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good luck to u both I started my research in April of this year went through 2 different doctors before I found the right one for me . I am glad I did and end the end my employer who is a doc gave me the name of the greatest doc,. he was able to do a single incision procedure and he went througth my belly botton he has recently started doing it here in austin, texas. I am so blessed to have found him. He has been nothing but great. all went well. and I am 2 weeks post op as of today,. so good luck to u both, on ur journey , since the surgery I have lost a total of 15lbs and I am happy with that so far. take care Becky

:thumbup:Just received the call that I'm approved and my date has been confirmed as two weeks from today (11/5)!! I'm so excited to finally see this happening. I started with my first seminar in 2/08, followed by a 6-month program, and now will have surgery in 2 weeks. Today I have started the South Beach Diet - which I'm to stay on till the day before surgery. I'm already feeling scared that I will have a hard time on this diet - even though I know it's just setting me up for good habits after surgery. I've tried a number of protein drinks - I would love to hear from other bandsters as to which drinks they like - there are so many out there and they do not all taste very good. I hate to buy a whole container only to find out it's not very tasty. My biggest concern is getting a migraine after surgery - the last time I had surgery, I woke up in the recovery room with the worst headache ever - the surgery was a breeze but getting rid of the headache was awful! Anyone else scheduled for 11/5?

Has this happened to anyone else. My surgery was all set. Pre-op is tomorrow. Dr. Mejias office called THIS morning... ONE WEEK before surgery and said that my portion (the part insurance won't pay) is due before surgery. I had to cancel and they seemed to care less. Just said "ok". The end... my dreams dashed... Patty <!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message -->

Tuesday morning is the big day and I'm Super Excited! I have so far lost 12lbs on the pre op diet so hopefully I'm on track! I'm on Vacation all week so I should have plenty of time to rest properly!

make sure with your dr that you're supposed to be released to soft foods... becasue my dr was very strict about doing liquids for the first 2 weeks to make sure the stitching around the band healed completely before sending food down through there. i know some others are given only a few days of liquids. so i would make sure you dont have have to do at least a couple days of liquids... especially those first few days cause you're so swollen around the stomach. it might be easier for you!

My Dr. reccommended 2 weeks clear liquids, 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks mushies, then gradually onto solids. Unfortunately, I just couldn't stick to it for the allotted time. I just made sure I was really careful and moved slowly. I think I probably actually spent maybe 1 week on clear liquids, 1 week full liquids, and about 2 weeks on mushies before the gradual move to more solid food.

I never did clear liquids. They actually gave me yogurt drink the following morning after I was banded in the hospital. I did liquids for 2 weeks, then mushys for 2 weeks. When I did start regular food, I got some twinges of discomfort so I stuck to soft foods for a couple of weeks after.

Hi Blossom, It seems every surgeon has a different post-op plan... I was on clear liquids for two days... Full liquids for one day... Pureed foods for 2 weeks... then a Soft diet for two more weeks. I am officially on a Regular diet as of this Friday. Darcy

I have not have the Lapband yet but am in my 5th month of the 6 month supervised diet. I have gained three pounds, and I honestly have tried very hard. My surgeon made no mention of gastric bypass if I did not lose enough weight. I also know my particular insurance uses the very 1st weight as the weight they submit for approval. I have been on this site for a long time and if you look around there are lots and lots of people who have lost way more than 30lbs. Look around and all your questions will be answered! Good luck on your journey!! Tamara

I am currently going through the 6 mo. monitored diet plan. Actually I just started a week ago and I have a question... A little history -- I am borderline for qualifying for the surgery -- if I lose over 13 lbs in this 6 months, I will no longer qualify...BUT my question concerns a statement my nutritionist made last week in our first meeting. She stated that if I did not lose in this 6 months, the doctor would want to do gastric bypass rather than lapband because many people do not lose more than 30 lbs with the lapband. Is there a good place to go to find stats on this? I have no interest in gastric bypass -- the only reason I'm considering lapband is because it is less invasive and I feel I need help in getting the weight off. But I also have no desire to go through any surgery for 30 lbs....if I can't lose 50+, then I'm not interested. Any information of input from you folks that have been through the surgery would be greatly appreciated!

