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My port is in a very inconvenient place for me since losing weight. It's right at the bend in my waist and where my pants reach. I've been able to feel it kind of move around and tilt since surgery, but nothing major and no pain, just a weird feeling. I asked the PA about it and she says it's normal. Basically, as long as I can feel it then it's where it's supposed to be. About a week ago I dropped something off the couch and leaned forward to pick it up. I felt a really weird pulling and sat up quickly. Since then I have had a small muscle pain in that side; more like soreness. I can still feel the port and it seems normal. Could I have just bruised a muscle maybe? I'm not scheduled to go in and see my doc til April, of course I could go sooner if I wanted, but it's an hour away and, otherwise, I'm great! Should I just give it a week or so and see if it subsides and then call? It's not constant or severe. What do you think? Have any of you had a similar experience?

I've done well on my pre-op diet but it is 4-weeks long which has been challenging since I must attend company meetings and dinners. When I say sorry, I'm not hungry I get these odd looks. I can't tell them why I'm on this special diet. To sit at a dinner and order Water with lemon is sometimes embarrassing, while everyone else is eating. Also, my family has plenty to celebrate with so many milestones this year. I don't want them to miss out on any of it, so, I've found myself ordering the usual water with lemon. I'm not really hungry because I usually have my shake before going so it's bearable but it feels awkward. I wish I could just hid out until I am able to eat a little bit. Soup, salad, veggies, I love veggies! I suppose I could order those, but I'm always worried about how it's prepared. I'm trying to shrink my liver here!! arrggghhh, just frustrated today. Had to let that out. Thanks Bariatric Pals for listening. Anyone out there experienced the same love to hear from you.

Wow...4 weeks pre-op seems a bit excessive...but each doctor is different, as you are aware... I had to do 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after...which, after the first few days was fine. I understand what you mean...but for now, you have to take care of YOU and follow your program. If someone asks, you can tell them that you can't eat because you are prepping for surgery... if you don't want to tell them more, just say, it's personal, or I don't wish to talk about it. People with etiquette queues should know enough not to press you further. Family events are going to change forever... it's not about the food, it's about the PEOPLE... that's what you have to remember. It will be easier once the surgery is done, but it still takes work... hang in there. good luck

Boy I wish I had the desire to even want to ask this question...You go girls...last time I lost this much weight I was a nimpho...this time, eh....But I remember hearing 2 weeks or when ever I felt up to it...hehe...I still don't feel up to it....But I didn't before my band either. Go for it Karen!!

I had the RNY in June of this year. After about 4 months out I have lost about 80 pounds. I also fell ill. I started blacking out and fainting. Had a lot of lightheadedness as well. It was discovered the my heart rate dropping down into to the 30s. I also had my gallbladder out and had to be given medications during my surgery to keep my heart rate up. Anyway long story short, I now have a pacemaker and I am only 34. I have not been to the gym in a few months and have completely fallen off the diet band wagon. I have not gained any weight back. I just need some tips on getting back on a better diet. I will probably start back to the gym once I get the staples out of my chest next week.

My surgery is August 23rd but I'm going on a 7-day cruise August 5-12th. I'll have to start my pre-op diet as soon as I get off the boat. I ordered my unjury and got that last week. I tried the vanilla shake made with just milk and it wasn't bad at all. I ordered the Unflavored and the Vanilla. I'll order the chocolate Splendor and some vanilla packets this week. I believe I won't be able to have milk after surgery so I'll have to try the Unjury with just Water and see if I can tolerate it. I must admit, now I'm getting nervous but excited at the same time!

I am so sorry to hear this! If you have pouch dilation it does not take that long for it to heal, usually the treatment is to empty the band and let it rest for about 6 weeks and then slowly restart filling, some people can get back to the green zone with no issues, but after a pouch dilation you have to be more careful with portion sizes and measure and careful with Pbing and sliming. You may want to seek another opinion with another surgeon and see if they can replace your band, if you have the older 4cc bands they were more prone to issues than with the newer bands, but all bands can have the same issues but the older bands were higher pressure which caused more issues. Hope you can find answers. Well...the thing is that for some people sliming can lead to PBing....and we have to be very careful with putting too much pressure on the band, this can also dilate and swell the pouch.... Sliming is not that harmful since you are only spitting out slime and not causing pressure..but they should be avoided....everyone who gets a lap band and get to the green zone WILL at SOME point slime and PB it comes with the territory, we are not all perfect, however it should not be several times a day or even daily, you should keep them very rare...this is why we should always focus on eating taking tiny bites and chewing to mush, and not be distracted to minimize sliming... I slime about 2 times per week,...it's just a way a life for me, but I don't do it daily.

