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Thank you for that, I went to my first support meeting tonight. It was encouraging to actually see people and sit and listen. Most of my questions were answered and I know I can do this. With this forum and the actual support group, I know I can do this. The good totally out weight the bad.

If it's on your plan and working for you, then it's ok. We don't lose weight because of broth (and broth isn't on the plan for weight loss purposes). We lose weight because of 2 reasons. A surgically-induced lower set-point, and reduced calories. The clear liquid phase is in place to make sure the patient is consuming enough liquids to stay hydrated. Many people would get so full on heavier foods, that they wouldn't get their fluid in (the swelling during the first 2-3 weeks is pretty significant). Plus, liquids create the least strain on the staple line, and that is important until that wound can heal over (between 6 and 9 weeks). Every patient is different. Some can tolerate purees right away, some would have trouble. Luck of the draw, I think The main thing is we are all super careful for the first 2 months, because overdoing it could become a life and death situation.

it has been almost 6 weeks since my surgery. still in puree.. is normal to eat around 4 oz of food.. i try to have a spoon here and there all day long. Lost 35 lbs in 3 weeks but the last week.. nothing.. actually gained 2 lbs..and stayed without losing for 2 weeks .This weekend i started to lose more. 4 lbs in 4 days.. dont worry... eat slow, the right amount and you will lose the weight

Hello, This is my Monterrey Mexico story which began on April 27th, 2006. I am going to keep and refer back to this when explaining what has happened to me when I went to go get the adjustable lap band done. I have done lots of research this last year about the adjustable gastric band. I have lost all personal hope of ever keeping my weight off. I feel that if I manage by a miracle to lose it, I will gain it back again eventually. I was interested in a way to keep it off permanently, but was afraid of the gastric bypass, which its main function is by malabsorption of the food you eat. That surgery as worked well for many, but I wanted something less dangerous and less invasive. So I found the lap-band which causes a person to feel full and eat much much less. I wish I had been prepared for what Mexico looked like. I have never been out of the United States and was quite naive. I went through Dr Roberto Rumbaut, who has done many many more than any physician I can find her in the states. He has a very low complication rate. He is located in Monterrey Mexico. He had drivers to pick us up and take us everywhere we were supposed to be. Hardly any of the drivers spoke much English, but they still got us where we needed to go. As they brought us into Monterrey, I was not prepared for the slums. Trash everywhere, and just homes that look like pieces of boards slapped together of all different shapes and colors. As we drove into the main part of Monterrey it was ok. The mountains are beautiful. It is a city of over 4 million. I like the states bette.... I was not prepared for how people drive. There are no stoplights, and they all drive very fast and ride each others bumpers, honking their horn and pulling out in front of people continually. It was a scary ride every time. As I spoke with other patients of Dr. Rumbauts, some from the states, and others from abroad, they said they drive like this everywhere in other countries, not just Mexico. I was amazed. Another thing that scared me were the police along the roads holding fully automatic machine guns. HELLO! Anyway, yes again, I have never been out of the US. My driver said, yah he liked it cause if he gets pulled over by the police he can pay them five dollars, and get out of a ticket I think I would rather be able to trust that the police were honest and doing their jobs, not that they are all that way here in the states!! It just feels safer here. We certainly have our own corruption. We were taken from the airport straight to the cardiologist for pre-op tests. He was very kind and seemed very competent. He spoke enough English to carry on a conversation. We then were taken to our Hotel at Hampton Inn, which was very nice. Later in the evening we were taken to see Dr. Rumbaut and his staff. I spoke his nutritionist, dietician, and Dr. Rumbaut and his assistant. My husband and I were impressed. Dr Rumbaut told me he has had his own band for 8 ½ years and has maintained a 110 pound wt loss. The next morning I went to surgery. I was very impressed with the hospital, it was beautiful, nicer than any I have seen here, and the medical equipment was excellent. The surgery went well, but they kept me in recovery for a lot longer because I was in so much pain. I remember just crying out in pain. Dr Rumbaut said to the nurses to get my pain under control before I could go to my room. All I could think of is I wanted my husband, but no one could understand me. And they wouldn’t let him come back into recovery. So finally in the evening they let me go to my room and I was so grateful to see my honey. I had terrible pain throughout the night. They told me it was gas pain. I couldn’t drink much cause it hurt and also made me feel like vomiting. I certainly didn’t want to do that after a stomach operation. So the Dr. that was their, I don’t know who he was, had them give me more meds, which helped, then about 1am, the nurse came in and shut off my fluids and my pain medicine, and left. I was like OH MY GOSH! So I layed their for about an hour then went out and asked for more meds. I know they understood me, I asked three different times. They knew I was upset. They didn’t care. It was crazy. Then at 445 am I called and said in English, Please Please bring me medicine.!!! They came right in like nothing had happened and gave me medicine. So when the DR. and his surgeon came in around 730, I was crying about what had happened and they were so upset, my husband thought the surgeon was going to cry with me. It was nice to see compassion. They had given us before they left their personal cell numbers, but we didn't think to call them. They said we should have and they would have taken care of everything. Oh well, So they got me all fixed up and told me I was dehydrated and that I had to drink and walk. So after I felt better, I did do those things. And the nausea was gone. Anyway the hell went on into the next day as I checked back into my hotel room. The gas was getting less, but still bad. Feels like a heart attack sorta. Really I didn’t feel better until two days later. As I talked to some of his other patients that had surgery the same day, they had no problems at all. Thought it went smooth. For some reason this old body took in a lot of the gas and couldn’t get rid of it. My pain was so horrible. Dr Rumbaut told me my pain was unusual, but to be assured my surgery went beautifully. No problems at all. So now I am writing this four days later and I feel much much better. I am going back to work tomorrow. Still slightly tired, but doing well. And what is so so funny, is that I have restriction. Usually you have to wait for six weeks to get a fill into your band, so it will be tighter and make you full. I am on a liquid diet for two weeks, then a soft mushy diet for two weeks, then normal foods. At this point, I cannot eat over 6-8 ounces of any liquid or I get too full. It is great, I have been on liquids for five days now.. Dr. Rumbaut told me The band was a little tight, and that I would like that. Well so far I sure do. Dr. Rumbaut came to my room the last day and checked on me and answered questions. They will be referring me to some Dr. in Kansas City to do my fills. If I ever have any problems though, I will go back to Dr. Rumbaut. I feel they definitely are the specialists that they appear to be. So all in all, I am happy. I was not prepared for the gas pain, but I am through that now. I am losing weight. I don’t know how much, I can just tell. I am trying to eat well and am taking liquid vitamins. Dr. Rumbaut’s dietician will guide me through this during the year via email. Helping me know If I need and adjustment on my band or not. And helping me eat right. I pray everything continues well, and this time next year I will be minus 100 pounds or so. I will keep you updated.. Love Michelle

