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I <3 the 5 day pouch test! Every time I do it I lose weight. It is a great way to get rid of your bad eating, sugar cravings and gets you to do better portion sizes. The first 2 days is liquids, then soft Protein then firm protein then regular protein. If you look under the plan there are the days and under the days there are a few recipes you can try. I have never bought the book as I am sure they wouldn't ship to korea and it probably isn't worth the expensive shipping costs either.

Prior to having my band placed, I had a significant history with GERD, and was told by my surgeon that complications were very possible. Because of that history, when my reflux got worse, I was ruled out as an acceptable candidate for the sleeve because of my GERD. After 22 months I did have to have my band removed to get some relief from my reflux. Two different surgeons warned me that I would have even more complications with the sleeve, and advised if I opted for revision surgery my only option would be bypass. So far, I am doing well with keeping my weight stable without my band and no weight gain since December. I hope you feel better....you did not mention if you were taking Nexxium. I was taking it 2X a day, and it did help the most.

I am only a month out of surgery so you can take my thoughts with a grain of salt. Almost 2 years ago I started slightly modifying my diet and began swimming every day; because of a knee problem. A year later I had lost 30 pounds; but out of nowhere I had a mild stroke, I was 39. I recovered (knock on wood) with no side affects. As part of treatment and searching for a cause one of the doctors asked if I had ever considered weight loss surgery. Had I ever thought of it seriously? No. While attending the presurgery classes and nutritional appointments I realized that I was eating a less of the unhealthy foods but they were still unhealthy. Changing my diet presurgery I lost 52 pounds. Do I occationally have cracker or a small piece of cake at a party? Sure. But I don't keep them in my house. I think of my "thin" friends and most of them eat healthy choices most of the time with the occational treat. Kind of the 90/10 rule (healthy 90% of the time).

Actually, the fact you're not losing and eating mostly soft foods are just more signs you're too tight. Contrary to the myths out there, being too tight can lead to stalled weight loss and even weight gain. The reason being, you're resorting to slider type foods and "soft calorie syndrome" because you can't eat the healthy things you should be. Have a look at this article, it is about being too tight and is really good info: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118 I think you can safely ride it out until Monday, but do get in to see your doctor. Best wishes

Hi, I had my Realize Band put in June 5, at surgery time I was around 184. 2 weeks later I was 172. Then the unthinkable happened, I woke in the night with my leg throbbing, went to the hospital had a DVT. I am now on Coumadin for life, I have done nothing but gain weight. November my stomach was hurting so bad, I could not swallow even my own saliva. I had my 4cc removed-was in the hospital again for 3 days. Now I weigh 188. I just don't understand. I got the band because it was supposed to make me have a "full feeling", I have never had that. This was a total waste of money, and my body. I think I was just meant to be overweight-everything I do sure does not help. The only reason I lost weight in the first days of my band was because I was so gung ho with the idea, I really lost it on my own, the band has done nothing but jeopardize my health. Moral of the story: Never ever have surgery if it not a life and death emergency. I would like to hear from any of you with similar "gone wrong" stories.:thumbup:

So I visited my regular doc today and she was so much cooler than I thought she was gonna be. Everyone has been really supported (everyone that I have told that is, which isn;t many). I know it is such a good thing, but then it also makes me think, "wow, okay, so how long has everyone been thinking I am an obese mess?" But then I know, probably not nearly as long as I have been thinking this about myself. Anyway, the medical records are sent to the surgeons office, should take about a week to get all there and in my packet and stuff. Then another 3 days the office staff said it would take them to highlight and prepare the insurance stuff. Then anywhere from 2-12 weeks until I hear a yes or a no. Please please please, if anyone is reading this hope, pray, cross your fingers, etc. for my approval. I am ready to get on with this. I am working on it on my own now with working out and trying to stay in control with eating, but I could really use this tool so I don't drive myself crazy. I don't have a whole lot to do this summer and I am sure others can relate-sitting around in an empty house is not the best medicine for weight loss. I would go for a walk with the doggies, but oh wait it is only 110 degrees out there, hah. I have been singing and dancing around the house. I am just waiting waiting waiting. I make lists almost everyday as to why I want this and what my life would be like losing weight. I recently rubbed a hole in the inner thigh area of my work pants and my next shift was only 3 days laway. Of course there are no big lady stores in my area that are currently carrying khaki pants appropriate for my unifrom. I had to pay old navy $20 extra to get pants in time. Then they were still too long. What a bummer! This was a really nervous situation for me and I hate to say it, but I had an exrteme breakdown in front of my beautiful boyfriend who is training to be a fire fighter and is just about as healthy as they come. He was so great and he even offered to pay for the $20 shipping so I wouldn't be so sad. It is the most frustrating kind of sad because I know I am the one who continues to make myself awfully distressed. Luckily it worked out...this time. How much easier would it have been though to just go to the mall and grab some new work pants and a cute summer dress just for kicks haha. I never want to spend another summer in Tucson at this high of a weight. It is just too damn hot here. I really want to work at my boyfriend's aunt's summer camp up in Wisconsin next summer. Swimming, camping, skiiing, boating...all sounds a lot better under the plus sizes, right? Have I pled my case enough, haha...are you crossing your fingers for me yet? Well I guess thats it. I know I am just at the base of this mountain I will climb for the rest of my life and it is only going to get harder before it gets easier. But i gotta start somewhere. I can use as much support as possible though! I have hit so many lows, now it is time for some more highs!

So I visited my regular doc today and she was so much cooler than I thought she was gonna be. Everyone has been really supported (everyone that I have told that is, which isn;t many). I know it is such a good thing, but then it also makes me think, "wow, okay, so how long has everyone been thinking I am an obese mess?" But then I know, probably not nearly as long as I have been thinking this about myself. Anyway, the medical records are sent to the surgeons office, should take about a week to get all there and in my packet and stuff. Then another 3 days the office staff said it would take them to highlight and prepare the insurance stuff. Then anywhere from 2-12 weeks until I hear a yes or a no. Please please please, if anyone is reading this hope, pray, cross your fingers, etc. for my approval. I am ready to get on with this. I am working on it on my own now with working out and trying to stay in control with eating, but I could really use this tool so I don't drive myself crazy. I don't have a whole lot to do this summer and I am sure others can relate-sitting around in an empty house is not the best medicine for weight loss. I would go for a walk with the doggies, but oh wait it is only 110 degrees out there, hah. I have been singing and dancing around the house. I am just waiting waiting waiting. I make lists almost everyday as to why I want this and what my life would be like losing weight. I recently rubbed a hole in the inner thigh area of my work pants and my next shift was only 3 days laway. Of course there are no big lady stores in my area that are currently carrying khaki pants appropriate for my unifrom. I had to pay old navy $20 extra to get pants in time. Then they were still too long. What a bummer! This was a really nervous situation for me and I hate to say it, but I had an exrteme breakdown in front of my beautiful boyfriend who is training to be a fire fighter and is just about as healthy as they come. He was so great and he even offered to pay for the $20 shipping so I wouldn't be so sad. It is the most frustrating kind of sad because I know I am the one who continues to make myself awfully distressed. Luckily it worked out...this time. How much easier would it have been though to just go to the mall and grab some new work pants and a cute summer dress just for kicks haha. I never want to spend another summer in Tucson at this high of a weight. It is just too damn hot here. I really want to work at my boyfriend's aunt's summer camp up in Wisconsin next summer. Swimming, camping, skiiing, boating...all sounds a lot better under the plus sizes, right? Have I pled my case enough, haha...are you crossing your fingers for me yet? Well I guess thats it. I know I am just at the base of this mountain I will climb for the rest of my life and it is only going to get harder before it gets easier. But i gotta start somewhere. I can use as much support as possible though! I have hit so many lows, now it is time for some more highs!

Thank you so much for your response. I was in the middle of the 6 month weight loss visits and I found out that if I switched to my company's insurance instead of my husbands'..then it would be paid 100% with a $100 copayment and there isn't a waiting period if I have the surgery with a surgeon associated with the Health System where I work, So, the new insurance starts on 1/1. I've had the psychiatric evaluation, a sleep study, and seen the dietitian at the first surgeon I went to. I have went to a seminar about getting the sleeve surgery with the new surgeon. I have an appt with the surgeon and their dietitian on 12/18. The Program Director told me they would then schedule me for an endoscopy. I might be able to have the surgery by late January or early Feb. I will probably not schedule it until mid- Feb so it will be after my son's birthday. I am excited and very scared. I only know what life is like overweight.

Is it normal to just break down and cry at any moment and time. I just dont know why i have so many mixed emotions one minute im good the next im down. I guess you are right its just a whole different ball game. I absolutely hate food right now... I have to make myself eat. I also have in the back of my mind that i am going to fail and never reach my goal. I guess mainly because i am such a picky eater. The only veggies i really eat is corn or potatoes. So knowing that i need to eat healthier foods scares me into thinking i wont succeed. I dont understand ive never eaten healthy my whole life and was always very skinny and yet once i had my son i could get the weight off no matter what i did. Its all so stressful

In general it is always easy to make judgements from the outside. There's a reason for the proverb "walk a mile in my shoes". Personally alcohol does'nt do a thing for me. Period. I have to have sweet dessert drinks so why bother with the alcohol; I might as well just eat a piece of cake. My brother however is a recovering alcoholic. Our difference is I can walk away from beer; and you would have to force feed him cherry pie. I find that weight problems are something that many people cant empathize over. Unfortunately you may never get someone to understand why you've made the this decision if they are not of the mindset to really listen.

Today, I went to a friends job to pick up some cosmetics she ordered me. She works @ St. Vincent's Medical Center, which sits on a hill & had notoriously crappy parking. So after I finally weddgie my big 'ol truck into a teeny tiny space at the bottom of the hill, I headed up to the main hospital...that's when it hit me...the last time I was at this hospital, I was attending the first of many weight loss seminars, and I remember nearly passing out trying to walk up the hill And here I am, 14 weeks post sleeve today, down 70 lbs and I breezed up that hill without a pause! I wasn't even breathing hard when I got to the top! Tiny Sleevie has made the impossible possible & I am sooo blessed to be on this journey. I would do it all over again without a moment's hesitation! I feel wonderful...and yes, I'm looking pretty darn rockin' good these days! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Lynda So happy to hear about your weight loss, and your new size!!! It is the best feeling ever! Keep it up, we are rooting for you!

To maintain, I would start increasing healthy carbs by 10 g every week to find out where your limit is between maintaining and gaining.

I wasn't required to lose weight, I did do some changes to prepare for post op. But I'm having surgery because I have a very hard time losing weight. But i had my last class today and I was up but she said that with the insurance I have, that I should be ok.

I told some people at work that I am having VSG. Was that a mistake??? I see a lot of people say they didn't tell their co-workers or employers what they were having. I only told a select few but gossip in my office spreads like wild fire!!!! I started not to tell anyone but I am really close with some co-workers and some others over heard. I ended up telling my manager because she was expecting me to leave my job at the end of March due to me completing nursing school, but since I have insurance now, I am holding off seeking a nursing position. My job is in the medical field and I have had a few co-workers who had weight loss surgery so no one really looks at having surgery as a "bad thing" and they are not judgmental, not to my face anyway.

I am selling career clothes that no longer fit. I will be posting several "lots" and hope someone going on this weight loss journey can use the clothes. I am askin $150 for all. Estimated shipping of $34.17 is included. I estimate the value of these clothes to be well over $500. I am larger in the hips and thigh so all are relaxed cut. 1. gray slacks -size 22 - Lane Bryant 2. black slacks- size 22- George (Walmart career brand) 3. dark gray slacks- size 22- Lane Bryant 4. denim capri- size 22- Cato 5. black slacks- size 22- George 6. khaki professional capri- size 22- Cato 7. black skirt- xxl- George (It's a skirt that makes you want to twirl around! I liked it so much I went & bought another in my new size) 8. khaki slacks- size 22- Worthington (JC Penney) 9. black pin stipe suit with blazer & skirt- size 22- TJ Milano 10. Riders cargo denim Capri- size 20w- new with tags 11. denim jeans- size 20w- ana (JC Penney brand) 12. white lace spaghetti strap under shirt 13. another white lace spaghetti strap under shirt 14. Black lace spaghetti strap under shirt 15. brown pant suit (blazer & slacks)- size 22- T Milano I can't post pictures from iPad but can email pics if you'd like.

My doctor told me I had to take this medication called Actigall starting 3 months post op and I would take it for 6 months twice a day. The purpose apparently is to keep you from developing gallstones which can result from rapid weight loss. So I compliantly took the medication only to start suffering severe joint and muscle pain. I called my PCP who said this is a MAJOR side effect and to stop the medication immediately. Apparently this side effect is the medication not being absorbed through the liver like it should be and is being absorbed into the muscle/tissue which can cause permanent muscle damage. Now, if anyone has followed any of my other posts you know I have had NOTHING but bad luck and issue after issue. When this happened I actually started to laugh because it would just figure I would suffer a major side effect from medication that is supposed to help you. Just wondering if anyone else was instructed to take this medication. Obviously, I am no longer taking it. I would rather take my chances of developing gall stones...which at this point....would not be far fetched given everything else I have had happen!

Thanks for the encouragement, I think I just want to done now, and I hit 30 next year so Ive got alot to look forward too and showing off some of my weight loss to people that I don't see very often, and Ive got a 3 week holiday to strut my stuff at!!

Hi there, The nerves and doubts are perfectly normal. You are about to take a really big step towards changing your life and any change can be stressful. But, it is worth it. Your weight loss journey will transform your life in so many ways. Stay focussed on that and try to remain positive. The band will prompt you to make changes to your lifestyle and eating habits. It will not do it by itself. I'm sure you know that. This is a great week for you. Go for it!

I am in the medical profession, and was banded on Sept 18th. I have lost 20 pounds so far...You have to go into this surgery with the right mental attitude towards food and life. This is a LIFESTYLE CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is not an easy fix...if you cant get your mind around the fact that you will have to change your eating habits, and exercise then this will not work for you. The band is a TOOL, its not going to make you lose weight, its a tool to assist in your weight loss. If you want to lose weight and not really do much work, then the band is not for you...maybe the bypass is a better option. Your family is not educated on what the band is, or does by what you wrote. You are not going to have mental distress because you can't eat a normal size plate of spagetti. You can eat most foods, depending on the person. Me personally have a hard time eating white starches because they get stuck, and its uncomfortable, so I dont do it..I guess if I really wanted them I could suffer through the pain but its not worth it, and I dont miss it! This is something that you have to do when you are mentally ready to do so. If you are not a decision maker, then you need to talk with a professional about how to make a life altering decision that is for your health. NO one can make this decision for you. I LOVE MY BAND...and I can honestly say this is the best thing I have done for myself. I eat pretty much what I want, just smaller portions..I dont deprive myself, but the band does not allow me to overeat. You wont be able to eat 5 Cookies and a bag of chips...Im good to get 1 or 2 cookies down on an empty stomach. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck, and do whats best for you! Shauna

I don't think I can answer all of your questions, because it's true - the motivation has to come from within you. With that being said, I had the band surgery almost two weeks ago and have to say that for me, it has made a big difference in the hunger I feel, and therefore makes it much easier to say no to food that my family is eating around me. While they are not eating food that is bad for them, I still do not personally feel the need to grab a bite of whatever they're having. The Protein shakes keep me full enough. I did try the Protein shake diet before surgery, and was successful with that as well, but I did feel more hunger. Every case is different; there are some folks who have been banded that do feel hungry after the surgery (affectionately known as "Bandster Hell") - until you get to that "sweet spot" where you no longer are driven by physical hunger to overeat or eat too fast. Of course I'm not there, as I haven't had a fill yet. But I don't feel as hungry as I used to, as often, either. The band is a tool that will enable you to resist eating more than you should because of physical hunger. Your family is right, though, about the "head hunger," or what makes you eat whether you're hungry or not. So it's really a combnation of a very effective tool if you work it, and your own motivation to keep working it. No one is perfect and follows the plan exactly, but the point is that it sure makes it easier to get back on track if you get off track. At least that's what I've been able to gain from reading the posts here. The bottom line for me was discovering what motivated me to eat, handling the hunger, and at my age trying to make the rest of my body healthy to live long enough to enjoy maybe another 30 years or so. My own personal motivation is the high blood pressure I suddenly developed, as well as wanting to be able to do things I can't do now. But your own motivation has to come from within yourself, not your family. You CAN do it, and the Lap Band IS an effective tool. It's not magic, it won't do the work for you, but it sure will make it a lot easier. Good luck in whatever you decide to do...this board is a great support for you too, and most people are more than willing to help wherever they can.

Good for you for reacting quickly to a minor gain!! Compared to what you have presumably lost, losing five pounds is nothing. Are you maintaining a food log? If not, now is a great time to start. My Fitness Pal highly recommended if you don't have an app already. Set your app for losing a pound a week with the associated calorie goal. Follow your plan for a week and see what happens with your weight. If you lose, great. If you gain or stay the same, reduce your calorie goal by 100-200 calories a day. Follow your plan for a week and see what happens with your weight. You'll quickly be able to determine the calorie goal you need to maintain to lose the five pounds. It's easy and it works like a charm!!

Great job catching it so soon! My dietician has a great way for us to monitor our weight once in maintenance. A 1-3 pound up or down is considered a 'green' light meaning it could be a normal fluctuation. 3-5 pounds up is considered a 'yellow' light meaning slow down and assess what you need to change you're headed in the wrong direction. Anything more than 5 lbs gained is 'red'. Stop immediately. Start logging food and Water intake if not doing so already. Call and make a dietician appt. If you have gained but food and water choices are good. The important thing is to catch it fast. I for one go into ostrich mode when gaining weight. I bury my head and then 40 or 50 lbs later try and change. After my rny I vowed I'd never play that game again.

Sometimes, there are solutions to stress right under your nose. Just a day before my DH called to tell me he'd lost his job, I signed up for a "Learn to Quilt" class from the local quilting guild. At first, going to classes when my DH was home with no job seemed frivolous and even selfish. However, I've found a certain peace and satisfaction in this art form. Funny thing is, it ties in with my losing weight. Last summer, while I waited to visit the surgeon and jumped through all the hoops like a circus poodle, I was also humiliated to find myself making clothes in a size larger than the pattern companies made. I had to "size up" from their largest, creating a pair of pants that were grotesquely huge. In despair, I never finished those pants. I was too mortified. The other day, I found those pants buried under the piles of cloth I made teddy bears out of for my grandchildren. I laughed and cut those pants into 6" charm squares for a quilt. Then I looked at my closet door. Hmmm! I have clothes in there that cannot be re-tailored down, but the memories of the "fat girl" events they represent should never be forgotten. I now have a pile of clothes to be cut down into a memory quilt of charm squares and black rails, since many of those clothes were black (or matched black) because I honestly believed black was slimming. No, I just looked like a black beach ball. I'll finish the pretty new blue quilt I'm learning on within the month. Then, I think I'll start on my memory quilt. Maybe I'll use it as a visual aid when I write "No Fat Chicks" this fall. Lena

I was told not over 1200 but my weight has stalled so at my next appt. I'm going to ask the nutritionist specifically about that.