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My surgery coordinator called me a few minutes ago and the had a cancellation so they moved me to NEXT MONDAY!!! 01/08/18!!!! I don’t have my vitamins and today I was supposed to start my low carbs today and liquid was next Thursday...now what????? Instagram: itsgretchen

I have religiously used a food scale since the beginning of my six month pre-op diet back in March. I actually have 4 of them now because I have forgotten one on a couple of trips and had to pick a new one up. It is my most relied-upon tool after the sleeve itself. I know that I eat too fast, but it hasn't caused any problems. One of my meat meals (e.g., 2 oz of salmon and 1 oz of green beans) takes about 10 minutes to eat. As far as this grazing thing -- I have always taken grazing to mean you are constantly eating throughout the day and many of these foods are things you shouldn't be eating, not that you are working toward your appropriate daily Protein goals. I eat 8 times a day, about 90 minutes apart. I'm not grazing; I'm eating comfortable size meals that add up to about 950-1000 calories, less than 20 carbs, and 90-100 grams of protein per day -- exactly where I should be.

Well - this is my first posting and first blog so here goes! I feel lately I have had a lot of firsts....first major surgery, first time putting myself first, first time owning my health, etc I have to say that it definitely is hard to choose yourself first. Anyone with children, a spouse, family, etc knows what I mean. You feel as if you are cheating them out of being there. It has taken me many years to come to understand that what I thought as putting them first was actually an excuse for me to continue to be unhealthy. How was I putting them first if I wasn't taking the best care of myself? This is a VERY hard lesson to learn. As I look around at my family members and family history of chronic weight related issues I put my foot down. There was a voice deep down saying "me, me...did you forget that I am here?" This time I chose to listen. I have not always been overweight...alright "morbidly obese". This is something that has been rolling along pretty much for the past 15 years. You know the story....get married (get comfortable), have children (more comfortable with a few pounds) and before you know it you are a shell of the person you once were. Years go by and you lose a little and gain more and back and forth. Many of us have the same story. My weight loss surgery journey originally began two and a half years ago, Dec 2009 with a seminar for the lap band. I went and listened and then said I will give it another try of doing it myself and bailed on following through. Two years later I found myself at the seminar again with a firm grip on my nerves and actually listened with more conviction about choosing me first. After going through the 3 months of NUT, psych appointment, surgeon visits and pre-op testing...I took a leap of faith with myself and God . I had clear liquids 24 hrs before surgery and was officially sleeved on 7/17 at 10am. I am currently 10 days post-op and completely intrenched in the full liquid diet. What can you say about liquids? Not a whole lot . Anyway, I am just passing time until Tues when I get to start the greatly anticipated puree stage. Never thought I would be so excited about eating food the consistency of baby food. But here I am and readily counting the hours. This past 2 weeks has given me time to do a lot of thinking!! Sometimes I wonder if the liquid stage is just as much for learning to listen to your body and conquering some of your food obsession as it is about letting your body heal. I have found that everyday that voice is getting a little stronger and I can't wait to begin to have NSVs and see the weight come off. I will take each day of passing time to consider the gift I have been given of my life, living longer, spending more time with family and friends. I am 38 years old and have a lifetime ahead of me and plan to make it the best I can!!

I'm 11 days out, it gets better every day. Be careful when you drink to not take in air, I discovered I did that alot before surgery. The bubbly feeling still comes every once in a while, you have to remember you stomach has to heal. My suggestion would be to get up and walk around, outside if possible, to get your mind off it. Every day it will get better, I'm down 10 lbs and feeling good. You can do it too.

