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I have started my lap band journey. I have attended the seminar, had my lab work done, sleep study, and started a 6 month supervised nutrition program required by my insurance company. I have had the PFTS. I also need to get a cardiology clearance. I have lost 10 pounds since I began the supervised nutrition program. Staying off of all things white has been surprisingly better than I thought. I do however cheat on Sunday since we go out after church and eat. I was surprised that last week (1st week) I was not a enticed and ate less than I usually do - only 2 tortillas- yeah!!!

My hubs was 12/21 and I was 1/9. We could have easily done it at the same time (and we have 4 kids). It was hard not being on the same page food wise for the first few weeks but now we are past that hurdle. We have both lost about 70 lbs since starting our pre op diets. It's been a blessing. I just did a 10 mile fairly difficult hike on Friday. Def couldn't have done that 70 lbs ago.

Hi again all. I have a surgery date of 7 April (which is my dad's birthday - the first one since he passed away last year - ironic in ways!) which is a month before I expected but still a little later than I wanted (hahaha). I am on the waiting list just in case of a cancellation, but the only date that it could occur is 25 Feb, in which case I would need to know before 15 Feb to do the 10 days Optifast diet. So I will know for sure in about 2 weeks time! Anyway, I am excited and nervous which is normal. I spoke with both the surgeon and the dietician today and I now know all I need to up to 6 weeks after the surgery when I go back to see the dietician! I hope to lose 30kg and get down to 70kg but my surgeon suspects I will probably feel sick at this weight. He sees me losing at least 20kg, but he did say that he can see me doing better than that. He couldn't tell me why but he suspects because I play sport and excercise that I will do pretty well. I am pumped. I just can't wait.

For me, I was really tight at first...they said it was swelling. After about 10 days, I felt fine. I also tend to get real tight around TOM. It could be swelling...

Hi all I have been waiting over a month to get to my appointments and am only half way there! I saw the pysician on the team on Tuesday and was filled with much joy! Due to my good health etc. I will be cleared for surgery if the surgeon agrees! I am to see the surgeon and dietician tomorrow and I hope to convince the surgeon to give me a date then and there. The nurse told me on Tuesday that the earliest appointment at this stage for the surgery is early May :smile: :cool: :eek:! I nearly flipped out! May, I can't wait that long. :tongue: I asked about cancellations and if the date could be brought forward, so they will keep that in mind. I don't hold out any hope for an earlier date though. Regardless, it will be my 40th birthday present to myself. :wink2: The joy was also that the cost of everything (surgery, fills, subsequent appointments etc) was $3500 upfront.:tt1: This was good news as I was expecting much more. The other info I got was: - 10 day strict Optifast diet before surgery - 28 days mushie stage after surgery - the surgeon puts 3 stitches in a flap of stomach near the band which will keep the band in place to alleviate any slippage (is this normal anyone?) - Before surgery they will put my legs in pressure bandages to reduce the incidence of DVT (again is this normal anyone?) - Hospital stay one night with the day after surgery having a swallow test and xray to see if the band has been positioned correctly and that there's no leakages and there's no restriction - The surgeon does three surgeries every Monday fortnight (darn it!) Then there's Easter and Labour day inbetween so an earlier appointment is looking grim! That's all I can remember from the first of my three visits. This week is odd as I had my two girls return to school yesterday, then my son starting prep today, with my appointments either side of those days. This week has been one roller coaster of emotions and I will be happy to see the end of it! Hugs to you all Kylie Melb

I am 12/19 on my 2-week liquid diet now, such torture can't wait to have my surgery so at least I won't feel hungry on this liquid torture LOL

I think I had a lot of the fears that someone with anxiety would have. What if I fail? What if people know I got the surgery and judge me, especially my relatives? What if I gain the weight back like I have every other diet I've been on? What if I get some serious medical problem? What if my CEO finds out and is mad I did this on his health insurance? How am I supposed to do the laundry if I can't lift more than 15 lbs.? I'm 10 months out and so far, none of these things have happened, knock on wood.

I agree with everything Arabesque said. I don't know your starting weight, but generally speaking, the lower it is, the slower the weight loss is (usually, anyway). I was a slow loser rom the beginning and lost 100% of my excess weight (over 200 lbs) (I've had some regain since then, but within the 10-20 lb regain range that most of us experience after hitting our lowest weight). If you stick to your program, the weight will come off, whether fast or slow.

