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I have only lost 18.5 pounds since November. Today made 4 months since my surgery. I too was feeling pretty bad about it. But we have got to stop thinking that we will lose 10 pounds a week with the band. If you have lost 31 pounds in 3 months, that is an average of nearly 3 pounds per week. That is FANTASTIC. Think of it in terms of what it means over the next year...next 2 years. Read my post earlier this week about getting ourselves "in check". You need to make sure your expectations are realistic. How much did you think you would lose the first 2 months. You have made tremendous progress....you need to be proud and not ashamed. You made a decision to get healthy. Stick with it. Why give up now? Because you only lost 31 pounds? Say that out loud... :scared2: Did you ever think you'd lose 30 pounds in a few months? Stay on the horse. Trust me...I know it's hard without restriction. I gained 6 pounds at my 2nd visit and 1.5 pounds at my 4th (most recent). I now have 5.2 cc's in my band (4th fill) and I finally feel like I'm eating the amount I should be--usually less than a cup at each meal. And I have just started eating "WHAT" I was supposed to. The restriction helps with that. Talk to your surgeon. Print out your post and take it with you. Give it time. Don't let fear of what others think hold you back. We have all done that for too long. Keep us posted.

I've had both. If you eat something that is too big and it gets stuck right away, you start to slime right away. If I eat something that absorbs water and expands in the stomach, sometimes it hits me ten minutes to a half hour later once the food puffs and goes critical. I've never gone beyond a half hour. Usually if I'm going to slime, it happens either immediately or within 10 minutes.

Today I suddenly started peeing blood. No real pain or fever that I can tell. Im pretty concerned. Thoughts? 5' 5" HW: 259 CW: 235 GOAL: Healthy and hard 140-ish?

This sounds like the last 10 yrs of my life...tell your friend to be careful an attitude like that can switch that 50lbs to 150lbs quick.

Every surgeon is different. I was given a big calendar, color coded so that I could track and follow for my food changes. Personally, after surgery I was on clear liquids day 1 and 2. Then full fluids (soups, yogurts, pudding, smoothings) for 2 weeks. I am now on pureed and blenderized for 7 days, followed by stage 2 of that, chopped, ground meats and adding a bunch more well cooked foods for 10 days. Then my maintenance plan for life.

I bought a Magic Bullet right after I was banded. It worked great, but wore out in about 6 months. Almost everyone I know had the same luck with theirs - 6 or 8 months seems to be the average lifespan. At Wal Mart I found a Hamilton Beach personal blender. It cost less than $10 and works just as well as the MB. I wore that one out, too (in about 6 months), and just purchased another one. I figue it's a better deal - $10 twice a year as opposed to $60, twice a year.

Shannon I know this is probably extra freaky for you since you know more than most of us what surgery entails, but you can do this. I think you will find it easier than you thought, and if not, the surgery is quick and the recovery is way easier than any other surgery I have ever had (and I have had a number). Just remember, knowledge can be power, but it can also scare the crap out of you! The amount you want to lose seems like a great deal, but take it in small steps and remember every pound you lose is a pound less to lose and a step closer to where you want to be. If you want, go look at some pictures I posted on the general surgery forum under "before and after pictures" near the top of the threads (I think it should be renamed to "before and during"). My pictures are on about page 10 or 11 by now (I posted them on April 10, 2008, so you can look by date). I never thought I would ever post pictures, but I thought, why the heck not? (plus it was a snow day and I couldn't get out of my drive way to go to work, so I played on the computer most of the day) :tongue: I am not saying look at the pictures because they are anything great, but they are a representation of me at about 350 (and probably more) and me at about 220, about a month ago. They just show that massive weight loss is possible. This morning I weighed myself and I was down to 208 and I know that I am nowhere near done my journey. I have no idea of where I can actually go - my goal of 180 was just a number that I picked that was below 200, but I am now believing that anything is possible. As hokey as this may sound, by believing in yourself, you CAN make your dreams come true . I think many of us kind of gave up on ourselves, and forgot to dream and believe in what we can do and instead invested ourselves in other people, our careers, or in food. I know I did. Do this for you and you alone.

It is encouraging to me to read this as well. I have well over 100 lbs to lose. I went today for my pre-admission stuff at the hospital. My surgery is scheduled for April 10.

Thanks Ann. NSV = Non Scale Victory - a celebration of all those little things that come with losing weight, apart from seeing the numbers move on the scale (eg new clothes, being able to tie your shoe laces and breathe at the same time, etc). Size 10 eh? Whoohoo! Congrats! I'm sure that feels WONDERFUL!

