Search the Community

Congrats on making it half way! I voted 10% - any weight loss with the band is worth celebrating because in many cases and with reasonable effort, its weight that will never come back.

Someone shared this link before, but it I think it really gives good advice on a "good fill". I'm going to try it before my next fill, my next fill will make fill #10 for me, so I'm hoping to get to that sweet spot, I'm really close! Lap-band adjustment - Laparoscopic Band adjustment in Phoenix Arizona (AZ)

I was banded by Dr. Curry with JourneyLite 10/19/09. When were you banded? I have my 1st fill on 11/16/09 and I can't wait, I have been so hungry for the past week. How much have you lost?

I lost 10 lbs every month about 2lbs a week and until I got on this site never realized other people didn't, maybe mine was just mental, but I believed I couldn't eat more so I didn't. I ate what they told me I could eat and stopped when I felt full, often leaving some on the plate,,, I always ate protein first and was so tired from chewing that I just stopped. I am glad I didn"t know about bander hell.........But everryone is different .

I have had diarrhea gas and bloating for over a week now Dr. said I could stop the actigal as diarrhea is a side effect, but no change after 5 days Possible causes seem to be... A bug like e coli or salmonella ... but 10 days? I am eating something I cant tolerate .... not sure what I am eating badly ... not chewing enough? But that would come and go Read news article this week that said the sleeve helps produce a positive change in the gut biome... so maybe this is just a phase? Any advice.... besides immodium and hydration

How long was it before you could eat regular food after you were banded? I had the informational seminar on Wednesday and they gave us the diet layout and I can't start regular food till 11 weeks after surgery! :faint: It seems that that is a lot longer than other people have had. I'm on full liquids from 3 days after surgery to week 3, then on pureed food till week 5 and soft foods (is that what's considered mushies?) week 6-10. I have my first consult with the surgeon on Thursday and will definately be asking about the post-op diet! Just wondering what the average is here.

I was on liquids until my post-op visit, which was 10 days. Then I went to mushies for a week and regular food after that.

It is somehow comforting for me to read this - I'm 10 days away from surgery and my single biggest fear is how much I will miss drinking my diet 7-up/diet coke while I eat. I'm having nightmares about it! I was too ashamed to post what seemed like such a "trivial" worry, but I see that it is hard, after all..... Danielle

So, have not been feeling too peachy last couple of days. Insurance changed some of their requirements for surgery. I was scared. I sent an email to my coordinator asking the status of my approval...because I was thinking positive. She said sorry...no news yet. Within 10 minutes of her email, I got another email which stated I was approved. Woo hoo. Chubby girl dance. Thought I would share with anyone reading....all smiles.

They monitored what went in and what went out! The nurse set up 10 1oz cups of water. When I drank those she brought in 10 more. She saved the empty cups and left them on the gray. When I reach 50oz in one day she said I was good to go and would likely be released from the hospital. They basically want to make sure you are able to hydrate with no nausea or other issues. Not sure why they kept track of what went "out."

@@BobbyD - walmart also carries a greek yogurt in four packs that are 80 calories. Not as many varieties but I love the strawberry cheesecake! You can add Protein to bump up the content, but watch the sugars and calories as well. I was told to try to get single digit grams of sugar or under (1-9 grams) and double digit protein (10 or better)

I think it depends on the size of the band (not sure though). I have the bigger 10 cc band (you can put 10 mL of saline in it) and my surgeon filled it to 3 cc's at surgery. I think if you get a smaller band - 4cc, they generally don't put in any saline at surgery. I didn't realize that I had saline in my band until I had my first fill. I think is totally up to your doctor.

these are all such great ideas you have given me and inspired me also. I will be a year this month and have only lost 36 lbs so far. I have 4.5cc in my band, and still would like to have more as I feel hungry most of the time. It upsets me to no end. My doctor is wonderful though and is very encouraging, but is cautious about giving me fills. I go in 2 days and hopefully he will even put in a small amt. for me. I am hoping to see more ideas on here about what to eat. This is my first time on here. Thank you for sharing. Maggie lapband done: 10/19/2011

