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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!!!

I’m trying to be patient and zen about this whole thing, but at this point I’m discouraged and generally pissed off. I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week and only 15 since surgery three weeks ago. I don’t understand how it can be physiologically possible not to lose weight on 550 calories per day, on average. I exceed protein, meet water, keep net carbs at 25 on average and I do 30 minutes on the treadmill every other day. Maybe I’m just in the group of people for whom this doesn’t work.

Thanks all! I did recently replace the battery. My sister has noticed mine is always higher than hers as well. No one likes weighing themselves at my house I imagine I will get weighed at the hospital next week before surgery so I think after that I will go and buy a new scale that is close/on that number and see where that gets me. The upside is I think it is very likely I've lost enough to be back in "the two's"... Next stop, ONEderland (in 12-18 months !

Hi Lexie, For my weight loss surgery I'm having the lap band. As far as Chiari goes, I've been unable to work or drive for three years, I'm in a wheelchair when I leave the house because I'm unable to stand up for more than a minute or two without fainting, and I have the classic Chiari headaches daily (along with a huuuuge list of other symptoms). I've sent my medical records to neurosurgeons across the country but I've been rejected by all of them because of my weight. The funny thing is, I don't have any other comorbidities like diabetes, high blood pressure, or any of that - other than the Chiari and being overweight, I'm healthy. I'm 375 lbs as of my 6 week pre-op appointment. Have lost a bit in the couple of weeks I've been on the pre-op diet though! I think what I'm worried about is going through the weight loss surgery while still having my Chiari malformation. I can't lie flat - the pressure builds in my head until I have an excruciating headache. I know I'll be out for the surgery but can I ask them to prop me up before they bring me out of anasthesia to reduce the pain before I wake up? Stuff like that. Just wondering if anyone else has had to bring this up with their surgeon... Thanks for your response! Katrina

Over the past twenty years, lot of patients have become more familiar with specific measurements related to health, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings. When it comes to weight-related health risks, there are three important numbers that you should know. The first is your actual weight in pounds; the second is your Body Mass Index, or BMI; and the third is your waist measurement. Your BMI is based on your height and weight. Doctors consider BMI to be a better measure of health risk than your actual weight in pounds. In fact, the medical terms "overweight" and "obesity" are based on BMI values. A BMI of between 25 and 30 is defined as overweight, and a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of developing a weight-related illness, such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease. spine surgeons california

4 days in this mental ward they call a hospital will drive you crazy. For the room rate they charge they sure don't want you to miss anything and keep waking you up to enjoy it. Will be good to be home. My step daughter just go home from collage in Japan will be here for 4 weeks then back to school. Japanese university's don't mess around but it's a way better education then what she would get in the states. Can you tell I'm BORED.

I a had a lap band surgery over my gastric bypass surgery originally 14 yrs ago . My problem now is I feel the difference with the band now. Still swollen finally had bowel movements today I am walking in my house and light house work . My husband took off to help with the kids 2,4 yrs old (that would have been too much for me having to lift them . Thank god for his help. I was 310 lbs started my prep diet lost 10 lbs surgery date I was 300 lbs . Came home 24 hrs later I weighted that evening I was up 8 lbs flipped out. Now I have not had anything solid in 2 weeks did not drink for 2 days in hospital big a lot of Fluids they ivs. Came home having about 500-600 a day for 2 days . I weighed my self now 304 lbs . What I am doing wrong I thought I would be 295 lbs by now . Called office they said its selling and I've fluids I got on hospital. To be patient and don't weigh my self yet . Any encouragement of advice. My current diet is a protein shake a zero fat Greek yogurt a clear broth and a few strawberries in my shake for a little fiber It's all I can tolerate. And trying to drink water as much as I can My surgery was August 25 3 days ago

I am very excited, I have my 5th medically supervised dietitian appoint on 6/17/2010. The 6th and final appointment on is on 07/08/2010. Hopefully approval will come before the end of July. I can't believe that I could have my surgery date in less than 2 months

Im in my 10th day and Im in full liquids, I have to wait until 5th week to start soft food.. Sent from my LG-H901 using the BariatricPal App

