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I was banded on 1-8-10 and I transitioned to soft foods on thursday night... i was starving on the clear liquid diet. I have found that I can eat way more that I expected and am hungry all the time but try to limit myself to every couple of hours. I'm not sure what to think of this. I am trying to make smart choices but have not had any problem with any foods yet... other than eating too fast once... that kinda hurt but only for about 3 minutes. I am hoping it will change when i get a fill. I'll be curious to see hou you progress too. Keep me posted!

Probably dry mouth. I had it for a few days also. HW 240 SW 217 (1/10/18) CW 202

Try starting out with 10 air squats. Focus on going parallel or lower. You will not get the benefits of a squat if you do not get at least parallel. You should feel the resistance in your gluts, hamstrings. I found these challenging at first because I am a stiff board. Just starting to get flexible. They key to a good squat is find the mobility in your hips, being able to push them back and also being able to rotate your ankles. Rotating your ankles 30% or so is key while still remaining flat footed, but is hard. Keep your weight in your heals. Always think about a straight line from the top of your head, down to the ground between your shoulders and your feet. Keep your shoulders relaxed and aligned above your hips. Strong core. Knees should bend out slightly when you deepen. That is where the real power will come from. Do not let your knees buckle. Feet should be rotated out a little, but not too much. Your knees should track your feet. Keep your back straight or just slightly inverted at the lumbar. Flat is key. You will get hurt if you have an outward bend in your back, especially if you add weight. So much to keep track of. Trust me. I have been working on squat variations with and without weight for 8 months and it is still a conscious effort to keep good form.

Just experienced my first horrible night. I am 10 weeks out. I ate one slice of rare beef, potatoes and a gravy sauce with pineapple and garlic in it. I started having some sharp cramping pains about 10 minutes later. I managed to rest and drive home. Later, I thought I was not going to make it through the night. Severe stabbing pain for 5-6 hours that came and went initially and then by 11pm to 2am became pretty intense. Vomiting was an issue. Can anyone tell me if they have experienced a similar situation? Is this because I ate such rich food? Is this a gallbladder issue? I am feeling pretty fragile today, can't really eat much just living on liquid diet today. I feel like I was beat up. Looking for some help explaining this. Thanks!

I'm feeling good now. I lost 20 lbs originally, but now my body is in the dreaded 3-week stall. The Japanese docs insist on a slightly longer post-op diet--two weeks of thin liquids followed by two of thicker. Currently, I'm drinking fruit/yogurt smoothies for Breakfast and lunch, and blender-processed Soup or curry for dinner. The smoothies can be bought at local convenience stores, and I supplement them with whey Protein. I'll be really happy when I'm allowed to eat soft solids again in 10 days. As for exercise, my NUT is really insisting on anaerobic exercise, not walking or biking. He's prescribed me a testosterone infused lipid blocker (called Lipokine), and in a couple weeks, he wants to start testosterone steroid injections. He really wants me to pick up as much muscle as I can while I shed weight .The idea is that he doesn't want me looking like a normal guy wearing a big suit of flappy skin (and I don't want that either). So, long story short, yes, I'm able to do weightlifting, but only as long as I focus on back/biceps, chest/triceps, and legs/shoulders. No abdominal exercises yet, and if anything is remotely painful for my stomach, I'm supposed to stop doing that right away. I used to live in Stuttgart when I was younger, so I know what you're talking about. It's been strange living in Japan for the past 8 years, always being (as you say) the fattest person in the room. The nice thing about being a foreigner in Japan, however, is that no matter what, you're always going to be the strangest person in the room simply because you're not Japanese. Being fat in Japan is like having a slightly more ridiculous clown nose to go with the rest of the clown outfit that all foreigners are imagined to wear. Japanese people aren't too shy to point out the fact that I weigh too much--they commonly ask my weight and openly wonder if American food did this too me--but they don't do it judgmentally at all. They seem to like the distinctiveness that I bring into their ordinary world. I had an attractive Japanese gf for a year who loved my body shape. Most of my friends here are fellow foreigners, from the US, Aus, GB or Canada. However, I have few Japanese friends too. I'd have more J-friends, but I'm not all that social and am rarely interested in the things they're typically interested in, e.g. Japanese pop-music, television, baseball or soccer.

My bmi was 45, I gained 20+ lbs from the band once they let the fluids out, since I was literally starved my body soaked up all the nutrition I could bring to it now and held on to all the weight. It was quite discouraging since I was trying to lose 10 lbs but instead gained 20.

Nausea will pass. When anyone asks "how was it?" my response is always the same. 'First 2 weeks SUCKED, first 2 months were, eh.' A lot of trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. Now I'm 11 months out. Down 60 lbs. Went from a size 18-20 to an 8-10. Would do it ALL OVER AGAIN! It gets better, I promise

At first u feel nauseous and ur in some pain. But it is so worth it. I am 9 months out and 93 lbs down. I would do it all over again in a second. It has been the best thing I have ever done. From 2x scrubs to mediums too big. I wear medium t shirts from xxl. Size 10 jeans from 22. Stick with it. Follow ur drs plan and u will see results. Each day u feel better. Hang in there.

Wow- best of luck to you Monday people! I sure am nervous too... It has to be a natural reaction to an elective (but so necessary) surgery. 9 days and counting for me but with all of this anxiety it's a damn good thing I'm on this 2 week liquid diet... I would have gained 10 instead of losing 10lbs. Kind of feel like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff with safety below... So grateful for the people on this forum!

Am hoping to kick up my weight loss with this challenge over the next 6 weeks. I am aiming for at least 20 pounds. It's guided interval training/ cardio classes. I hope I can do it. I was sleeved 10 weeks ago and have lost 36 pounds. It is slowing down a lot already. I have 59 more to go. I hope this will work!

I was told 10 years ago I needed replacement and look into bariatric surgery. I did not want a bypass at the time. I regretted not doing this sooner cause I would have been like most people...weight comes off pain goes away. I waited to long.

They pretty much they ask you if you have any questions.. they tell you who will be attending the surgery with your doctor.. Blood test and they tell you what you can and can't do a week before your date... I just had my pre-op 7-30-2019 I go under 8-2-19 Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J727AZ using BariatricPal mobile app

Banded 4/30 - first fill 6/10 !!

I've had my band for 5 years and have had great success (100lb+ loss), however I am now able to eat anything since I have not had a fill in 2 years, and have begin gaining weight. I have a filled scheduled through fill centers on 10/8 and initially thought that a fill was all I needed. I have been reading the slip board post and have begin to wonder. My port and band feels like it's in the same place, I don't throw up and have no soreness. I regret going to the slip forum. Has anyone else felt this way?:smile2::confused:

Well, once again, I can feel myself losening up. I think the swelling goes down and I get lose again. I still have some restriction, but not as much as I want. I'm going to call for another fill and have him do the fill just like he did this last time, not to take ANY out, and just add a little, I'm so close to that sweet spot. I can't eat a whole bunch, but can eat more than I should. I do force myself to stop eating before I eat too much. I've had fills in the past that got tighter after a few weeks, so I'm hoping this one will get tight again, so we'll see. In the meantime, I will make another appointment for another fill. NOTE TO SELF, time to exercise again and you will lose! Quit depending on the band to do all the work for you!!! ...End of Note to self. Last Monday when I woke up and stepped on the scales, the exact number was 171.6 - yikes! This morning, it was 164.5, so the weight has dropped a lot in the past 5 days. I'm sure in the morning I will probably weigh more than I did this morning, I went to my aunts house for a family get together. Well, had a peace of homemade chocolate cake, ate barbeque, and just ate more than I should have. I'm planning on hitting the gym tomorrow, and eating right so hopefully by the time I weigh in on Monday, I can be happy. I really really really want to see the 150's again! But more than that, I just want to be at goal. I'm almost embarrased that I've had the band as long as I have and not reached my goal. I knew when I got the band it was going to be a long process, but I seriously thought I would be at goal by 18 months. I'm now getting close to 3 years! January will be 3 years. I guess I should be happy with how far I've come, I'm down from a size 18 to a comfortable 10 and when I'm weighing around 160 I wear an 8 comfortable. Today I'm wearing my size 8 capris and they feel good. So I should be happy with my progress, and I am happy. I just want it all. I do not want to be the statistic bandster that usually only loses 60 to 70 % of their excess weight. I said from the very beginning I would lose 100% of it and by jolly I will! I need to THINK before I eat, I need to quit grabbing the chocolate out of the candy dish, and most of all I need to exercise! Time to refocuss and finish what I've started. So, as of tonight or this morning, Sunday at 12:45 am CST, 9/6/09, I promise to myself that I will recommit to the bandster program. Recommit myself and give me what I deserve. I deserve to reach my goal, I deserve to take time out for myself and exercise, I deserve it all! So, by my 3 year Band anniversary, which is 1/18/10, I will be at goal! My goal is somewhere between 140-150. I'm going blog my daily progress, or at least try and blog daily. I seem to do better when I blog....I want to keep myself accountable to my promises to myself so I'm putting it down in black and white! Here goes my final push.........time to cross the finish line and finsih this race!

