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Hi Patti, I just got banded on the 12th of Sept. by Dr. Valin at St. Rapheal's in New Haven. I live in Torrington so I have to make the trek to New Haven for the support groups too! I lost 10 lbs. so far and it's been 1 week. Yoo hoo! Just wanted to say "hi".

I see a lot of good things that you are doing in your posts, like no sodas or candy, lots of exercise, drinking your Water. One thing that concerns me is when you say sometimes you go 5 -6 hours without eating, if I go too long without eating I get really hungry and which leads me to overeat and then I am hungry the rest of the day. I try and keep Protein bars with me just in case. But be careful some of them are no better than candy bars, they need to have 1g of protein for every 10 calories. I also keep tuna packs and a plastic fork. Being prepared is so important to my eating plan. Are you using a web site to journal your food? I think it is so important to point out hidden calories. When I had my first plateau I told my husband I wasn't losing but I was doing everything right, and he said no your not, and pointed out things that I eating and not taking into consideration. Once I started journaling I made better choices because each time I ate something that was high in calories that I didn't realize I would tell myself, I'm not eating that again. So even if you journal for a few weeks it will help you see where extra calories are sneaking in. My friend uses fitday.com and loves it. Be sure and weigh and measure everything you eat. My old boss use to say "If you keep doing what your doing, your going to keep getting what your getting." So basically if you want a different result you are going to have to do something different. I hope some of this helps you in some way. And one last piece of advice, listen to your Dr.

Hi everyone, I had lapband on June 22, 2010 and lost so far 55 lbs. my goal weight is 138 or 140lbs, at post op, I had regular periods from june on skipped Aug got it for Sept,Oct than it skipped Nov and now, I am still waiting for it for December 26th. My husband and I braced ourselves for two test's, but recently they were both NEG-relief..I love my family and my three great & smart kids, but we cannot afford anymore since we have trimmed our expences plus I have have suffered a career setback with working for CT in 06. Presently, I am worried since I don't feel well in the afternoons I get headaches at work ... and I easily lashed out at my principal & didn't care to hold back, I told her to go ahead & fire me for somethng beyond my control... I felt she deserved to be yelled at since she's control freak, my point is I am emotional wreak and didn't give sh&%$#@ if I got fired over dumb 19 hour job with no beneifits anyway. Could it be stress with the Holidays? Now, I will need to tell my family practioner, & my wonderful Dr. Roberts out of Yale sleep medicine. Anyway I felt better when I had my regular period's now I am so symptomatic and just wondering whats wrong with me! I am also afraid to take the next steps.... I need some advice and encouragement! Marlo CT.

good luck im sure youre in great hands. think positive thoughts. i am going in 01-08-2013. i will think about you tomorrow.

Barbara, Congratulations on having your surgery date and I'll keep you in my prayers this week. I am 10 days post op and these are the things I can tell you from my experience. First of all, know that everyone's experiences seem to be a bit different as you can see from the posts. So it could be different for you. I did have on hand and made up prior to surgery a Jell O buffet (lots of different kinds) and lots of different caffeine free teas - loved the Almond vanilla and it made me feel better to think I could have more of a choice - after all how much choice is there with clear liquids. I also thought no problem eating this way for a couple of weeks, but it is taking its toll no matter how different kinds of Jello and tea I have - it's boring. I can hardly wait for some texture. I heard about the gas pains after surgery, but had no idea what to expect. Found it is not a good idea to be in a public place because of the screams they would cause me. They don't give a lot of warning either. My pains were mainly in my left shoulder area. Took a box of Gas X (not at one time) and it didn't seem to give me that much relief, but would recommend having one on hand. Walk around and getting your fluids is a great tip! I did go back to work the Monday after my surgery on Thursday. Take it easy - don't think you are Super Woman you will pay for it - one way or another. It's funny how your body will "scream" at you when you don't take care of it. I learned this by Tuesday evening I was on the couch by 4 pm in tears, exhausted, and wiped out. I rested a while and felt so much better, so rest when you can so your body can heal. I felt really pretty much back to normal by the 7th day. The port incision is still tender however. I also tried to get by without the pain meds when I got home, there is a reason they give you the pain meds so feel free to use them and not try to be a hero for the first couple of days. I hated the fact that they would make me fall asleep - but in hind sight, that's not a bad thing -helps in that healing process. I also found that using a straw helps me take a sip and drinking hot tea is another way to change any "gulping" habits. The other thing I wanted to share with you is that you may feel a tightness in your chest - right between your breasts - I couldn't tell if that was I was hungry, full, surgery, etc. But I guess it is normal from the posts I have found now, so check those out. It is crazy because there are times it seems I can't get full and other times I eat a half of a yogurt and feel full. So just start looking for the "full" feeling, you'll know it and I am practicing now not to push the bar for when the fill comes, I am not wanting to practice the PBing. I find it hard to also get in enough Protein and eat all that the nutritionist wants me to - so I would encourage you to get some high Protein shake or I got some Protein powder that I can add to my Instant Breakfast or pudding or yogurt - it's flavorless and not bad and gets me lots of protein, with no fat or sugar. Bottom line always follow your doctor's orders and you'll be on your way to a new way of life. The posts here are also very helpful and looking forward to using this resource to its full potential. Best wishes, Lisa Banded 12/9/04 13 pounds down