I was banded on 6/23 and as of today (10/23) have lost 16 pounds. Not very much but I've experienced a dramatic remission with my diabetes since the day of surgery and have gone down one size. In one day, done with insulin maybe forever, and that is a very big thing. But..it is not enough, and I want to lose weight, and fast...but I feel so hopeful now, like never before, that I will lose the weight...eventually. That has been a breakthrough for me. A big one. "Its just a tool" are the truest words I can say about lapband. You really do have to do the work. I thought it would be easier and that the weight would just fall off, but for me it is not working out that way. But I know I am eating different, and I know that I think about food in a different way. My goals with this are not all weight related, I wanted to change my life (along with the size of my butt!) and it all is going to take...as long as it takes. Give yourself the gift of time with this process. You are on your way!!

Well had my surgery today at 10, was home by 2! I really don't remember much, every one was very nice and I never felt nervous or the "what have I gotten myself into's" Not a whole lot of gas or pressure pains that I was expecting, I feel like I have had a c-section tho! My pain meds are keeping it at bay tho. I had a bout of hiccups that about put me under, but they quickly passed... Im surprised about the fact that I cant tell the band is there, I was afraid to swallow, I didn't want to feel that restriction right off, and so far I havent! Drinking 6 oz of watered down juice every hour as per dr.'s order along w/some other clear liquids for the week, then back to protien shakes..!! Whoo whoo!

Hey Steph! Don't be nervous at all. You will not remember a thing. It goes very smoothly and you will do great! The pain is bearable. Not fun, but a lil pain meds will do you just fine. I was actually just banded on 4/7/09. I have already lost 19 lbs. YAY! I take in about 800-1000 calories a day, but that is different for everyone I'm sure. I was directed to take in about 60g of protein a day. Take a good multivitamin and maybe a calcium supplement as well. Your doctor may have already told you this. I like the protein shakes called EAS: Advantage Chocolate Fudge. They taste good and they have 17g of protein with only 110 calories. I am so excited for you!!! I am still learning how to use my band. It is definately a learning process. Good luck and I wish you all the best :wub:

Well first off, your tummy has probably healed and therefore is more relaxed. If your noticing that you can get carbs in more, then cut back and put more protein in first. I find that if i eat a piece of chicken first, I usually don't have much room for anything else. If i do, then i'll eat the vegatables, for sure after that i'm very full. If i eat doritos or cheetos, sure i can eat the whole darn bag. . and that is because carbs just slide through, that is why they are called sliders. . fatty, yukky, sliders that make you gain weight. . . As for the stall from hell? Well try stalling for 7 months! Yup you heard right, i was stalled for 7 months! then i started to lose again, but only lost about 10 lbs and ever since then have been maintaining at my current weight. . . I'm happy about that cause at least i don't weight 350lbs anymore and that is great! Good luck!

Glad to hear that the good steps you are taking has broken your stall! Good job on your gym membership. I'm going to get one this week for the first time in 10 years. I think the weight just slows down around 5 months anyway, because I've noticed things have slowed dramatically for me too. BUT, the scale is still moving in the right direction.

Hi, I'm new here. I joined this forum with the expectation that my surgery was going to be about 10 months from now. I went to the surgeon today and I'm looking at two to three months from now. Which yay?!? I don't have to think about the what if's as long, but now I'm overly anxious about "holy crap, it's so soon I don't have time to prepare". I'm having the bypass which is what I went into the appointment expecting him to say I would need. I'm just nervous and jumping in head first reading all the posts. Thanks for sharing your stories, I didn't want to read them while being a creeper and not sharing mine.