Just found a post today on it. It was given to him in the hospital, mixed with crystal lite. Looks good to me! Better than buying super expensive clear Protein drinks, goes in everything hot or cold. Looks very versatile to me. I'm going to call my NUT tomorrow to see if she concurs. National Nutrition liquid Protein PROSOURCE AND MIX w Crystal Light http://www.firstoptionmedical.com [Prosource] http://www.firstoptionmedical.com/Medtrition-National-Nutrition-Prosource-Liquid-Ora-p/35210.htm 10g protein/oz. SALE: 32oz. $29.95 ($10 off) Free Shipping – Orders > $100 Medtrition/National Nutrition Prosource Liquid Oral Supplement 32 oz from FirstOptionMedical.com is a liquid supplement that is ideal for open or closed tube feeding systems. 100% Essential and non-essential amino acids and 10 grams protein per ounce. Translucent non-staining color. Add to hot and cold foods and beverages for additional protein. http://www.healthykin.com [Prosource Plus] ProSource No Carb 15g protein/oz. 60 calories $33.95/32oz. ProSource No Carb from HealthyKin.com combines the efficiency of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein for a concentrated, low-volume, high-protein supplement containing 15 grams of protein and 60 calories per ounce and 100% of all essential and non-essential amino acids. ProSource NoCarb Liquid Protein's hydrolyzed protein is broken down by enzymes into free amino acids and polypeptides that are easily digested and absorbed by the intestines. Clinically proven to raise albumin levels in hemo-dialysis patients, ProSource NoCarb Liquid Protein can be used for protein malnutrition, gastric surgery, and other applications where low-volume protein supplementation is required. ProSource No Carb Features: Acts to meet the increased protein needs during periods of metabolic stress or inadequate intake Complete hydrolyzed protein Provides all the dispensable and indispensable amino acids required for protein building sugar-free form that requires fewer digestive enzymes for absorption than intact protein Low in phosphorous, potassium, and sodium and complies with the majority of dietary restrictions Part numbers: 11525, 11525, 11545, 11545, 11535, 11535, 11476 ProsourcePlus $33.95/32oz. http://www.healthykin.com/p-3282-prosource-plus-liquid-protein.aspx ProSource Plus Liquid Protein from HealthyKin.com combines the efficiency of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein for a concentrated, low-volume, high-protein supplement containing 15 grams of protein and 100 calories per ounce and 100% of all essential and non-essential amino acids. ProSource Liquid Protein Plus's hydrolyzed protein is broken down by enzymes into free amino acids and polypeptides that are easily digested and absorbed by the intestines. Clinically proven to raise albumin levels in hemo-dialysis patients, ProSource Liquid Protein Plus can be used for protein malnutrition, gastric surgery, and other applications where low-volume protein supplementation is required. ProSource Plus Liquid Protein Features: Concentrated liquid Proteins for ease of administration, consumption and improved compliance Lactose and gluten free Shelf stable Do not refrigerate Part numbers: 11671, 11671, 11661, 11661, 11651, 11454, 11454 Good luck! I just heard back from the company. It has a very little protein isolate.

Yep. Not much fun, but once you're sleep It obviously passes by quickly. Had one 10 years ago. Determined I have sleep apnea, and have been sleeping with CPAP every since.

Sleeved on 10/26/15, so I'm 6 months out already. Can't believe how time flies! Had my 6 mo. check up last week: weight 217.8 (down 55.5 pounds from surgery weight; down 62.2 from highest weight) A1C is 5.5 (down from 5.9 pre-op) pants size from a snug 24 to 18 tops size 2X to XL Only regret is that I didn't do this 10 years ago~!

Hello all, I am almost 10 months out and have severe nerve pain in my left leg. I am working with my doctor to determine the source of the pain. In googling for answers I have seen both wls (related to B12 deficiency) and long term use of ppi medicines as possible causes of nerve damage. Just wondering if anyone in our group here has experienced anything like this?

When i was a kid it was my sister n i we are a yr apart, we were active kids no cell phones no video game, we had skates jump ropes n tripple knotted tennie shoes so we didnt fall as we ran, we ate normal n bad then if we didnt like dinner we didnt eat. But for some reason i was always gaining weight, kids would always give my sister string cheese donuts twinkies ect, but they alwys told me i couldnt have any cuz i had already ate to much. 6 grade i started skipping lunch all the way threw high school, then after high school i started over eating cuz i didn't understand no mattor what i did i gained weight. Then i started dieting since i was about 20 till now n i lose 10 lbs then gain 20. I had acupuncture weightloss n the dr said he had never seen a person gain weight. That was sad. But i wanna kno has this happened to anyone n then with surgery they succeeded

folks we just had major surgery. It only makes sense that we are still weak. ) I had my surgery on the 14th. I try to walk a little each day for 10 min. I overdid it yesterday and was worn completely out.

