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I was on a two week liquids/lean and green diet. I had a Protein shake for breakfast/lunch, then a salad for dinner with chicken, shrimp or pork. Large salads with lots of other stuff, too. Artichoke hearts, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli ... everything. Large restuarant size. Lost 10 pounds and the Dr said my liver looked great and was easy to work with. BTW, I did not eat anything the day before surgery as I didn't want to be sitting in the bathroom a couple hours after surgery ... if you know what I mean.

Erin Here's a ton of info - check out www.health.state.ny.us Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus not an option because of your age, but you might be able to seek coverage under the "Age 29" option or Medicaid. You can find out more about qualifying for Medicaid by going to you local dept of social services. There's also another option from the state called Family Health Plus. The description from the website is below: Family Health Plus is a public health insurance program for adults who are aged 19 to 64 who have income too high to qualify for Medicaid. Family Health Plus is available to single adults, couples without children, and parents who are residents of New York State and are United States citizens or fall under one of many immigration categories. Family Health Plus provides comprehensive coverage, including prevention, primary care, hospitalization, prescriptions and other services. There are minimal co-payments for some Family Health Plus services. Health care is provided through participating managed care plans in your area. I hope this helps - check out the website and give your local social service office a call -Clinton County DSS - 13 Durkee Street, Plattsburgh, New York 12901-2911, (518) 565-3300 Good Luck and Good Health from the foothills of the Adirondacks!:thumbup:

This is a catch 22. I know that with Kaiser they insisted on losing 10% of your weight. I did not lose 10% of my weight and I still got a referral to my wl surgeon. however, I did lose enough weight where the surgeon's office was questioning and was going to deny my surgeon because I was under the BMI. If it wasn't for my comorbidity of DB, I wouldn't have been sleeved. Another person went through the program too and she didn't lose her weight either. Both of us had surgery.

I feel the same way! I was banded 12/12 and I'm really getting hungry- frustrated with the mushies and thinking about eating again. I don't want to gain back any of the weight I lost; 10 pounds in the last three weeks and twenty before that... I really felt like I was cruising right along and now, just feel stagnant and hungry. But I know this will take time and I am not a patient person and like results, although I am trying to be patient! None of the mushies "turn me on" either. I am looking forward to my fill on January 24! Until then, maybe it'll get better when I go to solids on January 8! I know how to diet on solids; it's these mushies that confound me! Thanks for the support everyone! kp 246/224/217/140

I'm a cheese and mashed potato freak. Carbs all the way. I love my mother's Shepherd's pie but tried doing it 100% vegetarian and it was unbelievably good!! 2 heads cauliflower (1 would do, but again i needed the illusion of mashed potatoes) 1 pkg Smart Ground soy "beef" 1/2 pkg lipton Soup savory herb mix 1 yellow onion, diced 1/2 pkg Soya Kaas mild cheddar cheese (dairy free alternative)<--- by the way, this is the best non dairy cheese on the market. i've tried tons, they sucked. This is delicious AND melts properly! Whole Foods has it. 1 can tomato soup 1 - 2 cups veggies - I used roasted carrots, anything fresh or frozen 3 - 5 TBSP butter/margarine little bit of milk, optional salt, pepper I had tons of carrots leftover from juicing so I cut them up with some EVOO and salt and pepper and roasted them for 20 minutes. You can use canned green Beans, corn, peas, anything you want to use up. Once I made this with Steamfresh southwest corn...mmm!!! Those spices were great. Cup up and boil the cauliflower til mushy. Mash it like potatoes with butter, salt and pepper. I used a little bit of milk to make them creamy but they hold Water well, I didn't need it. With some EVOO, brown the diced onion then throw in the meat alternative. After about 10 minutes, I added in some Savory Herb recipe soup mix I had left over. Only needed about 1/2 a packet. Chuck the tomato sauce and whatever veggies you want into the skillet. If they are fresh or raw veggies, cook them first - frozen is already cooked so those can just get dumped in and heated. **NOTE: If you are using frozen veggies, you don't need to add water to the mixture, but if you're using pre-cooked veggies, keep an eye on the mix and add a little water as needed so it doesn't get too thick. In a casserole dish, dump in the meat and veggie mix, layer with slices of the Soya cheddar cheese, then spread the cauliflower on top. Sprinkle the top with some sea salt/fresh ground pepper and bake for about 30 minutes at 350. The cheese does take a bit longer to melt than regular cheese, so keep checking it. This recipe was so incredibly good!! Spices make all the difference with meatless meats. :shades_smile: It's also very band friendly with tons of Protein and vegetables. Just gotta be careful with the butter and cheese. enjoy!