So here is a quick retell of where I am today. Was sleeved on July 11. Was in the hospital for 2 days due to pain from gas. Came home on a Friday evening. Felt pretty crappy the first week. Pretty much had water, broth and jello. Moved to full liquids one week and one day post op. Now onto creamy soup, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, protein shakes. Still am feeling weak. No real energy and my larger incision is so painful. (Have yet to go to the bathroom up until this point.) Then finally went and of course it's liquid. Okay since that seems to be all I am "eating"... Make a drive from PA to KY. I was a passenger in the car so it wasn't too bad and I could sleep. Rested while I was there for a week. Finishing week 2 post op, I am still exhausted. Realizing i am not getting nearly enough protein. I am drinking my water but not eating enough. Pain in my incision finally is much better! 16 days post surgery I have to make the drive back home, alone. 9 hours. Get home and HUGE set back. Exhausted still and now pain is back in my incision sites. They have all healed beautiful on the outside. So now I am going into week 3. Adding more and making sure I am eating every couple hours. I have gone from 4 oz to 7 oz of shake, 1/2 of a container to full container of greek yogurt. So I am thinking more energy, right? NOPE... Start to drink ISOPURE. Liquid protein. I am hoping this helps. Instead of just sipping on water I sip on that. I have no idea how people have gone back to work after 2 weeks. I am not sure I could make it a whole day. I am a teacher so I am blessed with having another few weeks before school starts. So why the blog?? Here are my questions. I want to make sure I am doing things right. And if what I am feeling is "normal". I know everyone is different but... 1) When I am lucky to be able to go to the bathroom, it is always liquid. (Sorry don't mean to talk about bowels but this has me so nervous.) I have not had a solid bowel movement since July 9th. 2) How many g of protein are people averaging during week 4? I am trying to push 50 - 60. Anything I put into my mouth I make sure has protein. I don't want to waste the small amount I can eat on something that won't help me. 3) I started making changes prior to my surgery and dropped almost 30 lbs before July 11. Since surgery I have dropped another 22 lbs. My heaviest was 256. I am at 204. Is the 22 lbs good for 3 weeks? I don't want to not eat to lose weight, just wasn't sure how it works. I am 5'8" and I don't know really what number I want to get down to. I would be thrilled to be around a size 10. 4) Anyone still feel scared about their decision almost 4 weeks out? I don't want to do anything wrong, don't want to hurt myself. I just need to know I am doing things okay. Sorry I have rattled on but I am kinda scared with all this...

Hiddy ho, everyone!!! Its been a bit since I have been here but I'm back. Not alot has changed but then again, everything has changed. I know, a contradiction in terms.... that would be me!! Well the first thing I want to talk about is frustration and lying scales!! Okay so maybe they don't lie but it sure feels like it. This is why I have purposely not gotten a scale for my house because I KNOW I would become wayyyyy to involved in weighing myself. So I have choosen to just weigh in when I go to a doctors appointment. I went Friday for a "sick" visit, which I will get to in a few. Anyhoo, I was actually very excited about this because it had been a few weeks since I last weighed in. I was feeling really good about it, especially with all the mucus I have blown out (I know TMI) and even excited, which if you are anything like me, is a very very weird feeling indeed!! My clothes have been getting bigger and bigger and I've had more energy (kinda) and I can walk without gasping for every breath. So I go in thinking I've lost at least 15 more pounds.... NOT! I had only lost 5lbs more but I got to thinking that is still an accomplishment. Also my body is acting more like 15lbs than 5lbs so who am I to complain?? I will but still lol.... I have lost exactly 50lbs since July 17 so that is really something to be happy about and don't get me wrong, I am extremely happy and proud, just wanting it to go faster. Never thought of myself as being impatient but I guess it is something I can add to my personal resume'. Okay, now about the "sick" visit. I got a cold about a month ago. Normally because of my major breathing issues, I would have missed a couple of days of work and kept my fingers crossed to keep pneumonia at bay. This time though, it was really no big deal even though I did feel like crap. My issue is that I got over the cold in about a week but have continued to sneeze my way through at least 10 boxes of tissues!! My nose hurts, my face is chapped and my eyes feel like they have lead weights in them!! I've never been prone to allergies but I've got a whopping case of them now. My friend/mentor at work said she also got bad allergies also after her surgery. Anyone else having the same issues? I got a huge shot of steroids in my posterior and was feeling fairly okay until today and I'm back to sneezing and blowing again!! Anyone heard of a nose transplant??? Jest askin' I have given away my first bag of clothes which is truly a blessing. One of the funny "side affects" is my pants are getting too long! Less booty and belly make for long pants lol.... Again, not that I'm complaining!! One thing I guess I didn't really think about is the deflation of my body and what would happen. I have been blessed with very good genes and have very little grey hair for someone almost 52 and very few wrinkles.... or had very few! I am now the relunctant owner of varying types of wrinkle / toner creams. I have mentioned in previous entries that I can be vain about some things... well this is the latest!! As my face is deflating, my wrinkles are increasing!! I also have discovered that I am developing bat wings!! arghhhhhh!!! I've always been very muscular so never really thought much about that but it is happening. Fortunately, I already have the rubber excercise thingymabobbers (okay so exercise equipment is not my fortay!) so I guess I'm going to have to make it a part of my routine (that does not yet exist) to recapture a forgotten youthful body that, honestly, I don't remember ever really having. I do have a picture from when I was 19 or so and I did look pretty hot but I just never got the confirmation of that fact. I just remember being told I was never thin enough or going to be loved if I didn't get skinny or thin or whatever so I had a poor body image even though it really wasn't so bad. Now I haven't told you this for sympathy or the po' me's... no, its just to point out that many of us have had the same experiences and journies, although each are unique. Its how you decide to steer the ship that decides your satisfaction with said journey. I have been very blessed to have had many many people truly love me for who I am and not for what I look like. Something that many of us have to deal with is the fear our mates may have that we will lose weight and then leave them (like my hubster!). My theory is that he loves me like I am and will love me as much or more later. He has stood by me through illness' and surgeries and my failing health so I believe he deserves and has earned the good times too. Besides, he's kinda cute for an old fart!! :wub: Which brings me to my other topic of discussion.... intimacy. Now I'm not going to get graphic because, for one thing, yuk, and another is some of my family members actually read my blog so I will spare them. It is, however, one of the perks of getting this weight off.... I can hug and cuddle with my husband. It is amazing how much better our interpersonal relations are now that we have both lost weight. And no, I'm not just talking about s.e.x...... I'm talking about being able to pass each other in the kitchen without doing acrobatic moves or now fitting in our bed together comfortably. This may not sound like a big deal to some but oh yeah, it is!! So I guess I will stop here for now. If anyone has any suggestions on the subject of allergies, please bring them on.... I hope everyone has a wonderful week and continue to enjoy your journey!!! Hugs!!

