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I was banded on 10/13 and was very lucky not to have any gas pains at all. I got my first fill of 4.5 cc's on 11/18 and am scheduled for my second fill on 12/23. My doc said I will probably get another 1.5 cc's. That will be a total of 6cc's in my 10cc realize band.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea three years ago. I had no idea I had apnea until I woke up one night gasping for air and ended up having a panic attack. But it was all right in front of me. The snoring. The EXHAUSTION (which at the time I blamed on having a new baby). I was a mess. But I'm happy to report that I am sleeping perfectly all night long and feeling rested and happy all day long. :biggrin: The sleep study had me anxious. I was sure I would be uncomfortable with all that stuff on me. And it certainly wasn't the best night of sleep I'd ever had (went in at 9pm, in bed by 10:30, discharged at 5am). But it wasn't as bad as I thought. The mask took a few weeks to get used to. Mostly I didn't like the feeling of the air blowing into my nose and down into my lungs. The sensation of having my breath taken away took some getting used to. But after two weeks, I didn't even notice it anymore. And the truth is this... I LOVE my mask now. Can't sleep without it. I am able to sleep in any position (side, stomach, face-down, whatever). My husband is also happier because I'm not snoring and gasping anymore. But the most important thing is this... I'm finally SLEEPING. Its glorious. I had no idea how miserable sleep was for me until I was finally able to get a good nights' rest. You'll do fine and I promise you'll be so much happier after you start sleeping again.

Just had RNY on Aug 18. Can't eat enough protein and what little I do get doesn't stay in! I can't stay out of the bathroom. I start running within 5 minutes of eating and then keep running every 5-10 minutes. I can't even sleep through the night without getting up to run to the bathroom several times. Anyone else have this problem? How long does it last? Anything I can do?

I've heard several people on the board talk about DaVinci Gourmet sugar free Syrup and I finally found some yesterday. This stuff has no calories, no carbs, no fat...just 10 mg of sodium per 2 tbsp. I got the vanilla and kahlua flavors. I used some in my coffee this morning and it was pretty good. Just wondering if anyone could share some creative ways to use it, other than coffee. In greek yogurt maybe?

This is good to read. I am 10 weeks out and sometimes a reminder is good to read through. I have kept to most of the basics since my surgery with the exception of going on a cruise a few weeks ago. I did make some mistakes on my cruise by drinking some alcohol and eating a few spoonfuls of desert. Since I am home again I have been back on my regular schedule and am back to my "new normal" eating." New normal" is getting in all my Protein, having enough Water, no snacking and taking my supplements. I am feel so much better since losing almost 40 lbs. 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker[/b]

So I completed all of my prerequsites to have my lapband. I am so elated that I have finally placed all of the expectations that everyone else has had for me aside and I am doing this for AJAXX :thumbup:. My surgery date is officially May 19, two and a half weeks away! My goal is to lose a minimum of 75 lbs. but I'd really like to drop 100lbs. Keep me in your prayers.

i am 10 days post and today i seem to be really wanting to eat eat eat....i have been having the same stuff everyday now ..shakes shakes and more shakes and finally added in sf jello and gelatin and milked down oatmeal...and i drink water in between...i am not much of a soup person and i still have 4 more days b4 i can move to mushy foods..and then what ?am i gonna live off mashed potatoes...noone gives you a menu ...i kinda feel alil lost right now...any advice would be really appreciated and tips on foods too..plz plzzz and plzzzzz again...and most def thank you!!!

Good luck with your flight! I am not a flyer myself, I flew this past August (3rd time in my life)...I always find religion on an airplane (God and I get really tight from takeoff to landing). Shortgal had a great idea - ask the flight attendent for the extention before you sit down. I asked after the fact - seeing I'd gained about 70 pounds since I flew 10 years ago and literally yelled it out...and the deaf woman couldn't hear me. The lady next to me even shouted it. I was completely mortified - it was not a good experience for me. I wish I'd had pre-planned better. I hope you enjoy the trip and visit with your grandson.

