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I've been banded for 6 1/2 weeks and have lost 25 lbs. Yes, I do see a big difference in my body, but the last two weeks, I have barely lost 1 lb. I've had once adjustment and I think it might not have been enough. I feel hungry and can eat easily. I'm doing everything possible to control my eating. I think it's time to consider a second adjustment.

Sorry for how long this is- I know that I always appreciate reading detailed posts about the process, so I’m hoping other will find it helpful. I’m just starting the process of getting a VSG. I’ve thought about WLS for a long time, but have always been scared off because of the possible complications. I’m not sure what exactly changed, but, about three weeks ago, I was driving to work and the thought of getting the surgery popped into my head and suddenly I knew it was what I needed to do. Looking at the hard road ahead, I wish I had started this journey earlier in life (I’m 37), but I know I wasn’t ready for it until now. I’m in the DC area, and there are lots of hospitals and surgeons to choose from. I finally settled on Inova Fair Oaks, which is a Bariatric Center of Excellence, has great stats, and has an up-to-date website which let me register for the seminar online. (GWU never contacted me after I filled out their form. Other hospitals had outdated calendars on their websites, or no way to register online, or the websites themselves were unfinished, which I felt didn’t bode well for their programs.) I went to a seminar about two weeks ago, which was mostly basic stuff that I already knew. I had my first visit with the surgeon a few days after the seminar. The surgeon, Rajev Nain, was the same surgeon who did the seminar. He seemed a bit stiff at first, but after a while he seemed to get more comfortable and I felt like we had a good connection. He definitely didn’t come across as the a**hole surgeon stereotype you hear so much about. We first talked about my basic health history, medications, that sort of thing. I don’t have many co-morbidities yet- just hypertension and edema in my left leg. We talked about the various surgeries, and he was fine with me getting the VSG, he didn’t push for the RNY. I’m 5’1” and 355lbs. He said that he could get me to around 205 lbs with the sleeve. He was clearly just basing that on the average amount of excess weight lost with the sleeve, not anything specific to me. I would be overjoyed with 205, even though that would still leave me 100 lbs over my ideal weight. However, I also know that each individual is different, and I feel like I have it in me to go lower. I may not make it to 105, but I think I am determined enough to get myself in the mid-100s. I asked him about his experience- he’s done several hundred VSGs, and even more RNYs. He also has lots of experience with other GI surgeries. While I would have liked him to have done thousands instead of hundreds of VSGs, it is still enough that I feel safe with him. I asked about major complications, and he said that <1% of his VSG patients had had major complications. He has had no mortalities with the VSG, and one mortality with the RNY (the patient died of a pulmonary embolism the day after surgery, even though she was on blood thinners and had had her legs compressed during surgery.) Having lurked on this board for a while, the variance in different surgeons’ pre-op and post-op diet instructions has been a bit puzzling to me, and the materials from the presentation I attended were very authoritative. I will happily follow rules if I understand the reasoning behind them, but I tend to do my own research and come up with my own rules for myself if I feel like the rules I am given aren’t well supported. I was nervous to do it (because of that whole surgeon stereotype), but I told this to my surgeon, noted that his post-op diet (2 weeks Clear liquids, 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks purees, 2 weeks mushed-up real food, then finally real food 8 weeks after surgery) was one of the more conservative ones that I had seen, and I asked him what research had gone into making it. He laughed at that, and said that the priority for him and the other surgeons in the group was to have consistent instructions that everyone involved in the practice could refer to, so they just flipped a coin when making them. He said that the part he cared about was that he didn’t want patients going to full liquids until after he examined them at the first post-op appointment. Other than that, I could work with the NUT to come up with a post-op diet plan that worked for me. I then asked him about the 2-week pre-op liquid diet. The pre-op diet that he requires is 900 calories of Protein shakes a day. I told him that I totally understood the reason for the diet (to shrink the liver to make surgery safer), but that I didn’t understand why it had to be all liquid. Why not just 900 calories of low-carb food per day? Again, he laughed and said that there was nothing magical about the liquid part of it, it was just easier for people to stick to the diet when they didn’t have a choice about what to eat. He said that he was fine with me subbing low-carb, high-protein food into the pre-op diet, as long as the NUT approved my substitutions. He seemed to get a kick out of me and my questions. He said he could tell that I took this very seriously and had done my research. I thanked him for not treating me like an idiot, and not having a “do what I say because I am the surgeon” attitude. I have to do 6 months of “nutrition classes” to satisfy my insurance requirements, so surgery won’t be until next spring some time. I’m disappointed to have to wait so long, but I am trying to make the best of the time by really making sure I am ready for this change, and by trying to lose as much weight as I can before the surgery. I started myself on a low-carb diet of my own design, and am doing great on it so far. I’ve done low-carb diets before, and it has always been a struggle with craving carbs while on them, but I haven’t had a carb-craving yet on this one. I’ve cut out all grazing and it has helped immensely. I’m eating 1300-1500 calories a day and not feeling hungry. I know it will get harder, but right now, I’m feeling pretty good about myself.

