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I started my pre op diet 5 days ago and I've already lost 7 lbs. Its really starting to slow down now. I have about 10 more days to go. My surgery is June 30th!

Now I look back I've never been obese till the last few years. I've always been slightly overweight. I'm taller than average at 5ft 10 and was always a BMI of about 26-27, so always just over the top of my healthy range. Consequently as a child and teenager I felt like a hippopotomus, how I longed to be petite and pretty and cute. I never will be and I guess I can strive for being striking and elegant instead. I got through one pregnancy pretty well, came out of it same weight as when I'd conceived, my second pregnancy undid me though. I gained 23kg during the pregnancy so was left with a bit of extra blubber and just the lifestyle change of having a baby and a toddler under 2, I was really stuck with them so young. It was hard to go out for a walk etc, in those few years I gained a LOT of weight and then got pregnant again. I was really concerned by my weight at that time so was extremely careful through the pregnancy and only gained 5kg so came out much lighter than I went in but over the last 2 and a half years I've gained all of that back plus 8 extra kilograms - and now I'm obese. It was always going to happen though - my eating habits just didnt catch up with me before babies, afterwards and now being 38 and no longer as young and with not such a great metabolism as you have when you're a kid, its piling on steadily.

I had been on b/p medication for 10 years. I was banded on June 5th of this year. One week later I was so dizzy and took my b/p it was 80/50 and my pulse was 42. I called the dr. and they said to go off my medications and continue to monitor my b/p. IT HAS BEEN NORMAL EVER SINCE!!!! That was only one week post op, I was so thrilled. I am now down 76 lbs. and feeling better than ever. So no I didn't gain when I went off, and part of my medication was a diuretic but had no problems.

Please speak to your doctor concerning the adverse effects that narcotic (at home) pain meds can have on you. Was banded 10 days ago and when I went for my one week post op had not gone to the bathroom. I guess in all of the excitement of finally being on the road to better health I overlooked the fact that I had not had a bowel movement since the day before surgery. No one ever mentioned to me that the medicine used during surgery and the viacodin/hydrocodone that was sent home with me could cause constipation. Believe me, it can and it does. So before surgery discuss w/ your surgeon what type of OTC meds you can use and when is a good time to start using them. I'd venture to guess that if I had realized the situation I was about to be in I would have started Miralax or Milk of Magnesia (acceptable to my doctor) on day 2 or 3. The pain that is associated with the introduction of gas during your surgery will be 10x worse if you can't go to the bathroom. Just something to put out there so that hopefully no one else has to deal with it. Renee'

I was sleeved on 08/16/11 and will be going on a cruise on 11/01/11. We have a steakhouse reservation on the 2nd night of the cruise at a cost of $30 per person. That will be about 10 weeks out from my surgery date. I am not expecting to eat a 6 oz steak but would like to enjoy some of the meal. Will I be able to enjoy this meal or should I cancel??

Hello fellow/soon to be sleevers I have never joined one of these sites, I have been looking at the site as a none member since I discovered it last week when I was 3 days post sleeve, the first day I went on it I couldnt belive how informative it was and I could so identify with a lot of what other people were going through, I was on the site till 2 in the morning the first day I was on the site. Any how something about me, I have steadily put weight on over the last thirty years and at one time I could diet and lose most of the weight but the weight would never stay off. I suppose it was yoyo dieting but the closer I got to 50 years of age I think the string got stuck I would lose less weight then put it back on plus alot more at my heaviest I was 20 and a half stone or 287 lb for my American friends. Life was getting unbearable I was becoming quite down about my weight and loosing any confidence I had. In December 2009 I went to my Doctor and told him how I was feeling, he really listened to me but because he knew how the NHS worked (I couldnt afford to self finance the surgery), he said I would need to prove that I was serious about loosing the weight this way and I most exhaust all other avenues, I had already taken Xenical twice previously so he started me on Reductil, an appetite supressant, I was given a months supply and I took it with apprehension as I knew of the side effects but I was so desperate to lose the weight. I went to get a further presciption and discovered it had been banned in the UK that week. The doctor then referred me to an exercise and diet programme which was a 2 year programme but it was the pathway I needed to be on to get the surgery. I'm a qualified nurse so I do know what I should be doing and what I should or should not be eating but doing the right thing is another thing, however the programme got me back to the gym and my new found love of zumba. I was seen by a dietition who kept on trying to change my mind about the surgery,a bit of a devils advocate, when she was convinced I was serious she referred me to a psychologist who I saw once and she and the dietition made a report and sent it to my local PCT, who would then decide either to fund or not to fund the surgeryon the NHS it was then a waiting game. At last I got the letter I was sent by the PCT in June 2011 to a private Consultant Mr Decadt at the Spire Regency Hospital, Maccelsfield about an hours drive from my home, thank god for sat nav, I was so excited. He agreed to do the surgery but it would have to go back to the PCT to ensure they agreed with the funding,I made lots of phone calls to the hospital and to the PCT followed to see what was happening I suddenly got a phone call on the 27th September to arrange two pre-op appointments before the op date on the 17th of October I couldnt stop smiling I was so excited. And I remained excited right up untill the op. I am now 10 days post sleeve and the scale is steadily going down and I am feeling great though I am very easily tired. I know its early days but I dont think I will ever regret the decision I made to have this surgery. I have three Grandchildren, three year old triplets, the light of my life I want to be able to keep up with them and to be there when they have their children and I feel I have a better chance of that happening. Hope to be talking to many of you in the future Maureen

