POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I am really missing veggies. I am in the soft food phase and have eaten refried beans and cheddar for lunch and baked fish for dinner. This is only my 2nd day in this phase. I am trying not to eat more than 3 ozs at each meal. How in the world am I suppose to get me veggies in? I am afraid to overeat. My surgeon's advice is to eat protein first and then move on to the sides. I am not hungry for the sides. HELP..any advice is welcome.

I've been at a plateau only losing about 1/2 pound every two weeks. For awhile, I haven't felt like I had much restriction. I made an appointment to discuss a fill for 6/1, but the doctor had to wax his surfboard in Maui, so it got put off till 6/29. Suddenly I have started to lose again, and I feel like I again have a good amount of restriction. I guess, I'll just go the visit, enjoy the praise and take their recommendation. My Goal, which is now about 10 pounds away is a preliminary goal, where I remember looking good. Once I get there, I may decide to set a new goal that would be a BMI of 24, which is the top end of healthy. Anyone else got a fill close to goal?

Okay Im a week out from getting banded and recently I have been experiencing these major freaking mood swings, I swear I want to rip some ones head off and yesterday i nearly did. I didnt and I calmed myself down, it begins later in the evening like around dinner time is what im noticing and I have learned that when it comes I need to get away from people and go take a nap or something. Concentrating on anything to indepth is beyond me right now too, could it be cabin fever with all this new found energy or hormonal??? :tt1: :w00t:

Okay, maybe it's me. Maybe I'm CRAZY, but I keep having the same reaction to fills. Here goes.... 1st fill - 3cc's - I had very little restriction. After a week, I had absolutely NO restriction. I called my doctor and had to wait a month to go see him. When I got there, he checked and I only had 1cc left in my band. I asked where the other 2 went. He told me that there was air in my band and it dissolved some of the saline. WHAT??? I had never heard of this! He added some saline which leads to my..... 2nd fill - I was up to 5cc's. I had pretty good restriction. Then about a week later, I could feel it loosening. Then, NO RESTRICTION AGAIN!!! Once again, I waited for …

I am hoping - fingers crossed - to get banded in July. Very excited at the prospect of having the lap band - but - I am originally from New Orleans and LOVE spicy foods. Have you all had to give them up completely? Has anyone been able to tolerate "heat"? Thanks in advance for your responses!

I was banded on 5/28/09 and have lost 12 pounds since surgery. 10 pounds of that was after the first week and this week I've only lost 2 pounds. I'm still on liquids for 3 more weeks and then can move on to soft foods. I do have a hard time getting all my Water in for the day and can sometimes only get in one Protein shake. I just want to know if a slowed weight loss is normal at this stage? I feel like I should be losing more, but maybe I'm expecting too much? Any insight and/or tips would be greatly appreciated since I'm so new to this! :ihih: Thanks!

I had a fill 3 weeks ago and now I vomit almost daily and 2 days ago after another episode of vomiting I could feel my port and it is sore and the area is swollen, has anyone here had similiar problems?

Hi All, This question is for those who had surgery outside the US and had to fly home within 2-3 days post-op. Any complications? I already don't fly well, I usually get really airsick if I don't take any meds. I do okay if I use the Transderm SCOP patch, but I have moderate asthma, so it can over dry me and cause breathing problems. If I don't use the Transderm, I use 50-75 mg of Diphendyramine (Bendadryl). This dries me out too, but it has a much shorter half-life. I'm hoping to have the flight home be uneventful, but I'd like to hear stories from others who have done this. ANY information will be helpful. Thank you!

I've heard a lot of sleevers complaining about the gas pains post op. I am an RN and worked post-op for many years. One of the best remedies I have come across was warm lemon juice. It works every time! A very small amount drank slowly would relieve the gas within minutes. Just wondering if this is "legal" clear liquid for immediately post-op with the sleeve?

I hope someone of you can give me your opinion. Last Thursday, I had a fill of .3 in my 10 cc band, for a total of 7.3. I was fine until Monday. I had a salad and a few tablespoons of spaghetti sauce. This has made me PB before but I thought it was a one time thing. I started PBing that afternoon and I am still having a problem keeping things down. Everytime I have PB'd before I could feel the inflamation in my esophogus. That is just what I feel now. Do you think I need an unfill? I keep thinking it is due to the inflamation, but it has been 48 hours now. I started taking Nexium last night. That is what I was told to do last time this happened. Has this happened to anyon…

I had a fill two weeks ago that took me to 7 cc. I have lost 10 lbs. However I am constantly spitting up. I have been blaming myself because I eat too much. I just tried to eat a teaspoon of cantalope and it caused esophogeal spasms. I constantly am spitting up foam. My doc said "You gripe if you eat too much, you gripe if you can't eat enough. Can you swallow?" I said yes and he said I would be fine. I don't want to cause other problems by spitting up all the time. Any suggestions? I'm ready to go have some taken out. This is a pain.