oooohhh... as with any weight loss program, including banding, you are bound to experience times where the weight just doesn't move, period. You might not be eating enough calories or too many, you might be eating the wrong calories, and you might have to add 10 or 15 more minutes to your exercise plan, or you may be increasing muscle mass AND losing weight. You did not say if you have gained weight, so I am going to assume you haven't, and that is something to be proud of! Don't get down in the dumps! Nothing is wrong with you, just step back and take a close look at what your current eating plan is as well as your current exercise plan. It has taken 20 years for me to pack on 120+ pounds, I expect it to take at least 2 and perhaps 3 years to take it off. It didn't go on overnight, it won't come off overnight. DollyRose

Well, my name is Meggie. Im 21 years old, and I recently was banded on DEcember 10, 2007. My story isnt exceptional or sad, maybe it isnt even worthy, but its mine,and I have had quite a journey becoming the young woman I am today. I have had a weight problem since I was a child. My mom worked fulltime so frozen pizzas and processed french fries became a hot meal for me. I was very picky, and that was easy for her and tasteful to me. I grew up with the occasional teasing but nothing out of the ordinary. I always felt out of place;even with family. I was always the "fat" kid in my eyes. My family never saw me as that simply because they saw beyond my weight. They saw what I call the "internal me"--which is in fact a totally different person.-I was never pressured to lose weight or compared to my "model material" kid sister, and in fact, I have been my own worst critic all along. When I got to the seventh grade I decided to take control the only way I knew how; I became bulimic. Typically, bulimics are rail thin and look malnourished-but I never hit that point. The disease never got out of control-well I mean the idea is out of hand enough in itself-but it never got excessive.It was my last resort when food got the best of me.My mother sent me to counseling and there I was, 13 years old with "control" issues as the doctor would call them. I was always told how beautiful I was, and in fact, I was the popular kid in school; neverhteless, I still didnt like me. I went all through highschool with my weight issue and in my senior year my dream came true- I needed my tonsils out. I know, I know-silly dream huh? But, to me it was so much more than a painful surgery. It was a period of 2 weeks that I would lose weight. I did ofcourse-18 lbs to be exact, but it all came back on within a year. So, there I was 18- still struggling every day of my life with my worst enemy-my weight. I dropped some weight at almost 19 because I was going through a break up, and my "control issues" caught up with me yet again. That weight didnt stay off either. As you can see, I never succeeded in keeping it off. It haunted me and creeped up just when I thought I was winning. When I was 19 my 45 yr old father died of massive heartattack while watching the superbowl. A part of me slowly died that day simply because he was ultimately my biggest fan. I dont think my daddy ever saw my size. He didnt care-I was his baby girl no matter what anyone thought. He was the dad that yelled at other small-and I mean young and innocent--kids if they called me names. I wasnt fat, he said and he belived that. Its as if he saw my soul, and not the horrific body that held me hostage. I love him for that and I find myself still trying to see what he always did....Anyways so here I was almost 20 years old. I lost a few lbs after Daddy died because of a loss of appetite, but still nothing to brag about. In November of 2006 I found out I was pregnant. Ive never felt so overwhelmed in my life. While ofcourse I was scared and anxious to meet my beautiful baby boy, the sick part of me thought "hOw will I possibly deal with this weight gain." I know-that should have been the last thing I thought of, but I couldnt help it. The whole 40 weeks I ate like I was on a diet, with the occasional splurge of McDonalds, but for the most part I monitored. Thats insaine isnt it? Who wants to be pregnant and on a diet? The two words dont belong together. Well, needless to say thank god that I monitored considering that I still gained 60 pounds! After the baby I struggled with some deep depression about my weight. I was always crying, and it was the number one focus in my life aside from motherhood. I remember actually thinking" if I have to live like this, I dont want to live." Scary thought, I know-but it was real. In the meantime I had consulted with a plastic surgeon to give me a breast lift. I guess I was looking for anything on my body that I had the power to change when really I just wanted to be thin. I even cut 12 inches off of my hair thinking I was going to have a "new" me. Little did I know, I was far from being new and I was still overweight. By this point I was tired of fighting this battle. I couldnt win alone and that was definitly apparent to myself as well as my close family. So, on the day I was going to schedule my breast lift, I made a call to find out if I qualified for the lapband....well indeed I did-by the skin of my teeth, but it didnt matter. That day I think I found a hopeful part of me that I never knew existed. I connected with the little girl in me and let her know that we were finally going to be alright. I met with Dr Fritz Rau only a week later and immediatly felt a sense of protection and peace. He was wonderful, and assured me that I was in good hands. I soon went on my 2 week liquid diet and did very well. My mother wasnt completly supportive in the beginning but she knew that with or without an army of support, I was going to be banded on Dec 10, 2007. She came through for me, ofcourse, she always did. I got there early that morning and was prepped in no time. After a long wait of about 3 hours-it was my turn. Finally, the moment I had awaited since I was that little girl was actually happening. I almost couldnt bare all of the emotions because for the first time in my life, I felt like the real me was going to have a chance at shining. I came out only 35 minutes later, and everything had went fine. I had alot of pain from the trapped air, but otherwise I was okay. I was already a new woman mentally. I went home the next day, and within a week was taking care of my son. I have had 3 fills so far and am down 25 pounds. My loss has been gradual, but thats okay now because I know it will melt off soon. So, as you can see, I have had an interesting travel to get to where I am today, and to Dr Fritz I owe my happiness. The man has changed my life, and because of him I will be the girl that I was destined to be. Nothing, not even weight, can hold me back now. God Bless all of you- may you all find that inner self who screams to be heard.

