Search the Community

I was banded on 2/27 and am still on the liquid stage and it's been really getting to me. My doc's orders are a bit more stringent than many others I see in here and his were just water for the five days after surgery and then protein shakes and ice pops for 2 weeks. I still have a week to go on the liquids and it's getting harder and harder not to give in and eat something mushy. I feel great physically and have been on the treadmill for 35 minutes the last two days. Along with pre-op wieght lose and since the surgery I have lost over 40 lbs. which is incredible. I lost 9 pounds in the five days after the surgery which really surprised me. I want to follow my doctors orders and I know that once I'm past this it will be worth it. It's worth it already!. I guess I'm just looking for some words of encouragement, especially from those who have been where I am and got through it. Thanks

Wow, I guess your doctor is more stringent, I have never heard of anyone doing only Water for 5 days. It is so important to get your Protein in, I'm glad he is letting you have that. Jello is considered a liquid, along with beef broth and chicken broth. The jello and popcicles helped me a lot, but then I was only on liquid for 2 weeks. You have 5 days to go, you have made it this far, so maybe you can just handle 5 more days. If not, then I would definately call your doctor and ask if you can do some Soup or something. Good luck to you!

Hi all I am booked in for surgery next week. is it silly to do this before I have children? any tips on really what to expect post operation? I really want to understand what life will be like after this? my job and life is quite social so I feel I will struggle to adjust at first and to cancel a lot of plans last minute i am not telling anyone other than my husband about the surgery / is it hard to hide? what are peoples weight loss journeys like post op? sorry for all the questions!!

It could be your body is holding onto the fluid and gas that was used in surgery. By week 2 you should see some results.

I am 3 weeks post-op and down 18lbs. I've already plateaued and haven't lost any weight since week 2. I walk at least 40 minutes a day and even kicked it up to a light jog. I'm eating a lot of vegetable pureed soup, homemade, protein, and water but can't seem to lose anymore. I didn't have to lose any weight prior to suregery. Is anyone else going through this?

1st I TOTALLY get your fear of being unfilled, I am living with that now. Ok about 3 months ago I started having the same symptoms....I was amazed at what was POURING out of my nose - and then there was waking up choking - its as if I needed to swallow in my sleep and forgot how......I'd never had reflux so I waited two weeks and finally called my PCP. I specifically asked if it could be related to my band and she wasted no time in saying no......She wrote a script for Pepcid - what she did not say is that it would take up to 2 months for the Pepcid to work. Just when it was getting better another symptom, that I had been ignoring, reared its ugly head - vomiting. This was more then just PBing it has become constant and immediate after I eat or drink anything. Needless to say the Pepcid pills I swallow come right back up too. At this point I am waiting for the orders for an upper GI and labs. I am dehydrated, irritable as all heck, sleep deprived and totally convince my band has slipped big time. The Morale of the Story ask for a Upper GI/Swallow test sooner then later.......AND UBER CONGRATS ON YOUR TREMENDOUS SUCCESS, don't worry about those three little lbs, for some of us that can be achieved through a 1/2 leg wax !

I had an interesting experience last week. I went to my endocrinologist for a follow up on my thyroid. This was my third visit to her, as my doctors keep moving or retiring. We were almost at the end of the appointment and she told me that I need to lose weight. I agreed and told her that the last time I saw her I had mentioned that I was in the waiting period for Lap Band Surgery. Apparently she didn't make note of it and did not seem to understand. She started lecturing me on losing weight the natural way and I just needed to try harder. She told me that all surgery is risky. My insurance requires a year waiting period before surgery and I am doing everything I am suppose to do. My PCP is onboard and even asked me if I'd thought about surgery before I could tell him that I'd gone to an informational meeting. After his positive reaction, I was very surprised at the endocrinologist's very negative reaction. I think in writing this I've decided to see her on my next follow-up and if she is still opposed to the surgery, I will find another doctor. If I had been seeing her for years and trusted her opinion, I'd be more inclined to listen to her. I'm 6 months into my year and I have spoken to the surgeon, the nutritionist and the counselor. I know the risks, and what to expect. I'm not about to turn back now without a really good reason. Has anyone else run into negative reactions like this from your doctors? What did you end up doing?

I'm almost 3 weeks post-op from lapband and I find that my anger creeps up during the famous witching hour - dinner time... and I'm not sure exactly why but my pain level goes up too - it's nice to hear that it's pretty standard around here and that it hopefully subsides at 4-6 weeks post-op. Withdrawls suck - no matter what the "drug" of choice - food is the worse, I bet it's worse than heroin and cigs mostly b/c you have to feed your family and you really need to eat to survive albeit tiny tiny portions and no sugar no carbs. So, when I do fly off the handle nearly every night, I apologize to my beautiful family and tell them it's hard where I'm at but I'm trying and I promise 2014 will be the best year of their lives Give a read to the post, "things I won't miss about being fat" - that will give you a little boost in inspiration and eat some SF Jello - I say as much as I can not stand sugar free anything the SF Jello is saving my fat behind b/c it's cool, fruity and satisfying all for that few minutes I'm shoving it in my pie hole.

It took me a good 6-8 weeks to not feel crazy and get mad and cry at EVERYTHING....hope you feel better soon. HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 198

So I got sleeved exactly a week ago. The following was posted by me at OH for those of you who frequent both sites. I'm just trying to get some insight into a really frustrating situation. I was on IV fluids only until Monday, when I started clears. I was on clears until Tuesday afternoon when my info packet said I could move to purees (including mashed potatoes). So since Tuesday, I've been eating the following: -Refried Beans (made me a bit bloated and unhappy) -Yogurt drinkables with splendaa(very pleasant, easy on my stomach) -pudding cups (fill me up fast, but pleasantly satisfying) -Soup with the chunks strained out, though not necessarily clear broth (ie, tortilla soup and hot & sour) -Soft tofu mashed into thin paste -Runny oatmeal with milk and Splenda -Starbucks Iced Latte with no sugar Now bear in mind I just got back. Protein drinks and sugar free options were very slim down in Mexico, so I had to commit minor carbicide a few times, just to get something in me. But is there anything on this list I should definitely NOT be having one week out? Only the beans felt like a bit too much. I'm also trying to better understand the when and when not to drink in relation to meals, even if the meals are mostly liquid. My doctor's diet schedule is incredibly vague "Softs: 3 days to three weeks" and a lot of the other ones overlap. The confusion comes because Angeles Health's own literature is so damned inconsistent. I dug up one version of their post-op plan that outlines Week1: Clears, Week2: Protein shakes, Week3: Puree, etc. But my doctor's nutritionist handed me a paper packet that said to go from clears to puree on Day 4! So I did, and it even listed mashed potatoes as an option! I'm so confused! And now you all have me worried. My own nutritionist isn't seeing me because she thinks there's no point since my diet is so restrictive. I flat-out told my surgeon and his team I was having yogurt drinkables, strained soup (not necessarily clear), and mashed potatoes and they voiced no objection. *sigh* Another issue is that when you're released from the hospital, they cut you loose and want you to stick to the diet plan. We found no easy protein shakes in Tijuana, nor did we find anything low-carb that I could eat in the pureed category. We really were left to our own devices. My stomach feels okay. I was eating mashed potatoes extremely slowly, licking little bits from my spoon and could only eat an ounce or so before feeling full. I'm perfectly happy to scale it back now that I'm back in the States. Should I just go back to my pre-op protein shakes? How do I know if my sleeve is okay and didn't get stretched?? The potatoes were okay at first, but now I just feel a bit bloated. I guess I'm trying to get some peace of mind that I haven't done any permanent damage to my new sleeve. PS - The coffee dried me out, so I think I've learned my lesson on that.

Yeah Starbucks wasn't on my list of things I could have. I will admit to taking two tiny sips of coffee about 2 weeks out and to be honest, those 2 sips were enough for me.

I'm in the 6 month pre-op program as well. I have been overweight for the last 16 years, since my last child was born. At various times throughout the last 16 years I thought about gastric bypass and lap band surgery, but the possible side effects and after effects scared me too much. Earlier this year I was transferred to a new position within my department (law enforcement). This position is exciting and definitely a career advancement, but does require standing for hours on end at scenes. I came to the realization that I could not physically do that, and that basically snapped me out of my denial. I am obese. I am not a big girl, or big boned, or heavy. I am obese. I investigated and researched gastric bypass and lap band and decided that lap band was the right choice for me. In fact, once I had decided, I was so excited that I wanted to cry when I found out that I'd have to go through a 6 month supervised program first! It's a good thing though, I think it helps prepare you and get you in the mindset that you need to be in to make the band work. Mostly, I want to stop feeling crappy: all the aches and pains because of my weight. (Throw in a ballistic vest and duty belt and it just makes it worse.) The fatigue at the end of my work week because of lugging all this weight around. I want to do it while I'm still relatively young enough to enjoy it. While overweight I have always felt "less than" around anyone smaller than me. My accomplishments or talents didn't matter, I automatically felt inferior because I was fat. I am not "less than"! On this journey of a thousand miles, I have taken the first steps to regain the "me" that feels trapped in this body.

As an occasional treat I will add 1/3 cup of the high Protein Kind granola to my greek yogurt. I make sure it fits into my days carb allowance. I am 8 months out and didn't add granola until around 7 months.

Also - Kiwi - my surgeon highly favored the sleeve. I asked him why, and he explained that besides it being easier to do than bypass, it kind of took the control from the patient. It's becoming the most successful WLS as far as quickness of weight loss and longer term results. He felt that the band patient had to be in the right frame of mind. Out of his 10 post-ops, 2 were well ahead of expectations, 5 were right on track, and 3 were not doing well at all with weight loss. I assured him that my mind was set on the band and that mentally, I was ready. He thought for my starting body type (I started at 243 lbs) that the band would be alright. I get no greater pleasure than going in for every follow-up/fill and proving to him that I'm totally ROCKING this Lap Band!! He's always full of positive compliments for me and my progress.

I had surgery on 3/22 and I started lifting lightly last week. So far I am doing great and yesterday I had a pretty intense back / shoulders /arm session and did not feel any pain. I make sure to take a good protein intake before and after the session so I don't feel completely exhausted, especially since I always end up with a 45 minutes cardio session (elliptical or trade mill). It depends on how you feel. try to start progressively and don't over do it and stop at any sign of pain or fatigue. I was also lifting quite a lot before the surgery so it is not if I was starting from scratch. Let us know how it goes!

I'm 3 weeks post op. I do 1/4 cup of boost with Greek yogurt and a scoop of Protein powder add ice. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App

Hello fellow sleevers/future sleevers; Along with everyone else, I joined this forum so i can educate myself a little more in depth of the journey ahead. I am 24 years old. I have a 6 year old son with whom i gained 100 lbs with during my pregnancy (at age 17). Before then I was 170lbs. After pregnancy with the 100 lb weight gain, I let myself go. Almost 7 years later, I have an official date of getting sleeved. I have few questions, as I am anxious and cannot wait to start this journey. Aside from the weight gain from my pregnancy, the surgeon informed me my eating habits may change. It is very difficult for me to eat during the day , missing Breakfast and not eating until dinner time where I "PIG OUT" If i attempt to eat during the day, i will end up with a stomach ache . Hopefully, the surgery can correct that . I have a question for the already sleeved patients on the losers bench; After surgery, when you wake up, is the tube that's down your throat that bad ? Aunt was sleeved last week and she said it felt as if she was drowning. Thanks in advance, Cannot wait to embark on this journey with you all and get back to playing softball and finally becoming able to practice with my son. CW: 404 GW: 170

Im also 4 weeks out and have been stalled for close to two weeks. I can't give encouragement yet but I can sit and hold your hand and we'll wait together for the numbers to drop.

I'm so frustrated! I had my husband hide the scale because it was freaking me out. I'm 3 1/2 weeks post-op (June 28th), and Ive only lost 1/2 a pound since 4 days after my surgery. I'm getting all my protein and water in. I'm currently on mushies, and I'm doing my best to watch carbs. One of the biggest problems is that I can't actively exercise. I badly broke my ankle at the end of May, so rehabbing it is standing in the way of exercising. How can I not be losing weight...I'm only eating about 400 calories?!! I did Medifast a couple of years ago, weight just fell off, and I was eating ALOT more:(. I'm so discouraged. I know everyone stalls, but I didn't think it would be so soon after surgery.

I have noticed weight loss in my face and neck area and as weird as this sounds, in my hips ????. I am 3 weeks post-op today.

I don't think I noticed anything for the first few weeks.

@@moejoe27 What is the process for having surgery in Mexico? I am scheduled for surgery in WA state in a few weeks, but I have had several friends and family members ask me about self-paying and I've shared my limited knowledge about going to Mexico. Would love to know more.

Your stomach can have contractions/spasms during the first couple weeks whenever you swallow something down. As for the Protein shakes, I also HATED them and couldn't drink them post surgery. I ended up using Fairlife Milk. It's a special milk that is fortified with additional protein, with the lactose and much of the sugar filtered out. It was actually healthier than almond milk and many other alternate forms. I would mix diet cocoa mix in and drink it hot, or mix sugar-free strawberry syrup in and drink it cold if I didn't feel like having it plain. I did this for a few months, and it was a HUGE help.

My surgery has been a personal journey. No family, friends, work are aware. Only my husband outside of medical staff. Therefore, I cannot share pics but wish I could. I started out in a size 16, BMI 35. Now I am able to get into some 10s, 12 very comfortably. As you must be aware, this choice is not exactly main stream accepted...yet! It comes with criticism about being lazy and just not trying hard enough, or taking the easy way out. This far from the easy way out. In one of the pre surgical meetings another patient said I didn't need the surgery. Granted her bmi was much greater than mine. An attitude I dealt with from many others during the pre surgical process. According to every weight chart I did qualify and I was the one willing to take the necessary steps to admit, and correct the fact that I was unable to lose and maintain weight loss on my own. Humbling. Having had enough, I looked her in the eye and told her it really wasn't a very fair judgement since I did not judge why it took her so long to make the decision for surgery. Borderline BMI or under 40 BMI patients face criticism from society and are not as supported for their decision both socially and by some medical staff. We tend to have to keep our choice for surgery hidden. Not fair, but true until care givers become more supportive and less judgmental. This surgery is becoming a very healthy cash cow so I anticipate a major attitude change in the next 5 years or so. Hopfully you are getting all the support you need and the criticism is minimal and easily ignored. Some criticize because they do not have the courage or the ambition it takes to do this. If you face any of those people, consider them jealous and stay on track. We have to stay diligent for the rest of our lives for lifelong success. I did this for a better health. If it is a choice for me between improving my health or someone else's opinion...they lose!! My almost 30 lb loss includes the lbs lost pre surgery. Post surgery it has been 20 & climbing. Stay off the scale daily. I was just stressing myself out. Once a week now. I have stalled in the past week but I know plateaues are to be expected. Eating all foods now. You will find what works best for You. Immediately following surgery egg drop Soup worked best. Goes down easy & high in Protein. I had trouble this week with chicken and pork tenderloin. Both came back up. Cooked the pork in the crock, shredded and chewed a lot but just too dense. Chicken was dry and just got stuck. I accept responsibility that I have to eat much more slowly. Lesson learned. Don't be scared to try things when it is time. Everyone is different. Even if it comes back up I is not like when your are illness sick. It comes back up, you feel better, done. Those 2 times are the only 2 times. Are you thirsty? I am and so was every other VSG patient in our post op group meeting. I believe this is different than the other bypass surgeries. Keep up the good work! I am thrilled I had it done. Hope your results are similar.