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I gave up on having solid food in the morning and have my protein shake then. For lunch, something solid, but soft and for dinner something "normal." Dry chicken gives me trouble too, but if you work with the bands little quirks you will be much happier. Don't do an unfill unless you really can't keep liquids down. If you have a rough day and forget the band and try to eat something that anyone would get stuck on (like pizza with a thick crust...), give your pouch a break and do a few days of liquids to let it rest. Forget eating eggs in the morning. Hardly anyone with a band can tolerate that! Learn what you can and can't do and accept that it is your new reality. You will see the weight come off especially as you feel better and add in a daily walk.

My DH is a personal trainer (i never went to his classes because of having little kids and no help and too busy at home to try), he says weight training is the way to go.I have started pre op toning (i am making a concerted effort and he is being great about it...but TOUGH) i have started with 5 pound dumbbell 10 reps, 3 set of curls, the same for extensions. I am also doing 3 sets of 10 squats, holding on th the back pf a chair and rear leg lift bent at the knee. I cant do lunges yet due to bad knees and excess weight. It's a start, unfortunately I am laid up today with a stomach bug...of all things

Absolutley! We have to accept at least a little......no really mroe than a little responsibility for our weight gain and subsequently ourweight loss. Naturally the surgeons would love to sell us more than one WLS. They will just keep getting richer and richer. Studies show the results are about the same at 5 years. I have a friend who had bypass and her daughter then her son then her husband had lapband. The 3 of them are doing great....she gained back about 80 percent of her weight back and consulted the surgeon about banding. He told her there is nothing wrong with her original stomach/surgery, she's just overfeeding it. We all know this could be our scenerio easily as well.

I fly extensively for work. (I am a diamond medallion on Delta.) Before I began my pre-op six-month diet, I weighed almost 400 pounds at 5'11". I always fit in the seat, but at the highest weight, I barely fit in the seat. I always had to have a seat-belt extender. Now that I have lost down to 300 pre-op, there are no issues. Ironically enough, I always stayed away from window seats and opted for aisle seats since I could lean out into the aisle once we got in the air to give everybody in the row more room. I also agree with chycky about first class. If you can afford to buy first class, do it. These days, I get upgraded about 85% of the time, and it is definitely more comfortable. In fact, since gave up booze in April as I continue my weight loss journey, first class is all about comfort and the bigger seat. (And it all but eliminates the "will I make others uncomfortable" stress that comes along with riding in coach when you are of a certain size...)

So it turns out that they could do the revision in my case once they were in there and checked out the tissue. Surgery was done on 2/6/17 however due to some complications I was just released yesterday. Also Ended up getting a gout flair up starting yesterday that currently hurts more than any of the surgery locations. Supposed to get staples out tomorrow. I gained quite a bit of weight in the hospital which should come off pretty fast as it is excess fluid, then I can start actually tracking how the weight loss is doing.

Hi all. I have had a lap band since 3/2009. Although I have maintained a 70 pound weight loss, the band has been progressively tightened to the point that now I have esophagus irritation so it has been determined to be "failed" and now I need it removed. I started my journey at 320 pounds, and now I am at 250. Goal weight 180 pounds. On Monday I head into surgery to have the band removed (it has been released for two months) and a gastric bypass performed. My question is how many that have has this procedure done were unable to do it in one surgery? The surgeon only gives it a 50/50 shot as apparently the underlying tissue associated with the band site may not support correctly creating the new pouch. I would really hate to have to do this in two separate surgeries several months apart, and apparently I won't know until I wake up how it turns out. All pre surgery checks including a barium swallow and an endoscopy all indicate the band is still properly placed, but apparently they have to be inside during the surgery to know for sure if there has been any erosion. Thanks in advance for any input! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just had surgery on 6/15, I will follow up with my GP with a letter from my surgeon. There are labs to be performed. My BP is already lower from losing pre-op weight and having surgery so I need to see my GP asap. I called the office before I went to vegas for VSG so they know what I am doing.

Get it girl, you look great. Ive only taken 1 pic on this journey. Ive always loved taking pics until i put on this weight. But i guess ill have to get with it, love to see the progress. Thanks for the motivation Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

i felt a lot of restriction from my first 2ml fill. It wore off after 3 months and I had another fill, got great restriction for a further 3 months, then another small fill. I have 5mls in a 10ml band. My starting weight on my pre op diet in August 08 was 260lbs, banded 6 November 08 and current weight 154lbs. you may indeed feel a reasonable level of restriction after one fill, some people never actually have a fill ever, just the band in place restricts them (a tiny percentage are like this). On the other hand you may be like me where there is restriction that loosens as internal fat is lost or you may be like a lot of people where you need a few fills to get any restriction at all. We are all different but most of us get there in the end. Good luck! Sue

Wow! That's some pretty impressive and speedy weight loss. Congratulations! I always have to ask...any tips? Tricks of the trade you've employed? Meals that always work for you? Very happy for you and your great success!

My initial LB surgery, was covered. Left the job I was at, new insurance has.... NO Bariatric coverage. Haven't been to my Dr. In 2 yrs. Gained 30 outta the 50 I lost! That said, no insurance, I was told the follow- up visits would be $150 (no fill) $250 with fill. Is this normal? (In the US. Virginia)

Being woken at 3am to the sound and feel of my daughter throwing up into my excessive chest hair started my day in a less than pleasurable way. It was the day of my pre-assessment meeting with the hospital, before my surgery next week. This is where the nurse checks to see if a) it is likely that I would suffer a slight death under anaesthesia and :confused: if I did, what blood type would they need to try and pump through my tightened arteries in order to try and revive me from aforesaid inconvenience. I was a little anxious going in because I do indeed tend to look at things as I flippantly scribed above and also...I am a great big baby girl when it comes to needles. Not to mention, having eaten probably less solids all week than my daughter managed to cast upon me in the early hours of the morning, I was very much inclined to keep all calories inside my body today - even the blood! So, I turned up at the hospital with a mix of nerves, excitement (despite my overwrought fear - I am very excited about what is ahead of me) and a faint smell of curdled milk. The nurse was a very lovely lady. Violet was her name and she had absolutely no idea about the surgery that was ahead of me. She wanted my history, my blood pressure, my drinking and drug habits, precious viles of my blood and of course, my pee. That was all she came for and that was what she was going to get. There was a small amount of pleasantry while she approached me for each - a few laughs about terrorism, the odd chuckle about famine. You know - all the things your mind stumbles upon when you are staring at what seems like a six foot long needle. I, being a responsible and caring citizen, advised her that previous attempts of extracting blood from my inner elbows usually failed because of my veins clenching up like a frail and pretty new prisoner on his first shower day. At which, she dutifully laughed at the obvious inexperience of the former extractors and moved in for her one and only successful attempt. After the one and only successful attempt failed, she proclaimed that I was indeed running a little tight and that she should have listened to me and prepared the veins a bit more thoroughly before stabbing me (I of course exaggerate for effect...but not much). A good fifteen minutes of a tourniquet induced black arm, some fist flexing and finger prodding allowed one scared little vein to pop its head above the parapets for a sniper shot - upon which she pounced. The vampire had completed her task and now needed my urine. After a failed attempt at humour about an equally clenched trouser vein, I scurried to the lavatory and half filled her pot as directed. I left it where she asked and I returned to the room to advise her of the package drop. Without a word she scurried off, slapping on a bright blue pair of rubber gloves. I always prefer the timing of the donning of rubber gloves to be as a nurse leaves the room rather than when she enters. No more than thirty seconds later, she returned with a beam on her face. Apparently, I was high in ketones - which meant my pre-op diet was working and I was burning fat. Time to get on the scales then! For a private hospital, the technology behind the scales was somewhat disappointing - and even a little humiliating. I was asked to sit on a chair (a very big chair) that had somehow been welded to a contraption that looked as if it was used to measure the weight of livestock. What happened to the ultra snazzy, hi-tech, digital, wireless, chrome-effect, wafer-thin machine I stood on at the dietitian's office last week? This was for big..big people. Apparently though - the looks didn't matter - they did the same job - which leads me to believe that I wasted my money buying an iPhone when I could have bought a touch screen breeze block for a lot less. My diet over the last week had been a success - I had lost 11lbs. If I was schizophrenic, I would have been beside myself. I knew it was mainly fluid loss and 11lbs a week is a pretty unhealthy loss outside of these controlled circumstances - but I was happy. For a moment I started to think about why I was going through this process, especially if I could lose so much in one week. But then I remembered all the other diets I have attempted over the years - the few pounds lost here, the more than few pounds gained there - and I realised that I didn't want a short term weight loss, I want it for life. She probed further into my family history, asking questions about past conditions and medications - when suddenly, a rather scary looking Italian Doctor in Residence marched in, lifted my top and slammed a stethoscope on my chest. He listened, whilst thanking me for seemingly having a heart beat, then spun me around to listen to my back. "Brease in. Sank you. Brease out. Sank you. Brease in. Sank you. Brease out. Sank you.". He then scribbled something incomprehensible on my records - drew two kidney shaped lungs with an upward pointing arrow across them - shook my hand then left. I looked at the nurse and waited for some kind of translation of what that was all about. Apparently it was all good. Which was nice. I was pre-assessed and, dependent on the blood tests, was pre-approved. I put my shirt back on and thanked Violet for her time, whereupon she showed me to the finance department where I could arrange the least exciting aspect of the surgery. As I sat and waited for the admin girl to come off hold, I couldn't help but stare at the cream bun that she was saving on the side for her afternoon tea. I couldn't help but stare and think "never again". And, I couldn't help but smile. Originally posted at: Lap Band Blog

I feel the same way..I'm hoping to go back to work after 2wks. How are you getting all your liquids in? I am in pain and have not lost a pound. My surgery was Wednesday April 3, I gained 7lbs. Everyone says that is normal because of the gas and air in our bodies, How are you adjusting to eating and weight loss

:biggrin2: Hi everyone I just joined the forum and I attended the weight loss seminar today. I wanted to introduce myself. I am 45 years old and have three wonderful kids (almost grown) and a new amazing granddaughter. I have tried many diets over the years but nothing has worked for me. I am partially disabled and have to walk with crutches due to injuries from a motorcycle accident in 1998. I am just starting my journey and I am hoping to share my experiences with others that are having the lapband procedure. I hope to get to know as many people that I can and I will be sharing my experiences in my blog if you are interested to know the details of my journey. I decided to have the lap band surgery because of my health and because both my parents passed away from complications caused by being over weight and not eating right. I, myself would like to stay around as long as I can to see my children get older and play with my grandkids. My insurance said that the procedure is covered and when I mentioned my insurance company (Oxford Health) to the doctor he said that I should not have any problems being approved. My BMI is 49 which I was pretty shocked but I know I am on the right track to change that now. I am hopeful that I can pass all the screenings and have the procedure soon. I know I am ready and will stay strong to do what it takes to get healthy again. If anyone would like to know more about me, feel free to visit my profile and blog that I just updated. I am happy to be here and I wish everyone the best. I will be looking forward to getting to know you and share your journey with you. Katie

I have a question I've got my band on the 20th I lost 20 pounds within 2 weeks I gain back for so far in my appetite is like I never had the surgery. But I'm scheduled to go for feel on the 25th so my question is once I get a feel with it cut my appetite again

Hi there, I am newly-banded -- it will be two weeks tomorrow. I am 52 and spent two decades seriously struggling with weight issues. So debilitating in every way! I was 248 and am down 20 pounds, some from the pre-op diet. A pound or so a week is not slow to me, that seems very healthy. I'm in this for the long run. Chose the band because I need assistance I dimming my appetite. Did not want something as drastic as a sleeve, etc. -- I like the idea that if it is ever necessary my band can be removed. And it's adjustable so I can keep working with my surgeon to get it tweaked so it's just right for me at a given time. Very happy! Good luck on your journey. I learned so much here reading posts, asking questions, etc. Best wishes for your healthy future!

This also happens a lot in ppl with anorexia. More than likely related to rapid weight loss but def call ur gyn. I work as a nurse in this field so just everyday conversation to me but if periods have been heavy, need to check bloodwork to see if anemic. Also, may need to add iron or b12 to ur vitamin regimine and may help with the tired feeling.

Just stop weighing yourself. At this point healing should be your focus, not losing. I think embrace the stall is a crock, you don't have to embrace it, but you should learn how stalls help you in weight loss long term, it makes life easier.

15 days out. scale will not budge. I've always been able to lose weight pretty fast when dieting, but not right now. 600 cal per day since surgery. Went in at 289 and now been stuck at 283 since Sunday. I'm going to embrace the stall. Embrace it as hard as i can around it's pretty little throat.

Yesterday I met with the surgeon. As I sat in the waiting area with other heavy ladies, I wondered where they were in the process. How much had they lost? Were they in for a fill? I noticed one lady look another up and down as she talked to the receptionist with her back to us. We were all checking each other out - how silly! I suppose it is natural. We want to see results, if not on ourselves then on someone else. After a bit of a wait I met with the doctor. He was friendly and apologetic for the wait. He gave me some info and talked a bit about what to expect. He put his goal for me at 141. I haven't weighed that since I was 14 years old! He was very encouraging without being sales pitchy. I asked him to show me where my port would be and he drew a line on my belly. He made some reccomendations for a few more tests and got to the final question. "So, I think this surgery would be good for you...do you want to move forward?". And I said yes. His demeanor really put me at ease. At one point, when I said I was nervous, he said "you know, I could do this surgery this afternoon, it would only take an hour. But I want you to get your pre-op work finished and get this covered under your insurance, and in the mean time, you'll feel less nervous" So now I wait...and try to get all my info in order. I had initially accepted that I had a good chance of being self-pay. But now, as I learn more about how the surgeon's office can help me get approval, I'm willing to do whatever I can to get coverage. I am meeting with my PCP on Monday to try and fill in the blanks in my chart. I wasn't technically on a supervised diet, but I was coming in every few months complaining about my weight. So if we can get that more complete I may be able to show my 6 months or more of diet under supervision.

It is so worth it!! I'm almost 24 weeks out and I'm at 62 lbs down. I worked out a few years ago, 3 times a week anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and only lost 12 lbs in 9 MONTHS!!! I lost 12 lbs in a week with my sleeve.... I have my losses and my plateau's and Thank Goodness I haven't had a gain... I know I can do better if I would go to the gym!! I have a membership, just haven't been going...

Thanks - I have a friend who didn't lose any weight for 6 months even with fills - then she said one day it just started working - I hope it doesn't take that long for me - I am excited about losing faster than that - it is weird though - some meals I get full fast and some meals I don't - I am only 12 days post-op so just getting used to everything.

Hi Traute, I am so sorry you are having a bad time. I agree you need to do all those practical things the others ahave suggested but could you also ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist (not a support group) where you could get some help dealing with the reasons and triggers for your emotional eating? I think sometimes you need a two pronged attack on weight issues, after all we are sentient and if all your best physical efforts are being sabotaged by your brain, thats what needs attention next. I speak as someone who has had therapy, and I found it both times I had it to be very helpful. Much love. Jane x

I never used shakes to supplement anything. The way I was able to hit 60grams of Protein was 4 meals per day, each meal consisted of 15 grams of protein per meal. That made it easy to hit those numbers and keep carbs low. At 4 months out, I was still tracking protein, and did all the way through maintenance. Protein foods just made me feel better. In pregnancy, I am supposed to eat 100gr of protein per day, and most day I hit that goal. Some days I fall short, but it's not from lack of trying. The recommended daily grams of protein for average women is 40-45gr per day, but higher protein keeps us from eating empty calories or carby foods so that's why the higher numbers are recommended especially during the losing stage. It also helps prevent muscle wasting during the rapid weight loss phase. My surgeon wants people to ditch the shakes as soon as they can get soft solids/meats in for their protein.

Hi! My name is Roz, I am a 43 year old mother of 3 from NY. I had my surgery on July 20, 2011with Dr. Vamulapalli at Montefiore Medical Center. My surgery went well but I had to stay an extra day in the hospital because I wasn't able to drink enough liquids. On surgery day I was 248 and today, a month later I am 223. I thought that i had prepared myself for life after surgery but it is nothing like I anticipated. All of the sugar free drinks that I loved while preparing for surgery now leave a weird metal taste in my mouth and I was even having trouble with water and protein. There was a week that I threw up everyday, but I think that I may have been eating too fast and once I drank a little to soon. Because I could only eat about an once every few hours without the protein in between my puree stage has been extended. I'm still not eating verymuch but I can drink water now. I haven't lost any weight in the past 2 weeks or so so I'm a little scared. I worked out a little last night and that went well. I'm just really nervous and have not idea what is going on. I hope things get better.