so the old saying "muscle weighs more than fat" it also burns more energy every minute of every day so your BMR is higher. The idea that muscle weighs more than fat is a common misconception. One pound of muscle weighs the same as 1 lb. of fat, but muscle and fat differ in volume. One pound of fat takes up more room in the body than 1 lb. of muscle. This does not necessarily mean you’ll gain weight when you build muscle mass. If you lose fat and develop lean muscle mass, the scale will likely go down. thats from livestrong

I had my sleeve done in Thailand on 4th September. I lost 9kg in first two weeks, lost another 6kg in following 2 weeks, then nothing for 3 weeks. Checked today and lost 1.5kg in last 2 weeks. Its very depressing when so much money has been spent to have this weight loss surgery done, but the results are not coming through. Is this normal. I have no support here, as I had my surgery done privately in Thailand. I have tried numerous dietitians and Nutritionists; who charge heaps but actually are no help. I did find on line the multivitamin called BN Multis, there are .co.nz and .co.au sites for them. They have a chewable multi specifically designed for Gastric sleeve and alike surgery and for a years supply I paid $300 nzd, which works out to be $25 per month - this is good value and especially for the multi designed for us !!! SO my weight loss is so slow, I cant each much and am constantly hungry, yet when I eat, what little I can eat, I then feel like vomiting - it feels a vicious circle ? anyone else feel like this, or have any suggestions? I know the Thyroid gland can go a bit squiffie after this type of surgery, so Im having that checked mid November. WOuld lovew some feedback and ideas to make the weight drop more. thanks

