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Me me. Walking and waiting it out. Not much helps. It's like after 2 baby bites my throat closes. Thick liquids are better for me than thin or solids. Since week 5 I'm on week 10 now Sent from my 5054N using the BariatricPal App

Ditto on the small sips at a time ALL DAY LONG. I even keep a small glass of water on my nightstand and may have a sip or two if I wake up. I also diluted the Premier shakes with decaf or hot water which makes them much easier to take---it still took me at least an hour to get one down. I now have about 1/2 of one in my morning coffee since I refuse to use powdered creamer. Jello, sugar free popsicles, Powerade Zero and Crystal Light also can count as water intake. First pureed foods I tried were baked chicken breast, steamed cauliflower and cottage cheese. Baked the chicken in broth and seasoning and then added broth, plain greek yogurt, and Duke's mayo to the food processer bowl until it came out like a moist paste. Too dry does not work. Steamed cauliflower for about 12 minutes until really soft then added some "lite butter" and Montreal Steak seasoning and this is like garlic mashed potatoes. I have also tried baked salmon (yum), canned tuna (meh), green beans (meh). Baking up some cod fillets right now. These foods worked great for me, I still have 10 days on pureed to go. At first I only put a tablespoon on the plate and have increased slowly to about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per meal. I take very small bites, savor them and swallow. No idea why but my program says no baby food, no soups.

thanks- btw i'm NOT doing the 2 day as planned, I'm going to do the 5 day from kaye bailey. Kaye offers some great supportive videos on youtube AND her plan is much more similar to the post op phases (allows more eating of actual foods, 2 day then BOT plan advocates shakes all day and only one meal at night for dinner). hopefully this is Do-able because my eating is crazy. I work nights and afternoons (work 4 shifts a week and i have variable start and finish times- this is a nursing job but is flexible to allow me to finish NP school) and i find myself eating during the day THEN eating during the night to help me stay awake. I have to get out of this cycle, and I have about 24 months left in this job before i'm done with school. I really love the job so I don't want to go looking for a new one during the hardest part of my schooling. but, gaining weight all through these 24 months isn't an option...

I was told no strenuous exercise for the first six weeks. My husband and I decided the whole family will join the gym together--I've got another week or so to get that together!

I spoke with Gaby at Dr Aceves office today and asked her this question. She told me that the risk of leaks become minimal at 3 months. She also told me that you should not be swallowing any pills until 3 months out either. Said she knew of people who did after 1 month and that they didn't have any problems but the Dr's response to the question is after 3 months post op... Other doctors tell different lengths of time concerning both of these, your doctor's opinion may differ from what Dr A's office told me today.. Hugz, Penny:001_smile:

Hello, I am new to this site. I am 40 years old with a BMI of 39.6. I have been overweight for most of my life, with the exception of high school and a couple of years after I was married. Right before my wedding, I had dieted down to 130 pounds with the help of Phen Fen. I had my daughter when I was 30 and gained over 60 pounds that I was never able to lose. In fact, the weight kept creeping up after that, and I now weigh about 10 pounds more than I did when I was full-term pregnant. I have been trying for the past 10 years to lose the weight, but I can only lose a little bit at a time, then I gain it all back plus more. You all know how it goes. I have lost and gained the same six pounds for the past year or so. I can never make any long term progress. I got fed up and started considering a lap band, because I thought that was the only option besides a gastric by-pass, which I am not willing to do. When I called Bluegrass Bariatrics, they suggested that I consider the gastric plication. They said they had had a lot of success with it, and it was the cheapest option, which makes a difference for me because my health insurance won't cover a dime. I've read all the posts here, and I am both excited about the prospect of having the surgery, and terrified all at the same time. I want my life back, I want to be able to do all the things that I can't or won't due because of my weight. Part of me still thinks this is ridiculous, that I should just be able to knuckle down and diet and exercise and lose the weight without any surgical intervention. But I've read the statistics, that only about 3-5% will actually succeed with this approach. I went to a seminar this past weekend and met Dr. Oldham. I really liked him, and he's gotten good reviews on this site. I have my intake appointment on 2/15, and when all those results are back, I will have my surgeon consult. I am going through the process, with the knowledge that I can still back out if the fear gets to be too much for me to go through with it. I am terrified of severe pain and complications, although I have been through a c-section with a vertical incision. My husband is also very scared for me to do this, and people keep telling me that I'm not big enough that I should be considering surgery. Is what I'm feeling pretty normal? I would love to hear from some others who have been through this, and also folks who have had their surgeries wiht Bluegrass Bariatrics. I am looking forward to talking with you all, and I thank you in advance for sharing your experiences with me.

