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I was cleared at 10 days to exercise. Talk to your team! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Some air travel makes me extra ordinarily tight. About 10% of the time I'm uneffected, but normally I get very tight. It happens mid-flight, and will get to the point that in-flight liquids take a very long time to pass. I am a scuba diver, no problems, but I've also not gone below 60. Your husband's theory is correct. Going up alleviates atmospheric pressure so things get bigger. Going underwater increases atmospheric pressure, so things get smaller. A moderately filled balloon pops if it goes too far, but looks empty at 50 ft underwater. I talked several times with Inamed about this before banding, and they assured me no problems, and that the silicone the band is fabricated from is rigid enough to maintain its integrity. I'd imagine any changes are with the saline inside the band (should adjust to normal state as soon as pressure returns to normal), or more likely - the reaction to our soft tissues and their Fluid retention.

This is my first post but I have been reading post since the end of June. I am learning quite a bit through others experiences. I am in the process of having lap band surgery. My phyc appt. is tomorrow. All other appts. have been made, just waiting for my final Dr. appt to schedule surgery. A little bit about myself, I have been diabetic for 10 years and as my meds increase so does my weight. At this point I am about 65 lbs. overweight. I have never had a weight problem before becoming diabetic, went back to pre pregancy weight with all 3 children. I hope having surgery helps my sugar levels and I am able to cut back on meds. and get my weight back in control. Are there any diabetics who found improvement with their diabeties after surgery?? Wish me luck tomorrow.

@Whipa Our highest weight and surgery weight was similar. I'm 5'10" and currently at 194 after having VSG 10/16/17. It's a life changer and am so glad I decided to go through with it! Good luck to you on your journey. I'm closely evaluating skin to see if any surgery will be needed, but am hoping that it tightens up a bit over time.

I have a list on my desk top I actually found a few months ago on the net, which is pretty darn good. I'll try to cut and paste it. I try to look at it at least once a week to keep me focused. Rule 1: Eat only when you are hungry, and no more than three small meals a day. Your new small stomach pouch can hold only about one-fourth of a cup of food. If you try to eat more than this at one time, you may become nauseated or vomit. If you routinely eat too much, the small stomach pouch may stretch. Frequent vomiting will cancel the effect of the operation and can also cause certain complications, such as stomach slippage. To avoid this, you need to learn to listen to your body and stick to your plan. Rule 2: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Food can pass through your new stomach only if it's been chewed into very small pieces. Always remember to take more time for your meals and chew your food very well. Rule 3: Stop eating as soon as you feel full. Once your stomach is full, your body receives a signal that you have eaten enough. It takes time, though, for you to become aware of this signal. If you rush through your meal, you may eat more than you need. This can lead to nausea and vomiting. Take time to enjoy every bite of your meal. Try to recognize the feeling of fullness-then stop eating at once. Rule 4: Do not drink while you are eating. The LAP-BAND®® can work only if you eat solid food during your three meals. You should not drink anything for one to two hours after a meal. This allows you to keep the feeling of fullness as long as possible. Rule 5: Do not eat between meals. After a meal, do not eat anything else until the next meal. Eating Snacks between meals is one of the major reasons for weight-loss failure. It is very important to break this habit. If you have proper "fill" levels (you eat the right foods, slowly) you will not feel hungry in between meals. If you are still feeling hungry, this may be a sign that your LAP-BAND®® System is too loose and you should tell your clinician. Click here for more information on information on adjustments and "The Green Zone", which ensures that you will stay satisfied and full! Rule 6: Eat only good quality, nutritious food. With the LAP-BAND®® System in place, you should be able to eat only a small amount so the food you eat should be as nutritious as possible. Follow the nutrition guidelines in the previous section and specific instructions from your surgeon and/or dietitian. Also, ask your doctor or dietitian before you take any Vitamin supplements. Click here for more information on nutrition and what you should be eating. Rule 7: Avoid fibrous food. Food that contains many fibers, such as asparagus, can block the stoma. That's because you can't chew this food well enough to break it up into small pieces and your saliva can't break it down. Fibrous food should be avoided. If you would like to eat asparagus or other fibrous foods once in a while, then be sure to cook them well, cut them into very small pieces first, and then chew thoroughly. Rule 8: Drink enough fluids during the day. Drinking enough fluids is essential for staying hydrated and for flushing waste products out of your body. Individual needs will vary, but you should drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid a day. Remember: Drink only non-carbonated/zero calorie liquids such as Water, tea, or coffee (without milk, cream, or sugar). Also, keep your food and drinks completely separate during the day. Rule 9: Drink only low-calorie liquids. Drinks, including those containing calories (milkshakes, sodas), simply run through the narrow outlet created by theLAP-BAND® System. If you drink liquids high in calories, you will lose little weight, even if you follow all of the other dietary guidelines. Rule 10: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Since physical exercise consumes energy and burns calories, it is a very important part of any successful weight-loss program. Obviously, exercise can also help improve your general health. In addition to adopting a routine exercise program, you can increase your activity level in your everyday life. For example, stand rather than sit, walk rather than stand, be outside rather than inside, walk rather than drive, climb the stairs rather than use the elevator. If it's too hot outside to walk, go to the mall. It's as easy as finding a parking space away from the entrance to the mall and using the stairs, not the escalator! If you don't have time before or after work, take ten minutes out of your lunch break and walk then. Remember that you should always check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you.