I'm 62 and was pretty fit even though overweight all my adult life. I worked out AT A GYM 3-4 week and was able to eat moderately well into my early 50's but the excess baggage slowly gained over time and I went from 250 pounds at 52 to my max of 390 pounds, my current weight of 365 and I am 6'5". What Changed in my life from 52-62? I went from an active on my feet job to a desk job that demanded manditory overtime I stopped going to the gym as often and I continued to eat like I was still exercising like before. My life became a cycle of Eat sleep Work and I became too tired even to have fun on weekends. This was a true downard spiral. My company downsized and my job, the one that seemed so important and demanded so much time from me was gone. I was unable to find work and lived on the severance, unemployment and a small pension. At 62 a fat man even with experience and degrees will probably never find work. I was even turned down by McDonalds, guess they were afraid I would eat the product...Picture frosty day in hades for that. In that one year after being laid off till my 62'nd B'day I gained 35 pounds to reach that all time high and I was Miserable. I had to have a heart stint put in, The ol blood pressure went through the roof and deep dark depression set in. Why do I say all this because if you see yourself where I was then you realize No Job is worth what you are going through. If the band didn't work for you then you must make time to LOVE yourself and go to a fitness center or gym. Don't bother with buying equipment you will use for a clothes rack and take up space in your home. Do 1/2 to 1 hour of cardio limit weight training to 6-8 exercises for chest arms and back the legs will be ok with the cardio at the gym and ask the gym to set up a routine for you. Let them know weight loss is the goal not massive muscles. Go 3 times a week do not weight train the same muscle groups 2 days in a row except for walking thats what we were made to do. Park as far from your office as possible and get some extra walking in, Do the same at the stores you go to, walk. Never take the elevator for 1 or 2 floors, great exercise. You can stand up at your desk to work, it burns more calories. This follows in the suggestion of an under the desk leg exercisor is a good one. Your legs are 40% of the average mans muscle mass and a pedeling device with resistance also is better than sitting and doesn't keep you from typing on a computer or answering the phone. So you see and I am sure already know that theres lots of exercise opportunities you may be overlooking or avoiding. Talk to your nutritionist, find out whats going on, you are taking in more calories then you are burning the same as the rest of us. Do a follow up with your surgeon perhaps they can work with you to get you on track. Do all of this today, don't wait another day passes and another and pretty soon, if you'er lucky, you are 62 and perhaps in ill health and then the task will be that much harder. I'm not trying to be preachy, I'm just trying to show you a future that would be a lot harder than it needs to be. Let us know how it goes for you and I for one wish the very best for you. All of us here know it's not easy. Ask for help, work less play and laugh more. I finally realized that no matter how much I love food it doesn't love me back. Good Luck.

I am 10 weeks put or so. I haven't had the left shoulder pain in quite some time. Yesterday I made a mistake at work and I was really upset about it and stressed out. All the sudden my left shoulder started bothering me. It felt like the same kind of pain/irritation that I had post op from the gas. After I stopped worrying the pain went away. I was just curious if anyone else had the shoulder pain cone back from stress?

I was told at 4 weeks ,protein bars as tolerated, no nuts and depends on carbs/surgars etc but my plan is first week clear fluids only, 2nd week , fluids only, 3rd week puree/soft foods 4th week and so on regular foods but It's a limit to oz and so on, but as you can see, everyone diet plan is different and unique as we are as people in general, so wait for the call back from your nut, I hope it's very yummy and your belly can tolerate it, congratulations on your progress and to everyone else as well on this thread

Surgery day was Tuesday 2/26...gas pains were terrible and I had a few waves of nausea. They kept me one more night since I was having issues with pain and not drinking enough. Finally was discharged this morning. My left side is killing me...surgeon said that is the biggest one and the one where my stomach was pulled through so he said its gonna hurt the worst. He's right! Lol. Hows everyone else from this week doing?

I eat one premier shake in the morning or two scrambled egg for breakfast. One sugar free jello for snack . Vegetable soup in can. Half for launch. Half at 2 pm. Cottage cheese and one table spoon PB or 6 raspberry I add protein powder on it too and Chicken or fish for dinner. I take multi vitamins. Calcium. Probiotics , vitamin D , pills for my eye And one vitamin B 12 a week. That is all I eat

I had a fill for half of CC last week, well I got to the point where I wouldnt even drink anything, it was so tight that I went in yesterday and had them remove that half of CC. Well i feel very little restriction after that removal, I feel less than I had before the fill. Has this ever happened to anyone?

I’m exactly 6 weeks post-op today and headed back to work tonight. I’m a night shift CNA working 12 hour shifts at a hospital! Does anyone have any advice for me on going back to work after surgery? I’m super nervous when it comes to my lunch break and such because my biggest fear is getting sick at work, especially because I’m rarely sitting down and always moving. Also nervous to go back to nights because I’ve been extra sleepy since surgery! Any advice would be appreciated 😊

I haven't had much gas pain but it seems today, 3 days out, my chest has more... I'm just so worried about everything. I keep crying... If I can make 2 weeks, I may feel better...

I have never had a csection, but I have had a hip to hip incision hysterectomy. My TT is scheduled for next week, so Ill let you know how it compares. Ifs really weird how there is such a HUGE difference in people pain levels. All I can do is hope im one of the ones that the pain is minimal and keep my eyes on the prize!!! NO muffin top!!!