I had my surgery on October 18th 2012. Before my surgery I had lapband, It did not work I actually gained weight so I had it removed in August. When my Doctor performed my surgery he started out doing it Laproscopic, However he couldn't see so he had to go in zipper style, so they said it was as though I had 2 surgerys in one. After my surgery I stayed in ICU for 3 days, when I was moved to a room I was doing pretty well untill my white blood count was low, and they fixed that, gave me incilin every day although i'm not diabetic, (that was torture) next someone on my floor had the infection C-Diff, and then I got it. I was in isolation for 2 weeks in the hospital it was horrible, I then had to get 2 blood transfusions, and I finally began feeling better, the infection subsided and I went home. After a few days of being home the infection started back up the diahhrea was unbearable, I got dehydrated, and had to return to the hospital where they gave me horrible antibiotics in liquid form, which was hard to tolerate, and they gave me an IV to rehydrate me. After being back in the hospital for 1 day I took the antibiotics for 10 days and began to feel better. Since then I have had a very hard time eating just too weak to do anything, but now I've got my energy back and I am doing so much better. I had a horrible experience, long hospital stay 2 1/2 weeks, but hopefully the outcome will make up for it. Its been a long painful journey but i'm getting there! Now I am on the restricted solid diet and I still only eat applesauce, and pudding, I hate it!!! I tried to eat a little chili my husband brought home because he thought I was starving BIG MISTAKE!!! I now know It gave me what is called the "dumping syndrome", now i'm afraid to try any solid foods or anything else for that matter......

I am 3.5 weeks post op. I have been walking alot but I too am having trouble picking up things. I was told by my doctor not to pick up anything heavier that 10 pounds for 4 weeks. I am a Curves member and my doc. told me to wait 4 weeks to go back. I can hardly wait. I really enjoyed the Curves circuit before surgery.

