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I had similar and was told it was the effects of the anesthetic as well as the band and it did get better within the first week. I lived on Soup and protein shakes for 2 weeks, then had mashed food for another 2 weeks.

Hi, I was doing OK on taking my crushed vitamin, Ca and other medication pills with a flavored drink, link SF Cranberry juice. However, after 1 week I do not seem to be able to swallow it anymore. Some of the meds tastes bitter. ANy tricks and suggestions? Thanks!!

My list really is geared to longer term/vererans and of course is not complete. Example, my egg beaters veggie dish is more volume/not enough Protein for new post ops. It is normal and expected that the quantity you consume at a time increases over time. I don't count calories but I am the exception not the rule on that one. I had a lot of food trauma over counting calories since I have dieting since I was 8 years old. At my 1 year check up my surgeon said "year two is nearly as important as year one". He was of course forewarning me that my year three I would really need those good habits more that "restriction "- that is normal and just plain how it works.

Tomorrow is my daughter's birthday. Can I have a small piece of cake? Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Hey! No you aren't weird or crazy. I think you are perfectly normal. One thing you have to remember, you can still eat what you want with the lapband. Your lapband will tell you what you can eat. For instance, I can eat bread but can't eat breadsticks. I used to love them. Also, I was a pepsi addict! I drank it full strength with the sugar...don't care for diet pop...lol Also, with your approval from the parent company the insurance will pay...either way, you won't be responsible for the bill. Also, you are right, you aren't very big. Diet Coke is very good to alot of people and it is a life change. But think of it this way, Are you happy with yourself? Are you comfortable with you?? If you are then this is a no brainer, don't do it. But if you have health issues and have issues with your body and the way you look, then do something about it. Take a little control. God will take care of the rest believe me. I know how you feel. I was supposed to have the bypass. I went through all of the things I had to do. One week before my papers were to be sent for approval I got sick and was hospitalized. I was told that I need colon resection surgery. I got three opinions from three different surgeons and all said the same thing. The surgery had to happen. I was approved for the bypass one week after submittal then waited a month for the colon surgery do to the second and third opinions and the colonoscopy. The surgery went haywire and I was opened up. No laprascopic surgery for me! lol..It took two months for me to heal because a few weeks after the procedure I got MRSA. After I got through all of that, my surgeon told me he didn't feel comfortable with me having the bypass because of my colon surgery. One month later I was banded. It was very easy for me to get discouraged and scared not to mention my husband and family didn't want me to do it anyway. I am banded and very happy. Everything went well Praise God! I said all that to say this, its your life. You only have one, don't let it be governed by fear. Its your responsibility to live your life to the fullest. If you are happy...there is no point to having the surgery..if you aren't and want to be, there is going to be some sacrifices..including Diet Coke... Much love! Keep us posted!

I thought I was going to DIE! I guess my band is a 11? not sure what that means, they only put in 3cc's, they had me drink a half a bottle of water before I left, I felt kinda wierd but nothing alarming,,,then I got back to work about 25 min later, I started getting horrible pains in my upper back, felt like I had to burp over and over but nothing helped., It got so bad I thought I was going to have to call 911. I called the center they told me to come back, by the time I got there 15 min later I was in tears and could barley walk, they rushed me in the back and imediantly removed all 3cc and I had instant relief. They nurse thinks the Dr was trying to get me to my "sweet spot" too soon and my body couldnt handle it. They put back in 1cc and told me to do liquids for 2 days then 1 day mushys, they said that if after the forth day I dont feel my portions are smaller they will do another fill in 2 weeks. I thought I had done alot of research on this but was completly un prepared for this, do you think part of it was the barion for the furoscopy fill?:help:

Sorry I am three weeks post op.

