MINI-Me

You are VERY normal! If you weren't scared or at least concerned that you might be part of the small percentage of complications, I would be more concerned. Just try to keep moving forward. You have faith in your surgeon. You have decided to take charge of your life. You will succeed! I too had fears of complications. I was POSITIVE I would end up failing. But guess what? I did it. Me! The one who could never keep the loss off for more than a month or two. Me! The one who gained it all back plus more. ME!!!!!! You can do it! Let us know how we can support you.

Congratulations!

I know about 10 people with lap bands (support groups, friends, etc). None of them have met goal and 4 have had them removed due to issues. The most recent is a very close friend - in fact, she was the one who inspired me to look into weightloss surgery. The Band did so much damage to her esophogus/stomach - she was in surgery for almost 6 hours repairing the damage (and this was after having no fill for the past year)! She was in the hospital for 4 days. Her surgery was 2 weeks ago and she is still only able to tolerate small amounts of liquid without nausea. It will be several months before she is able to eat solids again and there is no guarantee she won't have food issues once she gets to solids. If this is my "network" experience with the band, think of what else is out there!!!! She was advised that there is a Civil Action Suit against the Band makers and was asked if she wanted to take part. Yes, there are risks in any surgery, but the Sleeve seems to have the best outcomes of what is availalbe today to help the obese. I would RUN from the BAND!!!!!!

No flaming from me either. I was not a strict low-carber. And, McDonalds and similiar fast food restaurants are part of my life and have been since I've been on solid foods. BUT, I do make smarter choices. Kids Happy Meal (only 1/2 bun so I can fit in the burger), chicken Breast, etc. I also plan for my treats - glass of wine in the evening, small ice cream cone made with lowfat ice cream, etc. I do believe there are some that must be very strict about their carbs in order to lose weight. Fortunately, I did not. But for others, this is a struggle and I applaud their efforts. We all have to figure out "our path" on this journey.

Nice job!

Dee - congrats on your success. I had gained with the birth of our adopted son in October and the Holidays. I have lost 5 of the 10, but keep bouncing around the last 5. I hate dieting again, but I guess I have to if I want to get back to 127. WE CAN DO IT!!!

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It sounds like you are a newer sleever. Therefore, go with your measuring spoon for now ... It's looking at the volume capacity of your stomach, not how much the item weighs. After your tummy has healed and you find your stomach is emptying faster, you can start looking at calories and measuring weight. Right now, you really aren't consuming enough calories to be much of an impact. I know it's all confusing right now, but you will find your way. Until then, feel free to ask away! ;0)

I hated them ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, the one below was the best of the worst. I mixed it into my yogurt and hot chocolate (just be careful with the hot cocoa - if you get it too hot, it will curdle. YUCK!) http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-100%25-Unflavored-Servings/dp/B005HFNAHI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333121768&sr=8-3I

Those first few days can be terrible ... but you will overcome! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3403-surgery-recovery-sucks/page__fromsearch__1

Please ignore that link above ... it didn't do what it was supposed to & it won't let me edit. Sorry!

Instead of typing again, I thought I would link to my comments on soda. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/34256-can-you-have-sodas/page__fromsearch__1

Hello ... anyone else out there?

You really should follow your doctor's advice. Now that I've said the right thing, I will tell you (as I have done on several posts) that I started drinking diet soda again at month 3. It was very bubbly at first & filled me up quickly. But, at over 2 years out, I have no issues. Yes, it does sometimes "fill me up", but Water does that as well. I drink several a day & I haven't seen any adverse issues - my restriction is still great and I haven't had any issues with ulcers. Of course, your experience may vary.

AWESOME!!!!!!

Everyone's story is different, but I have absolutely no regrets in having this surgery. If you look at my posts, yes, you can gain weight after VSG, but if you stay on top of it, it is fairly easy to get back on track. I was self-pay so I don't have a lot of insurance knowledge. I'm sure others will chime in . Good luck at your information night ... don't be afraid to ask questions. Find out about their success rate ... ask what size boughie they use & if they sew tight or loose. There is A LOT of research about weight regain if the sleeve is left too big and strictures if too small. Keep reading on here & ask any questions that you have.

What a dork! Don't listen to him or let his uneducated opinions influence you at all. Several years ago, I dropped from 189 to 155 and thought I would join a gym to help me get the rest of the weight off. At 5'6" and 155, my BMI was 24. Well, the "free" trainer they gave me for 5 sessions was a lot like your guy. He put me through a few tests to assess my fitness. He told me I was obese and that if I didn't change things up, I would die from obesity! This was after 30 minutes with me. He never acknowledge the weight I had lost and that I was trying to improve my fitness. He never asked me my goals. He gave me a generic plan and told me "it will be a long road". I tried to push back and tell him that my goal was continued weight loss and toning. He just gave me a speil about dramatic changes. It was so discouraging. My husband (who is very fit and trim) wanted to go beat the guy up, but I just declined further appointments and tried to work out with my husband. Whenever that trainer saw me in the gym, he would make comments like "good to see you, but you aren't making much progress". Needless to say, I didn't go to that gym much longer. I've decided to go back to a new gym near me & declined any personal training. I'm using the treadmill for now & walking for 30 minutes. As my confidence improves, I will start some of the other machines (I love the thigh ones!) and maybe join a class or two. I'm doing this for me and no one else!!! Best of luck to you! Don't let anyone bully you into their plan or spending money for their way. You do it YOUR WAY!

Yes, it is very common. I was told to limit exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. My surgeon also said to do what I could, but listen to my body. Sounds like your body may need a little more time. For me, the abdominal pain was nerves and muscle healing after the surgery. Take your time ... this is not a race, but a journey. You will be able to exercise very shortly. Right now, rest, sip, and follow your eating plan. (Easier said than done, I know!)

I had no problems. Some people switch to liquid medication for the first few months or buy ones that can be split into smaller portions. A good rule of thumb (unless instructed otherwise by your doctor) is that you can take anything the size of a regular M&M or smaller. Too bad they don't taste like M&M's!

Thanks!!!!

I love this! Mind if I steal it for a tag line? I am the world's BEST PLANNER ... it's the eating what I wrote down that is the problem.

I am a little over 2 years out. I think my tag line says it best "this surgery saved my life"!!!!!

I am so sorry.

It's not easy ... I charted everything I ate at the beginning. If I was feeling hungry, I looked at what I had eaten that day. Then, I carefully considered whether I "should" be hungry. Had I had enough Protein? Was I really craving a certain thing (if it was a craving for something like chocolate, probably head hunger)? Had it been too long since I had eaten? Etc. It takes a while, but you will figure out what true hunger is for you. And sometimes, it's ok to give into a craving. Track what you ate & see how it impacts you. If a little bite was all you wanted & it didn't get in the way of your calorie, carb, or protein goals, GO FOR IT! I do that with my white wine today. I love to end the evening with a small glass. I plan for it & it's my little "indulgence".