I am right there with you guys!! I'm beginning to freak out a bit and starting with the usual worries. I'm not worried about the actual surgery, as I have had quite a few these past few years, but I am more worried about my ability to stick with this for the rest of my life!! I worry that I will take too big of bites and throw-up, worried that even with the band in place, I still won't be able to loose weight. I don't want to be heavy the rest of my life. I don't want to be a failure anymore. I just want to get this over with - the waiting is driving me crazy!! (can you tell?!) But - on the positive side - this site has been a godsend! All of the great posts on this website and in the chatroom have been so supportive and caring, and that makes it seem possible. It also doesn't help that my rock (my husband) has been traveling these past three weeks (he's in London now) and even will be traveling up until surgery next week. NEXT WEEK!!! :eek: the 22nd is getting here faster and faster! sorry for the rambling. Thanks for listening!!! :thumbup: Terri

Iwas kind of feeling the same way you are a couple weeks ago. I let all of those what ifs play through my head then I realized if I DON'T do it, chances are I won't be around in 10 or 15 years anyway. I figured getting the band is MUCH less risky than living the way I am now. KWIM? Good luck on Thursday!!!!!

Had an appt today for my 2nd Finland the dr said I didn't need one. I lost 3lbs in 2 weeks so he said that was really good. I only have to work on is staying away from carbs and starches... Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

And why don't you go out? Today am almost 4 week out, and I went to a BBQ at my chair's. I had my pureed lunch b4 going, and sipped water all mt time there. I felt good, and many friends talked to me about my weight loss. It was quite good time. next week am going to a brown bag lunch with friends in a park. you can always find something fun to do with your friends. Think positively

I just want to say what a wonderful group of people I have interacted with on this site. You are all supportive and helpful. No one has made me feel stupid for anything I have asked and everyone is so nice and polite. This is the only WLS site I have signed up with. Being only 6 weeks post op I have visited some of the other WLS sites to get information. I can't even believe the behavior on some of the other sites. A majority of the people seem nice, but there are some that are mean and rude. I was just shocked at some of the comments- WOW! So, I just wanted to appreciate everyone here and say thank you!!

You do not have to disclose what you are having done to work, it is a violation if Hippa laws. You just need a dr to give you a note taking you off for 2 weeks due to medical need. Good luck.

When I had my band placed, I did it over 2 weeks of vacation. I didn't tell anyone at first, but then when I was ready and more comfortable in my own skin, I was open about it. This time I have to ask for time off in advance, so when the schedule comes out, I'm sure there will be questions. Who is doing what on the schedule is a very hot topic! I am a nurse, so everyone tends to want to know everything, down to medical and other details, like who is my anesthesiologist, etc., with commentary. I tend to be a private person, not in the cliques, so this is hard for me, too. I might just say I've been having problems with my band for starters...

I had pain in the upper left shoulder... and a bit in the port area.... lasted 3 days... can last up to a week. I found a heating pad really helped. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 156 lbs

Nana, I know exactly what you mean in regard to the bathroom issue and the stall. I feel like jumping for joy when my bowels finally move! When I eat solids, I include greens as much as possible and add benefiber to my shakes. My water intake is always over 64 oz too. And, those gall darn stalls.......I stayed the same one whole week, but the next dropped 5 lbs. I think constipation could be part of it too. I have been lucky and never vomited anything. If I eat too fast or a new food my stomach doesn't want, it goes right through me. But, I can tolerate all foods so far, nothing makes me throw up.

Oh, I feel like you were in MY bathroom between weeks 4 and 6! And as far as the, uh humm, bathroom issue, I'm right there with you. If I'm lucky, I'll go once every 5-6 days, even with Miralax every day. So, I guess it's pretty normal. Hang in there, the scale will move, I promise! I was at a stall for almost 3 weeks before I started losing again. Everyone stalls around that time. Keep the chin up!

