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My taste for some foods changed and I've read others who voiced similar thoughts. Mostly it's fast foods and some red meats that taste different, not as good. And that's a good thing. W-What part of the country are you from?

Hi Jess, Congratulations, I also had wonderful days after my surgery on April 14th. If you like to cook try making some chicken soup. Use the chicken for the broth then take out the chicken and finish cooking the veggies. Add lots of seasoning like basil and chives a lot of garlic (if you like it) it's very good for you and maybe some Lowery's then do a quick whip in the blender. It's a little thick but I found it really satisfying. Don't forget lots of water and its getting to be ice tea season too. The days will go fast and getting on the scale in the morning really helps that feeling in your stomach because you know there is a good reason for it. Keep up the good work. Blessings, Sally

I just received the call my insurance approved me for sleeve surgery. My pre-op appointment is Monday, December 12th. Everything seems to be happening so fast, I'm experiencing many emotions right now. I've had unexpected changes in the last few days that's adding to my options. People that have been here for the journey up until now may not be there with me for these appointments, surgery, and post life. It's been a long road even though things are moving so quick now. I first applied for my program in September 2015. My surgery will likely late January 2017. I'll know for sure this Monday. Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

Mariduke4 Hi!! I was banded on 3/7 I feel just like you! I have managed to lay on my back in bed at night but finding what side is comfortable sucks!! I pref. sitting in the recliner too! I am still on "clear liquids" and my doctor said that I could also add prot. shakes. I am sooo hungry but I realize its all or at least most of it! Is mental. even right after a shake which leaves me satisifed, I start thinking like the old me... "hummm fast food sounds good" and thats when my mind tells my stomach I'm hungry. Still pretty sore at the left side and down where the port is I have a bruise and its itchy! YUCK! glad I'm not alone! I attempted to drive into work today (an hour and 15 min) TOO SOON!! I think I am going to take another week off. Sitting that long was really uncomfortable. Good luck... WOW I must be in need of company! lol lots of info!!:drool: ~Destynee~

Neversatisfied, I know exactly what you mean about learning those full cues! IF I eat a little too fast, I will definitely exceed that comfort zone quickly. The only way I can pick up on the cues is when I take very small bites and eat very slowly. My first indication is my hunger pains will disappear and I start feeling somewhat satisfied. This is usually a good time for me to set my fork down for a few moments and see what my body wants me to do next. Definitely do not get discouraged, because you have the tool that will help you to be successful! Keep us updated on your progress! Thanks for sharing! Dennis

I'm seeing alot of posts from folks with January surgery dates and I can't help but think about how I was a newbie this time a year ago. I joined this site just shy of a year ago and read lots and lots of posts because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was scared to death of what the future would hold...whether or not I would be able to live successfully as a banded person...and mostly...would this work when nothing else did. A year ago I was morbidly obese, on blood pressure medication for years, and most importantly, in constant pain from arthritis in my knees. I was told by my doctor that I was not a good candidate for knee replacement and after seeing the report of my MRI, I knew I needed a new knee. I was risking not being able to walk and that was so scary that I decided WLS was what I needed to do. Mind you...I didn't want to do this...I needed to do this. So I was not in a great place psychologically but again...I had no choice. Fast forward almost one year and I have lost 100 pounds. It turns out that my hips were worse than my knees and I had to have both of them replaced. I was fortunate enough to have lost the weight fast enough to plan the surgery six months after being banded. I had the surgery in early October and am starting to see the progress. I am dealing now with post op pain and soreness and not the crippling pain that had me bedridden for two weeks before the surgery and on pain meds round the clock. I am walking much better, I can go up and down stairs better, I have more stamina and strength and my future as an able bodied person is right in front of me. I can reach out and touch it and I truly feel reborn. For those of you just starting out, please know that this can be you a year from now. You can post your own success stories and hope to inspire others and I am doing now. Oh....and as an aside, I'm off the BP meds and have seen all the other successes we've all dreamed about. I no longer fear airplane seats, restaurant booths, theater seats (oh how narrow they are in the old theaters in NYC), and chairs with arms. I can sit on the bus or the train and not have to worry about the fear in other people's eyes when they think I'm going to try to squeeze into the seat next to them. No one stares at me anymore. I'm not embarrassed by my cane anymore. I always thought people were judging me...a fat woman with a cane...yeah, look what she did to herself. Now no one thinks that. If anything, they see me as I am. Someone who is likely recuperating from some type of procedure. I know this because unfortunately, people are kinder. They notice and let me pass, or tell me to take my time. Such was not the case a year ago. But...I digress. This post is not about that...there are lots of other posts about society and how the overweight are treated. This post is to let all you scared and unsure folks out there know that you can do this. I have all the confidence in the world in all of you and am looking forward to hearing wonderful things. For those of you struggling...newbies and vets alike, stick with this site. The folks here will help and support you no matter what. Have a great day everyone. I'm off to the Y to do some biking before the snow starts. Bless you all!!