I had my first fill today! The doc wasn't sure if he could do it without an x-ray, but luckily he was able to just stick the needle in and hit my port! I asked him how much he put in, and he said 2cc's. Is this a normal fill level for your first fill? I'm on liquids today, but can eat regular food tomorrow, so hopefully I'll get some restriction tomorrow! Just curious to see what the average first fill was for everyone!

I got my band one week ago today and am having problems digesting the whey protein. I called my doctor's office and they suggested trying a soy protein or nectar, saying that some people do have problems with whey protein. I have some of the nectar and it says whey protein on it, so that confused me a bit. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for a good soy protein? Any help would be appreciated, thanks!!!

I had my surgery on 5/7/09. My first fill was on 6/2/09. Down 33lbs., but I have been at a standstill on the scale (No loss or gain) for a week. Yesterday I started having trouble eating. I ate about 1/2 of a chicken patty from a chicken biscuit (I threw out the biscuit) and had trouble keeping it down. Today friends at work asked me to go out for lunch- mexican-I only had enough meat to fill one tortilla and I didn't think I would make it getting my meal paid before I got sick. I had to sit in my truck 10mins hurting and then spit up (I guess what everyones calling sliming) after that it did get better. This evening I ate a small can of chicken salad spread cause I knew …

Hello everyone! I am new to this. I just got banded 6/4/09. Everything went well. Incisions healing great, however I have constant burping, and the pain from this gas is a killer. Is this normal? It does not matter what I eat(full liquids) or drink..even water. I hope this passes cause this is so painful!:ihih:

Ok all - I officially am having trouble flying. Whenever I fly now, it takes me at least four days to recover. I was fine, just landed in Chicago this morning, and now I can barely eat anything.. I mean... like 2-3oz of tuna filled me up and got stuck at lunch today. Not sure if it affects some more than others obviously. Not sure what to do. I guess I will go on liquids until it loosens back up?.?.?.? Anybody else like this?

Hi was banded on june 4th , have feel a little discomfort but nothing to really complain about. My doctor told me today i could start with yogurt and creamy soups, also a little of smashed potatoes any ideas of other options in this stage thanks.

I was banded on May 1st and hit my first plateau on May 11th. I was sssssooooooo disappointed. But the good news is, after three weeks of a plateau, I finally started losing again. I lost 6 lbs last week. I read on another post that you should concentrate on your Water and Protein and boy did it make a difference. I was very sincere about documenting my food and water intake making sure to get between 60 and 80 grams of protein everyday. I noticed that I was eating more calories by watching the protein but the weight just flew right off. That's my new plan, FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS on protein and water. To date I have lost 18.5 lbs and can't wait to weight again soon.…

I was wondering if anybody has tried going back on liquids after surgery ...like 4 months out or so ....to jump start things.....just wondering what extent you took it to...and how it worked???

So I had this weird hiccup and then chest pain in the center of my chest. I hadn't eaten in hours, so it wasn't food. No I keep getting nausious for like 3-4 minutes then it goes away for 3-4 minutes and comes back, Over and over. I haven't vomited, but I feel like I have to. I called my surgeons office and they don't answer and don't return the phone call cause there unorganized. I am in the process of getting in to see a new WLS for follow up and when I called that office they said they can't direct me over the phone what to do because I haven't been seen by them yet. Any suggestions?

Does anyone like to drink like I do? I enjoy red wine throughoughly and often and I am getting banded next week. How does moderate drinking effect you when banded? Anyone know from experience?

Hi everyone! I was banded on 5/21/09 and I'll be starting solid food next week. I've been reading a lot about how many people cannot tolerate bread, chicken, steak, etc. I was wondering if there's any people out there who have had the band for a while and don't have any problems with those foods???

Can anyone recommend a good skin firming lotion? Someone told me I should get something with collagen in it to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Any advice?

I never thought I'd be so happy to be. . .OVERWEIGHT! However, as of this morning, my BMI finally hit 29.7, so I'm officially out of the "Obese" category and am now at the high end of overweight. Honestly, who knew that being "overweight" would feel so good?! :thumbup: Catherine

Hi everyone. I had my lap band procedure last Thursday (6-4) and having some pain and soreness that I thought would be long gone by now. I have 6 entry sites and to the left of my belly button is an incision that is approx. 2.5" to 3". It is extremely sore and feels "strange" when I walk or sit. I'm assuming this is my port site? Am I correct? I'd really like to talk with you all about this and hear it from someone who has actually had the surgery. I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. TeacherTracy

Just had to share...that I'm stoked! I have lost 10kgs (22lbs) in 4 weeks! Had my first fill today so hopefully I'll keep losing...I had 4cc's put in and now on fluids again for 3 days...I really just can't believe it :grouphug: Is there anything I should expect to happen after you've just had your first fill done?