At 3 weeks you really should not be focused on what you are losing. I know it is hard not to, but the goal now is learning how to eat again. Also, I would start measuring myself once a month and only weighing my self one day a week (if you feel you must) at around the same time on the same day. It is great to see your excitement and dedication, but even during weight loss...the scale can be the enemy.

I was banded Jan. 7, 2011. I'm 6 weeks post op today and I had my first gain. I made some bad food choices and also didn't exercise like I should have. Its hard...it's like being on a regular diet because I feel no restriction at all. Did anyone else feel this way? How did you get through it?

I recently got over a violent stomach virus which required me to get an unfill. I'm going this AM for an upper Gi to make sure I didn't slip the band. My doctor didn't specify a diet and I didnt think to ask because I was just feeling so lousy. I didn't eat the first day and did mostly clears the second day after. My appetite came back for dinnertime and I tolerated some broth Soup. I'm definitely taking it easy and modifying. Anyone who has had this happen before, what were your instruction post unfil? Do you follow the traditional adjustment diet? Or is it slightly different? I go next week for a refill. Thank you.

Hi im being banded by Dr Dolan in a few weeks. I wAs wondering about your experience with the dietician? I have tried to get an appointment but due to Christmas new year and all the public holidays I have not been able to get to see someone... What do they do and do I really need to see the dietician? I do understand that nutrition education is important but I have been attending weight watchers for a year now. Do u think I can get away with it or not?

Glad you're feeling better. I stopped pain meds during the daytime after four days, stopped completely after a week. You'll be feeling good as new in no time!

Hi everyone I'm 13 weeks out today and have lost 19 kg in total. Experiencing my 2nd stall nowadays. When did you guys have the 2nd stall? How long did it last and what helped you to break it? Thanx in advance x Sent from my SM-N960F using BariatricPal mobile app

I had surgery on 7/11. For about a week I had that nauseous feeling in the morning and also at various times during the day. I attributed it to HUNGER PAINS since I was also just on clear liquids. I am sure it also had to do with some residual stomach irritation/swelling due to the trauma of surgery. Every day it seemed to get a little better. I found sitting up and trying to burp seemed to help a little. Also after a BM, that helped ease the feeling. When I was finally allowed to have stuff like lowfat whipped cottage cheese, applesauce, thinned oatmeal, that pretty much went away.

mine is feb 22 at the university of iowa,getting excited and nervous also.been on soft food diet for 2 weeks,go for pre op today.

Nervcited...that's what I call it...nervous, yet excited. I spent the whole week prior to surgery being very nervcited! I think you both will do just fine and you are very, very normal for feeling this way. You are about to enter a life-changing event so it's a big deal. GOOD LUCK!!

Khaley - I feel your nerves! I'm being banded this Tuesday. I too am 43 yrs old. Do you have any kids, hubby, or other support? My mom is having the surgery about 1 month after me. I have been having trouble sleeping as the day gets closer. Not really 'scared' but just anxious. My Surgeon & PCP agreed that I could take Ambien for the next few nights to help me sleep. I wish you much luck on the liquid the next two weeks. I guess it's good preparation. My Surgeon didn't require it, but I've been taking it very easy with food. I don't want my stomach to be too bloated when they band me. It's good that both your liver & stomach will be shrunk and in good shape before the surgery. I imagine this will make your recovery smoother!

2 weeks to banding....I am nervous and excited all in one. I start Adkins monday, hopefully it will be a good 2 weeks with that, heck its been an allfull...43 years being fat wish me luck kim:clap2::faint:

It all sounds pretty normal. You need to take things very slow when drinking anything the first week. GAS is horrible the first couple of weeks and will give you the pain you were describing. It will pass, I promise.

Today I finally got a surgery date, Feb 25th! I imagined I would be jumping around but today I was informed of an obstacle. Apparently my physician's letter is not all that supportive of the surgery. She crossed out the part where it said "I recommend surgery" and wrote I would like for him to meet with a nutritionist. My doctor said that it's not great that she did that but it's not all that bad either because i have met with the nutritionist and multiple times. He said if my insurance denies me he will work to fight on my behalf. I'm very upset that she would write that. She is the one who told me that due to my BMI I qualified for surgery so I thought she would have no problem supporting it. Does she not know I will see a nutritionist before I get to the operating table?? They are submitting my paperwork today and I should know in two weeks if I'm accepted. I still feel hopeful but I was not expecting this. Any thoughts out there?