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I was just banded last week before Thanksgiving Day and I thought I was gonna miss the turkey and all the trimmings. I did good! I had my surgery at the new hospital in Juarez, Mexico with Dr. Rodriquez and what an experience that was. The hospital is BEAUTIFUL and the people are so nice. Some of the nurses were hard to understand because of the language barrier, but all in all it was find. I want to thank Belite Weight for helping me. They were very good to me. Check out this article in the El Paso Times. I was there. http://www.elpasotimes.com/business/ci_7535779?source=sb-digg

Ok Ok.... soooo the good news....i took the liberty of calling APRA today (to see if my supperanuation release had been approved) and YIPPYYYYYYY they approved it!!! I was totally stoked until....... *plays dramatic music, bar bar barrrr bar BARRRRRRRRRRR* its going to take about a week to send me the paperwork. i was straight away going shyttttt bugga pizzz bunnnn farttttt! I have to make the payment 1 week prior to surgury which means im not gonna make it!!! esp when i called my super people and they need a few working days to send THEIRRRRR paper work out then i have to translate their paperwork into checques for each bunch of people involved in my surgury!!!! theres another 2 days!!!!!! :001_rolleyes: Now the next story is my date has been put back to 10 Aug now... and i know its only a week....but in that week i could of already lost a few pounds and been well on my way to recovery and 1 week post op *slaps self for dribbleing on* Sighs..... get over it hey! its a week! ohhh adn hope to hell it doesnt get put back another week while im waiting for all this bulk paper work to come in!!!! (wheres the smilie that pulls hair out??) guess there is a good reason they are all bald right!!! *laughs* bad when i can laugh at my own bad joke the ironic part about all this is for the last week i have been emptying all my *healthy food* finishing it all up and not buying anymore, ready for the opti fast diet that i was ment to be starting on monday.... and sure as my butt points to the ground, im having to play the game for another week! lolololol *slaps self again* at least i got the dietition and blood work tomoz! theres a start. deep breath.

Some people experience a stall at 3 weeks while their body adjusts to the trauma it has encountered during surgery. This may be happening to you. Also, your low BMI means you will lose more slowly, but if you stick with the program, you will lose eventually. Eat protein, avoid carbs, drink your water and wait. I'd also recommend getting a nutritionist to work with you. You need to be better supported in this journey. Best of luck!

Hi all! I was banded on 8/30 by Dr. Darrin Hansen in Salt Lake City. Since I was able to gleen so much help and support on these forums before and after that time I though it only fair that I post my experiences so far so that I can return the favor to those that follow... My pre-op diet: Dr. Hansen put my on a 2 week pre-op diet. He didn't dictate any special diet, he just wanted me to 'lose some weight' to help with my liver size. I decided to stick to 1100 calories/day eating as much vegetables as possible. It wasn't easy and I was often very hungry, but I stuck it out and lost 35 pounds. :biggrin1: Operation day: I had never had an operation before, so I had the normal fears and anxieties as everyone else on this board. As long as I didn't think about it I was ok. I managed to avoid the 'last meal' syndrome and tried to not eat much the day before just to make things easier post-op. Despite my worries they got an IV in me just fine. They didn't actually say 'we are going to put you under now' so I eventually woke up in recovery. Dr. Hansen said things went perfectly -- my liver wasn't a problem and I was only under for about 60 minutes. Hurray! Post-op: It took my about 2 hours to clear away the haze from being put under. Due to my sleep apnea they had already planned to keep me in the hospital overnight so I was in my own room with my wife by my side. I ended up with 4 teeny incisions and one bigger one (which I still can't tell how big it is since it's covered in a mass of steri-strips). My pain level was ok until about 7pm (surgery was at 11am) -- they gave me some liquid Lortab and it helped. I was able to sleep off and on (with regular interruptions from the nurses for vital checking, etc.). Dr. Hansen called me that night to see how I was doing. He's a great doctor! He said he put in a 'bigger band' but I'm not sure exactly what that means -- I'll check at my follow-up next week. Day 2: Dr. Hansen came by early in the morning to give me a final look-over and then he signed me out. I was ready to go home. I had a Lortab prescription but never used it. I did end up using Children's Liquid Motrin about three times during recovery to take the edge off. Day 3-5: Dr. Hansen had me on Clear liquids for this stage -- I drank as much as I could but only had about 100 calories a day in Special K Protein Water and Gatorade and broth a couple times. I had a little Jell-o for a treat but couldn't eat much (not from restriction, just lack of desire and hunger). I used Gas-X strips to try and head off the gas pains, but they hit bad on days 5 and 6. Seem to be a little better today (day 8). Day 6-7: I moved to full liquids these days. I still didn't drink much though -- about 600 calories. I started my Protein shakes these days and had some yougurt. Still not too hungry, though I think my stomach growled a few times (it hard to tell exactly what it's doing nowadays). My muscles aren't sore anymore, but my port incision is, especially in certain postions. I still can't sleep on my side. Last night I was able to sleep all night for the first time -- that was nice! Before I was only getting 3-4 hours of sleep at a time, which precipitated lots of naps. Day 8 (today): I'm on to mushies! So far I haven't had any yet though -- just my Protein shake. It's 2pm and I think I'm hungry now so I'll go see what I can rustle up. I started taking my Multivitamin today (Horray for Flintstones!). I'm aiming for 800 calories during the next week I'm on mushies. After that I'm on a special soft food/mushy diet for three weeks to promote healing. I have my followup appointment next week. No fills scheduled yet. All-in-all it's been easier than I thought it would be so far, though defintely not easy. Including my pre-op diet I've lost over 50 pounds. For the first time in my life I have hope that I'll lose the remaining 250.:biggrin1: Cascavel

I had mentioned to him during my pre-op visit that I took Advil occasionally. He said that would be ok eventually as long as I took the Liqui-gels. I figured that since Motrin and Advil were essentially the same thing it would be ok, but I'll defintely ask him again next week. My wife said the only liquid pain medicine she could find at the store was the Children's Motrin -- maybe I'll have her look a little harder...

Hmmm. Sounds good. Try this recipe sometime. 2 cups of low fat cottage cheese 2 cups of low fat milk 1 box of sugar free, fat free pudding mix, any flavor Serves 4 Just three simple ingredients, 1 cup of low fat milk, 2 cups of low fat cottage cheese and a small box of sugar free fat free pudding mix, your choice of flavor. Try Butterscotch, Chocolate, or Pistachio for a healthy dessert alternative. Put 2 cups of low fat cottage cheese and 1 cup of low fat milk in the food processer and blend for one minute. If you use a hand mixer, make sure you blend it until its thick and creamy, no lumps. Add in the pudding mix and blend until throughly blended. Divide into four equal portions. I have had this with cheescake pudding once at a Lap Band class! YUM!

I was told to keep intake to 200 calories first two weeks. Then can go up to 300-400 next two weeks. But different programs have different criteria. What does our program say?

I agree. I am looking forward to being able to fit comfortably in an airline seat when I travel next week.

My pre-op diet was 2 weeks all liquids and I did lose 20lbs...I was focused and determined NOT to cheat on it AND myself...and I didn't. Plus I didn't want any problems with my surgery by cheating....wasnt worth the risk. Since every doctor and pre-op and person is so different, I'm sure you will get a multitude of varied results!

I just wanted to give a shout out to everyone who is trying to lose weight. I would also like for them to think about setting non-scale victories (NSV), such as getting into a new outfit, being able to ride the roller coasters, or getting the confidence to do new things. I think it is good to have an NSV because it gives you something else to focus on other then that damn scale number, which doesn’t always count because sometimes I don’t lose anything but inches. For those of you that are just starting to lose weight, please don’t lose faith because you will reach your goal. Some people lose really fast or non-stop and others only lose a couple of pounds a month. I had a goal in mind and thought I would not be happy until I reached it, but I was wrong. I am finally at a weight that I feel comfortable. My health is good and I feel like I can run a marathon. Don’t get me wrong, I am still overweight and need to lose about 50+ pounds. I was just wrong about how far away that light was at the end of the tunnel, and I hope you will find out that your happiness may come sooner then you think. For the first time in my life, I don’t want to stay home (which sucks with the current gas prices). However, since I never went out before I am not sure what I want to do or where to go, but I am so comfortable that I am finally trying to get out and meet people more, especially since some of my old friends don’t seem to feel comfortable around me now that I have lost weight and they haven’t. My new found confidence has also allowed me to apply for a management job (which I should hear about by the middle of June so keep your fingers crossed). If I don’t get that job, I am also considering just moving to a new city (probably Atlanta) and making a fresh start. I guess sometimes you just have to take risks, the first of which for me was having surgery. It is the first day of June and my goal for this month is to lose 10 lbs. I am not sure if I will reach that goal, but it is worth trying and I think it is possible. I think it helps to set small goals and try for them rather then focus on the final goal. It helps that I have pretty much maintained my weight over the past couple of weeks and my body seems like it is ready to begin moving forward again. I think the more weight I lose the more confident and free I will feel to do just about anything. I would love to go white water rafting one day, yeah I know I am crazy, but aren’t we all just a little. I’ll keep ya posted on my progress. ~Think Positive and Stay Healthy~

Hi Sallieanne. I am due to have my xray and first fill next Saturday. I had my op done on June the 5th tho, so 9 weeks after my op i am finally having my xray and fill, i must say i aint to impressed on how long i have waited, i can feel i have no restriction so hopefully the first fill with at least give me some. I had Mr Richardson too in Bromsgrove, was fitted with a 10cc band. Did they say yesterday how long you need to wait for your first fill then and where do u need to go to get it done..? Debbie x

My dr sent me back to work after 4 weeks. I work on a manufacturing floor and pulled a muscle by overworking. I ended up off work for another week. Take it easy. We only have one body to live in for years. You're worth it.

