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My suggestion would be try to do a little each day. Maybe just 10 minuets a day. Work your way up to an hour a day. That seems like a lot in the beginning, but really, once you get into it, it isn't!!! I look forward to my workout everyday now and could not imagine saying that 6 months ago. I HATED EXERCISE!!! Once I put those shoes on and walk out the door, I am so glad that I did!!! The more you do, the more you want to do! It is so amazing when you really see how much you can do! And when you see the benefits you get from it, you WILL want to do more. Start with a 10 minute walk today and tomorrow and try to do more next week! One day at a time! Good luck! Kelly

I ran into that issue. I didn't have insurance for the longest time so I didn't go to the dr unless I was really sick. Basically all they want is a record of your height and weight. 1 had 3 visits. 1 in 2010 from the gyn, 1 in 2013 also from the gyn, and one from 2014 from the consolation. For me, they decided to go ahead and submit for insurance approval as my bmi is 50 and has been since 2010. Insurance approved my surgery within a week. As long as they have your height and weight on the paper, it doesn't matter why you saw the dr.

Thanks alot for that ! I will be taking new pic (my "during" pics) next week I will post them if that ok ! I love this band y'no.... it's definately been one of the best (if not the best) decision i've ever made in my life... I feel so fortunate to have been given this chance of getting to .... well..... be "normal" y'no? It's such a great feeling of getting my life back... Who know's where we'll be this time next year ! lol

So I found out my husband was cheating on me 2 days ago and I just had surgery 8/15... We had unprotected sex a week b4 surgery and also like a week ago... Stupid I know but we haven't been able to conceive cus of my weight but the last 3-4 days I been spotting and I been throwing up... Dont know if it's cus surgery or if I'm pregnant... I hope I'm not! I should b starting my period in a week n half ... Any advice? Or ideas what it could be? I also gained 2 lbs.. And I haven't really been eating cus of stress... :-/

My sweet spot is when I can only eat 1/4 cup of food and am losing 1-2 lbs per week. I am there now. It took me a long time to get there.

Hi Shannon, I was banded 7/27. I am on the liquid diet for 4 weeks! I have been taking canned soup and adding water to thin... then blend, blend, blend. It is smooth and seems to do the trick. I also get yogurt. Good luck... This is a hard part.

Hey Everyone, :thumbup1: I'm a little over 3 weeks post op and finally feeling better. Everything went fine just was in some horrible pain! I mean HORRIBLE. Doing better now, and it's great to see the scale go down. I'm down 41 (since December when the whole process started) and down 20 since surgery. I don't feel it at all, but people are noticing! I went shopping for a dress and it's 3 sizes smaller! YAY. I wasn't going to buy it since I doubt I'll wear it a lot, but it was 70% off and it made me feel good! Ok, enough of my babbling. I have a few questions for you all... 1. How long did you use the baby spoon? I love it and it really keeps my bites in check, but I'm going back to work soon, I'm just wondering how long I should use it. 2. I'm having a horrible time getting Protein AND all my fluids in. It seems I can do one or the other, but not both. STupid question, I feel like I should know the answer to: Does the Water I use to make a Protein shake count as Fluid? (I warned you it was stupid, but I really don't know!) I just love these boards! Thanks everyone

I had a similar plan pre-op. For 2 weeks prior to surgery, I had a Protein shake for Breakfast, another for lunch, and for dinner I was allowed a lean protein and brightly colored vegetables...the good news was that there was no size limitation on the dinner portions. I felt lucky as I know a lot on here are put on liquid-only diets pre-op. Large amounts of veggies for dinner helped me stay full longer. Veggies that are high in Fiber like broccoli/asparagus really helped...the goal of the pre-op diet is to get your liver smaller than what it is now to give the surgeon better access to the abdominal area as they move the liver out of the way during surgery. It's a challenge for sure, but the best advice I can give is to do your best to stay busy and not dwell on it. The time will go by faster than you think and soon you'll be watching the pounds fly off!!! It's well worth it!

2/20/07 -The surgery and three weeks of liquids are behind me. I'm eating mushies and some soft foods. Lunch today-Turkey left over from my WW turkey dinner last night. About two ozs. and I was full Dinner-WW sweet and sour chicken. I always eat the meat first and then if I'm not stuffed I will eat the veggies. My stomach is doing much better. I'm trying to get the water in, it's harder than I thought. I can only eat about 4 ozs. at a time. I've lost 19 lbs. I'll do my measurements and record them tomorrow.