Okay, so it's been almost 5 years since my lapband surgery. I haven't been on this forum in probably a year. I had been doing pretty well with slow loss but no gain. The last 6 months have been a struggle. I have gained 15 lbs. in the last few months. I can eat a 6 inch subway sub WITH BACON with no problem (an probably more if I wanted to). I have 9 cc in my 10 cc band. I had a fill about 2 months ago because I was over eating and felt like I no longer had restriction. It helped but only for a couple of weeks? I do not eat slow or chew my food as much as I should. I can't chug liquids, but I still feel like something is going on. I remember when 4 bites of food would fill me up. Now, I am back to my pre-surgery portions. I should have the will power to eat less, but obviously I don't and I have relied on the band. I'm not exercising, which is my laziness and I know what I need to do there. I am getting to the maximum level that I can with my band. Has anyone else had this experience? I'm getting frustrated and do not want to gain anymore weight! Help!

Thanks for the concern, I could have been a teensy, weensy overdramatic. I'm okay though as far as my anxiety levels. Hope you're doing good, I read a post about you being sick. Sending you some good vibes. My hubby and I are the same. We don't have new and exciting electric gadgets, newest car is a 2004. I can't believe the statistics I read all the time about the average consumer's credit card debt. I think the last time I saw the avg it was about 8K. I'm proud to say I haven't carried any credit card debt in 10 years.

Friday the 13th was my one year anniversary. And...I finally broke down and went shopping for some new clothes. I had no non-work clothes at all to wear and wanted to wear something for a night out with friends. All of my work clothes are hand me downs from another friend of mine losing weight. I decided to skip trying on the size 16s. Even though I thought there was no way I was fitting in the 14s. they looked so small. I have been wearing 16's but they were all light weight "stretcy pants" --and we all know jeans are different! But even though they are all getting big, I was shocked to fit in a size 14. I fit in every pair I tried on and actually got to decide which pair I liked more, and which ones I didn't like...not only just buying the ones that my butt fit into. But--after all this. I don't feel like I'm a size 14. I don't feel like I look that much different, even though it's obvious to me in pictures and in other people's reactions. It's almost funny. When I started this journey I said I would be happy to just fit in a size 14...but now that I'm here, I'm not satisfied. I still feel like a fat chick with a cute face. Now, I've reassessed my goal --to a size 10. OMG.. it's actually a possibility. I'm one of the ones that took forever to start losing. Now that I'm at my sweet spot, 7.1 ccs in a 10 cc band (I only got small fills every couple months and had to wait 2 months before getting the first one), I finally feel the weight coming off. But my question is this...am I supposed to feel skinny now? How should a size 14 feel? I'm still struggling mentally with the loss. I have to realize that everyone's first reaction to me is not, damn she's fat. I have to realize that it's really happening for me this time. Maybe that's why I never bought new clothes...I thought I'd gain it back again??? And now that I'm a year out, maybe it's the realization that this time it's working?? How does everyone else feel after gettin down to a normal size? Sorry for the vent. My hubby just does not understand... Supportive yes, but everyone here really understands. Thanks for listening. Crystal

LOL!! 10 lbs is amazing! I would suggest not to go overboard, but allow yourself a couple of treats, so you won't panic before the optifast.

Aw, I hate to hear that for you!! I know that feeling also, of cringing at myself in the mirror. I still do! What about starting smaller, maybe! I'm 234 lbs and even though I'd love to be in a 10, I think I may go out and purchase a pair of 14's. I don't know what size I can get into with my med bones and my child bearing hips. Hehe. If I bought a 10 and came to realize its not a healthy attainable weight for my frame, I think that might depresse again. I think you will do fabulous!!

10 wks post opp is a blessing within itself... im 2& 1/2 weeks post oop& im sooo hungry Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Also, try something like this: Easy Turkey Skillet Non-stick cooking spray 1 lb lean ground turkey 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon each basil, oregano, red pepper and garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 tomatoes, chopped 2 medium zucchini, sliced & halved (I actually do green peppers instead) 1. Brown turkey and onion in non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray. Cook until turkey is cooked through and onion is soft (about 10 minutes) 2. Add tomato paste and seasoning. Simmer another 10 minutes. 3. Add tomatoes and simmer another 5 minutes. 4. Add zucchini and cook 5 minutes more. Serve hot. Serves 4 (about 1 cup per serving) Calories 181; Carbs 13g; Fiber 4g ; Protein 21g ; Fat 6g

I purchased a topper around 5 months and wear it every day. My hair has started to regrow now (almost 10 months post op), and I anticipate it being back within 6 months. I’m wearing it in my profile photo.

Hi, Hope your surgery went well. I had mine yesterday at 10:30 also. Mine is going well so far. Pain isn't too bad, nausea is going away, and I'm up and walking. How about you? ~Pam

Dover also. Surgery just got scheduled for 10/29!