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My name is Kristen. I am a 33 year old single mom in KS. I just had the gastric sleeve done on 1-5-15. They injured my spleen while in there so my recovery has been rough. I am lucky that my insurance covers the surgery and I have options in my area. A lot of people don't have insurance coverage and they have to drive far away just to find a surgeon. With that said, today is day three and I am pretty miserable.

So I have attained my 1st NSV:) One of the things that happened when I hit my ultimate low and made the decision to get my lap band was when my wedding ring wouldn't fit:( I had to have my ring enlarged a few years back and at that time it was no big deal. But to have to do it again was really disheartening. I am 2 weeks post op and I have lost enough weight and water weight that my ring comfortably fits again. This is so motivational. It was hard when my husband asked why I wasn't wearing my band and I told him it was cutting off the circulation in my finger. I think this was the point when he realized how much I was struggling too. Oh well that is in the past. The ring fits now and I hope the next thing I have to do is get it made smaller.

I was unable to lift more than 20 lbs for the first two weeks...

You can expect a great change in your life:) Really expect some pain. But take your pain medication that the doctor gives to you. Don't over do it, but make sure that you walk as much as possible so the air comes out that they pump into you during surgery. You might want to get yourself some Gas-X strips for gas pains (which is from the air). Recliners are good to sit in after surgery. If you don't have one make sure you prop a pillow under your left side (If that is where your port is going) when you lie down. Body pillows are great too. It takes a good 2 weeks before you are totally back to normal. Make sure you drink your fluids. And don't cheat. Stick to the plan that the doctor gives to you. It's important for your body to heal. Most of all don't be upset if you don't lose much weight the first few weeks. It's all about the healing process. Get yourself some sugar free ice pops. Not only are they good but they help with the swelling too. Good luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress. CONGRATULATIONS!! Do you have a surgery date yet?

I was not allowed to lift anything more than 15# for at least 4 weeks! Some are even more restricted than that! Definitely need to discuss this with your surgeon...maybe there are precautions you can take, wear a support device or something like that. But don't take risks!

j-rod - Get the lap band removed...? Absolutely bloody not! I've never felt better in my life. I am 4 weeks post surgery, 27 pounds down, and feeling like I am making amazing progress. The lap band is a tool, not a solution. You have to work WITH it, in order to make it work. The band is the teacher. I have avoided vomiting and 'sliming' by taking small bites (no larger than 2 blueberries). I chew everything to a paste, and only then do I swallow. I eat Protein first, then veggies, then tiny amounts of carbs. I have learned about "First Bite Syndrome" and how to avoid it. I have invested $16,000 in this procedure, so it will ABSOLUTELY work - I have a financial obligation (and an emotional one, too!) to ensure it does! I have had an excellent (no... SUPERB) surgeon whose follow up program for me with a nutritionist and nursing team and webinars has been incredibly helpful and supportive. No one should vomit with the Band. Getting food stuck (on occasion) and having a sliming episode once, twice or even a few times, is, I've learned, to be expected when you forget the rules. I expect that I will forget at some point, lose my focus and eat too much/ too fast and have an episode. I will learn the lesson when the lesson is ready to be learned! In my learning and research I have learned that regurgitation at night is often caused by acid washing up through the esophagus because of a stretching of the pouch above the band. So what happened with "Your Guy"? If he was in the habit of pushing his band to fight back by taking large bites or eating the wrong foods, then he needs to change his habits. "Pouch dilatation" is something that needs medical attention to correct. You even said in your post since then he's been "super careful and it hasn't happened since". Well - we all need to learn new habits after being banded. If he wasn't ready to make the changes and begin a new relationship with food, he wasn't ready to be banded. I hate to judge or say he did anything wrong. Not my place. Hell, I am new to banding myself. I can tell you what I've learned - that is that the band will NOT work and is CHEATABLE and can/will FAIL if you do not follow the rules. The Rules: No bites over the size of 2 blueberries. Everything is chewed to a paste - anything not dissolving down gets spat out. Average about a bite a minute. About 20 bites makes a meal. No more than 20 minutes per meal. No crap food. (Really, does this need to be said?) Move your body, even if its just walking. No drinking calories (pop, juice, booze). Stop eating before you feel 'full'. Understand the difference between "fullness" and "satiety". Serve meals on a side/dessert plate. Eat with small utensils, like an oyster fork, to prevent big bites. Please do not caution anyone against the band. You are not in a position to do that. The band has changed lives and improved the health and well-being of thousands... THOUSANDS... of people. I am one of those people, and even though I have just started my journey, I am well on my way to losing 100 pounds and improving my health. I have reclaimed my life and would recommend this minimally-invasive, effective procedure to anyone, provided they are willing to LEARN ABOUT and IMPLEMENT the changes that are required for it's success.