Hi marla, I agree those numbers sound great!!. I try to stay about 800 calories/60+protein/-30carbs. I will try to keep the carbs to less than 30 and will only eat them at one meal not spread throughout the day. I love sausage....so I have been eating 1 jimmydean Turkey sauage patty for lunch it has 60calories/3.5fat/0carbs/6.5protein and I have really enjoyed every bite!! I use net carbs....meaning that if a food has 10 carbs you can subtract whatever is listed under Fiber from the carbs...so if it had 3 fiber you would only count 7 for carbs. If you don't already have something to track calories/protein and carbs, I would suggest the myfitnesspal....you can set a goal for each.

Had mind out 20 plus years ago after loosing a hundred pounds (I was 19 at the time). Regular incision. That scar is much worse/noticeable than my port scar. Don't mess with a gall baldder. The pains can be HORRIFIC. Lie on the bed in a fetal position and feel like you can't breath horrific! And I have a VERY HIGH pain threshold. I was a young and come hell or high Water I was going back to college after spring break. Someone I worked with (super thin) had it removed had complications and was out of work for 3 months. Another reason to not mess with the gall bladder.

Today is my 6 month bandiversary! Yeah!!! (throw confettii here) I have lost 94 lbs! WOW! I can't believe it. So I had DH take my picture. I will try to attach it here you you can see them on my profile. I feel like this is such a step. I think partly because I felt like a year after surgery I would be happy and now I am halfway to that goal. I am much happier. I feel good about myself most of the time. I don't like the pictures that I am going to post. I still don't have a clear picture of what I look like. It is like I am wearing some type of sunglasses that block certain colors. I know it doesn't make sense, but I am ready for my mind to catch up. I do worry. What happens if I get to goal. (Health BMI) and I still see a fat person staring back at me in pictures? I worry about that kind of stuff. It is kind of ironic to me that I am beginning to worry what happens if I lose too much weight. I am a long way from that...but it is out there. Good luck to all the newly banded, congrats to all that have hit goal and to all of those that are in the middle......let's keep on keeping on! High/Surgery/Current/Goal 285.5/ 271 / 191.4/ 142.5 Banded - 10/29/08 Four fills - 4.7cc in 10cc band [ [ATTACH]111[/ATTACH][ATTACH]112[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]115[/ATTACH][ATTACH]116[/ATTACH]

sunshine, when they say chew chew chew that is for when you are tight and eating solid foods like chicken, beef jerky and other hard things to get down. the reason they say chew it good is because if you put a piece of chicken in your mouth and barely chew it then swallow it is going to get stuck and you will "slime" it up. my dr says dont drink protien shakes or any other liquid as a meal but I agree with shelly being that in the morning I am very tight and have a difficult time eating before about 2 pm so I tend to drink a shake in the morning to get some nutrients in my body. before I was adjusted I didnt drink the shakes i just ate and i dont drink them for lunch or dinner only in the morning now when it is difficult to get food down. i was on solid foods by week 2 and had a little restriction left from being swollen from the surgery but then that went away, i got 3cc fill at 6 weeks but it did nothing for me, i still could eat alot, another fill of 1cc at about 10 weeks and still nothing, my 3rd fill on jan 10th 1.5 cc now a total of 5.5 cc in my 10 cc band I have restriction, I am now eating smaller, chewing meats better and having the protien shake in the morning but only to get somethbing in me. this is very very confusing because there is so many different rules but i think we all need to do what is right for us and what works for us, you will learn as you go along as I am still learning and only been 41/2 months since banded. this is a great site with lots of information. hang in there and keep up the good work all

Hello! I am new to this website and blogging. There is a lot of new in my life at this time. I was banded on February 3, 2012 and I am a little over three weeks post-op. I have listed below what I have experienced over the last month. Prior to surgery my doctor, Dr. Fox, had me on the South Beach Super-Charge diet phase 1. He doesn't believe in the liquid diet because you will be on liquids after the surgery. I lost 11 lbs. prior to surgery. The couple of days before surgery the center called, a nurse called and the anesthesiologist, Dr. Wong, called. I was surprised and relieved. The day of surgery I had to be at the surgery center at 7:00am and my surgery was scheduled at 8:00am. The staff was very nice and considerate in every way possible. After signing off on all the paperwork I was brought back to change into a hospital gown and some nice warm grippy socks. I was brought back into the pre-surgery room where I was hooked up to an IV and given a shot in my stomach which was a blood thinner. Dr. Wong came and asked me a bunch of questions and answered any questions I had for him. My surgery nurse came in and introduced herself to me and said I would be brought back soon. Within the next 10 minutes my Dr. Fox came by and asked me if I was ready and from here is was a whirlwind. My surgery nurse and Dr. Wong came back. Dr. Wong gave me some sleepy drugs in my IV and I was wheeled back into the operating room. My head was already flying high and people were everywhere. The last thing I remember was this handsome guy at my right side strapping my arm down and I said "Hello". LOL it is funny now thinking about it. Well the next thing I know I was woken out of a deep sleep to "Melodie please take a deep breath" and this happened for the next 10 minutes I guess. I couldn't keep my eyes open but I kept taking the deep breathes as directed. I slowly began to wake up and they took the oxygen off and told me I would be getting up in a few minutes for a short walk. I was moved into the next room where I was able to sit and they gave me a warm blanket and the nurse brought my husband back. The nurse (I didn’t get his name) kept checking on me and asking me how I was doing. He brought me water and told me to take small sips. I was still very sleepy and kept dozing off on my husband. The nurse came by and took to me restroom and I walked myself back. The nurse stated I was faster than he was. He asked me if I needed anything else right now and I told him I felt sick to my stomach and he said I can fix that. He came back and put something in my IV and within seconds I felt better. The nurse then came back and brought some post-op paperwork we went over and brought me some plastic thing to help with breathing. It was very difficult. I had to use this thing every hour and use it 10 times. I also had to get up and walk around every hour. Dr. Fox came by and asked me how I was doing and asked if I was ready to head home. YES by this time I was ready to head home and crawl into my own bed. The nurse removed my IV and I was released about 11:30am. When I got home my husband went into the house first and put our dogs outside. He didn’t want them to jump on me. We have a two story and he helped me up the stairs and I crawled into my bed. My husband was a very good care taker bringing me water, making sure I used the breath thing and walking around. Also he made sure I took my medicine as needed. After I was settled my husband went to fill my prescriptions. Once he got back I took the pain killer which I highly recommend. I took my every four hours and took Advil two hours into the four hours. Dr. Fox recommended this, which I would do the same. I did this until Sunday and then went straight to Advil alone expect for bedtime. I thought I would be able to go back to work on Monday but was still sore so I called in sick. I did go to work on Tuesday and it was very uncomfortable driving. I was still very gassy at and took gas-x chewable which helped. I have been following my doctor’s post-op instructions to the T. I had a follow up with him on February 15 and he said everything is healing and looks good. At my weigh in I had lost a total of 18 lbs. J He gave me my meal plans for the next two weeks and told me to stay away from pork and beef (except hamburger) until 3 months after surgery. I have to say I did have some pork-lion the other night for dinner and it went down fine. One thing I must tell you if you sneeze you will feel like you are dying! I sneezed on the way to my last doctor’s appointment and thought I was going to die, it hurt so badly. It has gradually has gotten better. It still hurts a little but is bearable. The insides take longer to heal the outside. I still get gassy after drinking my protein but it passes and I can count on one hand how many times I have had a bowl movement (gross I know). Weird… I have my first aftercare appointment today. We will see how that goes and if I get my first fill today. I hope this way helpful information for someone. If you have any questions please ask. Melodie

