marlena_marie

Don't put to much into the intestinal gas meds for relief if you are one of the ones who is stricken with the pain. The gas is cavity gas that is put in to make surgery easier for the doc and safer for you. It moves thru your body looking for a place to exit and most of the time it will land in your left shoulder/chest area. Hurts like hell but only walking and time will make it better. It will take it's time getting out but all the pain is worth the new life you will have.....Hope all goes well for you!!! Keep us posted!!

I totally agree with you both. I have done really well since my surgery on April 11th of this year. So yesterday at my 4 week check up, my doc asked me if I thought I needed a fill since my weight loss was going pretty good. I told him that I could eat more but was still eating the right things and he decided to give me a fill to get me started. He tried 3cc and I had a hard time getting Water down comfortably. So, he took out 1cc and it felt way better. I honestly don't feel much different than before the fill but as I said, I have been keeping my portions down, eating the right stuff, getting in Protein, water and just overall trying to bond with my band so when it tells me enough is enough, that is word!!!! I hope that this much of a fill won't stretch anything out for me, you all kinda make me nervous with the motility mention. Advice please??? Marlena

Good luck and congrats on your new lifestyle!!!

I would be very interested in a 2014 date for a cruise because I have used up all my vacation days this year on my surgery. How long are these cruises typically?? Right now there are a bunch of girls at the big wls convention in Las Vegas. I would have so liked to have gone this year. But, next year is just as good as I have never been to Vegas. Please keep us posted on the prices....this sounds like a blast!!!

Relax is the most important thing ..... you said it's been three weeks and you haven't lost anything of one of them. Okay, look at that picture....that means that you have lost on average of 7.5 pounds for the two weeks that you did lose. Your body is making all kinds of adjustments and getting used to new things. You are doing fine!!! Keep up with what you are eating and once you can start your activity, you'll see the weight coming off. The slower the loss, the longer it stays off....or so they say. I just hit my four week check up and have only lost 26 pounds total. I haven't stopped walking since they told me to get off the gurney in the recovery room. It will come!! Hang in there, this isn't just for now, it's for life!!! Marlena

Hi Cheymoni, My surgeon has some pretty strict rules for my post-op diet stages. For me it was 2 weeks of Clear liquids, 2 weeks of pureed liquids and then 2 weeks of soft (mushie) foods which I am now on my second week of them. I go back to see him next week to see how he thinks I'm doing so far. Funny thing is.....the only food I miss is my salads....LOL. I would have thought I would miss the sweet stuff, but thankfully I haven't. Slow weight loss is best and it sounds like you are doing it right. The slower you lose, the longer it stays off or so has been the case with me. I know mine seems like a big loss but that could change when I hit normal food again and I am ready for it should that happen. Not getting discouraged, just one day at a time!! Good luck!

Hi New, I was banded on 4/11/13....My first doc. appt. is next Tuesday and not sure if I want a fill because of the nervousness about eating regular food...lol. Sounds kinda stupid to me but it is what it is. I'm also down 25 pounds and back into alot of my jeans and such. I hope to lose 60+ more in the months to come. Good luck to you!! Let me know how your doc visit went please...so I know what to expect.

I was banded on 4/11/13 and let me tell you that everyone is different in how their body reacts to the surgery. Gassssss.....holy hell it was bad for the first week and then it subsided. No medicine will help because it is not intestinal gas (believe me....I cornered the market on everything I could find for gas). It is the gas they inflate your abdomen cavity with so they can work safely to do your surgery. The remainder left after surgery is looking for an escape route and it landed in my left shoulder with pain so bad I thought I was having a heart attack. I started walking (slowly) and moving my arms from my sides to above my head and back down. Walking is the only fix for the gas pain. I know it may seem like the worst thing you have ever done but believe me.....when the pain is gone.....you will be feeling wonderful. I am just ending the first week of my pureed food and haven't been hungry one single time.....the best part is that I have more energy than I have had in years. Sip Water, other liquids, eat popsicles and walk....walk and more walking... Never had a problem with constipation either so I never took anything for it....this is just a difference in people I guess. The more you walk, the more things will move in this department also. Trust me.....it will get better and you will be so glad you did it. Just make sure you follow the post-op food rules of your doctor. You need to heal both inside and out. Good luck to you sweetie....just don't get discouraged!!

