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I have noticed when I dip below 1200 calories I start holding onto the weight. I've been sick with a cold and had a bit of a rough week emotionally. As a result I haven't been eating enough and haven't lost any weight this week. At three months I was getting upset because I was losing so slowly and the nurse practitioner at my Bariatric Program told me to increase my calories from 800 to 1200. The weight started melting off. For my body, 1200 calories seems to be the magic number. I swim 3-5 hours per week too.

I was curious if any of you post op people have had problems drinking this particular shake. A FB group I just joined was saying it was the wrong type of Protein & suggested it can cause dumping. Yet Kaiser's bariatric pgm highly recommends it. Just curious if this is just a certain group bashing other drinks in order to sell their's or if it's truly not the best option. Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

GG you are in my prayers today! We serve an awesome God and I know he is surrounding you, your family and staff. We will be waiting to hear from you. As for me....I wish I had not had to have any Fluid removed from my band but know I would not have made it without being dehydrated since NOTHING was going down. Looking forward to the 13th and getting a little fluid added back. I am going to really watch my intake and make sure I don't go backward. Like all just about all the bad food is out of the house. I had lunch with high school friends ( 30 years reunion). Out of the 6 of us that met 4 of us had bariatric surgery since high school. We all looked great and we are planning a NYC trip for 2013. Isn't it great to have friends from way back when....and them to be supportive. Happy New Year to each and everyone of my new friends and thank you for your support. There will be no Champange for me this year....bubbles and bands don't match. I will toast with my Water and be proud of where I am. God is so GOOD!!

Hi, all sorry for the extended break. I went in for my first post-op visit today and all looks great. I have port pain (started 2 weeks to the day after surgery) probably from overdoing it on stretching or something. I started soft foods and am really enjoying it. I have to watch it on the creamy condiments (mayo, sour cream, dressing) but they make for a great mixture with ground chicken and ground turkey. Besides the obvious tuna salad or egg salad, my favorite as been a bit of an indulgence because I was craving a little spice. I got ground chicken and cooked it in a pan, bought some Buffalo sauce and some reduced fat ranch dressing, mixed them together and voila! Buffalo wing taste without the fried part and nice and soft. I was very careful to measure the dressing and keep it at or under the suggested serving size. Funny thing is that pre-band I could have taken or left Buffalo wings but I just really wanted that flavor for some reason. Tonight was my weekly "meeting" at my local pub (just a group of friends who hang out on Wednesday evenings)...had fish n chips without chips and no breading. Fish wasn't so great tasting but it's protein I suppose. Oh, and only iced tea for me--I have been told that a Guinness now and again is fine but I don't want to have anything to do with alcohol or beer specifically for a good long while. Finally, I found out on Friday that my landlords won't be renewing my lease this year (after three years) because of a long story involving a mean neighbor whose rent happens to be double mine (guess who won that battle for the landlord's heart?). So I've got to move (well, find a new place to live first) which won't be fun, but hey what's life without a few curve balls? That's about it for me!

"...getchur bariatric shakes here, Protein bars, gotchur sugar free Chocolates...."

Hello, I am considering bariatric lap band surgery, but my only concerned is that lap band patients are estimated to only lose approximately 50% of their excess weight. I read this on several bariatric web sites, however just today I saw on Dr. David Kim's site, that he estimated 70%. Since my insurance will not help with the cost of a bariatric surgery, it will come out of my savings, and I'm not willing to pay approximately $10K to only lose 50% of my excess weight. How Much Weight Can You Really Loose with the Lap band? Chow, DV817

For sure ! Where I was banded at, all Bariatric Patients are put on this 1 tablet 3 x a day. Flintstones Complete with CHOLINE. You must get the ones with the CHOLINE though, that has something to do with vitamin B, and we need it..... I have been on them now for almost 7 yrs.. , and I recommend these to everyone because they work. I have tried other brands, but they don't have that kick that they have,' It takes about a couple of weeks before you feel the difference, but you will know it, when they are kicking in. Go ahead, and give them a try, and let me know what you think. Also go to Flintstones vitamins website, and get a coupon for money off.. Shirley.

