Search the Community

Keep hydrated the worst is getting dehydrated not a good thing. Yes, pain is part of the program with LB. It took me almost two weeks before I felt better, I had a ton of pain. I could not get comfortable in any position. Be kind to yourself and take the time you need to heal. It has almost been a year for me now so I have been there. If you can walk it will help with the gas and get it moving. The Dr. puts a lot of air in your body and not all of it has a way out so it gets trapped. Keep moving and walk as much as you are able. Drink your liquids slowly. Be patient. If you have real concerns call your DR. ASAP. Best wishes imaluckydog

I went to a play tonight with my sister and found myself sitting between her and another gal who was also a large lady. If I hadn't lost all the weight, I would have never fit between them...and all three of us would have been very uncomfortable. Even with my sister and this other lady spilling over into 'my space', I was fine. How many times can I say thank you for this band? How about every single time I fit somewhere that I used to not be able to.

My doctors office is pushing the Bariatric Advantage products for my 2 week pre op diet ..do you have any recommended websites I could view for alternative? Those products are so expensive. I'm thinking I can do ketogenic (sp) without those specific products. Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

Well, I've just returned from my contract of 5 weeks and it feels good to be home. I was happy to see that I lost 9 lbs just by cutting back on soda, drinking more water and decreasing my fast food habit...YEAH BABY, YEAH....However, two things that I was diagnosed with last year has returned; vertigo and Pilonidal Abscess. So, last year I was at work in the middle of delivery and I almost collapsed. I couldn't stand, sit and I was sent to the ER. MRI cleared, blood work cleared , no inner ear infection. Doctors believed it was either stress ( I worked 3 jobs , 1 full time, 2 part time jobs as a nurse) or my weight. I was off work for 2 months and over the next couple of months it will come and go, my last flare up was in September 2011 but Friday evening, my boyfriend had to help me inside, today it's much better thank god. Something else I need to take care of in the coming months. The Pilonidal Abscess was the most painful event that took place last year...nope ...my gallbladder was the worst. However, it was the most embarrassing. As a L& D nurse I never heard of this disease and my research when I was diagnosed made me realize that my weight may have led to this predicament. However, I thought when I had surgery done, it was all removed. I mean I spent 4 weeks having my BF do my dressing and now it seems it has returned...sigh....now I'm doing more research on the matter and it looks like this thing is here to stay. My hope is, if I lose weight, maybe it will decrease my flare ups. If you have no idea what a Pilonidal Abscess/Cyst is, look it up ...let's just say it's to do with your behind. Anyways, I have two weeks off before my next contract, thus, I need to do all my pre-op test during my time off. I decided before I do my pre-op that I'm going to do a month long natural cleanse, as a type of preparation for my new way of life. I know it sounds corny but, ( hoping not to jinx myself) something is clicking up there. I'm saying no, when I would say yes. I'm stopping when I'm full and I'm not beating myself up if I slip. I just hope that this is not temporary. However, when I got on that scale and i saw that I lost 9 lbs in 5 weeks I was very proud of myself. Moving on..so today, it's about starting my cleanse, entering my weight and pic on the forum and taking pictures and measurements. I need to buy 2 weeks worth of shakes, so that's what i'm doing this week, including going to doctor's appointments and going to Curve. I made out a plan and I'm sticking to it as much as possible and so far, i'm doing pretty well...going to find a pic for my profile...not of me of course, that will be for another time...maybe a pic of my beloved pug:)

OK so I had RNY 3 weeks ago and I'm doing just fine. I am wanting to get a new PCP now that I've had the surgery. I'm wanting someone that is familiar with bariatric surgery and what all I will be going through. I don't feel my current PCP is a good fit for me now that I've had RNY. My question is, what kind of PCP should I go to now? Is family practice ok or should I see general medicine, or internalist... I have no clue what kind of PCP would be the best choice... My surgeon gave me a few names of doctors he recommends but I'm not sure if they will be a good fit for me as most of them are older and I feel I won't be able to relate with them or connect with them... HELP PLEASE?? :-)

Everyone is different. My husband was banded a week after me and neither of us have any fluid in our bands yet (I go tomorrow). The Dr. said he was going to be tighter than me because generally men are and because he had more fat on his stomach making the band tighter. I have been able to eat as much as I want and he is still not able to eat a whole 6 oz. yogurt in one sitting. He annoys me! JK LOL Good luck.

Dont focus on the 10% failure rate or you are setting yourself up to fail! Every single person I've ever met regretted having the surgery in the first couple weeks; I know I did. I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life. I did not suffer from the pain or depression issues that you are, but I definitely thought I shouldn't have had the surgery and was very scared. These feelings will pass! Getting the band was the BEST thing I EVER DID and I would do it all over again! Hang in there, the doubt will go away, and you will be on your way to a healthy life!