I did, but expected it. I lost muscle when I was on liquids due to struggling with getting in my Protein. I mostly saw the muscle loss in my legs. So I knew when I started taking in more solids and protien, my body was going to "re-calculate." Rebuilding muscle and burning fat. Lost 35 since pre-op... surgery date Dec. 15 2016. I'm going to make this work for me, because I will never do this again. I hated my first 4 weeks post-op. My stomach was unpredictable and I fought the whole time not to throw up. Prior to surgery I spent roughly 20 years with two obstructions in my intestines that would make me violently throw up after my food would back up ( for up to eight hours.) Long story made short..... In 2015 I had surgery (10 hrs) that corrected those issues, except for gerd. So I had the sleeve done to correct the gerd. My surgeon reassured me that the Doctors at the Nicholson Clinic realized what was being done wrong that was causing some people that got the "sleeve" to get gerd. He promised me that they wouldn't make that mistake on me. It worked!???? thank God! Off all meds to date! I'm happy I did it, but more glad that all that suffering is over! Sent from my SM-J700P using the BariatricPal App

I have been on pu reed food since Jan 10. Surgery date 12-27 and haven't really gained, but haven't lost any this last week. Kind of frustrating, but i am sure it will all work out. Everyone's body is different. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Sleeved on January 23 at 290.5. I have a Withings scale that automatically syncs to MyFitnessPal, so I get on the scale every morning just to be able to have the data available. Two days ago I was at 274.2, so 16 lbs in 10 days. I started mushy/soft foods this week and today I'm at 275.4, so it seems like like something that happens as the body continues to recalibrate. Hopefully like everyone else has commented, it's just a temporary thing and the weight will keep coming off soon.

I hope going back to Protein shakes works to kick start the losing again. I may have to do that too. I have been stuck around the same weight ( +/- 5 lbs.) for 6 months now ( 19 months out). I rarely lost over 5 pounds a month after the first few months. Good luck! Let us know if it works!

