Search the Community

I stocked my house with lots of protein samples, different things to mix them with (soy milk, almond milk, Hood calorie countdown milk, etc.), lots of different juices and different kinds of tea and flavored coffee. I was on full liquids for four weeks and knew I wouldn't be cleared to drive for at least a week (I live alone) so I wanted to make sure I had all that on hand. I made sure I had all the supplies I would need for my pets. I got a couple of 32 oz. Bubba Kegs - they keep your drinks cold forever. I could just fill one with ice and water in the morning and work on sipping it all day long. Per my surgeon's instructions, I knew I needed a digital thermometer and a blood pressure monitor (I take bpm) so I got those. I got a heating pad. I made sure I had comfy pajamas and a couple of loose empire waist dresses and soft cotton bras that close in the front, no underwire. My parents got me an immersion blender as a gift -- that was great to have on hand for making protein shakes. I also had some RTD protein shakes on hand, mostly Premier Protein. I got my prescriptions filled in advance so they would be waiting for me at home. I also got some additional OTC type products like Gas-X, Miralax, and Milk of Magnesia -- and as it turns out, I never needed any of that. The only thing I didn't have that I wished for was a recliner. I thought about renting one of those power recliners from RAC or Aaron's and never got around to it. I wish I had! Getting in and out of bed and turning over in bed was painful for the first 10 days or so.

Hello Heidi, It's normal to be a little nervous. I can tell you that I am so glad I did this. I was banded six weeks ago and I've lost 29 pounds. It's the fastest and easiest weight loss I've ever had. I haven't felt hungry since the surgery. You are assuming you won't be able to eat certain foods, but most people seem to be able to eat the things they like. All surgery has risks, but this is a minimally invasive surgery and takes very little time to accomplish. I think you will be very pleased with your decision.

Does anyone else feel that hunger strikes them more at a particular time of the day?? I am not yet at full restriction with my band - I'm getting there but not there yet. I am trying to have quite small meals for every meal of the day. I find thought that if my Breakfast isn't substantial enough that I get 'peckish' throughout the day. It's sometimes less than 3 hours before I am looking for my next meal and this in turn leads to snacking. I'm trying really hard to not have bread throughout the working week, but for breakfast, toast seems to be the only thing that gets me through to 4 hours. Does anyone have a suggestion for me of a substantial breakfast that doesn't involve bread?? If I can fill up a bit more at breakfast, I should snack a lot less through the day - if at all!!! I do find that scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese, tomato and mushroom fills me, but I'd prefer to not have eggs every day of the week. Help me please...

Hey all. I was banded on April 17th with the new iBand. The only difference in the iBand is that they also stictch your stomach into a pleat as to help with the progression of weight loss. This procedure was done along with Heital hernia repair and weeks later, I am just not starting to feel back to normal. I was off work for 2 weeks and I was not expecting this long of a recovery time. It's May 23rd now and I'm down 18 lbs. I've had my first adjustment on May 16th and I have to say I was expecting a much easier ride. I'm steady at the same weight for the past week. I'm hungry all the time and now that all the swelling has dissapated, I'm anxious and questioning why I only received a 1.5cc adjustment in a 10cc band. However, reading this forum has helped me to understand that there are a lot of people that feel the same way I do and the only answer is patience... ahhh... the p-word (never has been a strong quality for me). Anyways, I hope that through this forum, I can manage through the emotional rollercoaster of weight loss and continue to put my best foot forward.

Everyone thinks "oh it went down fine so it must be okay" You have no idea what's going to happen a few years down the road, from the band not healing properly on the stomach during the first 4 weeks. Just remember if you have erosion or a slip, you'll have to pay to have your band removed.

Hi Everyone, I am fairly new to the site but have posted a few times. I have a Surgery Date!!! My Banding Date is June 30th......yes that is next week!! I am very excited. I have been eating a low fat diet for two weeks ( no meat?) but am handling it ok. I friend of mine who had the RU&Y (not sure I spelled that correctly) told me to try coffe with powdered milk for protien. It sure fills me up fast. I will be having surgery with a fairly new surgeon, the proctor will be there also. I work for a family physican and he has assisted in surgeries with Dr. Edward Cudjoe of alma, Michigan and said he is a great surgeon so I have confidence in him. My family physician (who I work for also) will be in the O.R. with me just to observe. So, please wish me luck. I would be greatful if anyone has any last minute advice. Thanks, Kathy I am not sure what my BMI is, in the 40's I believe

I am a carbaholic. The band does not stop everyone from eating bread, Pasta, potatoes or rice......just so you are aware, nor does it stop you from eating toast and crackers (in fact those go down quite nicely). I track everything on myfitnesspal.com and keep close eye on Protein, calories and carbs. More often than not, I am eating less than my daily allocation of carbs. I am more concerned with getting my protein in daily that I focus on that more. Carbs are a bonus and are the first to be cut (bad carbs - I still try to get my fruit in and sometimes you can't fight those carbs), if my daily meal plans have gone over in calories. Why don't you join myfitnesspal, manipulate your daily calories to 1000 -1200 and eat like a banded person for 2 weeks. 70 grams of protein, 3 meals/day equal to 8oz per meal or 1 cup. 2-3 snacks/day equal to 3-4 oz. No drinking anything 30 min before and after meals and no carbonated beverages - at all. (you will shocked to see how quickly the calories and carbs add up when you realize that 2 slices of bread equal more calories and carbs and less protein than about 4oz of chicken, and it is the chicken that will sustain you longer. I think my 2 weeks pre op liquid only kicked me off the carb cravings pretty quickly and post surgery, you are still on liquids and really have no desire to eat. I understand it is a real concern.......I love carbs........but I love me more . good luck

Diane, don't let your sons get to you. Your post hit a nerve with me because I just went through the same thing. I have 2 sons also that are very against lapband surgery. Needless to say, I am 1 week post-op and doing fine. Actually my older son is the one who came with me to Colorado from Florida for the surgery. They do not have the amount of knowledge that we have on this subject, as we have all done tons of research. They have also not gone through all the trials and tribulations that a morbidly obese person goes through on a daily basis. I got comments from them similar to you like I'll be too weak to walk, my hair will be falling out in clumps, I'll be vomitting constantly, won't be able to eat a thing etc etc. I just ignored their comments and did what I needed to do for my own wellbeing. Eventual my older son came around and agreed to accompany me to surgery and he was very supportive once we talked to the surgeon together and he realized my mind was made up. Stick to your guns and let them know how you feel and that you are going to go through with this with or without their support. Of course it will be better with and I am sure they will come around for you. Let me know how it goes. I will be thinking of you. Good luck!!!!

Luckily, I'm not a huge fan of cookies, period. Occasionally, I'll get a craving, and I'll go get a box of 100 calorie packs or some iced oatmeal cookies, but that's about it. I ordered a few boxes of GS cookies a year or so ago. I wound up giving one box to my parents, and then threw out the remainder of the other two after they'd been open for a couple of weeks. I just don't have a big sweet tooth, so I could only eat one or two cookies at a sitting before not wanting any more.

(I thought my long response via private message made more sense than public forum, but it’s weird it won’t go through!) It definitely makes sense and is totally normal! I am a nurse and work in a PACU and I was still really nervous. So was my husband, maybe evenmore so than me! He literally broke out into a rash the day prior to my surgery. The dermatologist thought it was stress dermatitis. Crazy! Poor guy 🤣 Just keep reminding yourself Dr.Snyder is an expert and the nurses, anesthesiologist, and otherprofessionals at Rose are amazing as well! You picked a great program and will do great! It’s also normal to have a few rough weeks at first. I think between your body healing, hormone surges, and not being able to eat solid food like a “normal” person your emotions can be all over the place. It gets easier before you know it though! At 4 months out I tolerate most things in small amounts. I just feel like a light eater and I love it. I stick to the protein first rule, but I can get some veggies and a little fruit in now too. I even splurged this Christmas and had a piece of cinnamon role and couple bites of hash browns. Back on track tomorrow! My surgery also wasn’t considered “medically necessary” and because my BMI was under 40 my insurance wouldn’t cover it. PCOS and chronic back pain (Degenerative disc disease) were my only issues and my insurance didn’t consider those qualifying reasons. 🙄 Since I was self pay I pretty much just picked my day. You are really lucky your insurance approved so fast! That’s great! I’ve heard horror stories about it taking up to a year for approval, which has to be so frustrating. When I decided I wanted this surgery, I wanted it done before I chickened out, lol. I had been considering it and researching it for years too. I know I am still early out, but I have no regrets today, I Just wish I had done it sooner. I am only 5’3” and started at 205 lbs. I’m down to 155 lbs and would love to get to 125-130 lbs. Weight has been a struggle for most of my life and I have been the classic yo-yo dieter. I feel hopeful this tool will help me reach (and hopefully stay at!) my goal. My back pain is already so much better after losing 50 lbs too. I am so thankful for that! I have a little sagging skin on my arms and belly, and my boobs are loose and saggy (pregnancies didn’t help that though either, lol), other than that not too bad. I would love a “mommy makeover” after reaching my goal, but it’s probably not realistic since I had to pay for this surgery out of pocket. Oh well, I would rather have loose skin than be obese and miserable. (My husband wasn’t allowed in recovery, but I got a room pretty quick and he met me there. Since I don’t remember my PACU stay at all that worked well for me, haha! I believe he waited around 3 hrs total between surgery and recovery.)