:happybday2: :happybday2: :happybday2: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!!!!!!!! :happybday2: :happybday2: :happybday2: Hope your special day is happy, and full of great surprises! A wonderful person like you just deserves a wonderful day the way I see it!!! In fact I think all of you deserve to have a great day. It is supposed to be windy here again. I am so sick of wind! It messes with me wanting to get outside and exercise. I am renewing my efforts. I figure with Spring, and Easter, it is time for new beginings---so it is back to basics for me. Like Cindy the scale is playing games with me, I see the infamous 199 and by the next day it is 201 again---and I have had enough!!! Going to try to work it off, watch what I eat a bit (not gonna go totally nutso here!!!), and see if I can do it with this fill. I don't feel hungry, I am begining to eat just because I CAN! I hate to chance another fill, and get too tight, and start all the trouble that can lead to. I think in all honesty, my fill will be ok, if I respect the foods I put into it!!! I like being able to eat anything---I do not want restriction that causes me to eliminate foods---so it seems heaven forbid, I may have to pick up my pace here!!! I began Monday, and am now back to seeing 201 on the scale again---it had went up to 203 again. I think one thing I really need to pay attention to is my sodium intake, because I retain water like crazy!!! For the last several years pre banding I took a diuretic as part of my high blood pressure meds, and now, if I eat chinese for instance, it is an instant 4 pound weight gain---which has to be fluid---it goes away quickly---but it sucks seeing the weight go UP! So watching my salt....that's hard! I actually got into a bit of a "discussion" regarding my band, and my SIL with my MIL on the phone last night, and neither of us hung up very happy! She tells me she has a message for me, and the message is (done in a Kindergarten sing song) "Ha ha ha I have lost 80 pounds!" It just struck me in the wrong way!!! So I told her I was glad my SIL had lost weight, I wasn't sure who decided I was against her doing so, but they were wrong, that I would no longer discuss my band, nor my weight loss with either of them, I was sick of her acting like a 5 year old. Of course.....I had to add that no this was not jealousy, I had lost more than 80 pounds, and I would never again tell any of them how much! This is an 80 year old woman telling me what a 58 year old woman said. It has been building, all along for the last year! She had tried making it a competition at first, then she had complications from being too tight, so I had to hear how bad the band was---and amazingly now that she found the right place of restriction, they love the band again---and I am the enemy! The two of them are very close-as I am with my own Mom, but I don't appreciate being made the common denominator for them to pick at---and it has been non stop....little jabs. I know I have to have a TT---I have had a muscle tore loose on the left side of my stomach for many years---courtesy of my ex husband and a well placed boot. And they make non stop comments about how my stomach really needs work, and how atleast the way SHE is losing, is feminine and attractive, as men like broader hips. I would love not to have the issue I do with my stomach---I cannot help how I am built otherwise, I have now and even at my heaviest had slim hips and legs--it is the way my Dads family is built. My DH tells me to make gray hair comments, because she went gray in her late 20's. But I can't do that! Ok I'll quit----thank you for listening, I have been stressing over this! Whew----thanks so much for always being there!!! My Mom went and did her sleep test last night following her problem waking up after her knee surgery. The technician told her she fought sleep all night long, that she would hear back today, that her condition is quite serious! I hate that she had the problem, but I believe it was a blessing in disguise, we had tried to get her to ask about her sleep before, and her worthless PCP blew her off! I am so glad she is going to get help! I am off to lunch with my friend Marie, here soon. She wants a burger at Fudruckers (oh do NOT try to get my 2 yr old granddaughter to say Fudruckers---it ends up a 2 syllable fu'uckers----sounds SOOOO bad!!). I think I can get a salad, or some chicken---and if not, I'll do better tomorrow!!! Everyone take care, will get to personals next time, I used up all my time and space venting---thank you AGAIN!!! Kat