Hi Nursechick, I too battled with the unkknown (for the most part) as far as getting the band. I did research all types of weight loss surgeries and the band by far won me over. I just didn't like the idea of someone chopping up my insides which is ultimately non-reversible and not enough long term info is available about gastric and the new sleeve type. I was banded on 4/11/13 and I can tell you that it has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I only had to be off work for 3 days and then went back with restrictions for two weeks. No lifting in excess of 20 pounds was the only restriction but this will depend on your surgeon. Another thing that will depend on your surgeon is the pre-op diet. Some are given a diet to follow before surgery where I was not. I went into this being a major food addicted fool. I just love to eat no reason needed. My very own "see food" diet....I see it, I ate it!! That has all changed in a matter of one day for me which is very surprising. I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to follow the diet rules that would come after surgery.....but I can't stress enough how important these rules are to allow your body to heal properly. My surgeon is pretty strict with his after surgery routine with food.....Immediately after surgery, I began a Full liquid diet for two weeks....really not bad at all. The next two weeks were pureed liquids, then two weeks of soft foods and then the transition to regular foods and as Catfish said up above, this is where the learning comes in. I am just ending my first week of pureed food so I can't speak on the other phases just yet. In the three weeks since my surgery, I have lost 25 pounds and feel better with more energy than I have had in a very long time because all the sugar crap is out of my system. I am finally starting to love life again. My first doctor visit is in the second week of May and I am in no hurry for a fill if I am doing this good still. Even with no fill just yet, the smallest portion of food fills me up. I am learning to listen to my band and my body right now so that I can learn to stop when I am satisfied instead of stuffed. I can tell you that I haven't been hungry even one day since surgery. All my cravings are completely gone!! Everyone with a band or without will lose weight at a different pace. 1-2 pounds a week is great but there is not guarantee that you will not have any excess skin as that will depend on your skin and how much elasticity it holds. Myself, I started this journey with only 90 pounds to lose....but if I get to my goal and decide that I want to have some removed, I will definitely go for it, but again, to each his own. I would rather have to deal with some loose skin issues than the issue of being uncomfortable and unhealthy due to being overweight. Last but not least, I have not experienced even one episode of nausea or vomiting with getting the band. No regrets here....only learning and loving life!!! Good luck in whatever you choose to do....This is a great site with lots of people who will answer any other questions you may have. Lots of support too!!!!

I had to look twice myself...but her date was in 2012 and not just this year. At first I thought she must be super woman to be rocking a squat challenge so soon after being banded....LOL....

After hearing all the trouble everyone is having with hunger, I am really happy to say that I totally expected to be starving after surgery and before my first fill (I had my surgery on 4/11 and don't see my surgeon until 5/14) I have had a touch of "head hunger" (seeing my hubby cook a nice juicy steak on the grill) but other than that, I get full so easy on pureed food and very little of it, that it is great. I've dropped 26 pounds already which is more than I could have ever expected in such a short time frame. Good luck to you all who are having problems now. I sincerely hope things turn around or you at least are able to keep things under control with the hunger thing until your fills.

Congrats.....

So here I am on day one, week three of post op. Dr.'s rules are that now begins the 2 week period of pureed Full liquid Stage. I did fine on the last two weeks of Clear liquids with no hunger and getting most everything in every day. Funny thing is that I have this huge list of things I can have, but due to working midnights and having a really hectic schedule, I am not sure how to eat or when to eat. I have three breaks at work, 2-10 minute and one 30 minute lunch. Tonight I took Cream of chicken Soup (4oz.) I had this at lunch and loved every minute of it....lol. I also had a sugar free pudding at a 10 minute break. But I am not sure if I am doing it right or have enough time to eat correctly even though I managed tonight with no problem. Can anyone help me on what they eat in this catagory that is easy so that I could take it to work and make it all right. Should I stick to Protein shakes for work and then eat only when home....not sure and so confused. I thought I had this all worked out until day one appeared out of nowhere... I have done really well with my weight loss so far since surgery and have lost a total of 24 lbs..... maybe a little of the fear comes in thinking I will gain that back if I eat differently. So not sure about this..... Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks bunches

Even though I have had many surgeries in the past, I always freak out a bit before I go in. If you are anxious in pre-op, just tell one of the nurses and usually the doctor orders an as needed med to relax you a bit and take the edge off in case you need it. This surgery is a breeze and will be over before you even know it. Make sure you have your heating pad out for when you get home (helps with gas pain in the tummy)! I would also take a small pillow to hold on your tummy when you get out of bed or cough, sneeze, etc.... The most important advice I was glad to have known it to walk, walk and more walking. My hospital had me get up off the recovery gurney and walk to the wheelchair that they took me to my room in ( I had to stay one night). From that point, they couldn't keep me down and it really helped with the gas pain. Good luck to you on your new and healthy journey. You will be fine!!

I agree to them having stricter post op rules....but it works for sure! I hope we do pass one day in the office. Are you going to Tammy's farewell Bari-Buddy meeting on the 28th. I guess she is leaving to work closer to home....I'm sad because she is a wonderful part of the support team!!!

Well, all I can say on Lap Band surgery and diabetes is from knowing two people very close to me (Neice and Nephew) who were both on oral meds for diabetes and now that they have both been banded and doing wonderful (both at their goal weight), they are both off all meds including blood pressure meds. They have maintained their weight for two years so far!! It can do wonders for your diabetes or pre-diabetes markers....Good luck in your decision!