I was sleeved on 12/3/14. Spent two days in the hospital following surgery. Began nausea and vomiting and returned went to the ER 3 days later to be admitted to the hospital where I stayed for 6 days. Scans & xrays showed a small bowel blockage, however, Dr insisted I did not have a blockage because I could go potty. I have another xray scheduled Tues. Dr thinks it may be scar tissue that may have kinked. Currently I'm down 19lbs. Oh, I also had a pretty good sized hernia repaired, so I have been limited to what I can do. My current issue is I still have nausea but only in the mornings. I have a prescription for the nausea but am reluctant to continue taking it as the Dr. wants me to be able to not have to take it. I have issues with the Protein drinks - I'm a texture girl and can feel the powder and grit found in most of the Protein Drinks, I'm also lactose intolerant. I'm feeling pretty low right now emotionally and would appreciate your all's thoughts.

I was sleeved 3/21/16. I was planning on going back the following week but my doctor kept me out an extra week. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

I’m 3 weeks post op and have been on the patches since pre op. So far so good. I have not had my levels checked since surgery but my doctors office swears by them.

I am having my gastric bypass surgery on Aug. 24. I have been on my pre op diet for almost 2 weeks. Nothing but clear liquid on the day before surgery. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Your body is adjusting to the next phase of eating. Of course we see big drops between surgery and those 1st 2 weeks post-op. At my 2 week appt I had lost 24lbs and I didn't have to do a liquid pre-op diet! But now we're adding purees, some of us are adding soft foods. It's more for the body to grab and hold onto. Also most of us aren't sore so eating is easier. Between my 2nd & 6th week I only lost 6lbs. I'm not upset because it's still a loss. I recommend not becoming scale obsessed. It will make you CRAZY. Personally I don't go near a scale until I see the doctor.If you must weigh, limit it to once a week and try and make it the same time every week.

Figured it out, my itchy incisions derive from the adhesive from the steri strips. WHICH I AM ALLERGIC TO! Otherwise, went for my first post op follow up, down 8 lbs in a week! Good start right? Sent from my iPhone using VST

I had my surgery on the 20th of July.....lost 17 lbs. in 6 weeks. Lost all restriction.....had a small fill in Dr.'s office on Thursday....felt no restriction.....now today....I think I have some restriction...but what is weird....I ate...and then about 45 minutes later I felt like something was stuck for the very first time.....I don't have the feeling of being full until about 30-40 minutes after I have eaten....shouldn't it only be 20 minutes....maybe my brain is a little slow. Was going to go for more fill next week. The Dr. said next time he would do under a fluoro. I'm confused...I know I am eating too much...I stopped loosing weight...I really liked it after surgery when I could only eat 1/2 cup at a time of anything I wanted....will I ever get that back...it sure worked for me....if takes 45 minutes for me to know I am full I'm in trouble....any comments please.