Hi All, I am a new bandster banded the day after turkey day in Tijuana..I wish I could say my recovery has been easy but sometimes it's been HELL!! ..but I made it through week one WHOO HOOO I have a seroma at my port site :cry but thanks to this site I've read that it's not the end of the world, I've been putting a hot compress and a heat pad on it 2/3 times per day and it looks to be getting better I do have a question for anyone reading? :help:I have a scar that looks like it's not closing, my scars are closed with wire stitches and the one under my breast that is not getting air seems to be open still. Has anyone had this issue? I would post a pic but it seems pretty difficult to do. On another note this site has been tremendously helpful, my husband says I'm addicted LOL I look at this site everyday Thanks all Happy

Hey Tamz, I had my surgery on May 25th, they took my drain tube out on May 27th before I went home. It is very normal for it to be sore at your stage, mine was tender for about 10 days. My stitches were removed on the 11th day and it is very important to use a saline wash like a product called wound wash. You need to do this two to three times a day. We were not allowed to use any petroleum based products like neosporin on the incisions. Mine have healed nicely and are no longer tender. I too was concerned about the protein at your stage but the Doc said get the liquids in, the protein will come later. If you become dehydrated, the protein is the last of your worries. I know you have heard it a thousand times but sip, sip, sip. The best way to monitor if you have a leak is you would feel real bad and your fever will go up. I took my temperature everyday for three weeks. My temp never got over 98.4 degrees and I never felt bad. You are doing fine. I was able to sleep on both sides just 2 weeks after surgery so the pain will go away. Keep us posted.

Hi Tamz! Focus on your liquid intake and the Protein will follow. I don't think anyone (correct me if I'm wrong people ) has reached their 60 grams of protein until around 2 weeks or so. I know I didn't and my doc wanted me to focus on being hydrated more. You are doing everything you need to do, and keep asking as many questions as you have, information is the key!

The revision actually kicked my butt more so than the original lapband surgery. My dr only made on incision but found he had to replace the entire tubing instead of just the port so it turned out to be bigger than anticipated. I was off work for a week and even now, 3 weeks on, I have some swelling if I over-exert. But it may look like the band is back to working, which is good. So in the end, it was worth doing.

Micki, you are doing great. What you are able to eat will change. Just try things, take it slow, chew everything well, small bites, etc. If you have a pb, your body is sore - take some time - 24 hours and only have liquids again. Let your body heal. Make sure you are losing at a reasonable rate and still managing to get in your Vitamins, Protein, etc. As far as weighing yourself, that's your call. I weigh daily but I don't think that's a good idea. Once a week works best for most people. Some people only weigh when they go to the dr office. Make sure you track your Non-scale Victories (NSV). These are a great reminder on how far you have come and what is going on with your body when you aren't losing pounds. Measuring is another good way to track. As far as eating, what does your dr/nutritionist say? Mine says 3 small meals and 2 Snacks a day. Just make sure you wait the appropriate amount of time until you drink after a meal. I wait 30 minutes. Go out and read others messages and threads on good and snacking. This site is a great source of info. Celeste

I think iam anticipating too much. Had 1st fill last Wed 9/8 (2cc's). Wasnt as bad as i thought it would, the port had shifted some. took nurse a couple of pokes but was successful. Anyway its been a week now and i have had a number of PB's. i truelly believe it was because i wasnt chewing enough or rushing but it was something i could eat before the fill. did anyone else experience this? that you could no longer eat the same?? would someone please tell me what was your feeling after your fill. i have a smaller band and the nurse told be 2cc's was alot but im not really sure how my band should feel. i know im loosing and have been treadmilling everyday. i do feel better but i want to make sure that i continue on the road of sucess. how ofter should i weight myself? i find i dont have any desire to eat. did you go on a strick eating time? can eating 6 times a day be alright? my day starts at 3:30am and stops around 9:30pm. do you have a suggestion on how i should be planning my meals? if i go every 4 hrs i dont think im eating enough and i find myself hungry (? another fill). i really need some enlightenment. Open to any and all ideas, suggestions, etc. Thanks again. Micki Banded 7/27/05 296/292/274/268

I was also banded by Dr Sanchez and have after care with Dr. C...Hes really great..isnt he? I go for my second fill next week...

I am 3 weeks post op and just had my first episode of vomiting today, due to a GI bug that is plaguing out home. Nasty!! I felt a lot of pain in my mid chest between my breasts when vomiting. It stopped hurting when I was done, I don't think I hurt anything. Anyone have any experience with this unfortunate event...???

I am cleared to do crunches/sit-ups at 4 weeks and I am now 5 weeks post op but this seems to early what does your doctor recommend for you when you can do sit-ups?