Check out some of the recipes I created while on my 6 week full liquids. Ignoring the peanut butter ones, of course. I also got chest pains with the heaviness of some things like peanut butter if I was not careful and had too much. Once I started doing this I was getting more than my recommended 60grams a day. Some of them are pushing the limits a bit, but most of them were a true life saver, as I never found myself getting desperate for real food! <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/909/6236/9096236.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Weight Loss</a> Tools</small></p> J’s High Protein Full liquid Recipes PHASE 2: Full liquid diet This starts 1 day after surgery NOTE: On the Full Liquid Diet, up to 6-8oz per meal is OK for 3-6 meals a day with lots of water and mini 2-4oz Snacks in between (snacks are optional, but can create slower weight loss). Make sure to drink LOTS of water. The bulk of your fullness should be water. Stop before feeling full. I am consistently losing weight with these measurements. Remember to drink or eat very slowly. You can train yourself by using tiny baby spoons. The point of this 6 week plan, I am told is partly to shrink your stomach and get you prepared for the first band tightening where you will be limited to very tiny amounts. The doc wants you to get bored of these foods, because after the 6 weeks, you go strictly to solids and water. No more mushy or liquids. All of my recipes include ingredients that can be found at most Whole Foods Markets, Trader Joes or Meijers Grocery. Organic products are all optional, but I (from recent experience) highly recommend for those wanting a more rapid weight loss or healthier system in general. Using skim milk over cream or any other dairy milk will speed it up as well. The nut milks are a great way to sneak in even more nutrients. Most grocery stores carry these organic products now, but you have to look for them. *All my high fat recipes include only healthy or beneficial fats that have not been processed and do not include any hydrogenated oils. Please check the nutrition labels before purchasing any ingredients.* My Personal Tips for More Rapid Weight Loss Using the Liquid Recipes: 1. Use my snack recipes only once a day 2. Choose only my low fat options from my recipe list 3. Stay under 1000 calories. 4. Minimize the amount of sweetener used 5. Choose a Superfoods recipe at least once per day 6. Take liquid multi Vitamins from Whole Foods Market once a day 7. DRINK MORE WATER J’s Favorite Sugar Substitutes Liquid Stevia (Whole Foods Market) Xylitol (Whole Foods Market) Looks like sugar & great for decaf coffee, baking (during Phase 3: Solids) etc… J’s Daily food Goals 60g Protein per day (split up into six 2oz meals or three 4oz meals) 5g or less of sugar per meal 3-6oz per day of liquid multi vitamins from health food stores As many drinks of water between meals as possible 800 Calories a day Full Liquid Recipes (MY FAVE) Decaf Mocha Protein 4oz organic decaf coffee of choice 2 oz skim (lowfat option) or Real Organic Whipping Cream (high fat option) 1 serving organic whey Protein powder (any flavor) 1/2 tsp real organic vanilla extract 1 ½ tsp real organic chocolate extract 2 tsp Xylitol (or to taste) ~blend well~ Egg Nog 6g protein 6g sugar (from milk) (drink only half at one sitting) Blend All: 1 raw, organic and cage free egg 4 oz organic skim milk 8 drops liquid Stevia Extract Dash real sea salt 2 dash organic nutmeg 1/4 tsp real organic vanilla extract 1/4 tsp rum extract (optional) Healthy Cocoa Mint Protein Shake 1 cup organic skim milk Real organic mint leaves or real organic mint extract 2 tsp real, raw & organic cocoa powder 2 tsp raw, organic Maca Powder (This is a Super Food from Whole Foods Market or online. This is used often with real cocoa because it tastes great together and the minerals in both works together to balance the Calcium and magnesium found in them.) 1 serving organic weigh protein powder 6 drops Liquid Stevia Option 1: Boil 1 cup skim on stove top with ¼ cup of real organic mint leaves. Strain, then add other ingredients to milk. Blend & let cool. Drink ONLY HALF and save other half for another meal~ Option 2: For COLD & FAST shake, take 1 cup skim, add 2-4 drops mint leaf extract, add the rest of ingredients and blend. Drink HALF right away and save rest for later~ Almond Coco Joy Protein Shake 6oz skim (or almond milk) 2 tsp coconut extract (or 2 oz real organic coconut milk to add creaminess) 1 tsp Almond extract 3 tsp Real Organic Cocoa Powder 1 tsp real organic chocolate extract 2 tsp Organic Maca Powder (Super Food from Whole Foods Grocery or online. This is used often with real cocoa because it tastes great together and the minerals in both work together when combined.) 1 serving Organic Vanilla Whey Protein Powder 6 drops Liquid Stevia (if using almond milk instead, use only 4 drops) ~ blend well. Drink HALF right away and save rest for later~ Rice pudding Shake 6oz organic skim milk (or organic vanilla rice milk) 1 serving Organic Vanilla Whey or Organic Rice Protein Powder 2 tsp Organic Cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract 6 drops liquid Stevia (unless using organic rice milk) ~Blend & enjoy!~ Vanilla or Maple Protein Greek Yogurt 4oz Plain, full fat Organic Greek Yogurt Plain or Vanilla Organic Whey Protein Powder 5 drops Liquid Stevia 1/8 tsp Vanilla or Maple Extract ~Mix all ingredients together with a spoon until thin with no lumps~ Peanut Protein Power (high fat recipe) (Drink only HALF at one sitting. This is an extremely filling shake and you may get uncomfortable if you drink too much) 1 tbs creamy, raw, organic with no salt added peanut butter 4oz Organic Skim Milk 1 tbs real organic & raw cocoa powder (optional) 1 serving organic whey protein powder ¼ tsp almond extract ¼ tsp real organic vanilla extract 10 drops liquid Stevia or 2 tsp Xylitol ~blend all ingredients together VERY WELL~ Vanilla Orange Dream 6oz organic skim milk 1 serving organic plain or vanilla whey powder 1/8 tsp orange extract 1/8 tsp vanilla extract 8 drops Liquid Stevia ~shake or blend all~ Coconut Milk Protein Shake (high fat) 1/3 cup pure organic coconut milk 2/3 cup organic skim milk or rice milk ½ tsp vanilla extract 5 drops of liquid Stevia (or to taste) 1 serving organic whey protein powder 1 tsp almond extract (optional) 1 tbs raw, organic cocoa powder (optional) ~Shake or blend all together~ DOUBLE CHO-COCOA COVERED banana 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder 2 1/2 tbs cocoa powder 3 tsp chocolate extract or 1 tbs organic chocolate syrup (contains pure cane sugar) 8 drops Stevia extract or Truvia replacement sweetener (same as stevia only in a crystallized form) 1 cup organic skim milk 1/4 very ripe banana 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional) 1 tbs creamy organic peanut butter (optional) ~blend well and enjoy!