Your doctor may be disappointed, but you shouldn't be. If you are eating the right things, that's the majority of the battle - I had been eating the right things, too - I had evolved into a good healthy diet over the years before surgery, but couldn't get the volume down enough to lose any more, which is why I needed the surgery. It's good to start the good postop habits early and experiment with new compliant foods - what Protein drinks do you like best, etc. Some docs claim that they use the preop diet to shrink or prepare the liver for the procedure. My doc is a liver specialist outside of his bariatrics and he doesn't have a specific preop diet, so that should say something about the validity of that claim. I gained a bit in the month before surgery from the serial last suppers (we won't be able to eat here for a while, and as long as we're out for this preop medical appointment, why not...) and it hasn't effected my weight loss postop - I'm 2/3 to goal weight in three months. Don't add any more stress to your life at an already stressful time (and hopefully your doctor won't, either) Good luck with it all,

Hi all, I thought I had joined this group earlier, but looking through the posts, I see I didn't. I'm a middle boomer, 1956. I'm married 33 years with a blended family of three kids ( all grown) and 6 gran kids. I've been retired since 2007. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I was raised. My family moved here when I was in first grade. I was not overweight until I hit my 30s, but once my weight started going up, I never got control of it again, despite years of weight watchers, hiring a trainer, a liquid diet, and Alli pills. I joined VSG in December 2010 after deciding to pursue WLS in November 2010. I'd been lurking for about a month. I originally thought I wanted a lap band, but after learning more on VST and other sites, I decided to become a sleever. For those interested in the Kaiser Fremont process: I met with my primary care Dr. in Nov. and he signed me up for the next Overview meeting in Santa Clara. Because of the holidays, that was Jan. 11. After a couple of hiccups (correct weighty wasn't documented and Dr. misunderstood my request for referral), I was referred to Kaiser Fremont Bariatric program and attended Orientation there on Feb 13. I read the book we received in that meeting and began taking the Vitamins and following the 1200 diet immediately. Also, at the end of Orientation, I scheduled by next appt for 3/3. At the 3/3 appt. I met with the nutritionist, who was pleased with my diet, vitamins, ,and exercise routine, the surgeon, who reviewed by med history and declared me a good candidate for the sleeve, and the program coordinator, who explained the next steps I need to take. Next steps for me were a chest xray, EKG, tetanus shot and anemia blood test (all other tests are current), and attending at least one F2F support group meeting. After I was within 10 lbs of goal I got an appt with the psych. When I lost 10% of my weight, my surgery was scheduled. It took about another 6 weeks after that before I had the surgery. During those six weeks, I practiced chewing a lot, sipping slowly, and I gave up coffee. I had a undiagnosed hernia, which was repaired during surgery. Post-op, I developed severe lactose intolerance. At more than two years out, it's not completely gone, but I can enjoy the occasional ice cream or latte. I hit onderland on June 22, 2011, a little more than one month post op and goal weight on March 25, 2012, about nine months post-op. I've been maintaining goal within 5 lbs. since then. My blood pressure dropped enough that I was offf all meds for a few months, but it slowly crept back up and I now take medicine again, although not as much as before. I also no longer take cholesterol medication. My hair did thin beginning in month 4, but by about 18 months out, it was thick all the way to end again. I was cleared for coffee at three months, and the occasional drink at 6 months. For me, WLS surgery has been a life changer. I love life at goal. Lynda

Many many years ago (feels like another lifetime) I was a runner. I loved it and it always made me upset with myself that I have become so fat and out of shape. Every attempt I have made to lose the weight and get back on track have failed (obviously why I am here). Now I am nearly 10 days post op and feel optimistic and a renewed sense of self confidence that I felt I had lost. Reading about the program on here was a wonderful surprise and I am totally excited for when I will be able to start this. Never heard of it before. I am wondering for you all that have done this program how soon you were able to start after being banded? I just got myself a gym membership and can hardly wait.

Feb 28th- Puget Sound Bariatric!! My pre diet starts Valentine's Day...my wonderful man is giving me the best present since we have to self pay. I looked into Mexico but he wanted me to stay local plus it includes two years of follow up appointments. 5'6 230lb...good luck all!