I had my sleeve on 11/4 here in Jacksonville. Dr. Uchal at st Vincent’s riverside. I was self pay ($15,000 total includes hospital stay and follow visit). My BMI wasn’t high enough for insurance coverage. On the plus side, I got scheduled pretty quickly and didn’t have to jump through the hoops required when using insurance. I had 2 pre-op dietitian appointments (honestly pointless in my opinion. They could have just me with the info binder), blood work, EKG, and a chest X-ray. I have no co-morbidities. I didn’t do the pre surgery diet, just clear liquids the day before. The first 10 days sucked, not because of pain, but because of nausea. And I was starving. I couldn’t drink the nasty ass protein shakes, not for lack of trying. I just drank water basically. My surgeon told me don’t even worry about protein just stay hydrated. When I was allowed to have caffeine I started drinking the latte premier protein. I’m almost 2 months post and have lost 25.5 pounds. i eat things I shouldn’t sometimes (things that most people stay away from until goal, but it’s impossible to eat a lot of anything.

Is it normal that my incision is raised? Like is it gonna turn into a scar and just be raised forever? Surgery was just Monday 9/19 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I understand! I have hoshimotos thyroidism and I'm having a terrible time losing weight to be qualified for surgery. I just started on phentermine even though it makes me aggressive. I've gained 10 pounds since my first visit in October. Down 5 since then. But it's been a bear! All I can say is stay focused and lose all you can the healthy way. Don't starve yourself or do liquid diets just to lose it, you will gain it back again. And use weights during exercise. Muscle helps burn fat. Keep it up! You can do this. Sent from my SM-G920T using BariatricPal mobile app

I just wanted to offer some words of encouragement to all of you. I've had my Band since 12 Nov 09. I have lost a total of 54 1/2 lbs including (mandatory diet and Pre-op). I have lost on average about 4-5 lbs a month. So, for the most part, I am textbook with the weight-loss. So, though the loss was not fast, it is still coming off and, I am very encouraged. Well, I took my measurements back on 7 Dec 09. I'd completely forgotten about that. I hadn't really checked since then--other than measuring my waist periodically. Shockingly, this is the results: 7 Dec 09 10 July 10 Bust 7 Dec: 47------------ 10 Jul:39 Waist 7 Dec: 48----------- 10 Jul: 35 Hips 7 Dec: 47------------ 10 Jul: 40 Neck 7 Dec:14 1/2--------- 10 Jul: 12 Thigh 26 22 Arms lost 2 inches I know that this is long. But, hopefully it will motivate and encourage someone. Also, I have started jogging. Which has really helped too. Thanks, Brigette

Great job!! Here's a bit of my journey...I had one pregnancy before being banded and that little guy is now 4 years old. I was 216 when I got pregnant with him and gain 45lbs. I had gestational diabetes, protein in my urine and TERRIBLE kidney stones. I lost all that weight in the first few weeks, just due to my horrible eating habits and the fact that I was too busy with him to eat, I didn't nurse him so I wasn't too worried about my own nutrition. I waited a year after being banded before trying to get pregnant again and was down to 165, it took much longer to conceive, 7 months instead of happening the first month like it did the first time. I couldn't even keep water down and had half of my fluid taken out at 10 weeks. After that I had an AMAZINGLY enjoyable pregnancy living it up and being able to eat all the things I hadn't in the last year and a half and I gained 60 lbs... But I had NO health issues at all this time! It's really was a fantastic pregnancy, but the weight didn't come off near as easily as it did the first time around! My daughter is now 3 months old and I'm struggling to balance weight loss with nursing. I lost half of it in the first 6 weeks and then went in for a fill, but it's been pretty slow going since then. Good luck and try to find an OBGYN who is knowledgeable about the band if you can, then you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy knowing they've got you covered on both ends!

I have been swallowing Water in a more normal fashion than I thought I would be since the first week post-op, but now, at Day 26 post-op, I would almost characterize drinking water as "normal" for me. When I was able to introduce Premier Protein shakes at Day 10 post-op, though, it took me about 2 hours to drink one. Now, I can drink one in about 20 minutes. I count my blessings about the water, though, as I have read about many people who are still sipping weeks out from surgery.

