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In May I will have been banded for 2 years and I'm still learning about myself and this band. I got back into the dreaded scale habit. For the first year and 1/2 I was banded I didn't own a scale, I would only weigh myself at my monthly dr. check-ups, well then my surgeon basically overnight became no more and I found myself in the position that I had to find a new dr., so after 3 months without a weigh-in it was driving me crazy I knew my clothes were fitting the same - (which is the all time measurement), but I broke down and bought a scale. At first I did well, I weighed myself once a week. I had my first consultation with my new dr. and my weight was exactly the same as it was 3-months prior. The following week we went to Jamaica for vacation and I didn't allow myself to worry with calories etc., that is until I got home and then the first thing I did was jump on that scale and the numbers revealed what I had feared, I had gone up almost 4lbs. For me this was the first time since being banded that I SAW my # on the scale go up. It undoubtedly did along the way but because I didn't see it, no harm no foul. Immediately I went into panic mode because I new the next couple of weeks following was Christmas and then New Years, blah, blah, blah, so for the last month, I've been on that dang scale 1-2 times a day. Seeing those same 4lbs go up and down. Bad habits die hard. I need to go back to what has worked for me all along and only allow the scale to see the light of day once a month. Since I seem to know the answer to my own problem, why aren't I doing it? Fear is the answer. Is 4lbs a big deal? No, not at all, we all know we can flex 5lbs over night due to Water retention, stress, BM's, for ladies that TOM etc., but for anyone who's struggled with weight the real concern isn't about the 4lbs., it's about the fear of those 4lbs. becoming 10lbs., then 20lbs.,etc. Has anyone else had this same fear? I mean we've all been through these vicious cycles before. BUT wait, what have I forgotten???? Oh that's right, I forgot, that I'm not in this alone, I now have a tool that helps me navigate through these times. A tool that I'm incredibly thankful for and one that I need to rely on more than my brain during these times. The fear of never wanting to be where I was when I started is a good thing, It's that fear that keeps me in check!!! I'm still finding things out about myself along the way and will continue to learn until the day I'm no longer on this earth. If you can identify with what I'm saying I would greatly appreciate your input! Thanks!

@@B-52 You're absolutely right, there's nothing wrong with weighing yourself daily, unless you're a person(like me) that let's the scale determine your mood, day or week. Like @@JustWatchMe pointed out, it's great to step on the scale daily when you're losing, it's definitely the best motivator, BUT when you see that the losing has stalled or that the same couple of lbs. keeps toying with you, it gets frustrating. On flip side of that it's also a kick in the butt when you see those numbers creep up so just like with anything it has it's positives and negatives. Me and many others on this site have learned a lot from your amazing journey and expertise. It's real and something to be respected! Thanks!

Idiot man checking in here. Really, a week after surgery, I'm not so sure about the 8 hr bus ride. But if you're willing to spring for the flight it shouldn't be a problem. I was on a 4-5 hr flight 72 hrs after my surgery with a layover. The biggest problem I see is this type of celebration is typically celebrated with food and the pressure to eat is often pretty intense. So the keeping it on the downlow poses its own set of obsticals.

Hi. I had my surgery July 11th and am still off work. I go back to work on Thursday, which will make it 2 weeks that I was off total for the surgery. I didn't have any problems from the surgery -- no pain, no nausea, etc. And I still feel these 2 weeks are necessary to recover. This is major surgery. Your body needs time to recover. You need lots of rest and sleep. You will be very tired and will not feel like traveling and being around a lot of people, IMO. I hope this helps your case.

Well this gives me something to look forward to!???? I'm 5 1/2 weeks out and I am dying for real veggies! I am supposed to wait till 2 months post op.

My patient advocate called me yesterday afternoon and told me they submitted my packet to bcbs federal! I'm so excited and scared! Praying for an approval!!! It should take an avg of two weeks, Hopefully sooner!

I am scheduled for banding on March 24th. I will start my pre-op diet this Friday. I am a bit nervous. More so for the pre-op diet. I am doing this for my children. I have had high cholesterol since I was 20, I am now 37. I want to be here for my children for many years to come. I never thought I would have a date set. I have been wanting this for two years and finally have everything approved and lined up. Soooooo ready. Just need to make a menu for the next two weeks. I can have a shake for Breakfast and a morning snack. Small light lunch and supper. Adkins diet.

Hello everyone. I had my surgery November 1 of this year (2010) and have lost about 30 lbs. so far. I did really great during Thanksgiving, but this past week, during Christmas, has been very difficult. Everything sounds good and I've felt hungry. I'm told it's just time for another fill - which luckily will occur tomorrow. Any and all advice is welcome. I'm in my 50's and my health has been declining (as well as getting very depressed). I have six kids and 5 grandkids that I would like to stick around for.

OMG!! My surgeons office just called me to tell me they called Empire BCBS to let them know they were sending over docs today for my surgery. They then told me BCBS asked them a few questions and approved me over the phone! Can this really be?? I want to call BCBS so bad and find out for sure but I don't want to stir the pot...... OMG!! OMG!! I didn't even tell anyone yet but you guys, i been lurking for weeks and would not have as much info as I do now if it was not for you!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.... Do you think this is correct? It must be. I'm prob just in shock.. OMG, OMG, OMG!!!

good luck! I actually read about your port on another thread but did't realize it was you. We are pretty much alike. I'm 5'2 230 and three boys 8,6 and 4. I feel the same way. They all play sports and karate and I want to be able to go there and run with them and cheer them on with the engery I should have. I want to be able to run around the house with them without losing my breath! Good luck on the port and your fill ... So it is true the 1st 6 weeks until I get a fill I will feel the same as I do now?? How scary?? I'm still decideding what my last meal will be how sick is that??

Hi all, Oklahoma here its 82 today and it is just March already turned the airconditioner on but if i open all the windows and doors my allergies wood go nutts. I have 2 children girl 28 and boy 23, son still lives at home. 3 dog yellow lab, blake and tan lab mix and an over grown rat not sure what she is. Hopping the weather will be good this weeken so we can take the Harley out for a ride. Got the call today i have been waiting on the inssurance has approved me but the date i was tenatively set for has been booked cordinater said would call tommorow and let me know if she could and me on the 12 looks like i will have to do 3 mabe 4 weeks of my liqud diet, oh well just that much more i will be ahead.

Ok.. .I have to brag. It's 9:00 am here and it's 72 degrees here in Phoenix. I've been sleeping with the windows wide open. The orange blossoms are in full bloom and this IS my favorite time of year! Next week, I'm going to plant a veggie garden while I'm recovering. So how is it in your world?

I'm assuming you're on the post-op liquid diet, if so, remember what you eat generally comes out the same way. Liquids in, liquids out. Mine did get better after a few days so hopefully yours will as well. Also, what did you drink? I was told nothing but water and dilated juice post-op for a few weeks, but I mostly stuck to water with a half of packet of Crystal Light.

I work at a private school so I have 3 weeks to recover over Christmas break...but if I had to choose when I go back..I would say 2 weeks. I am 2 weeks post op today and finally feel like myself and feel like I can last all day.

Don't panic, this happens to everyone. The band isn't designed to work without a fill. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 fills before you get proper restriction. The first 6 weeks after surgery are for healing. Any weight loss is a bonus, but it should not be your primary focus. Sounds so rational, but I know how hard it is. Hang in there, once you get a fill you'll see the weight start to come off!

Stalls are really common during this journey. This won't be the last one. If you cave every time you have a stall, you won't ever be successful long term. So my advice is to just keep to your plan, meet your protein and water goals, and stay away from the carbs. Aside from all of that, at 8 weeks post-op, eating a bagel could be dangerous. Please don't do it.

My opinion - none of his business what you're taking off for. If he presses - gall bladder or female surgery. Of course, I'm the type that I'd tell him I was getting a boob job or donating a kidney . . . that's just me . . . and one reason why I am self-employed! Best wishes on your upcoming surgery, Ellen banded for a week full liquid post-op diet - still :-P 219/209/I dunno - not 'overweight' would be good

It's not even for fills, im only 3 weeks out, but i have questions. But when i do get my fill, i will make sure to call them to confirm. So when you guys call, do you reach a person or just the DAMN voicemail. If so, what time of the day do you call...whats the secret.

Calm down. You just had major surgery a few days ago! Give yourself a break. You are too early into this to throw your hands up and declare surgery failed. Everyone gains and loses weight in the first few weeks as your body tries to adjust. PUT THE SCALE AWAY! I know it's exciting to check your progress but it can also be very discouraging if you're expecting huge loss and don't. Like Laura said, you didn't gain it all in one day and you sure as heck are not going to lose it in one either! Crying is normal. I had one day where I cried and cried for no reason. I was watching Wendy Williams for gods sake and started bawling! Lol! It's OK! Things will get better. Just relax, concentrate on getting better, drink your water and walk, that's all you need to do right now. The first few months are the toughest, you will make it! Good luck and congrats!

Hey Cubbie, It'll be weird at first, but once you have a fewer food restrictions, you'll be able to join right in (just will eat and drink in much smaller quantities). I had to attend work meetings, lunches and dinners as early as 1 week post-op. You can do it - but like I said, it's weird at first, but once you see it's not as bad as you thought, you get through it. I focus on the conversations and make the interaction more about that than the food or drinks.

My goals were: full liquids and purees (first 8 weeks total): max 60 carbs per day, max 650 calories per day, minimum 70 grams protein soft foods (months 2 - 6): max 60 carbs per day, max 800 calories per day, minimum 75 grams protein continuing in weight loss mode past 6 months: max 75 carbs per day, max 900 - 1100 calories (depending on whether I had at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise that day -- 900 calories if no exercise or moderate exercise, 1100 calories if 30+ minutes vigorous exercise), min 90 grams protein. I lost over 200 lbs with this plan and hit my goal weight, so it worked well for me. IMO the idea that you need more calories to lose weight is a myth -- if it were true, anorexics would be fat and no human or other animal would have ever died of starvation.

Yes that is the amount of search and told me I should eat at each meal no more than that sometimes and in the early weeks it was enough but now I want more Sent from my moto z4 using BariatricPal mobile app

gaaa! this is a hard week. i am hungry. doesnt feel like head hunger, i feel it in my stomach. I want to eat more than my puny 4 teaspoons of food for dinner. is this a phase common to this time out (6 weeks) or am i just having issues?

In my case, I am going about half as much. Since I'm taking in less than half of the food I used to eat, it only follows that I'd be going less. Although it does make for some anxiety moments on the scale. I won't lose weight for a day or two and think I'm in a stall. Then I'll go to the bathroom and POOF! I'm down a pound and the weight loss resumes.

No not really. I had been on holiday for some oft stall