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In a few weeks it will all be a distant memory! So glad you are doing well otherwise though, hang in there, it will get better..

Congrats - Congrats! I'm 3 weeks post op too. I'm almost down 30. Had a little stall this past week or so. I think I need to get more food in me, it's just so hard sometimes. Enjoy the ride!

I am on week three and my nutrition plans for soft foods includes any ground meats with sauce. I did have a little bit of spaghetti sauce with italian sausage (1/4 cup) and had no problem and I really chewed and chewed and until it was really soft mush. I also had ground chicken patties, chewed them really well and they went down fine. My NUT says their soft plan is to help us acclimate to chewing our food really well, eating slow and making sure all foods we eat are very moist. By chewing, we add a lot of saliva to our food and it makes it easier to go down. I had pork tenderloin a couple of nights ago that was super moist, but I took really small bites, chewed and chewed (I don't count chews or anything) and had no problem with that either. I read here though that people who are in the phase of eating regular foods still have issues. Some foods are just not going to agree with you. I think if we diligently follow the plans designed for us by our surgeons or nutritionists and try different foods, we find out what works for us and what does not.

You are not alone. I know I must look different because others notice, and I've dropped three sizes (at least), but when I look in the mirror, I don't see much of a difference. For me, some of it is that I could never get used to myself at that super high weight, even though I was sure there for a long time! I wonder if in my mind's eye, I saw a somewhat slimmer person - similar to where I am now - what is considered just obese, instead of morbidly obese! Must be a coping mechanism, lol. Who knows!? Anyway, I see the scale moving, measurements shrinking, and the pile of clothes that are too big growing, but I'm still shocked when I get the realization that it's actually true - I am smaller! Gotta admit - it's always a pleasant surprise. Enjoy your success.

I feel the same way! With clothes on man i see the weight is going away. Get naked in front of a mirror and the fat me is back! It wasn't till last week I did my second before and after picture since surgery that I saw I now have collar bones! Who knew?!? Brain fog doesn't clear for a while...

Just got home from my first follow-up appointment with my surgeon. I've lost 20 lbs since the last time I was in his office a week before my surgery!!(Oct. 29):peace::rockon::wow2: He moved my to full liquids and said to come back next week and depending on how I am doing move me to mushies! That means mashed potatoes for T-day!! I got all my staples taken out. Feels much better, but they do itch!! My incisions are closed nicely though!

I was moved to soft foods at 3 weeks and ground beef was allowed for me. My NUTs encouraged flaky fish, soft cheese, ground beef, refried Beans for Protein in that order at that stage. They recommended trying chicken last. My first meal was Wendy's chilli. For me, I had very little trouble with any foods. I would wait a couple of weeks and try the ground beef again then. Go back to fish for a few days. Good luck. Sent from my iPhone using VST

You are reeeeally early to be eating beef. At 3 weeks I was still on protein shakes and creamed soups. I don't know what plan you've been given, so I'm not saying you're breaking the rules or anything, but it's not a real wonder that you feel bad. Once that happens it usually subsides in a half an hour, (for me, anyway). There's not much you can do to speed it up either. I agree that lying down would be bad. I hope you feel better soon. Do NOT drink anything until you can tell the food has cleared out, or you will go from bad to worse.

Hi everyone, my name is Bonnie. I am 5 feet tall and was 223 lb when i started my journey last November. I have insulin-dependent diabetes, sleep apnea (using CPAP at night), high blood pressure and have had both knees operated on. Since November, i have been working toward my life changing surgery. I am 62 years old and have finally come to realize that if i do not do something now, especially when i have all the tools in my reach, i would be crazy. I jumped in with both feet. My first step was going to the seminar. My doctor was so confident and knowledgeable. I was given the pamphlets and appointments were made. Then the work began, losing the 10% required for the surgery. It was hard work and i worried that I was not going to be able to do it. I had failed on every other diet (i wish i had all the money i spent in my lifetime on diets of all sorts). It was taking too long for me to lose the 22.3 lbs i needed to lose. At my next weigh-in appointment, one of the nurses talked with me about my worry. She was so supportive and understanding that i pushed forward. I did not make the goal by the time my surgery was scheduled, but by the time the surgery was to be performed, but by the grace of God, i made it !!! ... i went through the dieting, appointments with the pulmonologist, cardiologist, psychologist, labs and GI testing. I was doing it. i really did get caught up in the optimism and support. Last Wednesday night, the night before the surgery, i was worried, really worried. Like most, i was worried about the unknown. I heard some horror stories about not being able to handle certain foods, the nausea and the vomiting. I was told and i believe that if you listen to the doctor and follow her instruction, you will not be sick. From the beginning, if you do not drink when you are supposed to drink or eat when you are supposed to eat, the possibility of these things happening is very real. No drinking when eating. Stop drinking 1/2 hour before eating and begin 2 hours after. Must follow progression of foods, clear liquids (see through liquids) for 5 days, full liquids for 2 days, then pureed foods. I struggled and did this for a week AND i lost 8 lbs. I feel great (don't get me wrong, it was still surgery on your abdomen with the incisions and piercing pain when you cough) BUT it goes away. I keep thinking over and over, i will not have to ask for a seatbelt extender this year on the airplane for vacation and i will not have to take pain meds for my legs. My journey is moving forward ...I hope everyone who is contemplating this surgery goes forward and succeeds. Don't wait until you are 62. I feel wonderful right now, even with the fear of sneezing, about the 30-some lbs i have lost so far. Good Luck to everyone. Thank you for listening.

