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Congrats on your banding! I am currently 3 weeks post op and doing great! As far as my appitite the first 10 days-it was clear liquids & full liquids, like creamed soups (strained), water, gatorade, milk with &/or without sugar free carnation instant breakfast, jello, pudding, very thin malt-o meal, applesauce, etc... I didn't have a problem with getting my appitite back, I was kinda slow at eating/drinking at first because I was scared to get a blockage. I am now on pureed foods and doing great & ready for a fill in a few weeks! Hope this helps! I would contact your dietician through your doctors office if you have any worries about not consuming enough calories. I was told that at this point not to worry about getting enough....should only be getting no more than 500 calories per day.

Re-read your own post. Your "friend" was always a monster. It was until when you were down and needed help that you realized what a terrible person she was, surgery was just a coincidence. I love everyone that I love so much more post-op. The issues I went through with my help to get to the point of surgery really made me value life more. When I see people posting about cheating on their spouses post-op and assorted other things it surprises me. My love for people and the world has increased 10 fold. I would never want to harm anyone or cause them pain.

I also had the lap band 10 years ago and loved it. I lost over 100 pounds and life was good until the gastric reflux started. It got so bad I was aspirating stomach acid into my lungs and I had to sleep in a chair. They removed all of the fluid from the band and the reflux went away and then I started on the track to get a revision to a sleeve. It seemed to me that I shouldn't have had to gone through the whole program for approval again but I did. I'm now waiting to get my surgery date finally after 6 months, which was probably a little longer because of Covid. Unfortunately having the band deflated and my gym closing (I was working out like crazy and now I've just stopped) I've gained a ton back. I'm so frustrated. Hoping to get the sleeve in 4-6 weeks, fingers crossed.

Hi all! Hope you all are doing well on your journey. I have pretty good contol right now with some eating desires but concerned I'm not consuming enough during the day. I had my surgery on Monday so only three days out and only drinking very minimal water, two 100 calorie protien shakes and drank a regular snapple today because I felt so shaky. What were you guys eating during the first ten day post op period. When did you start getting your appetite back? My husband is eating yummy Indian right now and I have no desire. Thanks for your help!

I would rather have people say " look at that chick with the big head" than " look at that chick with the fat @ss". Bring it on! Pre-op 275.9lbs -surgery 10/5 265.0lbs -11/11/12 241.8lbs

Had my surgery july 21 and now I down 19 lbs and counting going to have my first fill august 17, 2005 feeling better that I felt two weeks ago.

Hi! My name is Tracy. I just moved to Livonia from Whitmore Lake (I know Brighton very well!) I have my final weigh in on 8/19 then my surgeon can submit to insurance for approval! It feels like forever somedays and so fast others. My surgeon is Dr. Weiner at Huron Valley- Siani in Commerce Mi. I found Dr. Weiner through YouTube and was so excited to see he was close enough for me to make an appointment. He is wonderful. How far along through the process are you? Which surgeon/Hospital?

I just wanted to share where I am in my journey. I had RNY in August 2016. I started at 496. I am now the same weight I was as a junior in high school 25 years at 274!! I went from a size 60 kilt to a size 40!! Also from 6xl shirts to 2 xl sizes now.

My surgeon does not allow any carbonated beverages for life... He said drinking it could cause the band to slip. So I haven't anything with carbonation for over a month now. My surgery was on 12-20-10. I would love to drink a coke again, but I know it's best not too so I'm going to steer clear of it. My family still drinks it and surprisingly it doesn't bother me to see them with it. I guess I've told myself enough times that I just can't have it anymore and have come to accept that.

I had my surgery almost 2 years ago but I remember it well. Was up and running the halls in the hospital after I went to my room from recovery. Got out of the hosptial next morning and went to church that night. My surgeon said to take off 7 to 10 days. I could have gone back to work on day 3 but took 9 days. My pain level was zero even after waking up in recovery. It all depends on each individual and what type of work they do. I agree with the statement, listen to your body.

I too got a fill today and I can sip Water. Sip broth but if I take a big drink it hurts. I don't want an unfill if I can help it. Guess I will see how the next few days go. I'm now at 7cc in a 10 cc band. I'm a little worried about eating food. But if I can't then unfill a little will have to happen. Had my surg in mid dec of 2012. Anyone have any suggestions for me??? Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Once you get your Doctor issues straight may I suggest you ask them about a CT Scan when you said Lower left Pain in the pelvic region It struck a cord with me as I went through the same symptoms, gas, bloating, constipation and then had 2 days of the pain L/L pelvic region saw my Internist and he said Diverticulitis. I had 2 episodes of severe sharp pain, then smaller less frequent episodes. They did a Ct Scan of the abdomen/Pelvis, 10 days of Flagyl and I'm scheduled Monday for a Colonoscopy to rule out any other problems. Hope your feeling better soon!!

