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I am in the same private little boat. I have only told my husband and my twin- even then I had to make it clear it was not negotiable, I was sharing the information for support and because it would be too much not to tell with this dynamic. I have no intention of offering the information to anyone else, though I don't know yet what I would say if asked. Time will tell. For me, there is some shame in not being able to lose weight, but more than that I don't want to have to explain myself to people at my age. I had a trial run a while back while I was just "thinking" about it. At that time I spoke freely about it and sure enough - everyone becomes a dietitian and health guru. I had people telling me they will get me in shape. I was athletic when I was younger and have had my weight gain for almost 10 years (around 8-10 pounds a year) and most people just tell me I just have to do what I was doing before. It's just too much to explain to them how the weight gain happened. I lost a son, and then a couple years after my mom and sister to cancer, and during this time I lost control of exercise and weight management. Theres more to the story usually, and I really just want to move on with my life and avoid the lengthy retelling to everyone as I explain my personal health decision. So for now, I will tell them the TRUTH... I have lost weight by drastically cutting my calories. Maybe after the fact, I will say something, but for now - TMI.

I had an initial surgery consult and got my blood work done that day. Came back a week later for my NUT appointment and Psych eval. Two days later I came back for my Exercise Physiology appt. a couple weeks later and had an Endoscopy and a final consult "refresher". The following week I started my 10 day pre op diet, which included 3 shakes and 1 under 300 calorie meal per day. Then surgery. Start to finish was less than 6 weeks. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I wasn't in Onederland, but was a lower BMIer and I came out 10 lbs. heavier...it's the IV fluids and all the swelling (I looked pregnant). BTW, get a Rx for nausea if you don't have one...vomiting on a new band would be bad (and I've used my little pills twice since banding...don't want to be calling the doc in the middle of the night!). Hope the boys and you are better soon! -BG -CONGRATULATIONS BANDER!!!!

It didn't happen to me but I made a comment in the office before surgery because their scales were off and I said I didn't want to come back and have gained 10 lbs. They said it is always possible because they pump you so full of fluids. Of course, they pump you full of basically sugar Water. Do you think that's such a good idea for a diabetic? My blood sugar went to over 400 in the hospital and then I kept having to reminding the nurse to check it because they just left it in. Oh yeah - now it's ONLY 300. You think? - get that thing out of me!

Hey guys thanks for all the replies. Ceradad...yeah i think we are close in our journey as far as fittness goes. But you have got a lot less to lose than me at this point. No big deal..ill get there. Salsa!!! your insperational too! I am doing a 10 k soon. Hopefully by the end of the summer ill be ready for a half marathon. Right now i have found that 10k is my high limit. I did one on friday morning and i was sore the next day. I pretty much am up to 5miles 3 times a week. which i can do ok. I need one of thise swimmers MP3's cas i get bored swimming laps now. Susan and LuLuc...i love you guys!

To think that a year ago I wouldn't even think about replying to a tri-athelon topic and even consider participating in one is crazy! Here's my story. I used to weigh 290lbs. When I weighed that much I was still -pretty active (if you call slow-pitch softball and rec volleyball active.:wink2: ) Now thanks to my lap-band and losing 80 lbs (I still have quite a bit to go) anyway I have been doing the couch to 5K and I really like it! tonight I ran/walked 3.2 miles in 37.05. OK enough of my rambling. I was searching for some 5k races around my hometown last night and came across a sprint tri. (300m swim, 11 mile bike, 5k run) This event will take place Sept. 6 ( 4 days after I turn 43!) I feel the same way about the swim, I think I would be able to handle the bike and run, it's just I haven't been in a swimming pool actully swimming laps for at least 10 yrs. Does this sound like an achievable goal? Or should I just wait a year? How should I go about training for this? Of couse when I told dh, he just laughed, which makes me want to do this more!:smile: where can I find training guides to help me prepare for a triathelon. Hope I didn't hog too much of your thread.

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile...life threw me for another loop (it keeps life interesting, doesn't it?), but I'm back to (almost) normal now (or as normal as I'm willing to get...and 2 pounds up again grrr). I was using a belt sander to take paint off some trim wood outside our house...I was up on a ladder, turned on the sander and...picture funniest home videos as it grabbed the wood and yanked me right off the ladder. Nothing broken, but lots of drugs to help the pain. I also had some increased restriction after the small refill. Details here: Stiff and Tight If you're very brave, or just want a laugh read: Scary Story; How My Belly Button Is Like My Stoma If your Doc doesn't allow NSAIDs with the LB read: Health Advocate and NSAIDs Some updates and my LB Surgeon leaving here: Downs and Ups Halloween Pics here: Happy Halloween DS1 had emergency surgery, but is recovering well now and is back to class tomorrow. Quick (boring) updates here if you must know: 1, 2 & 3 A 'brain dump' about TV and technology as I was sitting at the hospital for the third day here: The Neverending Story Lots of pics & my fashion history here today: Fashionista- What Goes Around...

My weight loss was ridiculously fast at first- I was losing 2 lbs a day for the first 10 days. And then it came to a halt and slowed wayyyy down. It drops a little bit here and there, but anywhere close to my original high rate. It's normal for your weight to fluctuate. It can be anything from hormones to Water retention to your body just being frustrating (I know I've felt that way). You didn't really gain the weight, so don't worry! So early in the game, it's practically impossible for us to gain weight. Over 100 lbs to lose can seem like a daunting task. I have 80 lbs to lose and it feels unreachable at times. We have the sleeve to help us, and it will help us. I'm only 3 weeks post-op, so I might not be the best source of information. If you want a companion in the same boat as you, feel free to PM me or add me as a friend.

I take 2 adult Gummy Vitamins every day. I have purchased the Target brand and currently have the Sam's Club brand. They are all fruit flavored and tasts just like Gummy Bears. I want to say they are around $10 for about 3 months worth.

Pam, The facility I had my done in gave me about 10 names of doctors who do fills for their patiences within an hour or two drive from where I live. Addionally, there was a company called FILLS USA (or something like it) whose doctors will do your fills, even though the company is no longer in existence. Colin

@@Kari1985 Yes! I'm so thankful she found me...haha! I posted in my local support group, and she reached out to me in a private message. It may sound odd, but while I'm having surgery, I always ask either the anesthesiologist, scrub nurse, or tech to touch my face as I'm being put under. Lol. It's just really comforting to me. When I had my children (3 c-sections,) my ex husband was in the room, and I wasn't put under and I was comforted by him holding my hand and the doctor talking to me. I am terrified of embarrassing myself. In 2007, I had sinus surgery and they didn't give me any anti-anxiety meds before they gave me anesthesia. I went from an 8 on the anxiety scale to a 10+ within 30 seconds. I sat up on the OR table, and told them "My legs feel so heavy, I must be having an allergic reaction!" They told me it was the medicine, but I didn't believe it or course. The next thing I remember is just waking up from surgery. I was so embarrassed when I remembered what I had said and did. I hate, Hate, HATE anxiety !! I hope our surgeries go well, and our anxiety is as minimal as possible. How's your pre-op diet going? You can message me anytime! Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

It is totally normal to mourn the loss of your current relationship with food. It's been a support and a friend, of sorts. Just remember, it's the bad friend that got you in all sorts of trouble. Just realize, you're not giving up these foods forever, although hopefully, you are giving up the quantities you currently enjoy. Eventually, you'll be able to order your favorite meals at restaurants again. But now, you'll have leftovers to enjoy for 3-4 more meals. (It makes the cost of eating out a lot more reasonable!) For the hair loss, start taking your vitamins now. You can also add biotin and l-lysine supplements to help support hair growth. Do not wait until the hair loss starts as I did. By then it's too late. The first week or two after surgery are hard for most of us. This surgery is a big deal. However, your chances of surgical complications are far less than the chance you'll develop complications due to obesity. Don't focus too much on the next few months. It's tough, but you can get through it. Think about what you want for yourself 2 years from now, 10 years from now . . . The overwhelming percentage of people on these threads think the temporary pain/struggles were well worth it to get a better life in the long run. Think about how much of your current life is passing you by because you're too big to participate in it. I wish you well and hope you'll continue to ask your questions and vent when necessary. We've all been there.