Hello Everyone, My name is Marlena and I can't tell you enough about how glad I am to have finally made this life change by getting banded. I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. Never had a problem losing it, just the keeping off part had me challenged for sure. That being said, I have a bedroom full of various size clothing because I never knew what size I would wake up as. Towards the end of last year, I made one last diet attempt and lost 20+ pounds but that was the tip of the iceburg. The holidays came and I once again blew it which escalated my weight to a very uncomfortable point. It was then that I had just had enough of being obese (I hate that word). So I asked my doctor and he put in the referral for me to have lap band (I chose the band from the beginning), I was approved immediately due to having a few of the co-morbidity complications. Excited I was until I learned that my insurance would only allow the surgery at their place of choice. It took me a month and a half to convince them that I was not having something as serious as a surgery done where I didn't feel comfortable. I won!!!! Yay me!!! My surgery was finally approved at the Michigan Bariatric Institute (my choice) with Doctor Boutt and his team of wonderful people. I found this site a week or so before my surgery and I just have to say thank you to all of you! I can't even begin to tell you what it meant to me to have all the support and information available to me in one handy place. I am now an LBT addict for sure and will be for life I'm sure. I was banded on 4/11/13 and all went well. I am on my last week (of the 2) my dr. recommended of Clear liquids before starting the pureed full liquids for two weeks. I haven't had one moment of hunger other than "head hunger" as you all call it and that is a major statement coming from a major food addict of many years. I never needed a reason to eat, just ate for the hell of it! As my second week of clear comes to an end, I have already shopped for and am planning my meals for the next two weeks on pureed food. I am just so excited because I have lost 21 pounds since being banded and even though I know this may go up a bit with the different foods, I now have the tool to make things happen and keep them where they should be. Never again will I rely on food to pass my time. I have taken up scrapbooking and even sewing....both things I love to do but always thought I had no time for it. I walk daily also which I love and plan to get back to the gym as soon as my doctor says it's a go. Thanks again to all of you wonderful banded people who share your thoughts and experiences so freely to help those like me who are just getting started. You all ROCK!!!!

Good luck on the first step in your journey.....just remember to follow ALL the rules given by your surgeon!! Each one is different and it will aid in the success you have with your band!!

Every insurance company has different standards and guidelines for approving a bariatric surgery. To ease your mind, you could call them and have them give you their guidelines so you know if you meet or have met all the criteria for approval. Nobody can tell you how long it will take except for the insurance company itself. Good luck on your journey!

Because starving or not, your body has undergone some major changes and the liquids give it time to heal. The last thing they said to me at discharge was "DO NOT VARY FROM THE DIET YOU WERE GIVEN!!!" I haven't and I feel great. Haven't honestly had one day of the starved feeling yet thank God. I do admit that I get a little twinge of jealously watching my husband eat the good meals I cook him....LOL. That only lasts for a minute because nothing tastes as good as skinny will feel.....Good luck!!!

Hang in there....depending on your surgeon, you will be on liquids after your surgery too. Mine has orders of 2 full weeks of clear liquids after. Good luck....It will get easier with time!!

Everyone is different....but I was banded on the 11th of April and this will be my last week of clear liquids. I will have two more stages of food textures to go thru and both will last two weeks each per my surgeon. I have had no problem what so ever with diarrhea. My first movement post-op came later than what I was used to and kinda freaked me out that I wasn't gonna have one. coffee has always been my med for that....so I do drink one cup a day in the morning. Your body should be absorbing most of the liquids you are taking in to keep you hydrated. Are you getting in your Protein daily? If so how much did your doc recommend. I thinkj by the sounds of how your doc has been thus far, you should look for a better one. Just my opinion....support from your med staff is one of the main keys to being successful with your band journey.....I'm not an expert or a doctor by far!! Good luck to you!!

Hi bagdon..... I agree with most posts above.....each doctor is different. For example, I am definitely no expert on this because I was banded just one day before you. However, just as an example on how each differs....my doc and his nutritionist rules are as follows.....for two weeks after surgery, I am on Clear liquids. Next two weeks, I am on pureed full liquids. Next comes two weeks of soft foods and then I go to regular. He doesn't even want to see his patients until week number four post surgery unless there is a problem. The nutritionist did call me a few days post-op and asked what I was eating. She told me that I will be working up to good amounts and for now with all the healing, just focus on as much protein (up to 60g) and as much liquid as I could do. Of course I still take my Vitamins every day and at day 14 will add in my Calcium supplement daily. I have no fiber amounts to speak of and so my one cup of coffee a day does what the fiber used to....LOL. But even the regularity of that is only every few days because your body is using pretty much everything you take in just to fuel itself. I was never given any type of pre-op diet to follow either because my doc said I didn't need one. I kinda wish I had been given something to follow so the after math would have been a bit easier but it's rolling along really well now and so far post-op I have lost a total of 21 pounds. I'm scared to start on the regular foods quite frankly so I'm glad this is how it is now. Good luck to you!! I would take Mis73's advice, just look at her track record.....it speaks for itself!!! She is my inspiration for sure.....

My bariatric team gave me a list of protein supplements that were approved because of protein quantities and the one I found on it that suited my budget and tastes great is Muscle Milk Lite in chocolate flavor.....It also comes in vanilla, strawberry and banana flavors. I throw it in the blender with skim milk instead of the directions calling for Water because the milk boosts the protein values and even some ice and the end result is a great tasting milkshake.....I look forward to them!!! Never thought I would ever say that....LOL. Best of luck to you!