Okay, So I got banded on May 20th 2009 and before my first fill ( one month later) lost 16 lbs. I just got my first fill on June 24th with 5cc's I have a realize band that has a 11cc capacity. Since my fill I've lost probably another 3 lbs which isn't much to me at all especially because I was losing so quickly the first couple of weeks. My biggest concern is that I feel barely to NO restriction at all. I personally stay away from breads, sweets (rarely eat them) and eat no junk food. The thing is that I CAN eat them. I've nibbled and they go down with no problems. My stomach gets full a lot sooner than before the surgery but I feel like I may have something wrong with me. I feel as if restriction is the main key to major weightloss with the band. I've also started going to the gym and working out doing cardio for 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a week (never did that before).I called my doctor's office and the nurse told me that what I'm experiencing is completely normal and that I have to wait another month for the second fill.... PLEASE HELP GUYS! Has anyone had this experience... I feel completely lost and I would hate to start having a negative attitude about this whole thing because I love my band!

Hey guys, I'm about 5 weeks post op and I find that I'm very tired all the time. I sleep at night, but have trouble getting up in the morning and lack motivation to get out of bed. Before surgery I was doing amazing: getting up early and hitting the gym 4-5 times a week. I'm lucky if I make it 2 times now. FYI I'm still mostly liquid for diet with occasional yogurt. Thoughts? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Me too I asked my doctor this 2 weeks out and he laughed and told me I could sleep however I want but it’s common sense if it hurts don’t sleep a certain way

I am new to PO & just found a new Dr. His name is Birkendal and he works out of the Florida Hospital Ormond of Williamson Rd. I think he's wonderful and his staff is awesome. I am a bad LB patient. My story is long and not a good ending, thus far. I ruined my band by not being a good patient. I'm seeing the Doc next week for surgery consult, but all in all my first few experiences with him/them have been wonderful. I am also seeking good counseling and support group info from their offices. Once I get it, I will share.

Hi, I got banded last week Wednesday and am currently on liquids. I will see my surgeon, Dr, Ramiro Cavazos from San Antonio on Thursday. Has anyone replaced two meals with protein shakes and is that even a good idea? Please help.

Just let me start by saying UGH. I have been on this journey since January. Finally got the 6 months of medically supervised weight loss behind me. Insurance took a couple week to get the approval thru. Went and had my lab work done on Friday. My surgeon's office won't schedule the surgery until they receive the results of the blood work. I am just REALLY ready to get my new healthy life started. Maybe tomorrow will be the day it all comes together!!!

Hey guys just wondering who did the liquid diet before surgery, and for how long and why? My surgeon said I don't need to and it's not going to be any benefit to surgery but my dietitian said it's beneficial to do two weeks. I've had a migraine for 3 days and called my surgeons office and reception lady told me to eat if I want to as it doesn't matter either way? Thanks

Hi Amanda Try not to worry.I know its easier said than done! in my first couple of weeks after being banded I didnt feel hungry at all and to be honest the desire to eat just disappeared which was just fantastic! ( it did come back unfortunately!) My doc said to have fluids for 2 wks post op and by fluids that included Soups, yogurt, and porridge so it was pretty easy to stick to. My new stomach pouch could hold 100mls so I made sure not to consume any more than that in one go. Even though I wasnt hungry I made myself have my 'meals' regularly and forced myself to drink plenty of Water. I was drinking water constantly in order to get enough down, which wasnt easy but it is important coz without enough you'll be dehydrated and feel ill. I learned the hard way! Anyway, congratulations on getting through your surgery, Ihope you recover well. All the best on your new journey julia