50 lb in 5 weeks?!? Wow. Congrats! I'm at 32lbs after 4 weeks (7/20 sleeve) and wish I was on your pace!! Working beyond grief for a better life!

First thing I did was ween myself off coffee. I knew I had to give up caffeine and from past experience, I didn't want to go through it on top of recovering from the surgery and all the other adjustments. Sounds silly, but I suffer from at least two weeks of a bad head ache when I quit coffee. Next, I started researching for a good nutrition supplement plan for post surgery. I have a lot of food allergies with artificial sweeteners being a big one. I wanted to find high quality vitamins in powder or liquid form that didn't have additives that I could mix into protein smoothies I will make myself. I finally found a great multi, a calcium complex and plain whey all in powder form. They have no added sweeteners or flavors. I have made smoothies with them and they are delicious. Now, my pre op diet doesn't begin until Dec. 10th, so I have been making the most of my last few weeks of diet freedom and been enjoying whatever I want (except coffee)....my last hurrah, guilt free! Crazy, huh? Yes, I have gained a couple more pounds...Dec. 17th will be the real beginning of my new life!

These are all great tips and will hopefully motivate me! I'm pre-op as well- I've got my 3rd of 6 monthly check-ins next week and am just starting to tackle the other pre-op appointments. I'm very out of shape now but just last year I was in fantastic shape from frequent barre classes. I'm at that place where I haven't worked out in so long and have gained so much I'm scared to go back but I do really want to be more physically fit by the time I go for surgery (likely March or April.) This is my first post!

Do a search for a thread called "Fill Prices." I started the thread this week to get a general idea of what everyone pays, so there's already a list started here.

Hi all, Newbie here - I've been a stalker for awhile, but I've decided it's time to join the discussions! Need some advice. I started the process in August, had my first consultation in late September and here I am, already insurance approved for the sleeve in early November. I will very likely get a surgery date for December. Potential problem - I received a promotion at work and will start working in the new job in two weeks. Is surgery within the first few weeks of the job going to be too much to handle? It'll be a desk job, so I don't worry too much about physical restrictions.. but I'm more worried about being able to take on two big changes in such a short period of time. Thoughts??

Thank you for the replies! I think I'm going to go ahead and see if I can get scheduled later in December. 6 weeks into the new job should be enough time to get a good handle on how things work. I meet with the surgeon next week, and I'll be sure to get his opinion.

I had my surgery 6 months ago and I have lost 86 pounds so far. I am excited about this but I have also been at the 86 pound weight loss for about a month. I know that doesn't seem like a long time but when you get used to seeing it come off at about 3-5 pounds a week and then nothing for a month...well, its discouraging. I have found that when I go back on liquids for a few days it starts to come off again but I am tired of the same old Unjury protein powder:confused_smile:. Anyone out there have any suggestions? I tried the Muscle Milk and I think it made me gain weight:sad:.

Hi all , I haven't posted for ages & I'm posting now for your help. I was sleeved in march and was losing steadily but have hit a plateau for 5 weeks now. I'm steeping up my Water today & have started using my fitness pal again to try and monitor my Protein so I can get 70 grams a day. I've vowed to walk around the block every nite to see if that helps too. Anyone got any other ideas to kick startup weightloss again?

you have done well with the weight loss usually losing 2-3 lbs a week is a average the band is a tool to work with are u using because other distracting things to do is it head hunger or are u hungry

Menu Blog I do push the limits of the food budget 1300-1500 calories per day vs. the typical 800-1200 quoted by most doctors. I do this for 4 reasons: 1) I think that they (the doctors) under estimate the amount of protein people need. The higher I keep my protein the better weight comes off. 2) I lift weights and feel I need the extra protein 3) I want to keep my metabolism in as high a gear as I can 4) based on my target weight 190 lbs. I won’t have to make many changes when I get there. Key for my Menu First, one of my key tools is Vitol Egg protein powder. Second is packing all my meal in 8oz plastic containers so I don’t have to guess. Third, we make most of the items below in a big batch on Sunday and uses them during the week. Fourth, sometimes you have to eat out, when I do I stick to fish or soups/stews they are easier to digest. Fifth, I avoid directly adding carbs because they make my hungry between meals. Breakfast (5 am) Option 1: 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites, 1oz low fat cheese and sliced peppers and mushrooms Option 2: 1 Cup Oatmeal with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 3: 1Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Mid-Morning (9 am) Option 1: 1Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 2: 8oz Diced Chicken Salad Option 3: 2 String cheese and 1oz. Almonds Option 4: MuscleMilk Protein Shake Lunch (Noon) Option 1: 1 cup Turkey Chili with 1 oz of Cheese Option 2: 1 cup fat free fried beans with diced, onions, peppers and salsa Option 3: 8oz Diced Chicken or Tuna Salad Pre Work Out Meal Late Afternoon (4 pm) Supplements – Nitric Oxide Drink with Creatine, Gummy Vitamins, Gummy Omegas Option 1: ½ Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 2: 4oz Diced Chicken Salad Option 3: 1 String cheese and 1oz. Almonds Option 4: MuscleMilk Protein Shake Post Work Out Dinner Option 1: 6 oz Ahi Tuna Steak in olive oil and lemon pepper Option 2: 1 cup chipotle chicken crock pot stew with carrots, onion, mushrooms, peppers Option 3: 8oz Chicken Brest Happy Eating

