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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

I didn't get to ride my bike today....yet. I might try to get it in after hubby goes to bed. I still don't like exercising in front of him. It was a pretty good day. I'm pretty used to not eating much now. In some ways I can see how being on this pre-op diet can be beneficial. Not just because of the weight loss but that when I am banded I'm already used to not eating hardly anything. Here's what I had today: (typical of everyday) whey protein shake 2scoops in 8oz slim milk 2 slimfast shakes (I'm allowed 3 a day but lately have only been drinking 2) 1 1/2 cups broccoli 1 cup butternut squash soup (90 cals) 1 1/2 cups stir fry veggies 1 diet Dr. Pepper That's around 1200 cals. And I'm really not hungry. The first few days of this pre-op diet I ate like three times as many veggies but not anymore. I'm actually not supposed to have soup but I've been eating progresso's hearty tomato and tried this organic squash soup. The squash soup is pretty nasty. I like squash. I've eaten a lot of it the past two weeks but the soup just wasn't right. It smelled like pumpkin pie and tasted like onion, garlic squash. It messed with my senses. I am so ready for my surgery date. Not much longer. I am on the downhill side now at least. Well, Goodnight. Hope everyone is doing good on their journeys!

Merry; I was banded on 8/24/10 by Dr. Zapata in Monterrey, Mx. I'm searching now for a Dr. to do my fills in the Houston/NW Houston area. Before I was banded I did a search and found one on I-10/Katy area, but lost the name and number.:tongue2: So I'm back to square one in my search. If you find someone, let me know, please...and I'll do the same for you... Good Luck! Irene

I had my VSG on 11/19. I lost a good bit of weight for the first 4 weeks or so, but have basically been at the same weight for the last 2.5 weeks. I am eating about 1100 calories per day, getting in 64+ oz of water and hitting my 80+ grams of protein daily. I go to the gym 3 times a week.

Yes. I am 4 days post op and 10 pounds heavier than surgery day. I hope this is temporary, and the weight gain goes away quickly.

Ok, so I was banded 10/21 and I have had success. I've lost 62 pounds. But over the last few weeks I've just stayed at my current weight. I work out 3-5 days a week. I've even changed up the routine but no change. Anyone else experience this? This must be a plateau but it is sooooooooo frustrating!!

Congratulations. Doesn't it feel good to lose 100 lbs? I have lost 120 lbs and some days I don't know what to do with myself. Everytime I see the scale go down, down. It is unbelievable. And the hardest part for me is when people notice that I have lost weight. I try not to smile too much. But the smile does come out. Good luck to you and I hope you continue to get to your goal. I have about 10 more to goal but I think I want to lose 20 more.

It's the rapid weight loss that makes gallbladders irritable. Dieting, other WL surgeries, and anorexics all run the risk of gallbladder problems. Fortunately, we who have problems are in the minority, though that's small comfort after you have an attack and surgery. Mine was removed 10 months post-op.

Yes I went to Jerusalem and Dr. Almanza was my surgeon. My coordinator's name is Nina and I highly recommend her. She has had the surgery herself, several months ago as well as some cosmetic procedures, so she can answer any and all questions with experience. She also moved from Ca to Tijuana so she could have a place of her own for her patients to stay, where she can take care of you. Her home is by far the most beautiful recovery house, very large, I believe it has 5 bedrooms, with a beautiful backyard patio and fountain, a fireplace as well as a bbq grille, it's a 10 minute drive into town for shopping on Revolution Dr, which the nurse takes you to whenever you want to get out, and I felt very safe staying there. I bought my daughter along with me and we stayed in the same room with 2 twin beds. The price for vsg at Jerusalem is the same, unless you go for plication, then it's $5000. I'm including Nina's web page so you can express your concerns directly to her. She will call you if you want to talk by phone or converse through email. Whatever you feel comfortable doing. I was told from Nina that we have staples, sutures and glue. I have been home and back to work for a week now and I'm doing very well. My primary saw me on Wed and took out my stitches for me, I have no infections and everything looked good. Good luck in your decision. Anything else you'd like to know just ask, I'll try to answer as best I can. http://www.bariatricinmexico.com/index.php

I'm so glad you mentioned this. I had my lapband 8 weeks ago. I have only lost 2 pounds since surgery. I have had two fills and am at 3 cc's in a 10 cc band. I am so frustrated. I am working out everyday (something I never did before) eating mostly protein and 3 protein shakes a day, lots of water. I'm very disappointed. I feel like giving up. If anyone has any idea's, I welcome them......

I actually went to five seminars in order to not just get info but get a feel for the surgeons and see how they answered my questions and how they came off. My Doc recommended I lift no more than 10 lbs up to four weeks after surgery but I am a CNA and I went back to work 4 days after surgery and began transfering patients to and from wheelchairs, shower chairs, beds etc. I don't recommend this activity so quick but I did it and I was fine. As for a surgeon in your area search the surgeons and reviews here on this site. Good luck to you.

