Search the Community

I'm 15 months post op, and for me, it's easier in the sense that I cannot eat a whole pizza, or a bucket of chicken. But I can eat all the candy and ice cream I want with no restriction. Even the amount of healthy food I can eat now is fairly high. I typically eat 2000 calories a day and can hit 2500-3000 with no problem....and that's eating alot of lean Protein and healthy fats, fairly low carb and very few "treats." I can gain weight fairly easily just by not logging my food for a few days, eating whatever I want and indulging in too many sweets. I've bounced up as much as 17 pounds in 2 weeks since surgery. Of course, I can get it right back off just going back to my tried and true methods of protein, Water, logging and exercise. There is also a reduced metabolism component to losing weight that will reduce your daily calorie expenditure over time....massive weight loss and prolonged calorie restriction contribute to this. Thus, making it easier to gain weight on less calories than needed before surgery. Lifting weights and building muscle help with this, but only "help", not prevent. However....yes....it's much easier now. The surgery gave me an edge. A window of time to lose weight and rethink my priorities. I got my head on straight. I changed my lifestyle. I changed my relationship with food....basically I broke up with food, although I'm still tempted to go back for a little post break up indulgence every now and then. The honeymoon phase was that window of time. And by the time it was over I knew I never wanted to go back. I have to work much harder now than I did 12 months ago, but I'm motivated to do it. I can't imagine quitting and going back....I won't.

Honestly, I've had a root canal that was more painful , and took me longer to bounce back ! And it was an easy root canal ! I was home 5 hrs after checking into the hospital for lap band . First 2 days I rested and walked and took my pain meds, 3rd day I did'nt even need them anymore, walked very slowly around the house. Went back to work 1 week after surgery. Easy. Listen to your Dr.s orders, you'll be fine. Good luck! !!

I am 2.5 weeks out (pre op) and it's starting to get very real, real quick! Success will be ours as long as we follow the food plans, exercise both our bodies and our minds and always remember what it was like for us before we fought so hard for the gift we have been blessed with ..... this tool to begin anew and have a future of healthy living! Good luck to you!

While I was at a support group for bandsters last night in NJ I mentioned a cookbook for weight loss surgery patients. Here is the information for all who want it. title: Eating well after Weight Loss Surgery, Over 140 Delicious Low Fat, High Protein recipes to enjoy the weeks months and years after surgery. Author: Patt Levine. this book is great because it tells you what and how much you should eat from each recipe whether you have the band, bypass or the switch surgerys. It also advised you of what portion is approiate for people who have not had the any weight loss surgery so it make sit easy to cook one meal for the whole family. An added bonus it lets you know which recipes can be pureed for that oh so wonderful mushies stage we all got to go through right after surgery.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say......more than 3 days. If it hurts, take your pain pills until it doesn't. I'd say average healing time for the pain to subside, is about a week. But then again everybody's different. Well, now that I've provided absolutely no beneficial information.....you can carry on....

It is disheartening to see all the views and know that ppl couldn't be bothered to respond. Not making excuses for those viewers, but the board has been in a state of flux for weeks working not working, working a little, etc. I for one, have never seen your post. As you mentioned, grazing/snacking is not the best way to use the band, but I am happy for you that you gained so little wt. Going "on maintenance" every few months may not be a bad thing as it can give your body and mind time to adjust and shift. You made the decision on your own to make the band start working again for you and that is wonderful because it is probably a different motivation from when you started. The 2nd best thing I did for my self was to get a personal trainer...I hate exercise and without her gentle encouragement I would not be as healthy as I am. Best wishes and keep posting. Mimi

Hi, everyone! My date to be sleeved is the 22nd, and I'm very excited! I've been so busy lately, I feel like I don't quite have my head on my shoulders. There are a few things I'm wondering (for those who already have had theirs)... 1. What did you take to the hospital? Is there anything you wish you had taken? Anything you took but realized was totally unnecessary? 2. What can I reasonably/roughly expect my first 7 days to look like. I know what's coming in terms of liquid/protein intake, but as far as activity goes, what did your first week look like? How did you spend your time? What was your energy level? 3. At home, my bed is very high. After a long day at work, getting into bed is a challenge. Is it likely I will feel similarly, in your best estimation, after coming home from the hospital? How tender is the abdomen? I'd assume quite, but I also would've assumed chopping off half an organ would've required more than a night or two in a hospital. 4. What is the best advice you have for someone before surgery? Thank you all so much for any input! You're the best. Sent From BariatricPal App

I have now been banded for 3months and with pre op diet i have lost a total of about 27kg (60lbs) It has been a hard journey from drinking Optifast for 1 month to having the operation and being in pain for 3 weeks but I sit here and feel fantastic. Im nearly half way to my goal weight and people are really strating to notice the change in my body. I can now start to fit into clothes at "main stream shops" and dont have to find the big girl stores. I cant wait until i can give up my email subscriptions to the fat stores. The lapband is changing my life making me into something that i cant remember ever being. Im more mature to deal with the mind side of the band so Im glad that I have done it now. im still young enough to enjoy my new and improved body LOL! There have been moments of sheer pain where I have eaten something that didnt agree with the band but we are new to eachother and I will eventually figure it out. It was such a hard decision to make at first What will it feel like?, will I miss certain foods? amI doing the right thing? I have suprised myself. I dont miss certain foods like i thought I would and there seems to always be a way around it. Iam 27kg (60lbs) lighter and as long as the scales keep going down and as long as things keep going down the right path Ive made the right choice for me. I can still eat most things (bad and good) but just little tiny plate size full and pre band i use to think "but how" am I not gong to go for the second helping... But the band wont let you it says "you are full" its great.:thumbup:THUMBS UP SO FAR

June 14, 2008 Down 4 pounds in 24 hours is quite amazing to me, however, I realize that the pounds are going to just drop off here at first. Yesterday was my first day on a Pre-Op two week diet. I had 1 Slim Fast Optima, 1 Weight Control Quaker Oatmeal, a serving of grapes, 1/2 an apple, 1 can of vegetarian vegetable soup, one 8 oz glass of skim milk with a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) mixed in, and 1 cup of no-fat cottage cheese. Oh and of course plenty of water, which I love. Actually, it wasn't so bad. I kept myself busy with reading, computer work, laundry. That's the key. I need to redirect my life. I'm looking into starting my own web site so that will take some time. This morning I got up at 7:00 and took a walk with the dogs. We walked down to the pond, which is a little ways away, downhill. The dogs loved the water and romped and played. So they got their exercise too. The trudge back up the hill was a killer, but I know it will get easier with time. If I consider my alternatives, (heart attack, stroke, diabetes, death), I rather like this hiking up and down hills. The Slim Fast tasted better this morning: Strawberry Cream, which I thought would be delicious, turns out NOT to be. Plus I had a yogurt, Activia, which I didn't get in yesterday. All the foods I mentioned are all that I will eat for the next two weeks. This was given to me by the dietitian. Why, I bet I lose 20 pounds even before surgery! The dietitian explained to me that the reason for this diet is to help the liver to lose weight. Fatty tissue built up around the liver is not good and hinders absorption of proper nutrients. I know there is more to it than that. I will need to research that again. So, I'm off and running. Well, actually, not running yet. That will come later, I hope.

First, you are not a complete failure. What worked for me was eating 1200 calories a day, about 60-70g of Protein. I log all my food on myfitnesspal (Add me as a friend & you can see my food diary. user: ajtexas0), drink 80 oz of Water a day and I walk about 3 miles a day (during the work week I climb the stairs in my office building 30-50 flights a day). Sounds easy.....but it wasn't. The hardest part was my head! Food cravings and I eat when I'm bored or upset. In the beginning I kept a journal and I would write down everything from what I ate to what I was feeling. Then when I found this site (4 months post-op) I would post and blog here. Having good support is what made me successful. My family didn't always understand but always supported me. I have a support group through my doctors office I go to every month and all my friend here are priceless. I log on here every day to get support. And finally, I check in with my doctor every month. I don't always get a fill, but I weigh in and tell them how I've been doing. So, first thing to do is forgive yourself and quit beating yourself up. You are ready to get back on track and we are ready to help you. You can do this, I believe in you!

What is it that makes us view our bodies in such a distortion. Everytime I have lost significant weight I have always considered myself still fat. And when I was at my highest weight I didn't realize I looked so bloated and large. I mean, it is stupid things. Like before I lost I would only look at myself from the chest up, like my huge butt and stomache wasn't really there. I actually thought those long loose tops hid the bulk of my body. Swollen legs and ankles, only look at your feet in the mornings and then they didn't exist. Health concerns, no problem, they have a pill for that. High blood pressure, they have a pill for that. Except for me it was three pills. Diabetis, they have a pill for that too. Except the pills were not working and my sugar kept creaping up. Cholestrol, no big deal, I am still young and THEY HAVE A PILL FOR THAT. Heart Attack, they do bypass for that. Fatty Liver - okay now that made me stop and think. Liver transplants. Maybe I need to rethink. No one tells you or maybe they did and I didn't listen, okay I know they did and I didn't listen, about what is going to happen a few years down the road if you continue at that weight. I thought I was young and I still had plently of time. Plenty of time to loose weight, plenty of time to start walking. Plenty of time left to get healthy. Bad things only happened to other people, I was fine. Now what was it that ex husband said, repulsed, disgusting. New Hubby, accepted me fat, kind of like it was okay to be me. Okay to be fat, okay to be thin, okay to eat, okay to over eat or under eat. Never belittled me, sneak eating was a thing of the past. If I wanted it, I could finally sit in front of someone and enjoy it. Sneak eating lost it's hold. So maybe it would be okay, okay to change, okay to discover a new way. And now, here I am. I have worked my butt off to loose what I have and I still have more to loose. How did it get this far? How heavy was heavy enough? How much time did I loose? I try to look at myself different now. Try to acknowledge my progress and accept my body as it is. I know I can't go back in time, tell that stupid person that they would end up with saggy hanging skin. But this time I can be different. I can look, really look at me and see progress. Any progress is better than before. Now, if I sit just right and look down at my thighs I see slimness. I cannot believe how much thinner they look. But then if I look at them from another angle I see all the hanging skin and they look quite large. I can look in the mirror and see the difference in my waist, in my arms, are there less dimples in my elbows? Where I end up I don't know, but I'm in it for the long run. I know I will have hanging skin. But, at least there is less. Less stomach, less face, less neck and arms and don't forget the tush. But also, most important, I mean the MOST IMPORTANT, my health is better. When I think that I could have died from a heart attack or complications of diabetis. The band gave me time. And since I will be around longer I think I will accept my body this time, for the first time in my entire life. I may have a hanging stomach and varicose veins, but I now have a strong heart and liver. I think I will dance at my Grandson's wedding in twenty years.

Hi All, Banded on Jan 21 and I've lost 22 lbs! Okay, had one week clear, one week mushy and 2 weeks pureed - 3 oz, 5 x per day. Now, I'm supposed to start on real food. Guidelines are 1 cup ,3 x day and 1/2 Protein bar for a snack. I made some high protein Soups today to last through the week but I'm looking for more choices. Any suggestions? And, is this keeping with the "normal" food plan most people are given? Can I smush a piece of pizza into a cup? HA! Thanks!

Hello all, This is sort of a confession wrapped up with a question. I am visiting a friend who I haven't seen in ages. I fully admit to having over indulged in the wine last night. I did drink lots of Water. However, my stomach is acidiy. I fully intend to treat it gently the rest of the weekend, and not tip my glass. I took my Prevacid and some Maloxx. Has anyone done this, and what tips do you have for a post indulgent tummy? I am just 12 weeks post op, and my dr did clear wine for me.

Give it a week- 10 days and you'll feel like a new person. Keep on walking and a heating pad helped me. Best wishes! -BG

Hi Bambam, Thanks for the reply. It was very comforting to know this is normal. I guess I needed to hear it from another bander. Since the port is stitch to a muscle that can explain a lot of the discomfort. The pillow work. I did the same thing for the first two weeks.

Hi Karen - In my opinion what you are experiencing is normal. My doctor warned me that my port area would hurt the most and the longest. Not only because it is a larger incision than my others, but because the port is stitched to muscle. I'm a side sleeper and for the first several weeks I slept with a thin pillow across my stomach so when I rolled from side to side my incisions (and the port) were a little cushioned. You might want to try that to see if it helps until the area isn't quite as tender. Of course, if you continue to worry about it you should talk with your doctor or his nurses. Best of luck!

AWESOME JOB!! You are kicking ass and taking names with your pre-op diet. It definitely does get a lot easier the last half of the diet, since your stomach is so much more used to eating less. If only I could start losing again, now.... haha. First fill in two weeks! Couldn't come sooner!

I'm three weeks post op and everything about the surgery is great except for the fact I constantly feel the port. It seems like it might be on a muscle. When I exercise it gives me a feeling of cramping on my right side.(thats the side the port is on). I'm also a belly sleeper and every morning when I wake up there is pressure there and the port is very pronounced. Am I worried for nothing because it's only been three weeks? I see my dr and get my first fill two weeks from today.

Greetings all. I am a 65 year old woman living in Mesa, Arizona who is in the second month of a three month preoperative period. Medicare will not cover the sleeve and because I have a short torso creating a "belt line" I am not a candidate for lap RNY. Age and scar tissue make an open RNY out of the question. Guess I am saying that I come to the Realize Lap Band by default, not by choice since I need to lose around 100 pounds. I am looking forward to learning from all of you!

I hope everyone doesn't hate me, but I''m on day 9 of clears since my surgery and I can't believe it has gone by so fast. I will start full liquids tomorrow. I will be glad to have a little more substance, but I have felt fine. The only time I was nauseated was when I went shopping with my daughter. I think some people on the forum who feel bad do not get enough protein during the clear stage. I have been getting 60-80 grams of protein daily by mixing GNC Whey Protein chocolate flavor in water. I mix one & 1/2 scoops instead of one for a little richer taste, but it tastes pretty darn good when it your only source of protein. I feel for those who are having a difficult time getting through the first few weeks. It is just like when I dieted in the past and the people around me were eating all my favorites while I was depriving myself. Just think ahead to the time when we can have almost anything we want because we can only have a limited amount. We will survive!!!!

It is time to refocus! I am happy to have lost 52.6 pounds, I am happy to not have gained anything back, but I am not happy that I have become complacent. I have not lost a pound in months and I know I am not working my band properly. It is a wonder I have not gained anything back. I have let my busy, hectic life get in the way and I have lost control. I know that chips, ice cream, and those dreadful york peppermint patties go down easily and have no place in my diet. Especially when I may eat them in lieu of a healthy, balanced meal. This is something that has been nagging me for weeks and I am doing that before bed mental crap that I used to do back when I was 270+ pounds. Just as I am falling asleep I get that feeling of dread that I am still obese. I am ready to get this weight loss rolling again or in the very least start feeling like I ma working it properly and being more healthy. I have opted to try to incorporate South Beach principles into my diet because I truly believe this is a healthy way to live. I am doing Phase 1 as of yesterday to try to detox me from all the crap I was eating. I swear that helps with the craving and I hope it helps again.... Yesterday's Meal Plan B: 1 quiche cup 1 turkey sausage *I cooked 2 sausages and quiche cups but was full after 1. L: low sodium V8 3 slices ham rolled with cheese mustard coffee with 1/2&1/2 D: romaine lettuce (about 1 cup) 3oz chicken parmesan cheese light caeser dressing dessert: SF jello with cool whip snack later 2 Polly-O string cheese I figured out the calories to be 932 with 52grams fat and 82 grams protein. Per fitday. I also managed to drink more water than I have in months. I would estimate that I had 10 glasses! That was why I didn't really snack until later...no time with all that drinking and waiting after meals. I really wasn't ever hungry today though either. Yesterday was my busy day though so we will see how I do when I have more down time.

I was told that it was muscle tissue healing. had the same kind of pain last week and a few days later it just eased up. Now it's just about gone and I'm able to bend and turn on either side when I'm laying down. I walk a lot and I feel that helped a lot. Hope you feel better soon Had my surgery on June 17.

Christmas was wonderful....but I'm kind of glad that the temptation is OVER and done with.... whew! There was an abundance of chocolate candy, cookies and other treats where we spent Christmas!!! I had my first fill 5 days ago, 12-30-2009. It really wasn't too bad. It didn't hurt any more than any other shot... (and not NEARLY as bad as my recent flu and tetanus shots!!) The appointment took less than 15 minutes and I was on my way. The nurse completely obstructed me (via saline) at first. She said this was to help me understand how the process of swallowing will be changing a little...and to get an idea of the feelings I may experience. (She had me sip water until I was "tipped off" and then she released the saline, so I could feel the water drain through... it was a little strange, but not distressing. She again encouraged little tiny bites, eating slowly, eating protein first, no drinking with meals -- all of which I've been practicing for the past 6 weeks! I'm glad I've had some time to build up my new habits. My hunger level has been fine over the past 6 weeks. even without a fill. I can easily go 4-6 hours between meals. It's actually kind of cool to hear my stomach growl... and to realize... oh, I need to eat something! I haven't been able to eat much at a time. Certainly not more than 1/4-1/2 a sandwich, hamburger, etc...depending on its size and the type of bread involved. (I oinch off a lot of the bread instead of eating it.) Mostly, I eat grilled chicken or baked turkey breast and soft veggies. I did have some wonderful roast this weekend that melted in my mouth! Swallowing has not been a problem. I do take little bites -- and I try to quit eating before I start to feel too full. The whole process is still amazing to me! Now that I'm home, I'm exercising again. (There was WAY too much snow and ice where we were visiting over Christmas... and the temp was in the single digits! TOO cold for this southern girl!!) But now, I'm back to doing either 30 minutes on the treadmill or on the bike. Also doing a little bit with free weights and lunges. Just easing into it and trying to make exercise a daily habit. Still AMAZED by the whole thing.... very happy and thankful that God provided this opportunity for me. :smile2: I hope anyone reading this is also experiencing positive results. HINT== Check out the thread that is all before-after pictures and you'll feel really motivated!!

Christmas was wonderful....but I'm kind of glad that the temptation is OVER and done with.... whew! There was an abundance of chocolate candy, cookies and other treats where we spent Christmas!!! I had my first fill 5 days ago, 12-30-2009. It really wasn't too bad. It didn't hurt any more than any other shot... (and not NEARLY as bad as my recent flu and tetanus shots!!) The appointment took less than 15 minutes and I was on my way. The nurse completely obstructed me (via saline) at first. She said this was to help me understand how the process of swallowing will be changing a little...and to get an idea of the feelings I may experience. (She had me sip water until I was "tipped off" and then she released the saline, so I could feel the water drain through... it was a little strange, but not distressing. She again encouraged little tiny bites, eating slowly, eating protein first, no drinking with meals -- all of which I've been practicing for the past 6 weeks! I'm glad I've had some time to build up my new habits. My hunger level has been fine over the past 6 weeks. even without a fill. I can easily go 4-6 hours between meals. It's actually kind of cool to hear my stomach growl... and to realize... oh, I need to eat something! I haven't been able to eat much at a time. Certainly not more than 1/4-1/2 a sandwich, hamburger, etc...depending on its size and the type of bread involved. (I oinch off a lot of the bread instead of eating it.) Mostly, I eat grilled chicken or baked turkey breast and soft veggies. I did have some wonderful roast this weekend that melted in my mouth! Swallowing has not been a problem. I do take little bites -- and I try to quit eating before I start to feel too full. The whole process is still amazing to me! Now that I'm home, I'm exercising again. (There was WAY too much snow and ice where we were visiting over Christmas... and the temp was in the single digits! TOO cold for this southern girl!!) But now, I'm back to doing either 30 minutes on the treadmill or on the bike. Also doing a little bit with free weights and lunges. Just easing into it and trying to make exercise a daily habit. Still AMAZED by the whole thing.... very happy and thankful that God provided this opportunity for me. I hope anyone reading this is also experiencing positive results. HINT== Check out the thread that is all before-after pictures and you'll feel really motivated!!

Well, I feel really good My port incision still hurts and the swelling is going down to an extent that I can feel the port when I press on it. Losing average 1 per day. Going back to work Tuesday so I plan on being alot more active. It is tough now because it is like 150 degrees here in S. Florida :thumbup:. I am going to try a bike soon to to see how that goes. Getting a fill in 2 weeks already. I told the doc I dont feel any restriction. I am not hungry but could probably over do it without some discilpine...rut roo! I dont go to the bathroom (number2) and this bothers me. I dont know if I can take a laxative. I think protein binds you up or something....all this foreign healty food in my body and it doenst know how to act. In the mushy stage; egg salad, tuna salad, hummus (a first not bad) and of course those lovely protien shakes. Best wishes to all in your banderama!