Hi Paul I am like you just starting, my appointment is in 2 weeks. I wish you loads of luck!

Hi! My name is Courtney. I have my consultation with Dr. John Bagnato tomorrow (April 8) and my surgery is scheduled for April 30th! I'm so excited to get started on this journey. Unfortunately, I will be completely self pay, as tri-care will not pay. Personally, though, I'm convinced that this is an investment in my future. For the price of a low end car, I can significantly decrease my chances of getting all the weight related issues that I'm headed towards. :-) I think I can handle that. I have been reading a lot of the forums on here for about 2 weeks, and I find a lot of encouragement from reading other people's posts. Thanks for that! :-)

Salaamu Alaikum, I would you that you would be received with respect. Im going next week for the first time. I dont wear hijab so no one would know that I was a muslim. But I would be happy to ask a few questions while Im down there if ya like? Sandy in AZ on Mars

Hi, thought I'd take a few minutes and introduce myself. I was just banded on Monday, 12/27. For the most part I feel pretty good, but am still a little sore. Right now I am on a liquid diet for the first week until I see my surgeon next week. This is how I am starting the new year, looking for a new me. Happy New Year!

wow 18 pounds the first week is wayyy better then me! since i had my band on the 7th i have lost about 10 pounds. Its going a little slow for me but the docter told me a lot of people do not lose a whole lot of weight in the first 4 to 6 weeks. When you get your first fill you should start losing weight a little quicker and you will be more used to having the band and learning how to use it. Im still learning a WHOLE lot my self but im not going to be to worried yet about not losing weight super fast.

:confused:Is there anything else to drink or do on my first week. I just had my banding on Friday. I feel like i'm going out of my mind with jello and chicken broth. Is there anything....anything??

miangr per your profile - i see you were sleeved June18th your starting weight was 312 you have successfully lost 41 lbs!!!! bringing you to the magic # of 271!!!!! WooHoo WooHoo!!!! party dance party dance Protein bars are yummy, they can have alot of calories, and carbs too on an occassion, having one is terrifice - terrific taste some/many (me) OP try and stay away from Protein Bars cuz they are so good, (kindof like candy bar?? )very addicting some people do adjust their calories when a stall hits - to shake things up a bit "assuming" I need to increase................. hmmmmm - i "assume" LOL you know what happens when you "assume" something??? You make an assssss out of you and me you are only 7 weeks PO discuss with your NUT your situation/concerns she is the only one that OFFICIALLY should direct you to your calorie intake many/most times - you just have to "ride" out a stall some people might change this or that about their daily routine, and the stall breaks but whose to say if these changes helped break the stall or the stall was gonna break on its own coincidentally the same time changes were made???? you are doing great with your weight loss 41 lbs!!!! OMG!!!! keep up the good work kathy congrats

I had my surg on Oct 1st and I'm right with you on wt loss about 13lbs... I'm more worried about all the post op bloating...I feel like I'm going to pop..how many weeks are you off work for recovery? I go back next wednesday and I hope something fits!! seriously I look 6 mths pg!!

Hey Chaz i had my surgery just over a week ago now and I agree, it's hard when you see foods that you would normally not think twice about eating, but I also agree with the others who've said it's something you just have to work on. I have been overweight my whole life and this whole lap band adventure is so so exciting to me. I barely ate in my first week home, and my weight loss reflected that for sure, but now I'm feeling hungry and although on fluids, I just make sure I eat on time and usually every couple of hours - not that I'm eating HUGE amounts - probably half a cup at a time (soup, juice both vegie and fruit), Meal Replacement drink etc. I have found that this just keeps me focussed and on track. My first fill wont be for another 6 weeks or so, and my surgeon said to me before I let hospital - that the time is essential to first put a 'band' around my mind in terms of what foods I should eat and what I shouldn't, so that when I have my first fill it won't be such a big surprise :wink: I am excited for you and am sending lots of positive vibes! I hope this was helpful in some way? Cal

That's weird cause I have BCBS also and they only want 3 months. Maybe it's a different plan. My BMI is well over 50 which really made me think "what was I thinking!!" But I'm super excited to get going on this journey. I have my second doctors appointment next week and then nutrition on the 17th. I'm wondering how the psychologist exam goes. Well beat of luck to you on your journey :-)

I am also scheduled for January 14th. Just started my two week pre-op diet. First day I had stomach flu and now I have a cold. Really struggling and feel alone right now. I know I'm making the right decision but at the moment not so sure.