Everyone is different and there are so many physiological changes that there is no guaranteed or average weight loss amount. Some of the things that can effect it is starting weight, gender, age, height, even ethnicity. I personally lost 35 pounds during the first 12 weeks. As for recipes there are a lot of great sites online that offer recipes for different stages of the diet. Even pintrest has boards with recipes. Just make sure you stick with your plan from your surgeon and follow the stages. As for mashed potatoes they are carbs but your intake is so little in the early stages that it's not going to make a drastic difference. I would add protein powder to everything I ate. Mashed potatoes, cream of wheat and refried beans were all allowed on my pureed diet and something I ate. I didn't start solids until 10 weeks on my plan. I was allowed to go back low impact cardio at 4 weeks and was released for regular exercise around 8-10 weeks I believe. I currently try and hit the gym 3 days a week but some weeks I'm lucky to get there at all. Just stay as active as you can and find little ways to get your steps in especially early out like parking as far away from the door in a parking lot as possible and when I'm shopping I make sure I walk down every aisle even if I don't need anything in that aisle. I also will park at the opposite end of the mall when I need to shop there. In the gym I do swimming, treadmill and elliptical mostly but next year I'm going to start dancing again.

If the band is supposed to control my hunger then, it's not. Was I not clear in my note? My doctor asks me can you eat a hamburger with bread ( not DID you, COULD you) so that's my benchmark. I can still eat a hamburger if I wanted to which is why I feel something may be wrong. I'm at 7cc and have a 10 cc band.

I think this is the best place to vent. Most all bandesters go through this hell. The liquid faze whether before or after surgery is HARD. Our minds always think of food, the TV shows all that we are missing, it's plain hard. I too am about 10 days out and can't wait till real food is back on my list of approved foods. Although I am not looking forwrd to the PB that may come. I hope I can remember small small bites and chew chew chew.

HI..Just a little bit about myself.. My insurance will not pay as well. I have been researching and researching. I have choosen to have surgery in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz. My schedule date is Nov 14th. I have asked and asked on this board about Mexico and about the Doctors. I made my decision due to the fact that I found out that Dr. Ortiz is a teaching doctor and the doctor that I have chose to use after my surgery in the United States, was proctored by Dr. Ortiz. Carolyn that works for Dr. Ortiz is wonderful and she will answer any and all (trust me, I think I have emailed her 10 million times)of your questions. ....Good Luck with your choice....

My surgeon's rule of thumb for everything was "if it hurts don't do it"... and of course not to drive if I was taking my medication (which I only did for a couple of days). I found that the first time I tried to drive it was uncomfortable, so I asked my mom to take over... BUT I drive a standard car, so I had to use both legs and both arms and it wasn't just brake and gas etc. Since I am short I also have to actually extend my foot to properly reach the clutch and that pulled on my lower abs, which pulled on my incisions. Around day 10 though I had no issues at all pain wise. At that point my drain was also removed which made everything easier lol. I truly think it is individual. If you feel comfortable and you aren't taking any narcotics then go for it. Since our surgery is laproscopic we heal much faster so we can go back to our normal lives much quicker.

I just had a fill yesterday and this morning I had some quiche for breakfast around 7:45 and it's 1:10 and I'm still stuffed. Is it okay to skip a meal?

Where is everyone getting the ticker tapes from. Had surgery 09/23/08 and today 09/27/08 was the first time on scale in a week, and i am down 10 lbs

Glad I could help Mac. These bands can be so fickle. I am up at 4:30 each morning but don't have breakfast until my stomach growls, usually 6:30 or so (per doc's order). Then by 9:30 it is growling again no matter how much protein I have at breakfast - I try to put it off for an hour and usually have lunch between 10:30 and 11. Luckily my employer is flexible with my lunch breaks. Then I can go until 5-6 p.m. before dinner. I don't get it! I talked with my doctor's office and they said my body may just need lunch that early, as long as I can go that long between lunch and dinner they said not to worry about it. It's a learning curve!! Good luck with your recent fill!

Hey! I got banded last tues... (11/10/09) I did good on the next day. But then yesterday I felt awful! nauseous, & stuck. This morning I felt a bit better, but then when I started to drink down the liquids, I started to feel the same way as I did yesterday- stuck. Felt like there was no air in my stomach, it made me nauseous & dizzy! I called my nurse, she kept saying keep drinking - you need 64 oz of liquids a day... I cant keep drinking if I feel like throwing up did you go through this in ur first week? what do you suggest? thanks!

I have to wonder if they prefilled your band some....please ask that question. Weigh yourself tonight and tomorrow and if you lose 2 more pounds from vomitting please go to the ER or call your surgical on call service. In the meantime, sugar free jello and popsicles count as liquids and try to keep drinking even if it is a spoonful every 10 minutes. Best wishes and let us know how you do. Mimi