I had my sleeve surgery Dec 17, 2018. The process was rather stretchy in the beginning. Iv,urine screen needle in stomach. Blood work. Last weight. After surgery the pain was horrific. I remember telling them im at a 10 a 10!! There wee guving me something that wasnt working. I remember a lady brung me a ginger ame with a straw. I immediately started sipping not thinking smh. I told her i cant have a straw or carbonated beverage. She told me it was fine. Which was not. I waited in recovery probably a hour. Then I went to a room. Pain was too much. I did get up and walk alot. I couldn’t release any gas only burping. I still cant stand up straight. The only incision that hurts is the main one. I haven’t been able to get any food down. Everything is nasty. Water is my best friend. Nausea is the worst and when you throw it is the wirst. Looks like greasy phlegm. Its so nasty.

want_so_bad, I can definitely appreciate your opinion. I know what it is to see people take advantage of the system! But understand, I pay taxes, and have been doing so, for many years. I don't know if you think it was an easy decision to quit my job... but understand it was not! This surgery for me is a life and death situation! From what I was told in my training, Medicaid is there to help those who are desperately in need of medical care. Maybe, you wanted to have wls, to look good, maybe you wanted to have it to feel good. I need to have it to be here for my dgt! I have never "used" the system before, but I have most certainly paid into it! I am not saying this is the best way for everyone, but for those who honestly have no other choice...(and believe me this was my last resort, after even paying $324 a mo. for insurance) I say "GO FOR WHAT YOU KNOW!" We have spent billions of dollars this yr alone, year as Americans, on a senseless war! When we have millions of citizens who have no health care, and for those that do, the insurance will not cover preventative procedures, particularly WLS. I honestly do not see anything wrong with me getting help from the system so that I am here 10 yrs from now caring for my dgt, so she does not have to be a burden on "the system", or you! I will one day explain to my beautiful dgt why mommy had to do what ever it took to be here for her! And nothing , and no one can, or will tell me, that I am wrong to want to live! So again, I sincerely appreciate your opinion, but until you have walked in my shoes, and are out there alone... please try not to judge. As for AMG, thanks for your understanding. Have a wonderful night and thanks for your replies!:thumbup:

I have not gotten my surgery yet (9/7) so I don't know how much I can add to this but... are you exercising? That will really help a lot (even with out the band)- even just a few trips up and down the stairs, jog in place for 10 minutes, lift a chair up and down several times, do leg lifts or squats while on the phone- point is just add some extra activity here and there. and if you ARE exercising- maybe check out some fitness websites to get some tips to boost yourself again. Sometimes (so I was told), if you do the same routines- your body levels out and its not challenged anymore and hits a plato (sp?) so change up your routine a little or add weight training to your routine- I hear that helps... (like many fat people who have been there done that a thousand times- I could be a personal trainer and nutrionist if I was just able to maintain myself :thumbup: and keep it off ). As far as snacks- I think thats going to be my tough spot too! are you eating Snacks because you are hungry or you are just bored and want to munch? if you are hungry- add more protien to your diet. but if its just to munch.. you need to find things that are low calorie or at least very low fat. some ideas maybe- low fat frozen yogart (turkey hill has awesome flavors just make sure you check the fat percent cause some are still pretty high but most are very very low and some are zero), fat free pretzels (or will those get stuck?), fat free string cheese, frozen grapes, italian ice (at least you have to work to eat it so it takes longer to eat), fat-free pudding packs, fat free yogart, as previously mentioned 100 calorie pack things (but I cant just have one lol), sugar free lollipops, baby carrots (even if you add fat free dressing), apples slices (they now sell pre-packed snack packs of apples and carrots). Hope some of those are helpful!

lol........ This is "mooning" in a good way!! Congrats to your daughter... The COUNTDOWN IS ON!! 10......

My name is Augusta. I am 38 years old, happily married for nearly 19 years, a proud mother of a 17 year old boy and a 15 year old girl and I just got banded almost 2 weeks ago. For me it was an easy choice to make. I asked my pcp if there was anything new on the market as far as weight control goes and he told me about the lap band. (I'm a worrier of the worst kind so I don't listen to the news, if you're wondering how I didn't hear of it before now) So, I did the research. By the end of the week I went to a seminar, in another week I was having a consultation with a surgeon, in another week I began my 3 month pre-approval path for my insurance and on August 28th I was banded. I was terrified. Being a worrier, I required valium to get me in the door and cried until the moment I was put to sleep. I had the best surgical nurse ever. She held my hand and whispered in my ear how everything was going to be fine. It was to her voice and my prayers that I went to sleep. Bravo to the Norhtwest Weightloss Surgery team. My doctor, Dr. Montgomery, took very good care of me and I came out just fine. I felt pretty crappy the next morning and for a few days after. I had my gall bladder out almost 16 years ago and there was some scar tissue to deal with causing a bit of pain for me, but now 1 week and 6 days later, I'm feeling pretty good. Still a bit sore, but feeling more human now. Since August 18th, I have lost 20 pounds. Since my banding, I have lost an even 10. 10 pounds in 13 days.....I keep asking myself if I'm dreaming. Saying goodbye to the 290s and the 280s in less than 3 weeks is a bit bizzare for me and I can't shake the feeling it's all not real. I am 273 now and can't wait for the rest to come off. My goal weight is 160. Anyone out there who needs to talk about anything, please feel free to email me. I look forward to building lasting, banded friendships. Augusta

