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Do you think you'll really be up for a 10 hour flight and related business obligations only 4 days after surgery? I wouldn't have been....... If you do fly, I'd make sure to get traveler's compression socks, walk a bit up and down the aisles at least every hour. Honestly, if it were me, there is no business worth risking blood clots for and that is your greatest risk sitting in a plane for 10 hours. Not to mention you are still VERY early in your recovery from a MAJOR surgery. Me? Wouldn't do it - but wish you the best if you do

PRE op was hard, very hard. I too started earlier than required, I was worried I would not lose the required amount in time. I was hungry, hungry, hungry. I wanted my best friend. I get angry when "someone" takes my food away, I was angry at my doctor, my nutritionist, my nurse. I too am an addict, I knew this time what was going on cause I had had the same feelings 2 years prior on some other food plan. The good news is......getting thru the PRE diet prepares you for having no real food right after surgery. For me, if I had had the operation, woke up & it was the beginning of my food restriction I would have been Desperate. Making the adjustment from all the diets we have been on, to LITERALLY one ounce of food would have sent me over the edge. I attended food groups thru my bariactric center during that month. Two ladies talked to me, I asked for their phone #'s & as hard as it was, I called them. I was embarrassed to have to do this but everything was on the line for me. I had to start learning how to manage my food addiction somewhere, so I called. They helped me by telling me how they got thru the specific problem. We had the same doctor so we had the same PRE food plan. One of the solutions was to call the doctors office, tell them how starving I was at week 2, the solution was to not reduce my food as prescribed for week 3. This helped immensely, it was also the start of working in the realm of my doctors advice & it has led me to success. Now don't get me wrong, I ate some food right before surgery that was not on plan, it was dumb & it showed me how quickly I go from compliance to out of control. My food issues since the surgery are different than before. I am following portion size, I am exercising and I don't stay home as much cause that ='s boredom which ='s eating.....if I am not careful. I have gone to about 5 support groups at my bariactric place in 8 months. I thought I would need to go weekly, biweekly, daily if necessary. For me, the fast weight loss, the endorphins from exercise, the sickness I would get if I take an extra bite has helped me stay on my path to getting to goal. I am cognitive that I must do what it takes to make this work for ME. If I started eating food with no restricted feeling in my body & I was gaining weight I would hustle in to a therapist, get a trainer for exercise, sign up for an 8 wk food plan w/ a doctors office. The 1st thing I would do is BE HONEST, tell on myself. We both know we have not been a success at weight loss & keeping it off prior to this. So far losing 100 lb's has been easy compared w/ losing 10 lb's prior to surgery. But I am on guard...that's another story. As far as PRE op, do the best you can, you sound like you are going to hit the required goal. Your stomach will be so different after the surgery u won't be dealing with the same issues. Hane you researched the enzyme ghrelin yet? If no go for it. I believe it has helped me with my success. personal message me if u would like, we can talk if you need to. Hang in there. I am VERY happy w/ my life because I am moving, living without pain. Yahooo

I agree at 3month I was around 650-800 now at 10 months my Dr.suggest 800-1000 which I'm truly enjoying sometimes a little tooooo much

hey chicky no worries, their are plenty of people who had good experience with the lapband. i am 10 days out not doing to shabby myself. Don't know how much i lost, i refuse to weigh myself cause i don't want to do the up and down rollercoster of i lost and ohh im not losing LOL. You'll be just fine, stay strong!!

You can also try drinking lots of water and other very low calorie (5 to 10) fluids like Crystal lite. It won't work a long time, but it will help tide you over a little until the next "feeding time".

it just depends the fluid doesn't always come back out cause it gets stuck in the tubes. My first fill i had 4 ccs already in and they put in 3ccs that makes 7 right at the second fill they pulled out 6 and put but in 2 so that makes 8 right or 9 cause there is a cc floating around 1 week later i needed alittle pulled out and i was back down to 7 but i felt like i had 10 so i hope this makes sense. It gets stuck or lost and no one really knows where it goes or why it doesn't come out but it doesnt and some how still finds its way to the band its self.

@@Bufflehead thanks for sharing. Great advice as I don't want to live on supplements. Right now my weight is all the load bearing I can handle, but as soon as I get off 50 pounds I plan to expand beyond walking. The doctor believes my knees will hurt less as the weight comes off. Thanks! Banded 10/12/16

Greetings! I was just banded on Feb 17th! I have poked around this site for the last 3 months and now decided to join and not only share my story but also hopefully get some good ideas for the next steps to come! I started this process 6 months ago and completed it all within 6 months; Althought i hear i am not the norm considering i have an HMO (BSHMO), i feel everything was meant to be and the path was layed out for me. So now next steps..... I have read that some have been having bad gas or nausea and I can say i have not had any! I started the 2nd full liquid food phase on Saturday and it's been great. i'm not hungry at all. I over all feel well although i feel like my one incision is like a bruised rib! Maybe i had a boxing match with someone! lol . Is this normal? So far i have lost 17lbs since i started the liquid Protein diet 10 days before the surgery. My doctors at California Bariatrica & General Surgery (Dr. Doraiswamy) was AMAZING!!!! I had my procedure done at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. So what can i expect next..... Any words of wisdom!?!?!?