I get my surgery date april 9th if my weight stays the same or i lose weight i need some new food ideas for dinner please help

How about a local YMCA? It does sound extreme to me and perhaps you could get your insurance to provide physical therapy through a hospital setting instead. They would be more in the know about how to save your joints and the work- out would be more gentle. Just a thought. I had a hernia repaired during my second lapband surgery and it was no biggie. I didn't have much pain with it at all. I had had pretty bad reflux prior to that though. I'm better now. I have arthritis too (ankelosing spondelitis) and I can tell you I feel much better with the weight off! Good luck on your journey!

I am 4 days post op and I am a little panicked and need some reassurance from those who've been banded for awile. I researched the band for a year before deciding to go ahead with it. I feel like it's the only way that I will ever lose the weight I want/need to lose. That said...even though I realize that it will eventually lead to a healthier, hopefully happier me...I can't see that far down the road yet. Basically I am feeling like, what the heck have I done!!! I feel like I won't ever have a normal life now. Does that feeling go away? Or did anyone else feel that way? I need some support!

My name is Heather. I am 33 years old and have decided to have the LAP-BAND® procedure after a very frightening diagnosis of an ischemic stroke in the early part of summer. While the only effect of the stroke is a weakened left eye muscle, it scared me straight. I also have a co-morbidity's of high cholesterol (possibly high BP), migraines and some mild depression in the past. I am 5ft 9in. I have been on every diet imaginable and well we all know the outcome... Wonderful losses at first, then big gains! Woohoo!! NOT! Anyway, I am currently 249.6 pounds (10/26/09) and hell bent and determined never to make the 250 mark! (Pipe dream, I know!) I had my first appointment with Dr. Wilfred Aguila in Tampa, Florida on (10/26/09) and have my psych evaluation December 1st to find out how crazy I really am! I met with the nutritionist on Nov 12th, and then the packet of information goes off to my insurance company, (Humana). Then my surgery date.. target date is 1st or 2nd week in January 2010. I am excited and really ready to take care of ME!!! but I can't do it alone! ME3.... ME, My doctors, and YOU! :thumbup: Very much love and wishes of success to all. Heather

I'm scheduled for my sleeve on Wednesday.. ahhh!! Starting to get a little nervous.. anyways I'm a skinny person trapped in a fat persons body, by that I mean I LOVE going to the gym and lifting really heavy and pushing myself. I know I will have to take some time off from weight training after the surgery but I'm curious how long did most people weight until they were full force back to working out and lifting weights?

Hi Lynn, Hang in there! Don't fall into those negative feelings or frustration. We have all been through that and you need to know that this will change. My advise would be that you start immediately doing research on the procedures and the doctors. You'll be busy spending time doing that and trust me, it will feel great knowing that you are taking the first step to remedy your situation. I have the LapBand and I love it. Surgery went well with no complications and per my research, that's mostly the case. My surgery actually took 46 minutes (!!!). My doctor (Dr. David Davtyan) was/is incredible but he is in Los Angeles. He is also a LapBand patient himself so I felt relieved to get the procedure done with a true 'expert'. I've only had 1 adjustment and it is going well. I had my surgery in early 2010 and I have lost almost 100lbs. And, best of all.....I know I won't gain it back - it really feels amazing. I eat whatever I want and I feel full faster (because you have to eat slower than before and of course due to the band). The surgery is the safest compared to other procedures and it's minimally invassive. It's done laparoscopically. Get started with the process, don't delay. Make it your # 1 2011 resolution and I bet you that by next New Year's you'll be celebrating your success!!! Good luck! Sincerely. Regatas.