Here is what I eat everyday.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Breakfast:<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape id=_x0000_i1025 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>Slim Fast Low Carb Creamy chocolate, 1 serving190 calories Lunch:<v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>GNC Protein Drink, 1 serving140 calories (I blend it in my Magic Bullet with 4 ice cubes, 1 heaping scoop of Protein powder, 1 tsp instant decaf coffe & 4 oz of Water. It tastes just like a frapucino!!!) Jello - Jolly Rancher sugar free Gel Snacks, 1 serving10 calories Dinner:GNC Protein Drink, 1 serving140 calories (blended same as above) V8, 5.5 oz30 calories<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> 8 glasses of water daily. I have 16 oz glasses, so I do 2 before lunch & 2 after lunch if not more. Some days I have a cup or two of clear Egg Drop Soup or chicken broth or broth strained from Veggie Beef soup. They only add 50 calories max. <v:shape id=_x0000_i1027 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id=_x0000_i1028 style="WIDTH: 0.75pt; HEIGHT: 0.75pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:href="http://assets.sparkpeople.com/myspark/spacer.gif" src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>CALORIE Total: 510<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>

I'm 3 days post opt and my left leg was red. I did notice it in the hospital but kept forgetting to pint it out to anyone. I don't have a fever and it looks like today it's back to normal. Did anyone else have that? Eating is a slow process but going reasonably well. I too am having a hard getting water in my body. I'm down almost 10 pounds to date.

My hubby who has never ever in his life had to worry about one thing he ate. Could not gain weight for the life of him. Miss a meal and lose 10 lbs. kinda guy. The other day he called me into the bedroom and told me his belt shrunk. I said, 'honey leather belts don't shrink.' And he said,' this one did and also my pants. Your washing them in hot Water aren't you?' I said, 'no, your eating everything on your plate and almost mine as well.' In which he replied, 'I never have to worry about what I eat. Look at me.' I said, yup I'm looking at your expanding waist!' LOL

This makes me wonder about losing the nutritional benefits of soup in the long term. If I eat a vegetable soup I guess the food particles are probably passing through quicker. I also drink and don’t wait more than a few minutes to eat. I do wait 30 minutes after eating to drink. It got much easier after the first 6 months to drink more quickly so first thing in the morning I try to drink 10-12 ounces just to get fluids in. Same thing at night

I'm on day 7 of my pre-op (Band goes on tomorrow!) and I was not given a calorie goal, I have been limited to 20 grams of protein per day. (A Carnation SFInstant breakfast with 1% has 13 grams!) Amazingly, I'm OK, and I've lost 19 lbs this week.

I've seen this question several times and since I also had left shoulder pain, I thought I would relay what I learned. The following is a direct quote from the book that my surgeon provided to me pre-op. I found it helpful. In the book The Lap-Band Solution, Dr. Paul O'Brien writes: "It is common to have pain at the left shoulder area after the procedure. This pain is actually coming from the diaphragm, which is the large sheet of muscle that separates the chest, with its heart and lungs, from the abdomen. It is called referred pain because although it comes from the diaphragm, the brain interprets it as coming from the left shoulder and you feel sore there. It is common early after the operation but usually settles in a few days. Occasionally it can linger on for many weeks. We (the author) do not know exactly why it occurs and therefore we cannot predictably avoid it. Apart from letting time pass, various simple techniques have been found to help and are worth trying: hot packs to the shoulder standing or sitting upright resting quite still for 10 minutes walking about peppermint tea simple pain relievers" The other thing that my doctor told me is that if the pain moves beyond the shoulder area, e.g. into the upper arm, neck or chest, to consult a doctor immediately, call an ambulance or get myself to the ER because it could be something more serious. A scary reminder that with obesity comes a higher risk of heart attack. Boy, I can't wait to get down to a normal weight!

It will work honest! I felt the same way though and seriously without even trying that hard at all I am 19 lbs away from my goal and its only been a little bit over 3 months! and the BEST part!!!!! I wont gain it back this time!!! woo hoo!!