Hello, I had my surgery a little over 3 weeks ago. The surgery went very well and I've been doing well so far. I was having a problem with anxiety for a bit. It's all so new and there is so much to think about. My primary doctor has put me on a very low dose anxiety med (I did suffer from mild anxiety years ago); and I feel so much better. I'm currently on soft solids and am starting to run out of food choice ideas. I'll take any suggestions. I do get to add in fibrous veggies in a few weeks; so I know that will help. I have a friend that had the band done, a friend that had the sleeve done; and a friend that had the full bypass done; but I'm hoping to find some people to talk with that are currently going through the same thing. My friend that had the bad done is almost three years out and doesn't remember a lot of the stuff from just after she had the surgery. I hope I can help others with any questions they may have too. I guess that's about it for now. Hope to talk with people soon!!!

Don't want to scare you but I just got my bill 49689.54. And that was just the WILD and hospital stay... I've paid about 500. For test etc... So look around... Maybe you could do the 2 week fast. And see what happens.

Hi & WELCOME You have an awesome start on your journey! Good luck & try not to get discouraged if the weight loss slows down a bit or even stops until you get some restriction going. I went through an eight week period and didn't lose a single lb. keep your eye on the goal & remember how far you have come already! WTG!!! 278/231/180

I have a surgery date of December 10th and I am very excited! I started the medifast diet early because my insurance requires a bmi of less than 50 and I am slightly above that. So inorder to qualify I started medifast on September 16th. I have been on the diet for two weeks now and have lost 15 pounds! I am happy about the weight loss but I am afraid I will not be able to stick to the medifast for three whole months. Right now I am on four shakes a day with one meal. Soon I will be on five shakes a day with no meal! I pray I have the willpower to stay on the medifast. If I don't, I wont lose enough weight to have my insurance pay for the surgery. I need words of advise on how to make it through. Did anyone else get frustrated on the medifast diet?

My name is Carla. I have had the lap band since october of 2008. I will never regret getting it, however, I wish I went about it a little bit different. I made the decision in the beginning of June of 2008 to get it and because my insurance didn't cover it, I got to rush through and skip a lot of steps (psych consult/nutrition/support group). I have been overweight my entire life and my weight was slowly ballooning upwards. I was 200 lbs when I was 16 and clocked in at 326 the day of surgery. I had surgery when I was 31. I (stupidly) thought the band would fix everything that was wrong in my life. While it has done numerous things for me (no more sleep apnea, more self-confident in my job, and through the roof energy!) there have been set backs. One of my biggest issues that I have is that I am completely unable to see my weight loss. When I look in the mirror, I see no difference between me now and me then. Oh yeah, I weigh 180 now. I tend not to eat a lot. Three to five bites at a time, and sometimes it will go through the band and sometimes ... Well sometimes it revisits me. I eat about 3 "meals" a day. Depression has hit me in the past 6 months, because I just want to eat a "normal" meal without wondering where the nearest bathroom is. I despise going out to restaurants (ever since my episode at bob Evans with the little old lady standing outside of my bathroom stall lecturing me on bulimia). I decided to join this site as a form of support. In case you are wondering, yes I have spoke to my surgeon about this, but I don't think he listens. I am (somewhat) afraid that I will "fail" and gain weight again if he takes any fluid out. Argh! Stupid me!

Congrats! I had surgery on Oct 4. It was difficult to get my protein and fluids in. Today I struggle with distinguishing thirst from hunger. So I will focus on fluids and then have protein. I am in a little bit of a stall. I eat anything I want too but feel guilty when I eat something that's high in carbs. I also only allow myself a tiny bit of bread, rice, or pastas. I know that these foods expand when in my stomach. Sorry, I got a little off topic.

It sounds like you have been through a lot. I was sleeved Dec. 31 and spent 2 days in the hospital. After a week, I felt ok, just tired. Before 2 weeks, I felt pretty normal. I didn't have complications, but they can happen. Good luck to you with whatever decisions you make. By the way, I'm in Dallas. Dr. Cribbins did my surgery - he is terrific.

My doc never mentioned having protein shakes after surgery. All I have been told to do is be on full liquids now for two weeks. Most of the time I am not hungry at all but every now and then I get hungry and I just have something liquid. Broth, soy milk, juice, pudding, apple sauce...yep they are allowed. She said as long as it isn't thicker than pudding. I did try to have a protein shake today and didn't even get half way thru it. I was also told to try and get a GALLON of liquids a day, I know i am not getting close to that.