~ Simply Nanners! 1/2 very ripe banana 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 8 drops Stevia extract or Truvia replacement sweetener (same as Stevia only in a crystallized form) 1 cup organic skim milk ~blend well and enjoy!~ Banutty 1/2 very ripe banana 1 tbs organic creamy peanut butter 1 scoop organic vanilla or plain whey protein powder 1/4 tsp real organic vanilla extract 1/4 tsp almond extract 1/3 cup organic skim milk 1/3 cup organic almond milk (adds sweetness and nutrients) 1/3 cup organic hazelnut milk (adds sweetness and nutrients) 4-8 drops liquid Stevia ~ Mixing milks is optional, but will add a much richer and sweeter flavor. Blend well and enjoy!~ Full Liquid SNACKS Note: Have these ONLY after you have gotten your required amount of protein in for the day and are still hungry. These will fill you and add extra nutrients to your daily diet. These contain higher fat and may slow down weight loss. Mix cream Soups with water for better results. Cream Soups Meijers Grocery & Whole Foods Market carry an AMAZING Organic Cream Soups collection, Imagine & Pacific brand, where you can poor it right out of the carton! Most of the soups have no chunks in them (chunks have to be strained). You can also choose the LOW SODIUM flavors which are very good and (optional) add real sea salt from Whole Foods Market to them later if you want. Choose any flavor and enjoy! My Faves: Organic Creamy Tomato Organic Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Organic Creamy Sweet Potato Organic Creamy Acorn Squish with Mango ( I like it as is) Organic Creamy Cashew, Ginger & Carrot Organic Creamy Sweet Pea Organic Creamed Tomato Soup (Whole Foods & Meijers Grocery)<br style="mso-special-character: line-break"> <br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> Poor 4oz of soup in mug and heat for 1 min in microwave. For turning this into pizza SOUP add: 1 sprinkle oregano 2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese (stir in well after soup has cooled for 1 min. DO NOT MELT in soup) 1 sprinkle garlic powder 1 sprinkle onion powder 1 sprinkle real sea salt Organic Creamed Red Pepper Soup (Whole Foods & Meijers Grocery) Poor 4oz of soup in mug and heat for 1 min in microwave. 2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese (stir in well after soup has cooled for 1 min. DO NOT MELT in soup) (This is high in Vitamin C) Organic Creamed Sweet Potato Soup (Whole Foods & Meijers Grocery) Poor 4oz of soup in mug and heat for 1 min in microwave. Sprinkle real sea salt Add ½ tab REAL ORGANIC butter Egg or Avocado salad 1 Hard Boiled Egg Yolks (no white, since it is unable to blend smoothly) = 3-5grms protein (This recipe CAN BE SUBSTITUTED WITH AVACODO for other daily nutrients. Use the equivalent of one egg yolk. Just remember that it is higher fat and lower protein. BUT, not to fear!... it’s GOOD FAT. Avocado contains monounsaturated fats and oleic acid which helps lower cholesterol! ONLY eat this as a snack if you have gotten all your protein in for the day.) 1/2 TBS Kraft Olive Oil Mayo (or organic options from Whole Foods Market) 1 Tsp Mustard (look for brands with no added sugar) 1/2oz water Sprinkle of Paprika Sprinkle Garlic Powder (Optional) Sprinkle Opinion Powder (Optional) Sprinkle Dill (Optional) ½ Sprinkle Celery Salt (Optional) ~Blend EXTRA, EXTRA SMOOTH until the consistence of fat free yogurt to make a thin creamy paste, eat slowly with baby spoon and enjoy!~ Greek Yogurt Full fat or fat free PLAIN 2 oz = 2 gm protein ~Eat 2oz. plain, or add 2 drops almond extract & 4 drops of liquid Stevia to give it a “honey nut” flavor. Eat slowly with baby spoon~ V8 or Organic Tomato juice 2-4oz ~Add salt, pepper, onion powder & garlic powder to taste (optional). Eat slowly with baby spoon~ Organic Apple Sauce 2oz. plain or cinnamon (to help you “go” if you get constipated.) Chai Tea 2oz water 2oz Skim Milk 8 drops Liquid Stevia 3 shakes cinnamon 3 shakes cardamom 1 shake clove ½ shake cayenne 2 shakes ginger 1/2 shake black pepper ~Can sip this all day when you’re in desperate need of flavor!~ RECIPES #2 DOUBLE CHO-COCOA COVERED BANANA (High Fat & Calorie) 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder 2 ½ tbs cocoa powder 3 tsp chocolate extract or 1 tbs organic chocolate syrup (contains pure cane sugar) 8 drops Stevia extract 1 cup organic skim milk ¼ very ripe banana ¼ tsp almond extract (optional) 1 tbs creamy organic peanut butter (optional) ~blend well and enjoy!~ Simply Nanners! (High Calorie) ½ very ripe banana 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder ½ tsp vanilla extract 8 drops Stevia extract or Truvia replacement sweetener (same as Stevia only in a crystallized form) 1 cup organic skim milk ~blend well and enjoy!~ Banutty (High Fat & Calorie) ½ very ripe banana 1 tbs organic creamy peanut butter 1 scoop organic vanilla or plain whey protein powder ¼ tsp real organic vanilla extract ¼ tsp almond extract 1/3 cup organic skim milk 1/3 cup organic almond milk (adds sweetness and nutrients) 1/3 cup organic hazelnut milk (adds sweetness and nutrients) 4-8 drops liquid Stevia ~ Mixing milks is optional, but will add a much richer and sweeter flavor. Blend well and enjoy!~ BERY, BERY SUPER FRUITY (Low Fat) 1 tsp Raw, Organic Acai berry Powder (Superfood) 1 tsp Raw, Organic Lucama Powder (Superfood) 1 tsp Raw, Organic Pomegranate Powder 1 ½ TBS Strait Pure Organic Goji Berry Juice (Superfood) 1 ½ TBS Strait Pure Organic Cranberry Juice 10-12 drops Liquid Stevia 1 serving organic Vanilla Whey Powder 1 tsp Pure Raspberry extract 1 cup skim milk ~Blend well and enjoy!~ strawberry CREAM DESSERT #1 1 TBS strawberry extract (Bonus if you find a natural version of this) Or 2 ripe organic strawberries (must strain shake of chunks and seeds after blending well) ½ tsp real organic vanilla extract 8 drops Stevia extract or 1 tbs Xylitol 1/2 cup Organic Skim Milk 1/2 scoop organic vanilla whey powder 1 tsp Real Organic Whipping Cream (optional) ~blend well (Strain) and enjoy!~ Chocolate Cover Strawberry 2-4 ripe organic strawberries (must strain shake of chunks and seeds after blending well) 2 TBS real organic cocoa powder 1 tsp organic Maca powder 1 TBS organic chocolate extract 1 scoop organic whey vanilla whey powder 1 TBS Xylitol sweetener 5 oz organic skim milk ~blend well strain and enjoy!~ Cinnamon Covered Almond 4 oz Organic Almond Milk 2 oz Organic Skim Milk 2 TBS Real, Raw & Organic Honey 1 TBS Real, Organic Cinnamon 1 Scoop Organic Vanilla Whey Powder ~Shake very well and enjoy!~