Good luck, that was me 4 weeks ago and all is well!

My initial consultation was November, 2009 and I wont be seeing the surgeon until after a 6 month 'training' period. I originally went to Geisinger in Danville, PA but chickened out 3 months into it. Then last spring I went to Hershey who denied me the sleeve operation. And now I am back at Geisinger. All three times, I was told the length of time was due to the insurance companies. But they agreed that it was a good idea to wait that long because of the lifestyle change that is necessary to do when we get banded (or any gastro surgery). I for one am glad it takes that long because I am enjoying the learning aspect of it. I don't want to go through all of the surgery and then mess it up because I didn't have the knowledge to learn how to utilize the tool of having the lap band. I guess it all depends on where you live and what insurance you have.

I was around 7 weeks out when I did shrimp. No problem with it- did shrimp cocktail. Haven't tried steak yet. I'm a little over 2 months out. Surgery was may 30 Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

Are you mixing your shakes with water or skim milk? Because the firs time I tried drinking my shake I mixed it with water and i couldnt drink it... Now i only have 4 shakes a day since I mix it with skim milk... And to be honest I am not even drinking 4 since I run out of time... ive been drinking more like three and one cup of chicken broth- and trust me- not hungry one bit... You really should stick to the diet because your surgery is around the corner and you wint have a choice then...

So, I had my 6 week check in today and all is well. Weight loss is on track...27 lbs down. I do need to increase my calories. I've been around a thousand and the doctor and dietician would like to see me at 1200-1500, particularly before I start going to the gym. While I was there, I asked how long I needed to wait before I could have a glass of wine. I expected to hear 6 months to a year based on what others have posted. I was surprised when the dietician said that I could have started a couple weeks ago! Of course they gave the usual caveats...empty calories and take it slow to see how I react. Just thought I'd share since I know that question comes up a lot

Does any one have that constant restriction around their voice box/throat and is contantly feeling like throwing up or is throwing up after meals? I had 4.5ml put in my first fill and suffered for 5 weeks with not eating or drinking much before I had 2ml removed. but I feel I may need all of it removed. I again can't eat much without that constant nausea feeling, funny noises in my throat and the throwing up. A couple of weeks ago I was so thirsty that I drank 600ml of Water to quickly on an empty stomoch and threw it up while driving in my work 4WD about 1/2 later. GROSS. I dont eat at all during the day now other than a biccky or two but even thats hard to swallow without the orchestra. I am requesting the doc take out all the Fluid in a couple of weeks at my next appointmnet but I feel that I should have some in. I cant handle this anymore with the not eating... I'm tired, hungry, grumpy, embarrased by throat noises and tummy rumbles in meetings. I feel like I made a big mistake but the only win is that I am now 111kg. Am I weird not to have any fill at all? Has anyone got any ideas. :help::hungry: Cheers Jo

Thanks! I am genuinely so happy about beginning my new life Well my Dr has a very strict belief that what got us all to this point is carb addiction. We don crave carbs the same way we crave other food (Think back to when you were full after dinner.... until you saw the cheesecake... then magically had room for it???) It made a lot of sense to me, and i really like the support the office gives... because for me i am just not strong enough to have a bite of one cookie yknow? or a single small serving of pasta? I am allowed to have any normal sized meat, or fish, as many veggies as i want, and generous portions of fats like cheese, and some fruit. I avoid Banana's and oranges bc both are so high carb. I do sometimes eat other things, but when i do eat any kind of carb its always with extreme moderation. I have sugar free ice cream from time to time, but i never have bread, pasta, or rice of any kind. As far as being filled, i have a 6 or 7cc band and i have between .5 and 1cc... so i have VERY little restriction, which really stinks... im hoping that when i go in during the first week of October that i can get a bit more.... right now i can eat damn near a whole meal... its frustrating... but yknow, its still working so i cant be too upset! Last night i wore a pair of skinny jeans that were a 14 and it was actually big in some places!!!! yey!!!! ANy suggestions on food???