I got banded in 6/09 and just past the 5cc mark w/ my fill this past March (3/10). As of that fill, I've lost 67 pounds. My last 2 fills have brought me decent restriction. I was going 8-10 wks btw fills, but have decided to get a smaller fill every month until I reach my sweetspot (hopefully by the end of this summer). My best friend was banded 3 weeks after I was and she has over 8ccs in her band and has reached her sweetspot! I guess the band is truly not a "one size fits all" when it comes to weightloss, fills, and sweetspots.

Went to the doctor Friday and they thought I had been at 7 cc for the past 3 months but couldn't figure out why I was still hungry. They pulled all the fill out and measured and I have actually been at only 5!!!! They looked back in my records and realized that they did their math wrong. This has been a frustrating journey as I had just about given up hope on the band as I could eat WAY more than 1/2 cup of food before feeling satisfied. For those of you like me who have been slow losers, be patient. Now that I am up to REALLY 6cc, I finally have some restriction and feel so much more in control of my eating. As an emotional eater, I have had trouble eating healthy too which has been part of my problem. I read a great book called "Why Can't I Stop Eating?" which was very helpful too. I guess I thought I would have the surgery, lose weight and that would be the end of the story of my fat self. It has been more work and time than I ever thought as I was banded in November of '09. I have lost 30 lbs but wish it was more. I am happy with my loss--but had unrealistic expectations of where I would be by now. Anyway, I am excited about the days ahead as a RESTRICTED bandster. I know this thread is all over the place, but I guess I just needed to get some stuff off my chest and make room for a fresh start! Have a great day!!!!!:rolleyes2:

Hi, usually we tell people to leave the steristrips in place until they fall off themselves (usually in 7 or so days). They often come off when you are in the shower. However, after my C-section those some of those little suckers just hung in, so after 10 days I just peeled off the ones that had come loose a bit while I was showering. Laura

Eggs keep me full for a long time. I really seem to like eggs after the sleeve. Chicken works well too, but I've found that eggs settle better for me than meats. I'm only 10 weeks out so maybe that will change.

Just heard that my insurane approval went through.. Contacted the Surgery Scheduling immediately ~ got my surgery date on Monday November 5, 2012. It also happens to be my oldest daughters 26th birthday.. Kind of ironic.. Since that was when I went from a size 10 up to hugh & pregnant! Although getting to a size 10 wasn't from being healthy, it was binging & purging.. So, another lifetime ago, that will be in my past & time to close some doors & open new ones! Guess I'd better start on my liquid diet tomorrow, after I eliminate the wine from my kitchen.,.,! LOL (ooh.. And the bag of m&m's in my glovebox!) Lots of backtracking now to remember everything the dietian told me so many months ago! How to do the pre-op diet.. What's acceptable, what's not.. Researching tonight!! Starting new tomorrow! I can already feel the increase in energy and happy mood change! Wish me the best! Cause in 2-3 days I may regret the whole thing once I start on the liquid! (I think we like to complain! Why not be happy for sustenance and covering?) I may regret that also in a few days, since I can talk big, right after lunch!! LOL! SO MUCH TO LIVE AND LEARN!! Thanks for reading! Dawn Starting weight: 230 In the near future... WATCH-OUT!! :-*

I'm having my surgery at Emory Midtown tomorrow with Dr. Lin. No idea how long medicaid takes to respond. But, as soon as they do approve, you will be scheduled for a pre-op nutrition class (available every Tuesday and Thursday from 9a-10:30a). Two days after my class I heard back from Dr. Lin's assistant with my surgery date (originally less than two weeks out from the date she called but I asked for another week to sort out schedules.) Best of luck!