I appreciate all the responses so quickly!! I do feel that part of me is just freaking out because it is getting so close, but I also think part of it is when I went for my pre-op testing all of the nurses kept asking me why I was having this done? They kept telling me that I am not that over weight and they would have never thought that I weight over 200 lbs. I am 5'7 and weigh 230. I have not had any health problems so far, and my weight has not kept me from doing anything that I have wanted to do. My main reason for doing this is just because I want to physically look better to myself. I know that if I continue the way I am that I will probably eventually develope health problems, but I guess that is why it is hard for me now to go through with it, because people keep telling me they don't know why I am doing this, and I haven't had health problems as of yet. Another thing that makes me nervous is that we really don't know about long term effects of this. Like 10-20 years from now. Will the band hold up? I have 3 more days to decide and really apprecaite all your feedback!! Keep it coming it really does help!!

I think that all sounds pretty standard. My insurance would only cover the surgery if done at a COE. My surgeon didn't have me do the injections pre-op, but he did have a sonogram of my legs done to make sure I didn't have any issues with my veins. If I did have a problem, I may have had to do them before surgery. As it was, I did them for 10 days after surgery and had another sonogram done of my legs one week post-op. If I still had my gallbladder, they would to an ultrasound on it at six months. If you really want the sleeve, I would push for it. Personally, I think it's the best option. My nephew's wife had the bypass done in March and I was sleeved in August. She's lost 65 pounds and I've lost 68. Of course, she's much shorter than me so that is a variable but I saw how much she was eating over the holidays and I don't think it bodes well for her long term success. Hopefully, the sleeve will continue to give me good restriction for the long term. And by the way, my daughter has a friend that just had her gallbladder removed and has been admitted to the hospital twice with complications. So it can happen from any procedure. You just have to trust that your surgeon is the best possible one for your procedure and pay attention to any warning signs your body gives you. Good luck!

Thanks for the food tips I would of never thought of adding favoring to my liquid drinks. Now I won't be making those messed up face as I try and force the drink down .You asked how I feel well I can't even find the right words ,but excited and scared do come to mind .I have never been so nervous in my life and I've had plenty of surgeries. This one is so different because someday in the near future I'm going to wake up to seeing someone I don't know . That really freaks me out in a way ,but I look forward to that . Make sense ? I can't believe you've already lost 10 pounds your doing so good you should be so proud of yourself .Now I gotta get my butt in gear I really should walk ,but my knees are so bad and with this cold air here in New York that's not likely to happen .I have had surgery on my right knee twice so far and the last one really made me worst then ever . I know once the weigh comes off I'll be walking like a normal person again. I had lost 98 pounds in the pass with Weight Watches only to gain it back in a year (after the second surgery). I was in so much pain I was crying all the time ,but when I had lost all that weight walking was no problem . I was a manger of a hotel chain Best Western,then the knee surgery put me out of work and I just could not stand on my legs all day . Now I'm a stay at home house wife .(not for long I hope ) I miss the people and the excitement hell I miss my fat pay check . I say let my new life begin now!!! I'll be here if you ever won't to talk ,and keep me updated talk with you soon .

Most surgeons place everyone on some form of diet whether it be full liquid, high protein, low carb. My surgeon does not use any diet other than do not gain, try to lose 5-10 lbs. I am 6 wks from surgery and I am eating high protein, low carb but will also have things I know I will not be allowed to have for quite sometime.