I've managed great on my liquids and protein, I'm up to almost 80oz liquids per day and close to 60g protein. I've tried creamed soups (always strained), gelatin, Gatorade Zero, the only dairy I've tried comes in the Premiere protein shakes. We're invited to some friends today for Thanksgiving who know I've had DS surgery. I'm curious how well I might manage some extra-super-blended and strained foods today. I'm only day 10 so I'm not going to push it, but I'm really close to my week 3 pureed stage. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

Winding down the final week before the big day. I have been all over the place thinking about how life will be different and also a little nervous for the actual operation. I know they do a lot of these but still I am concerned about the outcome. So much of my life business wise happens around food. I worry about how I will be able to handle those situations. I have lost over 23 pounds since I started this process. Almost 10 this week being on a pre opt diet. I feel better about myself with each pound I lose. So straight ahead I go. I commented to make this work i want to get healthy sick of the weight and everything that brings with it.

Just a quick venting moment... I'm on Day 5467 of the preop diet... okay fine- day 10/14, it just feels like forever. My preop diet is all liquid Protein ONLY. No solids for 14 days. I am ALMOST there, and my surgeon actually advances your diet quickly, so there is an end in sight. BUT I JUST WANT TO CHEW. I've chewed gum and spit it out. I want to crunch something. I miss pickles. Okay I sound crazy, just needed to share!

Relax! It happened to me and I was sleeved in April. The scale didn't move for 10 days. I think the body is adjusting to life after surgery. Do not get on the scale everyday. It will mess with your head. Just follow the doctor's orders. Eat Protein first, take your Vitamins, get as much liquid as you can and sleep if you need it. It gets better, I promise. I've lost 40 lbs since April 17th.

my few weeks was kind hard to but it was with acid reflux that stuff had me singing bass! i wanted to see the other MD ( eval) i tend to eat coz its there, im at my max in a 4cc band i told Dr. mackenzie i was hungry at the end of may she gave me 1.5 then a week later filled me all the way up. your weight is good thats like 10 pounds a month,we are goin on month 4 so thats good. at times it falls off me then stops am i getting punked by my own scale..LOL well "WE MUST HANG IN THERE" we come to far to turn around are you walking? and other type of exersice?

I love learning these things before I get to actually try them out. So jealous of you all. Haha. Day 10 and still on full liquids.

Dont know if this will work for you or not, but try making a list of 10 things you could do when you have something stressful happen to you. Make sure they're NOT food related ( like going out for ice cream). When something stressful happens, pull out the list and go do one of those things on the list. some ideas might be, get a mani/pedi, call a friend, google "People of Walmart.com (hilarious !!) Youtube some old comedy shows (its hard for me to eat when im laughing my ass off watching "Whose Line Is It Anyways," or" In Living Color !)", go for a walk. etc.........Good luck !

I had an orientation at Barix in Ypsi MI yesterday. I am from Toledo area. So far so good. Dr. Schram met w/me one on one. He instructed me to lose 10-15#'s for fatty liver. He wants a Pulmonary function test and documentation from my Cardiologist that I can tolerate the surgery. He said he wants my asthma under complete contol before he would consider surgery. Barix insurance dept is going to submit referral to Paramount insurance co. He has a good reputation. There is a site for Barix on Obesityhelp.com . They have facilities in MI and OH. There are testimonies from patients who have had the surgery. They just started doing the Lapband. Dr. Schram has done about 80 since May. He works at both MI Barix clinics. Tthe facility looked good. He stated he has done thousands of surgeries (ByPass) and has never lost a patient yet. If I get approved I will feel comfortable going to Barix. Good Luck w/your surgery Sandy

@@Fiqah87 Personally I use Fairlife milk and unjury chocolate Protein shake. I use 54 grams (two servings) and with 10 oz of the milk and the powder I wind up with 59.1g of medical grade protein that tastes like chocolate milk. It is absolutely wonderful. Certainly worth a try.