Hi everyone, I am so glad I found this site. My name is Dona Cross. I am a married mother of three. My kids are 21, 19 and soon to be 18. Two oldest are sons, youngest a daughter. I am 48 years old and morbidly obese. Morbidly obese sounds horrifying....I thought I was just fat! Anyway, I have been preparing for lap band since January 2008. In September of 2007 I found out that I have diabetes. This didn't come as a surprise to me...my brother and 6 first cousins are diabetic, my grandmother was also. My sons weighed 10lb. 3oz. and 10 lb. 11 oz. at birth. We thought my daughter was tiny; she weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz.! After the diagnosis of diabetes I got serious about my health. I don't want to be one of those old ladies in the nursing home weighing 270 lbs. with no legs having to have overworked and underpaid CNA's taking care of me. So, I went to a lap band seminar, got my doctor's wholehearted approval and started meeting requirements for surgery. I have documented diet and exercise requirements almost done and received a O.K. from my insurance to have the psych. eval. After that, my bariatric clinician will set up my pre-op requirements. I am so excited about this. I have tried not to have unrealistic expectations, but I am looking forward to good health again. I am so happy to have contact with others who are experiencing the same journey. Some of my friends are not as supportive as I would have hoped they would be. They think I should just go to Weight Watchers and the gym and I will be fine. Don't they think I've tried that? I do however have a supportive family and an amazing church family to help me. Anyway, thanks in advance for your support. I'm looking forward to making new friends.

Yesterday I packed up a whole bunch of too big clothes to donate. I didn't start out planning to do this, but was getting annoyed that everytime I go in my closet lately, I have to rummage through my closet to try to find something that doesn't look sloppy on me. I've always worn stuff (especially shirts) on the loose side so even though I haven't lost a ton of weight yet, I had a lot of stuff that was looking ridiculously large. Then, I went into my two 'Stage 1' boxes to see what I could get out of there that fits now. Let me explain... last year when I was waiting and waiting and waiting for insurance approval, a friend of mine came over and we went through ALL my old clothes. I had tons of different sizes. And, we got rid of everything that I wouldn't want to wear again. And, sorted the rest into 'Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3' boxes. Stage 1 is sizes 14-18 and 1X, Stage 2 is 12-14 and XL, and Stage 3 is 10-12 and L. OK, so I went through the Stage 1 stuff and got out a few things that work now. Woohoo! Its like free clothes!!! :scared2: But, I found that I have very few t-shirts that are my current size. So, when I was out today I bought three new t-shirts. Nothing fancy, but it feels good to have some new items that fit. I wore a new t-shirt to Jazzercise yesterday and got lots of compliments on my weightloss. I think its hard for people to see it if you don't wear clothes that fit. So for any of you that are feeling like people aren't noticing or you don't feel any different, I highly recommend some t-shirt therapy. Only $10 each and made me feel great!