I am FRUSTRATED...I am FRUSTRATED that I can't get below 330 and stay there for more than 2 weeks..I am FRUSTRATED that I count and I track and I work out and nothing changes...I am FRUSTRATED with the a**holes that tell me I was just too fat for the lap band to work I should have gotten gastric bypass...I am FRUSTRATED that my ex boyfriend that I posted about in January that dumped me after 3 years has decided that he needs to go to the same gym as me and likes to tell me how my body hasn't changed in months and now he tries to embarrass me at the gym..and it really FRUSTRATES me that all of this is affecting my mood and my confidence. I am 15 months post op..I have been pretty much stuck for 6 months. I get to 325 and then I am slowly creeping back up to 333..back down to 328 and back up to 331..I KNOW I have done well..and I am amazed at how much better I feel just by going from 428 to 332 (this week) but I want MORE I want to lose MORE. I want to tell everyone who has doubted me MAINLY my ex to shove it and laugh in their face and say HAHA YES! I can do it! I have switched my food around and I get my Water in and I don't eat slider foods and I take my Vitamins, I work out everyday and rotate work outs, I push myself until I can't push anymore, but the damn scale will not budge!!! I know I shouldn't focus on numbers, but isn't this why we are here? to actually lose weight? TO see that number dwindle down to a number that we are proud to discuss? sure, saying I weight 332 sounds MUCH better than 428, but this isn't my stopping point...that's not enough for me. I lost 9 lbs last month and I go to the dr Wednesday and I know I have gained some of that back and I don't get it. Maybe I'm not tight enough, because I sure am hungry, but my dr felt like I needed to switch my diet up some before getting much of a fill..so I did. I feel defeated and all of the negativity coming from a**holes and the ex aren't helping me any. I have been getting up at 3 am to go work out before work just so I dont see him so I am dragging at work and plain exhausted and EMOTIONAL. I can cry at the drop of a hat because of the frustration. I know that this too shall pass..but until it does I need some words of encouragement/wisdom or something because right now I feel like throwing the towel in and saying I quit.

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a little feedback or simular experience from anyone who wants to share. Here's my story: For about the last 6 weeks I've been having reflux problems at night. I feel acid in my throat and have a sore throat in the morning. I tried taking Zantac 150mg but it didn't help. Then I tried Prilosec which helped a little bit. I also elevated the head of my bed and stopped eating after 6pm. I also cut out acidic foods. Since none of this seemed to get rid of it completely, I called my fill doctors office. He was on vacation so his nurse told me to go to my primary doctor and ask to have an upper gi/barium swallow done. I just got the results of the upper gi and the impression by the radiologist reads: "old duodenal ulcer or duodenal inflammation.". The primary doctor told me to go back to see the fill doctor (his office is closed until monday) because she didn't know what to do from here. In the mean time she gave me Nexium to take and I'm doing MUCH better since taking it. I don't have any acid in my throat and my sore throat has gone away. I didn't have much faith in the radiologist who did the upper gi because he had never seen a lapband before. He asked me lots of questions about it including "when are you going to have it removed". He didn't understand that I couldn't drink the barium really fast because I had to wait a minute in between swallows for it to go down (it was morning and I try to be extra careful in the morning because I'm a little tighter then in the afternoon) It made me nervous! I have to call the fill doctor on Monday to see if he'll see me. I posted a message on Dr. Kuri's website to see what others thought and I got an immediate email from JoAnn (patient facilitator) telling me to call Dr. Kuri right away! And Sandy,RN told me to get an unfill right away to prevent reflux damage of the esophagus. She thinks I've waited too long already but as soon as I realized the reflux wasn't a temporary thing, I made appointments (it just took a long time to get an appointment with the primary doctor and then I had to wait to have the upper gi done and then another week to get the results) Oh, I hope my band has not eroded or something terrible. I'm doing so well with my weight loss (it's been slow but steady). I hate to think of loosing my band and gaining it all back. :-( Anyone else have a simular experience?

When can I restart with my Personal trainer? I was thinking 6 weeks post-op and start with gentle weight training and wait a while before moving to cardio. Even my walks at the moment are very slow as it still feels a bit uncomfortable at 12 days post op?

I started back with my personal trainer at 6 weeks. It wasn't difficult to resume our workouts together.