I was banded on 10/13 and was very lucky not to have any gas pains at all. I got my first fill of 4.5 cc's on 11/18 and am scheduled for my second fill on 12/23. My doc said I will probably get another 1.5 cc's. That will be a total of 6cc's in my 10cc realize band.

I am scheduled for surgery on 5/19 and on my 4th day of liquids. I have only been doing the Medifast drinks, but I have read some great suggestions to add. Thanks for the support and, yes, we can all do it!!

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea three years ago. I had no idea I had apnea until I woke up one night gasping for air and ended up having a panic attack. But it was all right in front of me. The snoring. The EXHAUSTION (which at the time I blamed on having a new baby). I was a mess. But I'm happy to report that I am sleeping perfectly all night long and feeling rested and happy all day long. :biggrin: The sleep study had me anxious. I was sure I would be uncomfortable with all that stuff on me. And it certainly wasn't the best night of sleep I'd ever had (went in at 9pm, in bed by 10:30, discharged at 5am). But it wasn't as bad as I thought. The mask took a few weeks to get used to. Mostly I didn't like the feeling of the air blowing into my nose and down into my lungs. The sensation of having my breath taken away took some getting used to. But after two weeks, I didn't even notice it anymore. And the truth is this... I LOVE my mask now. Can't sleep without it. I am able to sleep in any position (side, stomach, face-down, whatever). My husband is also happier because I'm not snoring and gasping anymore. But the most important thing is this... I'm finally SLEEPING. Its glorious. I had no idea how miserable sleep was for me until I was finally able to get a good nights' rest. You'll do fine and I promise you'll be so much happier after you start sleeping again.

Just had RNY on Aug 18. Can't eat enough protein and what little I do get doesn't stay in! I can't stay out of the bathroom. I start running within 5 minutes of eating and then keep running every 5-10 minutes. I can't even sleep through the night without getting up to run to the bathroom several times. Anyone else have this problem? How long does it last? Anything I can do?

hi everyone, i am new to this forum. was banded on 10/4/06 to date have lost about 31lbs. have my second fill. total filled is 3.cc anyone here from plainfield nj.???? blessings byvonne

Hi Jennifer , I too have been doing my research on the lap band and Im so excited at the prospect of beigng healthy and fit into a size 9/10 (hopefully) I'm hoping my insurance will pay for it .. but not too sure .. my BMI is not quite 40 I weigh 235 , but it fluctuates so much from week to week. Depending on if Im starving myself or not. Good luck with your journey ! by the way I too am scared also about doing this .. more so than I was when I had my brest reduction surgery . But I keep telling myslef this is to help change my life for the better . Chellie

I've heard several people on the board talk about DaVinci Gourmet sugar free Syrup and I finally found some yesterday. This stuff has no calories, no carbs, no fat...just 10 mg of sodium per 2 tbsp. I got the vanilla and kahlua flavors. I used some in my coffee this morning and it was pretty good. Just wondering if anyone could share some creative ways to use it, other than coffee. In greek yogurt maybe?

I'm 29, was banded 2/5/10 and have lost 26lbs to date. I am very happy with my decision. The social aspect was difficult at first because I wasn't eating solid foods but after that, everything is back to normal.. I just can't eat as much.

Banded 11/28/11, first fill 01/05/12, 2nd fill scheduled for 2/2/12. My Dr. offers unlimited fills with the surgery. I think it's just part of his charge. I have BCBS anthem. 2nd fill will take place if and when you need it but most docs prefer 4+ weeks. My 1st fill did virtually nothing. Hoping #2 is more successful.

This is good to read. I am 10 weeks out and sometimes a reminder is good to read through. I have kept to most of the basics since my surgery with the exception of going on a cruise a few weeks ago. I did make some mistakes on my cruise by drinking some alcohol and eating a few spoonfuls of desert. Since I am home again I have been back on my regular schedule and am back to my "new normal" eating." New normal" is getting in all my Protein, having enough Water, no snacking and taking my supplements. I am feel so much better since losing almost 40 lbs. 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker[/b]

So I completed all of my prerequsites to have my lapband. I am so elated that I have finally placed all of the expectations that everyone else has had for me aside and I am doing this for AJAXX :thumbup:. My surgery date is officially May 19, two and a half weeks away! My goal is to lose a minimum of 75 lbs. but I'd really like to drop 100lbs. Keep me in your prayers.

i am 10 days post and today i seem to be really wanting to eat eat eat....i have been having the same stuff everyday now ..shakes shakes and more shakes and finally added in sf jello and gelatin and milked down oatmeal...and i drink water in between...i am not much of a soup person and i still have 4 more days b4 i can move to mushy foods..and then what ?am i gonna live off mashed potatoes...noone gives you a menu ...i kinda feel alil lost right now...any advice would be really appreciated and tips on foods too..plz plzzz and plzzzzz again...and most def thank you!!!