Just finished my first round of plastic surgery. I have an amazing nurse friend taking care of me. The plastic surgery team is the best in class. It was worth every penny and every minute I had to wait for it (my doc has an over year waiting list) and every bit of pain so far. You are all worth the effort this part of our journey entails. Everyone should be given the chance to experience this. Stats: Pre VSG weight 350 Day of VSG 320 Pre plastic weight 200 I had a breast augmentation and extended tummy tuck. Here are some post TT and augmentation pics. I know how important this is to see by pre bariatric patients, post bariatric, during stalls, when you're feeling down from the excess skin. We are all capable of this. We are all worthy of this!!! Once I'm a week out and get my drain I will post another pic...I'll keep updating this topic!

I discuss that a bit in my first video! The reversibility for me wasn't really why, but moreso with the plication it seems that there is a faster recovery time and I couldn't take too much time off of work. I like the idea of the surgery, plus did plenty of reading into the scientific literature and everything published shows it's just as effective and safe as the sleeve. In addition, to be honest, with plication, the surgeon mentioned that your eating habits aren't crazy restrictive in the future. For example, say a year or two out, it's not quite as obvious that you had bariatric surgery, compared to the sleeve where a year out it you can maybe still have a couple bites of one thing. Being a lower BMI patient who didn't have over 100lbs to lose that was also attractive to me. I hope that helps! You should definitely check out my videos to see my experience on the pre-op diet and my decision for the plication surgery! Good luck to ya!

That really sucks. Are they looking for bariatric surgeons or just a regular doctor? My PCP has done my postop blood work...I basically just told him what OCC recommended and he wrote the orders. My OB/Gyn also volunteered to order whatever labs I needed. As long as they aren't having any complications, getting blood work at 3,6,12 months and then annually is all your daughters should need a doctor for. And I guess If they are having issues, the ER has to see them. Sorry you are having such a hard time with the doctors in your area. My PCP, OB/Gyn and even gastroenterologist have all been very supportive.

There is some research (positive) on twitter re IF i would spell it out. Posted by bariatric surgeons. Im chicken to try it. Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Lol bully them? ... I’m scared with some people on this site. I’ve been seen conv that I just [emoji102] and than [emoji1436]‍♀️. I’ll try I’ll try ... on and my YouTube history is all about Bariatric info lol. What protein drink are you doing ? “There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits.” —Michael Phelps

I’m 7 weeks and I can usually get down 1 egg and a few soft vegetables for breakfast, and 2 ounces of meat for lunch and dinner. I have veggies then too but i’ve reconciled myself to the fact that those two ounces of vegetables are going to take me an hour to eat. And I’m determined to eat them because I need the fiber 😅. In between meals I drink the Bariwise hot chocolate or cappuccino and the Bariatric Choice drink concentrates, which i’ll happily evangelize about if you’re interested.

Wow! One month of liquid diet?! You can do it!!! Are you able to incorporate greek yogurt during this time? It was a life-saver for me during my liquid diet prior to my gastric sleeve surgery. I’m scheduled for a revision to RNY on August 8th so I start my liquid diet on Monday July 25th. I see my nutritionist at the bariatric center this morning to go over dietary requirements for RNY. I’m not nervous about the surgery since I’ve already had one bariatric procedure and did just fine. I just remember struggling some during the liquid diet. It can be tough but will be sooo worth it! 😁👍🏻

