Lizzy Fu

I'm actually very happy with my weight loss so far (50lbs), it has been slow, but it was relatively steady. I've been at a plateau for about 6 weeks now. So I got a fill 3 weeks ago, and nothing. My calorie intake is 1100 on average, give or take 100 calories, but I had done no exercising. So last week in an attempt to plow through this plateau, I started a 1 hour bootcamp workout each day , and I've followed the advice of everyone and upped my calorie intake to 1500 (plan to do that for 10 days before going back to normal). Anyway, of course this is how it works for me, I've gained 3 lbs this week. I've worked too darn hard for that scale to tell me anything but some GLORIOUS weight loss. I've been more active than ever, and I am SORE from head to toe, but in that really great post workout way! But that darn scale! I used to hate exercise, but this week, I've enjoyed it, and look forward to it, but mainly because I'm so flippin' motivated! I'm determined to break this plateau! I have places to go and people to see and I'm tired to being FAT! I AM thin. I may be walking around in this fat suit, but I'm going to work my booty off until it no longer looks like someone threw a bag of nickels at it! Yeah, I said it. Someone tell me their plateau victory story! Or give me advice, or someone explain to me why the scale is going up!?

I need some advice. There probably is no way around it but pure will power, but does anyone have any tips on eating healthy while sleep deprived? My daughter (2 years old) has been sick the last couple of days, and as usual, she barely sleeps and is relatively cranky. Which means I get 3 hours of sleep (and not in a row) on average. I know it usually doesn't last more than a week, but I know I've got a couple more days of this. And I compensate sometimes by eating too much or too often and eating what's convenient and easy. So instead of slapping together a sandwich or doing something as simple as warming up some soup, I just reach in the cabinet and eat some of my daughter's graham crackers because it requires nothing from me. I get so tired during these times that I feel like I'm sleeping while I'm standing. I feel super guilty for eating such junk, and disappointed in myself for it too, but maybe some of you have some tips that I can start doing. What do you do when you're too tired to care what you eat or to count your calories?

Name, real or screen~ Liz Age~ 27 Weight on May1st~ 222 Goal Weight for May 29th~215 Exercise Goal for May~ Work myself up to 35 mins / day Dietary Goal for May~ No more late night snacking Personal Goal for May~ To call all my sisters each week Date Banded~ 2/18/2011 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~35lbs

I know this is quite late, but I had Dr. Davtyan. He was awesome, and his staff was super friendly. They held my hand through the whole thing, and Dr. Davtyan had the surgery himself, so he's very compassionate. I have some doubts about his PA's knowledge of nutrition, but that's my only complaint.

Awww, most of us were feeling precisely like you when we were 4 days out. And when your period hits, it's like there is no end to the hunger at all! I know it's hard, and each day feels like forever, but in a couple of weeks, when you're eating fuller foods and not feeling hungry, you're going to be super happy with the results! And don't beat yourself up for being hungry, it's totally normal. And most of us cheated on the post-op diet a little. The key is to keep doing it, even if you feel like you've messed up. It's sooo important to stick with the post-op diet, because you're body is healing. Introducing thicker foods that could end up getting stuck, and then you'll end up throwing up when your band is still healing into place, and that's not good. But you can do it! Vent all you need to, we're here to listen and try to give encouraging feedback.

Not getting enough fluid is definitely going to cause some issues when trying to go, but my question is for your hubby. Does he have cramping with the diarrhea or is it just the diarrhea? Is he eating sugar-free foods with sorbitol? My hubby used to do that, until he realized that some of those sugar-free chocolates and other things are like laxatives. If there is cramping with it, he needs to see his PCP, probably not band related, but should be checked out. Has he tried Immodium? Or does he eat a lot of processed meat? Because that can cause some interesting bowel issues as well for some people.

Like elcee said, it only stays up there for about 4 minutes or so. But, I had that feeling for about a month post-op, where every time I took a bite it felt like is was getting stuck in my throat, or coming back up into my throat. It passed for me though once all the swelling had gone down. You're incisions may be healing well on the outside, but the inside can take a while to heal all together. You'll notice the way you feel after and during the times you eat will change over the next few weeks. It's a brand new era of learning how your body works all over!

Most of us have been exactly where you are now. For me, everything pretty much sucked for at least a week. I could NOT drink enough protein shake for the life of me, and then I knew I was also getting dehydrated, and day 3-5 were the worst for me. Then the hunger kicks in... OH the hunger. Hahaha, I can laugh about it now because I made it through, as all of these other bandsters did. We make it through. By day 10 you'll physically be feeling better, and just dealing with outrageous hunger. By 3 weeks out, you'll be able to eat more and feel pretty good about everything. It's funny, because I'm only 2 months out, and I remember making my first post-op post on here feeling like I regretted having the surgery. But it passes, and you lose weight, and you feel better. Hang in there! We're here for you!

I was banded 2/18 and I get the exact same thing, but I can usually only feel it when I stand up. I thought I was the only one, but apparently we all feel it. And it really does feel exactly like a runner's cramp.

I'm with you on that one. I think I'd lose my mind and/or fail miserably without all the support I get from everyone on here. Happy Easter to everyone!

I was menstruating when I had my surgery (I've been unlucky enough to be menstruating for every single surgery I've ever had). It doesn't affect the surgery at all, but post-care is a little interesting, since you'll want to sleep after the surgery and won't want to get up every few hours to change your pad, and bending over for the first couple of days can be quite uncomfortable (especially if you're inserting or removing a tampon). If it's going to be on a heavy day, just know you'll get through it, but it might get messy, and you might get a little frustrated. It also sucks because you may not be able to shower for up to 10 days (sponge bath only) depending on your your surgeons orders. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but make sure you have all your needed supplies before you go into the surgery, so you don't have to run to the store an hour after surgery is done! If you are doing it in an out-patient facility like I did, then bring your supplies with you so when you get out of surgery you can take care of it. In the grand scheme of things, it's not that big of a deal, but the days your actually dealing with being in pain and being so tired, then being 'on the rag' just adds insult to injury, if you know what I mean. Perhaps you can switch up your birth control pills (or get some if you don't have any) to manipulate your cycle. I can't do birth control pills, otherwise I would have considered it.

At 3 weeks out you should be concerned about healing properly. I'm surprised your surgeon would fill your band more than half full at the time of surgery and then give a fill so soon. Most surgeons won't give a fill until the patient has had 3 weeks or more of no weight loss after the initial 6 week healing period. But because you're so early in your recovery, your hunger and feelings of fullness are distorted somewhat and can change day to day and week to week. Once you get beyond the first month at least, then you can start feeling out what your body can really handle and what it doesn't like. In the meantime, know that you have to do what's best for you and how your body works. Breakfast is important! You shouldn't skip it. Starting out the day with a good healthy portion of Protein will keep you satisfied and less hungry throughout the day. And Snacks are fine, as long as they are healthy and you're eating them to curb the hunger, not because it's just something to do. The band won't give you 'restriction' in the sense that most people think. It won't keep you from eating a ton of food. But if you listen to your body and re-learn what signals your body has for being full and being hungry, it can help keep the hunger away longer than it used to. If you're looking to feel 'full' in the way you used to feel full, it may never happen again if you're going to be successful, but you can get to a point where you won't be hungry all the time. I wish you luck! Don't worry too much, at 3 weeks out most of us were somewhat out of our mind hungry and confused. Stick with it, things will begin to make more sense as you start to listen to your body as time goes on.

I was banded two months ago and had the same thing, the rash, the hernia repair, and the burping after each swallow. Don't worry, in 5 more days max you'll start feeling a ton better. The hernia repair is what causes the extra pain and uneasiness. I felt like I couldn't catch my breath for a full week after because it hurt to breath in too deeply. But each day gets better, you'll get more energy when you get off the pain meds. Like I said, give it another 5 days, and you'll feel better I'm sure. You'll be sore and move slightly slower for a month post-op. Truth be told, about a month ago I started getting super energy and I haven't felt this good in probably close to 3 or 4 years! I hope your recovery gets smoother as you go... I'm sure it will. Hang in there and congrats on your surgery!

Yay! Congrats! This is definitely inspiring!

I was banded 2/18, and I feel totally awesome, but I know I REALLY need to get better at working out. I'm dragging my feet on this one because whatever workout I choose to do must be something I know I can do consistently. What I really want to do is go to the gym. Oh how I would love that. But I have my 2-year-old daughter that I can't take with me (and no one to watch her while I go), and it's not in our strict budget right now. Perhaps next year, but not this year. Anyway, I have an elliptical machine which I do, but it's so boring to me, I can't bring myself to be on it longer than 20 minutes. Ugh. I have an xbox, so I was thinking about getting the "Your Shape Fitness Evolved" which has pretty darn high ratings and would keep my attention for longer than 20 minutes (or at least I hope it would). I guess my question to those who have been successful at integrating exercise, did you find a workout that you enjoyed that kept you motivated? Or did you learn HOW to enjoy the exercise that may have started off being ridiculously dull? Should I be trying a few things out until I find the thing that I can get into? Or do I need an attitude change (which is often the case) and just discipline myself to get on the elliptical until I like it and can't live without it?!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dumping-syndrome/DS00715 I hope that helps. Basically, your body is pushing food through your intestines (a 12 hour process) in a short amount of time causing awful cramps and nausea. So, yes, you'll have to get to the bathroom as soon as you can if that happens, but not because you can't hold it, but because it hurts and you'll want to go.