My favorites, Premiere Protein peach and cream, some people think it taste fakey but not me, I think it tastes like the candy circus peanuts, and I loved them critters when I was a little Frustr8. Muscle Milk, strawberry, blueberry Greek yogurt , the strawberry - banana you would hate, I do eat bananas but I didn't like it either, my only other Premiere Protein was the caramel, I can't have chocolate and I feel pretty much about vanilla shakes as you do bananas, who wants thick, white and tasteless.? Adkins are not as good--, sorry I know you were an Adkins baby. DO NOT BUY WALMART EQUATE! They are cheaper, but they taste of over processed evaporated milk, leave a vile aftertaste, poured the remainder in a old pie plate for the outdoor cats and other animals and it sat and soured. A couple soy based I found okay. I just got a box from Bariatric Pal store with other flavors to mix with skim milk, anxious to try the cheesecake, orange creamsicle and their 🍓 strawberry delight. See I am 3 weeks pist, my surgeon swiches many of his Bypassers to stage 3 sooner but Precious Pouch and I am going sliwer, I'm staying level 2 until October 9th at my next surgeon visit. That way she doesn't upchuck, I'm happier and I still keep looking. 18 pounds down since surgery, best weight loss I have had since having a baby. Dropped 25-30 pounds with each one, but pain, muss, fuss and bother to do that!

I know I know. It's been awhile since I've been on here. I've lost 35 lbs since surgery and I feel pretty great. But yesterday and today I'm having left sides pain like under my rib cage an around to my back and around my left incision where my stomach came out of...is this normal? I don't wanna be a baby and call my surgeon. Lol.

winnk I would do it again. I am almost 4 mos post op and i have lost 43 lbs. I still eat pretty much what i want. I do try to make healthier meal choices but if i want a cookie for dessert or a snack i will allow myself to have one. Notice i said one and not 5 (that would have been the old me) And i don't do it regularly. i'm sure my weight loss would be faster if i cut out all the carbs but i don't want to feel like i'm on a "diet" because we all know diets don't really work long term. I do try to work out at least 3x a week for at least 1 hour.

Just remember that you WILL NOT lose pounds every day. You will have times you will go for a couple weeks without losing pounds. That's OK. You will still be losing body fat and your BMI will still be going down as long as you do protein first, then veggies, then carbs. I went from 54% body fat to 26% body fat. If you can't eat more than 4 oz. of protein, then stop eating! Don't try to stuff yourself and make yourself feel sick or get the slimes. You will succeed if you stick to what your doctor says! You will change your way of eating so much, you will never want to eat like you did before. You will get used to the changes and you will love the results. At first you need to eat less and every two-three hours. Don't forget your tummy is 85% smaller than it was before. You will get into a new routine before you know it and wonder how you ever survived before eating like you did! LOVE my sleeve! I have before and after pics on my profile page but the after was taken in May of 2012. You will love this forum and don't be afraid to ask questions here, because everyone is here for everyone else. I learned so much from these people.

Love watching Dr Alverez's videos and he just put out a new one regarding stalls. Has good information. Passing it along

I got whatever I could in chewable or liquid form and crushed the rest for maybe the first 2 or 3 weeks, but as you say, it's awful, (even using applesauce). It wasn't long before I started swallowing. For larger tablets, I'd cut them first and take in several pieces. Smallish capsules (Omeprazole) went down okay whole after a few weeks or weren't that bad in applesauce.

Hi Bill!! Welcome!! And congrats on making one of the toughest & most exciting decision of your life! There's a great group of men here on the board, and always room for more! I think the fact that the surgery exists offers hope... which is dangerous! I had given up hope, and getting it back hurt! I'm 3 weeks out from surgery... I was terrified of dying during the procedure, hehe, though it's very safe. And now that the surgery is over, I have time to worry about failing, etc, lol. I'm a professional worrier! But I really think this is going to work -- with or without my worry. Too cool! I read a post yesterday about someone losing weight without conscious effort -- the band just keeps the food amount down & the weight comes off. How cool is that!!! I'm not there yet (I don't have any fill so far), but I can't wait until I am! If you have specific worries / questions, feel free to ask 'em. We love answering questions! And we have folks that run the full gamut of emotions, so no matter what the question, most likely someone's been there. Welcome to the journey!!

Welcome!!! Are you excited as I am? Abt to start my pre-op diet next week for a june 7th surgery date!!!