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I had my surgery on 4/22/15 and it was a tough recovery but finally back on my feet and doing great. I had my gallbladder out at the same time. But the weight loss has been great. I am down 30lbs. But for the past 2.5 weeks I have been on a stall and I don't know what to do. It's kind of upsetting and don't know what to do. ????

My appointment to meet my doctor is next week so I will ask him all of this. Thank you for replying

Exactly my thoughts:) I can feel your frustration. Don’t worry, that feeling will go away in a few days, maybe a week.

I am due for my third visit. This month I slid back into old habits. My Nut basically wants me to learn to be better at habits and behaviors that will aide me in my journey to lose and keep off the weight. I was great the first month, wearing my BodyMedia Fit Link armband, using MyFitnessPal app to log all my foods and calories. Then a week before my May appointment I quit doing my logging, and then also haven't started up again until this week. I had a f/u visit with my psych doc who did the eval and placed me on some medication. I expected to discuss my issues with her that day but she just asked some simple questions and doubled my dosage and sent me out the door, it happened so fast I didn't think to ask about therapy actually occurring. I need to make sure she has me in for a session not just med management for this next appointment. I got my chest xray done and my abdominal ultrasound done. I need my upper GI test done, some labs, finish the nut supervised 6 months diet and then I can submit. I hope to submit for approval in late September/early October. I am not losing weight yet. I need to seek out support groups. That is pretty lacking. I also think I need to attend some Overeaters Anonymous groups. My husband has been out of state all month and he is such a good support to me for exercising and getting out to do things. And watching my diet. I didn't realize what a big help he is for that until he was gone. I feel really down about going right back to old habits, I feel like I am failing myself and if I can't do this 20-30 pound weight loss prior to surgery how can I expect myself to be successful post surgery??? sighs... I am trying to get back on the wagon of logging calories and exercising. Anyone want to help me and be a support buddy hit me up!

Yes! For me, it is the week after my period ... very noticeable difference ... loosens up the week of, then very tight, then back "normal." I've been tracking it for about 3 months now ...

It's hard to follow the doctors orders when you are hungry. I'm on my 8th day of post-op and I'm going crazy. I'm suppose to be on a modified liquid diet for 3 weeks. Which includes protein shakes, jello, yogurt, cottage cheese, watered down oatmeal etc. I found I needed something this morning or I was going to go crazy. I decided to make some instant potato and I watered it down a bit until it was like a cream of wheat consistency added S&P and butter and I can't believe how good it tasted! I felt the same way after I ate it...what did I do, did I just blow it? But I felt fine afterwards and I'm still full even though I only had about a 1/3 of a cup.

Hey y'all... sorry for the late reply I don't get on here nearly as much as I did pre-banding! Yes the price is still 15,300. They accept care credit which you can apply for online. Although their interest rate is ridiculously high! I had my surgery 4/14 my highest weight was 380lb. Its been almost 4 mts I'm currently at 335lbs. Most my weight dropped off in the first 6 weeks. (That honeymoon period where I was truly on top of my diet/excercise!) Now I lose about 1-2lb a week WITHOUT much actual effort. I did plataeu at 342 for 2 weeks though. (Vacation!) I've had 2 fills. Should be on my 3rd but I skipped one last month because I went to the Bahamas. (Ps: yes the band tightens on airplanes- awful cramps!) Anyways I'm going in this Weds for my 3rd fill. I already have a bit of restriction. I eat half as much as I use to but still can eat more than I should be. As you'll read it'll take time to find your sweet spot. The short of it is: yes its expensive but its worth it. I survived it with no infections, mistakes or a padded bill. It was a flat rate for the procedure & a year of visits- no matter how often or little you schedule an appointment. And yes I would recommend them! If you're like I was and looking for particulars, here's my personal experience... My surgeon was Dr. Martinez, he's a really calm & thorough surgeon. Albeit the center can be a bit unorthodox... the director practically lives there & he had the habit of calling me at odd hours (as late as 11pm) to check if I was coming for an appointment the next day. All the staff is friendly. If you're self pay it will all go pretty quick. Basically you'll get it as soon as you want it. Only 1 week of pre op dieting, which is suppose to consist of liquids only (although they say if you must cheat eat low fat, low carb items once a day but absolutely NOTHING 12hours pre op.) Protein shakes (even slim fast ultra) is approved with their nutritionist. And yes these are the hardest weeks you'll face: the 1 week pre-op & 1st week post op. You'll do all your pre op testing right there at the center, took about 2-3hours. Keep in mind its all about the $ when you're self pay so consult your own physician also about getting the band & under going a surgery- especially if you have health conditions (namely heart issues or diabetes) because you will not get a stress test from the banding center. Stress tests are required by insurance companies becuz they help foresee any complications but self pay they're not as concerned since its on your dime. I never took blood pressure meds before but during & immediately post op my BP was off the charts- (a sometime common side effect of the trauma of surgery & also anesthesia) so much so they almost didn't send me home. Luckily they did because a transfer to a hospital & an over night stay without insurance coverage would have put me in debt! So know your health. Dr. Martinez did give me a 30day supply of BP meds to ensure I stablized ok at home & he also had me come in 1 week post op to check up. He did respond promptly to a phone call to his cellphone over that first weekend. The pain meds (liquid) did the job! They will tell you the procedure is 45mins to an hour but for me it was over 3 hours. He did fix a hiatal hernia he found for no extra charge. He says thats standard procedure if found. That was an awesome bonus becuz I have no heartburn anymore. I was there from 7am til 3pm. Was suppose to be from 7am-12pm. But they will keep you as long as they need to for no extra charges. Dr martinez is only there on Wed's so all surgeries & follow up fills -if he's your doctor, will be on a Weds. First week post op was not so bad. Yes there's some pain & definate cramping from the CO2 he puts in. The 2nd day post op was the worst for me. I couldn't sleep because the port incision was very tender. (Have help at home!) Don't let the first day fool you- you're still full of the good drugs & can't feel the full effect yet. But it IS bearable. I was not hungry for days post op. The hernia repair he explained caused the bulk of my discomfort so if you get only the band it should go smoother for you. I recommened always holding in or using a pillow or something as a splint when getting up or turning over in bed becuz the port incision is soo tender when disturbed early on. At first my scars were small & light then they darkend by week 4. But they're not huge & you keep the bandages on til your first follow up in 2 weeks. Fills: he does your first fill 6weeks post op. He doesn't bend on that rule. For me my first one was easy. Its not painful- he will numb you first & he explains what he's doing. His assistant is nice & keeps you distracted. Second fill for me was harder. I had a lot of scar tissue & he had trouble sticking it just right. Luckily you don't feel anything except pressure. He won't let you leave if you have discomfort swallowing Water. So I've never had a throw up episode. I have experienced a slight & quick stuck feeling but that was my fault from eating too quickly. Everyone is different & tolerates pain differently but personally I was back to work in 1 week & I'm a nurse. I've seen some people out 2 or even 4 weeks but unless you're lifting all day I cannot fathom the need to stay out that long. Overall the band in the begining leaves A LOT up to you. You can eat a lot of things for the first few months- soda & ice cream for instance will always go down smooth. Its empty calories so things like this you must have the discipline to resist. Please have realitic expectations! I wached youtube videos pre banding & secretly expected to drop 50lbs in 8 weeks. Not gunna happen! The people with drastic results took drastic measures. I don't work out everyday. But I workout 3-4x a week. I DO eat out but I try to make better choices. The band has helped curb my appetite for at least 6-8hours even after a small meal. I have not been able to have "seconds" since banding so it does take some of the pressure off you. I hope this helps answer your questions & relieve some anxiety because clearly from my original post I know how you all feel. My only regret is not doing it sooner! Good luck ladies & keep in touch!

It feels awesome! You'll be there soon too. I guess I should have also referenced my eating when I was only 4 weeks out, huh? I think at that time I was not focusing so much on calories/fat because I was eating so little - I believe at that time I was on 2 oz per meal, and typically tried to do 1 oz Protein and 1 oz veg or starch. So for example I would do a small serving of tuna salad, and a small serving of peeled cucumber (that was allowed on my meal plan after the first month). I also ate a lot of scrambled eggs, moist chicken breast, canned fruit (like peaches and pears), and deli meats. I definitely wasn't getting all my protein from food like I am now, so I would do 2 shakes a day.

I returned to work 2 Weeks exactly after surgery...my recovery had been awesome. Good luck

It’s natural to be nervous and to even 2nd guess your decision as you get closer but don’t let comments on here scare you! Keep in mind those that have had a successful story usually wait until they have a significant loss to recap their journey . Knowing that helps to keep everything in perspective for me. Just a little more than a week !! Exciting times 😎

No gas Never nauseous Just pain at incision site gone in less than two weeks. You are normal. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 2 1/2 months post op gastric sleeve now and haven't had any issues until yesterday. Every time I eat or drink I am having pain in my stomach and under my sternum that radiates to the center of my upper back. I haven't done any exercise out of the ordinary. I don't feel like I over ate or anything like that. The one thing I did differently is that I switched to a regular multivitamin PILLS about 4 days ago (instead of the chewable ones. At my last appointment a few weeks ago, my nutritionist had said I could start taking the pills after I finished up the chewables I had left. Has anyone else had this problem?

hi som today is 7 days since i had surgery........my shoulder/neck has hurt so bad that it was all i could think about. earlier this week, my Protein shake made me feel like i was gonna be sick so my dr called in a prescrip to help with nasusa. my stomach is bruised because i have to do levonox shots for another 10 days and i am frustrated bc all this liquid has given me alot of time on the potty. i also dont read where anyone is struggling like me but wanted you to know i understand what you are going through. if you can, how about drained veggie soup? or tomato soup?? i am having alot of trouble drinking but i am trying and doing the best i can. that is all we can do. hang in there. pm me if you ever need to.

I'm so happy that I found this place.....wahoo. I am 10 day to my revision From lab band to sips. So here's my story an I'm stickin to it lol. In 2005 I got my LB. My HW ever was 340 SW 270 LW 215 My CW 232 Because I've been on my per-OP for a week. Last week was 247.8 My first yr out I got to 215 My band was awesome.I had hit the sweet spot an life was amazing. Then in 2017 I got rear ended at a stop light an it broke my neck in 5 places an my back in two. Plus it tweaked my LB. I had to have it emptied. Never found my sweet spot again. [emoji26] My weight has bounced all over the place for the last 14 yrs. So I started doing research an decided I needed something with malabsorption. Cuz I really cant eat that much for the pass 8 yrs I have been at 236ish. I am very grateful for my LB. It has helped me to never see 340 again. But alas I must move on an get rid of the last 100lbs. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 3 weeks post op and my program cleared me for "exercise" at 2 weeks post-op. The surgeon suggests AND recommends just doing brisk walking or elliptical, but nothing too strenuous until 4-6 weeks. Remember your calorie intake is pretty low and your body probably not used to it yet so don't go crazy. I walk 45 to 60 minutes on the treadmill every morning and I've done well with that until he tells me I can do more. BUT....I would call the surgeon's office and ask anyways, just to be sure.

You should follow the list that your doctor gave. If you have questions maybe reach out to the nutritionist? I would not recommend something like popcorn at 5 weeks out.

I'm trying to figure out what to eat/drink and when in regards to a work out. I started c25k this week and will be starting back to the YMCA next week. I know I need to be hydrated before a work out but what about protein and carbs? Protein before or after a workout? I never worried about it before because I had PLENTY of everything to last but now my intake is so small I want to do it a the best times. And thoughts or suggestions?

You go girl!! Enjoy your 5k! I bought a pair at Walmart a week or so ago

My pants must sit low because they didn't bother my incisions! I am 3.5 weeks out and my largest incision still aches sometimes - but I do agree that a bit of pressure might help. I did have lots of tenderness rolling over through to the end of the second week. After that, it was much better. Hope you are feeling better soon!

I am a bit worried about this myself. I was a type 2 diabetic prior to surgery. I have been testing only once per day at this point which is a fasting glucose. I started out in the low 70's and this past week I am now in the 60's. I guess I should read up on this because I have had the feeling several times that my sugar is getting too low.

