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Good luck with your new journey. Because of my age and my local hospital being taken over by a big Boston one, from my first appointment until my banding was 10 months. I survived. I went to all the monthly meetings and still do go to them. They are very helpful and you learn from other WLS people. Also, I have seen on this site that people do not go to their doctor's as much as they should. That is very important. Good luck to you and your mother. Arlene

I am now 5 days op with a few questions. I have gone from "I think I'm gonna die and this decision wasn't so hot" to "I'm uncomfortable but it is manageable and I will be fine in a few days. I'm glad I did this.". here are my questions: how much should I be able to drink at a time? In the morning when I get up I can drink a 10 ounce Protein shake in just at an hour. Is that too much? Should I still have pain on incision sites? I still have a pretty significant pain on my left side by one of my incision sites. How much solids should I be able to eat? I am cleared for yogurt and I was able to get down 3 ounces in about 30 minutes. Is that too much? I guess I was under the assumption i wouldn't be able to eat but a teaspoon of food at a time. I was shocked I could eat the yogurt. when I stopped at 3 ounces i didn't even feel really "full" or uncomfortable. I just stopped since it was the first time I'd eaten anything. I guess I am ultimately worried I have a leak in my stomach and I'm able to get so much food down because it is leaking into my abdomen! The doc did a leak test on me and it was fine at hospital. I just didn't think I'd be able to get this much down! Is this normal?

Wee update..... Lower body lift done 09.01.10 - unbelievably sore, worse pain ever, but would do it again!!! (had vacation in Florida 6 wks after surgery - flying from Scotland - 9hr flight - did theme parks, wore bikini, felt fabulous!) 7lbs of loose skin gone 14cm at front 10cm at sides, 2cm on back. Band slipped 03.17.11 - no pain but couldn't eat or drink for 4 days. was awful..... Went to operating theatre that night, and band was put back into place. Have gained 25lbs in 2 months.... not happy...... Bariatric Team told me a patient put on 14lbs in 10 days so don't worry about my 25lbs......!!!! Band now has 3mls in it..... another fill tomorrow....... I REALLY need restriction. This extra weight is annoying the hell outta me..... although everyone says I look better, healthier etc. I admit I feel better, permanent heartburn is now gone....no night reflux.....feeling permanently cold is gone and DH prefers me like this! Gonna get rid of this 25lbs over the next 6 months.... BTW Brachioplasty hopefully in the next 6 weeks..... yay! Sadie

Everything I've heard and read is that Dr Cirangle is the best in San Francisco. I so wish I was close but I am in Ohio. I don't believe he is that expensive but people say his expertise is worth every penny. He has been doing the sleeve for 10 years or longer, a lot more than most in the eastern US. His success rate is very good so I have read. I called his nurse a few months ago and was willing to travel out there and stay for awhile but my insurance would pay nothing. Something about not living in Ca. Look him up and he also has a video of a sleeve that he did from beginning to end.

I had surgery with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. He fixed the hernia at no extra cost to me. My surgeries were the reverse of yours==I had my gallbladder removed 10 months post-op and although my surgeon was worried about adhesions in the area from my VSG, he didn't have any problems getting my gallbladder out.

OMG! I was just thinking this yesterday! When can I have a Gulp? LOL.... I actually forgot about the sips one time and took a big gulp and suffered for about 10 minutes-thought I was having a heart attack!

Well I had my surgery on a Wed and went back to work on the following Monday. I was walking a mile everyday by then so my pain was not all that bad by then. The tape on my insisions did not come off after two weeks (my Dr. said they could come off after 10 days so I waited an extra 4 days) and at that I used baby oil to soften the glue to get them off. I still have some pain where the port is but that is mostly because of the port being attached to the muscle wall and it needs to adjust to the attachment.

So today marked day 6 of my pre-op diet. I've generally been doing pretty good with it. I realize I have to do this and I've put my mind to it to get it done. Today was a very busy day. We've recently finished our basement and I had lots to do building shelves and hanging pictures. Right after I started working my knees started to throb. Then my back began to ache. After about an hour I got nauseas and a bit woozy. I struggled through the rest of the day taking many breaks and resting my knees and my back. Once the day was done, I took a shower and realized why I'm about to have life changing surgery in 10 days. Sure, I'd like to look hot again (or as hot as a 60 year old guy can) but after today the real reason came out. I can't live anymore carrying about 150 lbs of extra weight. Although my doc says I'm the healthiest fat guy he's ever seen, I know that if my joints and muscles are breaking down so badly from this weight, the rest of my body can't be far behind. Looking good will be a great side affect from my surgery but truly the best benefit will be being healthy once again.

Made up this recipe tonight by simplifying a cookbook one. Very rich mushroom flavor. Enjoy! 1 onion sliced thin 3 gloves garlic crushed 4 c mixed fresh mushrooms 1 sweet potato peeled and diced 1lb boneless skinless chicken breast 3 c Chicken Stock Salt pepper Dried Oregano & thyme or Poultry Seasoning 2 c Water or broth for pureeing Simple Recipe: put all ingredients In a pot and boil until chicken is tender (medium low). Purée adding 2 additional c of broth or more. Slightly more fidgety recipe: Sauté onions and garlic until soft and lightly caramelized. Caramelize sweet potato at the edges. Add remaining ingredients. Pressure cook for 7 mins (high) or cook on stove until chicken is tender (low-medium heat). Purée adding stock to thin as necessary. This is how I made it to get the sweetness and a richer depth of flavor from the veg, but it will taste good either way. Makes 10 cups. Each c has 1.5 oz of chicken for 11 gms of Protein.

I have the same problem with sugar foods. Like the cakes, cookies, and icecream. Even with the lap band its taken me 5 years after surgery to realize I just cant have them in my house. I have 10 more pounds to go and I believe these foods have always been my down fall. I too am a sugar addict.

I am 9 months out. Breakfast - I'm super tight, usually have a yogurt about 10:00am, or sometimes a piece of fruit. if I'm not hungry I don't eat until lunch. Lunch - usually a salad with lots of raw veg (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, radish, cucumber - its more veg than lettuce) with chicken, turkey, roast beef, steak, whatever left over meat I have. Sometimes a Lean Cusine or chicken salad on a sandwich thin. Supper - 4/5 oz of meat, veg and salad. sometimes a starch added in there instead of the salad because I can go several days without rice or potato and then I just really "need" it. Late Night Snack - if I have one it is usually a yogurt or a weight watcher raspberry/dark choc. ice cream bar, or a 100 calorie pack of Cookies... lol which i don't do often cuz one usually leads to two. (cookies are my weakness)

Have the sleep study done. I didn't think I had sleep apnea but I had severe apnea. Also they won't tell you but you might have to put on weight. I know that's insane but you're 5-10 lbs. too light. The deposit might be re-embursed if you don't meet the requirements, but do make sure of that before you pay!!

Jes Lynn, so proud of you! As you start reading the different post you will find your success at loosing so much weight isn't the norm - so pat yourself on the back. Now it's time to work on your self esteem! Go see a counselor for cognitive behavioral therapy! You've been through a lot in your life and you haven't even lived that long. Therapy is a great way to help you overcome some of your problems.....as for dating......once you meet someone that you feel comfortable with removing your clothes he will only see the beauty of you. I've been married for 26 years to a great guy - one who married me when I was a size 8 and still found me sexy at size 26 and STILL finds me sexy at size 10 - with all my saggy skin LOL! Then, start investigating a way to get yourself tightened up........look at medical schools, newly practicing plastic surgeons.........you never know who mighr be willing to help a confident, successful young woman! Good luck - I'd love to here about your journey!

Hi! I had other major surgeries in the past and I was more awake and mobile with this surgery. I had 2 other procedures along with the gastric bypass but this is what I remembered: 1. The hospital will give you pain medication intravenously and it really did help. However, I was released with Tylenol with codeine and it didn’t help at all. If you need something stronger, talk to your doctor. 2. The nurses will teach you how to roll and sit up in the hospital (and that is still tough for me). I read that you should bring a small pillow for the trip home and keep it with you at home. It helps to minimize tummy pain if you sneeze or cough. Walk as much as possible to relieve tummy gas from the surgery. Ask your doctor if you can take Gas-X to help with relief. I had pain I both shoulders and was told that it was gas. It lasted for about 3 days after the surgery. 3. Prior to the surgery, buy your broth, protein shakes, whey powder, sugar free jello, protein water, & 1 ounce plastic cups to pour your drinks into (when you drink the protein shakes, water, protein water, broth, etc). You will need to sip as much as your tiny stomach will allow - like it’s your job- from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep at night. Drinking liquids became easier for me around day 10. 4. Prior to the surgery, buy what you will need according to your doctor’s diet schedule in case you can’t go anywhere for 2 weeks. Make sure you try everything and like it before your surgery. 5. I bought the pre-made protein shakes so I wouldn’t have to make the shakes when I got home. I also bought the 1 oz cups and some disposable popsicle zip sleeves from Amazon. I put some of my protein water in the popsicle sleeves and made popsicles out of them, which helped a lot. 6. Walk around the house & keep hydrated as much as possible to avoid blood clots & dehydration. 7. When it’s ok to shower, be sure to do it when you are not too tired because it takes a lot out of you and you will need to hydrate after you are done. Some of the steri-strips on your stitches or staples may come off in the shower within 5 to 14 days of surgery. I was told not to worry but every doctor is different. Call your doctor if you have any concerns. Take it easy on yourself and try not to be a hero. Your body needs time to heal. I know it’s a lot but this is what helped me!

I am nervous because tonight is weigh in and after losing 10 pounds last week I think it will be difficult to come up with another loss this week. I remember last Tuesday I didn't have time to eat but trail mix all day. Today I have cream soup, oatmeal and a sausage. Help me! I think I will jog in place perdiodically today. 14 pounds wow WOW:D

I've been fighting this battle since I was pretty much 19 years old. The ups and the downs of the yo-yos, the weight-loss products diets....so I finally decided that it was time to ask for and I went for the lapband. Unfortunately it was pretty evident right away that this was not going to be the right tool for me as no matter what they did, the fill was never correct and I was either throwing up or still able to eat as before the surgery. I lost my health insurance about a yearning and and so here I am food years later.... finally with new insurance and able to get the band removed and get my sleeve. 30 years of fighting a uphill battle....I really hope this is going to be the right tool for me.

Let's do this : )

Oh, my goodness, this is hard. I had my surgery on October 29th, and it has been slow-going ever since. Not slow in the fact that I have been losing weight, just slow in the fact that it's taking me a long time t recover. I don't know why I didn't expect this to be hard and painful. It is major surgery, after all. It's November 4th now, and I'm finally starting to get around and moving, but I get tired so easily and get nauseous pretty fast. My doctor put me on Phenergan for nausea, but that just knocks me out and takes away whatever little bit of energy I had! The pain is finally subsiding and it's mostly just a nagging pinch now, but my back muscles ache something terrible. Initially, I did not want to eat anything. Now, my waves of hunger are so strong, I can't tell if I'm hungry or nauseous or both. I'm still on a liquid diet for 2 more days. So far, all I have eaten since my surgery is a cup of soup, a popsicle, a small frosty from Wendy's, and a small side of mashed potatoes from KFC (I cheated, but I was so hungry!). I think about what I am going to eat when my stomach goes back to normal. I can't seem to stop thinking about food. I hope once I can eat some more normal foods, and am not so hungry, my focus will be elsewhere and not on tempting things I should not be eating. I have lost 22 lbs since October 16th. That's 19 days. I feel good about this and want the weight loss to continue. I figure if I can lose 2 lbs a week until next year, I will be down 100 lbs. Even if I only lose 1 lb a week, I'll be 50 lbs lighter than right now. But there are so many foods out there that look delicious that I can no longer have! What I really crave is Chino Bandidos, my favorite restaurant. I figure once, before my band fill, I will go there. Just once. I know this may be a recipe for disaster, but it is what I have been craving. I willnot eat a whole plate of food. Just half, maybe not even that. If I plan it, and work my dieting and exercise around it, I think I could splurge just once. We'll see...I know it's not the best decision, but if I don't give in once in a great while, I feel I may be setting myself up for failure. I may just reach a point where I eat everything I want whenever I want and will lose all self control. That's exactly what I don't want to happen. Oh well....this is also coming from someone who has not eaten a real meal in a week's time and is food crazy. I can see the weight coming off in my face and in my arms. So far, so good. I want to be at 230 lbs by Christmas. I am at 253 right now. I have seven weeks, so that seems about right. All I know is that the airplane seats better feel more roomy this time when I go home. Last time, I could barely get them to buckle. I was so embarrassed. I don't ever want that to happen again. Anyways, that's all I have for now. Have a great night, everyone!

I feel your pain..... I basically lost weight in the first 10-12 weeks quickly i was so dilligent. now since then for the past 3 months i go up 5lbs i lose 5lbs i put it on i take it off. why cant i just keep going with this. I should be nearly or be at goal weight by now, i still keep sabbotaging my self. I just dont know what to do. I am a great freind. And am kind to others. why cant i give my self the same as i give every one else........

Thanks for reading my post and responding! I guess I'm just antsy, period. As stupid as it sounds, I'm afraid I'll either wake up during the surgery and they won't know it or I'll gag on the tube down my throat. Yes, too much DiscoveryHealth Channel, I know. Last nite I had a dream that my husband was with me waiting to go in the operating room at a hospital in Silver Spring, MD and I ate half a bowl of his chili 30 minutes before the operation. Problem....I H A T E CHILI, and I haven't lived in MD for over 10 years!!!! It was so real, I even remember what time is was, 1:40 pm because I "looked" at my watch (in the dream)! Guess you know where my mind's at. Honestly, I picked the band because of the fact(s) that recovery time is less (main reason), it can be adjusted IF I decide to have a second (and last) child, and the weigh loss is slower so I might have less chance of saggy skin. I kinda answered my own question I know, it's just my mind's running 100 miles/hour! Thanks for the peptalk!

Only gatorade? Yikes! I had slim fast and about 2 oz yogurt yesterday, today I had more yogurt (2 oz), 10 oz of milk, and am having tomato Soup now.. have had mabye 1/2 cup over almost an hour... my problem is I can't seem to tell if I'm full yet, but I don't feel hungry at all... even before eating. I think the pain is masking those "sensors"... anyone else experience that?

I was sleeved Nov 12th LY, its been 8 months...wow. started at 265 and am at 186+/-...so I am around an 80 lb loss. 10 lbs a month I guess its ok. I was very stuck around that 205 mark/ time myself. I think what helped is I started more intense exercise. Like running the stairs instad of just a walk. Only once a wk though-I am not a religous exerciser at all. I walk daily but nothing big. Water is a big deal I found when I drink my water I do a lot better. Tracking helps-go back and track food and cals daily for a week, then go over your diet with the nutritionist-pay for an extra visit if needed. I would keep on the shake thing but try it every other day-liquid one day, food the next, not 3 days in a row. I am no angel and I feel that sometimes I should have lost more (so far) than I have, but I am happy with the loss and am trying not to be too hard on myself because think about how far you have come. You will drop again. Be patient and if you push your body too hard I don't think it responds to that either. We are all going to experience some stalling. Look at how far you have come. This might sound weird, but put on a great outfit you couldn't dare wear before and hold your head high. Take a selfie in the outfit, like instead of being down on it, relish what you have now. It's awesome you have had great loss in 5 months. Awesome. You will lose more, keep going.

My sister had a Bypass, I got a band many years later. She had severe complications which resulted in about 5 surgeries to try to fix and almost died because of the complications. She is thankful she did have the surgery, however they do repipe your insides which if you eat things with too much sugar or something that doesn't agree with you then it can cause "Dumping"syndrome which is a massive case of diarrhea and it just comes out, or at least it did in her case. She also is not supposed to eat various foods, corn, sodas, and some other things too. It alters the absorption of both foods and medications, now when she has to be medicated it takes a Horse's dose for her to feel anything. Having the band, alot of people can eat whatever they want but you are restricted on the amounts. There are some that cannot eat certain foods, but for every one person who cannot eat something the other 10 seem to be able to. It also does not alter the absorption of medication or nutrients in your food. There is no repiping of your insides, it is just restricted which can be reversed if needed. She also after a huge depression issues overdosed on a medication intentionally. With the bypass they are unable to pump your stomach in this situation. The Gin she washed down the pills with is what saved her life because that somehow kicked her liver into overdrive to help her body burn through the medication. However she was OUT for several days. I will add that this was after the death of our Dad, her fiance cheating on her and dumping her in the hospital on two occasions (what a winner huh) and being told she would never be able to have children because she couldn't have babies. I will also note that she has son that will turn 5 in October!! With a band they can remove the Fluid in order to get to the stomach in case they need to pump the stomach.. however.. hopefully NObody needs this info.

I was sleeved 9/19 - and I have only lost about 25lbs. 5lbs in the month after I was sleeved. I feel like this is failing too. I literally had my guts rearranged to not have success. Does this really not work for some people? Could I be that small percentage that I destined to remain fat?????

Has anyone else had oily really loose stool? I'm concerned because my stool has been like this for a few days. I'm on a normal diet and about 10 weeks out of surgery.