Your body will level off and find it's sweet spot. You may or may not like that spot. Time will tell. I am your height and started at same weight. I got to normal BMI in 10 months but that wasn't my final goal. My body must've agreed because it wasn't hard to lose another 25-30 pounds Today I am 145 pounds. My surgery was in August 2012 I wear a size 4. Perfect for me. A size 6 would be cool too I never had boobs so not having any now is no biggie. Push-up bras are amazing I used to have a big booty. Even when I was young and skinny, I was known as the girl with the big butt. Well that was the first to go this time. It's not FLAT but for those who knew me back in the day, it's different. I'm not mad thought. I have hips and curves still and look great in a bikini. You will too!

I live in Memphis and was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico on August 10. I went back to Mexico for my fill and have not required any follow-up other than that. I had a revision from a failed gastric bypass (staple line disruption) and am very happy with my band. My first fill was on the 18th of September and I have really good restriction.

I was told no more than 10 days before surgery, but no less than 3. That is why I am doing it right about 1 week before. And definitely, DC traffic, sheeeeesh, I will have to tell you about my one and only trip there. Hilarious adventure! Yeah you definitely want to do it early in the day because you do have to fast, and you definitely don't want to be all worked up either from gridlock. My job is being a Mommy/Wife, so unfortunately I have full access to eating whenever and whatever. But on the flip side I am chasing my 18 month old, which keeps me hopping. I just want to be so healthy for him, I want to do more with him, I feel guilty about that. He is only going to become more active the older he gets. But other than the blood work and following the pre-op diet rules, that's it until surgery. You just have to fast 8-10 hours before surgery, (or the night before) including no Water. Wonder how much we'll lose on this before surgery! What do you get to eat on your diet? Besides the basic liquids? And don't worry I am sure I will be a grumpy butt as well. Just keep yourself happy when thinking of how much weight will be gone with your band after surgery!!!! YAY! Pre Op Diet: 9/24/09 Current Weight: 238 Goal Weight: 145 Height: 5' 2.75" Surgery: October 8 SO READY FOR A BAND IN MY LIFE!:tongue2:

Good luck, Allison! I was sleeved on Friday and am having a pretty good recovery. Went in at 10 a.m. on Friday, home by 3 on Sat. I wish you a quick recovery, and as good of nurses as I had during your stay in the hospital.