Hello, I also had questions regarding the pros and cons of each brand of band. My surgeon stated that either one was fine with him. He didn't have a preference. I ended up getting the Realize band on 1/31 because I liked the interactive internet interface called "Realizemysuccess" where you can log your food diary and exercise and write down challenges and successes, etc. You can also monitor your weight loss. You can choose to allow your surgeon's office access to your logs so they can help if you have a problem or hit a plateau. I like the food diary--I am using it to help keep myself accountable for what I eat. The food diary has some limitations though--you have to choose items from their preloaded database--CIB isn't in there but the whole menu of every fast food joint on the planet is! I already wrote a letter of concern about this so maybe they will fix it. I also liked the fact that the port of the Realize band has a lower profile (it is flatter) but a little wider than the Lap Band port. I cannot feel mine yet. Also, since I am a healthcare professional, I emailed both companies for the package insert (this includes the clinical trial data, specific surgical procedure and any adverse effects experienced by patients). I reviewed both and there were few significant differences. Both implants were approved by the FDA based upon a sample size of around 300 patients. This is a small sample size and I was surprised. However both bands were used for over 10 yrs in Europe before FDA approval. The Realize band was called the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band before so you may Google that and get more info. Hope this info helps!

Surgery date is coming up on Monday, 10/29. I'm going to do my measurements today but I'm not sure where it what to measure. Any suggestions?

I regretted surgery for about 4 months, I had a stricture that's cause me vomiting, pain, etc etc. I'm not 7 months and super happy! Just hung in there, give little more time. I know it's hard but that's all you can do now. Call your doctor if you worry something it's wrong. It's not an easy journey but it's worth it! I am just now 1 month and 5 days out. I've dealt with constipation (not really, still have it) and at close to one month started getting food stuck, salivating like mad and vomiting. After about a week of this nonsense, I got re- admittied (three hours from home) for IV fluids and astimosis dilation. I had a severe 3mm stricture that was dilated to 10mm on 10-15. He said there is a possibility that it will have to be repeated and I believe him. Not something to mess around with. I was sent home on Friday and today, Monday I felt that same tight, stuck pain right after trying to eat. Thinking it might be time for stretch out #2. I'd say discomfort and vomiting on the same food you were able to tolerate a week or two prior is cause for concern. Also.. when or if liquid causes pain and also shoot back out- GO TO THE DOCTOR. Now I know.. Hope this helps someone else.

I am 18 months and and find myself pregnant and I was NOT trying! (I think we all turn super fertile after major weight loss) I think at 10 months out you are getting to a place where you can start to get pregnant and start nourish a baby. Ideal, probably not... High risk? probably not.. a little extra monitoring? yes, but that's ok! Good luck!

At least yummy to me. I have been having so much trouble drinking those Protein drinks after surgery. Tonight I went to Walmart and came across Odwalla Protein Monster chocolate protein. A serving is 8 oz and had 18 grams of protein. Downside is the serving size is large and it has 25 grams of sugar but for an occasional treat, it was not too bad. I think I could even beef it up with one of the premade whey shakes and it would still taste good. My other is for the coffee lover. This one could be warmed up or put on ice. Bolthouse Farms Perfectly Protein Mocha Cappuccino. There is 10 grams per 8 oz serving but again, lot of sugar. Damn...didn't see all the sugar till I got home though I did note that they are from apple juice and organic cane juice. I was way too excited over the protein. I found both a Walmart in 1 qt containers by the orange juice section. I think I will call the company and see if they make a sugar free version.

It's your life and your health! It will be the best thing you will ever do for yourself. My knees are destroyed from waiting till 56 to do this surgery. I have a huge regret, why did I not do this 10 years ago. Our lives are incredibly difficult being obese, prejudice, pain and unhealthy.

In 9/08 I started to exercise daily and progressively improved my food choices. From then through presurgery and after I have lost 109 pounds; with 27 since surgery in 8/10. Personally I think those shows on TV that have someone with huge pieces of extra skin are questionable. MOST people don't end up like that; which is why people that do go on TV. Is sensational. Okay off my soap box. I don't have excess skin at all. Admittedly I need to lose another 100 so my ideal could be a bit off. Everyone loses weight at different speeds. I don't want to discourage anyone but some people like myself are slow loosers. I follow my doctors orders (measure out 3 oz of protein per meal), eat healthy foods, AND exercise every day for an hour. I have lost an average of 1 pound per week. Today was my 6th fill now at 10 CC's in 11 CC band; and really really really hope this will brings restriction. I don't think doctors really emphasize enough that it can take a while for you to see significant loss; probably until you reach restriction. I think I have been slower because I was already dieting and exercising before surgery so my body was not shocked by a huge change in eating habits.

Hey, Thin, good luck with everything. I had to do 10 days of a presurgery diet, and about 2 months of a "pre"pre surgery diet before that. Lost 30 pounds before I was even banded! It's hard to stick to the pre diet, but doing so will help you so much afterward. Your body will be used to less and you won't feel so ill when you can't eat much. I shocked myself by not feeling ill at all (after) and get by just fine. One hint about shopping for the after foods. I bought everything on the list given me, which wasn't a bad idea. However, I still had my pre surgery eyes. I bought big containers of juice, cans and cans of cream Soup. Anything you can get in small amounts will be best with possibly more variety. I am on full liquids and a can of cream soup would last me over a week (1 or 2 oz. at a time). sugar free popsicles was on my list, then after surgery I was told nothing cold, it could make the stomach cramp. As with everything, you can get mixed messages. I was given sample menus, which helped a lot. One week post op and I can honestly say I feel better then I did 2 months ago. I"m sure eating right has a great deal to do with it. Exercise if you can, too. I pushed myself hard in the weeks before, and walked 20 minutes around the house the first day post op and 3 days post op was back on the treadmill. Everyone who took care of me was amazed at how well I felt, and how much I could do on my own. Trust me, that was the first time in my life THAT has ever happened. I, too, "lurked" for weeks before posting anything. I knew the "good, bad and ugly" before I even went for my first informational meeting. Then I didn't post because it just didn't seem real for me. Everyone is so great to share their own experiences. I thought maybe it was time for me to share as well. Glad you chose to, also. By the way, wish I'd been thin in '86. I was on my way up at that time to my all time high this year. I'd have to go back to about '80. I plan on living the second half of my life in a different body-saggy, but lighter.

*disclaimer- please withhold negative opinions, looking for advice, not judgement*. That being said, I'm 10 months out, down 115 lbs and looking to get knocked up. Based on having a gastric sleeve, those of you who are prego, are you considered to be high risk based on the surgery by your MD?

Two months after my surgery, I took a loved one to Mexico to get sleeved by the same surgeon. She had/has Sjogren's (and of course she disclosed it, etc.), but I don't recall it being a big issue. She has done well since the surgery and hasn't talked about needing to adjust her meds or anything. She doesn't really come to these boards, but I will circle back to this thread and give you some of her feedback in the next week or 10 days . Best wishes!