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Hi, I'm one of the people with an infected port. I was banded on 7/12/07. My infection is healing, but it looks like it will take another couple of weeks. I'm taking penvk 500 mg 4x daily and levaquin 500mg 1x. I'm also taking acidophilis to counteract any vaginal infection. :faint:I never realized so many people could get infected and am praying for all of us! I would like to know how you/doctor determine if your port is flipped. Did you feel it? Or did they try to give you a fill and nothing worked? Thanks for your help in advance. Jane

Hello Friends. I am a long-time follower of the site and want to first start off by thanking all of you for your posts and insights. Here's my deal: After months of consideration and internet research, I pulled the trigger and went to a seminar here in the Bay Area for a local doctor. Due to the holidays, I cannot get in to see him until Jan 22 for a first appointment. I have a BMI of 44.1 and my insurance does cover the surgery (Anthem PPO - $3500 out of pocket). However, given all the research I've done, I would be lucky if I got a surgery date in early March if I met all of the requirements. On the other hand, I am totally open to going to Tijuana for surgery. I am in contact with both Dr. Garcia and Dr. Kelly's offices and could get sleeved as early as the first week of January. The price difference would be ~$1000 plus I will have to coordinate aftercare w/ my PCP. I am 100% sure that this is the right thing for me after being obese for the last 21 years, but now I am getting antsy. I'm home alone for the holidays so I think this would be the perfect time to do my 2-week pre-surgery diet. What do you guys think? Should I go for it or am I being too hasty?

I'm only 16 days out and have hit a stall. I'm getting everything in, however, and hope to get the walking going this week. I've lost about 14 lbs but nothing in 6 days! Weird!

Yaaay, you are on your way to the new you! Sorry you had a few issues but considering you just had major surgery, I think you are doing great! I was super tired the first week but I felt like a million bucks the second week so hang in there! Kee us posted......

So, you lost 6 pounds the first week, but how long ago was that? If it's been a couple of weeks I'd say don't worry about it and keep up what you're doing. If it's been months, then maybe you need to track your food and exercise to make sure you're doing what you THINK you're doing. I know from my experience that I lose great for a week or so, then hold for a couple of weeks, then lose again. Good luck to you.

Well I did it! I got my first fill this afternoon! I was so nervous! :nervous Once I finally found a parking space (good grief ) I was ready to go! Even after I checked in and the receptionist forgot about me and let 3 people that had appointments after me go ahead of me because she forgot to have me fill out some paper work for my "new" chart!:tired So 30 minutes later I was in and anxious (sweaty palms and all)! :nervous After I made it through to "the inside" it went swiftly! Dr. Maese found my port quicky and on the first try and he gave me a 1.6cc fill in my empty 4cc band! I said to him that it seemed like alot and he said yes, it's 1/3 of what it will hold! Oh my!! Then it was off to do the fluro! I stood there and swallowed my barium and watched it go right down and through!! Too cool! He then told me everything looked good, gave me a picture of my fluro and that he would see me in 3 weeks. Excuse me ....isn't that a little soon???? So I am now on liquids for the next 2 days :cry but am ready to get on with it! So all in all it was a good experience and we will see how it goes!!! Wish me luck! Kristi :clap2:

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

Welcome - I am in canada and having my surgery at 10 tomorrow. I am self pay and will go home right after. I have lost 18lbs on the preop diet and very excited to get more off. My Dr. does a phone consult at 4 weeks to see if you need your 1st fill at that time. Sorry to hear you are hungry but hang in there.

I went to the chiro yesterday and he did an adjustment!!! Whew!!! ... so much better. He said he feels it was from positioning, both during surgery and with the difference in my sleeping habits during the healing process! So much better today!!! Thanks! Hard to believe you can go as early as 1 week post-op without any problems!!!! :clap2:

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:)

I started my 2 week liquid pre-op on Monday the 25th... so I sat out on the porch while everyone ate...needless to say I felt very depressed. Yes i had the option to be a no show. However, I thought to myself I need to confront these real world situations now. So, I understand the feeling like an outsider. My husband did the right thing and told me that everything was not that great and too greasy and I would have hated it anyway lol. My family felt guilty but I had to reassure them all that they shouldn't apologize for my decision to make this life change. I assured them that doing this and sacraficing a gut busting meal meant that I'd have that many more holidays with them as a happier healthier me. I think since I am the only one in my family who is overweight it's very hard for them to understand but none the less they all support me. Also, it was just nice to be with my whole family under one roof and have the day off of work lol.

I'm 8 mths post op. I never had the three week stall. I'm having an 8 th month stall, almost 2 weeks. Frustrating!!!

Hi bandsters and bandsters-to-be! I'd like to meet up with those from our area in a couple of weeks at a restaurant that will suit our needs. Consider this an open invitation to sit with people and share a non-judgemental meal. (ie: no-"Is that all you're having?!") We can compare stories and provide information to those considering a band. It'll be fun to meet folks in our area and perhaps be our own local support team. If you are interested, just drop me a line here or send me a PM. We'll see what the response is like and book a place from there. Jeri :hungry:

Congrats, you must be very excited. I'm on my 7th week as well.

Hello everyone. I just got banded on August 9th. I have lost 14 lbs so far. I am still drinking liquids. I am trying to be creative. I am having a hard time remembering to drink the protein. I make cream of wheat and put a scoop in it. Watery of course. I know it is important to drink the protein. This Thursday will be two weeks on liquids. I was told at least two weeks up to three is better. What has everyone else done? When is a good time to start to excercise and what can I do and can't do????

So I've been banded almost 16 months and think I have JUST found the perfect balance. I'm not sure, and it was not expected, but I am LOVING it!!! I got my last fill about 6 weeks ago (hadn't had a fill since May 09 since this fill). I was eating more than I wanted and hungry at night, so decided to give a small fill a try. I have a total of 4.2cc in a 10cc band. The first 2 days after my fill I was STARVING and thought she accidently took some out instead of putting some in. The first 2 weeks were nothing noticeably substantial, but the last 3 weeks or so have given me time to reflect. First of all, my hunger went pretty much totally away. In fact, I went almost 2 days without eating anything (drank my protein) and didn't give it a second thought. That's when I started to notice differences from before. I PB'd for the first time EVER!! This was very foreign to me, but WELCOME since it was SOOO much better than puking! The odd thing is, is that it happened on what was normally a "slider" food for me (corn chips w/flaxseed). I only ate 4 chips and BAM, my band said..no-no. It came back up when I burped and I was like hmmm.that's new...lol I didn't think of it again for awhile until I was going to eat some chicken breast. I ate it, like I normally do (pre-band, no chewing a billion times) and had no problems. I've had 5 PB episodes since thiks last fill, and ALL of them were with no-no foods (chips, pizza, breaksticks). I have not had any issues with whole Proteins (chicken, pork,steak) or veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots). Today I ate 5 scoops tortilla chips, and BAM up they came. When I had just previously ate a small lunch of chicken breast & zucchini without incident. Could it be my band is rejecting slider foods and accepting only the foods I should be eating? So far it appears so. Anyone else experience this? I LOVE IT!!!

Dear body, You sir, are an a*****e. If you are going to act like one, could you use yours more? I dont appreciate being woken up at 6am (after going to bed at 1am) with insistant chatter that now is your time to, ahem, "shine" and to have you get all shy when we get there. This waffling is getting annoying and embarassing. You made us late to work twice last week. I know stomach is being a whiney baby and getting all the attention but that doesnt excuse you from doing your job. And your buddy, brain... Just because colon is all like "tada!" at 6am doesnt mean you need to start with a new round of "what do you think about this". You could have quietly gone back to sleep and made everyone happy. Five hours of sleep might seem all fine and dandy now, but later today everyone is going to be cranky. By the way, could you stop asking for stuff that you know is not an option. I am tired of trying to mediate between you, stomach, bank account and doctor. I know that gourmet grilled cheese on artisan sourdough looks delicious, but bank account is not up for spending $30 fon ingredients for a recipe that stomach will take 3 bites of before whimping out and I dont want to hear another "told you so" from doctor. Bank account hates him too. Last not but not least... stomach. I know you got the raw end of this deal but think of it as taking one for the team. Everyone, well except maybe fat, will be better off in the end. You and I are not on the same page right now, but I trying to learn your new language and how you like to be treated... Give me some time! You have been unreasonably persnickity lately and not like there is a manual. To top it off, you keep changing what some of the rules/signals are and what you like/will tolerate on a day to day basis. Work with me buddy! TLDR: Brain, dont be a d**k. Colon, if you're gonna act like an a*****e, the least you can do is use yours. Stomach, make up your mind. Sincerely, The rest of us at Casa de Queenofthetamazons HW 385 SW 359 CW 335 (50lbs down!) Sleeved 10/5/16

Stool softener helps with the poop issue. Purée I'm not the best on advice cuz I was on a liquid stage for a long time my surgeon told me to go ahead & eat. I thought I was support to do liquid for a month. Lmbo so that was sorta skip & had to try solid with a little softer food since I was on liquid 3 weeks.

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!!

Hi jr, I too had complications with my surgery,(thought mine was the worst possible scenario till I read yours) my doc cut a blood vessel during surgery and I bled internally overnite(passed out repeatedly) and was re-admitted for blood tranfusions, but only stayed in hospital 1 day.33 days is insane! I hope you feel better!! It took me 2 weeks to even feel like standing up after that,and I definately regret having surgery at all now.

:clap2: I am one week post op now. Finally starting to feel like I made the right choice. 251/239/150

I have never had issues going.... Except right after the liquid diet phase post surgery I started going infrequently, which as a person who went 1-2X/day it was freaking me out even though I was told it would happen. However, I'm now back to being regular...although a new regular...every 1-2 days and they are healthy. I make sure that I get a min 64 ounces of water. On the few occasions that I have missed my water intake I've regretted it. It makes me so constipated!!! I also get fiber in my food. I have not cut out fruits and veggies. I also drink a green smoothie made in a bullet 1-3X/ week which keeps all the fiber in. I also use some low carb bread products like healthy life bread and tumaro's tortillas, which have a lot of fiber. I also like the Kellogg's fiber/protein bars sometimes I eat one a day, but not always. I don't know if they make it anymore, but at some point I bought 3 boxes of individual packets of Splenda with fiber in them. So whenever I need a sugar substitute I add those. I take them with me everywhere just in case. I also exercise 5-6 days a week and that also will help keep you regular.

I was unfilled about 12 days ago when my doctor discovered my pouch was dilated. Hopefully, it will shrink back down and I can be refilled. I ate liquids and mushies for a week, and am still eating very small meals, but the heartburn I had been experiencing previously has not gone away. Taking Pepcid and some Mylanta. I am sleeping much better at night, though. Is this normal? Does it take some time to go away? Or is the continuing heartburn an indication that the pouch is not shrinking? Or band slippage?

Anyone out there have terrible hunger pains? I'm actually not even sure that's what they are...It kind of feels like I'm starving. At least two or three times a day I get this terrible epigastric pain/cramping. They do tend to disappear after I eat though. Just strange since I've never had hunger pains like that before

I went to Dr. Daoud at the begining of Oct. I ad my request for psych evaluation and the nutritional evaluation a week later, they both have been approved and submitted for approval to see the surgeon. The doc office told me that would take about 5 to 7 days and to call back next week. What happens next? Do I see the surgeon and schedule a date or are their more evaluations and tests that need to be passed and then those have to be submitted to insurance??? I keep getting a few different answers from Dr Daoud's office and Dr. Oliak's office. HELP!