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I still take Bariatric Advantage citrate caramel chews to the day, six a day. Last week I bought them in 500 mg rather then 250 mg size which translates to taking 3 a day instead of 6 a day. The price per bag is also the same so now I feel like I am getting 2 for 1 on the calcium citrate and that makes me happy. Each bag is about $12 when i purchase it through the WLS Center or 22 dollars when i buy it online through Amazon. Staying healthy with all the supplements really adds up. I do not take any iron in isolation, but there is some in my optimen multivitamin and green drink. Not 100% RDA though, but something small like 20 %. Should I be aware of iron as a man?

:biggrin: I am going to have this done next month (8-08) Could someone tell me what was the wrost part of surgery? And should you give yourself a bout a week to 2 weeks to get over it?

When a craving strikes ask yourself Am I stressed out? When you're under pressure, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which signals your brain to seek out rewards. Comfort foods loaded with sugar and fat basically "apply the brakes" to the stress system by blunting this hormone. When you reach for food in response to negative feelings such as anger or sadness (like potato chips after a fight with your spouse), you inadvertently create a powerful connection in your brain. Its classic brain conditioning; "The food gets coded in your memory center as a solution to an unpleasant experience or emotion". Stimulate happiness "Women especially have a profound emotional reaction to music". Create upbeat playlists to listen to whenever a craving strikes. The songs provide a distraction and an emotional release. Wait it out "People give in to cravings because they think they'll build in intensity until they become overwhelming, but that's not true," Cravings behave like waves: They build, crest, and then disappear. If you can "surf the urge," you have a better chance of beating it altogether Choose the best distraction "What you're really craving is to feel better," You've heard the trick about phoning a friend or exercising instead of eating. But "taking a solo walk won't help if you're feeling lonely," Instead, identify your current emotion--bored, anxious, or mad; by filling in these blanks: "I feel ____ because of ____." Then find an activity that releases it. If you're stressed, channeling nervous energy into a workout can help; if you're upset over a problem at the office, call a friend and ask for advice. Ask yourself "Have I been eating less than usual If you're eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day or restricting an entire food group (like carbs), you're putting your body in prime craving mode. Even just 3 days of strict dieting decreases levels of the appetite-reducing hormone leptin by 22%. Do This! Lift any bans--safely Plan ways to enjoy your favorite foods in controlled portions. Get a slice of pizza instead of a whole pie, or share a piece of restaurant cheesecake with two friends. Don't "eat around" cravings; trying to squash a craving with a low-cal imitation won't satisfy your brain's memory center. For example, if you're craving a milkshake, yogurt won't cut it--especially if you've been depriving yourself. You may even take in more calories than if you'd just had a reasonable portion of what you wanted in the first place. Munching five crackers, a handful of popcorn, and a bag of pretzels, all in the name of trying to squash a craving for potato chips, will net you about 250 more calories than if you'd eaten a single-serving bag Are you getting enough sleep? In a University of Chicago study, a few sleepless nights were enough to drop levels of the hormone leptin (which signals satiety) by 18% and boost levels of ghrelin, an appetite trigger, by about 30%. Those two changes alone caused appetite to kick into overdrive, and cravings for starchy foods like Cookies, potato chips, and bread jumped 45%. Do This! Have some caffeine; it can help you get through the day without any high-calorie pick-me-ups. It won't solve your bigger issue of chronic sleep loss, but it's a good short-term fix until you get back on track. Portion out a serving, you probably don't have the energy to fight it, so try this trick: Before you dig in, dole out a small amount of the food you want (on a plate) and put the rest away. Are you a creature of habit? You may not realize it, but seemingly innocent routines, such as eating cheese popcorn while watching TV, create powerful associations. "The brain loves routine". The thought of letting go of these patterns can cause a fear response in an area of the brain called the amygdala. "Once the food hits your lips, the fear response shuts off in a heartbeat." Do This! Eliminate sensory cues; smells, sights, and sounds all act as powerful triggers. Watch television in your basement or bedroom so you're far away from the kitchen and the cupboard full of Snacks Picture yourself healthy; try the "stop technique": Every time the food you crave pops into your head, think, Stop! Then, picture a healthy image (say, you're lean and fit). After a while, your brain will dismiss the food image and the craving will subside. "One of my clients did this four or five times a day, and within 2 weeks, she stopped turning to sweets every night after dinner." Shift your focus; Australian researchers found that distracting your brain really does work. When a craving hits, divert your attention to something visual not related to food, like typing an e-mail. Passing up one bag of potato chips and 1 pint of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream per month can help you lose 10 pounds in a year

I was sleeved 9/30. Level went to 135. Went to my pcp dr yesterday and she confirmed it was a spike due to what I probably had eaten that day and that because of surgery it may fluctuate until my body settles from the changes. She said no worries at this point but be mindful of what I eat. Will recheck levels in 3-4 weeks

In a few weeks, you'll be able to eat almost everything. This will be your real test. Until you start getting fills, your hunger may run rampant. some people have a hard time with it, some not. I hope you get lucky with it.

I am 35 years old, and I had the sleeve done on March 5th. When I went in to the program (October 31, 2014), my weight was 529lbs. When I started the four week pre-op diet (Feb. 5, 2015), I was 517. On surgery day I was 480 and today, a week and a half later I am 467. An astonishing loss in a relatively short period of time, and is (according to my surgeon) not the norm. I am thrilled, though. I have had zero complications. No nausea, no vomiting, no cramping and most of all, no pain. I was completely off of the narcotic pain killers within 36 hours of surgery, and have been able to take in every last bit of liquids and Protein that my surgeon requests. I consider myself very fortunate that I have had no difficulty compared to others. I firmly believe that recovery is 20% physical and 80% mental, or at least it has been for me. If you get in to the mindset that VSG is a tool that you will be able to use to get healthy and to lead a much longer, fuller life, then you will not only be able to do it, but to succeed. VSG has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good luck to you.

Hi Matthew~ Thanks so much for responding. I've heard wonderful things about Dr. Nusbaum. I actually had a consultation set up with Dr. Nusbaum that I canceled because they said that they didnt accept Oxford insurance and I didnt want to have to pay the 20% copay for going out of network. I was really disappointed that I couldn't go to him but I've heard great things about Dr. Bertha as well and he takes both of our insurances. It seems that they are losing people in both places that they use for the nutrition and psych eval. so no one is sure when they will have someone to replace them. I called Morristown Memorial where we will go for the procedure and we managed to get appointments with the nurtritionist this coming week and I have to call for the psych evaluation on Monday so hopefully everything will go well. Are they accepting your Oxford Insurance at Dr. Nusbaum's?? I'll be REALLY bummed if I canceled our appointments for no reason because I happened to get someone on the phone that was clueless!:phanvan If you get a chance please let me know. Thanks! Cara

Hi! Although I have been lurking for quite a few weeks this the first time I've posted. My best friend Jennifer and I have our consultation with Dr. Bertha in NJ on April 18th so we are trying to get all of the preliminary things taken care of and out of the way. Our problem is that Dr. Bertha's office can't schedule us until AFTER our consultation. I also tried to make appointments at Saint Clare's Hospital and they are losing their nutritionist so although they are trying to juggle appointments to fit us in it looks like we may not get in. We are so ready to get this done!!!! My questions are- - Does anyone know of any other Dr.s in NJ who do the psych evals and Nutrionist appointments? - Has anyone ever gone to these and had it covered by insurance (Oxford & Empire Blue Shield) from the beginning or did you have to submit it yourself? Any help that you can give would be really appreciated!! Thank You! Cara :welldoneclap:

No most soft foods are not diet friendly, but like I said, I try to make up for it the next day. I would rather do that, than get sick or feel bad in a social setting. I recently came back from a week long seminar and had to attend a fish fry (soooo not diet friendly), a sit down dinner (not bad, but not greatly diet friendly either) and I lost 3 lbs that week. I just made sure I compensated for the unfriendly food the next day and walked a little longer.

@@wantenergy83 I would just call out that you should not be out long with this surgery either. I could have returned to work within a week. How much time are you taking off?

Here are some things I had ready: A small scale for weighing foods later on (ordered it online) Small cups (about 5 oz) to eat out of Small spoons (like mini coffee spoons) Liquid Vitamin Liquid or chewable Calcium citrate Chewable Zinc (required by surgeon) Pill crusher if you are on any meds that don't come in liquid form A heating pad - GREAT for the post-op shoulder and back pain:thumbup: Gas-X strips Liquid Tylenol Filled other prescriptions my surgeon gave me (Liquid Vicodin, phenergan) Isopure Zero Carb Protein drink (tastes good and goes with a clear liquid diet) A sampling of Protein shakes and whey protein that I tried before surgery sugar free Jello, Broths, Sugar Free pudding in the Fridge Lip Balm Comfortable lounge clothes Plan on sleeping on a couch or recliner. Last night (post op day 4) was the first night I could sleep in my bed comfortably. I only took me and my glasses to the hospital and the lip balm. Didn't need a thing while there. Had a pillow pre-positioned in the car for the ride home. With these supplies, I have had a very comfortable week. Have not had to go shopping for anything! This is an ecxiting time for you! Don't be nervous. I love my lap band already!

Hey Anthony im in San Antonio Im getting sleeved on Thursday the 9th I'm doing the 2 week liquid diet I would like to keep in touch iv lost around 18 pounds in almost 2 weeks Thanks ernest

Also, I have completed 1.5 months of 3 months of diet supervised by my primary with weigh ins. I did my psych eval this past week and I have my last 2 weigh ins scheduled with blood work and EKG. My last weigh in is 2/2/17. Then they send all my notes to the surgeon and then they will send it to insurance for approval..

Hi Im booked in to get the lap-band on the 7th aug sooo looking forward to it. I love food and im just wondering after the liquid period and the mushie period and you go on to normal food are you still allowed to eat takeaways, im starting to grieve already for them, Im hoping i can still eat them but not as much as i do now. I was hoping to have them once a week.

I was sleeved Nov. 1 and I have lost 30 lbs. Mine isn't coming off as fast as some people. But I am eating all the right things, so I know I'm being true to the weight loss program. I am exercising the last two weeks. I joined Golds Gym for the pool. I have arthritis in my knees, hip and toes. So the water is helping. So I'll just take it slow.

:angry OMG still no sleep. 15 days I can't take it anymore! Hubby thinks I should do housework and then i will get tired and fall asleep....he totally doesn't understand sleep apnea! I even tried rum and coke last night....still no sleep. I feel like a zombie! I called the sleep people....finally my report is on the doc's desk, he reads it, and faxes it to my doc. I called my doc 2 days ago, talked to Nurse-Zilla again.....bitch! She said ya know it takes two weeks (mind you I hadn't even asked her anything yet..that was her greeting) ......and i said...yeah but there is a rush on this and I haven't slept since July 19th.......I told her I can't take it anymore and that it was affecting my health and my personal life. Did I say bitch? I meant Uber-Bitch. If anyone ever hears that I wrapped my car around a tree because of lack of sleep.....please tell the authorities it was the U.B's fault. Maybe U.B. could use some homemade brownies to cheer her up (who cares if I lace them with Chocolatey Ex-lax!!!!)...ugh i feel like I am gonna whig.....gotta log off! :nervous

Sansmom, I am feeling a little better about my 6 week stall since reading your post. Did you do anything to get your weight loss moving? Or did the stall just end? I am feeling so depressed right now. Mainly because I have been exercising and eating 1200 calories or less and not seeing any results. My partner who weighs 112 cuts out some carbs and doesn't change anything else and loses weight! And she isn't even trying to lose weight! I used to think people who complained about these kinds of stalls were doing something wrong, eating too much and not knowing it, etc. but now that this has happened I realize this is real. My metabolism really has slowed down to nothing. I would survive really good if I were stranded somewhere without any food. Thanks a lot ancestors. And while we are at it, thanks a lot menopause! I should have listened to my older sister who told me when I was in my twenties to lose the weight then because it becomes impossible later.

I am having the same problem ... I was sleeved in February and have list 65lbs..... For the par few weeks, I have been at the same and the weight doesn't seem to be going anywhere . My husband and I just joined a gym ( I have exercising in classes, at home and on my own) . They did an analysis and said that I still have like 20 pounds of excess fat.. This really bummed me out on top of the stall. HELP!!! I find myself going back to those comfort foods but I keep exercising and no loosing ..... Any suggestions ?

Well, I got banded on Monday but they kept me overnight. When I got home yesterday all I could do is sleep (anesthesia and I don't get along). So, here I am this morning feeling pretty darn good. Thus far, no regrets and am actually happy to have my hubby here this week to help me out. :clap2: Had half an orange Popsicle for Breakfast and am full. I hope everybody else's surgery goes well. :whoo:

Congrats and good luck! As someone else said there will be days you may ask yourself what you have done, but it's worth it! I had a minor set back, but I am about 8 weeks post op and hoping to move to stage five on Monday. I can honestly say I am just starting to feel like myself again!

i have my initial consult with him next week and was just looking for some input on this doc. thanks!

Today I am at 264 I had a fill last week on Dec. 14th and have a little restriction I have not lost any weight and I went to the gym 4 times last week. My man thing is just that I want to be successful in my whole journey in a year from now I want to see a dramitic difference. I know I need to drink more water and stop eating things I am not suspose to eat I need to figure out a eating plan that works for me. I know I can do this and I am. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.