Good luck ag0177! I am 5'10" and started out a bit heavier than you at 348. I lost 16 lbs during the pre-op diet and was 331 at the time of surgery. Today, 10 months later, i weigh 203 and change. I was 51 at the tine of surgery and had back and knee problems, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. As of today, all are gone and at 52 I feel like I am in my best condition ever. I went from a 50 to a 36 waist and 2XL to L in shirts and even an occasional M . I followed my doc's program, got in my Water, Vitamins and 100 gms plus of Protein per day, and my life had changed for the better. I have slacked off on exercising the past few months and my pace of weight loss has dropped, but I am still losing (down to about 5-6 llbs per month the past couple of months). My goal now is to start exercising again to build up muscle and strength. My first two or three months I was at about 800 calories per day, and now am around 1200. When I begin exercising again, I plan on upping my calories a bit because you can stall out of your calories are too low. I wish you all the best in this endeavor!

When I had decided on surgery, I was fairly set on the sleeve. But as I thought more about why I was actually going through this (for the best "tool" to carry me through a lifetime of better health), and after having met one-on-one with the dietician before surgery, I ultimately decided for me RNY bypass was the best way to go. Plus for many, MANY years I had dealt with GERD, and supposedly the bypass is a better option in the hopes of helping with that (which I feel it definately has helped). I'm now 10 weeks after having my bypass, and while it is definately an adjustment, I'm not at all regretting my decision. Good luck, it really has to be a personal decision, but focus on what you really want to get from it and you'll come to what works best for you! Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

Good Evening all, I was told on Wednesday evening i am to have my sleeve on the 3rd of January, this caught me completely cold as ive been waiting that long. I immediately started my pre op diet and in 4 days have lost 7 pounds which is crazy. Obviously we have Christmas coming up and well...my 30th birthday (new years eve). Now I get the deal with alcohol but how long before surgery should i stop ? For the record i haven't had a drop for 7 days now but i wouldn't mind a couple of drinks at Christmas and here or there, not so bothered about my birthday as i appreciate its very close to my op day....would this be an issue ? I wouldn't drink 8 days before surgery however i havent had direction on this, i see my nutritionist on Wednesday :/. In regards to my pre op diet, at the moment it consists of this daily : Breakfast : Meal Replacement shake, low carb, high Protein lunch : Same again however i may add half a chicken breast for bulk Dinner: Tonight i have chicken breast and stir fry, tiny tiny tiny bit of mint sauce Obvs i am having sugar free fluids (mainly Water but pepsi max every now and then) Does this seem ok ? For what its worth, im 6ft tall, male and im weighing in at 19st 10, i hope to be 19st flat for surgery. Not sure If this makes any difference, figured id put it. p.s on a last note, i was so against this surgery yesterday but i came on here and m view point has just dramatically changed, i am looking forward to living again, thank you.

most of us gain weight from the IV fluids they give us in the hospital (some people gain up to 10 lbs), and it can take a few days for it to work it's way out of our system. I wouldn't worry yet.

Hi I had my surgery on 10/16 it’s hard to find things that I can eat at this point, so far sugar free jello and pudding water and protein drinks

Hi, I'm day 10 post lap band surgery. I was told to take off my dressings today which I have done. However, I have steri-strips over each of the wounds. I'm sure I remember in my post anaesthetic state the surgeon saying he used dissolvable sutures! Do you think I should try taking the steri-strips off as well or leave them on until they fall off?

I made a similar post for the "Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend". Just wanted to see if anyone is participating? Again I'll be "running" the 5K on Friday the 15th. Just wanted to see if anyone else was going to be there. I'll be in corral "B" towards the front if I can. let me know if anyone wants to run together.

I am 55. I have had a vertical sleeve done. My main reason for this procedure was the absorption of more nutrients and the non routing of the plumbing. I have had great success with this and am very pleased. It is still a lot of work and thought each day. I am now 7 months out and losing only 1-1 1/2 lbs. now a week. I do eat pretty much all foods and am learning moderation still. I am fearful of stretching my new stomach. I am now off all blood pressure medicine. Take nothing for arthritis pain and can now exercise because my knees and feet can now handle it. I still have arthritis pain but it is very manageable now especially in my knees. This has been the best thing I have ever done and wish I would have done it 10 years ago. Good Luck on deciding.