I'm grateful to you as well. Although I was never banded I understand the ups and downs you encountered. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my dad this year as well and I too drank a lot, granted it was before my sleeve but I did gain quite a bit of weight due to the stress of it all. I am just 17 days post op and started solid foods this week. I am not doing as we'll as I thought I would. My life is so rush rush that I know I am eating too fast and I get that awful pain between my shoulder blades. It comes on before I realize I am full. I need to learn to slow down. I have lost 26 lbs so far so I'm happy for that. I can't wait to be a size 8. It's been since high school that I was that size!! Thank you again for sharing your story. It's wonderful to hear about the sleeve veterans experiences. God bless!!!

I feel like I need to share my experience with others, as I wish someone would have shared the same with me years ago. My weight loss started over 20 years ago, never stopped since, culminating with a gastric sleeve in 2017 (SW 360, CW 250, GW<200). After the WLS I've lost about 70 lbs and hit the plateau which lasted a few months. I tried breaking it with intensive gym, calories counting, but no real impact. As a result, I've lost motivation, and over the next 2 years gained about 30 lb back (late night snacks, sugary treats), which was a huge frustration. Having a sleeve - the best WL tool one may ever have - I felt like being a "regain" statistics, not an individual with life and willpower. I still had my "pouch" restriction, but after 30-40 minutes after having a meal I was ready to eat again. It lasted till last November, when I hit 290 lbs. The frustration turned into anger. I spent days to research diets and practices. As a result, I'm back on track, losing rapidly about 3-4 lbs a week, full of energy. Here are my 3 key pillars, which brought me back: 1. Low carb diet. After researching multiple trendy diets, KETO seemed to be the most promising one. But I didn't like the idea to consume lots of fats, and avoid vegetables. I'm an old-fashioned guy. So I adjusted the KETO idea by adding a decent daily portion of green veggies (zucchinis, asparagus, green pepper, kale - those which have nearly no sugars, but lots of fibers), and limited my fats to avocados, brazil nuts, eggs and fatty fish (salmon) - no huge amounts of bacon, butter, cheese and oils. For protein those above also provided enough, plus I have some lean pork, beef or chicken. That type of diet keeps my in permanent ketosis, while I still have a decent amount of fibers and healthy protein. My nutrients are around 50-60% of fats, 25-30% of proteins and 10-15% of carbs. 2. Intermittent fasting (IF), 18:6. It means my eating "window" is 1pm - 7pm, during which I have 3 meals. Personally I believe that low carbs diet and IF are made for each other. Being in ketosis I feel no hunger at all, as my insulin is very low. That makes IF a simple task. Also once a week I do a 42 hours fast by skipping meals on Sundays - right before my weight check on Monday morning! ). IF is also a solution to plateaus. I adjust the fasting time to 12:12 for a few days and do a long fast after (48+ hours) to reset. 3. CICO (calories in, calories out) is the 3rd pillar. Keeping everything written down is not just a good habit, but also makes me feel I control the process better. My daily intake is around 1,100-1,300 calories, which creates a huge weekly calories deficit for weight loss. One may consider it's a bit too low, and I would rather agree. I'll certainly increase my calories after hitting my goal. A few more tips from my experience: - After 40+ gym can't be the only solution. Keeping yourself active (especially with this pandemic) is important for general health, but unless I'm a professional athlete, 1-1.5 hour walk every day (outside or a treadmill) is good enough. - Staying hydrated is a must, healthy weight loss won't work without it. Tracking water was always a pain for me, I was forgetting to do that. Now I have 6 magnets next to my water cooler. Each time I refill my bottle, I move one magnet to the other side, which helps me to see how many refills left. No fuss with writing down, takes a fraction of a second to move the magnet - while keeps me fully informed. Helps a lot! - Supplements!!! Lots of them! Since I'm restricted and have rather a distorted diet, I need to fill the gap of minerals and nutrients. Multivitamins, husk fiber, omega-3, collagen, cumin, ox bile, Vitamin D, electrolytes etc. It's 18 pills per day, in 2 batches! My latest blood work returned perfect results - no deficiencies, and the lowest sugar level I ever had in my life. As a conclusion - no hunger, no frustration, no cravings, energetic, clear mind, active, positive - and still losing weight! I even think that it would be very doable without my WLS, but in fact a restricted stomach makes everything much easier. So much easier, then it feels sometimes I'm actually cheating in this weight-loss game! I do hope someone will find it helpful. I wish I knew that years ago, but better late than never.

