Search the Community

1) Do any of you use baby spoons or forks for smaller bites? Not me. 2) Do all of you NOT sip Water when eating? I don't drink while eating at all. I wait an hour after eating before drinking. 3) How much alcohol can get you buzzed now that you are banded? Since I only drink before eating, and it's on an empty stomach, I do get buzzed fairly quickly...2 glasses of wine, or 1 martini. 4) Who can still eat fast food? I usually opt for Taco Bell if I have to eat fast food. I eat taco salad, pintos and cheese, or the inside of a beef burrito. 5) Who can still eat bread? The only bread I've eated that didn't bother me was Pepperidge Farm Thin Sliced Wheat Bread. And based on recommendations here, I toasted it. 6) Do any of you do Atkins? Not me. I don't low-carb, but I stick with whole grains. 7) Do any of you do Weight Watcher's program? Not me. I hate counting points or calories, and weighing and measuring. 8) Does sex count as exercise? I think anything that gets you active is a bonus, but I've heard that the "calories burned" figure for sex is not as high as people have been told in the past. I guess it depends on your technique, how long you go, and how often! Above all, have fun! (Sorry, couldn't resist that.) 9) Anyone have problems with chewing/swallowing/digesting nuts? Nope. I keep raw nuts in the shell in a small basket out on the counter. If you have to crack the nuts, it slows you down. Nuts are very healthy, *but* you have to limit the quantity. I usually eat no more than 7-10 almonds, or 4-5 pecans or walnuts. 10) What about cheese? I stick with low-fat cheese, and avoid melted cheese unless it's mixed in with something else. I had trouble choking on melted mozzerella before being banded, and don't want to chance it now! 11) Anyone already noticing their skin sagging? Yep, but not too bad yet. But, I sort of think of sagging skin as battle scars in the battle of the bulge! 12) Any good snack ideas out there besides veggies? I am burned out on them!! I like non-fat, sugar free yogurt, nf sf pudding, a *few* raw nuts, turkey Jerky (but it's salty, and can cause you to retain water), and once in a while if I'm craving Peanut Butter, I'll have a tablespoon or so on a rice cake. 13) Any good tips period? Write down everything you eat. Even though I don't think anyone wants to weigh and measure forever, do it in the beginning, and periodically after that just to learn about portion sizes. I've found that journalling helps "keep you honest", plus serves as a good reference for later. If you plateau, you can go back over your journal and maybe try something different. 14) How long should it take to lose 10 pounds if you are doing everything correctly? For me, about 5-6 weeks. But, I expect that to slow down as I lose weight. Tami

I am almost 10 months out too. I have stalled at the last 5 pounds. I take in about 1000 to 1100 calories a day. My doc told me last week that if I wanted to maintain my weight to keep my calories around 1400-1500. Otherwise she told me to make sure I was getting in a minimum of 60 grams of protein (She would prefer it be closer to 70 or 80 daily), because when our calories are that low and we don't get enough protein in then our body stops losing fat. (It loses muscle instead.) She also told me it takes 6 weeks to reverse a depletion in our protein. I was shocked by the 6 week reversal! I know we will get to our goals. It just feels like it is so close but still so far away. Hang in there!

I am 26 months out. Yes, i lost weight the second year as well. It took me 22 months to get to goal. I weighed 291.8 one week after surgery. 183.6 at one year after surgery. From Oct 2018 to August 2019 ( goal weight) I weighed 149.2 . So I lost 34 pounds the second year.

LOL, this is so funny because this is what I am have been going through for the last 4 or 5 months, I have a target on my back. I have a crew of 12, 10 women and 2 men. About 6 of them went running to there union pres. last week at a meeting and the story is that 3 of them aired there dirty laundry, 1 has a valid complaint and we are in the mist of correcting that, the other 2 was just plain stupidity on there part. My office door turned into a revolving door the next morning after the meeting. I thought it was really funny because everyone approached me that was there, except the two, telling me what had happened, there was several that was upset about what the two had said because they knew that what they was saying was not true. I never once asked anyone what happened at the meeting, I could care less about what goes on there, but they let me know. It has been funny because 1 is walking around like her crap don't stink, and she had been avoiding me for the last two weeks. She is acting like I got something on you, and you are going to get it. The other 1 has a guilty trip going on, I walked by her the day after the meeting deep in thought, and I looked at her, not even realizing she was there and she goes why are you looking at me like that. Oppps sorry did not know you was there. Anyway, after my office door stopped spinning I called there union rep and told her I want a mediation meeting ASAP, I am not going on winter break with this crap hanging all over everyone. I think I shocked her, she was like ohhhhhhhh ok. If these women really think that can go over there a spill there guts with out me finding out about it they are stupid, and if they really think I am going someplace else they are really stupid. I did not go looking for this job, this job came looking for me. Anyway, thanks for giving me a place to vent also, it is always nice to know that there are other women out there having too fight multiply battles everyday. Weight and Work. lol

I'm on my 2nd day of 2 weeks liquid/steamed veg pre-op diet and am wondering whether I'm going to be able to work fine during it, and then in the 10 days or so afterward when I'm still on liquids. For example, am I going to feel dizzy going out for a walk after a while on this?

I am 2 weeks into the preop diet. My Dr wants us to do Atkins Inductions which is mostly meat and very few veggies and no fruit or starches. So far so good! According to my scale I have lost 10 more pounds but I am gonna wait and see what the Dr scale says on Tues when I have my preops! Good luck to everyone! Becky

Just for a little comparison - when I get fills now I usually only get a .1 or a .2. My PA gave me some very good advice - it's better to approach the sweet spot carefully versus overshooting and then having to go backwards. I know you and I were July '10 bandsters so we are at very similar places in our journey I hope the fill turns out all right...it really sounds like if you got .2 or .3 removed it will be just right. You will go crazy and resort to eating all slider foods if you are too tight. I've been there It's very important to be able to eat meat! Good luck!!!

I almost backed out.I was seeing post about band problems.I was freaking out.But I did it and I have lost 20 lbs since Dec 1st and my blood pressure is perfect and even better I am down from almost 70 units of insulin to 10 soon to be off in a few more pounds.It was by far one of the easyist surgeries I ever had.I have had 6. If there is a problem with the band in years to come I will be healthier and I will handle it then.For now Im getting healthy.If I can lose it I can keep it off.

I'm on day 10 of my two-week pre-op diet, and it's been crazy. I've definitely cried a few times. On day 4, I had to lock myself in the bathroom at work to sob and hyperventilate, just overwhelmed by this huge life change. I've had a few thoughts of, "Oh my god... why are you doing this?! Can't you just control your eating like a normal person?!" But the answer is, no, I can't. I've been struggling with my weight and eating since I was about 8. Another round of Weight Watchers is just not going to do it. And I can't keep going like I have been the past few years, gaining weight and having health issues, because I'm only 34 and I can't do half the things that my 61-year-old mother can. I definitely recommend avoiding the grocery store and gatherings with focus on food during the pre-op diet, especially if yours is liquids only. I made the mistake of stopping at the grocery store for a few things last night and almost lost it in the bakery section. I'm finding that I have to keep reminding myself that I will not be on a liquid diet forever! It also helps if you do not have to cook meals for others right now. It's just my husband and me, and thankfully he is very sensitive to my needs and is doing Herbalife shakes while I'm on liquids, eating his "real food" for lunch and having a shake with me at suppertime.

Thanks for the info guys. I'm not curently on birth control, never have been. My weight loss is starting to slow down since i'm almost 10 months in from surgery i'm maybe only losing a Kilo per week and then some weeks nothing. Me and my husband want to start a family next year.

I waited 10 days but having a drink most nights now. I can't let all these freshly squeezed grapefruits sit. And the lap band book says a glass of wine nightly is fine.

I'm May 7. Been on Preop for 10 days lost 10 lbs. cheated a few times mainly with protein. I am now starting on the OMGWAID phase. I am getting so scared. Am i really going to let someone cut out over 3/4 of my stomach?

My doctor said that is what the rumor is...but the straws really only cause extra gas...which I never had a problem with to start with...I've heard it put every way...you just have to go with your gut...after 15 years as an ER nurse...that's the best advice I can give...just finished (push) mowing my half acre yard...many would say don't do that 10 days out...but I know my body..I even went back to work yesterday..just told every one I couldn't lift!!!..,haha I was going crazy at this house!!

I had my surgery Aug 1....so I am nine days out. I get my Protein shakes in..no problem...I drink Water...sipping and with a straw no problem...I've lost 10 pounds. What I'm confused about is why am I having no problems... everyone else talks about their lactose intolerance or nausea etc. I'm worried my surgery didn't work. I can drink as much as I did BEFORE my surgery..I have ate eggs and mashed potatoes with Isopure Protein powder added. I can't eat but about 5 bites before I feel it so I stop. I'm just scared to death since I have had no problems that my surgery isn't really working...

Every morning, my routine is that I make 10 oz of coffee (Keurig) in a big tumbler and I pour in a Premier Protein Cafe Latte. I have tried other flavors, but always keep coming back to it. I just buy the shakes by the case at Costco.

Hi all....I have heard that this sometimes happens but it's a first for me. Gonna give some background info here. Banded 3/24/10 First fill 5/4/10 and got 4.4ccs in a 10 cc band. Last 2 weeks have really had not much of an appetite and Surgeons office said that's ok, just keep hydrated and get Protein in which I have been doing faithfully. Last night, I was REALLY hungry so me and my partner went out for dinner. I ate till I was a bit over full but did not vomit or PB or anything. It all went down fine.... This morning I have some serious restriction. The thought of one bite of food makes me feel awful....I have had Water and a Protein Drink coffee, which is my normal routine. I never am hungry til later in the morning... I am also having a bit of pain....??? The pain is all around my upper rib cage in the front and the back. I would describe the pain as if I wore a bra and the band size was way too small...I know it's not my heart....maybe my lungs? or just the muscles all around my rib cage....??? I have read posts about people being tight in the morning and I usually am just a bit but this feels really tight.... Any thoughts or suggestions anyone??? Thanks, Meg

Its all relative. If you're losing weight whilst eating that, then you dont need a fill! It really is a misuse of what the band is meant to do, aiming to fill and fill and fill until you cant eat more than half a cup or cant eat a certain food. The band is actually meant to decrease your appetite and increase satiety - YOU have to do all the rest of it yourself. Which means avoiding bread if you dont want to eat it, not making yourself so tight that you cant eat it. However, it is common not to be able to eat bread. Look at it this way - I currently have no fill and can easily eat an entire two bread sandwhich full of salad fillings. I could also eat several Cookies after that - but I most of the time I choose not to. I have not gained any weight in 2 months unfilled and am currenly at a BMI of only 19. Do I need a fill? If you're losing weight on ten pieces of bread a day then dont sweat it. Weight loss is what matters, not choking yourself off until you cant eat. However if your loss is very slow, or has stopped and you're doing everything else right but not feeling that satiety where a meal lasts you a good couple of hours, then its fill time. But dont judge it on what foods you can or cant eat. I could eat bread with my band 3/4 fill, with no problem at all - but yogurt, ugh. Impossible. Its different for everyone.

Hey there! Your story sounds like mine. I've been incredibly fortunate to have had a smooth surgery/recovery and journey so far. In short, it is exactly what I had hoped it would be. 10 months out and loving it. I knew hair loss might be a factor, and I did lose some. But that has stopped. I am also following my doctors instructions all the way. I portion my food, track it all and exercise. I don't drink and eat at the same times. (I made that mistake once recently and am not in a hurry to do it again) I was prepared for the loose skin, and changes I needed to make and consider myself very lucky that everything has gone as hoped. I do think it necessary for pre-op folks to read that Yes, everything does go according to plan, I think these posts are not as plentiful, so I'm glad you posted! Try not to feel guilty, enjoy it.

I had a very easy surgery and recovery. Back at work a few days after my procedure. I'm now 10 months post-op. My weight loss isn't super fast, but it's steady - and it's right where I want it to be. I work a demanding job that takes a lot of my time, have two young kids, work out, volunteer, etc. I haven't slowed down at all. In fact, I'm more energetic than I ever used to be. My post-sleeve eating habits have worked their way into my life easily and without making me feel depressed, deprived, etc. I can live this way happily for the rest of my life. Eating small amounts of healthy food and occasionally indulging in a bite or two of something yummy - and being satisfied with it. It's what I always dreamed. Enjoying food like a "normal" person. Not obsessing over every morsel I put in my mouth, having feelings of guilt, etc. Just simply enjoying food without the binge factor looming over my head. I also have had no vomiting and can eat anything. No sensitivities at all. Now, hair loss. Don't count your chickens before they hatch, lol. Mine didn't start up until a few months in. It's pretty bad. I'm not wig-worthy or anything, but it's been significant for me. It slowed down once before and started back up again, so I'm hoping it's ready to slow down permanently in the very near future. Anyway, there are plenty of us who have had it "easy". I try not to get on and talk about it too much because I know everyone has a different journey and some experience struggles, but I definitely don't feel guilty - and neither should you!

Hey everyone, Hope you're all doing well! So, I kind of just need to vent for a bit. I know everyone's experience is different and only my Doctor and Surgeon can give medical insight, but I'm hoping someone may have been in a similar situation as I am. So, before I could schedule a surgery date I had to do all the tests. The last step (which I now wish was the first step), was my blood panel. All results came back good, except the blood panel. The results returned showing that my Vitamin D, B12 and folic acid are all low. Easy enough to fix with a supplement. It also showed the my cholesterol was low, so my Doctor said to make sure I am eating healthy fats (avocados, nuts, fish, etc). *Possible TMI --> She also wants me to get an intravaginal ultrasound as she found heightened testosterone levels and yeast in my urine. Ultimately, she wants to rule out PCOS (which was ruled out in my teens, but that was roughly 20 years ago) But then she went on to explain that my A1C test (blood sugar test that shows my average over 3 months) was at a 10, while normal is 5.6 or less. With this number, it constitutes as Type 2 Diabetes. Because I have never had issues with this before, she is requesting that I wear a glucose monitoring device (in arm) for 2 weeks and begin a weekly injection called Trulicity. Apparently Trulicity will help lower my blood sugar levels, but also could bring on weight loss as it decreases overall appetite. She is hoping to see improvements in the next 3 months, but until then will not issue the clearance. I understand it is important for me to be healthy as my body will need all it can to heal post-surgery, but I am truly discouraged. 1. I'm angry at myself that I let things get this bad. 2. I'm worried that all my other tests will become null and void, since I'm fairly certain they are only valid for 6 months. Most were done in March and with having to wait at least 3 months - it's really cutting it close. 3. Has anyone been in a similar situation? If my numbers don't come down, does that mean surgery is out of the question? I appreciate the listening ears and any input or advice! Thank you and hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend.

I’ll make this quick. I am 17 days post op. I see the dietician on 8/22. 4 days away. Zero complications after the surgery. I’m still on liquids. I’ve read other ppl are on puréed phase after like 10 days…etc. I’d like to start before Tuesday. I’m not hungry, just tired of only water and protein drinks. Thoughts. I have a feeling what most posters will say but wanted to put the question out there…lol Thanks!

I'm considering revision surgery from band to sleeve. I just haven't had much success and I've been banded for 4 years. I initially lost 40lbs but I've gained back 20 and haven't really changed eating habits. I'll be 45 this month. I have some problems with my foot and knee and back that have been preventing me from working out as much as I used to. I can't really do the treadmill anymore, but I use the eliptical and bike 3-4 days per week. Anyway. I'm just really frustrated. I've not had any issues with the band like slippage or reflux, etc. So I'm not sure if revision is going to be the way to go. But I don't know what else to do. I've been playing with the same 5-10 pounds for a year now almost. I stick to 1200 calories a day and that is not helping me lose weight. I eat less and that doesn't work. I eat more and I lose a few but then the next week I gain it back. It seems like no matter what I do nothing works. I go back to the doctor on June 11 so I guess I'll ask about it. It makes me nervous too because my friend who got the sleeve was in and out of the hospital multiple times with a leak and had a feeding tube for about a year and couldn't eat anything. Then again, she had other health problems as well before the surgery (lupus, fibro). I guess we will see..

The horror stories are bull? I don't know. I have been in pretty rough shape since my surgery. By day 20 p/o, I had been in the hospital a total of 10 days. Lots of issues. I don't think they are horror stories, per se, but I know that some have these horror stories.

I know a few who have had theirs 10 or 11 years, original band. Still working fine.

hello.. so i am still on my liquid diet only clear liquid.. and if i want plane yogurt from time to time just like my dr recommended. am sticking to the diet.. but am having a hunger feeling from day 7 and now all i want is to eat real food is this feeling normal? didn't the say that they remove the place were your stomach gets hungry? or is it just a myth? and did you cheat on 10 days post op... love to hear your experiences Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App