Used to love bacon and sausage but neither sit well with me now. Am ok with chicken and beef done in the pressure cooker. Sent from my HTC 10 using the BariatricPal App

I'm currently on my pre-op diet which is a 1000 calorie a day mostly liquid diet. I am allowed to have shakes (Muscle Milk Lite), which is absolutely atrocious because of the after taste. I was convinced it was not bad and I bought $150 worth of it to last me the 2 weeks. Also I am allowed to have 2cups of vegetables a day which is my splurge of a iceberg lettuce for dinner. It's day 2 and I'm down from 373lbs to 363lbs, 10 pounds in 2 days, I don't know if it's bad to lose that much weight or is it normal. It's very sad but I can't wait for my surgery and I can't wait till I'm able to eat some scrambled eggs when I get eat soft food....

Sorry I don't have a respond but after reading your post. I was wondering if you lost a lot if weight what went wrong that you gain all the weight back? Did you stop eating healthy? Went back to fast food? I'm new with WLS so if I wrote something offending I'm sorry. I'm just wondering why ppl get WLS but the moment something goes wrong the pounds come back on. I'm on the diet before surgery May 30, 2012 I lost 10 pounds in 1 week. I'm not cheating & I had many opportunity since I cook 7 days a week & 3 meals per day but I'm commited to change my life & I don't want to continue being over weight after surgery. I want to do so much. I have really small kids. 3 years old & 4 years old. Then much older 15 years old all same hubby.