Tried going to bed but it got worse when I lay down. Threw up one more time, then it eased up enough to go to sleep (but not completely). This morning I'm fine so far. I just want to know what causes it so I can avoid it in the future. Usually when it happens I know why - food too dry, ate too fast, didn't chew enough - but this was totally out of the blue.

Really evaluate how much and how fast you are eating... but I was too tight for a long time... a slight unfill made all the difference in the world...... .3cc was the difference from only being able to sip soup, and eat food.

My doctor game me a semi-liquid diet to do two weeks before surgery. Basically, it boiled down to slim fast shakes for Breakfast and lunch and then a reasonable dinner. The women's plan restricted calorie intake to 1000, and the guys were given 1200. My doctor wanted his patients to lose weight before the surgery in part to demonstrate they were serious about the procedure, but mostly to shrink the fat around the liver. If your liver is too fatty, the surgery cannot be performed laparoscopically and they might have to cut you open. My doctor told us a story about a guy who lost something like 30 pounds before his surgery, but then splurged the weekend right before his surgery on two big lobsters. Even though he'd lost a lot of weight, the doctor still couldn't perform the procedure laparoscopically because of the fat he had recently consumed and its affect on his liver. So yeah...long answer I guess! I guess it all depends on your doctor.

OMG!!! Last was the 1st bad time I have had with the band, of course it was my fault. I was starving last night and my husband got home late so I waited for him. By the time he got home I was so hungry I measured out my food (spaghetti) and cut it up into small pieces and them I proceeded to wolf it down, I forgot to eat slowly. Anyway it was painful and I have learned my lesson. From now on fork on table after each bite, I might even set a timer so I don't forget and eat to fast. Has anyone had this problem and how did you solve it. Thanks, Cathy:smile: ps: who do you get the counter for your weight loss?

I too have Cigna through my husband's job. They have changed their rules and are allowing the Lap Band procedure, but you will have to wait 6 months going through a series of appoints for psychological testing, diet and nutrition. My beginning weight was 233 pounds, and it was a long wait, but as of today I am 1 week post op! I was advised to start losing weight and I did just that but very slowly. My last appointment when I had my EKG I weighed 218. When I went in to surgery I was down to 212, and at my post op appointment on Wednesday I was down to 209.5. I've lost all in all 23.5 pounds since May. Now I can really start losing the weight without worrying I'm losing it too fast for the Insurance Company. I didn't have to fight with the Insurance Company the Clinic I went through (True Results in Hurst, Texas) did that for me. I wish you luck on your journey!

Sorry, I didn't even get notifications for your responses. Anyways, it was that I was drinking a little too fast and it was causing gas on my chest. I've slowed down and I'm taking my time, and it's much better. Thanks for responding. And ld33, they're not super delicious, but they pack a decent amount of Protein and they're tolerable. I use them to make pudding as well. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sissy - You are too restricted, or drinking too fast, or both. You may also be experiencing esophageal spasms, which is pain on the first bite that subsides after that initial pain. Since you're not eating solids yet I don't think it's spasms, but it could be. Try very warm liquids first thing. Cold drinks are going to make you feel even more restricted, if you're already very tight. Sometimes warm drinks can help relax your restriction a little. But it really sounds to me as though you need to have some fill removed. NO, you are not supposed to be in pain. Honest. And please do not put this off!! A burning sensation could very well be reflux, and that becomes very dangerous very fast. Keep us posted!

Your question really means nothing without knowing the calorie count. Share that info with your NUT for a comprehensive answer. My guess if you stay between 1000 and 1200 cals per day you will lose weight fast.

Hi! I am brand new to this... I had my sleeve surgery on August 4th. I just started having pureed foods yesterday and am wondering about how much I should be able to eat at this point. Also, I think I'm eating too fast...as I get an uncomfortable feeling and some air/burping. Is this all normal? Feeling quite alone in this process.

Wait... You are having surgery right after your wife gives birth? Woah. I don't think I could handle that. You are a brave man. I may do it before or after by a week or two in either direction. My mother-in-law will be coming to visit for a few month for the birth of our child so there is another body to help around the house. I feel I can just suck it up and take it. I typically heal fast from ailments. of course family first. I will follow the judgement of my surgeon.

Sometimes people on the outside can see things you cannot see so clearly. It is obvious from your post you need to not only see your doctor but you need some crisis/psychiatric intervention. Perhaps you need to sort of go through some intensive treatment and advocacy to get adjusted to your sleeve. You are excited to lose weight, you realize you have lost too much too fast, and yet you are so afraid to gain that you will not consume food that your body needs to heal and survive. These are just not rational thoughts in my opinion. You need to realize that to be healthy you need to eat and drink as specified by your doctor. And you are taking a long time to find solutions to your problems!!!. I'm sure there are liquid meds the doctor can give you in place of pills, but meanwhile don't wait too long to GET help. Your doctor is not a psychiatrist though - if you feel like you are struggling emotionally with this adjustment you need to seek help now. I'm sure our surgeon can give you a referral It is tough. I had a hard time too, and people here had to wake me up. But it might not be enough. You have to love yourself enough to really seek out solutions to the physical or emotional problems you are having.

I would also look at the single most important thing. It isn't what you eat , but how long you take to eat it. if that 2 oz of salmon took you less than 1/2 hour to eat then your just eating too fast. Try using a timer or watch take a small bite chew it to death then wait 5 minutes for your next bite.

Definitely stay in communication with your surgeon's office. They should have given you a prescription for nausea, and an anti-emetic. It's very important for you to stay properly hydrated, otherwise the nausea could become a symptom for dehydration. A sore throat following general anesthesia is normal, as you had a tube there during the surgery. You will feel better with every day that passes...but don't risk becoming dehydrated. Let your surgeon know what is happening with you. Best wishes to feel better fast...