I had my first fill two weeks ago. I was losing very well but eating in between meals and starting to not feel so full. (My surgery was May 5 and I have lost 35 pounds.) So they said I should get a fill..which was an absolute breeze...no problem drinking a glass of water...no problem with liquids day 1 and mushies day two...but solid food has been difficult. I have found myself the last day over the toilet after every meal. Crappy food goes down great...ice cream or crackers....but chicken, tuna, hot dogs, burgers...all of that will usually come back up. I am feeling sore today...so should I just go to liquids for a couple days to give my stomach a break? I am so afraid I caused it to slip...though I can still feel when the food "goes through". Needless to say I have not lost any weight this week. But I lost 5 pounds the first week after the fill...so what to do? I don't do protein drinks but I do Carnation Instant Breakfast for breakfast..and yogurt goes down well. I could eat almost a half of sandwich yesterday...and I kept it down. Yogurt stays...course stupid stuff like chips and popcorn will stay down. And I don't want to be eating those...I just feel like everything I am eating is coming up so maybe I am hungry. To be honest..right now I am not sure I can tell because I am a bit sore........ Thanks Cindi

I'm starting to get info on this system, and I think I want to get the procedure done. But I don't know anyone my age whose had it done and I really need some questions answered. A lot of social activities are focused around food. I know that my friends and I go out to dinner and talk about what we've been up to after we get back from college. Has having the Lap Band made you not go out with friends as much? I don't think I plan on telling my friends (at least not all of them) that I'm getting this done. What do you guys do? What is the post-op lifestyle like? What does your diet consist of? Is it hard to stick with it? I know this might sound like a question in school, but what are some challeneges you've had with the post-op lifestyle? Were you able to overcome them? How? If you're not taking in that many calories (though you feel full) do you ever feel faint? Is the port noticeable, uncomfortable? Does it disengage easily? I'm a baton twirler and there is a lot of movement involved. I plan on resting the for the first six weeks recovery time, but afterwards, is it easily moved? Help me out. I know there are a lot of questions but I need to get some honest answers to make sure I make the right decision. Everyone out there who has had success really inspires me.

Yes one week ago today.

Hi: I am thrilled for you and will keep you in my prayers for a successful surgery. I was sleeved on 11/22. As each day progresses, I keep getting stronger. You can really feel it!! I was sleeved in San Diego by Dr. Takata. He is a fabulous surgeon. It was at least a 6 month ordeal but so worth it. I haven't found my appetite yet and I'm not going to waste my time looking. I have been there and done that. As you get closer to your surgery date you will receive a packet on everything and anything. But prior to that packet, you should be going to at least one diet class to learn the stage progressions to eating normal food. You will also be put on a pre-op diet and all doctors vary....some 5 days to 2 weeks. My daughter's will last 2 weeks and I was 5 days. Currently I am down 13# from the start of pre-op diet. Keep us updated and good luck, you will never regret your decision.

So my first week post op appt I lost 18 lbs. why hasn't my scale moved at all the last week and a half?! Freaking out now. And I have 3 week post op appt on Wednesday! :-(

I think I saw this originally posted on the forum here somewhere, but for anyone who missed it.. it just came back around to me in e-mail and it made me laugh all over again :smile: >>A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM This is dedicated to everyone who ever >>attempted to >>get into a regular workout routine. >> >>Dear Diary, For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) >>purchased a week of personal training at the local >>health club for me. Although I am still in great >>shape since being a high school football cheerleader >>43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to >>go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and >>made my reservations with a personal trainer named >>Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old >>aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing >>and swim wear. >> >>My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get >>started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to >>chart my progress. >> >>MONDAY: Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, >>but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the >>health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is >>something of a Greek goddess - with blond >>hair,dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo >>Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the >>machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in >>which she conducted her aerobics class after my >>workout today. Very inspiring! Belinda was >>encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was >>already aching from holding it in the whole time she >>was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!! >> >>TUESDAY: I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it >>out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and >>push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put >>weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the >>treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's >>rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel >>GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me. >> >>WEDNESDAY: The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the >>toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over >>it. >>I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving >>was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I >>parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. >>Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my >>screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a >>little too perky for early in the morning and when >>she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY >>annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, >>so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the heck >>would anyone invent a machine to simulate an >>activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda >>told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy >>life. She said some other crap too. >> >>THURSDAY : Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like >>teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled >>back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half >>an hour late, it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took >>me to work out with dumbbells. When >>she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. >>She sent another skinny witch to find me. Then, as >>punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- >>which I sank. >> >>FRIDAY : I hate that witch Belinda more than any human being >>has ever hated any other human being in the history >>of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic >>little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I >>could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her >>with it. Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. >>I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want >>dents in the floor, don't hand me the barbells or >>anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The >>treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and >>nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been >>someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir >>director? >> >>SATURDAY : Belinda left a message on my answering machine in >>her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not >>show up today. Just hearing her made me want to >>smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked >>the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up >>catching eleven straight hours of the Weather >>Channel. >> >>SUNDAY : I'm having the Church van pick me up for services >>today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is >>over. I will also pray that next year my daughter >>will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root >>canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had >>wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the >>floor with diamonds!!!