I just need a place to vent for a minute. When I met with the surgeon, he told me that a surgery date in June should be no problem. He also said that since the endoscopy he requires isn't an insurance requirement, they would go ahead and submit and approve as soon as I finished the requirements and then would worry about the endoscopy. I finished all my reqs on Monday. I called on Tuesday just to verify the next steps (I wasn't sure if they would automatically schedule or if I needed to call). They went ahead and scheduled my endoscopy that day and told me that the nurse would verify I cleared all reqs and then call and schedule me for surgery. *waits* I called back today just to find out where I was in the process since I hadn't heard anything - and they were holding my paperwork until after the endoscopy (which is on June 6th!). Somewhere some wires got crossed. She said she'd confirm with the surgeon that we could schedule prior to the endoscopy (she said he sometimes tells people that but it isn't standard) and then she'd get the nurse to check my paperwork and clear me. I know I shouldn't be quite so frustrated - it's only been a week - but my expectations were high after talking to them. Every day that passes is a day that means I may not be able to be scheduled in June, and because of work that's the best time for me to take the time off. Okay, /rant.

Its obvious you dont have to have any charm or discretion to get a medical degree. Its not great to go into anythign without the full picture but why do so many doctors and nutritonists feel the need to piss on your parade before you even begin?. He doesnt know YOU, he cant foresee the future. Dont listen to his negativity, you can make of this what you will. I"m sure you know not everyone loses 100% of their excess weight for a whole variety of reasons. Doesnt mean you wont. A million times over the past three years I've been so very thankful for my medical care. The surgeon was a nice guy but not exactly Mr Personality. But the doctor who does my fills and aftercare is absolutely fantastic and has encouraged and pushed me the entire way. Never once has he said anything negative like that. The nutrionist did, I just ignored her, as I tend to do with anything I dont want to hear :thumbup: She had nothing to say that made the visit worth the cost anyway.

Well I hope that I didn't do any severe damage to my band. I had my band too tight and was getting acid...however I didn't realize it because I wasn't losing weight and was still able to eat what I thought was a lot(honestly my serving sizes are all screwed up...I think like 10 bites is a lot now.) I just got an unfill after almost 8 months...but the acid reflux wasn't everyday until recently and I took a prilosec to keep it down and that helped. I just got .5 cc's out about a week and half ago and didn't have any acid until today. I had a little bit of acid, not nearly as bad as before...and then I realized...hey! I haven't eaten in 5 hours...Anyone else only get acid when they forget to eat?

My surgery was April 20 and I threw up everything for the first week. It's gotten better but I still can mostly only tolerate soups and liquids. It has gotten better but it feels like forever since I have eaten something that tastes good that doesn't make me nauseous.

Hello @@Laurabrown929! Are you keeping with your Protein first rule? Are you making sure that you are mostly filling up with solid protein and then veggies? Are you working out regularly (At least 30 Mins per day, 5x per week)? Do you do any kind of muscle toning routine? If you need to get back on track, here is a little eating plan you might find useful. Good luck! http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/306411-basics-bootcamp-v2-getting-back-on-track/?hl=%2Bback+%2Bbasics+%2Bbootcamp

I had my surgery on Jan 22nd @ 310 surgery day. I hit 253 this morning but the weight bounces around up to about 255. I have a goal of 245 by april 22nd which will be my 3 month anniversary... If I can hit that goal is will be 65lbs down in 3 months. I consider my weight loss above average but I also burn 750-1000 calories in the gym 6 days a week. The weight loss has slowed down big time in month 3.

I have been doing very well. I love my doctor for sending me home with liquid pain meds and a pain pump. I feel that I have been eating all day! I have had around 20ozs of water, 2 sf popsicles, 1 fudgesicle, broth, and some jello. I ate a the popsicles and the fudgesicle. A little bit of the broth and jello. I have not gotten sick and hope I don't! I also have not felt full yet either! Will give an update later in the week. Carla