I know what you girls mean. I have been told so many times " you Have such a pretty face but...". Tired of it. I also feel like I am a skinny girl trapped in a fat body. NOt fun at all. I actually was thin my whole life up until 10 yrs ago. I can't wait to be thin again. I am just waiting for the call that its approved. Hopefully mine will be in October. My insurance doesn't require a waiting period.

Hello! I am new to the forum and I am so glad that I can talk with others who are making this incredible journey! I had my surgery on October 10, 2010, and I have lost 50 pounds. My weight the day of surgery was 230 and I now weigh 179. I'm still a work in progress!!

Ive always been able to chug a glass of water. Ive seen 2 doctors and neither one have discussed the fills with me. I switched doctors and the new one put my fill in and was gone out of the room in under 10 seconds. I really dont like the new doctor at all.

I, too, wanted the band when meeting with my doctor initially. He was willing to go with that, but strongly recommended the sleeve for my situation. I'm so glad I followed his lead, as this experience has been life-changing for me. Met my goal in 10 months (down 145 pounds) and am still very close to goal at 21 months out.

I was banded on oct 16th too and felt the exact same way in my oirt area. Doctor put it in a spot where my waistband is and I felt very irritated in that spot-went to doctor yesterday for 2 week followup and he said it is normal.. I can resume exercise, like walking, weights as long as they are not over 10 lbs. Today I can start having one meal of protein. I'm so excited to be ating real food now. I lost 12 lbs so far. Good luck to you.

Stop whining about so-called stalls.... Did you know Diana Nyad eats up to 9000 calories per DAY!!! now admittedly, Diana is an extreme example, however, the formula remains the same.... If you are working out 2 active hours in the gym as some claim, you are doing your health a MAJOR disservice by trying to survive on 600, 800 or even 1000 calories. Stop worrying about a so-called Stall..you WILL lose if you properly hydrate & fuel your body. It isnt actually a STALL, your body is holding on to Water & glycogen for its dear life.... EAT THE food, MOVE YOUR BUTT and you WILL lose! ( which is why when some folks add in good fats that so-called stall is broken) By design, most VSG patients, let alone most non-surgical patients do not have the physical capacity to eat that much a day... you have to be SMART about your high caloric intake... Protein FIRST BUT CARBS ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY!! ( and I am SURE some folks will come reply or start a new thread indicating that because you are a VSG patient, you are some kind of special snowflake & this doesnt apply to you) Quotes to think about: It's probably true that inactive people don't require much in the way of carbs. But inactive humans simply aren't metabolically normal, so the correct solution isn't to go low-carb, it's to increase your activity level to the point that you rquire carbs. Don't fear eating carbs, fear not moving enough to not need them. (Melkor) - you do not need to train to swim to break Nyad's records...nor even train to participate in triathlons, duathlons. etc.... BUT YOU NEED TO MOVE, IN A MAJOR WAY!! I lost 100% EWL in 10 months.... I was 280 pounds pre-op. I am 153 pounds today... From size 22 down to size 6... basically 1 year post-op. the first 3 months were HELL... I was used to drinking most of my calories in a sugary way... I had trouble staying hydrated or eating enough food... I was re-hospitalized twice....Once I gave myself time to properly heal, it was ON!! I moved my body... and I ate the food required to do so... your needs will change as your weight and exercise changes.... At about 6 months, I was eating/drinking 1400 calories PLUS exercising 2 hours per day, 6 days per week.... 3 days of HEAVY weight lifting, 3 days of swimming, 3 days of running, 3 days of biking.... I eat fat, carbs and even sugar at times... My daily staples include chicken salad made with real mayo and cole slaw ( because Id rather eat the slaw and have regular bowel movements then to need laxatives to get & keep things moving) Despite all of that, on the weeks I did not make my caloric and protein & hydration goals, I did not lose....and by not meet, I mean, the weeks I ate LESS than 1300 calories.. Most of 2013 I was in training for triathlon...I stopped training in July when I was prepping for 2 surgeries... both have since been postponed/cancelled so Im back in train mode trying to get a race or 2 in before it gets cold on the East Coast.. Now that I am in maintanence, I eat 1600 calories a day when I do NOT exercise, more if I do....I cut back on training in prep for a surgery that has since been cancelled... I plan to bulk this winter so for next 8 weeks I will cut back to 1300 calories per day to get down 10 pounds... Once in Bulk Mode, hopefully before Thanksgiving, I will go to ~2400 calories ( adding in 100 calories per week) then only workout once per day, 6 days per week.... 3 days heavy lifting and 3 days cardio til I get to my new goal ( which is a size, shape goal rather than a numerical goal)...I currently wear a size 6.... too skinny for my liking....I want to be more muscular.... My plan will likely require some tweaking to get there.... More info on Diana Nyad, my Shero of the week: http://espn.go.com/espnw/features/article/6783740/how-diana-nyad-fuels-body this article is 2 years old and her needs have probably been adjusted some by now... another article: https://healthylivingmagazine.us/Articles/150/ Every hour and a half (or up to an hour and 45 minutes if Nyad keeps swimming until the second "come in now" whistle is blown) the boat idles and Nyad swims over. Bonnie Stoll, Nyad's best friend, business partner and "head handler," gives her the tube from a hydration pack filled with a carefully calibrated mix of water, sports drink, electrolytes and "predigested protein." Done with the fluids, Stoll hands over a tube of energy gel, then a single Clif Shot Blok. Then, a spoon with a bite of banana slathered in Peanut Butter is passed to the swimmer, who would invalidate the record she's hoping to set if she touched the boat. The bite doesn't provide much nutrition, Nyad explains, but even this small bit of solid food helps to coat her stomach when so much of her nourishment is coming from energy-compressed liquids and gels. But staying hydrated -- and properly fueled -- will be of the utmost importance ... Luckily, we know a lot more now than we did in the 70s. "You see pictures of when Diana did this 30 years ago and she'd stop and drink a Coke and eat a piece of cake," said Mark Sollinger, one of Nyad's drivers. "It's come a long way." Finding the right formula still took trial and error. What works for a marathon runner or cyclist doesn't necessarily work for Nyad. First of all, she's spending five, 10, 20 and eventually 60 hours in a prone position. Speaking of Snacks, her daily calorie count during training is 9,000 for non-swimming days and 3,500 when in the tank. Think it’s fun to be able to eat to one’s heart’s content? Think again. “It’s just too much food,” she tells a reporter. “Your stomach doesn’t want to take it in. I try to do some of it in Protein shakes and large three or four servings of Pasta for dinner.”