SleevePlicationTalk Newsletter Hey Sleevers!The lull of summer is ending, and autumn is just around the corner. How did you do in meeting your goals this summer? We hope you met your weight loss and health goals, but if not, don’t worry. It’s the perfect time to get back into your weight loss routine if you got sidetracked during a summer vacation. Pick yourself up, return to your bariatric surgery diet and, of course, let us help! Here is what you’ll find in this month’s newsletter. Sleever Poll: How Did You Find Out About SleevePlicationTalk.com? Your Sleeve Plication lunch – Packing Your food for a Busy Day Keep the Forums Positive! Take a look at the newsletter and then join us at SleevePlicationTalk.com! We’re always looking for more participation, and we welcome your feedback, so drop us a line whenever you want! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder SleevePlicationTalk.com Sleever Poll: How Did You Find Out About SleevePlicationTalk.com? A. Search engine (e.g., Google, Yahoo!, Bing, etc…please tell us which one) B. Friend or family member C. Your surgeon D. Your primary care physician (PCP) E. An offline support group F. Your nutritionist or dietitian G. Someone else from your doctor’s or surgeon’s office (e.g., a nurse or receptionist) H. App store (e.g., iTunes, Google Apps Marketplace) I. Another way. Mark your answer and discuss it in the forums! Your Sleeve Plication Lunch – Packing Your Food for a Busy Day By mid-September, many of us are back into regular routines. If you have children who take their lunches to school, you make sure their lunches are appetizing and healthy. Your own lunch deserves just as much care. These tips can help you create easy sleeve-friendly sack lunches to take to work. Have these helpful items on hand: An insulated lunch bag A small spoon, fork and knife A set of small containers with tight-fitting lids Plastic baggies An insulated beverage container (unless you stick to Water bottles) Once a week: Figure out how many days you will need to take a lunch to work in the coming week. Plan your lunch menus, make a shopping list and get the groceries you need The night before: What can you do so that packing your lunch is easier in the morning? Measure your chicken breast Pack a serving of leftovers from dinner in a small container with a tight-fitting lid Wash and cut some fruit and vegetables Pack your utensils and a bottle of water Count your crackers Portable protein: Just as it does when you’re at home, Protein comes first when you’re on the go. These are some ideas for brown baggers. Tuna or chicken in cans or pouches Hard-boiled eggs (If you have a fridge at work): cottage cheese Fat-free canned refried Beans or low-sodium pinto, black or garbanzo beans Low-fat string cheese or light Laughing Cow cheese Lean ham or turkey breast Leftover grilled chicken or fish Peanut Butter If you’re still in the pureed foods stage, try lentil Soup, Protein shakes, hummus and Greek yogurt. Nutritious combinations: Combine your protein with vegetables, fruits and whole grains for their Fiber and other nutrients Dip and raw vegetables, such as carrot and celery sticks, grape tomatoes and cauliflower florets salad with chicken or tuna and shredded low-fat cheese Peanut butter on whole grain crackers or with apple slices Ham and low-fat cheese rolled up in a small whole-grain tortilla Greek yogurt with high-fiber Cereal or melon One-half small whole-wheat bagel with fat-free cream cheese and canned salmon If you’re post-op and not at the solid foods stage yet, try fat-free cottage cheese with pureed canned peaches, fat-free refried beans with low-fat shredded cheddar cheese and instant oatmeal with skim milk and Protein powder. Have extras on hand. You might get stuck working late or unable to make your planned lunch-time trip to a grocery store. Stash protein-containing Snacks at work for those occasions. Protein Bars and powder, canned tuna and chicken, roasted soybeans and almonds provide protein and do not need refrigeration, so you can keep them at work or in the car. Lunch after weight loss surgery can be a disaster if you opt for fast food or whatever’s in the vending machine, plan, but you can easily pack a healthy lunch that fits into your diet. Plan ahead, have the containers and utensils you need and focus on lean protein and other nutritious choices so that your lunch supports weight loss. Keep the Forums Positive! You come to SleevePlicationTalk.com for information and support. Unlike many other online forums, SleevePlicationTalk.com maintains a positive atmosphere and has zero tolerance for rudeness. We welcome anyone who is interested in weight loss surgery, regardless of their personal beliefs about it. When you see a post that is inappropriate or offensive, please report it using the “report post” link located at the bottom of the post. We realize and appreciate that nearly all members try hard to be welcoming, helpful and polite. These are a few tips to help you avoid avoid accidentally saying something that can be hurtful to another member. Say, “my surgeon told me…,” not, “the only right way is…” Say, “I think I would choose …,” not, “You made the wrong choice.” Say, “Have you considered…?,” not, “You’re not ready for your weight loss journey.” Say, “I have found that …,” not, “The right way is …” Each of these statements let you give your own opinion and advice without accusing other members of doing something wrong. Thank you for keeping the boards positive! That’s what we have for this month’s newsletter. Thank you for reading it and for your contributions to the board! You can always check out the old newsletters in the archive section. Take care of yourself and each other! Sincerely, Alex ==============================================================If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}