Well I have been home from the hospital for 5 days this time around. I am feeling SO much better. I went in, the DR came in, said we were going to get this fixed. He said he would go in, look for the hernia, and fix it. He said I might have some scar tissue that would need to be freed. He said if he gets in there and finds nothing, he will numb it up and I will have to try to deal with it. I wasnt happy in hearing this, but could understand. I just want to express to everyone the pain I was experiencing was very serious to me. By the end of the 3 weeks of dealing with this, the pain had me suicidual. I was hurting so badly, that I told my family that if this surgery didnt work, I had a plan to end it for myself because I COULD NOT live like this. I explained to the DR that my pain was at a 10 plus, and that was alot for me. I have have a baby naturally before and that took 33 hours. This pain topped that. So, just wanted to let you all know where I stood with this pain. It was very real to me. I went into the OR, they prepped me. Everyone was very nice. I fell alseep. I woke up to my very sweet Nurse, Kay. I asked ifthe DR was coming in. She told me no, that he was out speaking to my family since I was still a little out of it with the meds. I reached down and felt my stomach. I did find some discomfort there. I asked Kay if they fixed the hernia. Kay told me that they didnt find a hernia. I immediatly started bawling. Thoughts of previous plans came rushing into my head. I was determined not to live like this. I asked Kay for some pain meds, then fell asleep for a little bit. I asked for my family to be let in. They came in. I asked what the DR said and expressed to them how saddened I was by the fact there wasnt a hernia. I was told that the DR came to talk with them. The DR found a mass in my abdomen wall the size of a baseball. He said that when they cut open the mass, it had a grainy, sandy substance in it. Dr Helbling had removed the mass and alot of scar tissue from the area. He didnt have an explaination for the mass and didnt know what it was. It was sent to pathology, but he believed this is what was causing my pain. He was surprised that this didnt show up on the CT scan. So, there was something there. Something very real causing my pain. Now that it has been 5 days since surgery, I am feeling alot better. I have no pain expect some occasional incision pain, which is no biggie for me. I go back to work tomorrow. I am very thankful that DR Helbling listened to me when I came into his office and decided even though there wasnt a huge problem showing on my tests, he took the time to find out what was wrong and fixed it. He has improved the quailty of life. I am happy to report that my depression from this pain has ceased and I no longer feel suicidual. Happy Holidays everyone!

i would love to be able to have the band op, i have thought about it for years! i'm only 23 but i have been very over weight from the age of 10.. i dont have a doctors but feel like by asking i'm taking the easier option? even tho i know it wont be the easier option.. well i say i thought about it for years and read the stories but never looked into if i meet the standards they have..

I have been on the pre-op diet for 9 days now, and have lost 10 lbs. I am on about 1000 cal a day consisting of 3 shakes and low glycemic veges. I'm starving all the time, but I like the see the scale dropping!

I know- crazy question. I was banded on 12/19/12 and I often ask myself if I am really banded. I know it sounds strange but I have not had a fill so I don't have much restriction. To quote some of you, I am going off of want power right now. I feel like I can eat a larger portion than what is on my plate. I feel like I get hungry a lot quicker than I used to. I don't have a problem getting anything down, or have the symptoms most of you have with your banded lifestyles. I actually told my husband that I really don't feel any different. Is it just me? I am slowly losing and I don't have a problem with that. I am happy to be losing at all. I cut my calories/portions back in October so I have been losing since before I was banded. I am scheduled for a fill on Feb. 5th. Hopefully then I will feel like there is a tool inside me and not just my want to lose. Thank you for listening to me vent.

I'm stalled right now and its killing me!!! Its been 10 days since the scale has moved. I'm trying not to get freaked out about it but my inclination is to want to "go on a diet". The whole reason I had the surgery was because obsessive dieting was ruling my life. I really wanted to let go of all that. I would like to eat protien veggies fruit and complex carbs, in that order. After that I just want to trust the sleeve... let go of my obsessive need to diet. I'm sure others feel differently.... they just want to loose the weight and get it over with. That makes sense too, I guess it depends on factors like your reason for having surgery, what your particular mal adaptive thinking patterns are (if any), your BMI, the amount of cravings you have...... etc. Stacey

i just had surgery at kaiser richmond. We did a pre op diet of 3oz Protein with veggies and a carb (1/2 cup potato/ sweet potato/squash or slice toast whole grain bread less 80 cals) for lunch and dinner, or a fruit instead of veggies at Breakfast. Add to that 64 oz of Water, stop drinking 10 minutes before eating and don't drink until an hour after eating. Chew every bite 30 times. No caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, no Protein Drinks or drinks with more than 20 cals/ cup, no straws, no gum, no Pasta, rice, fried foods, etc. It was hard at first, but i lost hella weight and after a couple of weeks started having a better connection with my hunger and more energy.

14.05 day 4 of the pre op diet. 10 days to go.good luck to everybody!