Congratulations on your surgery date. I know you are excited. I was ecstatic when I got mine. I am now 5 days post surgery and loving every minute of it. As for your hospital stay and time off of work, it is depending on your insurance. Some will allow you to stay longer and some MD's programs require you to stay longer. As for me, had my surgery had difficulties and if my surgeon would have had to open me rather than the Lap method I would have had to stay longer. My best friend and I had our surgeries together and our surgeon said he would approve us for up to 23hr stay for lap method if needed. We didn't need it. My surgery was at 6:00am and hers was at 7:00am. She went home @ 3:30pm that afternoon. I had a little more trouble waking up from anesthesia and I left that afternoon @ 5:30pm. Our surgery was 02/07/2008 and I am returning to work on 2/16 and she is on 02/19, just because she doesn't work weekends and gets Monday off for holiday. I think your time you take off all depends on you and how you feel and how demanding physically your job is. Our jobs are not too bad in that department. We are both nurses. Take your time. If your job is hard on you physically you need the time to heal. You don't want to risk a hernia. Best of luck. I am sooo happy you have your date!

Hi ladies--- I'm 10 days post op, and I've noticed that if I try to wear an underwire bra I get a strange indigestion kind if pressure. Let me just say--- I need an underwire. The tatas are not so fluffy since I've dropped 40lbs;(. Will this last forever or am I just moving too fast? Appreciate your thoughts, Sara

I'm being banded next Friday 10/19. I travel all the time for business and personal reasons. Business is mostly domestic, but personal is mostly international. I'm actuallyl going to Thailand 4 weeks after surgery. That's one of my bigger concerns - nothing like having 20 minutes to change gates, grab lunch and get to you're next connection. Choices are difficult. Should be pretty easy though to find soups. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thank you for comments. So it sounds like I shouldn't be able to eat a whole pizza. I'll have to get on their case and get them to give me another fill. In the mean time, my high glycaemic index approach should bear some fruit. I will add some veg now you mentioned it! My consultant recommended Dolmio (tomato-based Pasta sauce) with chicken lumps (and not minced beef, which would be a slider). So I diced up a pound of chicken, cooked it in 10 calories of oil, added a pepper and then half a jar of low-fat pasta sauce, and cooked some wholewheat spaghetti - and it made a really great meal - filling for a long time, and low in Weightwatchers Points overall!

Hi everyone, I have been looking into getting something done for almost 10 years. At first I was going to get staples, but husband didn't want me to go through it. I was then refered to Dr. Beausoleil in 2005 and he told me he could do the surery in three monthes but it would cost me five thousand dollars. Needless to saw I am still waiting and saving. It looks like the sun is shinning bright for this year to have the money. I'm scared but very excited. I'm a diabetic (type2) and that is one of my main reasons I'm doing this. Sorry if I went on abit but so need people who really know what I'm going through. Thanks:smile: