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I was sleeved on 4/11 saw my surgeon yesterday, I lost 22 pounds the first two weeks and I can't eat more then 1.5 oz of tuna or anything. I drink my water and protein. He said I was right on target. Also said to come back in 4 weeks and said I should be down another 20 to 30 pounds by then. Enjoy it! Your doing great. Just remember to sip, sip, sip so your hydrated. Good luck!!!!!

Is it bad to add raw spinach or fresh fruit in my smoothie (protein drink/yogurt blend). I am about 6 weeks out.

I am playing the waiting game right now but I have not even been able to have an initial consultation with the surgeon yet. I faxed paper work to the office last week so that I can get the process rolling. I called them today and they told me that they received my fax and they will be calling me the middle of next week to schedule my appointment. Why they could not schedule it while I was already on the phone, I have no idea. I want this process moving.

Hey everyone! I have been on this site a few months and have noticed a lot of people that hate their Protein shakes. I have tried unjury and Chike and they are both too flavorful for me... By that I mean they are over compensating for what they lack. I do use the unjury unflavored to up the protein on Soup and stuff, but if a recipe calls for flavors it's Gladiator all the way. If you have seen my posts I am swearing by the Gladiator Protein powder from smoothie King. I know that Smoothie King franchises are limited, but because I love it so much I am going to work with my local Smoothie King and become a self prescribed distributor exclusively for this site and friends of my blog. They are changing out the packaging right now and will be replenishing the stores next week 9/6/11. Each container is 20 full servings (45 grams of protein). Being just a month out of surgery I do half servings which makes a container last me a month (40 servings of 22.5 g of protein). I will know for sure next week what the shipped cost will be, but I anticipate it being between $50-$60 depending on the shipping cost. What I will do is send a serving sample (2 oz) to those of you that are interested, just help me cover the cost at $3 for 1 or $4 for two. I will have vanilla and chocolate samples. For now if you would be interested in the strawberry I can purchase it in a sample, but I'm not sure what the cost would be since I have not purchased the full container. Once I figure out the logistics I will add a paypal button to my blog to order and get back to everyone that is interested. I have posted the nutritional information below. Please email, PM or post on my blog so I can contact you with more details. I look forward to helping those who hate Protein Shakes Gladiator® Working out or playing hard? Don’t throw yourself to the lions. With premium whey & egg white protein base, Aminogen® and your choice of two fruits or fruit juices, Gladiator® gives your body a fighting chance. Ingredients Gladiator® Low Carb Meal Replacement (45 Grams of Protein), Your Choice of Two Fruits Nutritional Information Calories 180 Fat (g) - Saturated fat (g) - Calories from fat - Cholesterol (mg) - Carbohydrates (g) 1 Sugar (g) - Protein (g) 45 Sodium (mg) 150 Fiber (g) - Nutritional information is calculated based upon correct portioning of Smoothie King’s standard recipes. Because our smoothies may be customized, exact information may vary. For any additional information, please call 1-800-577-4200 Nutritional information will vary depending on the fruits/juices you choose.

Just got home from my first post op follow up and I am down 10.5 lbs!!!! I am not at 207....I haven't seen this number in years!!! I started my journey at 232.....that makes 25lbs since July!!!! He did tell me not to expect a 10 lb wieght loss every week...but I still have two weeks of liquid to do...now I moved up to my protein shakes 3x daily and 64 oz of clear liquids...plus my chewable vitamin! I picked up those viactiv chocolate flavor vitamins, I ate one and now I am too full for my protein shake....maybe I should take the vitamin at bed time? Anyways...Had a super fatastic day! (although I don't see much of a change, maybe i am blind to that extra 25lbs...who knows...my boobs are smaller though..I guess that is a good thing!):cursing:

I was on a clear liquid diet my first week....nothing else. I just moved to a full liquid diet this week, but my band hasn't been filled yet as well. Have another four weeks until I get first fill. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am hoping that it will be the 2 weeks after I am released on sept.22, but the nurse told me today that Dr. Baker is booked into the middle of October. I will be spreading the word soon as I know. Mary

I really need the same help here! Miralax was so vile to me I could barely gag it down. I got Milk of Magnesia, which worked the first time, but not after that. Maybe I need to up the dose? I swear I only have a 'movement' maybe once a week, and that's while i'm taking daily Dulcolax gel and Benefiber. My doc said to get a psyllium husk version - but I literally couldn't drink the whole thing with my sleeve. Maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of it at best. Aurgh!! At the RN's suggestion I tried probiotics and they did nothing for me, so after two weeks i quit them.

I talked to my internist about 3 weeks ago about Bariatric Surgery. She referred me to a doctor to get the process started. In the mean time I have had blood work done which indicated I have disposition for diabetes. My blood sugar was 109. That really woke me up. Friday 5/15/09 I went for a sleep study due to snoring and not being able to sleep. Saturday 5/16/09 went to an informational seminar for Bariatric Surgery and I now know the Lap Band is for me. Wednesday 5/20/09 I met with my Internist to have the physical exam paperwork completed. To my surpris she had the results of my sleep study. Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They state that I may benefit from CPAP use. This frightens me as I am claustrophic. I am awaiting a call for the next appointment. Can anyone who has gone through the similar issue with sleep apnea help me. Did your doctor require you to get the CPAP machine before surgery? If I remember correctly during the seminar they advised us you had to. I still am very anxious to have the surgery. I am awaiting a call to see what my insurance says about the Lap Band. From what I was told I should qualify because of my BMI. I am hoping to have this the end of July....keep your fingers crossed that I can all my ducks in a row by then. Looking forward to hearing from anyone who has some hints about the CPAP machine.

I'm 8 weeks out and have had no problem with sushi, but I get the rolls that have soy paper instead of seaweed because the seaweed is so chewy.

I'm cleared for wishing after six weeks...check with your nut. All plans and docs are different.

even though u have been eating bad stuff from time to time..are u still seeing the weight come off consistently??? if u are then maybe ur eating the bad stuff in moderation...which is what we are supposed to eventually learn with the band...right?? and from what it looks like u been droppin what....10lbs a month or something??? or did u loose a lump sum amount in one mnth? either way ur doing good...i know this is hard..i havent got my band yet, but im already setting myself for the rough times....but yes i agree with u..u probably need to kick ur butt back on track, but if ur loosing while eating a not so healthy meal, i would continue to eat those foods, BUT only in moderation...like once a week or something...i see on ur ticker u got 36 lbs more to go..so im projecting u will get to it...before year end....i bet u!! lol before u know it, it will be october and you'll be pushing 160 lbs....

Six Weeks ago I got admitted for another asthma.flare.up and because of the steroids it causes increase appetite an thirst the doc emptied my band so in six Weeks I feel like I did so much damage but when I went to him to get filled I was down three lbs suprisingly, ive been.stuck in the.240s for what.seems like a.long time now, so im hoping being restricted again I can break the curse of the 240s & keep losing. Part of my problem is I am afraid of.exercise im scared to have another asthma.flare up but I think if I do what he says by staying indoors.to work out it will be better. Just need inspiration to get my butt back into gear, please leave motivating positive comments here! Sorry for typos im on.my.phone lol

Lisa, I am with the strike on Boeing. It has been a pain but also good, this week I have gotten most of my place painted have one wall left over the fireplace, which requires a lot of taping off...so I have been avoiding it...lol Anyway after wenting and getting back some great responses, I got my butt outta that funk and was mucking around in my closet, and I was so totally surprised, as i have been wearing jammie pants at home and my biggest baggy pant to work to keep things off the lower incision, anyway, I thought lets see where we are, and started trying on clothes, and WOOT!!! I not only got into a pair of shorts I have not worn or been able to get over my hips at one point, they were also baggy in the butt area...yay!! So that got me fired up some more and I also tackled my eliptical runner today...desided to step it up a bit. walking got me into those pants, and I intend to get my jean jacket to fit again... yay to having goals... now i just gotta get back to work as soon as the dodo's desded to talk, but until then i'll just keep in truckin' thanks ppl:thumbup:

I've heard BCBS has great insurance, I'm hoping that what the nurses say at one of the Dr's I'm looking at are right, and that they get quick approval from UHC. In two weeks I'm gonna be busy, seeing 3 different doctors, will see which I like the best and move forward with them.

sorry everyone but I have to vent before I do something stupid, I've been doing nothing but jumping through hoops for a month now working towards getting my sleeve, I was penciled in for the 16'th of April, according to the scheduler, very doable as long as "I" did everything on time. well I did my part, the scheduler on the other hand has dropped the ball, all she had to do was request a "weight history" from my PCP, she had all the paperwork and consent forms signed at our first meeting back in the end of Feb., it took her a whole month to request a simple form. I called her simply to see if the 16'th is still doable as my wife and I have to schedule vacation time for the surgery, not an easy task for her. now, she won't return my voice mails, I've called her direct line about 2 dozen times and she NEVER answers her phone, I've left her 3 messages over the last 1 1/2 weeks and nothing. that kind of stuff REALLY BENDS ME OUT OF SHAPE, in my last message a few minutes ago, I gave her until this afternoon to call me back or I was going to collect all my records and find a new doctor. I mean, how hard is it to pick up a phone and make a quick call to someone? what the hell is wrong with the medical professions these days, what gives them the right to decide their time is the only time thats valuable ???? stupid arrogant asses. OK, vent over, now I need a stiff drink !!!!!!!!!

probiotics were not for me...I ended up with dry-mouth etc...but I just use Miralax a few times a week and that works fine for me... good luck

Hi Karen! I live in Ashville and visit Montgomery every few weeks!! I am a bit nervous myself, but ready to get on with my new healthier life! Good luck to you!

