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Congrats @@katanne ! My first appointment with the dietician is in a couple of weeks. My plan is the same as yours... I don't have to lose a specific amount of weight (outside the 2 week liquid diet), but gaining is a deal breaker. I'm also lucky the only real thing my insurance requires is phone calls with their people.

Yep, left shoulder and I got it often for the first two weeks. I did the Gas-X dissolvable on the tongue strips and they helped A LOT! There is a lot of internal swelling we are dealing with as well so when you swallow, burp, hiccup, anything you can get that pain in the shoulder. I used a heating pad when I got home and that helped as well. Sent from my iPad using VST

Oh, and of course there was a pre-op diet. It was only for 4 days (because of my lower bmi) but I did it for a week to lessen my pre-surgery worries.

So my son want to go to the state fair. This is the last week for it. My surgery date is Nov. 14th, and I started my pre-op diet of protien shakes, bars, soup, and lots of water last week. Would it be hurtful is I got one thing to eat while at the fair (preferably the onion blossom) or should I just stay away from the food competely? I already gave away my chocolate popcorn I ordered from my son's fundraiser. There is a lot of walking too at the fair. I should probably just stay away right?

The golden rules of band surgery were very easy initially, and now that I'm 4 years out, have gotten very difficult to maintain. I am feeling the consequences (vomiting, discomfort) and my weight loss is stalled. I have to remember that this band is a full time job, MINE. it will not moderate the small amounts, bites and chewing...social situations make the golden rules hardest. how do the rest of you manage? lisa

I'm hungry ever 2-4 hours. Is this normal? I'm 3 weeks post op. How many calories should I have a day?

I totally agree. Or people saying that they are throwing up, cant keep anything down, not losing weight, or in a lot of pain and they are 3 weeks or more past their operation date. So it makes me think is there another side to this story? Maybe they are wanting validation for something the doctor has told them is a no-no.

not sure of your dr's plan, but at 2 weeks I was starting some mushy foods, like scrambled eggs...you could also try low-fat refried beans or peanut butter--I see a lot of people on here like those...you might also be able to move on to creamy soups like cream of chicken or cream of mushroom..best to you...and as another poster pointed out, if you have lost 30 pounds post-op, then that it is better than average for sure...I am a slow loser but I am 2 months out and have only lost 30 pounds post-op

When a craving strikes ask yourself Am I stressed out? When you're under pressure, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which signals your brain to seek out rewards. Comfort foods loaded with sugar and fat basically "apply the brakes" to the stress system by blunting this hormone. When you reach for food in response to negative feelings such as anger or sadness (like potato chips after a fight with your spouse), you inadvertently create a powerful connection in your brain. Its classic brain conditioning; "The food gets coded in your memory center as a solution to an unpleasant experience or emotion". Stimulate happiness "Women especially have a profound emotional reaction to music". Create upbeat playlists to listen to whenever a craving strikes. The songs provide a distraction and an emotional release. Wait it out "People give in to cravings because they think they'll build in intensity until they become overwhelming, but that's not true," Cravings behave like waves: They build, crest, and then disappear. If you can "surf the urge," you have a better chance of beating it altogether Choose the best distraction "What you're really craving is to feel better," You've heard the trick about phoning a friend or exercising instead of eating. But "taking a solo walk won't help if you're feeling lonely," Instead, identify your current emotion--bored, anxious, or mad; by filling in these blanks: "I feel ____ because of ____." Then find an activity that releases it. If you're stressed, channeling nervous energy into a workout can help; if you're upset over a problem at the office, call a friend and ask for advice. Ask yourself "Have I been eating less than usual If you're eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day or restricting an entire food group (like carbs), you're putting your body in prime craving mode. Even just 3 days of strict dieting decreases levels of the appetite-reducing hormone leptin by 22%. Do This! Lift any bans--safely Plan ways to enjoy your favorite foods in controlled portions. Get a slice of pizza instead of a whole pie, or share a piece of restaurant cheesecake with two friends. Don't "eat around" cravings; trying to squash a craving with a low-cal imitation won't satisfy your brain's memory center. For example, if you're craving a milkshake, yogurt won't cut it--especially if you've been depriving yourself. You may even take in more calories than if you'd just had a reasonable portion of what you wanted in the first place. Munching five crackers, a handful of popcorn, and a bag of pretzels, all in the name of trying to squash a craving for potato chips, will net you about 250 more calories than if you'd eaten a single-serving bag Are you getting enough sleep? In a University of Chicago study, a few sleepless nights were enough to drop levels of the hormone leptin (which signals satiety) by 18% and boost levels of ghrelin, an appetite trigger, by about 30%. Those two changes alone caused appetite to kick into overdrive, and cravings for starchy foods like Cookies, potato chips, and bread jumped 45%. Do This! Have some caffeine; it can help you get through the day without any high-calorie pick-me-ups. It won't solve your bigger issue of chronic sleep loss, but it's a good short-term fix until you get back on track. Portion out a serving, you probably don't have the energy to fight it, so try this trick: Before you dig in, dole out a small amount of the food you want (on a plate) and put the rest away. Are you a creature of habit? You may not realize it, but seemingly innocent routines, such as eating cheese popcorn while watching TV, create powerful associations. "The brain loves routine". The thought of letting go of these patterns can cause a fear response in an area of the brain called the amygdala. "Once the food hits your lips, the fear response shuts off in a heartbeat." Do This! Eliminate sensory cues; smells, sights, and sounds all act as powerful triggers. Watch television in your basement or bedroom so you're far away from the kitchen and the cupboard full of Snacks Picture yourself healthy; try the "stop technique": Every time the food you crave pops into your head, think, Stop! Then, picture a healthy image (say, you're lean and fit). After a while, your brain will dismiss the food image and the craving will subside. "One of my clients did this four or five times a day, and within 2 weeks, she stopped turning to sweets every night after dinner." Shift your focus; Australian researchers found that distracting your brain really does work. When a craving hits, divert your attention to something visual not related to food, like typing an e-mail. Passing up one bag of potato chips and 1 pint of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream per month can help you lose 10 pounds in a year