I had my first sliming and PB episode yesterday with chicken breast. I guess it was to dry or I ate to much. YUCK!!!!

Can anyone drink tea or coffee? Thanks!

I'm getting banded on June 19th :thumbup: and ever since I decided to have the lap band when I was 18.. about 20 months ago I have always said that I would have it removed after a few years because of risks of complications in the future. But after seeing my surgeon and going through all these tests and appointments and learning more I kind of think I'll keep it on. The main reasons I want it off is simply because I'm very paranoid that after a while it could slip or I'd have erosion. Also, I'm only 20 years old and I want to have kids in a couple of years and I just don't know how well that would work out if I still had the band on. So is there anyone else out ther…

2 weeks post ops and my team says I am doing great. Starting weight shortly before surgery was 293 and I am now at 277.... 16 lbs so far. My incisions have all healed, I have had no gas pains, nausea or any of the other uncomfortable complications I have read about here. Stayed on full liquids day 2-10 and still incorporate a lot of full liquids such as yogurt, cream of wheat and protein water into my daily diet. In fact you could say I am on full liquids all day, eating whatever else will go down comfortably for dinner, keeping an eye on my own personal nutritional goals. I was doing this for awhile before surgery anyways, and has now bwcome habit. I worry about progres…

can anyone recommend a Vitamin that will not get stuck. They are so big. i was banded on 2/23 and am having a hard time keeping Vitamins down. They get stuck and make me vomit yellow saliva.. Also, I can't get the required 60 to 80 grams of Protein in a day with food alone and am so sick of Protein shakes.. does anyone know if they make a pill or vitamin form of protein? I know this is why i probably feel tired all the time, I keep trying but I can not eat that many grams of protein per day. :thumbup:

Anyone using this site? If so what do you think?

I'm trying to work on mine right now and I feel so frustrated because I have been having a problem staying on track. I thought to myself that I had all the time in the world to lose 28 pounds (10% of my body weight) since I couldn't submit my claim for six months. I lose weight and then slip and gain it. NOw I'm only one month from it and haven't lost near what I should. I would have to lose five pounds a week at this point to hit my mark. I am doing Weight Watchers which I love but its not a fast wl program. What would you all suggest? Take my time and just do it slower at 1-2 pounds a week or do something a little more drastic to hit my mark quicker? Once I …

I was banded 9/08. Lost 40 pounds in 4 months. Have stayed the same with maybe a 1 to 2 pound swing either way. I swear I am self-sabatoging. People started saying they could tell I was losing, had to buy new clothes, could bend over easier, etc. You would think that would all be motivators. Not for me! It's like, OMG, I am losing weight, now time to eat cookies. What the heck is wrong with me? I really am beginning to think that somewhere deep in me there is this sick thought process that says I am not worth being a normal weight. It sounds stupid even typing this but it is not a joke to me. Since I have not lost any weight in months, I am finding myself think…

Hello, I am a bit confused/concerned because out of nowhere I suddenly have become restricted again. I haven't had a fill since Easter and was happy with the pace of weight loss and amount of restriction until two weeks ago when things started to get stuck again. Is it true that stress can make the band tight? What are the signs that this is something to be concerend about? Thank you!

So I went today for my 2 week post-op appt. and have lost 11 lbs.! I know it's not as much as some, but I am so ready for this journey - makes me want to do a jig! Everything is going good so far. I'm going to start on treadmill tomorrow. All I can think about right now is - 89 lbs to go instead of 100!

Has this happened to anyone else? The surgeon and his staff seem to think it wasn't that big of a deal and even that it was common. My Doctor's nurse said it is a self healing injury, and that sometimes weird things like that just happen. Has anyone had an experience like this? Thanks!

I was banded back on 10/13/08 and my recovery was very smooth. I'm down a total of 45 pounds from my highest, but only about 33 since surgery. Everyone says that once you reach restriction, it is a whole different world and many find themselves losing weight more easily. Ummm....well why isn't this happening for ME!! I faithfully went every 4 weeks for small fills until I felt good restriction. I've had one small .3 cc unfill because I was a little too tight. So why o why am I still at the same friggen fraggin weight? I don't eat that much and have fairly good daily activity. I wasn't too pleased that it took me about 7 months to finally get restriction, but I kept th…

So I was banded May 15th and have finally made it through the liquid/mushie phases. Today was day 1 of weighing my food and actually getting to chew! Very excited! I went to the grocery store last night in prepartion and managed to get some stuff that I thought fit my guidelines. I think I will be great with string cheese and deli turkey for awhile, but after the first week or two I know I will be bored to tears! So my question is this; what are some good items to eat in the weeks following surgery and pre fill? I am at a loss and need some suggestions for what worked for everyone! Thanks!

Hi everyone! I was banded on the 26th and have a few questions....I am on the full-liquid diet the first 2 weeks and I am starving today and yesterday. I am living off of cream of tomato and cream of mushroom soup, cream of wheat and carnation instant breakfast. I am always light-headed and dizzy - does anyone have any "filling" suggestions? I am so hungry. Also, when I am on regular food, will flour tortillas cause the same effect that bread/dough does? I love mexican food and I really am sad if I have to give it up. I heard pizza dough is a definite no-no also. What things do each of you have to stay completely away from (on a reg diet)? Just so I have a heads up…

I have totally fallen off the wagon, I have gained over 10 lbs and can eat more than I should. I am not hungry nor full but I eat anyways. I think I am addicted to food and not in the good way. Anyone else have this happen? Help please!

I was banded in November and have had four fills. I don't think I'm at the point I need to be (fill-wise) and am having another fill tomorrow. I'd be lying if that the only thing I could use as an excuse though. I am just not doing this right!! I need to "re-start" from step 1 and need to get my head in to this. I t hink I would be so much more successful if I actually "worked the program." Has anyone been here??? I am so mad at myself for not doing the right thing. Anyone's advice is appreciated!!! (Please don't take this as an invitation to be nasty, I know this is all on me!)

I have been on a liquid diet since June 2nd and was banded on June 3rd I have had no food since Monday of last week and dont feel to hungry most times. Today I feel weak and sluggish, is it cause im not eating or do I need to add something more to my diet of broth and white grape juice? Help im fadding fast. :thumbup:

Hi, I am getting my first fill tomorrow 6/9/09 and I am very curious what I should buy for groceries. Taking any suggestions.

I am having my 1st fill this Wednesday. I have been eating just as much as before the surgery (i.e. way too much). Will I really eat less after the fill? If so, is it because I physically wont be able to, or because I actually will have less hunger? The pounds I lost before and right after my surgery are starting to creep back on. Do you start to really lose weight after getting filled?

i had my lap band a 1 1/2 years ago and have not had any problems until now, the band (not the port) has bruised and swollen and hurts and before you could never really feel it, but now sticks out a lot, i only thing that has changed is that i had food poision a couple of weeks ago. has anyone else had this?

Good Morning, I am 8 days post op and i been having excrusiating left shoulder pain all the way to my lower back for 2 days and it is mostly when i am going to sleep. So is this normal or not.:thumbup:

I've seen a lot of negative on the site and want to share some positive. I was banded 5/14/09 and this week I weighed and hit the 20 lb lost mark. I am so excited! I am down a clothing size and never knew how good I would feel with just 20 lb gone. I had no fill at time of surgery and won't have a fill until the 23rd of this month. The compliments I'm receiving make me feel so good and that I am a success at weight loss. People call this "bandster hell" as your hunger does increase but keep in mind "you can do it"! I remind myself everyday that this is a chance of a lifetime to regain my life and take control. I am really amazed that doing without the carbs can be…

Hi, I was banded on the 18th of May, so i am just starting to walk again. I have been able to walk 45 minutes to an hour at about 2.3-2.5 mph. I was just wondering when the "Wow, that was grind" workout feeling will get less?? It really wears me out!! I feel really tired after doing just minimal activity, am i still healing?? I go to see my doctor tomorrow so .... Also i was wondering if anyone out there hit a plateau in the first weeks after the band, i seem to be hanging out at 9-11 weight loss?? Well, i will take it though, i am very happy that all my clothes are fitting again!!:grouphug: Thanks in advance, L.

I am having problems drinking the Protein drinks because it seems everything has either nutrasweet or splenda. They both give me awful headaches and make me feel like crap. My surgeon said to just keep drinking them and my body would get used to it. Um...No just can't. I've stopped taking my pain meds for pain now only have to take them if I drink a Protein shake. That's not how it's supposed to work. Any suggestions? My surgery was 6/4/09. Start weight 290 5/4/09 Day of surgery weight 273 Todays weight 6/8/09 268 url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wEyQg2L/]