today I'm just over 2 weeks since surgery and I feel great. In fact, probably too well since I've been eating regular food. If I don't get a fill soon, I'll probably start to gain weight. So far I'm down 15 lbs. but have stayed at 15 lbs for the last week. I'm feeling a little discourage but I know that I'm not doing all of the things I'm supposed to. I NEED that fill! This is definately harder than I ever thought it would be when I started this journey. I haven't been too hungry since the surgery so I can definately tell a difference. Since the surgery, I've had Thai food once, spinach dip and sandwiches at a party (Ashley Lissy's baby shower), potato salad at another party (Maryanna's 1st Birthday), and 6" chicken salad sub at my mom's house. But on a positive note, I've exercised almost every day at least 20 minutes. I feel physically better. I just wished it showed a little more. At first, when I lost the weight really quickly, people that I work with noticed but that has really slowed down. Actually, the thing I think about most is "what if I paid 17,000 and lose 20 lbs?" First, that would make me feel like such a failure, second, I would be so embarrassed, especially because some people like Donna and Brent know how much it cost. I would feel like a fool. yesterday, we went out on the boat w/ my family. At first, I was excited to take pictures, by the end of the night (after I had seen a couple of them on the digital camara) I didn't want to be in any more. I looked so fat. That was really discouraging. Anyway, I'm still glad I did it, I just want to make sure I don't waste the money or the opportunity. I'm joining the chat forum. The next support group meeting is 4th Thursday in Sept. Anyway, thanks for listening. Love, Sarah

Well, that's ridiculous, so maybe your NUT isn't as educated as I'd hope. But I don't think it's unreasonable for you to be aiming for 800-1000 calories a day. You want to keep your metabolism up and stay out of starvation mode. And if you are doing ANY sort of exercise, you need to be eating more calories in order to sustain your activity level. Definitely don't worry about this 2.6 pound "gain". It can only be Water weight and there is no way you are actually GAINING real weight eating under 1000 calories a day. Stalls and slow-downs are common around the 3 week mark post-op and things usually pick up again a few weeks after that, so just hang in there. Yea, I am working on it. I did end up starting my period, and today I was down 2 of the 2.6 I was up Friday. So I am definitely working on eating more, although yesterday I barely ate much at all, I just wasn't hungry. I got the all clear last week at my 2nd follow up.