I know we talk a lot about NSV's that concern ourselves and our own self esteem, but I need to hear about our kids. I need to hear about YOUR kids. The truth is, I did this for my 2-year-old daughter. I don't want to be successful at this, I MUST be successful... for her. I sometimes feel guilty about the extra time I spend not playing with her because I'm in the kitchen preparing nutritious and healthy homemade food (as opposed to opening a can and slopping it on a plate for her consumption). But then I think about the extra time I WILL be spending with her if I don't die young. I know it's for her that I'm putting in the extra effort. I want to model good healthy choices and behavior for her to follow. If it were for myself, well, I'm sexy at whatever weight I'm at (in my own mind), but to die young and leave my daughter to someday raise her children without the help and guidance of her mother... no "fat but sexy" is worth that. I'm still young (27), and I don't know much, but I do know that a daughter never stops needing her mother. Especially when she's grown and has children of her own. So I'm asking all you mommies out there to tell me about the victories you've had with your children. How getting banded has changed them as well as you. Do they dance more often because you do? Do they walk outdoors and enjoy the fresh air because you do? Do they laugh more because you can now pick them up by their ankles and hang them upside down while you spin in circles and you both crash on the floor, not because you're out of breath, but because you're laughing so hard your sides hurt? If my daughter grows up and is chunky, I won't mind. That's her body and her choice. But I don't want to be the one who never gave her a choice or a chance to be healthy.

I would have them make the dress one size smaller than you are now. That way, when it's ready and you get fitted right before the wedding you can have them take it in 2 sizes (which will end up being 3 total). And if you don't end up dropping any weight between now and then (which we both know won't happen, but just in case) it will only be one size too small, and you can have them let it out just a single size.

I've got the perfect site for you! www.myfitnesspal.com It's awesome. When you sign up (it's free), you'll just plug in your height, weight, and your goal weight loss per week and it will tell you how much of a deficit you should shoot for. It also has a HUGE database of foods, so if you're going to journal your food intake, all you have to do is type it in and it will come up with a breakdown on how much Protein, calories, fat, and carbs are in what you ate, and it track it for you. My deficit is about 1000 calories. For my BMR my calorie intake for no weight loss is 2200, but I'm going for 1200/day which adds up to roughly 2lbs per week. Hope that helps!

A hiatal hernia doesn't prevent surgery, I had mine repaired during the surgery. I would find a surgeon who will do both at the same time!

If there is swelling around your incision it's probably due to an infection. Very important to get your surgeon to check it out right away.

Most common hernia repair to find and fix during operation is a Hiatal hernia. My surgeon found it during my surgery and fixed it. Very happy for that!

I experienced the exact same thing. But it's true what everyone is saying, watch what happens when you add more calories, you'll start to shed weight quickly. Seems like the opposite of what you should do, but as you start eating more food, you'll drop more weight. Also, wheny you're exercising, you're using up your calories. So if you're eating 500 calories a day, and you're buring 300, you're asking your body to survive on 200 calories a day. It's not going to like you very much and will store everything you eat. Whether or not your surgeon agrees that you should add more calories is a different story. I'm not a doctor, but I've learned through trial and error. Have a goal of 1200 calories, it will help.

Oh man, I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago. I'm 5 1/2 weeks out, and I started picking up my daughter (2 1/2 years old, almost 30lbs) at about 2 weeks out. Bad decision, my incisions started bleeding and the surgeon had to redo some of them in his office (painful)! But, I started light cardio 1 week out, and they won't let me do any high intesity training until 6 weeks out. And again, I jumped the gun, started doing the p90x workout a few days ago, and now I see why they told me to avoid that until at least 6 weeks. Painful! It's not like the pain you feel from a good workout, my port site has been bruised for the last couple of days. I called the doctor, he said I can do any workout that does not include heavy abdominal use, and to WAIT until the 6 weeks is up for that. We think we're healed because our scars are closed, but what's going on inside is far different from what's going on outside.

As an encouragement, most people feel exactly how you feel at about 2 weeks post-op. I'm 5 weeks out now, and I remember feeling such huge regret for the first 2 weeks, and then almost lost it entirely when i saw that I was actually GAINING weight when I was nearly starving myself with less than 600 calories a day! But, be encouraged, after the 3rd week I started dropping weight steadily as I added more calories into my day. I hate to use this phrase, but the band is definitely a tool, not a solution. I've changed my habits so drastically, and most people don't lose a lot of weight until they get their first fill. I remember posting a message similar to yours around 2 weeks post-op, and MANY others do the same. You're going to do awesome! You're coming here for support, and you're not taking your decision lightly, which are GREAT indicators that you're going to be very successful. You are in charge of your future, not those others who haven't had much success! And your doctor is delusional if they thing the band will do it all! The band does a LOT, don't get me wrong, but I encourage you to flow with your band. It's going to help you, but why not compound the good effect by changing your lifestyle, making better food choices, and becoming educated about how to be more healthy. You're doctor should be encouraging lifestyle changes. I've started the process, but it's definitely going to be a work in progress for a long time. I'm learning as I go! Be encouraged, and post again in a couple of weeks to tell us how much different you feel since you've started seeing the scale go down!