Thanks for the replies. I do have an app on my phone to remind me to drink. I have to leave it on vibrate mode while at work. This past week I've been helping train a new girl and since we have someone training the new girl all day, one person on maternaty leave and one peron out sick for 2 days, our 4 person team was reduced to 1.5 people. Which ment non-stop phone calls and data entry. I have to admit I ignored the buzzing on my phone or didn't notice it at all until I started getting that feeling in the back of my throat. In reference to Gatorade 2 does it really combat dehydration or is it just empty calories? And if it does how much is it going to take? I drank a 20 oz bottle of it both Friday and Saturday along with as much Water as I could get in and I'm still feeling the drying in my throat. My health coach also recommnded putting a pinch of salt in my water with the therory that water follows salt into you cells. I tried that once but haven't tried again. I don't want to consume too much salt. Thanks Any other suggestions? I REALLY do not want another IV.

I went into surgery with no blood disorder. Still I had those ow up leg balloons while in hospital and was on blood thinning shots for 2 weeks. I would ask PS their experience in operating with patients with your condition as well as how many complications they experienced in the subset of Stoney's. Stella

I would stop dieting and worrying about what you eat for at least a week. Give your body a break. Then count calories or points or whatever. I think this will shake your body up and get you moving again. Edited to add: You aren't far from goal. This is where it gets hard. Hang in there! Two suggestions: 1. Make a list of all the reasons you decided to get healthier. 2. Make a list of all the positive changes since losing weight.

Thanks everyone, I think I am in the same boat as you shawn, I have 4cc in my band at my last fill which my doc told me is pretty much it, but I have been snacking more often, just seems to go down easier..lol I do work out 3-4 days a week so I guess the snacking is enough to just make me maintain.. as of today noooo more snacking! I will try logging my food intake on fitday. I'm not sure I'm getting enough protien either, thats one of the things I have slacked off of too. I just cant stand the artificial protien shake taste, does any one have any great tasting low calorie recipies?

i'm 2.5 years post-op and i have to be honest with you... in the beginning it's hard. right after your surgery (the first 2 weeks or so) you won't be hungry at all and it will seem impossible to get in all the required Protein but as your stomach heals after the surgery, your hunger will return and since your band will not be filled you will enter what is known as "Bandster Hell" because you're banded but have no restriction and all the familiar hunger pains will be there. you might not lose any weight the first month after surgery so that can bring on depression. after a fill or 2 you'll feel the restriction and that's when the work really begins... for me, one of the the hardest parts has been knowing when to stop eating. your band will tell you when its had enough but your brain tells you to keep eating because it tastes SO good. if you listen to the band, you'll be fine. if you listen to your brain, you'll throw up. the second hardest parts is dealing with the foods your band will no longer tolerate. for me, i can no longer eat bread... which includes pizza (my most favorite food EVER). i also can't eat hamburger or popcorn... other favorite foods. after time, you learn to adapt your eating habits. while i can't eat the bread from the pizza but i can eat the cheese and toppings which is the best part anyway. i still crave burgers and get extremely jealous when a friend or family member orders one but i don't like the consequence i have to face if i DO try to eat one. you become so much more in tune with your body that its amazing. i went from wearing baggy mostly black clothes to proudly showing off my curves with bold colors. i love the compliments i get. i love shopping now! i love feeling healthy which makes me HAPPY! it's a difficult journey but my happiness is worth it!

I want to thank you for posting this "slow loser" thing you have because I have it too. I was begining to think I was the only person this happened too. (Very unrealistic.) Anyway I am out 8 months and I have not lost or gained any weight since my 6 month check up. 185 all the time. Some days 185.2 then 185.6 or 185 something else! Very tired of seeing that number. I have tried sooooooooooo many different things to jump-start this and nothing helps. I refuse to stay at 185 for the rest of my life. It will not happen. Going to talk to a psychlogist next week to see what he says. So maybe he can see something I cant. But again thanks for posting.

I truly appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. I feel better than I did when I posted earlier. I am still feeling the gas pain in my left shoulder. I've been walking in the house but I guess it hasn't worked it's way out yet. I took a shower this afternoon and felt much better after. I am not nauseous anymore at all. Today I had 2 Boost shakes, some broth and Water. I highly suggest having cough drops on hand when you get home. My throat hurt really bad and I probably wouldn't have made it without them! I've napped a lot today. I finally was able to get comfortable and get some rest. God bless my DH, he's been the best through all of this. Our phones have an intercom and if I need anything I just give him a buzz and he's always right there. It has been hard not being able to hold my DD. She's 15 months old and I think this may be the hardest part of it for me. My discharge papers said no lifting or carrying for 6 weeks...there's no way I will be able to go that long without holding her! Good luck to everyone and I'll keep you posted!