Well I cannot believe it has been 6 months since my surgery. So much has changed. First I just want to say I was hoping to reach a 100lbs lost by this date but I did not. I am oh so close and still I find myself happy with what I have accomplished. I want to share all that has changed for me in the past 6 months. - I am down 91lbs, and have lost a total of 60 inches from my arms, legs, bust waist, buttocks, thighs and calfs!! I have gone from a 30/32 top to a 18/20 or XL sometimes, bottoms were a very tight 28 to a an 18. Those are just my stats here are some NSV's that I am so proud of....... 1.) I am an ACTIVE participant in my life once again, this was the main reason I had this surgery!! 2.) I have more energy than ever, and just can't seem to sleep forever anymore 3.) I can run for short periods on the treadmill, still working on this one 4.) I fit in any and all booths that I have sat in anywhere I go now.....no more fear that I won't fit 5.) I have choices in clothing, choices, choices and more choices!!! 6.) I can wear my necklaces 7.) I can ride my bike 8.) My daughter can get her arms all the way around me for a hug 9.) I feel even more confident than I did before 10.) I can bend, cross my legs, get up off the floor, etc. 11.) When going thru a crowded store or venue and I am following my 16yr old daughter I know can pretty much fit thru spaces she can without trouble, where before I would always have to go around another way. lol 12.) I can buy shoes, all different kinds of shoes and wear them without my feet hurting. I love my converse but they have no support, but I can wear them now, Love it! 13.) I can fit in the airplane seats 14.) I logged between 18,000-22,000 steps daily on vacation to Disneyland in March..... CRAZY!!!! 15.) I have inspired my mom and she is doing great with her weight loss 16.) I have gone from a 30/32 top to a 18/20 or XL sometimes, bottoms were a very tight 28 to a an 18 17.) I can shave and lotion so much easier now 18.) Someone wanted to know if my daughter was my sister or my daughter, I will take that as I look younger now 19.) I love seeing muscles where before I couldn't 20.) I still don't love the gym, but it is part of my life now and I do feel better after I go 21.) I don't find out till tomorrow at my check up but I am pretty sure all my numbers will be better 22.) I can feel and SEE my clavicles, not sure why but I love this 23.) I do not hide or shy away from pictures 24.) I love that my skin has improved too 25.) I CANNOT wait to see what the next 6 months bring me!! I know that I am at a weight where people will begin their journey, but coming from my highest recorded weight of 324 and my starting weight of 314, I am amazed at the changes and what this body can do. It's hard to imagine what it will be able to do once I get to 175 or maybe even lower. I'm sorry this is so long, but I wanted to put down everything so I can print it out and add it to my book, so I can look back at it in another 6 months. I also know from my past experience that posts like this really helped me in the beginning and before my surgery. Me and my hubby are going to Celebrate today with a bike ride. It's a beautiful day here in Tucson and we are going to enjoy it! I have a pair of beautiful Clark wedges just sitting here waiting for me to hit my 100lb loss and then I can wear them!! My daughter is holding them hostage till I do. LOL Tomorrow I have my 6 month check in with my surgeon and I cannot wait to see how all my blood work came back. We will also be discussing getting my ventral hernia (it's on my lower right side of abdomen) removed. Herman has to go. He is protruding now and causing me some pain. Thanks to all who made it this far in reading this long a@@ post, Thanks to all of you who have helped me out along the way wether you realize it or not. This website has been so helpful I can't explain it. You never know when your words might inspire or help so everyone keep posting, keep asking questions, and keep keeping on!!! Here's to the next 6 months of this beautiful life of mine, it's not always easy, it's not always fun, but it's MINE and I am loving every minute of it. I have attached a pic my docs office took me before surgery, the one in the mirror was taken just the other day (I was showing my daughter I was wearing the new shirt I bought) and then a side by side of my face from the day of surgery to a pic from our March vacation. I am sorry if they are sideways, I don't know why they do that.

I am so happy for you. I am just beginning my journey (I have been to a seminar, and my first class is next week) and have a similar start weight as you. It was really inspiring to read your post! I'll have to come re-read it when I let those little doubts and fears about surgery creep into my mind as it does sometimes. I hope that sometime this coming year I can write such a happy post as you have done. Thanks!

From the day I had my first appointment till surgery was 6 1/2 months. I made the mistake of not getting pulmonary clearance until after finishing my 3 mo. diet. I was referred for a sleep study (they found apnea) and that set off a series of events that took longer than I expected. But use your time to start living the lifestyle, it helps tremendously.

I had my first initial consult for my vsg. Now I just have to do all the testing and 3 month diet for insurance! I would love some insight and to know how fast or slow it was from your first visit to surgery. At this point I wish I could fast forward time. Im ready to be off the metformin and hoping this will help my infertilty. Anyone struggling with infertility have success after vsg getting pregnant?