Yesterday I packed up a whole bunch of too big clothes to donate. I didn't start out planning to do this, but was getting annoyed that everytime I go in my closet lately, I have to rummage through my closet to try to find something that doesn't look sloppy on me. I've always worn stuff (especially shirts) on the loose side so even though I haven't lost a ton of weight yet, I had a lot of stuff that was looking ridiculously large.:thumbup: Then, I went into my two 'Stage 1' boxes to see what I could get out of there that fits now. Let me explain... last year when I was waiting and waiting and waiting for insurance approval, a friend of mine came over and we went through ALL my old clothes. I had tons of different sizes. And, we got rid of everything that I wouldn't want to wear again. And, sorted the rest into 'Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3' boxes. Stage 1 is sizes 14-18 and 1X, Stage 2 is 12-14 and XL, and Stage 3 is 10-12 and L. OK, so I went through the Stage 1 stuff and got out a few things that work now. Woohoo! Its like free clothes!!! :biggrin: But, I found that I have very few t-shirts that are my current size. So, when I was out today I bought three new t-shirts. Nothing fancy, but it feels good to have some new items that fit. I wore a new t-shirt to Jazzercise yesterday and got lots of compliments on my weightloss. I think its hard for people to see it if you don't wear clothes that fit. So for any of you that are feeling like people aren't noticing or you don't feel any different, I highly recommend some t-shirt therapy. Only $10 each and made me feel great! :smile:

I just sampled Premier Clear - orange, and raspberry. My tongue got numb and swollen. Ugh. So it's back to the laboratory to tinker with more recipes. I see you are 7 months beyond surgery - was the food thing difficult in those first 8-10 weeks? How long did it take to get into a new normal with food, or are you still working that out? Seems we both have extra challenges, or maybe they are just different - everyone probably has their own unique set of issues to work out.

Boy, are we on the same wave length! However, I found out today when I made my appointment for 4 weeks post band that my doctor also just wants patients to heal for the first few weeks. I was banded on July 23, and was getting a little anxious. My brother and his son were both banded a year ago (different doctor) and the weight started coming off quickly but now has slowed. I had begun to think that it was another one of those "guys just lose faster than gals" things. But I feel too good now, even with a minimal (8 pound) loss, and since I found out that there is basically no restriction for me yet, I can hardly wait for my first fill. All of my other systems are ready and set for launch! I think we really to have to be patient at first, get well, and then use the lap band as the tool it is. As for pain--well, I have survived 7 orthopedic surgeries in the past 10 years. Because of my weight my joints were shot. Believe me, the pain from the lap band is minimal to a total knee replacement, and THEY want you to get up and stand on that lovely implant on the first day too. Just take it easy and get well!:clap2:

I was also sleeved 10/15/2014. I am doing well. I have lost 24 pounds in four days. With pre op and post op diet I have lost 40 pounds. How are you?

@@briefs199 It would definitely be great to see you at our support group in NYC the date is 10/25. Your making a big change in your life and that is something that is positive change for you, and if you work at it together for your spouse as well. It's not always easy when one person makes a change even if the change is personal and beneficial for health etc. It can open a gap in the relationship, leaving area's of grey where the other person had definition before. For example, perhaps he knows your favorite food, and now that will change. Perhaps he enjoys going out for beers with you and now that will change. He is thinking about what this surgery is going to mean for him and his relationship with you and who you are and who you are going to be...and how he is going to cope with that...but you are who you are and your husband might need some reassurance that a new "body" a thinner more healthy you is not going to change who you are, or how you feel about him. The key to all of this is communication!! You must sit down and talk with your husband. If a psych exam is part of your surgery, make an appointment to sit with your spouse and bring these topics up and give him the space to be able to ask the Dr.'s all the questions he might have even if you think he doesn't care I'm sure he's just afraid to voice his concerns and his fears about your choice. Most of all remember that this was YOUR choice. You can not force him to change his eating habits or his behavior to suit you. You must make the changes required of you for yourself, and adapt those changes in your life style to fit into your partnership. These are all do able and if you don't force your choices and changes on him or anyone you have a relationship with for that matter, you will find that they are more accepting and will be better able to embrace your new way of being rather then being resistant to it. The key to everything though is communication. You must speak out and let them know what you need and don't need and what is a trigger for you, if you clearly state your needs that does not mean that at the next party there won't be chips and dip but it does mean that when you don't stick your hand in the bowl your hostess is not offended that you are not eating her food, but understands that you have dietary restrictions. When you go out to eat with your husband you might not order the steak at his favorite steak place but you will sit and enjoy the Soup or the salad or what ever it is that is on your dietary menu even if it means your on a liquid diet and you drink your shake while he dines you will have a friend there who is on your side and ready to be your cheer leader because they will realize you are not trying to change them, you are only trying to make changes to give yourself a better life.

Thanks for this thread. I'm going through the exact same thing. I lost 20 pre op and 21 post op. Surgery was 10/6. For the past 1 1/2 week I've still been at the same weight. I'm waiting for this stall to break. I was getting frustrated but this thread has relaxed me. Thx again!

My ticker says reached goal weight on 9/17/13 or what ever the date is when I change how much I've lost. I reached my goal weight a few months ago and I'm now 19 pounds below that. How do I make it stop saying reached goal weight than the wrong date?

Thanks! I just got back from my first support group meeting. AWESOME! There were two sleeve folks there, and both said they could have went as well. One was three weeks out and the other 10. I suppose it just depends on the individual. I've already sampled several Protein drinks and found that the Jay Robb is one I really like. I'm gonna try to keep with that one after surgery. I'm ready for my journey!

Congrats on your approval. My surgeon is also requires an overnight hospital stay. The next morning after surgery I had a barium swallow test, then they progressed me from water, to clear broth, to protein shakes over the course of about 2 hours. If I could tolerate that without any complications, than it was okay to be discharged. I went in for 10:30 am surgery Monday and I was discharged around 4pm Tuesday. I struggled to get up and around until Friday, but didn't feel like myself for probably another 5 or so days. By 1.5 weeks out I was fine. Everyone is different so it will be a wait and see for you but plan to take it easy. Best wishes on a great surgery and speedy recovery.

Mine was outpatient. Started around 10, went home a little after 1. Apparently within 20 minutes (not sure of the time, that's what I've been told) of hitting recovery I was up and asking them to release me. I was glad to be home. But it's a very indivudal process. I had no pain, no gas, no complications... not the case for everyone.

Soooooooooooooooo close to my first goal weight!!! I'm only 3.4 lbs away! But I'm soooooo happy to still be going down in weight! Sometimes I fear getting out of bed to weigh myself, afraid I might be disappointed like I did in my previous fat kid life, but this sleeve has changed me so much. I see the scale going down, and I'm just so incredibly thankful. Even though I'm not dropping big numbers, every little bit counts, and I'd rather be going down than up!! Tomorrow marks my 3 month surgi-versary and I will be taking my monthly photo's in my bikini like I've done every previous month and I'm nervous. I hate that bikini right now- it's still not my friend. But I know that with progress there are pains, and I need to document this journey as thoroughly as possible so that when I reach where I'm going, I can look back and say never again. So everyone stay tuned! Tomorrow there will be 3 month surgi-versary pictures! Height: 5'9 Highest (Surgery) Weight: 216 1st Primary Goal Weight: 169 2nd Optimal Goal Weight: 145 Sleeve Journey: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 8/17/12- PreOp/Surgery Day w/Pics Posted in Blog Week 1 (8/24): 204.8 (-11.2) Week 2 (8/31): 200.6 (-4.2) Week 3 (9/7): 196.8 (-3.8) Week 4 (9/14): 193.5 (-3.3) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 9/17/12- 1 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-22.5 lbs) Week 5 (9/21): 191.6 (-1.9) Week 6 (9/28): 190.1 (-1.5) Week 7 (10/5): 187.0 (-3.1) Week 8 (10/12): 181.9 (-5.1) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 10/17/12- 2 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-11.6 lbs) Week 9 (10/19): 181.4 (-.5) Week 10 (10/26): 177.9 (-3.5) Week 11 (11/02): 176.8 (-1.1) Week 12 (11/09): 174.7 (-2.1) Week 13 (11/16): 173.3 (-1.4)

I also am from NY upstate. I am going to Albany Med for my operation. I am in the begining stages. I have all my required appointments set up and am on my way to losing 10% of my body weight. I am excited, scared and nervious. I know it is alot of work. But will be well worth it in the end. :shades_smile:

I bring water as well, however i only take a sip every 10 laps and then a full swallow or two when i'm done to help me cool down .

1. Sedentary work approx. 6 weeks. Although I didn't take time off because I work from home. 3. You can drink Protein Drinks but watch the sugar content. I made my own or went to Tropical Smoothie. 4. I wouldn't take the chance with Alcohol, I'd assume a small amount would make you tipsy. 8. Not really. I'm 7 weeks post op and only have incision itching from the largest incision. 9. You could get pregnant right after surgery. Fairly common I heard. 10. Yes, yes, and yes. Stay hydrated. 11. The food will sit on your chest. May cause you to vomit. Sit up.

I went on a cruise 10 days after banding... and I started a thread on it. Look at the past threads I started to locate it. Towards the end of the thread I wrote my reflections after returning from the cruise. It may be helpful to you.

Wow mine is just 10 days of shakes 4xday plus 2 cups veggies optional

I haven't tried them, but I just looked on their website and they average about 10-1100 mg of sodium, when I looked on the lean cuisine site they were in the 6-700 range. Frankly, either one is more sodium than I prefer.