Wow, I just logged in to see about how much people lose on pre-op diet. I have surgery on 1/10 and of course, these past few weeks have been awful. The holidays are always bad and I thought this year I'd be a bit better. NO..hoping to lose 10-15 on pre diet. I see this and a bit worried. Sent from my SM-G900H using the BariatricPal App

Welcome Chevy and congrats on both your surgery and upcoming wedding. So many exciting things lie ahead for you! How are you doing thus far? I'm 4 weeks post op

I am so sorry to hear this! If you have pouch dilation it does not take that long for it to heal, usually the treatment is to empty the band and let it rest for about 6 weeks and then slowly restart filling, some people can get back to the green zone with no issues, but after a pouch dilation you have to be more careful with portion sizes and measure and careful with Pbing and sliming. You may want to seek another opinion with another surgeon and see if they can replace your band, if you have the older 4cc bands they were more prone to issues than with the newer bands, but all bands can have the same issues but the older bands were higher pressure which caused more issues. Hope you can find answers. Thanks. What is pouch dilation? I have a 10 CC Vanguard Band placed in 9/8/06. I have never ever wanted it removed. And I really don't know about replacing it. . . . it was working fine before my breast cancer surgery.

My 1 month appt is on Aug 29th. I think I will get a fill because I have lost 7 lbs since surgery (2 1/2 weeks ago) and since I started mushies, I have not really felt much restriction. Glad your appt went so well :thumbup:

well my doc doesnt advocate the liquid diet after fills, he just says to be careful, so no, I didnt do a liquid diet at all after my recent .2ml unfill. But I found it to be like a fill. Small immediate effect,then about a week later, I noticed how much easier it was to eat, how much hungrier I was and how many more really healthy foods (as opposed to sliders) I could eat. None of which led to weight gain thank goodness. I dont know why I got so tight, one of those things I guess. PMT, plane flight etc all happening round the same time.

I had my EGD done a couple of weeks ago at True Results in Houston. Very simple, I was diagnosed with a Hiatal Hernia and I'm now scheduled to have my band August 23rd. Good luck, there shouldn't be any pain or discomfort. Have a great one!

Hi y'all, I am one month post op and going for my first fill next week. Till now I have been able to eat anything as long as I chew it well. I have not thrown up or PB'd once yet. My question is will that change after my first fill? I know I won't be able to eat the sane quantities that I an eating now, but will the foods I am able to eat change? Thanks,

I have not forgot her as rude as it may seem. I promise it will go out by this week.

Tlaff79 - my surgery will probably be in mid May. I'm self-pay & they told me they can normally schedule it within 3 weeks of the consultation. I'm in college right now & have finals until May 11th. I'm hoping I can have the surgery that following week though - 3rd week in May. I should know more tomorrow though.

Do people take rest days from exercising without feeling guilty? When I was a runner 25 years ago, I took a day off per week. Now I do about 25 minutes exercise a day and had only two days off in 2008 so far, both for other events. It may seem a bit silly, but I don't feel I deserve a day off because I'm not exercising enough. So, what's your exercise plan? Does it include regular planned days off?

6 weeks out. I have no trouble eating. I'm only supposed to be eating 1/4 C of food at a meal, I haven't tried it but I bet I could easily eat 1 C! Does that mean something is wrong with my pouch? I also have absolutely no problems drinking fast. I want to barely be able to get 1/4 C of food down! On top of that in 6 weeks since my surgery I've only lost 14 pounds!

Mine took a week... GOOD LUCK