I had a Vanguard lapband on November 17, 2004. It was the greatest thing I have ever done for my health. The surgery was done in Moncton, New Brunswick and I was only the 7th surgery done at that time. Since then the wait list has grown considerately. I lost 85 lbs in 10 months and I can't begin to tell you how good I feel. I began with very high blood pressure and now it is completely under control with no medication. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

I am in the process of making my final plans to have my gastric sleeve done in Mexico on 01/10/11, by Dr. Kelly or Almanza depending on the final cost. If I develop a leak while I am in Mexico after the initial sleeve surgery will I be out additional expenses or is that covered because it happended immediately after surgery. After I get home if I were to develop a leak in the first few weeks and/or months after surgery what would the cost of the leak repair be if I return to the doctor in Mexico.

my surgery is the 20th. day two wasnt that bad either. someone bought in baked chicken at lunch and i wasnt tempted at all. i even when to the grocery store to pick up some more liquids and Soup and i didnt pick up anything extra except some SF peppermints to fight the bad breathe! LOL! I'm looking at this a challenge to myself and praying I make it the entire way! 10 more days til i'm banded!!!!!!

I'm glad you're losing, and I'm not trying to be a buzzkill, but there is no possible way you could reach your goal weight by the end of September. You say you're 310 now and your profile states your goal weight as 230. It is impossible to lose 80 pounds a month. A much more realistic goal would be to lose 8-10 pounds by the end of September,

1. This procedure is relatively new so long-term data is hard to find, but check out the pinned topic "Weight Gained Since Being Sleeved." A lot of long-termers talk about their success on that thread. 2. I'm not super awesome about taking my Vitamins. I take them a couple times a week, when I remember. I spent a lot of money at first trying to find vitamins I liked. I bought a few different B Complex ones until I found ones that didn't smell horrible, and I had to buy different Calcium chews because I bought the wrong kind. I don't even notice it in my budget anymore. 3. I'm 10 months out. No psychological issues so far. Nothing but joy, really. I check myself out in the mirror, a lot. 4. I think I got lucky here too. I love shopping now, but my budget helps keep that in check. I enjoy cooking a lot more now, and making "normal" (protein-rich) recipes instead of the low-cal/low-fat/low-flavor crap I was cooking while dieting. I do drink, but no more often than before, and less volume because I get tipsy faster. Hope this helps.

I thought I'd update some recent pictures. He first one is one of my biggest... Tell me what you think!! I'm chugging along 64lbs total gone 33lbs pre-op and 31lbs post-op and surgery was October 9th 2012!!!! This was June/2012 at like 280 This was Nov/2013 at like 243 This was last week 240! This is when I lost 55lbs (almost 10 lbs ago)

Hi..welcome to LBT..this is a great place for support..I have been banded 10 months..feel free to check out my blog on here and PM me with a ny questions...congrats on making this decision, Jennifer

I just got some compression shirts from WalMart. The short sleve ones go for around $10 and the long sleve for $13. Much cheaper than online prices. I am thinking though about surgery to remove the skin. However, I an less than 6 months out and not sure when I qualify for that.

HI EmmyEm... There is a group on this forum called SoCal VSG Support Group and one of the members came and spoke at my options class with Kaiser...she was a real motivatation! Her name on her is Sleeve 4 Me...contact her and I am sure she can give you all the details. I do know they meet this Sat at 10:00am in the food court at Victoria Gardens

I need a partner. I am NOT liking navagation of this site. It is hard to find what I am looking for and I need just to have someone to speak to directly. Anyone interested in just speaking banding with a married 41 yo female?

I'm 9 months out and have lost a total of 114 lbs (30 or so before surgery). It's very slow now... 2-3 lbs per month. The doctor said that's normal, but it's still hard to take after losing so much so fast! I need to step up my exercise a bit and see if that helps get me going. I'd like to lose at least 10 lbs more.

Surgery three months ago. Down 75 pounds. In the gym 5 days a week. The lowest weight I've been in over 10 years.

Get to your Dr and discuss the reasons why in 3 years you have only lost 20 lbs. Obviously you need a fill but there may be other reasons why you arent losing weight. I am 10 months post op and have seen the Dr every month since being banded and will continue until I reach my goal. I have had 4 fills to get to my sweet spot.... but the more I lose the more filled I need to be. I couldnt be as successful as I have been if I didnt see my Dr every month. Best of Luck to you.

My doctor said no carbonation for the first 3 months while the staple line healed. I'm 18 months post op and I drink diet coke or dr.pepper 10 every day and haven't had any problems with it. A lot of people on here don't drink carbonation at all though. My doctor said the sleeve can't be stretched but some on here disagree.