I'd like to add the worry stage. For me it goes like this: I'm never hungry or thirsty, even with six half-cup "meals" per day, and two liters (64 ounces) of water per day. I also take the vitamins and minerals the doctor ordered, each day. I worry that I'm not getting the nutrients I need because I'm not hungry or thirsty. Nothing tastes like it used to. My old favorites, including fried foods and sweets, cause terrible nausea, ie. dumping syndrome. Then I find a food that I can eat and I go overboard, which causes pouch pain. Then on to more worry. I know I'm new to this, RNY was 12/10/13. And I have three more blood work/then doctor consults spread over this year. I just hope it gets better.

Well! Im excited . Really excited!!!!! I had my surgery on September 17 2014 and I feel wonderful. I have lost 57 pounds and the losing continues. I hit a stall but it didnt last long. During Christmas I needed to buy new clothes. I went from a size 3x to a 16 petite. Its so rewarding to see my own body transform to something so healthy. Its amazing!!!! I hope this encourages newbies . Its the best thing I have done for me. This has been an amazing journey and mine has barely gotten started. Happy New Year to All!

Actually this feels a lot like it did after childbirth (all 3 times). Loud noisy gas and sore abdomen...just worried about whether I should be pooping or not? (Not that I have put much in to poop out in the past week...)

Do you feel full after only 1-2 ounces? That seems like a mighty small portion even at 8 weeks out. I'm 4 weeks and can typically do 4-5 oz without too much trouble. Some foods do sit heavier and can't eat as much, but I'd say 4 oz is typical for me at this point. The worry about constant snacking is that it'll just lead to old bad habits. My doc is the same way in that he wants 3 meals a day and that's it, but at this point I can't get all my Protein in either. I aim for 3-4 meals and have to supplement with a Protein shake. I think it'll get a bit easier when you can eat more. Obviously don't force yourself to eat more and end up feeling sick. You may want to talk with your doc if 2 oz is the most you can manage.

Thanks for sharing the adorable pictures of the kittens. The video clip sure made me smile,and I needed a smile. I have been off work for the last three days with the flu and feeling weak and tired. This video really brighten my morining!

It's a gorgeous day in Philly. I am one week away from my band to sleeve revision with Dr. Aceves. I've been calling all my close friends (one at a time) to tell them about my decision to have this procedure. I am blessed they have been so supportive. Being 130 pounds overweight is killing me. Just getting out of a low chair or having to walk long distances is a struggle. Last October I lead a team of women on the 3 day, 60 mile walk for Susan G. Komen.. I trained like a crazy woman since I was so fat and was worried that I couldn't do it. We raised a ton of money...the walk was only 1 day becuase Philly had horrible weather...so I walked 17 miles one day....I was fat...but felt strong. Today...I walked 7 blocks to my office from home and was sweating and winded when I got here. I've gained 30 pounds in the past 6 months and it feels like a 1000. I know that I am not meant to live a diminished life. I am having this surgery becuase I hear the clock ticking on my own mortality. Fears of loose skin and a sagging face do haunt me....but not as much as dying the death of person who is morbidly obese.

I'm so thankful my surgeon only requires a two week pre-op diet of sugar free, low carb/high Protein foods. This diet will also shrink your liver. However he is strict with his post-op diet, as we are required to stay on clear liquid for 10 days then advance to full liquids for 10 days & after that its 10 days of puréed food. I know others sleeved patient who are cleared to start eating soft foods just one week post-op. The diets really seems to very with each surgeon. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hopefully it was just a fluke. During my two week liquid shake I got a case of the diarrhea after 3 days. You are very close. Keep a positive outlook and good luck and smile, you are almost there!

I agree with 2013sleevegirl, my fiance makes up most of our meals for the week on Sunday, then freezes them. That way, we have healthy lunches and dinners ready, no matter how busy our schedule gets.

My Surgery was canceled because my iron was to low. Any one else experience this? Any tips on how i can my iron up fast? My PCP prescribed Ferroud Sulfate 325 twice daily. How long will this take? Months? Weeks? Days?

You might want to ask your surgeon. Mine said no compression garments for the first couple of weeks. Maybe so the wounds could heal and breathe? I didn't ask why.

Holy crap! I was denied a few weeks ago. Today I got a verbal approval and what a huge sigh of relief that is! I thought by now is already have had it. I'm so glad to get the help I need! Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

So I am at my 5 week mark and the lbs have been coming off like clockwork, until last week that is. Started at 371, surgery at 330, down to 290 last week, now I have stalled and even gained a pound or two back. I'm starting to freak a little because of it. I just recently went back to actual food, but I eat protein first then veggies, rarely any fat (no fried food or anything). I exercise and walk, although stress over the past week from work is causing sleeping probs. I don't want to see that scale go the wrong way. Any advice?