Hey, I'm 10 days post op now and I haven't had any problems. I see my doctor tomorrow but my scales tell me I've lost 20 pounds since surgery I am doing absolutely fine Do let me know If you have any questions x

I had my surgery yesterday. I stayed overnight since we live 3 hours away from the sugery center. Now I'm on a liquid diet for 3 days, then thick liquids for two weeks, then two weeks of mushies. My follow up visit is local and is next week. First fill I believe isn't until week 4. I'm doing great....so far my pain is really just a little discomfort and soarness....about a 1 or 2 out of 10. I was worried it would be way worse then this, but it really isn't bad at all. It is a great relief. I'm taking pain medicine only at night to help with sleeping, but I'm just fine in the day. I had chicken broth with unjury chicken soup added in for protein today. I'm not hungry at all....but I know I need to get liquid and protein in for healing. I found out my original surgeon had cornea transplants.....good god, how bad were his eyes? The replacement surgeon was awesome, he had about 20 years of doing these types of surgeries.

Hey Jackie, that is just what I am here for. My goal is to help others and pass on what I have learned along the way. I had some wonderful people who really helped me when I had my surgery and we have become good friends along the way. You are doing fantastic with your weight loss Yeah for Jackie. You honestly have to stop and have talks with yourself--so your brain understands who is in charge. Your brain can play some nasty tricks on you along with the smell of food the they are bringing into the house. I am sure they don't even think about it but sit down and nicely tell them, right now this is NOT working at all for you. 2 more days, I can still remember when when I got to start on the 2nd 10 days. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I got to have creamy soup--and I could only get down about 1/4 of a cup not even all that, but it taste soooooo good. You can and will do this and you are going to be so successful. sugar free Popsicles were really good too--get some of those and try them. Just remember you have earned the right to be skinny and it is going to happen. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, Yes sometimes family and friends become more of a problem than help, and right now you just need some peace in your life. You really don't and won't have hunger. What you are having is "head hunger" your head is telling you that "IT" wants to eat, because for all your life the head has rules what and when you were eating. Now you are going to take control and pick how much, and when you are going to eat. It takes a good two months to get this habit going. That is why the first month is the hardest. When people bring things in the house--it is the smell of the food that you are dealing with. Ask them to please not do this for this first month. If they want something else please eat it where they picked up the food. It is really hard when someone does that to you. Glad to hear that your pain is going away. Each day it gets better. You just have to adapt to the lifestyle changes that you are going to be making. Healthy choices when it comes to food. I have a new Protein Drink that I just love. I have ALWAYS just had Premier Protein Drink that I got at costco after 3 years I wanted to try something different. I wanted to try something different and so I had heard a lot of people talk about "Mint Cookies." It is sooooooooooo good. This is where I ordered it from www.netrition.com The item number to order this is 39-0963 it is made by Syntrax and you can have it in the 2nd 10 days. The Label says Matrix 2.0 Mint Cookies This might be something that would make it a little easier for you. The cost of it is $22.95 for 2.16 lbs. It truly is good. You can mix it with water or milk. I use Skim Milk. They have other flavors once you get to the site and find it. I have also ordered banana Cream--have not tasted it yet. Hang in there it will get a whole lot better. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi You are going to have some talks with yourself about all the food. I have said many times about how hard the 1st month is. This is part of it dealing with the food. You just have to tell yourself that this is only for 30 days--NOT A LIFETIME. It does get better the 2nd 10 days. Food will come back into your life the 2nd months. You NOT LONGER LIFE TO EAT. From here on out you eat to life. You have to find things to do to keep the food in 2nd place not be the only thing you are thinking about. Take a magazine out and plan on some new clothes that you will be able to have. Do a little day dreaming about what it is going to be like in 6 months, Hugs, Suzanne

#9grammy in TWO WEEKS you went from a size 14 to a 10?? WHOLEY MOLEY! I started at an 18-20 in March and am down to a 14-16 now. I would be thrilled if I could get in to a 10 in 2 weeks! Awesome for you!