Totally not band related, my parents just left my house--after delivering the most yummy birthday cake EVER! White almond cake with raspberry filling! TDF! I had a small piece--soooo yummy! Also got some perfume and some clinique lotion for my face that I am to cheap to actually purchase! Nice! Happy Birthday to me! Thank you for all your birthday wishes! 42 years ago I was ummmmm about 10 and a half hours old. Big old huge baby with orange hair! :cake:

Good luck with your flight! I am not a flyer myself, I flew this past August (3rd time in my life)...I always find religion on an airplane (God and I get really tight from takeoff to landing). Shortgal had a great idea - ask the flight attendent for the extention before you sit down. I asked after the fact - seeing I'd gained about 70 pounds since I flew 10 years ago and literally yelled it out...and the deaf woman couldn't hear me. The lady next to me even shouted it. I was completely mortified - it was not a good experience for me. I wish I'd had pre-planned better. I hope you enjoy the trip and visit with your grandson.

I had my sleeve surgery Dec 17, 2018. The process was rather stretchy in the beginning. Iv,urine screen needle in stomach. Blood work. Last weight. After surgery the pain was horrific. I remember telling them im at a 10 a 10!! There wee guving me something that wasnt working. I remember a lady brung me a ginger ame with a straw. I immediately started sipping not thinking smh. I told her i cant have a straw or carbonated beverage. She told me it was fine. Which was not. I waited in recovery probably a hour. Then I went to a room. Pain was too much. I did get up and walk alot. I couldn’t release any gas only burping. I still cant stand up straight. The only incision that hurts is the main one. I haven’t been able to get any food down. Everything is nasty. Water is my best friend. Nausea is the worst and when you throw it is the wirst. Looks like greasy phlegm. Its so nasty.

want_so_bad, I can definitely appreciate your opinion. I know what it is to see people take advantage of the system! But understand, I pay taxes, and have been doing so, for many years. I don't know if you think it was an easy decision to quit my job... but understand it was not! This surgery for me is a life and death situation! From what I was told in my training, Medicaid is there to help those who are desperately in need of medical care. Maybe, you wanted to have wls, to look good, maybe you wanted to have it to feel good. I need to have it to be here for my dgt! I have never "used" the system before, but I have most certainly paid into it! I am not saying this is the best way for everyone, but for those who honestly have no other choice...(and believe me this was my last resort, after even paying $324 a mo. for insurance) I say "GO FOR WHAT YOU KNOW!" We have spent billions of dollars this yr alone, year as Americans, on a senseless war! When we have millions of citizens who have no health care, and for those that do, the insurance will not cover preventative procedures, particularly WLS. I honestly do not see anything wrong with me getting help from the system so that I am here 10 yrs from now caring for my dgt, so she does not have to be a burden on "the system", or you! I will one day explain to my beautiful dgt why mommy had to do what ever it took to be here for her! And nothing , and no one can, or will tell me, that I am wrong to want to live! So again, I sincerely appreciate your opinion, but until you have walked in my shoes, and are out there alone... please try not to judge. As for AMG, thanks for your understanding. Have a wonderful night and thanks for your replies!:thumbup:

I have not gotten my surgery yet (9/7) so I don't know how much I can add to this but... are you exercising? That will really help a lot (even with out the band)- even just a few trips up and down the stairs, jog in place for 10 minutes, lift a chair up and down several times, do leg lifts or squats while on the phone- point is just add some extra activity here and there. and if you ARE exercising- maybe check out some fitness websites to get some tips to boost yourself again. Sometimes (so I was told), if you do the same routines- your body levels out and its not challenged anymore and hits a plato (sp?) so change up your routine a little or add weight training to your routine- I hear that helps... (like many fat people who have been there done that a thousand times- I could be a personal trainer and nutrionist if I was just able to maintain myself :thumbup: and keep it off ). As far as snacks- I think thats going to be my tough spot too! are you eating Snacks because you are hungry or you are just bored and want to munch? if you are hungry- add more protien to your diet. but if its just to munch.. you need to find things that are low calorie or at least very low fat. some ideas maybe- low fat frozen yogart (turkey hill has awesome flavors just make sure you check the fat percent cause some are still pretty high but most are very very low and some are zero), fat free pretzels (or will those get stuck?), fat free string cheese, frozen grapes, italian ice (at least you have to work to eat it so it takes longer to eat), fat-free pudding packs, fat free yogart, as previously mentioned 100 calorie pack things (but I cant just have one lol), sugar free lollipops, baby carrots (even if you add fat free dressing), apples slices (they now sell pre-packed snack packs of apples and carrots). Hope some of those are helpful!