I'm 5'2" so I am sensitive to the unfairness of the universe when it comes to shorties and how little we have to weigh to be "thin". I bet you look great right now. I remember when I weighed 160 and I thought I was a fat pig. My high weight was 257 and today I am 222. I also remember 125 and that was fantastic. I guess all my rambling is meant to say that I doubt this is a permanent situation. Based on what I have read here, a 3 month stall is not unusual. Without scaring you, I have read about 6 month stalls. Maybe your body is just comfortable where you are for a bit while it adjusts and then it will start up again. I am sure it took you more than 6 months to get to your high weight. It took me 25 years to get from 125 to 257. I am frustrated that I have spent half my 30 days since surgery in a stall, but I believe I will continue to lose and based on what the folks here have posted, so will you.

Yes, I was sick for 2 weeks. I even ran to Urgent Care, and my doctor was sure I had Montezuma's Revenge from the noises coming out of my belly. She tested me for every known bug, but I was fine. I was like that for 2 weeks with horrible "bathroom" issues. Horrible. Sunta, you had really bad vibes about surgery, so maybe you're just a little psychic! So far, your experience sounds just like mine, which was gross and miserable. I was a slowbie-newbie when it came to getting better, but I started feeling normal after 2 weeks.

Hey today is my one month bandiversary!! Down 34 pounds!! I have noticed sometimes when I eat, there is a lump in the back of my throat. Not painful just a lump. Am I eating to much?? I am a little hungrier lately and my first fill is in a couple of weeks. I know someone knows what this is HELP:help:

I was off work for two weeks after surgery. I didn't have any complications -- in fact I had a great and fast recovery -- but it did take me a while to get my energy back. For the first couple of weeks I was napping once if not twice a day, and I never, ever nap otherwise. Other people have faster recoveries in terms of getting their energy back, others slower. Good luck!

I'm not sure I completely understand your question..... but, I don't believe it's healthy to feel "full" after only 4-5 bites. You need a good balance of the proper amt of calories/protein. You were only banded 11 weeks ago, that's an average of almost 2 lbs a week. You don't want to lose too fast, take my word.. loose, flabby skin will result. I have a 10 cm band (max fill capacity 4cc) and am currently filled to 3.5cc = if I eat the WRONG things I usually can't get more than 4 bites down. It takes TIME to learn to eat properly and get to a good/comfortable fill level. Try NOT to concentrate on the numbers, don't put so much pressure on yourself. All the best, Karla

I had my surgery October 12. It will be 3 weeks Wednesday and my back and below both ribs are still killing me. I saw my Dr. last Monday and he said that all was OK and that it would take time!!! But how long???? I was using the liquid Vicodin but the crap made me feel funny. Liquid Tylenol did not even dent the pain but 2 Motrin helped. What about you guys???? Any help!!??? Mark

I am so glad you posted this! This is something I've been wondering about. I've been losing weight really quickly, and I feel a good amount of restriction and I stay full for a good 4 or 5 hours after I have my mushies; plus I started with 2ccs in the band... so I'm wondering if I will have to get a fill or not. It's good to know that you don't absolutely have to. I'll definitely have my doctor look at it, and decide; but maybe I won't have to get a fill this time. Of course, I still have another 3 and a half weeks to determine this, but this post gives me something to consider. Thanks! Also, congrats on your progress, it looks like you're doing really well, that rocks!

I had the same pain. It takes time. I went for a massage 2x/week for about 8 wks. I go for deep tisue massage every week. Good luck! It is worth it!

I am one week post sleeve, but 5 years post major,dietary life changes. Your post worries me. You need to read and read and keep trying to,stick to what the surgery requirements are. Of course food you "want" isn't going to be all the fun and satisfaction it was before. We wouldn't have cut our bodies up if we had the mental abilities and discipline for this up front