Glad to see everyone is doing well and progressing nicely. Well, for me.......I just spent 5 glorious days in the Cardiac Care Unit...for Pericarditis (imflamation and Fluid around the heart) I went to the ER on Thursday night.....they wanted to admit me then...but I started feeling better and told them I would follow-up with the Cardiologist on Friday. Well, Friday I was 50/50.....but I started deteriorating by Saturday and ....by Sunday the pain and difficulty breathing was just unbearable. I woke up in tears....and went directly the the Hospital where the EKG and Echo showed significant increase in the fluid around the heart and ALSO in my left lung! They surgically put in a catheter to drain the fluid and removed 500cc (half a liter of fluid around my heart!!!!!) then I went into rapid heart beats so they put me on beta-blocker meds. I got 4 cortizone injections into the pericardial membrane and high doses of anti-inflamatory drugs. My Iron is low....my white count was over 23,000 .... my sed rate in the 130's and I had a high ANA) positive anti-nuclear marker. I also had a positive mycoplasma....so it could have been mycoplasma pericarditis????? Not, that I really know or understand what I just wrote.....except...it was an acute inflamatory pericarditis.....either caused by a virus (I had a bad flu a week prior to my banding)...or....it could be a connective tissue disease....they are waiting for all the blood work to make a final decision. It is possible that it could be an inflamation from systemic lupus. Well, I got home at 8pm thursday....(was admitted 11am on Sunday)...so a forced R+R was on my menu! As for my lap-band....I am feeling great and I was eating and enjoying soft hospital food during my stay. The Bariatric Doc from the hospital I was in...came and visited me a couple of times and sent his nutritionalists in to visit me and see if I had any questions....all in all....everyone tried their best to keep me comfortable. I am very, very tired and will need to rest for a week or two....and just chill out for a while. It was too much drama for me....so now to slow down.....I even canceled my 1st fill date of June 19th....and pushed it later on.....for July 9th (I think)...figured...no reason to rush....my body doesn't need any more stresses or strains. Sorry for the long soap box....but...this is an example that....if you feel something is not right.......regardless.....go and have it checked out professionally. big hugs and smiles to you all.....Diane : )

have you purchased the bariatrix from western bariatric in reno nv? i think it is a great product, however, very expensive. what is the breakdown of protein for the product from GNC?

Congrats on your weight loss!!! You are absolutely right on what it takes to lose the weight. We all get off track, but the we need to renew our commitment to our band and do the things we did in the beginning, get a new goal and be accountable to someone. How did your pouch dialate and what were the symptoms?

Hello everyone, I've been on Protein shakes 2 days now, three shakes a day, along with other fluids, broth, sugarfree Jello or sugarfree pudding & popsicles. I take a Bariatric Multivitamin(chewable) or Gummy Multivitamin, Calcium(chewable) & B12 sublingual daily. Actually, all the chewable Vitamins are not bad the taste is ok.

Well I had my ankle surgery on Monday, 2/3, and good news it was a lot of damaged tissue causing my problems not damaged ligaments. The surgeon was able to remove the tissue and he said my recovery should go quickly from here. Physical Therapy starts on Monday and I will only be out of work for two weeks, total. Since they had told me to expect a month of no weight bearing, aka no walking, this was all a great relief. I am hoping to be able to begin working out in the next few weeks even if that is being able to start on a treadmill! My weight loss has continued and I have been very conscientious about what I am eating, I am down to 252, although iv fluids from surgery I went back to 254, but I think that will be off by this weekend. The pain has actually had me so nauseated that I have only been able to eat about half of what we normally can so as you can imagine this has been very little! (1/4 of package of oatmeal, 2 1/2 meatballs... these are meals!) Thank goodness I still have protein shakes to fall back on as I am back to two of these a day to keep up my intake. Last night I did manage to eat 2 1/2 oz of ground sirloin with 1/2 oz of low fat cheddar but could barely move after! Please be careful when comparing yourself to others, we are each different and as long as you are steady in your weight loss and following our new way of life, you are on the right road! I have started packing up clothes that I can no longer wear because they literally fall off. I stood up the other day and my pants almost fell completely off, it was awesome. Some of my shirts I can't wear because they fall off my shoulders or expose my bra! I am lucky that in storage I have bins of clothes in sizes down to 16-18 so I went and picked out a whole new wardrobe. The hospital I had my surgery also has a clothing exchange for their bariatric patients so I am bring them everything I can't wear so others can use it on their exciting adventure. It is so awesome to put some of these clothes that I haven't been able to wear in years back on, thank goodness trends come full circle!!!