I went through this a little bit with family members. I just would re-direct the conversation to the cold hard facts about obesity. Anytime someone tried to scare me with worries about surgery I would just say "yeah but that's not as concerning as me getting diabetes or worse if I remain obese". The most vocal objectors in my family were surprisingly obese themselves! Now I've survived surgery (almost 2 weeks post op) they are making very passive aggressive remarks about how it's shallow to go through surgery just to look better never mind all the health benefits.... It's drives me crazy! I am getting to the point where I'm not even going to allow the objectors to speak to me about it Sent from my iPod touch using the BariatricPal App

Hi there - I do live in Connecticut - much further south - in Norwalk. I am also relatively new to this - banded on August 16th. I see that Robin was in July, myself in Aug., and Brunswick in September. I, too, am afraid to fail at this. I went in for my first fill last Friday and had only lost 2 lbs. in 3 weeks. I am not getting too concerned, since it is early in the process and I'm still healing and learning. I count calories, protein and try to exercise, so I am surprised that it's not just melting off. Still, 23 lbs. in 1 month is nothing to sneeze at . . . that's better than I've ever done on a traditional diet. Its difficult to be patient . . . but this will be lifelong, so I guess I better get used to it. Lets continue to use the Connecticut board and support one another.

Lovechunks, my recovery the first few weeks were rough like that too. I had no idea how people drank their water. Take a look at my threads in this forum. People posted a lot of great advice and that is what pulled me through.

lovechunks, I had my banding done on Nov. 19th and I suffered from severe heartburn for about 4 days. I had never had heartburn before surgery even though I was very overweight. It felt like a lump was in my throat that was burning. Gas makes you feel bloaty and sometimes burns in the top part of your chest. Also gas can settle in your shoulders and upper back. On the 4th night my husband had to call my doctor because I had thrown up due to the heartburn. He told be to take maalox liquid and pepcid ac religiously. I also had to take milk of mag 2-3xs a day for the constipation. It sounds like you are really tight like I was. Just be sure to get your liquids in because you do not want to get dehydrated. Your doing the right thing by sipping on your liquids constantly. They told me to drink through a straw, but my friend said they told her that using a straw causes my gas. My best friend was banded 7 weeks ago and she is doing great too. Just remember that this is all going to be worth it. I've lost 62lbs since Nov. and I want to lose 38lbs more. If you do not get any better, please call your doctor. Also, like you I was taking Gas X and it made my symptoms worse. Get you some pepcid ac and take it 2xs a day along with the maalox that's my recommendation. Be sure to call your surgeon to see what he recommends. You shouldn't have to suffer like that. Good luck and keep us posted!!

Thanks for all the support! I was having a really bad day when I made that thread but it's getting better. I still have 16 days of liquids and banding! Then another 2 weeks after my band of liquids. I have lost 9 lbs in less then a week (most of it is water) but if i keep up at this rate i will ALMOST be a my goal by the end of the liquid stage

Hello Everyone! Glad to see our thread is still alive with no help from slackers like me! Of course I come back only when I have problems....:crying: Well, I went in for a fill last Monday only to find out that my band was empty again. I have a leak somewhere...:thumbdown: The good news is my Dr. finally acknowledged that there is a problem and will run some tests in 6 weeks at my next appt to find out where the leak is. My current problem is I was filled to 1.5cc last Monday and was absolutely miserable all last week. I was barely getting down liquids, threw up twice, chest pain, etc. I tried to stick it out since I have a leak figuring this tightness will not last very long. On Friday, just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore I called the nurse. She advised me to go to the emergency room if it was unbearable or I could come in on Monday to have some taken out. I decided not go to the ER on Friday and I actually felt pretty good all weekend. I was able to drink more liquids and have been eating a few bites of Protein as well. The only problem is I have to sit up at night to sleep because I spit up whenever I lay flat. I know this may sound crazy but with all the weight I've gained and not feeling any restriction for the past 6 months I'd rather spit up at night then end up back at square one again with no restriction. All the pain is gone, I am able to eat, and the spitting up at night is subsiding as well. To be safe, I know I should be going in today to have some taken out but I think I'm just going to ride this one out because this restriction and weight loss is fantastic and something I haven't had in a long time. Since I have a leaking issue this restriction will be short lived anyway until that problem is resolved. Last Monday 210lbs...today 196lbs!!!!!! Well, thanks for letting me vent! Have a great week all!!! :biggrin:

Hello my fellow Marchies!! (Crickets chirping...) Where is everybody?!?!?!? Oh well guess everyone is busy this holiday weekend... Hope everyones 4th was a fun one... So how are we all doing this month... Hows the progress?? It seems like i am officially stuck at my current weight without being able to crack the 168/169lb marker... I know my fill level is good and i have optimal restriction, i guess my problem is my eating habits haven't been following the good old bandster rules... and the exercise needs to be kicked up another notch!!! I say we all vow to go back to those bandster rules this month and get the ball rolling again!!! Anyone with me?? Here are the good old rules as a nice reminder: Avoid drinking liquids during or immediately after meals as liquids tend to flush food through the stomach pouch. This prevents you from getting that prolonged feeling of satisfaction needed to help you eat less. As always, staying hydrated throughout the day is important, however. Drink at least six to eight cups of water per day, and make sure you consume them between meals. Chew your food thoroughly and eat small bites so that the food can easily fit through the opening to your stomach pouch. This will help you avoid the problem of food blocking the stomach outlet. Only eat when you are hungry and no more than three small meals a day, but you must make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrition. Remember, your stomach can only hold about one-quarter of a cup of food, or two ounces, at a time. Stop eating when your hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable. The general nutrition guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but low sugar and fat: Good Food Choices Fruits and vegetables One to two servings of fresh fruit daily Two to three servings of fresh vegetables daily [*]Breads and cereals One small portion of low-sugar cold or hot cereal Half to one slice of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day. Note: Some patients have difficulty eating bread [*]Meat, fish, poultry, eggs One to two ounces of meat, fish, or poultry-or one egg each day. Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove the skin from poultry. Prepare the meat in ways that need very little fat. Grilling, steaming, microwaving, or boiling are all good ways to do this. Note: Some patients have difficulty eating meat. [*]Dairy products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. However, these types of food have calcium, which makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet, so choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 ounce of cheese a day. [*]Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter, or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise in moderation. [*]Drinks Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish (though not with meals). Suitable drinks are tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener, water, non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and recommend they be avoided. Back to Top [*]Foods to Avoid Some foods deliver a concentrated supply of calories but little nutritional value. These foods should be avoided whenever possible. They include: syrups cakes jam chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation: for example, one glass of wine per day. [*]Common Problem Foods Some foods have difficulty passing through the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System and may cause blockage. These include: dry meat shrimp untoasted or doughy bread rice peanut butter fibrous vegetables like corn, asparagus, and celery nuts greasy or fried food membrane of citrus fruits I got everything directly off the lapband site... I figured we all may need a little jog in the memory once in a while... Oh and tdont forget the most important rule!!! PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN ALWAYS FIRST!!! I'm pretty sure that is well drilled into our minds.... but i can honestly say i haven exactly been following that rule very well lately!!!

I would check with your doctor, 4 weeks seems like a long time unless there was something unusual with your surgery. For my surgery, the first 2 weeks are things like protein supplement drinks, clear or cream soups with no chunks, yogurt, applesauce, baby food, etc. Phase 2 is 2 to 4 weeks and includes soft solids like soups with noodles or small chunks, cottage cheese, eggs, mashed beans, oatmeal, soft cooked veggies, canned fruit...I`m looking forward to phase 2 but am only 3 days post op. Did your doctor give you any kind of handout at all...I would definitely check. Four weeks seems like a long time but I wouldn`t do anything without checking first. Good luck!