OK July bandsters...I was banded on 7/7/11, I had the band with plication. I am down 46 pounds and counting. Yes, it is now much slower than the first few weeks but at least it is still going down. I am loosing 1.5 - 2 pounds a week and that is enough for me. I eat Protein at every meal and vegies. I also treat myself with some fruit of even 1/2 of a cookie. I know, they are no no's but I have to make myself happy too. I also joined Weight Watchers (for the 100th time I think). Yes, I know I cannot eat like they want you to eat, but the weekly weigh ins, the support and receipes are great. My leader knows I had the lapband and she is even tailoring my plan for me. I have tried Protein shakes and I find them to be nasty, even with milk. So I avoid them unless I have no other option. I have had 2 fills - 2cc and 1 cc. I still find myself getting hungry between lunch and dinner but trying to get better. My exercise is limited to walking for now (and in the Florida heat that is a good one). I walk around 10 + miles per week. My clothes are hanging on me so I know I am loosing inches. I also swim at least once or twice a week in addition to the walking. I drink a lot of Water and avoid carbonated beverages and fruit juices. OK, that is my tips for today. I love reading other tips on this site and have found them to be so useful especially when you feel too embarrased to ask the doctor or feel the question is stupid. Thanks to all of you..Well, that is it from sunny (and HOT) Florida today. Good luck and please keep posting and stay in touch - no one understands like fellow bandsters.... Melinda

Jessica, I had my surgery Nov. 10, 2005, lost 111 lbs. in 8 months with NO FILL. I have maintained my loss since July 25, 2006. I am going on two years of maintenance with no problems at all. Well, I just had a hernia repair and that was a possibility from being obese. It is possible as long as you have your mind with it. To me I believe the band was there just in case but I didn't treat it as a diet tool. I had to begin to rely on myself and believe it was there if I needed it and if not then more power to me. Josephine

Hi all, I was banded 10 days ago and have had the worst pb'ing! I mean, I couldn't keep ANYTHING down! It's gotten better in the last few days, but I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this? If so, how long did it last for you? I also have gastritis, so the fruit juices aren't very good for me, so I'm drinking watered down smoothies. Also, it seems after I drink ANYTHING, I have to burp. Is this gas from the surgery, or will it always be this way? I'm so happy that I've lost 23 lbs, but it seems to have come at a pretty high price! I'm sure things will get better-just looking for some common experiences out there. One more question-how long does milk/soup (anything besides straight liquid) stay in our pouches? Thanks! Cindy 301.5/278.5/160 Banded 12/6 Dr. Sanchez

Jill-I get the hick-ups constantly. Everyone laughs including me when they happen. How are you guys. None of us have been on here in days. Kathy-I also made Kim wait, so don't feel bad about me. Karen-what a beautiful house! I hope you can sell yours. That is the exact type of house I want someday. Kim-I'm sure that whenever is good for her they will work it out. I don't even know what day it falls on but I'm sure evenings work out. My little Lucy is scaring me I have tons pf people praying for her. I have to take her to the vet at 10:40 this morning to make sure she doesn't have a blockage! DS and I had to give her an enama around 12:30 last night. WOW that was not easy poor puppy. I'll keep you posted as to how she's doing.

@@WLSResources/ClothingExch - Thank you! I didn't see it as rambling at all (and as if mine wasn't).... I think you are right about the home health care nurse and I had every intention of hiring her when I called the other day, so I was a bit surprised when she suggested I might not need her. I mean she gave me her cell number and said to call her if I needed anything, but I think I would feel better if I had her come at least Monday and Tuesday (should be home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon). I feel better with a PLAN! And you are right about my friend. She has 2 daughters and we vacation together in Mexico every year (for the last 10 years), and she has visited me in the hospital after my hysterectomy and my RNY, so I think she is pretty comfortable with all those things. (Maybe it is just me that wouldn't be comfortable doing it for others so I am projecting that.) Honestly I don't really like my mom or sister or even a nurse helping with those things but you gotta do what you gotta do.... Anyway, I really appreciate your input. Mostly I just needed to ramble with someone else about it!!! Always appreciate your great words - full of kindness and wisdom!!

The Backstage Pass Radio Program is sponsored by BariatricPal.com! You can save 15% at store.bariatricpal.com by using the code DIVAT or POWERGIRL at checkout! WANT TO WIN SOME PRIZES TONIGHT? I got you covered! 7pm PST, keep this number handy: 347-857-2052! I am giving away 2 makeup kits, a turquoise necklace set, and a $10 Gift Card of your choice on tonight's show at 7pm! To win, you'll just need to call-in when prompted and give me the name of ONE of tonight's show sponsors (hint: you should say BARIATRICPAL.COM!!!) To listen to the show streaming on any device, simply click on this link: http://tobtr.com/9615387 Or, you can go directly to www.backstagepassradio.com. I'll also be doing a Facebook Live! from my personal page @divataunia and on the radio show page @backstagepassradio I have two big announcements at the top of the show that you don't want to miss! Thanks for sharing and spreading the word. Talk with you tonight at 7pm PST!!