I was sleeved 9/30. Level went to 135. Went to my pcp dr yesterday and she confirmed it was a spike due to what I probably had eaten that day and that because of surgery it may fluctuate until my body settles from the changes. She said no worries at this point but be mindful of what I eat. Will recheck levels in 3-4 weeks

In a few weeks, you'll be able to eat almost everything. This will be your real test. Until you start getting fills, your hunger may run rampant. some people have a hard time with it, some not. I hope you get lucky with it.

I am 35 years old, and I had the sleeve done on March 5th. When I went in to the program (October 31, 2014), my weight was 529lbs. When I started the four week pre-op diet (Feb. 5, 2015), I was 517. On surgery day I was 480 and today, a week and a half later I am 467. An astonishing loss in a relatively short period of time, and is (according to my surgeon) not the norm. I am thrilled, though. I have had zero complications. No nausea, no vomiting, no cramping and most of all, no pain. I was completely off of the narcotic pain killers within 36 hours of surgery, and have been able to take in every last bit of liquids and Protein that my surgeon requests. I consider myself very fortunate that I have had no difficulty compared to others. I firmly believe that recovery is 20% physical and 80% mental, or at least it has been for me. If you get in to the mindset that VSG is a tool that you will be able to use to get healthy and to lead a much longer, fuller life, then you will not only be able to do it, but to succeed. VSG has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good luck to you.

Hi Matthew~ Thanks so much for responding. I've heard wonderful things about Dr. Nusbaum. I actually had a consultation set up with Dr. Nusbaum that I canceled because they said that they didnt accept Oxford insurance and I didnt want to have to pay the 20% copay for going out of network. I was really disappointed that I couldn't go to him but I've heard great things about Dr. Bertha as well and he takes both of our insurances. It seems that they are losing people in both places that they use for the nutrition and psych eval. so no one is sure when they will have someone to replace them. I called Morristown Memorial where we will go for the procedure and we managed to get appointments with the nurtritionist this coming week and I have to call for the psych evaluation on Monday so hopefully everything will go well. Are they accepting your Oxford Insurance at Dr. Nusbaum's?? I'll be REALLY bummed if I canceled our appointments for no reason because I happened to get someone on the phone that was clueless!:phanvan If you get a chance please let me know. Thanks! Cara