As a healthcare provider in rural Alaska, I want to be a good role model of health to all of my patients. After five years of diet failures to the point of self induced kidney stones, I finally decided it was time to have lap band surgery. I researched for several months, and decided to go with Dr. Trace Curry and Journey Lite. I am extremely pleased with Dr. Curry and the Journey Lite Staff in Ohio. They are so worth a 13 hour flight! Dr Curry and many of his staff members are banded, which to me is awesome because they were able to describe how I might feel after surgery as well as in the weeks post op. I have to admit, I am a nervous patient! A little medical knowledge is just enough to freak me out! Nurse Kathy had just been banded a week before me, and I think it was awesome of her to tell me not to think I am having a heart attack if I wake up with left chest and shoulder pain. I was a fast track patient coming from Alaska, so I had my psyche eval, nutrutuion class and meeting with Dr. Curry the day before my surgery. I have to say it was absolutely awesome. It went very smooth. Everyone was very nice, kind and efficient. After my nutrition class I felt very prepared for the post op experience. I never heard the term PB'in before, and I promise I will try to avoid that at all costs! The next morning my husband brought me in to JourneyLite. I absolutely loved all the nurses, and the nurse anesthetist Mikey. Mikey made sure my IV was good, I am a hard stick, and he assured me I would not wake up in the middle of the procedure. I was nervous and he gave me a shot of versed. All I remember after that was talking to them about working in a rural clininc in Alaska. The last thing Mikey said to me was good night Kristen.. see you in recovery! It felt like I was asleep for like five minutes. This is how awesome Dr. Curry is.. I had an ugly hole next to my belly button, from a belly ring I had in my youth pre fat days, and he closed it up for me!! I am so happy about that! When I woke up in recovery I had no abdominal pain. All my discomfort was in my left shoulder and chest. I am so glad Kathy warned me about that, because I would have been worried about it I had not known that ahead of time. I only remember bits and pieces of the recovery room. I remember my hubby helping me get dressed. I don't remember going to the car!! Gotta love anesthesia! I did really good drinking my fluids that day, and getting up every two hours. As an incentive to get me out of the hotel and walking, my hubby told me he found a Vera Bradley store. He knows how much I love Vera Bradley bags, and we have no stores in the Alaskan bush where we live! So there we are five hours after surgery picking out habdbags. I have to say that walking really does help with the left shoulder pain!! Well that's my lap band story!! If you are considering it.. do it!! It's not scary at all!

I know its nuts to complain about having an easy recovery but I'm about 3 weeks out and I'm starting to feel like my normal self. I can tolerate a lot of different foods (although it still takes a while to chew it all up to mush). I can chug my water, take my pills and vitamins without any issue. I'm scared that I'm going to just go back to my normal self. Everyday I feel like I can eat a little more. I am tracking everything with the bariastic app and haven't eaten more than 500-600 cals a day and I am hitting my protein goals. But I already hit a stall as soon as I went off liquids. I lost 22 lbs from feb 2 until last Saturday and then nothing since. Am I just being impatient or irrational? I feel like I should back pedal and go back to protein shakes. I have a surgery twin (same doctor) who was experiencing some issues and is still on the liquid stage and she is losing more than me (I know I shouldn't compare but its hards not to...) I just have this fear that this is not going to work. It was biggest fear before I got the surgery. I hope I break this stall soon... Thanks for "listening" to my rant. Im just frustrated about being frustrated this early on...

The closest I got was during the liquid to soft food phase (I was a chicken for progressing). I had the liquid from chicken coconut Soup and was fine with the portion I ate but then drank sone Water to wash the flavor out and it must have pushed it through sleevie too fast or it was too early aftet surgery to eat because I got really clammy, nauseated and then pooped. Not runny but still. Since then, I took it slow and have not had any issues. I had a brownie bite about 1" x1" with no problems so it can just b e a time issue.

I completely, totally and 100% get where you are coming from. I don't think I have any really great advice to give except to tell you that you are not alone. We just have to be super patient this time, and give our stomachs time to heal. We are going to have to try new things and if our tummies don't like it, we'll just have to try again another time. I personally find potatoes are a little rougher than your usual other new things. They do make me feel very full and fast. In fact, the first time I tried them post op I remember feeling nauseous for the first time since being in the hospital. I had to take a nap for about an hour and once I awoke I felt much better, went back into the kitchen and just drank some unjury chicken Soup. I felt ok, and was able to get some Protein in. I actually did not get my requirement of protein today. Not good! I'll need to make sure I do that tomorrow. You are doing very well, just need to be a little more forgiving to yourself. Your stomach is in control now, and not your brain. It used to be the other way around. *wink* Hang in there!!