I started walking the day of surgery and kept increasing steps until I got to 10,000/day, which is what my surgeon recommended. I was up to 10,000 by the end of week one, according to my record I keep. Best thing ever - to get right into the exercise. I also added wall pushups a little later. Then stairs - 10 flights/day by end of week 3. Then added some light weights for upper body.

Re: addictions i can’t say I’m well versed enough on this topic to dole out advice and offer solutions. But I can give support and personal anecdotes. Case in point: (While not about eating and food, I still think this has some sort of relevance) I had my first cigarette when was 15 yrs old. I worked my way up to a pack a day by the time I got to university (19 yrs old). Did this for TWENTY YEARS. Finally, I quit cold turkey in July 2011 when I was 38 yrs old. I was golden. I didn’t touch a cigarette for 8+ years. Not a single one. Then, in 2019, high off my success in weight loss probably, armed with an uncontainable confidence, I decided to have a cigarette while on vacation. Cuz i mean, can one really hurt? I could stop, obviously did before. Plus I’m on vacation, gotta live a little, right? I wasn’t even craving it, I just thought it would be no harm no foul since I had absolutely no intention to be a regular smoker again. I remember my husband tried his best to dissuade me. Le Sigh. That cigarette led to another, then another, then me buying a pack saying “I’ll only smoke on this trip”. Then I got back home and I still had some in the pack, so I said I’ll just finish these. Then I bought a pack at home, then another, then another…. Le Double Sigh. It is now 2023, 4 yrs since I stupidly smoked that effing cigarette, and I’m back to smoking almost a pack a day. Sometimes abstinence/the all-or-nothing approach is best for some people. I am not that type of person who could just have one cigarette and leave it at that. Should’ve known. What works for one person, may not have the same result with another. Do what works for you, people. ❤️

I am 10 weeks post op and have only lost 20lbs. It’s so slow and I have been fighting cravings every day for the last six weeks. I started exercising, built muscle and the hunger set in. Today I caved, had some sugar free candies and a slice of medium ham/pineapple pizza (no crust) and a half cup of Fairlife chocolate milk. I ended with 77 carbs!! Normally I try to keep it below 40. I’m sitting here and I feel like there’s this little disordered eating voice in my body laughing at me like “muahaha! Today we regain control of you! It’s only a matter of time before we stop this train and back it up!” I can literally sense my body storing fat. Okay not literally… but it feels that way. im about to hit my first big milestone once I go under 180 and I wonder if I’m self sabotaging? Do I really think I deserve this? What if I’m one of the statistics that doesn’t lose their weight? Ugh I’m so scared that I’m going to mess this up. Please tell me I’m not alone? Does anyone ever feel this way? 😢

I had mine removed in May and only a sore throat for a few days! Everything else went back to normal! I didn't have to take anymore meds for heartburn, bloating or anything!!! After two days my appetite came back to normal so be careful as you can easily slip back into old habits! Since removal in May I had lost 50lbs and gained back 10 lbs and lost 5 again! My doctor gave be phentermine to use for now so I can try to stay on track!

My mom was the worst offender growing up but now acts like she never made my weight an issue. I remember overhearing her talking to her friends about how concerned she was getting with my weight, etc...It was very damaging to my self-image. I then went thru anorexia and bulimia throughout highschool and college and then fast forward a few years and I am morbidly obese again, just like in childhood. I think parents making a huge issue of your weight when you are small only makes the problem worse. My sister received entirely different feedback from my mom b/c she was "chubby" but not fat. Even though she ate ten times more than me growing up she was never scolded for her weight/appetite. Yet now, mom talks like she was my #1 supporter growing up to have a good body image. Oh well...life goes on. I just know what I need to do when I have kids now.... ~Liz~ 03/10/06 241/178/160 5'7''

I lost 150 lbs and gained back 70 lbs. due to living with someone and having no control over the food brought into the house. I lost 30 from that regain by moving alone and regained 10 lbs. I am right now trying to just not gain weight. I am using a calorie app and trying to be more mindful.

