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Hello everybody, So the message in my inbox advises this is my first stop before participating in the forum so here I am! I'm a 25 year old Stay at Home Mum living in Sydney, Australia. I had lapbanding in September, 2009 and lost 38kgs (around 84lbs) before falling pregnant in April, 2010. My beautiful daughter is 5 weeks old today, and I also have a 2.5 year old son. I am now sitting at 30kgs down (66lbs) from my pre-operative weight. So, my stats. Starting weight - 126.8kgs (280lbs) - wow it sounds so much worse in pounds!! Current weight - 96.8kgs (217lbs). I probably share the same story as many of you. I've been obese for my entire life, even as a child. I started dieting at age 7, but nothing ever really worked. I have PCOS and insulin resistance which makes weight loss even harder (as I'm sure many of you have experienced), but I am blessed that it has obviously not affected my fertility. My goal weight is 75kgs (165lbs). I was hoping to have achieved that by now and was well on my way to it, but obviously something got in the way! I am seeing my surgeon on Thursday to have my first adjustment after the pregnancy but am concerned that it will impact my breastfeeding ability.. but that is for another thread and what bought me here in the first place. So hello to all and I look forward to chatting with you Oh and yes I do have a blog but I've only just started this particular blog so not very exciting! http://handybandy.blogspot.com/

I agree. I was kept in the hospital for 2 days. Had and X-ray done 24 hours after surgery to check for leaks in my stomach. It was hard to get fluids down at the beginning. Important to get fluids in over Protein. It got better by second week. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone! There are a lot of things up in the air in my life right now. I don't have a surgery date, but I'm estimating sometime in late Feb./early March. However, I'm looking at possibly having to move out of state shortly after that (but that's not set in stone, either). I don't know how it would work if I'm not about to check in with my surgeon three months post op. Has this ever happened to anyone? I know "life happens," and sometimes you can't plan for these things, but I was just curious if anyone has ever found themselves in a situation like this.

Is it red or warm/hot to the touch? It takes a few weeks for swelling of the larger incisions to go down, but if it looks inflamed, hurts, or you are concerned, give your surgeon a call. We pay them big bucks to treat us, use their knowledge.

I can eat an 8oz yogurt and other slider foods in a single sitting but dense Protein like cheese or chicken it's more like 4. My nut said 80-90g protein (90 when exercising) and 800-1000 Cal's a day. I have had two long stalls where I gain and lose the same 3lbs, then all of a sudden lose 10lbs. I know I've been eating too much junky higher carb foods. Part of that is from feeding other non fat or no diet people. When husband gets the surgery I am going get back on a regimented diet. When husband is on pre and post op liquid diet I am going to do so as well. I think it will help him stay on track and will help "reset" me as well. HW 385 SW 359 CW 305 Sleeved 10/5/16

Congratulations, how very exciting! I am still waiting for my nutritionist to send in the necissary paper work (its been two weeks ) but after she does hopefully Ill be in your position, waiting for surgery!!!

It sounds like you are in the infamous 3 week stall. It is very, very common and it will pass.

Did you experience an uncomfortable sensation over and around your port during the first week after surgery??

yes. it is just really sensitive because the port is stitched into the muscle. it will go away. i was banded a week before you and feel 1000% better already. Don't worry about it too much. Just take your tylenol for the pain, and try not to do too much. you want to let it heal.

One of my coworkers is a Mexican lawyer (although she specializes in corporate law, not malpractice). When I see her next week, I'll ask what remedies are available to a non-citizen via government agencies or the courts.

I'm scheduled for my psych eval (including the mmpi2) in a couple of weeks and I'm super nervous about it. I've read in the forums that you can be denied clearance if you show signs of depression and/or anxiety. But who gets to the stage in their life when they're seeking surgery for weight loss without having some depression/anxiety issues?

Eating too much. I don't think so. Usually, two or three bites is the most I can get before I start hurting and then I'm hurting until I bring it all back up or enough time passes. Usually, that takes two or three hours. And all that time I'm sliming. Sorry for the gross out. I am grateful for the information. I have had no real idea how much I should be able to eat at one time. Since my surgery sometimes some things bother me very quickly. The next time I will do fine with the same thing. I have not been able to eat what I would consider a normal meal for a bander since January. I have not had a fill since March and that was only to put back in what was taken out in January. I need to update my information. But I can't seem to figure out how to do it. I have lost a total of 120 pounds, about half of that since the band was put in. I am afraid that my band is eroding or slipped or something, and I can't stand the thought of having to have it removed. I just want to enjoy a meal once in a while. I don't remember the last time I ate a meal without hurting.

What does your program recommend? My regimen was: 2 weeks clears (I did 17 days) 2 weeks of full liquids (my surgeon let me just do one week) 2 weeks of mushies 2 weeks of soft solids then slowly progress to regular solid food I followed a few different variations of surgeon's post-op diet. This one is from Dr. Aceves, and it gave me some ideas to break up the monotony of the "regular" stuff on the full liquid and mushy stage. POST-OP DIET: Here are a few ideas concerning the post op diet Day 1 thru 5 ( Clear Liquids Only ) fruit juice ( apple, grape, cranberry ) Propel broth Jello-O Water Tea Protein Water by Kellogg’s Water popsicles Clear Protein drinks only ( example Isopure, unjury ) Day 6-10 ( thin liquids ) All of the above and: Natural Vegetable Juices ( example Carrot, V-8 juice ) Protein drinks mixed with water ( example Matrix ) whey nectar Protein Mix Day 11 thru 20 ( full liquids ) Cream Soups Yogurt Jello-O Boiled pureed fruit ( example apple, pear) applesauce Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Low fat milk 1 or 2% Water, Propel, tea Soy beverages sugar free pudding Protein shakes and protein powders mixed with milk Day 21 thru 30 ( soft food ) Soft food should be the consistency of a thick liquid ( no chunks or solid material ) and it should be chewed very well before swallowing until it is a liquid consistency ) Tofu Low fat cottage cheese Cereal oatmeal Precooked pureed rice Low fat Yogurt Yogurt mixed with fruit very well blended Cream soups eggs Boiled pureed fruit ( example pear, apple ) Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Boiled pureed vegetables Beans Day 31st and beyond ( solid food ) Fish, Chiken meat Turkey Vegetables Fruit A diet consisting of 800 calories and 70 grams of protein should be your goal. There is a book called " Weight loss Surgery for Dummies" Authors: Kurian, Thompson and Davidson You might find it helpful. I contains several recipes and ideas on what to eat after surgery Grilled Marinated Tuna with Lime Herbed Beef Patties Turkey Meatballs Seafood salad chicken Salad A diet consisting of 600-800 calories and about 70 grams of protein should be the goal Protein will not only help you heal and build muscle mass but acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Concerning protein supplements here are a few ideas: Isopure protein drinks - 40 grams of protein per bottle. Isopure you mix with water - 50 grams of protein. You can find them at GNC. "Protein Water" by Kellogg’s - 5 grams of protein per drink. You can find it at WallMart Unjuryclear protein drinks - UNJURY Medical Quality Whey Protein Isolate. Great Tasting Whey Protein Supplements for Everyday Health! High Protein and High Quality. Not so good tasting. New Whey Nectar Protein mixis very good but it is kind of expensive. It is said to be one of the best tasting protein products in the market today. You can get itat GNC or on line www.google.com/products?client=safari&rls=en&q=whey+nectar+protei n&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title Some patients enjoymaking popsicles and Jell-O Jigglers out ofproteinliquid. Others enjoy Swanson Clearbroth that comes in a can . But most enjoydelicious homemade broth using chayote squash for flavor ( they strain the broth to make it clear) CHICKEN AND FRESH VEGETABLE BROTH 2-3 pieces of chicken for every 2 bowls of broth1 celery stalk 1chayote (hispanic grocery stores)1 carrot 2zucchini2 small tomatoes 2small onionscilantro (optional) salt to taste - BOIL chicken pieces for approx. 20 minutes - ADD celery, chayote, and carrot - SIMMER 30 minutes - ADD zucchini,m tomatoes and onions - SIMMER15 more minutes (cilantro is optional) - STRAIN and serve. You can also buy powder chicken broth that contains 10 grams protein per serving. You can find it on Amazon.com, it is called ProCel When you start on full liquids try Matrix 5.0 protein drinks. Protein shakes and mixes are very good tasking.You will need to wait until they are allowed in you food stage. Advocare high protein drinks called “Meal Replacement shakes “have Vitamins added to them andare a great optiontoo FOLLOWING THE POST OP DIET IS VERY IMPORTANT REMEMBERWE ARE TRYING TO PROTECT THE STAPLE LINE THE SCAR TISSUE IS STILL FORMING AROUND IT DO NOT OVERFILL YOUR STOMACH AND DO NOT JUMP ANY FOOD STAGES

you'll be fine. I traveled 22 hrs to get back and was out about 6 weeks as well. Make sure you have Protein powder in baggies, Blender Bottle, Protein Bars, empty Water bottle (to fill up on the plane) I'm not sure if you said you are traveling by plane or not, but I found ordering a diabetic meal (am diabetic as well) was a LOT better than eating the normal food because i had more protein and less carbs/bread like the chicken piece was a lot bigger and there was fruit instead of dessert etc. i found its easy at airports as well, can find chicken caesar salad anywhere and etc.....safe travels!

when will the diahrrea stop? I did find out that I am lactose-intolerant after the surgery. I have switched over to Lactaid and avoid all dairy. Lastly, I am not getting in three Protein drinks. This is bc I am full or want more bad side-effects. Has anyone tried protein supplement pills? Do they work? Is there a difference between men & women's pills? Where do I get them?

I was 450 when I started the program, lost 60 lbs in 9 months pre-op, and have lost 38 more in 9 weeks post-op. I feel confident that I will be able to reach my goal of 150, a 300 lb total loss. The sleeve is a great tool, you just have to follow the directions!

I just had my 1st today-2 CCs!!! It did not hurt and I go back in two weeks!!

OK July bandsters...I was banded on 7/7/11, I had the band with plication. I am down 46 pounds and counting. Yes, it is now much slower than the first few weeks but at least it is still going down. I am loosing 1.5 - 2 pounds a week and that is enough for me. I eat Protein at every meal and vegies. I also treat myself with some fruit of even 1/2 of a cookie. I know, they are no no's but I have to make myself happy too. I also joined Weight Watchers (for the 100th time I think). Yes, I know I cannot eat like they want you to eat, but the weekly weigh ins, the support and receipes are great. My leader knows I had the lapband and she is even tailoring my plan for me. I have tried Protein shakes and I find them to be nasty, even with milk. So I avoid them unless I have no other option. I have had 2 fills - 2cc and 1 cc. I still find myself getting hungry between lunch and dinner but trying to get better. My exercise is limited to walking for now (and in the Florida heat that is a good one). I walk around 10 + miles per week. My clothes are hanging on me so I know I am loosing inches. I also swim at least once or twice a week in addition to the walking. I drink a lot of Water and avoid carbonated beverages and fruit juices. OK, that is my tips for today. I love reading other tips on this site and have found them to be so useful especially when you feel too embarrased to ask the doctor or feel the question is stupid. Thanks to all of you..Well, that is it from sunny (and HOT) Florida today. Good luck and please keep posting and stay in touch - no one understands like fellow bandsters.... Melinda

A quick hello Sarah! Was so nice to meet you last week and share this experience with you! Your friend was also a god send - please say thanks again for the translating services! : ) I did work a little today, about 3 hours, but mainly hanging out at home in my recliner. Fortunately the last child at home is pretty self sufficient too! Take care and don't over do it!

I am one week out today and it takes me half hour to drink 1/3c soup and it hurts if I sip too fast

I am 3 weeks post-op and had my sleeve done in a Oklahoma. I try to eat protein at every meal. I do good on my vitamins but sometimes hard to get 6 of hose multi vitamin.s down each day. My problem now s I am so tired. No energy. I am sleeping ok but can't seem to keep up with my schedule. Anyone else have low energy?

Well, it has been a journey for the last 4 months. Banded in Mexico June 2nd and have lost 56 pounds... 7 weeks after the Hell began... I am Band Intolerant! I swelled up so tight, and have nothing in my 10cc band. This has given me nothing but no food intake for the last 2 months. I decided its not healthy. I have gone to the ER 2 times now regarding the tightness and needed fluids for the dehydration. Its no way to live. Therefore, I will be having it taken out today... Would I do it again? YES! It has taught me to eat to LIVE not LIVE to eat! Wish me luck. I still have 18 pounds to go to reach my goal weight.

What you are describing sounds within the realm of normal to me. It's pretty common to have low energy after any surgery, but when you factor in the sudden drop in calories, it's no wonder. I was exhausted all the time for the first 6 weeks, (in the early days, I had to rest after a shower, and I remember a day or two I was so weak it was work holding my head up) but it was steadily improving after the first 4 weeks. Just keep doing what you are doing, and it will get better!

Hi all- I have had a major stop of the scale. i am able to eat much more now than i could three months ago, and even though i'm eating about 1100 cals a day, the scale is not moving at all.i have been at this same weight for about 14 wks. i don't know if this is just a HUGE LONG stall, or if i am back-sliding. i want to jump start things again so i can lose the last 20 lbs and reach goal by my one-year anniversary. i KNOW i need to go back to shakes, broth, SF Jello, yogurt, etc. anybody have any good suggestions further than this? the weather in my area has finally broke, so i am able to get back outside and walk again, that should help too. thanks!

This. 1,100 actually seems a little low to me if you are working out regularly. It is counterintuitive, but sometimes you need to eat more to lose. Try mixing it up a bit. Average 1,250 for a week combined with working out and see what happens.