POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Are u going to start a new weightloss challenge for valentimes day?

I am 23 days post op and wondered if anyone else has experienced what i did over the holidays. Since comng home from surgery I haven't had any complications. I have been able to drink and eat jello and pudding with no problems. In week 2, I did start feeling weak but for the most part I could just rest for awhile and keep on going. That ALL changed Christmas Eve day. I began throwing up continuously - to the point of dry heaves. I was admitted to the hospital on Christmas Day and just released yesterday (Tuesday). I had a scan done and the tummy looked great. Has anyone else been this far out and experienced nausea to this degree?

First of all I want to take time to wish everyone out there in band land the wonderfulest of Holidays! Hopefully everyone out there has their holiday shopping finished up and is starting to enjoy the holidays. I finished up my shopping earlier this week and have all of my 4 kids, my hubby, my mom and dad, and in-laws presents under the tree. Second of all, here comes the news I just had to share. I went to the store this morning to find me a pair of jeans and a shirt to wear to our Christmas Eve dinner with the family. I (as usual) was dreading the trip to plus size clothing. They never have the cute trendy cloths like the smaller sizes and it always has depressed …

I just wanted to let those of you who are losing their hair know that it does eventually stop. I began losing my hair by the hand fulls about 4 months post-op. I am now just over 8 months post-op and the hair loss has finally stopped and I am beginning to notice new hair growth. So don't panic, it's only temporary.

Ok, my last thread was about the pains I was going through with my fill making my band too tight. Cause I was PBing, and Sliming, and throwing everything I ate back up. Anyway, I went in and got an unfill and now I have gained 4lbs. I only eat 1/4 - 1/2 of food with each meal--- so I'm not overdoing it. I just don't understand why have gained so much. The Dr. only removed .3 cc's and I don't need anything added back. I feel this may be good amount of Fluid for me but why am I gaining????

To anyone who has had excess skin removed. How long did it take you to get to the point to where you knew it was time to have the extra skin removed? I am 1 year and 4 months out and I have realized that I am going to have to have this extra skin removed. I have the hi bye arms, and the extra skin on my belly. I don't like it a bit and it is very embarrassing.

I had my 2nd fill 11/17/09 and since than I have not lost wieght, but lost inches. 3rd fill scheduled for 01/26/10:huh2:

How many of you have had xrays or Upper GIs to check your band placement? When and why were the xrays or upper GIs done? I'm going in for my post op this Wed and I forgot to ask if they'd be taking an xray or not. Should I be worried if my doctor doesn't do one? Banded 12/17/09 http://tickers.tickerfactory.com/ezt/t/wS8R8GP/weight.png

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/bmi_tbl.pdf For reference

I have enjoyed reading all of your stories and anecdotes. Thank you, I gain more confidence the more I read here. I have an embarrassing question, yet one I need to seriously consider when deciding if/when to be banded. So... the question for all of you so much more knowledgeable than me... How long after banding would you have been comfortable lecturing in front of a room full of people for 4 hours without having to run to a bathroom? I need to do this 4 or 5 days a week and I am quite nervous that I won't be able to for a month or more.

I had my surgery on 12/9/09 and since then I have lost a total of 24 pounds in three weeks. Problem is that when I came out of the hospital I caught a very bad cold. On the 24th I saw the doctor and she put him on an accelerated dosage of prendisone because of my asthma. My blood sugar is now 395 + because of the medicine. I am now having muscle spasms in my back. Someone told me that muscle spasms could be lack of nutrition/protein. Any views?:bored0:

I was sleeved on Dec 24. Home on the 25th. Feeling okay. Not quite as well as I thought I would be doing. My surgeon had me on Clear liquids Fri - Sun and to start full liquids Mon. (today) They seems to want me to take in alot of Protein drinks, which make me gag. I tried some strawberry spirutein this afternoon (2 oz) and now I am freaking out about the seeds in it. That it will hurt my incision line. I am so nervous to eat anything, but I cannot believe how hungry I am. What should I be eating? My dietitian says 3 days clear liquid, 2.5 weeks full liquids, then I will meet with her again and move to pureed. Just wondering what your post op diet was? Thank you…

Hey fellow bandsters, I was banded this morning at 7:30am. I was very nervous but after having it done, I am so glad that I did. I was super droggy when they first woke me up in the recovery room. I also was tired for most of the day. Around 5:30 I was able to get going and walked twice for about 20 minutes each. I plan on walking 20 more minutes before bed tonight. If you are considering having a lap band do it! It is not bad at all. I do have some pain when I am attempting to stand up or sit down. But, once I am up or down, I am good to go. I took some hydrocodone today to help with pain around my incisions. I have been drinking protein drinks and water all day as wel…

The gas pains are HORRIBLE & I can't BURP... MAYBE once a day... if even. ='( I am still on pain meds because my back hurts so, so bad. Anyone else ever have this problem???? What do I do? I am following my doctor's diet to a T. Someone please help before I EXPLODE!

OK...this is the deal....i just got banded on 12/17/09 and I am doing fine except for the pain that I am having around the top portion of my incision where the port is...the pain is located just below my left breast right under my rid cage....it only hurts when I sit/lay down...I can really pinpoint the location with my finger....WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON????? I thought it was gas but I know the feeling of gas and this is not it...HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED THIS FEELING????

Okay, I haven't had pop (soda) since February 2009. I asked my surgeon about it at my last appt in November because of all the differences of opinion here. He said it was okay to have once in a while just let it sit a little to get the bubbles out. He said the biggest problem was that I wouldn't be able to burp if I needed to. Well, I had some diet ginger ale on Christmas Eve with no problem. I just slowly sipped at it and didn't have very much. Then last night we had company and I thought I'd treat myself again and I think I got busy and wasn't paying attention and drank too much too fast. Later I got a nauseated feeling that I haven't had since the day of my surg…

Hi all! Starting my second week post op and have been with a headache for about 5 days now. Anyone had the same issue? Note that I am diabetic and have high bp.

Today I had a symptom I have never had before, and though I am fine now and think I know what the problem was, I wanted to 1) share my story and 2) see if anyone else has had this and what they do to prevent it. Today, after two weeks of not doing any exercise (due to final exams plus the Christmas frenzy), I decided I really needed to get back to the gym. When I got there, they had a "draw" that I entered and I ended up winning a free personal training session. I thought to myself "I'm here, my as well do it now" so instead of booking something for the future, I got my trainer right away. After a bit of a chat to determine what I wanted out of my exercise routine, the …

Went in today I was reluctant to get a fill but my doc beeing such a smooth talker got me to agree on a small fill, he wanted to give me 3 cc's in my 10cc band but i talked him down to 2.4cc's. I had it done via flouroscopy. Drank a tiny sip of the barium everything was going down just fine. He poked me one time and bullseye got it where it needed to go (No digging around thank god)they stood me up had me swallow some more barium took some pictures and voila that was it. I love my doc...

when does next one start

Found this in OH forum, hope they don't mind me sharing it here, but it is such a great explanation for why we all go through the inevitable stalls! I take great comfort in knowing this information, so that I don't blame stalls on what I am eating or not doing etc. This explanation is courtesy of Diana Cox. A "stall" at this point is inevitable, and here is why. Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, yo…

Do u eat before or after u workout?

I added protein n fiber 2 my diet 2day n oh boy the gas blew me away. I didnt even have this much gas after surgery. Is this normal? share ur experience with me

I know there is a ps forum, but there seems to be no traffic down there. If I wanted to find out if my insurance covers removing the skin from my belly, what do I ask? Is there a technical term? What do I ask?

Hi. I was banded 12/8/9. I ate a single dorito chewed to creamy apple sauce consistency 2 days post op. I ate some tuna last night, a few bites chewed WELL, pickles (sliced, chewed well), and about 14 doritos tonight.... mind you I am chewing like a pro. I am still supposed to be on the full liquid diet and I am following it, ok.... but i am surviving off potato soup, special k protein shakes, ice cream, and popsicles.... i got the band so i could reduce my portion sizes and train myself SLOWLY to be a healthy eater, yet still enjoy my faves.... i just need some advice. I fear band slippage. I also feel little restriction and can eat ALOT.... so yeah... HELP!!!

Hi bandsters! As of right now im on stage 2 diet .. which consists of mostly Soup,applesauce and yogurt(which after this i never EVER ever wanna eat soup ever again) But I think all is going well .. i have lost 10 lbs since the surgery (in total i have lost 90 since july) But i have some questions that hopefully you guys can answer. #1: Im craving salt like no tomarrow, is this normal? #2 Since it is December its very cold out and i noticed that when i go out side for walks i feel my little stomach cramping up, did you guys get that feeling too? #3 How easy is it to stretch out your little lapband stomach? #4 Is drinking almond milk okay? #5 When i went in for the s…

as of christmas eve day i have had nausea that is making me wonder if this was the right thing to do! no vomiting, but even the thought of food makes me wince! i have been so so thirsty and even water makes me nauseous! i had my dad pick up some gatorade today and that, so far, has gone down with no issues. i have some left over nausea meds from surgery and that helps a little, but im really worried about staying hydrated! not so much about being able to eat, just staying hydrated! i plan on calling the doc monday morning but just thought id check in here and see if anyone has an idea whats going on!

I had surgery 12/17. The next day I was up 2 lb's. I am faithfully following the liquid diet. Finally today I have lost 5lb's, including the 2 I gained. Can someone tell me why I gained initially? How long before I start losing?

So - I had my band on August 10th. I've been very good about only eating soup and protein. I have noticed though that I can eat more than 1/2 a cup at a time before I feel "satisfied" - is that normal? If I didn't have the scars on my stomach I would think I had never been banded - not that i've tried to scarf down a cheeseburger or anything but I feel the way I did before. I'm losing weight - 18lbs so far but it is just strange - or maybe I am just crazy :-) VERY POSSIBLE!!!:thumbup:

Hi there bandsters? Just wondering how you felt/feel 2 weeks after surgery? I am looking for both physically and hunger wise...and where were you on the stages of diet? Were you still in pain, or tired, etc? Thanks for sharing your 2 week out stories! :thumbup:

Here's a funny post listing the top ten things they never told you about VSG: Top ten things they don't tell you about WLS - Shrinking Pamelalala

Being a "pre-sleever" I had a concern. I am 32 years old and have had reoccuring UTI/Kidney Infections since I was about 7 years old. I have read about UTI's after gastric sleeve. I did speak to my PCP and he said because of the rapid weight loss and toxins completely leaving your system anyone is at more risk for UTI's. Once my weight is stable it should subside if there is a problem. I was wondering if anyone experienced this problem? I know hydration is the key but has anyone used supplements like cranberry tablets? Thanks for your feedback!:biggrin0:

Its been about 6 weeks post op but I would like to hear from others how they are dealing with the emotions of eating. I'm sure there are others like me who eat through their emotions. Lonely, bored or childhood issues for example. I've been to a coulple of psycologists but their approach wasen't helping me to address my feelings. It may be that I don't have a significant other and feel that I can't talk on a dep level with family since we are not close that way. What type of therpist would people suggest? All responses welcomed:thumbup:

Hi ya'll - I need your words of wisdom please... I was banded on October 1st and from then until November 17th, I lost a whopping 25 lbs! I got my first fill on that date (Nov 17th) and since then have lost NOTHING! Not even a half pound! I haven't gained either, which is great, but NO weight loss?! Seriously?! It's been 5 wks with no loss. Is this normal?! I'm feeling a little frustrated and have been so careful about what I eat - hardly any carbs (only oatmeal in the morning) and the rest is Protein and veggies. Any ideas? Is this the way it's going to be? I'm kind of panicking... I blog my journey too, if you want to follow along: Following my Dre…

I will be 2 weeks post op this wednesday. For the past two days I have been able to eat a small piece of catfish (chopped up, baked, chewed 30+ times) and then today I ate some chicken (baked, chopped up again, chewed 30+ times) I feel soooo incredibly guilty because I am not supposed to start foods like that until around 5 weeks postop. I am so scared I have stretched out my pouch or made my band slip by jumping to this phase so quickly. I have yet to feel nausious...i stop when I am full, and Ive been measuring out about 4-6 ounces like I am supposed to. So my question is.....how do you know if youve stretched your pouch or your band has slipped? do you have to feel…

I am up in my hospital room recovering. Typing on my iTouch is difficult with all my attachments, so sorry for the typos in advance. I am having adominal pain. They gave me a morphin pump! Yeah! LOL the staff is awesome. They making sure I am comfortable! I am so excited about starting my new life! Back to sleep!

Well all I'm back after a long time not posting. I'm not doing very well, I've gain 25 to 30 lbs back and just had to have surgery on my left knee. I'm still down 125lbs but I havent been doing what it takes to make me lose weight. This is my new start and confessions. Right now I dont really have any restriction and I wont have a fill until Jan. 8. I have had a salad in many months, stopped drinking water, havent had chicken in I dont know how long. I havent had any kind of good eatting routine. Today is my new day and I am going to start coming back to this site again for support. I'm proud of my progress I've made in the last 1 1/2 but its time to get the rest …

I am almost two weeks out and my nutritionist said I could enter the mushy food stage!!! She said I could eat small curd cottage cheese, puddings,blended Soups and smooth meat. What is considered smooth meat? I bought bologna but it is so high in fat and sodium that I don't think that is what she meant. Any ideas......?

Hello everyone! I have the vertical sleeve procedure on 12/16/09. My surgery was a breeze. No complications. Discharged in under 36 hours. I am now in my pureed phase of the post-op diet which is going just ok. The problem that I'm having is that I have absolutely NO desire to eat or drink. I have tried everything. I've watched the Food Network for a week which normally I would eat myself out of house and home, and still nothing. When I do force myself to eat, everything tastes fine. I get excited when I get to introduce new foods until it comes down to the act of eating. Has anyone experienced this? I'm trying to figure out if I am truly not hungry or if I'm p…

I just had my last adjustment on my band last week. It is the last because it is impossible to adjust anymore. I am having trouble with the the constant saliva build up in my mouth. I've had this for a while I really don't think is because of my last adjustment. Is pretty emberrasing eating in front of other people. Every time I take a bite I feel the build up and I have to run to the bathroom. How do you control it? Help

Just curious if anyones allergies or asthma improved with weight loss? I'm not expecting it but it would be a added bonus!

PBing or vomiting several times a week OR eating a little too much/fast and getting stuck once a day Which is worse in terms of risk for band complications?

Went 2 the doctor 2day n I found out that I wasnt eating right. I also found out the hurting feeling n my chest was restriction n thats when I was suppose 2 stop eating. hopefully now that I know better I will do better n the weight will come off...

I have acid reflux. Can anyone tell me if the sleeve improves it or makes it worse? I've heard both, so just wanted to see if anyone who has had the sleeve had acid reflux and what their experience has been after surgery.

I was banded on the 17th of Dec.I lost 16 pounds on the liquid diet. But now that I am able to eat soft foods I have gained a 1 1/2 in two days. I am getting nervous. I get hungry but I am sticking to the three meals a day one of them being my protien shake. Once I eat I am full which is a blessing. Any words of advice?

I am 17 days post op. I have been allowed to move on to meatloaf, egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, etc. type of diet. Tonight for dinner I had some chicken salad and decided to try 1/2 a wheat roll with it. CHEWED til it was mush but about 10 minutes after I have been coughing profusely - the point that I am gagging. I cannot stop coughing. It's almost like a choking coughing. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this from the food? Is something going on? I have had a flare up of my asthma ever since surgery, I believe the anesthesia exacerbated dormant symptoms and at night I do cough profusely and have been taking Nyquil but have not had a coughing reaction such as…

I had my three month check in today with Dr. Pomp. I have lost 97 pounds, gone down 14 points on the bmi scale, lost 12" around my waist gone from a tight 4x shirt to a 2x shirt. All of my blood work was normal and I feel fantastic. I got my sleeve as the first part of a two stage DS. I am hoping that the sleeve is the only surgery that i will need. My only regret is that I did not do it sooner!

I had my first 3 cc fill on 12/1/09 and my second 3 cc fill on 12/15/09. They did a third fill of 2 cc on 12/23/09. Since then I've been able to eat the odd cookie and Soups, even oven roasted carrots...but no Protein of any sort. eggs cooked in any fashion, chicken or meat...even pureed...it all got stuck. Definitely no bread, not even toasted and no salads. So I've pretty much stuck (no pun intended) to liquids up until today when they removed 1 cc at my request. Afterwards, for lunch, I ate 1/4 of a grilled Jarlsberg cheese sandwich and 1/2 cup of homemade clam chowder and it all went down without pain, I felt full and content and stayed that way for the next 4…

Does anyone know why we should have liquids after a fill. I am on my 7th fill (Let's hope this time is the sweet spot) and just found out I am supposed to be drinking liquids only for 2 days. Why is this?

I wondered how many fills it took people to reach a point where much less food kept them full for hours. I have had two fills and at first I was able to eat small amounts and stay full for hours. But both times after about two weeks I am getting really hungry again. Going back in a few days for my third fill.