Hi! Although I have been lurking for quite a few weeks this the first time I've posted. My best friend Jennifer and I have our consultation with Dr. Bertha in NJ on April 18th so we are trying to get all of the preliminary things taken care of and out of the way. Our problem is that Dr. Bertha's office can't schedule us until AFTER our consultation. I also tried to make appointments at Saint Clare's Hospital and they are losing their nutritionist so although they are trying to juggle appointments to fit us in it looks like we may not get in. We are so ready to get this done!!!! My questions are- - Does anyone know of any other Dr.s in NJ who do the psych evals and Nutrionist appointments? - Has anyone ever gone to these and had it covered by insurance (Oxford & Empire Blue Shield) from the beginning or did you have to submit it yourself? Any help that you can give would be really appreciated!! Thank You! Cara :welldoneclap:

@@wantenergy83 I would just call out that you should not be out long with this surgery either. I could have returned to work within a week. How much time are you taking off?

Hey Anthony im in San Antonio Im getting sleeved on Thursday the 9th I'm doing the 2 week liquid diet I would like to keep in touch iv lost around 18 pounds in almost 2 weeks Thanks ernest

I have had 3 fills. #1 was 2cc,#2 was .5cc and # 3 was .7cc. Having my 4th fill May 12. I wish he would give me more or this time it really gives me restriction. I am down 29 lbs but not w/o a fight. I am battling the same 2-3 lbs every 2 wks. I am trying to be good but I brought some Debbie Cakes into my house and I will NEVER make that mistake again. I do not want to fall into my bad habits again. I want the band to tell me NO MORE. Anyone with advice is welcomed to give it to me. I want to succeed otherwise I wouldn't have invested 16,500 cash to this endeavor. I am praying for strength and patience thru my journey.

Sansmom, I am feeling a little better about my 6 week stall since reading your post. Did you do anything to get your weight loss moving? Or did the stall just end? I am feeling so depressed right now. Mainly because I have been exercising and eating 1200 calories or less and not seeing any results. My partner who weighs 112 cuts out some carbs and doesn't change anything else and loses weight! And she isn't even trying to lose weight! I used to think people who complained about these kinds of stalls were doing something wrong, eating too much and not knowing it, etc. but now that this has happened I realize this is real. My metabolism really has slowed down to nothing. I would survive really good if I were stranded somewhere without any food. Thanks a lot ancestors. And while we are at it, thanks a lot menopause! I should have listened to my older sister who told me when I was in my twenties to lose the weight then because it becomes impossible later.

I am having the same problem ... I was sleeved in February and have list 65lbs..... For the par few weeks, I have been at the same and the weight doesn't seem to be going anywhere . My husband and I just joined a gym ( I have exercising in classes, at home and on my own) . They did an analysis and said that I still have like 20 pounds of excess fat.. This really bummed me out on top of the stall. HELP!!! I find myself going back to those comfort foods but I keep exercising and no loosing ..... Any suggestions ?

Well, I got banded on Monday but they kept me overnight. When I got home yesterday all I could do is sleep (anesthesia and I don't get along). So, here I am this morning feeling pretty darn good. Thus far, no regrets and am actually happy to have my hubby here this week to help me out. :clap2: Had half an orange Popsicle for Breakfast and am full. I hope everybody else's surgery goes well. :whoo:

You're going to think I'm crazy for saying this, but I would cut back on your workouts. Cut back one day, continue to eat the same and see what happens. I was working out too much and could not eat enough to compensate. As soon as I cut down my workouts to 3 sometimes only 4 days a week and eating a bit more, the weight would come off again. It's a common issue, actually.

I started my pre-op liquids on 6/21 and had surgery on 7/1. Beginning weight was 320, day of surgery 296. I currently weigh 250. I have had 3 fills, plus the original 4cc's put in during surgery, for a total of 9.5cc in a 10 band. I still do not feel that I have true restriction but I have been able to follow the rules well enough so far. From here on out will be the true test for me, I can usually stick with anything for 3 or 4 months then I fall off the wagon. I, too, feel like it has come off faster than predicted but I'm not complaining. :eek:

Hi, I have had to have belly button hernia surgery in 2005 and then a hysterectomy in 2007 and last week another belly button hernia surgery. Was just wondering if all that scare tissue would make the sleeve surgery more difficult or make it more difficult to recover? I want to have the sleeve surgery but I am a couple years away from it. I just want to get all the information that I can in the mean time. Thanks everyone for your help.