will have the surgery a week from today and I look forward to it. I am well aware of the risks, and I trust the medical personnel doing my surgery. As for your life changing, yes, that will happen too. You will have some restrictions. No more carbonated beverages is one. Another is that you'll have to change your eating habits. You have to remember that any weight loss surgery is a tool. You are still responsible for changing your eating habits and exercising. I encourage you to look around this site, and feel free to ask questions. Remember that the only non intelligent question is the one not asked! Be sure to do further research on the internet. There are a number of sites dealing with the sleeve surgery specifically and weight loss surgery in general. It is a life changing decision and one that you need to go into with both eyes open. Eric

Yes, I am glad you are going for an unfill...what size band do you have? 4cc or 10cc? If you have the regular 4cc band, that's one big fill you had for your first fill....but it's hard to tell without knowing the size of your band. Get your unfill, let the irritation and swelling heal completely, get a small fill, and live with that for a while...then get another small fill, and live with that. IMHO it is a good idea to sneak up on your "sweet spot" and let your head and lifestyle adjust to it, than to have these problems, that can potentially threaten your band and your health. That said, congrats on the weight loss you have experienced so far...you are doing very well! If you can't wait until wednesday, call and go in sooner!