Hi, I have been struggling with the same issues. At first so many things that I loved before (almond butter for one) made me want to gag. I had no taste for shakes, etc. It was as though all my senses were heightened but in a negative way, like when you have a fever and things just don't seem appealing. Now at 8 months out, we go to a restaurant and I am the last one to order because nothing looks appealing. I don't want to gag like I did before, but I sit there and think, 'Okay what will go down easiest, and what will be a smaller quantity so I don't waste it." I think I am going to start ordering soup or small salad, then just share whatever my husband orders. So it kind of stinks, but I feel so much better in my body. I have not lost all my weight yet, but I go out of the house in a well-fitting pair of jeans and no longer feel self conscious of my big butt. I am able to exercise more easily and I went clothing shopping, put on some size 12s and looked darn good in them. I read somewhere that people's appetites do sometimes come back. Ghrelin is produced in other parts of the body than the stomach, so maybe over time, production of the hormore will increase. One can only hope!

Yes, I was sleeved 3/6. For the last week I have lost and gained the same 2lbs The doc told me today it was normal. That in the first couple of weeks you lose because you lose water and muscle. Then it will take your body a little bit to adjust. I know I weigh day and night lol. She said the same, weigh once a week. Keep up on your protein and water. It will happen At least it better

Ok I just weight myself again and still nothing lol that's it I'm telling my mother to Hide the scale. lol I'm going to increase my water and protein and eat every two hours! That's it! This stall phase will have u depress smh. Thanks guys:-)

start: 219 now: 210 goal: 209 My weight goes up and down a pound or 2 then drops a couple pounds all of a sudden. I have been going to the gym 5-6 days a week. Its a daily battle to go still, but have to admit it feels good to be able to actually go and be able physically to use the equipment for a good amount of time.

You guys are so positive, and that counts for so much in this journey! Set ambitious goals and now that every lb lost is that lb gone forever! Now my stats: Start 158.4lbs Goal: 150lbs Now: 151.6lbs Lost: 6.8lbs To go: 1.6lbs I normally would have been somewhat confident of making that goal in the time we had left, but with being completely unfilled now, I'm struggling to not gain (and am exercising like a demon so as to not stack on any weight), so will most definitely NOT make my goal this time. Oh well!

Way to go Heartfire! Start: 243 Goal: 223 Today: 235.4 I know I'm not going to make my admittedly ambitious goal. I've been gaining and losing the same 3-4 pounds for the past couple of months. But I finally got a second fill yesterday and I've already lost almost 2 pounds. So, I'm interested to see how much I CAN lose by Easter.

I had surgery with Woodman on 11/26/08. Just wondering if any one would like to share their experience. I feel like he expects above average weight loss and is very reserved with fills. I have yet to feel any restriction. Anyone out there learn how to get around his bedside manner?:tongue:

I'll never make my goal! Gained the 2 lb I lost last week. Poooo!

Hello everyone, My lap-band was about 17 yrs ago. Haven't had problems until now. When I had my surgery, the doc said if I was "plugged" I could try using some meat tenderizer but I forgot the amounts and I am in mesouri. About 2 days ago I started with something, I was up all night throwing up mucous and with pain. I haven't been able to take any liquid and food. Yesterday the pain was a little better, but still no liquid or food, today about the same. Something has to give! I really haven't had much problem until now and the weight loss has been great. I'd appreciate any suggestions at this point. Thanks

Sounds normal, right? I could have written many of those same things. But here I am 11 mos out and I feel pretty normal. It is scarey, I was so scared. But it is a day by day thing and as you can see it gets better and better, and all the while you are losing weight - which is secondary to your health though I agree. 48 oz of Water is probably good and I had about the same caloric intake for a while. Try sipping real broth bc it will be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the Protein shakes. It is a process, like most things. And an important one. Yeah you!

Hi I was wondering if anyone is steroid dependant? I take cortisone tablets every day which makes you gain weight. I am due to be sleeved in 6 weeks and was hoping someone could tell me how their weight loss is going ?

Congrats on your awesome weight loss! Keep up the great work! How are you feeling these days?

I am scheduled for Aug 25th and currently in day two of pre-op diet. This is my third procedure as I had a band which worked famously for me (-130lbs) until I suffered an erosion and had to have it removed. I lasted two years at a stable weight near my goal but the last year has been tough and without the tool I've gained some weight back... Thanks to all the posters on the forums as I'd been away and learned a bunch before making my sleeve decision since I've been back. Thanks and good luck to you all in your weight loss journey. AgentSmith Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App