Every doctor will have a different schedule for refeeding after banding. Why would you want to go through the surgery to start eating solids so soon? The slow progression to solid foods is to let the band settle in and make a good seating around the stomach. When you eat solids too soon, the stomach works harder (peristalsis) to break it down and you are running the risk of breaking stitches and band slippage. PLEASE try to stick to the post-op diet that your doctor prescribes. 4 weeks does seem like a long time, but surely it's not just Clear Liquids.. Call your doctor's office and try to get in and talk to the nutritionist or dietician. Be honest about what you've been doing so that they can help you. You've come too far to risk messing up now.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply to me. I am a month post op and I am going for my first fill in two weeks. I am happy I have people I can talk to about my situation because this is a very emotional time. None of my family and friends have the lap band so they cannot relate. I am excited to see the results.

Hi Havfaith and welcome to LBT, glad you found us! I guess I am not really sure what you are looking for when you say give you steps in 1-2-3. It sounds to me like you already have a pretty good idea of what you need to do. If your doctor is telling you that you are required to be on a supervised weight loss program for six months, then I would get busy with that right away. As Mvpo mentioned, it might be more helpful if we knew a little more information. She is right, if you are going to have your surgery paid for by insurance, then it can be a much longer process than going through private pay. Primarily because so many insurance companies do require a supervised diet prior to even agreeing to consider approving the surgery. However, if you are going to be self-pay, then usually all the doctor requires is a physical, nutritional consult, psych. eval., and some medical tests such as blood work and ekg. Many also require a sleep apnea assessment. This can all usually be done in a matter of a few weeks time.

I don't think its bad necessarily for you to be below 1000 caories for a few days -- but IMHO its all of the yo-yo dieting we've done over the years that has messed up our metabolisms -- so a low calorie plan for a few days or weeks might trigger gain once you start eating more calories. And of course if you cut out carbs, once you have them you could regain some, but with that said, instead of a liquid diet - have you tried the plateau busting diet? I am sure you have seen it: (I have it saved but haven't tried it yet!) Dr. Fox' weight loss plateau/stall diet. Heard of it? It's ONLY for 10 days.....We could easily drop 10 pounds doing this...<o =""></o> 2 quarts of Water EVERDAY<o =""></o> 45 grms Protein supplements EVERYDAY<o =""></o> Daily Vitamins<o =""></o> 3 oz. of the following 5 times a day<o =""></o> Beef<o =""></o> Pork<o =""></o> chicken<o =""></o> <st1:country-region><st1 ="">Turkey</st1></st1:country-region><o =""></o> Lamb<o =""></o> Fish<o =""></o> eggs<o =""></o> low-fat cheese<o =""></o> cottage cheese<o =""></o> plain yogurt<o =""></o> Peanut Butter<o =""></o> beans/legumes<o =""></o> <o =""></o> You can also have sugar free popsicles (no real fruit ones though)<o =""></o> tea/coffee/diet soda/crystal lite<o =""></o> 30 mintues of exercise a day.....or more if you wish. Good luck! <o =""> </o>

I think that each person is different. WhenI am eating too little my body goes into starvation mode, so I have to watch my calories. For me a week on liquids and I stop losing and can actually gain.

aileena, I also had to do a liquid diet for a week before surgery. Its easy the first few days and then it just gets harder. But its well worth it. You will do fine.

When ever you feel that the walls are caving in around you, family, friends and siginifcant others are testing their limits, try to exercise, if you can't go walking clean the house, get an exercise tape try not to eat (binge) because in the end you would be hurting yourself more than anything any one person could hurt you. You have made a life long decision to be a bandster don't lose focus just because a couple of people tried to push your buttons. Think of the new thin, lean, healthy you and say that today is going to be a good day. I read a post on this site last week where the person shared a few words of wisdom that she read and it basically stated that we have choices, we choose what kind of day we are going to have, be it good or bad so since reading that, I choose to have a good day everyday and I say go away nay sayers, I am claiming this as a good day and nothing anyone says or does will change that. I have been working on finding the positive. When all else fells come to the site and just let it all out, we are all here for you. We are your bandmates and bandmates work it out together. I'm glad you had a better day but I thought I would share with you and other bandsters just in case anyone needed it. Keep your head up and your band tight...