Perhaps you were a little more emotional than most, but it is a serious step. One most of us are ashamed at some level, that we let ourselves get to. And one, like you say that is hard to leave behind. It didn't matter if it was happy news, or sad news, food was always there to share the burden. We grew up celebrating with food, and mourning with food---it is a very close and personal friend. It is hard to imagine eating less and being satisfied and happy with that. So the mourning is natural, as is anger at the situation sometimes. However---eating less, and being satisfied, and happy with it is VERY possible! I like you just simply could not wrap my mind around that. I thought it would be a constant battle---but one I felt I had to try---I was out of options, I was sick of and sick from dieting! It is such a different life being banded than I imagined it to be! The first weeks were tough, I won't lie to you. But hell I lived through many weeks of tough diets! I knew I could do it at least one more time, and that was the last time!!! It does take some work to get to the point that food is not an issue anymore. I eat for the flavor, and the nourishment, but not the hunger now. It is no longer the driving force behind decisions. I don't decide what to order when I go out, wondering if it will be enough---whatever I order it will be more than enough. I order what sounds good, and will be good for me, and I enjoy it! I don't feel like every eye in the restaurant is on me and my plate anymore. I don't skimp at the restaurant, and come home and gorge. The things you will be gaining vastly outnumber the things you will be losing. Yes for a period of weeks you will not be able to have most types of food---but after the healing phase, you will be able to eat most of the food you do now. Some people have particular items they cannot eat, but just a few. You will be friends with the food you eat, because you are going to enjoy the few bites it takes for you to be satisfied. It is not a love/hate relationship anymore. You can love it, and there is no need to hate it for the way it makes you act anymore! Try to calm down---and imagine yourself eating like you see others eat. Imagine yourself losing weight, almost effortlessly! Yes you do have to watch what you eat to help with the weight loss, but that is so easy to do when you are not hungry 24/7! Imagine walking into any store and buying clothing, no plus sizes necessary. Imagine walking into a gym, and no one staring at you! Imagine living to be a ripe old age---something obesity will not let us do. The things you lose are mostly temporary, and you are getting more than a band---you are getting your life back!!! Hope your nerves settle down soon.... (hugs) Kat

I noticed you were recently banded- I was banded about six weeks before you. I am not restricted at this point so I can consume 1 C of food rather quickly- but that doesn't mean I should!!! My dr. is really encouraging me to "practice" many things that I will HAVE to do once I reach restriction- eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, eating 3/4 - 1 C of food, and not drinking with meals.

I had a glass of wine at 6 weeks (only after I was cleared by surgeon and NUT) I was just fine. Would highly recommend you try it at home first, as you could react differently.

Im in so much pain I cant tell if its the incisions or just gas.Ive been taking GasX and hydrocodone for the pain.Ive been reading your posts and I thought I knew what to expect, but this is worse than I thought! Id appreciate any encouragement that this pain will go away(hopefully within a week-im going out of town next weekend!!)Im not at all computer savy and cant post pix,etc-Im a one finger typist.Banded 17 july in Chicago at Day One health. started at 301-now 285.Dr's goal weight is 200-my goal is 130.

Thank you for the wonderful support! Tonight is the first time I have posted. I have read many posts and enjoyed reading, but felt it was my time to get involved in the posts. I am getting banded in Oklahoma City, OK. We will definitely have to keep in touch since we are getting banded the same day. Have a terrific week and once again, thanks for the support!

Oh honey you have just had MAJOR surgery! Huge, major surgery. You are going to be very sore and tender and your new best friend will be Gas X (forget all the other one's, this is the only one that works for air and gasses trapped under the ribs and band area). Call your doctor and ask about the pain, make sure it's at the level that he expected you to be feeling. Then do some things to get more comfortable! For example, get a wedge. A foam wedge, like from the stores that rent wheelchairs or other medical supplies. sleep on the wedge slanting downward at night (tall end towards your head). This will help you get up and down off the bed without that pulling feeling. Use a pillow. Pull a pillow against you firmly when you must get up or change positions or go up/down stairs or get in a Jerky car. The lack of jerking motions the pillow helps with is very good for you. Sleep more, do less. Get magazines and cut out photos of clothes you WILL be able to wear again; focus on where you are going. The first five days are the hardest; of those, the first two or three really are the pits. But inch by inch, every day you will be doing better than the day before. If you really must go out of town that soon, plan to do a lot less on your trip and take your doctors' nurses' phone numbers with you! Walk if you can stand it. Walk with the pillow if not. Try to find a way to move that is not jerking you around any. It will move the gas and trapped air out sooner, or so the nurses told me. I did not do much the first five days. You can do this. Evey day it WILL get better and better. This is the toughest part right now -- two days post surgery is just the pitts, but it wil be over very soon!!!! I promise!! Be kind to yourself. You are on the road to a whole new life now, this is just a valley, soon you will be wondering how to navigate that new life instead! In the meantime, rest! This will be over soon. Best of luck to you!