Dumping seems to be a topic that generates a lot of confusion. Some believe that everyone has dumping following gastric bypass surgery. Some may experience it and not recognize that it is dumping. Others believe that the presence or absence of dumping affects the potential success (or failure) of bypass surgery. Still others are so concerned about dumping that they avoid trying new foods or even eating healthy amounts of calories and Protein. So let’s see if we can dump the confusion about dumping. Who Experiences Dumping Estimates vary widely but somewhere between 15% to 50% of gastric bypass patients never experience dumping. It’s difficult to be exact because some experience dumping without realizing that their symptoms are the result of dumping. Others experience symptoms that they believe are the result of dumping when the cause is something else. Regardless of the exact number, a significant percentage of all gastric bypass patients never experience dumping. What Causes Dumping There are still some unanswered questions regarding the causes of dumping but it is generally thought to be the result of food being “dumped” too quickly from the pouch to the small intestine. Food high in sugar or simple carbohydrates (aka “simple sugars”) can create a rapid increase in blood sugars (hyperglycemia). The rule of thumb is that white foods (e.g. potatoes, rice, Pasta, white bread, etc.) are usually simple carbohydrates. The sugar in the small intestine rapidly pulls Water out of the bloodstream and into the small intestine. A number of the symptoms of dumping including severe diarrhea can result. With “late” dumping (see below), the body responds to the rapid rise in blood sugars with an increase in insulin to process the sugars. The increased insulin can cause the blood sugars to “crash” producing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and dumping symptoms follow. Symptoms may or may not include vomiting. I have experienced late dumping on several occasions, usually after eating fruit, such as grapes, or white rice, both rich in sugars. In my case, symptoms are shakiness and general weakness but I have never had any vomiting. What are the Symptoms Just about everyone knows that dumping can cause vomiting. But all vomiting is not the result of dumping and all dumping does not cause vomiting. Symptoms of dumping include: · Nausea or queasiness · Profuse sweating · General weakness · Vomiting · Shakiness · Diarrhea · Faintness · Fatigue · Heart palpitations (or increased heart rate) Types of Dumping Doctors divide dumping into two types and the symptoms may vary depending on which type you have: · Early dumping – usually occurs within 15 to 30 minutes following the ingestion of certain foods. Roughly two-thirds of people who experience dumping have early dumping. · Late dumping – usually occurs within one to three hours following the ingestion of certain foods. But it can occur as much as twelve hours after eating. About one-third of people who experience dumping have late dumping. Late dumping is linked with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Success of Gastric Bypass and Dumping There is no scientific evidence that patients who experience dumping are any more or less successful than patients who do not experience dumping. Dumping is not on the long list of factors that make gastric bypass surgery so effective for so many. So if you’re worried that your surgery might fail because you don’t have dumping, it just ain’t so! Fear of Dumping This is a good news, bad news kind of thing. If fear of dumping helps you to make better food choices, it’s a good thing. But if fear of dumping prevents you from eating a healthy number of calories and getting ALL of your protein requirement, it’s a bad thing. Remember the Prime Directive – the bypass surgery is a tool but the gold medal is lifestyle changes. Fear of dumping (or anything else) is not sustainable, it’s not compatible with living and enjoying your life, and it’s not a realistic expectation. Lifestyle changes are about control, not denial. So How Do You Avoid Dumping · Choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains instead of simple carbohydrates like white bread and sugary sweets. · No liquids for 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after eating. Pretty much a standard recommendation for all bypass patients but especially important for avoiding dumping. · Some people may not tolerate dairy products. · Eat smaller meals more often. · Keep a food diary to help you track your reaction to various foods. In addition to helping you avoid dumping, research has repeatedly shown that folks who maintain food logs lose more weight, lose it more quickly, and are more successful at maintaining their ideal weight. · Incorporate high Fiber foods into your diet. Fiber takes longer to digest and extends the time the food takes to move from the pouch into the small intestine. So there you have it. Dumping is not pleasant. But it’s often easy to avoid with dietary changes. Dumping does not always involve vomiting; there are a number of possible symptoms. A significant number of patients never experience dumping. And dumping has nothing to do with long term success or failure of gastric bypass. Stay focused. Stay active. Stay away from the scales. You’re gonna love the new you!!

Caffeine is prohibited. However, the nutriionist told me that if I did drink caffeine then I would need to replace it with double the water. For example: if I have a 4 oz coffee for breakfast then I need to drink 8 oz water to replace it. caffeine is a diuretic and it makes you urinate, therofre, I think they just want to keep u hydarted. As for the sodas? I am on my 5 th week post-op and I haven't had any so I can't answer that question. Hope this helps

I was banded by Dr. Kurt Roberts with Yale Bariatric group in New Haven, CT. Was banded on December 18th, 2008. Have had one fill of 1 1/2 cc's. I really don't have any restriction. I eat about a cup to a cup and a half of food and would love to eat less. I have lost 18lbs, but that was in the first two weeks. NOTHING since. Can anyone tell me what the 'norm' is? I feel like such a loser that I can't even lose a single pound!! I'm beginning to regret this surgery and thinking of gastric bypass. Please help! I will take any type of feedback you are willing to give. Thanks bunches! Brandy

My ps has you wear the binder 24/7 for 2-3 weeks and then switch over to Spanx until you hit the 3 month mark. The Spanx is definitely more comfortable, but the binder cuts down on the swelling for me. I have been switching back and forth. I do wear the Spanx at night because it makes sleeping so much better.

Don't be discouraged. First of all, you're still in the healing phase. Your upper stomach has to heal where the band was attached. There will be some swelling which will go down after a couple weeks. Your surgeon probably didn't put any Fluid in the band or if so maybe only 1 cc or possibly 2. I was banded 1/11/11 and after about 2 1/2 weeks, I suddenly noticed that I didn't feel satisifed after eating what was on my "list of approved foods" for that time period. I freaked out too thinking I had made a huge mistake! the swelling had gone down so I had less restriction. I got a fill on 2/23 but didn't really notice a huge difference except if I ate too fast or swallowed too big of a bite. I'm going in again next Weds but based on my weight loss, they may not do another fill yet. I hope it shows up on the scale. My clothes are so loose but I still like to see a lower number on the scale. I am keeping a food journal because it really makes me accountable and am trying to keep my calories around 1100 and get in 60-70 grams of Protein. I know for myself, I'm going to have to follow a diet to reach my weight loss goals. The band is helping me eat less at each meal BUT I still have to control what I eat. I'm focusing on making good choices of lean Proteins and veggies. I still get head hungry but I do think it's less than the cravings I had before the band. It might be just my imagination or wishful thinking but I do feel like I have more control. Hang in there! Shelley

When my primary 1st suggested WLS he put a notation of all the things that would justify me having WLS in my chart. Sleep apnea (I have used a clap for 13 years), back pain, joint pain, depression, GERD, trouble walking. So when insurance asked he already had all the bases covered. I saw him this week. He was very informative & wants to see me a month after my surgery. Toodles, Rue

Has anyone started soft foods during their puréed week? I’m tolerating puréed great and was wondering if I could advance to some softs. Any suggestions?

lachanga...are you actually keeping track of your caloric intake? Reason I'm asking...you may be eating TOO LITTLE. Yeap eating too little will slow down or stop your weightloss because your body will go into starvation mod. If you're barely eating as you're stating and you're working out three times a week that kind of gives a hint that this may be the problem. Track your food intake on Fitday or Sparkpeople or even just on a piece of paper.....My physician had me on about 800-850 calories a day at about the weeks you're at right now....check with your physician or bariatric center and see what your nutritional intake should be for where you are post-surgery now. Then see if you're getting it all in. I think you'll be amazed at what you find if you're really honest with your food journal. Then at least you'll know if it's too little, too much or if it's truly the amount you're suppose to have then you'll have information to bring to your doc for him/her to help you further and break that plateau. I wish you the best!

I started the log on fitday today. I will start monitoring. I get my second fill in March. My doctor wants me to consume at least 900 calories a day. I will keep the log for a few weeks. I may have to go for another fill sooner than March. Thanks everyone for your replies. I never thought that maybe I was consuming too few calories. That may be it.

I think you should be prepared to be out of work for 2 weeks. It maybe slightly less, but you have to see how you feel. There will be little discomfort after the first few days - actually, most people find beast reduction surgery quite tolerable. The thing to keep in mind is that your body uses a lot of energy to heal the wounds, so even if you don't have pain, you will feel tired for several weeks. Many of my patients with a desk job go back to work after 1 week, but it all depends on your situation and yor recovery. I would advise you to ask for 2 weeks, knowing that you may return sooner. For breast reduction pictures, click here - Breast Reduction | Madison Avenue Plastic Surgery

Well like I said I wasn't really advised on anything.i honestly feel that I got the surgery and was thrown out of there right after. They just have me a paper that said liquids 1-2 week and mushies 3 week and fourth I can start having meals. I actually have been learning a lot from here. Thanks you guys and yes I know it was stupid and I won't be doing that again. Especially when I think of all the pain I went through to get this far. I've already lost 24lbs and I shouldn't be trying to get comfortable! Thanks for the tough love!

Aloha Njgurl! I am still losing. According to my doctor prior to surgery, I should have lost around 100 lbs at 1 year and slowed down after that. My problem was that I started loving my wine a little too much after surgery than I ever did before it. What I discovered is that for every week I had some, I would not lose for almost a month afterwards. The moment I stop for at least a week, I start dropping pounds again. The upside to that has been a slower loss than anticipated resulting in less lose skin for me. The downside is the disappointment I feel when the scale does not budge. The motivation comes in wanting to see movement on that scale. Thus, I return to accountability and following my plan like I am supposed to[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] That is why we are warned against alcohol because even if we still eat less, I find that I am not as mindful of carb intake when it comes to snacks with alcohol. I am still working my way towards at least 185. Like my doctor says, it did not take me a short amount of time putting on the weight so dont expect it all to disappear in a short time even with the surgery. I have heard some great success stories but again, everyone's journey is different, therefore we all lose differently. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app