Wooo hoooo!! two more weeks after tomorrow. What are they looking for with the labwork?? I had labs done 5 months ago, and everything was ok. So, I'm not too worried. Also, I meet with the surgeon. Any tips on what to ask him? Anything I should tell him? Would this be a good time to let him know I need him to approve 4 weeks off? That is how much time my employer's Short term disability insurance will approve for this surgery. I have a sedentary job, but I have to lug a 25 pound laptop bag in and out of my truck. I've also been told by friends to take as much time as I can, because they came back too soon, and ended up having to use up all their PTO. I have someone covering my desk for me, so no worries there. I would like to know when the best time to ask that particular question is. I don't want to wait till post op. help!

So, I finally got an appointment for my first fill. Unfortunately, with the holidays the first available appointment is January 14 :-(!! My insurance, Keystone Health Plan East (PA), covered my surgery. I wanted to check with those of you that had fills, did your insurance cover them? I called my insurance company with the procedure codes to find out if it is covered, but the surgeon needs to call (and they will in a couple weeks to confirm). Just wondering how many people have had fills that were in fact covered by insurance. Thanks!

Yep. I am not known to be an emotional person, in fact quite the opposite. But after surgery I was an emotional wreck! I felt sad, depressed, isolated, lonley, angry, agitated, you name it. What's worse was I had no reason to feel this way. I have a very loving, supportive family who took good care of me, I didn't have to rush back to work, my weight loss went very well so I couldn't figure out what the heck was going on. Then it made sense when I realized that all of the hormones stored in the fat were being released as I lost weight. That, plus the changes in brain chemistry caused by the surgery/healing process, it was no wonder I was such a mess. It was comforting to know that I wasn't losing my mind along with my weight! The emotional swings should level out about 6-8 weeks post op. Hang in there and good luck!

Hi Everyone! As my Surgery date quickly approaches I know that some of us as I have had some STINKIN THINKIN going on! Yes, we are afraid of the unknown. Who isnt? We doubt our decision to have WLS. Im sure everyone who has had followed through with this had a doubt there somewhere. I just wanted to step in here and be all of our cheerleaders!!!! Lets just call this my last rant and rave! We are not the first to feel this way and we will not be the last. This wasnt a decision that we made lightly. We took our health into concideration and decided to yes, what some may say, go to extremes. We are doing this for the right reasons though. We are doing this to have a better more healthier life. Yes we could continue to yoyo diet, excersize with our own personal trainers while the extra funds are still there to do so, but the chances of gaining it back without this tool is so much higher. Yes, we need to battle what initially caused this and I think for most of us its just an unhealthy relationship to food and excersize. We can overcome this and jump start to the rest of our lifes!! I dont know about the rest of you but I wasnt living a life. I am just existing in one. Im missing out on so much! I know this road isnt going to be easy. Im going to be in pain for awhile. Im going to be on a emotional rollercoaster for awhile. Im going to have to beat myself up to get off my lazy bum and workout and monitor everything that goes into my mouth (shouldnt I have already been doing this before surgery) Im going to have to take Vitamins every single day for the rest of my life. Im going to lose hair. I may even lose some friends along the way.......................BUT I, WE, are worth it! I FOR ONE, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, VOW TO STOP MY STINKIN THINKIN and LIVE MY NEW WLS LIFE ON A POSITIVE NOTE! If it hurts its only for today, if I lose hair its only for a short time period, if I lose friends, they werent friends to begin with, if I have gas and constipation, in time this too shall pass I am wishing us all a more happier healthier self! Okay Okay I am done........for today! One week from today! YAY!

I am down 6.4 pounds in 9 days using a blend of essential oils that I named "Anti-Hunger". So far, so good! Able to completely resist the temptation of snacking. Loss of hunger is similar to being in the Honeymoon stage after RNY surgery. I am 29 months post-op RNY surgery and very near my bottom weight when I began this experiment. In a couple weeks if I find this experiment to be successful, I will post the formula on my updated webpage at Protein back into my diet (in the form of one large cup of hot [no sugar added] cocoa). This brought the weight loss to a dead crawl. Anyways this is good information since this experiment is just as much about weight stability as weight loss. I will now drop the hot cocoa and see if weight loss will ramp up again. [October 16] Since I dropped 1.6 pounds from yesterday. The weight loss ramped up surprisingly quick. Now here is the good news! I have now broken through my lowest weight barrier after surgery. It gives hope to those that are trying to meet a weight goal and can’t just quite seem to be able to get there. [October 17] I dropped 0.2 pounds from yesterday.