Well...Im almost 1 month post op 6 days til post op anniversary of one month. I can't believe everything that has happened to me already. Healing from surgery was not pleasant, and I really do believe that I did recover more slowly than others because I am a smoker. Since then after two weeks of recovery, I got bronchitis and a head cold....they are finally leaving my body now. I also have had a bout with more depression and anxiety and I have seen my psychiatrist and she has increased my meds for now. The depression is getting better. I have found that I am more in a "funk" when I stay home all day and do nothing. It's those days I want to nap or feel down....So, I need to get out of the house daily. Even if it's just to go lay by the pool or go to the tanning bed...anything to get me outta the house is good for me. The last 2 days I have been walking. Saturday, I walked for 45 minutes and today I walked for 35 minutes. It really does feel good to get my body moving....a few weeks ago, exercise was just taking the dogs out. Now, when I do take them out I go for a longer walk with them then just the amount of walk for them to "get down to business" I can't believe I AM WALKING...ME the one who has so much pain in her knees...ME the one who hates to sweat, ME the one who weighs still over 300 pounds is walking. ME ME ME!!!! It is such an awesome feeling to know that I CAN start taking care of my body....that I CAN be physically active. 4 months ago, I would go to wal mart and get a motorized chair to shop with.....NOT ANYMORE!! I CAN WALK. I still have 2 weeks before my first fill and "bandster hell" has not been too unbearable. I guess because I drink a lot of water between meals and I'm getting in a lot of protein....some days over 100 grams. I feel so excited that I may possibly be getting my life back....It scares me though to think "well maybe this still wont happen for me"...I do still have those thoughts but they are getting less. I have been in the fight for my life for years and I had given up. Until Jan 4th 2010 when I attended my lap band seminar. Then the wild ideas about having a life again were just so amazing...amazing that MAYBE, it could happen to me.....I think it finally is.... I am so very proud of myself and I know there will be bumps ahead but dang this feels so good....it feels better than a reecees peanut butter cup would taste, or even chocolate mint ice cream.....this feels better than that!!!! I hope and pray that it continues.... Meg:unsure:

Well...Im almost 1 month post op 6 days til post op anniversary of one month. I can't believe everything that has happened to me already. Healing from surgery was not pleasant, and I really do believe that I did recover more slowly than others because I am a smoker. Since then after two weeks of recovery, I got bronchitis and a head cold....they are finally leaving my body now. I also have had a bout with more depression and anxiety and I have seen my psychiatrist and she has increased my meds for now. The depression is getting better. I have found that I am more in a "funk" when I stay home all day and do nothing. It's those days I want to nap or feel down....So, I need to get out of the house daily. Even if it's just to go lay by the pool or go to the tanning bed...anything to get me outta the house is good for me. The last 2 days I have been walking. Saturday, I walked for 45 minutes and today I walked for 35 minutes. It really does feel good to get my body moving....a few weeks ago, exercise was just taking the dogs out. Now, when I do take them out I go for a longer walk with them then just the amount of walk for them to "get down to business" I can't believe I AM WALKING...ME the one who has so much pain in her knees...ME the one who hates to sweat, ME the one who weighs still over 300 pounds is walking. ME ME ME!!!! It is such an awesome feeling to know that I CAN start taking care of my body....that I CAN be physically active. 4 months ago, I would go to wal mart and get a motorized chair to shop with.....NOT ANYMORE!! I CAN WALK. I still have 2 weeks before my first fill and "bandster hell" has not been too unbearable. I guess because I drink a lot of water between meals and I'm getting in a lot of protein....some days over 100 grams. I feel so excited that I may possibly be getting my life back....It scares me though to think "well maybe this still wont happen for me"...I do still have those thoughts but they are getting less. I have been in the fight for my life for years and I had given up. Until Jan 4th 2010 when I attended my lap band seminar. Then the wild ideas about having a life again were just so amazing...amazing that MAYBE, it could happen to me.....I think it finally is.... I am so very proud of myself and I know there will be bumps ahead but dang this feels so good....it feels better than a reecees peanut butter cup would taste, or even chocolate mint ice cream.....this feels better than that!!!! I hope and pray that it continues.... Meg:unsure:

Hi Guys im ready to book asap for my sleeve. as in next couple of weeks i want it before march is out. been consulted in UK- Dr Alan Li £8000 UK price private- tempted to have op in Prague as is £3k cheaper £4950 inc travel and insurance with Dr Micheal Vrany through Prauge Beauty? has anyone been with either surgeon? options please? thanks in advance

Wait is short if not wanting the surgery on nhs. 3 weeks or less from consult to surgery for many of us who go private in UK. Sent from my Vivo 5R using Tapatalk

Kayleigh are you having any luck finding your surgeon? See it has been a week,since we have heard from you. Any more gains on your weight loss? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app