BeautifulME, Congrats on making the decision to get banded. I am divorced and live alone. A friend drove me to the hospital at 5am and I was prepped and sent up to the holding area. Met the anesthesiologist and saw my surgeon again along with his surgical nurse. They started hte meds in my drip and the next thing I knew,,I was in my room. It was about 5pm when I got my senses about me again. I have a low threshold to pain so I wont lie and say it wasnt painful. I punched that PCA button constantly,,lol. Got up and went to the bathroom a few times.Spent the night, got up the next morning, still hurting a bit. Friend came and got me about noon and took me by the pharmacy then home. Be sure to read the list of things to have prior to surgery. I sat in my recliner when I got home and slept alot. Took my pain and nausea pills often. I was able to walk around ok,,the act of sitting and rising was painful at the incision site, but on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst, my pain at this time was a 5. Had no problems drinking or swallowing pills. All in all,,my surgery was alot less painful than I had expected. Remember that we each have different experiences. Be sure to do exactly what your surgeon instructs you to do and I'm sure you'll recover just fine! Keep on posting. You are NOT alone! banded 1/29/07 Dr Ken Cleveland-CMMC-Jackson, MS

Thank you so much for the information. Banded 11/08/05 286. 12/19/05 257.4:Bunny

I'm a little hesitate to post this as many still seem to be having issues but here goes: I'm 4 months post op.....down 50 lbs....just had my 3rd fill and feeling good. 4 months for the first 50 and if i can do the next 50 in another 8-10 months I'll be so pleased. Started with a pant size of 48 and just bought a pair of jeans size 40. I'll be in these a while but looking forward to the day i can get into 38's. I haven't been there in years and years. Thanks to all who post and offer support for those of us who read the board.

I had my surgery on November 19, 2008 and I just had my first fill yesterday January 5! The hunger part will get easier! Just hand in there!!

Curvenetics Lip Conditioner exercise · Sit with your body straight, shoulders relaxed and head tilted slightly. · Purse your lips and move them to the right a quarter of an inch ten times. · Repeat to the left ten times. · This exercise smooths the lines between the nose and mouth. And keeps the lips looking full. · Don't move your head. Don't squint. Don't wrinkle face Correcting Flabbiness Under Chin Step 1 Lift chin slightly upward. Step 2 With flat point of index and middle fingers press against indentation (hollow) formed by the two upper nodules of the larynx located at the curve from chin to neck. Do not be concerned in the beginning as to the precise location of pressure which you will discover through practice. Regard finger pressure as the resistance against the working muscles. Step 3 Now press your back teeth firmly together * and while maintaining this position. Step 4 Press the tip of your tongue against the inside of lower front teeth (gum line) increasing pressure with the tip of tongue ** in 10 or more gradual and definite steps (Count to 10). Step 5 Hold end position of pressure for 6 seconds (count slowly to six). Step 6 Release muscle work for 10 gradual steps (count to 10). Step 7 Remove finger resistance. Repeat 4 more times. Also I found this site that looks like it has some good face workouts http://www.carolynsfacialfitness.com/Sample%20Exercise.html

I'm stalled right now and its killing me!!! Its been 10 days since the scale has moved. I'm trying not to get freaked out about it but my inclination is to want to "go on a diet". The whole reason I had the surgery was because obsessive dieting was ruling my life. I really wanted to let go of all that. I would like to eat protien veggies fruit and complex carbs, in that order. After that I just want to trust the sleeve... let go of my obsessive need to diet. I'm sure others feel differently.... they just want to loose the weight and get it over with. That makes sense too, I guess it depends on factors like your reason for having surgery, what your particular mal adaptive thinking patterns are (if any), your BMI, the amount of cravings you have...... etc. Stacey

Connection with the staff is important IMO. I went to one seminar and by the end I wanted to kill the dietician. Not a good sign. I knew I wanted Dr. Cirangle to be my surgeon within about 10 min. of his seminar.

I sound like my 10 yr old

Up and down a lot last night still, but I slept better late morning (didn't wake up until 10:30 wow) and now the fever is finally under control. I feel so much better. Thanks for all the 'get well cards'! Sorry for the whinefest...I just felt like a mess that day. Virus in my eye muscles...ewww! -BG

Well, this is my first blog post. I have been visiting this site for the past 2 months studying and researching the Lapband procedure. I am a Christian who knows the healing power of God. I went through a divorce 7 years ago after a 10 year marriage. The main reason for the divorce was my husband's infidelity. However, through the recovery process, I accepted my part in the whole thing. This was mainly co-dependency and putting my husband before my relationship with God. Through Celebrate Recovery, my church and family I have recovered from my divorce by giving God control of my life. I was able to forgive everyone who hurt me, and I have remarried to a wonderful godly man. We adopted our daughter after her family fell apart. She is about to turn 14. However, the one area that I have not been successful giving to God is my issues with food. I have been overweight all of my life. I started dieting in high school and lost a significant amount of weight with diet pills. I was still bigger than my friends, but I would love to be that size today. My weight fluctuated within about 50 pounds until my marriage got really bad. At that time, I see now, that food became my friend. I was lonely and often uncomfortable in my own home. Food became my escape. Now I am about 100 pounds overweight. I am 39, and my health is beginning to suffer because of the excess weight. My Mom has type 2 diabetes and multiple other problems and complications mainly caused from an unhealthy lifestyle. Right now my only problems are PCOS, infertility, and painful knees and feet. I have to make changes now to avoid my Mom's fate. About 3 years ago, I began praying about having lapband surgery. I was in a different place in my life wanting different things. At that time I was desperate, but not really ready to make the necessary lifestyle changes to be successful. I didn't know this at the time, but God did. He did answer my prayer then - with a "No." I then signed up for Weight Watchers again. I was determined to do it. I spent 2 years on the program and only lost about 18 pounds. At least I did not gain over that time. During that time, I did learn that my relationship with food was a problem. I would stick to the plan for a period of time. Then I would have a bad day, special occasion, etc. and lose control. On those days, I never really got full. I undid all the good I did in a few weeks in one day. I prayed for help and started each day fresh, vowing to do better. When I did have these weak moments, I usually didn't realize it in time to ask God for help. I had usually done the damage before I realized it. In October, I attended my 20 year class reunion. I found out that one of my good friends from hgih school had lapband surgery. This really got me to thinking about it, but I still wasn't sure it was right for me. In February, I began praying for God to show me if I should have this surgery. There was a seminar on my anniversary at the end of the month, and I planned to attend unless I felt God telling me "no" again, which I fully expected. Surprisingly, it seems like God has opened up doors since then. I went to the seminar at the end of February and had my first consultation with the surgeon that day. I began the process of seeing my primary care physician, nutritionist, psychologist, etc. All of the paperwork was submitted to the insurance company on April 21. I have talked to the insurance company who said that I have met all the requirements and my letter was in the mail. I hope that means that they will be paying for the surgery. I think I will be responsible for about $1,300, but I have saved that much in preparation for the surgery. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Monday to hopefully to set my date. My big concern now is will I be able to make the necessary diet and exercise changes permanently. I hope that the band will be my backup system. By that I mean, when I get into the situations I described above where I tend to overeat, that the band will be my constant reminder. I have been trying to prepare myself emotionally to let go of food as my friend and escape. I am trying to learn to bring my emotional issues to God (and maybe I can vent them here also) so that I won't need food to comfort me. I so want food to be only nutrition to me. I understand that (at least for me) I have to completely change the way I think about food. I hope the band is the tool that I need to make that change. However, there is also a fear inside of me that says, "I haven't been able to make changes before, can I really do it now?" I guess that is enough about me for now, but I will be back. I have never been one to keep a journal for very long, but I feel like I need to log this journey to be successful. I think it will help hold me accountable.

I was sleeved 10/27. My doc had me start my Vitamins about 2 1/2 weeks post op. I am taking the Bariatric Advantage capsules. I am able to swallow them (they are a little big). I have never been able to swallow pills no matter what size they were. It did take me a few days to figure out what time of day was best for me to take them. I was doing after Breakfast and dinner but found I was waking up in the middle of the night tasting them. yuck!! So now I take them after breakfast and lunch, I find if I take them when there is something in my tummy then all is good. I know there will be people who will have advice for you. I have seen many who have helped so much on here. I just wanted to let you know what worked for me. Hang in there as they days go by it will be easier for your to get your Protein an Water in.

I have 6 pounds to lose to meet my April goal of 10 pounds and 5 pounds to be in ONEderland!!!!!!:clap2: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :clap2: Be Blessed