Like most of you have said this is a "Life Style Change" and that's how I've been living my life for the past 10 months. But I also know that if I don't have a glass of wine when we go out to dinner or a taste of a dessert or some other treat once in a while I'm afraid that I will binge and go back to my old habits. Every day is a struggle so I take it one day at a time. There are days I wish I can just lose all of my weight and be done with it and then there are days that I am glad that I am losing at a steady/healthy pace. My last visit with my surgeon I had not lost as much as I wanted and I complained to her, we had been socializing a lot more lately and I said to her if I didn't have the drinks that I did, or eaten what I did I would have lost more. She told me that I was living my life and if I didn't enjoy some of the foods that I ate before I am depriving myself and might go off the deep end later on. So during the week, which is the easy time of the week for me, I stick to my "Healthy eating lifestyle" and on the weekends if we go out and I have a martini or a glass of wine or eat something that is not as healthy I don't beat myself up over it or at least I try not to :smile2:. As long as the scale is going down I figure I'm doing what I set out to do. Good luck to all of you.

After various seminars, a bit of resistance on my side, and the scale going up...I committed to finally take control. I live on Long Island and found a surgeon and program that is perfect for me. It's taken three solid months of doctors, tests, and follow-ups but I am scheduled for April 14. The ONLY thing that stands in my way is that I did not yet lose the requested 30 lbs. I'm down 10 and have only a week & a half. If my surgeon who I see on 4/9 tells me to post-pone for more weight loss, then I will do so. he is a very cautious doctor and that's why I chose him. Either way I'm on my way to a better life. I've been on liquids for nearly two weeks and I'm already feeling more energetic. That's my short story and looking forward to finding support with this group. Kas-e

Put on 13 lbs from the fluids they pumped into me for the surgery. That was gone in about 8 or 9 days. Have list a total of about 43 lbs but as someone else said I am trying to stay away from the scale!! I am down three pant sizes which I am thrilled about . Surgery was 9/10. Hang in you will do great!!

I'm 13 days post op, my nutritionist told me to stay under 500 calories for right now. She said as I move on later in the year it will be 1000-1200 per day. She also said keep sugars less than 10 per serving and carbs less than 15 per serving. I also starting working out, I was wondering if I should increase my protein. I'm also still on soft/ smooth food for another 3 weeks.

chicogirl, my dr has been for this for 10 years. It was my spouse and a few other opinions giving me a hard time. I know I want this and just have to not listen to others. My spouse is working overtime to afford it. He says that should be enough support. I told him it's not. I cannot even begin to thank him for working OT for me, however I need the support mentally/emotionally too. We got through that last night and I am feeling much better. So Nov 24th for me.

Hi @Dee2938 I know that's frustrating, especially because folks here seem to lose 10 lbs a week.... I would say you may be eating too many calories or perhaps carbs. i have always been calorie sensitive. Even at 300 plus pounds I ate 800 calories and less than 20 carbs to maintain that weight. I'm a week post op now but I typically don't go over 350 calories a day and stay under 20 carbs. Maybe try that and see if it works for you? Even with that diet I've only lost 6 lbs.... October 1 I weighed 284, October 9 I weigh 278. Not a big loss..... I'm a slow loser too......

I am November 11 and my pre-op diet starts 10/28. Time can't pass fast enough!

I am 10 weeks out and have no hunger or desire for food. Does this change ? It is very hard for me to eat more than 3 bites or drink more than a cup of a Protein drink. Does this change with time ?

I'm so thankful my surgeon only requires a two week pre-op diet of sugar free, low carb/high Protein foods. This diet will also shrink your liver. However he is strict with his post-op diet, as we are required to stay on clear liquid for 10 days then advance to full liquids for 10 days & after that its 10 days of puréed food. I know others sleeved patient who are cleared to start eating soft foods just one week post-op. The diets really seems to very with each surgeon. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There's such a crazy discretion in clothing sizes. I have everything from a small to a large in my closet, sizes 10 - 14, as well. I no longer worry about those "markers". But, even 4 - 5 lbs either way seems to make quite a difference in how things fit. It's quite bizarre! LOL Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

I got my approval to set up an appointment on Feb 13, my appointment was Mar 10, and then my surgery was March 27, because my Dr happened to have an opening that day. It was fast for me! How about you?