^^^^^This is huge! My RD gave me this advice when I was very early out. She told me that years later, she still has some patients who have a protein shake and get 25-30g of protein in early in the day, so they can have more "mixed meals" or veggie only meals. Or veg/fruit only meals. And she felt like that helped give more balance. I also agree with everyone here who mentioned that you are very early on in the process and so your restriction is really high. But over time, your tool will mature and will allow more food. You just need to be prepared for that so you make good choices when that happens. Rants/raves/grieving is important!!! This is a safe place to do it! Congrats on your 40lb loss, the exercise plan which will tone and build strength and endurance--yay woman!!! And all of these things are gonna give you so much confidence. I would suggest a mindset change tho. Shift and reframe the situation. Instead of ranting about the change, shift it and know this is a precious, fleeting, very short window-of-opportunity where your food limitations will give you the biggest bang for your wls buck! (ie lose the most weight for the least amount of effort). KISS. Keep it simple. I used to be a huge foodie. LOVED (still love) the whole shebang--process. Used to make elaborate meals. Used to entertain and plate things specially, etc. And now, we seriously grill or pan sautee a lean protein (often a few meals in advance and fridge it), then take 5-10 minutes to steam, pan sautee or roast a veg and have some avo/tom salad. LOL. That's almost every nightly meal (with a cheat meal thrown in every so often cuz I'm not an angel). And it works. B-L are no brainers and just about getting protein in and ending hunger. When going out, share with hubs. Do an app and eat a bite or two. Do a fancy salad and eat a bite. Do a lush entree and eat a bite or two...and be done. Have an espresso with heavy cream for dessert! It makes it more fun! If you want to get fancy pants at home, look up Gordon Ramsay on The YouTube and look at how he prepares "mains" and plates them up beautifully for home use. Do that! Pick a perfect protein. Make it like a chef and plate it with a baby fancy pants veg. Make it sparkle and look beautiful. Share the plate with hubs. No leftovers. Total satisfaction. ORRRRRRR start reframing your relationship with food and balance that interest with new, active, non-food pursuits that involve your hubs...like nightly walks together and then come home to your KISS meal of protein + veg + healthy fat...or even more-bettah: play nekkidy twister with him, or strip monopoly. Good times! You'll figure it out. Sorry for the book. But this hit home with me and this was the transition that really helped soothe me.

DH = Dear Husband I am not sure with the sleeve, but I had sex with my husband about 10 days post-op my band surgery. John, my husband, was deployed during my revision to the sleeve June 3rd, and he didn't get home until September 30th. From what I've heard from others, they were able to be intimate once they were pain free, and comfortable. Of course, you can't be a contortionist immediately post op, but take it easy and be gentle.

hi Mona, I'm a 11/19 sleever too! I had a rough day yesterday..but all in all i'm feeling much better. I've lost 26 lbs but am definitely seeing a slowdown now. Havent seen a total stall but maybe 1/2 lb drop every 2-3 days. I hate all the dry whey proteins! I found one that I love at GNC, premixed in cans..not cheap but I figure they are basically my largest food expense of the day. Worldwide Protein drink, Cookies and cream and the chocolate. 35 grams protein, 170 cals and 4 carbs. I'm still amazed by how little I can eat of solid foods. Experimenting with different foods and combinations now. Although i still can't get my head to understand this..seem like the more calories we eat...under 1000..the faster we lose??? I'm lucky that I don't have to go back to work until Jan 4th (teacher) so I am working hard on being back to 100% in terms of energy ! enjoy the holidays! lets keep in touch ... Kris

Well r u n the soft or mushie stage if so eat tuna... raw tuna will do the trick... BUMBLE BEE® Prime Fillet® Solid White Albacore in Water Product Size: 6 OZ (170g) Serv Size 2 oz drained (56g - about ¼ cup) Servings: about 2.5 Calories 70 Fat Cal. 10 * Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Amount/Serving%DV*Amount/Serving%DV* Total Fat 1.0g 2% Total Carb. 0g 0% Sat. Fat 0g 0% Fiber 0g 0% Trans Fat 0g Sugars 0g Cholest. 25mg 8% Protein 16g Sodium 250mg 10% Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 0% • Calcium 0% • Iron 0% • Niacin 25% • Vitamin B-6 10% • Vitamin B-12 15% • Phosphorous 10% • INGREDIENTS: WHITE TUNA, WATER, SALT, PYROPHOSPHATE ADDED chicken Clams Crab Oysters Ready to Eat Meals Salmon Sardines & Mackerel Shrimp Tuna © 2006 Bumble Bee Foods, LLCPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions